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In the study, the two-color pyrometer technique was used to measure the transient temperature field of emulsion explosives with different contents of TiH2 powders. The experimental results showed that the introduction of TiH2 powders could significantly increase the explosion temperature and fireball duration of emulsion explosive. When emulsion explosives were ignited, the average explosion temperature of pure emulsion explosive continuously decreased while emulsion explosives added with TiH2 powders increased at first and then decreased. When the content of TiH2 powders was 6 mass%, the explosion average temperature reached its maximum value of 3095 K, increasing by 43.7% as compared with that of pure emulsion explosive. In addition, the results of air blast experiment and explosion heat test showed that the variation trends of shock wave parameters, explosion heat and theoretical explosion temperature of emulsion explosives with different contents of TiH2 powders were basically consistent with that of explosion temperature measured by the two-color pyrometer technique. In conclusion, the two-color pyrometer technique would be conducive to the formula design of emulsion explosive by understanding the explosion temperature characteristics.

Oxidative stress in organisms is a factor leading to a series of diseases including tumors and neurological disorders, while methionine sulfoxide reductases (Msrs) may provide an antioxidant and self-repair mechanism through redox cycles of methionine residues in proteins. Thus, it is important to understand the crucial role of Msrs in maintaining the redox homeostasis. However, it remains a great challenge for real-time and quantitative monitoring of Msrs in live systems due to the lack of appropriate sensing tools. Herein, a novel unimolecular platform integrating the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) dual mechanisms was successfully developed. By employing the highly specific Msrs-catalyzed reduction from the electron-withdrawing sulfoxide moiety in the probe to an electron-donating sulfide group, a synergistic ICT-FRET activation process was achieved, leading to a ratiometric fluorescence response toward Msrs with high selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy. Moreover, benefiting from the favorable features, including mitochondria-targeting, near-infrared two-photon excitation, low cytotoxicity, good stability, and biocompatibility, the probe was successfully used for monitoring mitochondrial Msrs levels in live-neurons, and a positively correlated up-regulation of endogenous Msrs levels under O

Stomatal regulation is critical for mangroves to survive water deficits and highly fluctuating ambient water availability in the hyper-saline intertidal zone. Despite the importance of stomatal regulation in mangroves very little is known about stomatal sensitivity to vapour pressure deficit (VPD), and the co-ordination of this trait with stomatal morphology and leaf hydraulic traits in these species.We measured the stomatal response to a step increase in vapour pressure deficit (VPD)in situ, stomatal anatomy, leaf hydraulic vulnerability and pressure-volume traits in nine true mangrove species of five families. We aimed to answer two questions: (1) Does stomatal morphology determine stomatal dynamics in response to a high VPD in mangroves and (2) do leaf hydraulic traits influence stomatal sensitivity to VPD in mangroves?We found that the stomata of mangrove plants highly sensitive to VPD, and that species with higher maximum stomatal conductance had slower stomatal responses to an increase in VPD, and that stomatal density and size were correlated with the speed of stomatal closure at high VPD across the closely-related species. We also found that a higher leaf capacitance (Cleaf) and more resistance to leaf hydraulic vulnerability were associated with slower stomatal responses to an increase in VPD.Our results demonstrate that the dynamics of the stomatal response to an increase in VPD are regulated by leaf hydraulic traits and stomatal morphology. Our work provides a quantitative framework to better understand stomatal regulation in mangroves in an environment with highly dynamic water availability.

Herein, we designed and developed a single two-photon ratiometric fluorescence probe (TMF2P) for selective and accurate determination of mitochondrial MAO-A in live neurons. It was discovered that the increases in MAO-A levels under oxidative stress resulted in an elevated influx of Ca

Small molecules that are capable of toggling between multiple and definite conformational states under external stimuli have great potential for use in molecular switches or sensors. However, currently developed regulation approaches for these switchable molecules mostly involve covalent bond-breaking/reforming processes, thereby inevitably producing byproducts or causing fatigue accumulation. Herein, we report a simple but successful model whose molecular conformation can be precisely manipulated between stretched and folded forms by employing host-guest interactions with rigid macrocycles, thus avoiding possible side reactions and fatigue accumulation and possessing excellent reversibility. Moreover, the conformation states of this molecule can be visualized and identified by luminous readout, endowing it with real-time self-reporting features. Furthermore, this controllable and reversible conformational conversion is accompanied by various valuable functions, including controllable multicolor emission; ratiometric fluorescent thermosensing with high temperature resolution, excellent reversibility, lock/unlock switching, and especially linear detection range tunability; and in addition real-time intracellular temperature sensing and imaging, disclosing the intriguing microscopic "conformation-function" relationship based on a single molecule.

