Search

Background: Unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) surgery for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) has been growing rapidly for a relatively short period of time. This minimally invasive surgical technique has achieved favorable results in some developed countries. In the present study, we reported the preliminary outcomes of patients with LDH treated with UBE discectomy in a limited resources institution. Methods: Clinical and radiographic data of 46 patients of LDH treated between July 2022 and March 2023 using UBE discectomy techniques including ipsilateral interlaminar approach, contralateral sublaminar approach and paraspinal approach, were reviewed. Outcomes were analyzed in view of modified-Macnab criteria, Japanese Orthopedic Association score (JOA), Visual analog scale (VAS) with a mean follow-up of 3.1 months. Results: At the final follow-up, the mean VAS for low back pain was improved from 4.2 ± 1.1 to 1.4 ± 0.3 and VAS for leg pain was improved from 7.9 ± 1.2 to 2.6 ± 0.4. The mean JOA score improved from 13.8 ± 5.2 to 24.4 ± 4.3. Modified Macnab criteria were excellent in 30 patients (65.3 %), good in 14 (30.4 %), fair in 2 (4.3 %). A total of 57 levels of LDH were done. L4-L5 disc herniation was performed in 30 patients (52.6 %), L5-S1 in 20 (35.1 %), L2-L3 in 4 (7.0 %), and L3-L4 in 3 (5.3 %). Ipsilateral approach technique was performed at 48 patients (84.2 %), contralateral sublaminar approach in 7 (12.3 %), and paraspinal approach in 2 (3.5 %). Complications included 2 patients with dural tears (4.3 %), and 1 epidural hematoma (2.2 %). Conclusions: UBE discectomy techniques may be performed safely and effectively for the treatment of LDH in limited resources hospitals.

Oligodendroglioma, the third most common glioma, accounts for 5% of primary brain tumors and around 20% of all glial neoplasms. They are quite uncommon in children. Here, we aimed to show an unusual case of a 9-year-old boy developing a huge anaplastic oligodendroglioma. A high-grade astrocytoma-like supratentorial tumor was discovered by a sophisticated brain scan employing magnetic resonance imaging. The tumor was identified by histopathology as an anaplastic oligodendroglioma. Anaplastic oligodendroglioma should be considered while making the differential diagnosis of high-grade astrocytoma notwithstanding its rarity.

The present data profile a large scale transcriptome changes associated with variations in seed dormancy level induced by seed development temperature in hexaploid wheat. Seed dormancy is an important trait that inhibits seed germination under optimal conditions and therefore has important implication in preventing the incidence of preharvest sprouting, which refers to the germination of seeds on the mother plant prior to harvest, in wheat. Since preharvest sprouting, which causes a significant reduction in seed yield and quality in wheat, is closely associated with low level of seed dormancy manifested in modern wheat cultivars, it is important to develop wheat cultivars with optimal level of dormancy to enhance wheat yield and quality. Thus, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that regulate seed dormancy is critical for the development of preharvest sprouting resistant wheat cultivars. The data we are presenting here were generated from total RNA samples extracted from imbibed seeds of a dormant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotype that were developed at different temperatures using the Affymetrix GeneChip Wheat Genome Array. The raw and normalized formats of these data are deposited in the NCBI's gene expression data repository, Gene Expression Ominbus (GEO) with accession number GSE153527.

Plant hormones play important roles in seed development; however, transcriptional regulation of their metabolism and levels of the respective bioactive forms during barley seed development is poorly understood. To this end, this study performed a comprehensive analysis of changes in the expression patterns phytohormone metabolism genes and levels of the respective bioactive forms in the embryo and endosperm tissues. Our study showed the presence of elevated levels of abscisic acid (ABA), bioactive forms of gibberellins (GAs), jasmonate (JA) and cytokinins (CKs), auxin and salicylic acid (SA) in the endosperm and embryo tissues at early stage of seed filling (SF). The levels of all hormones in both tissues, except that of ABA, decreased to low levels during SF. In contrast, embryonic ABA level increased during SF and peaked at physiological maturity (PM) while the endospermic ABA was maintained at a similar level observed during SF. Although its level decreased high amount of ABA was still present in the embryo during post-PM. We detected low levels of ABA in the endosperm and all the other hormones in both tissues during post-PM phase except the relatively higher levels of jasmonoyl-isoleucine and SA detected at late stage of post-PM. Our data also showed that spatiotemporal changes in the levels of plant hormones during barley seed development are mediated by the expression of specific genes involved in their respective metabolic pathways. These results indicate that seed development in barley is mediated by spatiotemporal modulation in the metabolism and levels of plant hormones.

