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Spatiotemporally consistent information on global cropland extent is essential for resource management and scientific research. Multiple cropland datasets derived from remotely sensed products are currently available. However, significant discrepancies and uncertainties among them lead to acreage estimates that diverge considerably from official statistics, thus constraining their applicability. To this end, a new stratified optimization synergistic approach (SOSA) is here proposed to create hybrid cropland maps of China, circa 2000–2020, by fusing five existing land cover maps (i.e., CLCD, GLC_FCS30, Globeland30, GlobalCrop, and ESA_CCI), and sub-national statistics. Given the underlying challenges associated with cost-effective large-scale cropland mapping, this approach seeks to strike a balance between data value, veracity, and affordability. SOSA streamlines the commonly used protocol procedure for determining the optimal agreement level and the best product combination. Preliminary validation of the resulting cropland maps was performed, and the evaluation demonstrated that the synergy cropland map exhibited greater spatial accuracy and closer agreement with statistics compared to any individual input map. This hints that synergistic approaches can bolster cropland mapping performance and amplify consistency with statistical data. Our results are expected to serve as a valuable reference for data users, aid in the future improvement of cropland mapping to support forward-thinking applications, and enhance our understanding and modeling of agricultural systems worldwide. • Comparison and evaluation of five global cropland products in China circa 2000–2020. • Ground truth points of 558 county districts were applied for pixel-wise assessment. • A synergy cropland of China by fusing multiple existing maps and statistics. • Synergy cropland map had greater spatial accuracy and better agreement with statistics than any individual map. • The validation results can serve as a key reference for data users of these products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guilingji (GLJ), a traditional Chinese medicine, is of wide concern because of its remarkable antiaging effect with a long application history. It mainly consists of traditional Chinese herbs, that is, Ginseng radix et rhizoma rubra. This study focused on the anti-aging effects of GLJ on natural aging rats and its underlying mechanisms. Morris water maze was used to determine the learning and memory ability of rats. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), acetylcholine (ACh), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in serum were determined. Furthermore, a 1H-NMR-based serum metabolomics coupled with multivariate data analysis was used to identify potential biomarkers and corresponding metabolic pathways. The results showed that GLJ significantly improved the learning and memorial dysfunctions of natural aging rats. The mechanisms of the anti-aging and memory ameliorative effects of GLJ related to balancing oxidative stress, improving cholinergic system. Its specific mechanism of action may be through regulating pyruvate metabolism and arginine and proline metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The cost minimization for a country to transit from planned economy to market economy is dependent upon the optimal combination of reform speed and specific reform strategy. • There are 4 optimal transitional models which intertwine the reform speed and reform strategies: (1) Incremental reform in radical speed. (2) Incremental reform in gradualist speed. (3). Structural reform in radial speed. (4) Structural reform in gradualist speed. • Several factors affecting the optimal combination of reform speed and specific reform strategy include spillover effect across through different sectors in an economy; initial economic governance structure and the ideas of ruling leaders in an economy. • The dichotomy in the current economics of transitional literature with respect to reform speed and reform strategy fails to capture the essence of the transitional process of a transitional economy. The dichotomy in the economics of transition literature with regard to the reform speed (Gradualist vs Radical Approach) and reform strategy (incremental reform vs structural reform) fails to capture the essence of the transitional process of a transitional economy that was ever under the control of planned economic system. In this paper, we construct a system dynamics model to provide a unified theoretical framework to illustrate that reform speed and reform strategy are inherently intertwined. We propose 4 optimal reforming combinations between reform speed and reform strategy to track the transitional trajectories of different transitional economies since 1980s. These 4 optimal reforming combinations are: (1) Incremental reform in radical speed. (2) Incremental reform in gradualist speed. (3) Structural reform in radical speed. (4) Structural reform in gradualist speed. In this paper, we demonstrate that a transitional economy would adopt one of the aforementioned 4 optimal reforming combination if and only if it minimizes the reforming cost incurred during the shock period of radical reform as well as the dual track period of gradualist reforms. Several factors in our model affecting these 4 optimal reforming combinations are also discussed. These factors include the spillover effect (both vertical and horizontal) of a newly established reforming promotion sector on other old sectors in a transitional economy, the endogenous reform damping coefficient determined by one transitional economy's initial conditions and the reform damping coefficient determined by the dual track system during the gradualist reform process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, the oil derived from hydrothermal liquefaction of scrap tires (STs) was hydrotreated with waste engine oil (WEO) for the production of liquid fuels. Five activated carbon-supported noble metal catalysts, namely, Pd/C, Pt/C, Ru/C, Ir/C, and Rh/C, were screened at 380 °C for 60 min with 10 wt% catalyst added under 6 MPa H 2. The mass ratio of scrap tire oil (STO) to WEO was 1:1. Among the catalysts, Rh/C showed the highest performance for sulfur removal from the resulting upgraded oil (UPO). With Rh/C, the effects of other reaction parameters, such as temperature (350–450 °C), catalyst loading (1–20 wt%), reaction time (30–150 min), STO/WEO mass ratio (0:5–5:0), and initial H 2 pressure (0.1–9 MPa), on the yield and property characteristics of the UPO were optimized. The STO/WEO mass ratio and initial H 2 pressure were the two main parameters that markedly affected the yield and property characteristics of the UPO. Using WEO as the reaction medium not only made the recovery of the UPO easier but also converted WEO into a major component of the UPO. WEO also suppressed coke formation and thus prolonged the lifetime of the catalyst. Compared with the initial STO and WEO blend, the UPO exhibited increased C and H contents but significantly decreased N, O, and S contents. N was more difficult to remove than S. Under optimal conditions, the N and S contents of the UPO were reduced to 0.04 and 0.03 wt%, respectively; the UPO had a higher heating value (HHV) of 48.08 MJ/kg. The UPO dominantly consisted of hydrocarbons (saturated and unsaturated) and aromatics whose contents were predominantly affected by the STO/WEO mass ratio and were very close to the mixture proportions of jet fuel and light diesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver fibrosis has been increasingly recognized as a cause for high morbidity and mortality of some diseases in humans. Herbal medicines have received great attention due to their low side effects and high safety. Herbal compound 861 (Cpd 861) has been effectively used for treating hepatic fibrosis for long time. Yet, its exact mechanism is still in fancy. Herein, we first established a liver fibrosis model by bile duct ligation (BDL), which led to the toxic accumulation of bile acids in animals, resulting in hepatic fibrosis. A serum metabonomics study on BDL-induced liver fibrosis rats after Cpd 861 treatment was performed using UHPLC-QTOF/MS. Multivariate analysis showed that Cpd 861 significantly reversed the metabolic perturbation induced by BDL to normal state, which is in agreement with the serum biochemical and histopathological findings. 