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is an essential condition for ciliogenesis. The primary cilia protrude like antennae and act as chemical or mechanical sensory organelles that coordinate specific receptor localization and signal transduction. IFT20 is the smallest molecule in IFT complex B, which is located in both the cilia and the Golgi complex. Recent studies have shown that IFT20 is a key molecule in multiple signaling pathways. Importantly, in the function of IFT20, signal transduction is not restricted to cilia, but is also involved in non-ciliary functions. Here we summarize current knowledge regarding IFT20-mediated signaling pathways and their relationship with cell development and tissue homeostasis, and analyse the cilia-dependent and cilia-independent mechanisms of IFT20 coordinated signaling pathways and potential crosstalk between the mechanisms. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on IFT20 coordinates signaling mechanisms in cell development and tissue homeostasis.

The explosibility of unpremixed hydrogen/magnesium dust in a confined space was simulated and studied using a cubic explosion chamber. Typical influential factors, including hydrogen content in air, depth of magnesium layer, particle size distribution, ambient humidity, initial gas pressure and ignition position, on the explosion pressures of unpremixed hydrogen/magnesium dust in the first and secondary explosions were investigated. Experimental results showed that the biggest peak pressure values in the first and secondary explosions of the unpremixed hydrogen/magnesium dust were both obtained when the hydrogen content was 50%, and nitrogen participated the combustion of magnesium dust in the dust explosion. The effects of magnesium layer depth on the change trend of peak pressure in the first explosion was different from that in the secondary explosion for the unpremixed hydrogen/magnesium dust with a lean hydrogen concentration, and mean particle size of magnesium dust had a significant effect on the explosion pressure. Peak pressures in the first and secondary explosions both presented a trend of increasing at the early stage and then decreased with the increasing humidity or gas pressure, and the combustion mode of the unpremixed hydrogen/magnesium dust varied as the ignition position was changed.

Fine roots and leaves, the direct interfaces of plants with their external environment along the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum, are at the front line to ensure plant adaptation to their growing habitat. This study aimed to compare the vulnerability to water deficit of fine roots and leaves of woody species from karst and mangrove forests—two water-stressed habitats—against that of timber and ornamental woody species grown in a well-watered common garden. Thus, pressure–volume curves in both organs of 37 species (about 12 species from each habitat) were constructed. Fine roots wilted at a less negative water potential than leaves in 32 species and before branch xylem lost 50% of its hydraulic conductivity in the 17 species with available data on branch xylem embolism resistance. Thus, turgor loss in fine roots can act as a hydraulic fuse mechanism against water stress. Mangroves had higher leaf resistance against wilting and lower leaf-specific area than the karst and common garden plants. Their fine roots had high specific root lengths (SRL) and high capacitance to buffer water stress. Karst species had high leaf bulk modulus, low leaf capacitance, and delayed fine root wilting. This study showed the general contribution of fine roots to the protection of the whole plant against underground water stress. Our findings highlight the importance of water storage in the leaves and fine roots of mangrove species and high tolerance to water deficit in the leaves of mangrove species and the fine roots of some karst species.

Neurotransmitters are very important for neuron events and brain diseases. However, effective probes for analyzing specific neurotransmitters are currently lacking. Herein, we design and create a supramolecular fluorescent probe (

To explore the clinical manifestations, pathological features and treatment of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate (SCPCa).We reported 1 case of SCPCa treated in Jinan People's Hospital and analyzed the clinical data on another 57 cases reported in China.Of the total number of cases, 52 (91.2%) had urinary tract symptoms, including 40 cases of urinary tract obstruction symptoms and 53 (91.2%) had abnormal prostatic nodules on digital rectal examination, 17 (29.8%) with PSA4 μg/L. The clinical data on 43 (75.4%) of the cases were valuable for the assessment of clinical stages, including 30 cases with confirmed metastases and another 20 with lymph node and distant metastases. Thirty-seven of the cases (64.9%) were reported with immunohistochemical results, 30 (52.6%) with follow-up data (followed up for 1－24 months, with median survival time of 8 months, and a 1-year survival rate of 16.7%), and another 26 with therapeutic information, 14 treated by chemotherapy, with a median survival time of 11 months and a 1-year survival rate of 28.6%, significantly higher than in the non-chemotherapy groups (P0.01).Small cell carcinoma of the prostate is highly malignant with poor prognosis. Its clinical symptoms mainly include urinary tract obstruction, its definite diagnosis chiefly depends on histopathology and immunohistochemistry, and its treatment recommended is chemotherapy-based comprehensive protocol.