Whole-genome sequencing and genome mining are recently considered an efficient approach to shine more light on the underlying secondary metabolites of Streptomyces. The present study unearths the biosynthetic potential of endophytic SX6 as a promising source of biologically active substances and plant-derived compounds for the first time. Out of 38 isolates associated with Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco, Streptomyces parvulus SX6 was highly active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC® 9027™ and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) ATCC® 35984™. Additionally, S. parvulus SX6 culture extract showed strong cytotoxicity against Hep3B, MCF-7, and A549 cell lines at a concentration of 30 μg/ml, but not in non-cancerous HEK-293 cells. The genome contained 7.69 Mb in size with an average G + C content of 72.8% and consisted of 6,779 protein-coding genes. AntiSMASH analysis resulted in the identification of 29 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) for secondary metabolites. Among them, 4 BGCs showed low similarity (28–67% of genes show similarity) to actinomycin, streptovaricin, and polyoxypeptin gene clusters, possibly attributed to antibacterial and anticancer activities observed. In addition, the complete biosynthetic pathways of plant-derived compounds, including daidzein and genistein were identified using genome mining and HPLC-DAD-MS analysis. These findings portray an exciting avenue for future characterization of promising secondary metabolites from mangrove endophytic S. parvulus.

This work investigates the effect of the ratio of the explored Pt area in the electrolyte medium and the photoanode area (REP) on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). It is found that the power conversion efficiency of DSCs increases by the ascending REP. The highest power conversion efficiency, which was obtained for the cell with the REP of 64/49, was 8.40%. Furthermore, a relationship between the efficiency and fabrication cost is analyzed in terms of reducing or enhancing the surface area of CE compared to the photoanode's surface area. These findings may provide a way for the development of efficient and large-scale DSCs.

Abstract Background Triatoma rubrofasciata is the only kissing bug species distributed globally. In the Americas, this species transmits the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, responsible for Chagas disease. The presence of T. rubrofasciata in several Asian countries has greatly increased recently. In Vietnam, it is found in large numbers, closely associated with human environments. Although T. rubrofasciata from Asia is not infected with Tryp. cruzi, it carries other parasites such as Trypanosoma lewisi and Trypanosoma conorhini. Reports of bites by T. rubrofasciata have increased significantly in several places of Vietnam, becoming a public health problem as it produces severe anaphylactic reactions. Methods Specimens of T. rubrofasciata were collected from seven provinces in central Vietnam. We analyzed different biological attributes (life-cycle, starvation resistance, feeding and reproductive capacities) and genetic characteristics (chromosomes and DNA sequences) of T. rubrofasciata from Vietnam and compared them with Brazilian specimens. Natural infection with Tryp. conorhini and Tryp. lewisi were analyzed in a sample of 100 collected insects. Results Species identification of T. rubrofasciata from central Vietnam was corroborated by genetic markers. Cytogenetic analyses showed that T. rubrofasciata from central Vietnam share the same chromosomal characteristics with individuals from Brazil and Hanoi. DNA sequence analyses of a mitochondrial cytochrome b gene fragment showed little variation between Old and New World specimens. Our study sample, compared with Brazilian individuals, showed a higher survival capacity revealed by a higher hatching rate (98% compared with 80.5%), a larger amount of blood taken in single meal and long-term starvation resistance. Furthermore, this species had a high natural rate of infection with Tryp. conorhini (46%) and Tryp. lewisi (27%). Conclusions For T. rubrofasciata of Vietnam, a high rate of fecundity throughout the year, a high capacity for starvation, and its occurrence in synanthropic environments of urban areas with a high availability of food sources are risk factors to be taken into account by vector control campaigns. The several allergic reactions caused by their bites and their high infection with Tryp. lewisi highlight the need to implement specific control programmes for T. rubrofasciata in Vietnam.