15 metabolites were screened as potential biomarkers. Eight metabolic pathways were recognized as the most relevant pathways, involving dysfunction of amino acids metabolism and synthesis, fatty acid metabolism, phospholipids metabolism, and others. This is the first study to reveal the underlying mechanism of Cpd 861 based on metabonomics, which is complementary to biochemical analysis, and more importantly, a potentially powerful tool to interpret the mechanisms of extremely complex systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Memory cells containing chemically-synthesized FePt nanocrystals are fabricated. [•] A hexagonal arrangement monolayer is self-assembled on alumina by dip-coating. [•] The core–shell structure is formed with alloy core and amorphous iron oxide shell. [•] The MOS capacitors are electrically measured exhibiting obvious memory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Atomic layer deposition growth of Pt nanocrystals on Al2O3 film is investigated. [•] Pure metallic Pt nanocrystals can be formed at the initial growth stage. [•] Large area high density Pt nanocrystals are utilized for nonvolatile memory. [•] The MOS capacitors exhibit obvious memory effects including good retention. [•] Fowler–Nordheim tunneling serves as the dominant tunneling mechanism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACT Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the elderly, leads to progressive loss of memory and cognitive deficits. Amyloid-β protein (Aβ) in the brain is thought to be the main cause of memory loss in AD. Melatonin, an indole hormone secreted by the pineal gland, has been reported to produce neuroprotective effects. We examined whether melatonin could protect Aβ-induced impairments of hippocampal synaptic plasticity, neuronal cooperative activity, and learning and memory. Rats received bilateral intrahippocampal injection of Aβ1-42 or Aβ31-35 followed by intraperitoneal application of melatonin for 10 days, and the effects of chronic melatonin treatment on in vivo hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and theta rhythm and Morris water maze performance were examined. We showed that intrahippocampal injection of Aβ1-42 or Aβ31-35 impaired hippocampal LTP in vivo, while chronic melatonin treatment reversed Aβ1-42- or Aβ31-35-induced impairments in LTP induction. Intrahippocampal injection of Aβ31-35 impaired spatial learning and decreased the power of theta rhythm in the CA1 region induced by tail pinch, and these synaptic, circuit, and learning deficits were rescued by chronic melatonin treatment. These results provide evidence for the neuroprotective action of melatonin against Aβ insults and suggest a strategy for alleviating cognition deficits of AD. Synapse 67:626-636, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report the characteristics of HfO2 films deposited on Ge substrates with and without La2O3 passivation at 250°C by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using La[N(SiMe3)2]3 and Hf[N(CH3)(C2H5)]4 as the precursors. The HfO2 is observed to form defective HfGeO x at its interface during 500°C postdeposition annealing. The insertion of an ultrathin La2O3 interfacial passivation layer effectively prevents the Ge outdiffusion and improves interfacial and electrical properties. Capacitance equivalent thickness (CET) of 1.35nm with leakage current density J A of 8.3×10−4 A/cm2 at V g =1V is achieved for the HfO2/La2O3 gate stacks on Ge substrates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives To investigate the antidepressant effects of Xiaoyaosan (XYS) in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model. Methods The changes in behaviour and plasma metabolic profiles were investigated after four-week CUMS exposure and treatment. Drugs were administered during the four-week period of CUMS, with the healthy group serving as negative controls, and the fluoxetine and venlafaxine groups serving as positive controls. Plasma samples were collected at 28th day, and the plasma metabolic profiling was measured using NMR, followed by multivariate analysis. Key findings Exposure to CUMS for four weeks caused depression-like behaviour in rats, as indicated by significant decreases in weight gain, sucrose consumption and locomotor activity. Eleven potential biomarkers, including seven in the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill spectra, five in the diffusion-edited spectra, and one in both were identified. It was found that trimethylamine- N-oxide, alanine, β-hydroxybutyrate, valine, leucine/isoleucine, low-density lipoprotein/very low-density lipoprotein and lipids were lower and phosphatidylcholine, high-density lipoprotein, choline and N-acetyl glycoproteins were higher in CUMS-treated rats, as compared with controls. XYS significantly suppressed behavioural changes and attenuated plasma metabolite changes. Conclusions XYS produced an obvious antidepressant effect, and the metabonomic approach benefits estimation of the pharmacodynamic action of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of postannealing temperature (500, 600 and 700°C) on the band alignments and interfacial structures of Al2O3 films grown on Ge by atomic layer deposition was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrical measurements. With increasing postannealing temperature, the reaction between Al2O3 and Ge becomes serious and the valence-band offsets of Al2O3/Ge interface is observed to upshift. The conduction-band offsets at the interface of Al2O3/Ge without and with postannealing temperatures at 500, 600 and 700°C are estimated to be 2.90, 2.75, 2.59 and 2.41 eV, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 6.25 mol% Gd-doped HfO2 high k gate dielectrics were investigated by first-principles calculations, based on the density functional theory, using the code of Vienna ab-initio simulation package (VASP). Equilibrium crystal structures and electronic structures were characterized. The simulation cell consists of a cubic structure with 96 atoms (32 Hf atoms and 64 O atoms), two Gd substituted atoms for Hf (GdHf). To satisfy the charge neutrality of the system, we setup a complex defect [(GdHf)2VO]0 by removing an O atom near the two Gd atoms. There are four sevenfold coordination Hf atoms in the optimized structure of the supercell with 96 atomic sites. This is beneficial to the stabilization of the cubic phase with high dielectric constant and the decrease of oxygen vacancies. Meanwhile, this complex defect increases the band gap of Gd-doped HfO2. In addition, the charged defect [(GdHf)2VO]− was also explored. The d-d coupling of Hf 5d and Gd 5d antibond state electrons through an O atom (Gd-O-Hf) is confirmed theoretically, which is considered as the main reason for the broadening of the band gap. The calculation results are in accord with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteinase A (PrA) is one of the most significant vacuolar proteinase in S. cerevisiae, and it plays an important role in S. cerevisiae physiology and metabolism, especially under unfavorable environment. In this study, the differences in pyruvate kinase (PYK) level under fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FDP) induction and ATP synthesis block among SC1 (the wild-type yeast that was industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae WZ65), SC2 ( PEP4 partial deletion) and SC3 ( PEP4 complete deletion) were examined. Results showed that the induction caused by FDP clearly increased PYK expression no matter for which strain, but the increasing effect is more significant for SC2 ( P < 0.05). The comparative results of intracellular ATP accumulation showed that the induction by FDP may be affected at the presence of PrA. The block experiment of ATP synthesis showed that PYK activities in PEP4-modified strains are lower than that of the wild type, but the intracellular ATP levels in the wild-type one are generally higher than the PEP4-modified strains after rotenone treatment ( P < 0.01). This implies that the effect of PrA deficiency on intracellular ATP accumulation was much more pronounced than the effect of rotenone on oxidative phosphorylation. The cell morphology of three strains was comparatively examined by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The PEP4-modified strains possessed more vacuoles, and cell structure were more integrated than the wild-type strain. Current data preliminarily indicated that the deletion of PEP4 gene in industrial S. cerevisiae WZ65 may not only affected PYK expression but also modulated the oxidative phosphorylation flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S. cerevisiae proteinase A (PrA) is a member of the aspartic proteinase superfamily. The roles of PrA in S. cerevisiae physiology and cell metabolism are controversial. The objective of the current study was to elucidate the effects of the absence of PrA on key enzymes with regard to the glycolytic flux in industrial S. cerevisiae. The observed activities of hexokinase (HK), phosphofructokinase (Pfk) and pyruvate kinase (PYKi) in