In this study, we firstly used alginate to enhance an electrokinetic technology to remediate soil contaminated with divalent heavy metals (Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+). The mechanisms of alginate-associated migration of metal ions in electric field were confirmed. Alginate resulted in a high electrical current during electrokinetic process, and soil conductivity also increased after remediation. Obvious changes in both electroosmotic flow and soil pH were observed. Moreover, these factors were affected by increasing alginate dosage. The highest Cu (95.82%) and Zn (97.33%) removal efficiencies were obtained by introducing 1 wt% alginate. Alginate can desorb Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions from soil by forming unstable gels, which could be dissociated through electrolysis. However, Pb2+ ions did not easily migrate out of the contaminated soil. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations show Pb2+ ions could form a more stable coordination sphere in metal complexes than Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions. The metal removal efficiency was decreased by increasing alginate dosage at a high level. More alginate could provide more carboxyl ligands for divalent metal ions to stabilize gels, which were difficult to dissociate by electrolysis. In summary, the results indicate it is potential for introducing alginate into an electrokinetic system to remediate Cu- and Zn- contaminated soil.

In this paper, for the phenomenon of self-excited oscillation caused by nonlinear factors in a large aircraft wheel brake control system, the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the pressure servo valve-controlled cylinder system (PSVCS) is studied,and the influence law of the key parameters on the nonlinear self-excitation behavior is obtained. On this basis, the stability of the PSVCS is analyzed both in time domain and frequency domain, and it is proved in principle that the PSVCS is a stable self-closed loop control system. Firstly, the nonlinear dynamics model of the PSVCS is established in this paper. Secondly, using the method of phase plane analysis, the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the PSVCS and the influence law of key parameters on the system are studied. Thirdly, the nonlinear system of the PSVCS is transformed into a segmented local linear system, and the stability of the prestage and the power stage are analyzed and studied respectively. Finally, through a performance test platform, which is used to simulate the load of PSVCS, the theoretical analysis results of this paper are verified experimentally under a variety of working conditions. The final experimental results show that both the nonlinear dynamic model established in this paper and the influence law of the key parameters obtained by the phase plane analysis on the nonlinear self-excited oscillation behavior are correct, and the relevant conclusions can provide a reference for the design of the braking system control system.

In the middle of March, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection a global pandemic. While China experienced a dramatic decline in daily growth rate of COVID-19, multiple importations of new cases from other countries and their related local infections caused a rapid rise. Between March 12 and April 15, we collected nasopharyngeal samples from 109 imported cases from 25 countries and 69 local cases in Guangzhou, China. In order to characterize the transmission patterns and genetic evolution of this virus among different populations, we sequenced the genome of SARS-CoV-2. The imported viral strains were assigned to lineages distributed in Europe (33.0%), America (17.4%), Africa (25.7%), or Southeast/West Asia (23.9%). Importantly, 10 imported cases from Africa formed two novel sub-lineages not identified in global tree previously. A detailed analysis showed that the imported viral strains from Philippines and Pakistan were closely related and within the same sub-lineage, whereas Ethiopia had varied lineages in the African phylogenetic tree. In spite of the diversity of imported SARS-CoV-2, 60 of 69 local infections could be traced back to two specific small lineages imported from Africa. A combined genetic and epidemiological analysis revealed a high-resolution transmission network of the imported SARS-CoV-2 in local communities, which might help inform the public health response and genomic surveillance in other cities and regions. Finally, we observed in-frame deletions on seven loci of SARS-CoV-2 genome, some of which were intra-host mutations, and they exhibited no enrichment on the S protein. Our findings provide new insight into the viral phylodynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and beta coronavirus.