This study reports a scalable green electrochemical synthesis of novel biogenic silver nanoparticles colloid (biogenic AgNPs) in large scale up to 5 liters using the bulk silver bar and the green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) extract (GTE) as reducing agent during the electrochemical process. Under a direct-current voltage source, the biomolecules in GTE can release electrons to promote the reducing process of Ag+ to Ag0. More interestingly, the formation of the intermediate complex helps to cap on the nanoparticles, which leads to stabilizing AgNPs. The as-synthesized biogenic AgNPs with the size of 34 nm exhibit the outstanding electrochemical properties due to the presence of biomolecules on the biogenic AgNPs surface, which facilitates the effective attaching of AgNPs on the carbon surface of the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPE) through the formation of the strong C-O coordinate bonds between O atom of oxygen functional groups and C atom of SPE. The electrochemical properties of the biogenic AgNPs-modified SPE are enhanced significantly in comparison with bare SPE and pure AgNPs-SPE. The biogenic AgNPs-SPE is applied successfully to the detection of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The electrochemical sensor using biogenic AgNPs can reliably detect 4-NP in the linear range from 0.1 to 25 μM with the sensitivity about 6.69 μA μM-1 cm-2. The present work reveals, as the greener synthesis method with ultra-large scalable ability, high purity, and excellent electrochemical properties of biogenic AgNPs is very promising for technological applications in high-sensitive electrochemical chemosensors, nanopharmaceuticals, and other fields.

This paper examines two alternative views—universal and contingency—of the knowledge acquisition and innovation relationship in Vietnamese firms. Results from a survey of 130 companies show that knowledge acquisition has a positive effect on innovation. In addition, this study showed that in terms of direct effects on innovation results, the personalization strategy has a more important role than the codification strategy. However, among the two knowledge management (KM) strategies, only the codification strategy moderated the knowledge acquisition–innovation relationship. The findings also suggested that in order to achieve a high level of innovation results, the firm should not be overly dependent on the implementation of the codification strategy without paying due attention to personalization strategy. Furthermore, for firms at the nascent stage of development or those in developing countries like Vietnam, knowledge acquisition and personalization strategy can lead to innovation results.

The present study investigated the role of salicylic acid (SA) in regulating morpho-anatomical adaptive responses of a wheat plant to waterlogging. Our pharmacological study showed that treatment of waterlogged wheat plants with exogenous SA promotes the formation axile roots and surface adventitious roots that originate from basal stem nodes, but inhibits their elongation, leading to the formation of a shallow root system. The treatment also enhanced axile root formation in non-waterlogged plants but with only slight reductions in their length and branch root formation. Exogenous SA enhanced the formation of root aerenchyma, a key anatomical adaptive response of plants to waterlogging. Consistent with these results, waterlogging enhanced SA content in the root via expression of specific isochorismate synthase (ICS; ICS1 and ICS2) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL; PAL4, PAL5 and PAL6) genes and in the stem nodes via expression of specific PAL (PAL5 and PAL6) genes. Although not to the same level observed in waterlogged plants, exogenous SA also induced aerenchyma formation in non-waterlogged plants. The findings of this study furthermore indicated that inhibition of ethylene synthesis in SA treated non-waterlogged and waterlogged plants does not have any effect on SA-induced emergence of axile and/or surface adventitious roots but represses SA-mediated induction of aerenchyma formation. These results highlight that the role of SA in promoting the development of axile and surface adventitious roots in waterlogged wheat plants is ethylene independent while the induction of aerenchyma formation by SA requires the presence of ethylene.