PrA-modified S. cerevisiae strains (SC2 and SC3) were lower than that of the wild-type strain ( p < 0.01). Compared to other strains, SC3 revealed the lowest activity of three key glycolytic enzymes. Current results imply that PrA in industrial S. cerevisiae may control the glycolytic enzymes expression (HK, Pfk and PYKi) in the direct or indirect manner and thus lead to the delay of cell metabolism. The observed intracellular ATP levels between the wild-type strain and PrA-modified strains (SC1 and SC2) were significantly different ( p < 0.01). The pronounced differences of key glycolytic enzymes between the wild-type and PEP4-modified strains were as well characterized by SDS-PAGE. The intracellular protein concentration in the presence of PrA is higher than those of the PrA-modified strains. As a result, the interaction mode of PrA and the glycolytic enzymes was postulated in this work. The findings herein suggest that the glycolytic flux direction and rate may be regulated by vacuolar PrA in industrial S. cerevisiae. The present data obtained provide insights into understanding the roles of PrA in industrial S. cerevisiae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Electronic transport through parallel coupled double quantum dots (DQD) with Rashba spin–orbit (RSO) interaction is investigated in Kondo regime by means of the slave-boson mean field approximation at zero temperature. By the co-action of the phase factor deduced by RSO interaction and the magnetic flux penetrating the parallel DQD, an interesting spin-dependent Kondo effect emerges. The molecular state representation theory is used to obtain a detailed understanding of the spin-dependent Kondo effect. It is shown that Quantum interference between the bonding Kondo state and antibonding state, which is modulated by the RSO interaction, plays a crucial role to the density of states and the linear conductance. The magnitude of each spin component conductance can be modulated by the RSO interaction strength. The conductance of each spin component exhibits 4π-periodic function with respect to . Moreover, the swap operation in the parallel DQD system can be implemented by tuning the RSO interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The calix[4]-aza-crown derivatives have been used in polymeric ion selective electrodes (ISEs) for pH sensing. The membranes containing ionophores and cation exchangers showed near Nernstian response to hydrogen ions and wide dynamic range. New carrier based electrodes exhibited high selectivity over alkali metal ions. The binding properties of ionophores with hydrogen ions (acidity constants pK a) in solvent polymeric membranes were characterized in situ by the so-called sandwich membrane method. The influence of membrane solvents (plasticizers) and the types of the ion exchangers were studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Both XYS and its efficacy groups of SG and JP showed antidepressant effects. • The two effective groups of XYS can regulate the hepatic metabolic disorder of CUMS rats. • The two effective groups of XYS play an antidepressant effect synergistically. • TCM compatibility theory combined with modern synergistic theory provides a research method. This study aimed to demonstrate the scientific connotations and compatibility effects of Xiaoyaosan (XYS) based on the theory of " Treating Diseases via Regulating the Liver's Function " by hepatic metabolomics. XYS was divided into two efficacy groups, i.e. the Shugan (SG) and the Jianpi (JP) groups, according to the strategy of "Efficacy Compositions". The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model was constructed. A 1H NMR-based hepatic metabolomics approach coupled with multivariate data (MVD) analysis was performed. Meanwhile, relative distance (RD) and Efficacy Index (EI) were calculated. XYS and its efficacy groups significantly reversed the abnormality of behavior and hepatic metabolomics of depression rats, but to different degrees. The results of ethology and metabolomics showed the same order, i.e. XYS > JP > SG. Two metabolites, i.e. tyrosine and malate, were regulated by all the treatment groups. Four metabolites were significantly regulated only by XYS group. Of note, the results showed the two efficacy groups of XYS exhibited synergistic anti-depression effects, and glutamate, malate and taurine could be the key hepatic metabolites for these synergistic effects. The current study not only complements and consummates the mechanisms of depression and the anti-depression effects of XYS from the perspective of hepatic metabolomics, but also lays a solid foundation for comprehensively and deeply understanding the compatibility effects of XYS against depression, especially from the points of view of compatibility in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory and synergism in modern medicine theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel Fe-TiO 2-x /TiO 2 S-scheme homojunction was constructed. • The Fe-TiO 2-x /TiO 2 exhibits optimized CO/CH 4 generation rates of 122/22 μmol g-1h−1. • The role of OV and Fe in improving catalytic performance has been discussed. • The photocatalytic mechanism was detailedly analyzed. CO 2 -to-high value-added chemicals via a photocatalytic route is of interest but strangled by the low efficiency. Herein, a novel Fe-TiO 2-x /TiO 2 S-scheme homojunction was designed and constructed by using a facile surface modification approach whereby oxygen vacancy (OV) and Fe introducing on the TiO 2 nanorod surface. The as-synthesized Fe-TiO 2-x /TiO 2 S-scheme homojunction exhibits positive properties on promoting photocatalytic CO 2 reduction: i) the nanorod structure provides numerous active sites and a radical charge transfer path; ii) the doped Fe and OV not only synergistically enhance light utilization but also promote CO 2 adsorption; iii) the Fe-TiO 2-x /TiO 2 S-scheme homojunction benefits photoexcited charge separation and retains stronger redox capacity. Thanks to those good characters, the Fe-TiO 2-x /TiO 2 homojunction exhibits superior CO 2 reduction performances with optimized CO/CH 4 generation rates of 122/22 μmol g-1h−1 which exceed those of pure TiO 2 by more than 9.4/7.3 folds and most currently reported catalytic systems. This manuscript develops a facile and universal approach to synthesize well-defined homojunction and may inspire the construction of other more high-efficiency photocatalysts toward CO 2 reduction and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Both network pharmacology and metabolomics were applied. • The compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions was demonstrated. • Xiaoyaosan was divided into two efficacy groups, the Shugan and the Jianpi groups. • The scientific connotations of Xiaoyaosan's compatibility on depression were revealed. • The compatibility rationality of Xiaoyaosan is proved and confirmed via multi-aspects. Compatibility investigations are vital but also the most difficult aspect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions. Previous researches have demonstrated that Xiaoyaosan (XYS) is an effective treatment for depression. However, the compatibility rules of XYS and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we combined network pharmacology and serum metabolomics to investigate the scientific connotations and the compatibility effects of XYS. First, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) and the GeneCards databases were applied to identify the chemical components and the putative targets of XYS, and its efficacy groups. We then analyzed the herb-component-target pathways and constructed PPI networks. Potential pathways were determined by gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses. Additionally, a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was applied on rats. A proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (1H NMR) based serum metabolomics was then used to identify potential metabolites and the corresponding pathways that were involved in depression and the potential anti-depression effects of XYS and its efficacy groups. A total of 121 components of XYS and 111 targets were associated with depression. Additionally, we screened 105 targets of 24 components in Shugan (SG) group and 106 targets of 95 components in Jianpi (JP) group. 