The phytopathogenic fungus Leptosphaeria maculans causes the blackleg disease on Brassica napus, resulting in severe loss of rapeseed production. Breeding of resistant cultivars containing race-specific resistance genes is provably effective to combat this disease. While two allelic resistance genes LepR3 and Rlm2 recognizing L. maculans avirulence genes AvrLm1 and AvrLm2 at plant apoplastic space have been cloned in B. napus, the downstream gene expression network underlying the resistance remains elusive. In this study, transgenic lines expressing LepR3 and Rlm2 were created in the susceptible “Westar” cultivar and inoculated with L. maculans isolates containing different sets of AvrLm1 and AvrLm2 for comparative transcriptomic analysis. Through grouping the RNA-seq data based on different levels of defense response, we find LepR3 and Rlm2 orchestrate a hierarchically regulated gene expression network, consisting of induced ABA acting independently of the disease reaction, activation of signal transduction pathways with gradually increasing intensity from compatible to incompatible interaction, and specifically induced enzymatic and chemical actions contributing to hypersensitive response with recognition of AvrLm1 and AvrLm2. This study provides an unconventional investigation into LepR3 and Rlm2-mediated plant defense machinery and adds novel insight into the interaction between surface-localized receptor-like proteins (RLPs) and apoplastic fungal pathogens.

This study aims to examine the impact of gamified learning using Quizizz on English as a second language (ESL) learners' grammar achievement. The pre-/post-test control group design was applied to research 63 English-majored freshmen. 20 multiple-choice quizzes were designed based on grammar points included in the basic grammar course over a 10-week intervention period. There were 33 students from the experimental group doing the quizzes on Quizizz, while 30 participants from the control group did the same quizzes on paper. The findings indicate that although students from the two groups both improved their marks on the post-test compared to the pre-test, students from the treatment group got significantly higher scores than those from the control group on the achievement test. However, educators are supported to consider using this gamified learning platform as a supportive tool besides choosing the appropriate instructional content to optimize the quality of their teaching.

In this study, we present the fabrication of nitrile butadiene rubber/waste leather fiber (NBR/WLF) composites with different weight percentages of WLF and NBR (0/100, 20/80, 30/70, 40/60, 50/50, 60/40 wt/wt). WLF was prepared by cutting the scrap leathers from the waste product of the Vietnamese leather industry. Subsequently, in order to make the short fibers, it was mixed by a hammer mill. The characteristics of WLF/NBR composites such as mechanical properties (tensile strength, tear strength, hardness), dynamic mechanical properties, toluene absorption, and morphology were carefully evaluated. As a result, the tensile strength and tear strength become larger with increasing WLF content from 0 to 50 wt% and they decrease when further increasing WLF content. The highest tensile strength of 12.5 MPa and tear strength of 72.47 N/mm were achieved with the WLF/NBR ratio of 50/50 wt%. Both hardness and resistance of the developed materials with toluene increased with increasing WLF content. The SEM results showed a good adhesion of NBR matrix and the WLF. The increasing of storage modulus (E’) in comparison with raw NBR showed good compatibility between WLF and NBR matrix. This research showed that the recycled material from waste leather and NBR was successfully prepared and has great potential for manufacturing products such as floor covering courts and playgrounds, etc.

This study examined the expression patterns of antioxidative genes and the activity of the corresponding enzymes in the excess moisture-stressed seedlings of soybean in response to seed treatment with polyamines, spermine (Spm) and spermidine (Spd). At the 4 day after planting (DAP) stage, the excess moisture impaired the embryo axis growth, and this effect is associated with the downregulation of superoxide dismutase (GmSOD1) expression and SOD activity in the cotyledon. Seed treatment with Spm reversed the effects of excess moisture on embryo axis growth partly through enhancing glutathione reductase (GR) activity, in both the cotyledon and embryo axis, although no effect on the GmGR expression level was evident. Excess moisture inhibited the shoot and root growth in 7 DAP seedlings, and this is associated with decreased activities of GR in the shoot and SOD in the root. The effect of excess moisture on shoot and root growth was reversed by seed treatment with Spd, and this was mediated by the increased activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT) and GR in the shoot, and APX in the root, however, only GR in the shoot appears to be regulated transcriptionally. Root growth was also reversed by seed treatment with Spm with no positive effect on gene expression and enzyme activity.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is the precursor of flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide—essential cofactors for a wide variety of enzymes involving in numerous metabolic processes. In this study, a partial-length cDNA encoding bifunctional GTP cyclohydrolase II/3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone-4-phosphate synthase (LcRIBA), 2 full-length cDNAs encoding lumazine synthase (LcLS1 and LcLS2), and a full-length cDNA encoding riboflavin synthase (LcRS) were isolated from Lycium chinense, an important traditional medicinal plant. Sequence analyses showed that these genes exhibited high identities with their orthologous genes as well as having the same common features related to plant riboflavin biosynthetic genes. LcRIBA, like other plant RIBAs, contained a DHBPS region in its N terminus and a GCHII region in its C-terminal part. LcLSs and LcRS carried an N-terminal extension found in plant riboflavin biosynthetic genes unlike the orthologous microbial genes. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that 4 riboflavin biosynthetic genes were constitutively expressed in all organs examined of L. chinense plants with the highest expression levels found in the leaves or red fruits. LcRIBA, which catalyzes 2 initial reactions in riboflavin biosynthetic pathway, was the highest transcript in the leaves, and hence, the richest content of riboflavin was detected in this organ. Our study might provide the basis for investigating the contribution of riboflavin in diverse biological activities of L. chinense and may facilitate the metabolic engineering of vitamin B2 in crop plants.