13 targets were common to all three groups. Protein-protein interaction network analysis showed that Caspase-3 and Nitric oxide synthase-3 were nodes that overlapped with proteins known to be associated with depression. Pathway enrichment analysis further indicated that the putative targets of XYS and its efficacy groups mostly participated in pathways associated with cancer. Also, XYS and its efficacy groups significantly reversed abnormalities of serum metabolites and metabolic pathways, but to different degrees. Overall, different efficacy groups of XYS exhibit synergistic anti-depression effects and contribute to the whole prescription against depression. This study shows that the combination of network pharmacology and metabolomics is an effective approach to demonstrate scientific connotations and compatibility of TCMs from a holistic perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhenium disulfide (ReS2) with low structural symmetry and highly spontaneous, exhibits some unique optical and electrical anisotropy properties for developing optoelectronic devices. This work studies the hydrothermal synthesis and the excitonic effects in the linear and nonlinear optical properties of 1T′ phase ReS2. The growth is controlled by adjusting experimental conditions, and its growth mechanism is revealed. The varying degrees of Re vacancy are characterized. They cause the growth direction of ReS2 nanosheets from lateral to agglomeration and the stacks into self‐assembly micro‐nanospheres. The density functional theory explains the electronic and bonding properties of Re vacancy, where the existent defects reduce the band gap and change the states density. Re vacancy increases the conductivity and results in the metallization of ReS2. The photoluminescence intensity of defect emission peak is negatively correlated with the defect level for the enriching vacancies. However, compared with intrinsic peak, it will increase monotonically with the number of bound excitons in defects. Furthermore, the nonlinear absorption properties are obtained by picosecond Z‐scan technique. By adjusting temperature, different degrees of saturation absorption and reverse saturation absorption characteristics appear due to the vacancy effect. The synthesized ReS2 has broad application in photodetectors and optical devices with optical amplitude limiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to present a method of color three-dimensional (3D) printing based on color adherence.Design/methodology/approach First, experiments of the color effects of 3D printings using different carriers and different printing methods were performed. Second, the color of a specific point could be calculated through a theory of dimension-reducing, and the color distribution of 3D model was transformed from 3D to 1D color line corresponding with 3D print sequence. At last, the color lines, which were printed on a PE film by silk-screen printing, was carried by a filament and then printed through a fused deposition modeling 3D printer.Findings The printing ink and PE film are suitable as the pigment and carrier under this investigation, respectively. Based on an idea of reducing dimension, the method of 3D color printing through adhering color to a filament is realized. The color saturation of the sample was relatively high through the method.Research limitations/implications It is hard to avoid that there may be some residual color in the nozzle through this method, and the purity of following color will be affected. As a result, continuous improvements should be made to perfect the method.Practical implications An approach of 3D color printing is described in detail, and what kind of model is more applicable is discussed particularly.Originality/value This approach is implemented to print color 3D objects with just one nozzle by means of color adherence. That is, printing the 3D objects using the filament is carried out with 1D color line, which is printed by a traditional printing method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sludge is an important source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, both in the form of direct process emissions and as a result of indirect carbon-derived energy consumption during processing. In this study, the carbon budgets of two sludge disposal processes at two well-known sludge disposal sites in China (for biodrying and heat-drying pretreatments, both followed by mono-incineration) were quantified and compared. Total GHG emissions from heat drying combined with mono-incineration was 0.1731 tCO2e t−1, while 0.0882 tCO2e t−1was emitted from biodrying combined with mono-incineration. Based on these findings, a significant reduction (approximately 50%) in total GHG emissions was obtained by biodrying instead of heat drying prior to sludge incineration. Implications: Sludge treatment results in direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Moisture reduction followed by incineration is commonly used to dispose of sludge in China; however, few studies have compared the effects of different drying pretreatment options on GHG emissions during such processes. Therefore, in this study, the carbon budgets of sludge incineration were analyzed and compared following different pretreatment drying technologies (biodrying and heat drying). The results indicate that biodrying combined with incineration generated approximately half of the GHG emissions compared to heat drying followed by incineration. Accordingly, biodrying may represent a more environment-friendly sludge pretreatment prior to incineration. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The cofactor NADPH participates in a variety of anabolic reactions and its availability is considered to play a critical role in biotransformation processes. NADH kinase (Pos5) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae catalyzes the phosphorylation of NADH to generate NADPH. To investigate the effect of NADH kinase on poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) production, pos5 was co-expressed with PHB synthetic operon phbCAB in Escherichia coli . The recombinant strain carrying pos5 and phbCAB co-expression plasmid reached 5.96 g/L cell dry weight with 64.1% PHB accumulation in 72 h shake flask cultivation, while the control strain without pos5 yielded 3.93 g/L cell dry weight with 58.5% PHB content. PHB production titer was enhanced from 2.30 g/L to 3.82 g/L. Intracellular cofactor concentration analysis revealed that the ratio of NADP/NAD in pos5 overexpression strain was two times more compared with that of the control without pos5 . The results showed that NADH kinase could be employed as an effective metabolic manipulation target to improve PHB synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The native oxides on Ge substrates can be transformed into GeO x N y by in situ NH 3 plasma pretreatment. The interfacial and electrical properties of HfO 2 caps gate stacks on Ge with and without ultrathin GeO x N y barrier layers have been investigated thoroughly. HfO 2 /GeO x N y /Ge stacking structure shows a sharp and flat interface between HfO 2 and Ge substrates without recognized interfacial layer. In situ NH 3 plasma pretreatment effectively improves the electrical properties such as higher accumulation capacitance, smaller frequency dispersion, and lower interface trap density ( D it ) than without NH 3 plasma pretreatment. It is ascribed to that fact that the GeO x N y barrier layer between HfO 2 and Ge substrates shows better thermal stability and suppresses the Ge outdiffusion. The 3-nm-thick HfO 2 gate stacks on Ge with 60 s NH 3 plasma pretreatment exhibit a capacitance equivalent thickness of 0.96 nm and a leakage current density of 1.12 mA/cm 2 at +1 V gate bias with acceptable D it value of 3.42 × 10 12 eV −1 cm −2 . These results indicate that the surface nitridation by in situ NH 3 plasma pretreatment may be a promising approach for the realization of high quality Ge-based transistor devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A type I n-n ZMO heterojunction was constructed by a spontaneous and non-spontaneous nucleation process. • The unique heterostructure and band offset introduced by potential difference and strain effect were determined. • Ultrafast nonlinear optical response of the type I n-n ZMO heterojunction was determined. • The excellent nonlinear absorption mechanism of ZMO heterojunction has been elucidated. Here, ZnO, MoS 2 films and ZnO nanoparticles-coated MoS 2 (ZMO) heterojunction were successfully prepared based on spontaneous and non-spontaneous nucleation processes, which exhibited ultrafast carrier dynamics for optoelectronic devices surpassing the limitations of single-semiconductor optical modulator where the heterointerface effect extend the response time into the sub-femtosecond regime. The controllable morphology and polar growth state at heterointerface can be confirmed by scanning/transmission electron microscopy. The linear absorption and transmittance of MoS 2 base film in ZMO heterojunction were measured by finite difference time domain method and UV–Vis spectrophotometer, which concluded the significant light-material interaction. The enhanced inter-band emission and Raman peak