To improve the production of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in hairy roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, we induced over-expression of Arabidopsis thaliana transcription factor production of anthocyanin pigment (AtPAP1) using an Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation system. Twelve hairy root lines showing over-expression of AtPAP1 were generated. In order to investigate the regulation of AtPAP1 on the activities of CGA biosynthetic genes, the expression levels of seven P. grandiflorum CGA biosynthetic genes were analyzed in the hairy root line that had the greatest accumulation of AtPAP1 transcript, OxPAP1-1. The introduction of AtPAP1 increased the mRNA levels of all examined CGA biosynthetic genes and resulted in a 900% up-regulation of CGA accumulation in OxPAP1-1 hairy roots relative to controls. This suggests that P. grandiflorum hairy roots that over-express the AtPAP1 gene are a potential alternative source of roots for the production of CGA.

Astragalus membranaceus is one of the most important traditional Korean and Chinese medicinal herbs because it contains triterpenoid saponins (astragaloside I, II, III, and IV), which have beneficial and pharmacological effects on health. In this study, we analyzed 10 mevalonate pathway genes that are involved in astragaloside biosynthesis using the Illumina/Solexa HiSeq2000 platform. We determined the expression levels of the 10 genes using quantitative real-time PCR, and analyzed the accumulation of astragalosides in different organs using high-performance liquid chromatography. Genes related to the mevalonate pathway were expressed in different levels in different organs. Almost all genes showed high transcript levels in the stem and leaf, with the lowest transcript levels being recorded in the root. In contrast, most astragalosides accumulated in the root. In particular, the astragaloside IV content was distributed in the following order: root (0.58 mg/g DW) > flower (0.27 mg/g DW) > stem (0.23 mg/g DW) > leaf (0.04 mg/g DW). In the root, astragaloside II exhibited the highest content (2.09 mg/g DW) compared to astragaloside I, III, and IV. Notably, gene expression did not follow the same pattern as astragaloside accumulation. We suggest carefully that astragalosides are synthesized in the leaves and stem and then translocated to the root. This study contributes towards improving our understanding of astragaloside biosynthesis in A. membranaceus.

Lycium chinense is a shrub that has health benefits and is used as a source of medicines in Asia. In this study, a full-length cDNA clone encoding β-ring carotene hydroxylase (LcCHXB) and partial-length cDNA clones encoding phytoene synthase (LcPSY), phytoene desaturase (LcPDS), ξ-carotene desaturase (LcZDS), lycopene β-cyclase (LcLCYB), lycopene ε-cyclase (LcLCYE), ε-ring carotene hydroxylase (LcCHXE), zeaxanthin epoxidase (LcZEP), carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (LcCCD1), and 9-cis epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (LcNCED) were identified in L. chinense. The transcripts were constitutively expressed at high levels in leaves, flowers and red fruits, where the carotenoids are mostly distributed. In contrast, most of the carotenoid biosynthetic genes were weakly expressed in the roots and stems, which contained only small amounts of carotenoids. The level of LcLCYE transcripts was very high in leaves and correlated with the abundance of lutein in this plant tissue. During maturation, the levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in L. chinense fruits dramatically increased, concomitant with a rise in the level of β-cryptoxanthin. LcPSY, LcPDS, LcZDS, LcLCYB, and LcCHXE were highly expressed in red fruits, leading to their substantially higher total carotenoid content compared to that in green fruits. Total carotenoid content was high in both the leaves and red fruits of L. chinense. Our findings on the biosynthesis of carotenoids in L. chinense provide insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in carotenoid biosynthesis and may facilitate the optimization of carotenoid production in L. chinense.