A 1g of ZMO were slightly shifted, which means the successful formation of electron transfer process among the heterointerface. Subsequently, the valence band and conduction band offset of the ZMO heterojunction were determined using the Zn 2p 3/2 and Mo 3d 3/2 core levels. The multi-stage relaxation process caused by the built-in electric field of heterointerface was determined. The ZMO heterojunction with excellent nonlinear absorption (NLA) coefficient (10-3 ∼ 10-5 cm/W) was 10 ∼ 1000 times higher than that of pure materials. The type-I ZMO n-n heterojunction caused by controllable electronic structure with ultrafast NLA behavior, which can provide application strategies in all-optical switching devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(TiO)(AlO) ( x=0.7,0.8,0.9) gate dielectrics were deposited on Ge by atomic layer deposition using trimethylaluminium and Ti isopropoxide. The interfacial properties and band alignment were investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. High-resolution TEM results show that the (TiO)(AlO) film annealed at 500°C is amorphous with sharp interface between (TiO)(AlO) and Ge. The conduction-band offsets are enhanced from 1.04 to 1.40 eV with increasing Al content. Capacitance equivalent thickness of 15.8 Å for (TiO)(AlO) gate dielectrics is achieved with a gate leakage current of 2.70×10 A/cm at V=+1 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A spin device, consisting of parallel-coupled double quantum dots and three normal metal leads, is proposed to realize spin-polarized current without the help of magnetic field and magnetic material. Based on the Keldysh nonequilibrium Green function technique and equation of motion method, the spin-dependent current formula in each lead is derived. It is shown that not only a fully polarized current but also a tunable pure spin current can be obtained by modulating the structure parameters, strength of Rashba spin–orbit interaction and bias voltages properly. It further demonstrates the dependence of the spin-polarized current on the strength of the Rashba spin–orbit interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Wanshan mercury mine is the largest mercury deposit in Guizhou Province of China, but there were few reports on mercury toxic effect in the mining area. In order to study the neurotoxicity of food from Wanshan mercury mine area and probe into the effect of food from Wanshan mercury miner area on the changes of brain oxidative damage and expression of c-fos gene. The rats were exposed to mercury contaminated food for 20 d. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), GSH-peroxidase (GSH-px) and Glutathione (GSH) in rat brain was measured, and the effect of mercury contaminated rice on the expression of c-fos mRNA in rat brain and the expression of c-FOS protein in cortex, hippocampus were observed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemical methods. The results showed the levels of GSH, MDA, SOD and of GSH-dependent enzymes in the rat brain changed between exposure groups and control group; The mercury polluted rice induced significantly the expression of c-fos mRNA; the c-FOS positive cells in hippocampus and cortex of exposure groups were significant different from control group (P<0.01). It could be concluded that oxidative stress signals could contribute to the induction of immediate early genes (IEGs); free radicals and their by-products might not only cause oxidative damage, but also influenced gene expression; IEGs c-fos participated in the toxicity process of brain injury by mercury polluted food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal fish consumption brings both risks and benefits to the fetus from the standpoint of methylmercury (MeHg) and n-3 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids). MeHg is one of the most risky substances to come through fish consumption, and mercury concentrations in red blood cells (RBC-Hg) are the best biomarker of MeHg exposure. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3), which is one of the most important fatty acids for normal brain development and function, is also derived from fish consumption. Our objective in this study was to examine the relationships between RBC-Hg and plasma fatty acid composition in mother and fetus at parturition. Venous blood samples were collected from 63 pairs of mothers and fetuses (umbilical cord blood) at delivery. In all cases,fetal RBC-Hg levels were higher than maternal RBC-Hg levels. The geometric mean of fetal RBC-Hg was 13.4 ng/g, which was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that of maternal RBC-Hg (8.41 ng/g). While the average fetal/maternal RBC-Hg ratio was 1.6, the individual ratios varied from 1.08 to 2.19, suggesting considerable individual differences in MeHg concentrations between maternal and fetal circulations at delivery. A significant correlation was observed between maternal and fetal DHA concentrations (r 0.37, p < 0.01). Further, a significant correlation was observed between RBC-Hg and plasma OHA in fetus (r= 0.35, p < 0.01). These results confirm that both MeHg and DHA which originated from fish consumption transferred from maternal to fetal circulation and existed in the fetal circulation with a positive correlation. Pregnant women in particular need not give up eating fish to obtain such benefits. However, they would do well to at least consume smaller fish, which contains less MeHg, thereby balancing the risks and benefits from fish consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the ocean environment, the riserless mud recovery (RMR) system uses the return line as the return channel, resulting in the injection and return channels for the drilling fluid becoming two independent structures. Consequently, the RMR system exhibits different characteristics of circulating fluid temperature than conventional offshore drilling technology. To investigate this, a RMR system was divided into four simulation areas based on its structural characteristics, and a new transient simulation model was developed to simulate the circulating fluid temperature in each area. This study also explored the changing characteristics of the circulating fluid temperature under various sensitive factors, such as operating time, drilling fluid density, seawater depth, and pump rate, in both the time and space dimensions. Our results reveal that the transient simulation model developed is more suitable for simulating actual drilling situations than analytical solution models, and the simulation results are accurate. Furthermore, the distribution characteristics of circulating fluid temperature in the space dimension change with the operating time and drilling fluid density, but the trends and reasons for change vary between the two sensitive factors. Additionally, seawater depth mainly affects the circulating fluid temperature in each structure of the ocean environment when the RMR system is used for drilling in different sea areas, while its effect on the circulating fluid temperature in the formation environment structures is weak. Finally, pump rate mainly affects the circulating fluid temperature by changing its heat transfer time at a single space node, which is more remarkable than the frictional heat. • The heat transfer characteristics of the circulating fluid in the RMR system are analyzed. • A new model for simulating the circulating fluid temperature in the RMR system is built. • The reliability of the new model has been verified through comparative analysis. • The changing characteristics of the circulating fluid temperature in RMR system are simulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of metal oxides and two-dimensional materials can effectively separate photogenerated electron-hole pairs under photoexcitation conditions, which can solve the problems of low carrier mobility and easy agglomeration of two-dimensional materials. Herein, the MoSe 2 loaded with ZnO (MoSe 2 @ZnO) was prepared by two-step hydrothermal and magnetron sputteringmethod. The results of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy show that the MoSe 2 and MoSe 2 @ZnO composite material with controllable size are successfully prepared, and the agglomeration problem of the MoSe 2 is solved. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy show that the electrons at the Fermi level of MoSe 2 can be transferred to the Fermi level of ZnO to form a built-in electric field. When Fermi level of MoSe 2 and ZnO reaches the same position, the band bending can be caused, which can inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and enhance the carrier mobility. The Z-scan results show that MoSe 2 has nonlinear absorption coefficient of ∼10−7 cm/W, and the reverse saturation absorption characteristics of MoSe 2 can be effectively improved by controlling the sputtering power The results show that MoSe 2 @ZnO has excellent photoelectric properties, so it has broad research prospects in optoelectronic devices and other development fields. The interficial charge transfers and carrier regulation of metal oxide and transition metal dihalides (TMDs) are very important for the novel two-dimensional semiconductor optoelectronic device technology in the future. Based on interface engineering, their tunable nonlinear absorption (NLA) and photoelectric characteristics offer flexible design strategies for saturation absorber and optical limiters. Nevertheless, the mechanism leading to the tunable NLA behavior has not been clearly elucidated, which were attribute to complex charge transfers and carrier regulation characteristics. In this article, MoSe 2 @ZnO composite material with excellent nonlinear properties composed of ZnO wrapped MoSe 2 nanosheets with were prepared by magnetron sputtering (MS) synthesis of MoSe 2 on highly stacked ZnO. The MoSe 2 @ZnO exhibit an interesting flower-like morphology with abundant heterointerfaces base on optimizing sputtering power, which was beneficial to provide efficient charge transfer pathways. From electron-photon coupling effect, MoSe 2 nanosheets and MoSe 2 @ZnO composite material possess favorable saturation absorption (SA), reverse saturation absorption (RSA) and coexisting absorption behavior, respectively. Based on the dependence of physical parameters of samples, the relative numerical changes of important physical parameters (n 2 , β ,Im χ (3) and Re χ (3)) of the samples as well as the photoelectric transfer and charge doping levels on the surface or interface will provide a direction for optimizing the selection of various devices. Thus, the MoSe 2 @ZnO composite material with excellent NLA properties will be promising candidates in optoelectronic devices. [Display omitted] • A the MoSe 2 loaded with ZnO (MoSe 2 @ZnO) composite structure was designed. • The interfacial engineering strategy and controlled growth of MoSe 2 @ZnO was discussed. • The nonlinear optics parameters (n 2 , β , Im χ (3) and Re χ (3)) of the samples were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative studies of subspecies under different ecological environments offer insights into intraspecies evolutionary adaptive mechanisms. Golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) include three subspecies in China classified mainly by their morphological variations: R. r. roxellana (Sichuan and Gansu province), R. r. qinlingensis (Shaanxi province) and R. r. hubeiensis (Hubei province). These three subspecies live in three isolated area with different environments. Past works focused on the last two subspecies, but little information of habitat and behaviors of the nominated subspecies (R. r. roxellana) is available to date. We conducted a two-year study on the diet, activity budget, home range and social organization of 4 herds of R. r. roxellana, based on a total of 106 days’ observation in Laohegou (LHG) Nature Reserve, Sichuan province. By using scan sampling method, our results suggest that the R. r roxellana feeds predominantly on leaves (77.5%), and spends more time feeding (40.0%) and resting (27.0%) while compared to the other two subspecies. Kernel Density Estimation Method based on GPS technology confirms that R. r roxellana has relatively larger home ranges (49.1 km2). The unit size (8.3 ± 3.5 individuals) of R. r roxellana is also smaller. Therefore, it is possible that differences in food availability in relation to habitats have important impacts on the feeding strategy and social system of the golden snub-nosed monkey. These results provide data to further explore intraspecific adaptations of living primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related mental disorder characterized by progressive loss of memory and multiple cognitive impairments. The overproduction and aggregation of Amyloid β protein (Aβ) in the brain, especially in the hippocampus, are closely involved in the memory loss in the patients with AD. Accumulating evidence indicates that the Aβ-induced imbalance of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in the brain plays an important role in the AD pathogenesis and progression. The level of DHEA is elevated, while DHEAS is dramatically decreased in the AD brain. The present study tried to restore the balance between DHEA and DHEAS by using a non-steroidal sulfatase inhibitor DU-14, which increases endogenous DHEAS through preventing DHEAS converted back into DHEA. We found that: (1) DU-14 effectively attenuated the Aβ 1–42 -induced cognitive deficits in spatial learning and memory of rats in Morris water maze test; (2) DU-14 prevented Aβ 1–42 -induced decrease in the cholinergic theta rhythm of hippocampal local field potential (LFP) in the CA1 region; (3) DU-14 protected hippocampal synaptic plasticity against Aβ 1–42 -induced suppression of long term potentiation (LTP). These results provide evidence for the neuroprotective action of DU-14 against neurotoxic Aβ, suggesting that u p -regulation of endogenous DHEAS by DU-14 could be beneficial to the alleviation of Aβ-induced impairments in spatial memory and synaptic plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photochemically synthesized cobalt oxide hydroxide (PCOH) under UV light has been successfully achieved without the addition of surfactants, templates, or organic solvents at ambient temperatures. PCOH samples can be converted to spinel cobalt oxide (PCO) after the calcination at 500 °C. The in-situ growth of hierarchical nanostructures was demonstrated with a three-stage mechanism in the photochemical preparation. The development of nanostructures and elemental condensation under different irradiation time governs the bifunctional-sensing performance of the cobalt oxide products. The formation of nanostructured cobalt oxides involves a free-radical oxidation mechanism in the acidic condition. We further demonstrate that the preparation of sensor-active cobalt oxides under nature sunlight (Solar-2H) is feasible. Compared to the multi-component bifunctional electrocatalysts comprised of enzymes and noble metals, our greenly prepared electrocatalysts, as the single-species sensor, achieve bifunctional hydrogen peroxide detection effectively. The as-produced electrocatalysts utilize electro-oxidative and electro-reductive signals together as bifunctional sensor, maximizing the wide detection range of 0.005–35 mM, a low detection limit of 0.7 μM, selective H 2 O 2 detection, and ∼3000-time higher sensitivity than commercial cobalt oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu 2 ZnSn(S x Se 1− x ) 4 nanocrystals have been successfully synthesized by a novel two-step route involving a solvothermal reaction of Cu 2 ZnSnSe 4 and a sulfurization post-annealing. The Se 2− is gradually replaced by the S 2− to form the CZTSSe solid solutions with a tetragonal structure when increasing the sulfurization time. The A 1 Raman modes of CZTSSe display a typical two-mode behavior, revealing that S composition plays an important role on tuning the vibrating modes. The optical band gap becomes large gradually from 0.91 to 1.30 eV with increasing S content from 0 to 0.76. CZTSSe nanocrystals derived from this method can be used as low-cost absorber layer for photovoltaic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Amyloid (Aβ) is the main component of amyloid plaques developed in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The increasing burden of Aβ in the cortex and hippocampus is closely correlated with memory loss and cognition deficits in AD. Recently, leptin, a 16 kD peptide derived mainly from white adipocyte tissue, has been appreciated for its neuroprotective function, although less is known about the effects of leptin on spatial memory and synaptic plasticity. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of leptin against Aβ-induced deficits in spatial memory and in vivo hippocampal late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP) in rats. Y maze spontaneous alternation was used to assess short term working memory, and the Morris water maze task was used to assess long term reference memory. Hippocampal field potential recordings were performed to observe changes in L-LTP. We found that chronically intracerebroventricular injection of leptin (1 μg) effectively alleviated Aβ1–42 (20 μg)-induced spatial memory impairments of Y maze spontaneous alternation and Morris water maze. In addition, chronic administration of leptin also reversed Aβ1–42-induced suppression of in vivo hippocampal L-LTP in rats. Together, these results suggest that chronic leptin treatments reversed Aβ-induced deficits in learning and memory and the maintenance of L-LTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Amyloid β peptide (Aβ) has been thought to be neurotoxic and responsible for the impairment of learning and memory in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Humanin (HN), a 24 amino acid polypeptide first identified from the unaffected occipital lobe of an AD patient, is believed to be neuroprotective against the AD-related neurotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of Colivelin (CLN), a novel HN derivative, against Aβ by using behavioral test, in vivo electrophysiological recording, and intracellular calcium imaging. Our results showed that intrahippocampal injection of CLN (0.2 nmol) effectively prevented Aβ25-35 (4 nmol)-induced deficits in spatial learning and memory of rats in Morris water maze test; the suppression of in vivo hippocampal long term potentiation (LTP) by Aβ25-35 was nearly completely prevented by CLN; in addition, CLN pretreatment also effectively inhibited Aβ25-35-induced calcium overload in primary cultured hippocampal neurons. These results indicate that CLN has significant neuroprotective properties against Aβ, and CLN may holds great promise for the treatment and prevention of AD. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The standard unit 0.02 µs generated by 50 MHz FPGA crystal counts on base signal during the pulse width. Firstly, these data which have a linear relationship between phase-offset are obtained correspondingly. Secondly, the measured data have been transmitted to the main control unit MSP430 by the dataport of FPGA. Finally the values of phase-offset between two signals have been processed by real-time MSP430. Entire simulation module contains frequency module, signal generator control module, counting module and data output module. The process and waveform of each module simulation are given in this paper. The results indicate that the measuring of the phase-offset in this way should be approximately accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers with few effective treatments, a new treatment agent is desperately needed. C-2, a Jaspine B derivative, has shown anti-cancer efficacy in gastric cancer cells. The anti-cancer mechanism, however, remains unknown. As a result, we investigate the anti-cancer effect and the underlying mechanism of C-2 in gastric cancer cells. The results showed that C-2 selectively reduced the proliferation of gastric cancer cells when compared to normal epithelial gastric cells. Western blotting and flow cytometry further demonstrated that Caspase9 is involved in causing cell death. Meanwhile, C-2 triggered autophagy in gastric cancer cells, inhibition of which with LY294002 can enhance the anti-proliferative activity of C-2. Next, we found that C-2 triggered autophagy through activating JNK/ERK, and that inhibitors of these proteins exacerbated C-2 induced cell death. Mechanically, enhanced phosphorylation of JNK/ERK elevated Beclin-1 by disturbing Beclin-1/Bcl-xL or Beclin-1/Bcl-2 complexes, resulting in autophagy and up-regulation of p62. Finally, p62 binds Keap1 competitively to release Nrf2, boosting Nrf2 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and triggering expression of Nrf2 target genes, so enhancing survival. C-2 inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cells, while JNK/ERK dependent autophagy antagonized C-2 induced cell growth inhibition through p62/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. • Jaspine B derivative showed significant growth inhibiting ability to gastric cancer cells. • We studied Jaspine B derivative-induced cell death method. • Molecular mechanism of the interaction between autophagy and apoptosis was studied. • Targeting autophagy may improve the efficacy of current cancer clinical treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Rattin, a specific derivative of humanin in rats, shares the ability with HN to protect neurons against amyloid β (Aβ) peptide-induced cellular toxicity. However, it is still unclear whether Rattin can protect against Aβ-induced deficits in cognition and synaptic plasticity in rats. In the present study, we observed the effects of Rattin and Aβ31-35 on the spatial reference memory and in vivo hippocampal Long-term potentiation of rats by using Morris water maze test and hippocampal field potential recording. Furthermore, the probable molecular mechanism underlying the neuroprotective roles of Rattin was investigated. We showed that intra-hippocampal injection of Rattin effectively prevented the Aβ31-35-induced spatial memory deficits and hippocampal LTP suppression in rats; the Aβ31-35-induced activation of Caspase-3 and inhibition of STAT3 in the hippocampus were also prevented by Rattin treatment. These findings indicate that Rattin treatment can protect spatial memory and synaptic plasticity of rats against Aβ31-35-induced impairments, and the underlying protective mechanism of Rattin may be involved in STAT3 and Caspases-3 pathways. Therefore, application of Rattin or activation of its signaling pathways in the brain might be beneficial to the prevention of Aβ-related cognitive deficits. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is known to regulate cell growth, and it also participates in pain transmission as has been recently verified in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. The targeting of mTOR represents a new strategy for the control of chronic pain. In the present study, we investigated the effect of mTOR in the expression of PSD95 and NR2B-PSD95 or GluA2-PSD95 interaction ratio in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) mice model. Methods: Paw mechanical withdrawal threshold (PMWT) and paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) were respectively used to assess mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia after CCI operation and intrathecal injection of rapamycin. Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the effects of rapamycin on the expression of PSD95 and interaction ratio of NR2B-PSD95 or GluA2-PSD95 in the spinal dorsal horn of mice. Results: Our study demonstrated that the inhibition of spinal mTOR with intrathecal injections of rapamycin (1μg/5μL) for days 1–6 after CCI surgery led to an obvious decrease in CCI-induced neuropathic pain. Rapamycin significantly reduced the PMWT of CCI mice, whereas there was no significant effect on PWTL. The active form of the mTOR signaling pathway (p-mTOR, p-4EBP1 and p-p70S6k) at the spinal level remarkably increased in CCI mice, and rapamycin could inhibit this up-regulation. The increased expression of PSD95 and the interaction ratio of GluA2-PSD95 or NR2B-PSD95 could also be inhibited by intrathecal injection of rapamycin. Conclusion: These data suggest that the mTOR pathway is activated in the spinal dorsal horn in CCI-induced neuropathic pain, and the intrathecal injection of rapamycin can reduce mechanical allodynia. Our findings indicate that spinal mTOR is an important component of CCI-induced neuropathic pain, and mTOR may be a potential target for chronic pain therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gd2− x La x O3 high-k films were deposited on (100) Si substrates by low-pressure metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The metal-organic precursors we used were Gd and La β-diketonates. The structure, band gap, composition and electrical properties of Gd2− x La x O3 films have been investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns show that as-deposited thick Gd2− x La x O3 films on Si have formed cubic phase of solid solution with (222) preferred orientation. The band gap of the Gd2− x La x O3 films can be calculated to be 5.78eV using a UV–vis–NIR spectrophotometer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profile analyses reveal that there exists an interfacial layer of Gd–La–Si–O silicate and the La element is rich in interfacial layer. The equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of 1.08nm has been obtained with the flatband voltage (V fb) of 1.0V and leakage current density (J A) of 3A/cm2 at V g = V fb +1V for Gd2− x La x O3 (x =1.29) films of 8nm physical thickness after 800°C post-annealing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Xanthohumol (XN) and related prenylflavonoids are the main bioactive components of hops (Humulus lupulus L.). The current work is to investigate the use of high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) in search for high isolation of xanthohumol from hops. A solvent system consisted of n-hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water at a volume ratio of 5:5:4:3 was employed. The results demonstrated that the constructed method could be well applied for the isolation of xanthohumol from hops extract. After HSCCC isolation procedure, the purity of xanthohumol was over 95% assayed by HPLC and the yield of extraction was 93.60%. The chemical structure identification of xanthohumol was carried out by UV, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The present results demonstrated that xanthohumol could be efficiently obtained using a single HSCCC step from H. lupulus L. extract. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on the nonequilibrium Green'' function method, the spin-dependent Fano effect through parallel-coupled double quantum dots has been investigated by taking account of both Rashba spin–orbit interaction and intradot Coulomb interaction. It is shown that the quantum interference through the bonding, antibonding states and through their Coulomb blockade counterparts may result in two Breit–Wigner resonances and two Fano resonances in the conductance spectra. Moreover, the Fano lineshape of the two spin components can be modulated by Rashba spin–orbit interaction when the magnetic flux is switched on. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Oxidation reaction of DMF monitored by mini closed pressure vessel test. • The ring-opening reaction of DMF oxidation traced by 1H NMR. • Cis–trans photoisomerization of 3-hexene-2, 5-dione under UV light irradiation. • The formation and thermal decomposition of DMF peroxides. • Thermal decomposition of solid products and its explosion risk. The thermal oxidation reaction of 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) was investigated using a custom-designed mini closed pressure vessel test (MCPVT) and traced by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance(1H NMR). The oxidation behavior was monitored by-via temperature–time (T-t) and pressure–time (p-t) plots of MCPVT recording. Oxidation products were determined via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and the generated peroxide was examined by iodimetry and thin-layer chromatography (TLC), with the thermal decomposition hazard evaluation by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and MCPVT. Results show that the DMF oxidation reaction proceeded through initial oxygen absorption at 39.3 °C, followed by an exothermic self-accelerating oxidation at 84.5 °C. DMF could form high level peroxide in auto-oxidation; the decomposition of peroxides would lead to the radical oxidation that the generated ·OH radical mainly attacks on the position 2/5 of DMF with subsequent addition of O 2 initiating ring-opening reaction, in which DMF was firstly converted to cis -3-hexene-2,5-dione, and then produced the trans -3-hexene-2,5-dione with strong photoisomerism. DMF oxidation showed a high level of residue formation, and those solid products contained considerable amount of peroxides with a high thermal hazard; its exothermic onset temperature (T 0) and decomposition heat (Q DSC) of 58.8 °C and 1982.3 J∙g−1, and the decomposition maximum temperature rising rate (dT/dt) max and maximum of pressure rising rate (dp/dt) max was 9.98 °C∙s−1 and 291 kPa∙s−1, respectively. Thermal decomposition of those peroxide products could give rise to thermal runaway of DMF oxidation, and further transformed into a detonation possibly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current risk assessment of elemental mercury vapor is based on the tremor toxicity. To clarify the neuromotor effects of occupational exposure to mercury vapor, hand tremor and postural sway were measured in 27 miners and smelters (i.e., exposed workers) and 52 unexposed subjects. Urine samples were collected and total mercury and creatinine concentrations were determined. Data of the tremor and postural sway were analyzed using the fast Fourier transformation. The geometric means of the urinary mercury level (UHg) were 228 (range 22.6–4,577) μg/g creatinine for the exposed workers and 2.6 (1.0–17.4) μg/g creatinine for the unexposed subjects. Total tremor intensity and frequency-specific tremor intensities at 1–6 and 10–14 Hz were significantly larger in the exposed workers than in the unexposed subjects ( P < 0.05), but they were not significantly related to the UHg among the exposed workers ( P > 0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences in any postural sway parameters between the above two groups ( P > 0.05), but the transversal sway with eyes open was positively related to the UHg among the exposed workers in using multiple regression analysis ( P < 0.05). These findings suggest that postural sway, as well as hand tremor, may be affected by elemental mercury vapor exposure, but the former test seems to be less sensitive to mercury than the latter one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As our research focuses on anticancer drugs, a series of novel derivatives of flexicaulin A (FA), an ent -kaurene diterpene, condensed with an aromatic ring were synthesized, and their antiproliferative activities against four human cancer cell lines (TE-1, EC109, MCF-7, and MGC-803) were evaluated. The activities of most of the new compounds were better than those of FA. Compound 2y exhibited the best activity with an IC50 value reaching 0.13 μM against oesophageal cancer cells (EC109 cells). The IC50 values for 2y in normal cells (GES-1 cells and HUVECs) were 0.52 μM and 0.49 μM, respectively. Subsequent mechanistic investigations found that compound 2y can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and cell cloning. In addition, 2y could reduce the mitochondrial membrane potential, increase the apoptosis rate, and increase the ROS level in EC109 cells. Moreover, 2y can upregulate the expression of ROS/JNK pathway-related proteins (p-ASK1, p-MKK4, p-JNK, and p-Cjun (ser63)) and pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bad, and Bim). In vivo experiments showed that 2y can inhibit tumour growth in nude mice. The mechanism involves an increase in protein expression in the ROS pathway, leading to changes in apoptosis-related proteins. In addition, compound 2y shows low toxicity. These results indicate that compound 2y holds promising potential as an antiproliferative agent. The schematic diagram shown the possible pathway for 2y duced apoptosis on EC109. Image 1 • A series of novel derivatives of Flexicaulin A were discovered as potential anti-proliferative agent.. • Most of the derivatives showed enhanced anti-proliferative activity. • Compound 2y exerted the best anti-proliferative activity against EC109 cells. • Compound 2y reduce the mitochondrial membrane potential, increase the apoptosis rate and the level of ROS on EC109. • In vivo experiments, 2y could inhibit tumour growth in nude mice and show low toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guilingji (GLJ), a famous and classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has been used to extend the lifespan and improve the life qualities of the elderly for hundreds of years in China. Aim of the study : We aimed to explore the protective effects of GLJ on the testicular dysfunction of aging rats, as well as the regulating effects of GLJ on the metabolic disturbance and metabolite changes in natural aging rats. Forty 23-month-old rats were divided randomly into four groups, including the old control group and three groups of GLJ treatment at 37.5, 75, and 150 mg/kg doses, respectively. Additionally, 10 four-month rats were included as the youth control group. Testicular dysfunction was first evaluated by measuring the changes in the wet weights of the testicles, concentration of serum testosterone (T), and morphologic changes of the testis. Subsequently, an 1H NMR-based metabolomics approach coupled with multivariate analysis, including partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was applied to monitor the metabolite changes. Compared with the old control group, the wet weights of the testicles and T concentration were significantly increased, while the morphologic abnormality of testicular tissues was improved by a 4-week treatment course with GLJ. Furthermore, compared with the old control group, the urinary levels of alanine, pantothenate, phenylalanine, β-hydroxybutyrate and pyruvate were significantly decreased after a 4-week treatment course with GLJ. Additionally, we found that amino acid metabolism and pyruvate metabolism were significantly involved in the regulatory effect of GLJ. The current findings provided, for the first time, sound evidence of the protective effects of GLJ on testicular dysfunction from both biochemical and metabolomics perspectives. The mechanisms of GLJ could be related to regulating amino acid metabolism and pyruvate metabolism. The current study lays an important foundation for further research and for the broad clinical application of GLJ. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]