Full-length cDNAs encoding ξ-carotene desaturase (CmZDS), lycopene ε-cyclase (CmLCYE), β-ring carotene hydroxylase (CmCHXB), and zeaxanthin epoxidase (CmZEP), and partial-length cDNA encoding ε-ring carotene hydroxylase (CmCHXE) were isolated in Chamoe (Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa), an important commercial fruit. Sequence analyses revealed that these proteins share high identity and common features with other orthologous genes. Expression levels of entire genes involved in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway were investigated in the peel, pulp, and stalk of chamoe cultivars Ohbokggul and Gotgam. Most of the carotenoid biosynthetic genes were expressed at their highest levels in the stalk, whereas carotenoids were highly distributed in the peel. The expression levels of all carotenoid biosynthetic genes in fruits of the native cultivar Gotgam chamoe were higher than those in the cultivar Ohbokggul chamoe, consistent with the abundant carotenoid accumulation in Gotgam chamoe fruits and trace carotenoid content of Ohbokggul chamoe fruit. Lutein and β-carotene were the dominant carotenoids; high levels (278.05 μg g−1 and 112.02 μg g−1 dry weight, respectively) were found in the peel of Gotgam chamoe. Our findings may provide a foundation for elucidating the carotenoid biosynthetic mechanism in C. melo and inform strategies for developing new chamoe cultivars with improved characteristics.

This study investigates the difficulties in translation and factors influencing the translating process from foreign language students' perspectives at a private university. This work also aims to find out the reasons why foreign language students encounter the difficulties in the process and learn about the different ways in which students majoring in English translate a text into their first language of Vietnamese. Using the mixed method (quantitative and qualitative), the study analysis is based on descriptive statistics using SPSS programme and individual interview results. The results showed that salient findings emerged from the data concerning the relationships between four factors namely "lexis," "grammar," "culture," and "existing knowledge" under student's viewpoints. Those elements affected students hierarchically in their process of translation, in which lexis was the most difficult factor while grammar seemed to be less remarkable. Therefore, based on the findings, it is suggested to adjust, modify, and select appropriate translation materials in the curricula in higher education to well equip students with those elements to compete in the translation industry.

The study aims to examine the qualities of a good English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teacher perceived by English language teachers and EFL students at a Vietnamese university. The study also investigates how teachers and students perceived the qualities of a good EFL teacher and differences in teachers' and students' views on these qualities. Mixed-method research was employed under the participation of 22 teachers of English and 80 English-majored students. The study was based on the English Teacher Competency Framework (ETCF) by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET, 2008) in Vietnam. The results revealed that both teachers and students perceived knowledge of language teaching as the most considerable (M=4.28/5.0, SD=0.38). Although teachers' and students' perceptions had major similarities, there were some differences between their views from quantitative and qualitative findings. From the findings, it is suggested to provide a reference and standards for language teachers, teacher trainers, and policymakers regarding EFL teacher training programs in every educational institution.

Intercultural competence has played an extremely important role in an increasingly globalised world where people are likely to communicate with people from different cultural groups or countries which have been greatly shaped by various values, practices and perspectives. In Vietnam, whilst several scholars mainly focus on intercultural competence in the context of teaching and learning language, a few publications have been found in terms of assessing the level of intercultural competence among students in tertiary education. To fill this gap, this paper aims to give an insight into students' intercultural competence in public and private universities. A nineteen questionnaire was undertaken with 336 participants that include 175 students from private universities and 161 students from public universities. The findings show that students' intercultural competence in both types of school was not high although that from private schools was proved to be more outstanding regarding attitudes and skills.

This paper reports the electrolysis of aqueous methanol for hydrogen production in a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer with a novel porous flow field made of sintered spherical metal powder. Results show that the use of porous flow field has a significant improvement in hydrogen production performance compared to a conventional groove flow field. This could be attributed to an increase in effective electrode area by using the porous material which enables the flow field to supply reactant evenly to the electrode and removes products smoothly. Influences of the operating conditions such as methanol concentration and cell temperature on hydrogen production are also discussed.

Flavonols are the most abundant of all the flavonoids and play pivotal roles in a variety of plants. We isolated a cDNA clone encoding flavonol synthase from Scutellaria baicalensis (SbFLS). The SbFLS cDNA is 1011 bp long, encodes 336 amino acid residues, and belongs to a family of 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases. The overall structure of SbFLS is very similar to that of Arabidopsis thaliana anthocyanidin synthase (AtANS), with a β jelly-roll fold surrounded by tens of short and long α-helices. SbFLS was constitutively expressed in the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, with particularly high expression in the roots and flowers. SbFLS transcript levels in the roots were 376-, 70-, and 2.5-fold higher than in the leaves, stems, and flowers. The myricetin content was significantly higher than that of kaempferol and quercetin. Therefore, we suggest that SbFLS mediates flavonol formation in the different organs of S. baicalensis. Our study may contribute to the knowledge of the role of FLS in S. baicalensis.

This study investigated the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on metabolic profiles and rosmarinic acid (RA) biosynthesis in cell cultures of Agastache rugosa Kuntze. Transcript levels of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes, i.e., ArPAL, Ar4CL, and ArC4H, maximally increased 4.5-fold, 3.4-fold, and 3.5-fold, respectively, compared with the untreated controls, and the culture contained relatively high amounts of RA after exposure of cells to 50 µM MeJA. RA levels were 2.1-, 4.7-, and 3.9-fold higher after exposure to 10, 50, and 100 µM MeJA, respectively, than those in untreated controls. In addition, the transcript levels of genes attained maximum levels at different time points after the initial exposure. The transcript levels of ArC4H and Ar4CL were transiently induced by MeJA, and reached a maximum of up to 8-fold at 3 hr and 6 hr, respectively. The relationships between primary metabolites and phenolic acids in cell cultures of A. rugosa treated with MeJA were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. In total, 45 metabolites, including 41 primary metabolites and 4 phenolic acids, were identified from A. rugosa. Metabolite profiles were subjected to partial least square-discriminate analysis to evaluate the effects of MeJA. The results indicate that both phenolic acids and precursors for the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway, such as aromatic amino acids and shikimate, were induced as a response to MeJA treatment. Therefore, MeJA appears to have an important impact on RA accumulation, and the increased RA accumulation in the treated cells might be due to activation of the phenylpropanoid genes ArPAL, ArC4H, and Ar4CL.

This work investigates the influence of methylhexahydrophthalic anhydride (MHHPA) on the properties of phthalic anhydride-based unsaturated polyester resin (PA-based UPR) when PA is replaced by MHHPA with different PA/MHHPA mole ratios, ranging from 100/0 to 0/100. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) are used to study the chemical structure, curing process and mechanical properties of the resins, showing the successful incorporation of MHHPA into the structure of UPRs with superior properties, compare to PA-based UPRs. In particular, the addition of MHHPA significantly lowers the acidity by up to 28% and promotes the curing reaction, reducing the enthalpy of the reaction by 2.5 times, and shortens the curing time by up to 40%. This incorporation also increases the gel content up to 99.9%, thereby increasing the crosslinking between the polyester chains and improving the rigidity of UPRs. In addition, the glass-transition temperature of the polymer increases approximately 78%, which can improve the working temperature of the MHHPA-modified UPRs. The electrical properties of the resins containing MHHPA reveal better insulating performance in comparison with the PA-based UPR. These findings demonstrate great potentials of the MHHPAmodified UPRs for various applications, especially in outdoor environments. KEYWORDS methylhexahydrophthalic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, unsaturated polyester resins, 1 | INTRODUCTION Unsaturated polyester resins (UPRs) are generally linear polymers with ester bonds and unsaturated double bonds, which are generally formed by the condensation reaction of unsaturated diacids and [...]