Taking Lonicerae Japonicae Flos as an example, the method ofquot;expert consensus of different regionsquot; was used to screen the representative samples and evaluate their commodity grades. The correlation analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) ofquot;commodity grade-appearance characteristic-component contentquot; were carried out to reveal the scientificity of traditional commodity grade of Chinese medicinal material. By referring to the existing literature and the grade investigation from the sample collection regions, 78quot;initial gradequot; samples were screened out from 118 collected samples. Authoritative experts from four regions(n=4) including Linyi(Shangdong province), Bozhou(Anhui province), Anguo(Hebei province) and Beijing were organized to evaluate their commodity grades, separately. Based on the grade consistency rate(R_i≥70%), 69quot;local gradequot; samples were screened out from thequot;initial gradequot; samples. Based on the average grade consistency rate ■quot;authoritative gradequot; samples were screened out from thequot;local gradequot; samples, including15 first-grade samples, 9 second-grade samples, 11 third-grade samples and 17 fourth-grade samples. For thesequot;authoritative gradequot; samples, the main appea-rance characteristics were quantified and the contents of 13 components were determined by ultra performance liquid chromatography(UPLC). Furthermore, the total contents of 6 phenolic acids, 4 flavonoids and 3 iridoids were calculated, respectively. The results of correlation analysis showed that 4 appearance characteristics indices were correlated with the commodity grades: color, rate of yellow bars(including blooming flowers), rate of black heads(including black bars), and rate of stems and leaves(including bud debris). Five component content indices were correlated with the commodity grades: chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, sweroside, loganin and the total contents of six phenolic acids. Furthermore, chlorogenic acid, loganin and the total contents of six phenolic acids showed significantly negative correlation with the main appearance characteristics, indicating that the appearance characteristics of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos can reflect its internal quality, and these 3 indices can be used as quality markers(Q-markers). The results of hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the samples of four grades were classified into four categories, and the samples with the same grades and the same categories accounted for 80.8% of the total samples, while the samples with the different grades were obviously classified into different categories. The results of PLS-DA analysis showed that the samples of different grades showed obvious intragroup aggregation and intergroup dispersion. The above results indicated that it was feasible to evaluate the traditional commodity grade of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos by the method ofquot;expert consensus of different regionsquot;. For the evaluation of traditional commodity grade of Chinese medicinal material, the samples should be representative, expert conclusions should have enough consensuses, and grade determination should be authoritative. As the crystallization of clinical experience, traditional commodity grade can scientifically reflect the internal quality of Chinese medicinal material.

In this study, cobalt-doped and biochar-cocatalyst bismuth oxychloride (Co(Ⅱ)-BiOCl@biochar) photocatalysts were hydrothermally synthesized for the photodegradation of p-nitrophenol (PNP) and characterized via a series of analytical techniques. Results indicated that the addition of Co2+ and biochar to BiOCl resulted in 99.4% degradation of PNP in 90 min under vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) illumination. It was found that 5% doping of Co2+ and 30% loading of biochar significantly enhanced the photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared catalysts. After five cycles, the obtained hybrid catalysts still exhibited a good stability. Although the structure of BiOCl was not changed by the modification, the growth face changed from (0 0 1) to (1 1 0), which led to the narrow band gap, wide wavelength of the light source, effective separation of e-/h+ pairs, and high photocatalytic activity. The vast improvement was related to the formation of ·OH, h+, e−, ·O2−, and eaq−, which was confirmed by the radical-trapping experiments. Furthermore, a plausible mechanism for the photocatalysis of PNP over CO(Ⅱ)-BiOCl@biochar hybrid catalysts under VUV irradiation was also proposed.

Two new flavonol glycosides, limocitrin 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and limocitrin 3-O[2-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-6-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), together with eight known analogs (3-10), were isolated from the fruits of Evodia rutaecarpa. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses and chemical evidences. Meanwhile, Nrf2 inducing abilities of seven isolated compounds were evaluated, and compounds 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 exhibited moderate effect on Nrf2.

HPLC specific chromatograms of Poria were established, and the concentrations of 10 triterpenoids(16α-hydroxydehydrotrametenolic acid, poricoic acid B, dehydrotumulosic acid, poricoic acid A, polyporenic acid C, poricoic acid AM, 3-O-acetyl-16α-hydroxydehydrotrametenolic acid, dehydropachymic acid, pachymic acid, and dehydrotrametenolic acid) were simultaneously determined. Chromatographic analysis was conducted on a Welch Ultimate XB C_(18) column(4.6 mm × 250 mm,5 μm). Acetonitrile solution(contain 3% tetrahydrofuran)(A) and 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution(B) were used as the mobile phase with gradient elution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL·min~(-1). The column temperature was 30 ℃ and the injection volume was 20 μL. The experimental data were analyzed by the SPSS 22.0 and GraphPad Prism 7.0. The established triterpenoids fingerprints were specific, and the 10 components were well separated and showed good linearity(r≥0.999 6) within the concentration ranges tested. The mean recoveries were between 98.53%-103.8%(RSD 1.7%-2.7%). The method was specific and repeatable, and could be used for identification and quality evaluation of Poria. The results showed that the contents of 10 triterpenoids were positively correlated with each other. The contents of 10 triterpenoids of samples collected from producing areas were higher than that collected from markets. The total contents of 10 triterpenoids of samples collected from Hubei and Yunnan province were slightly higher than that from Anhui province, but the contents of samples from Anhui province were varied in smaller ranges.

Neutron capture therapy with Sulfur-33, similar to boron neutron capture therapy with Boron-10, is effective in treating some types of tumors including ocular melanoma. The key point in sulfur neutron capture therapy is whether the neutron beam flux and the resonance capture cross section of $$^{33}\hbox {S(n},\alpha )^{30}\hbox {Si}$$ reaction at 13.5 keV can achieve the requirements of radiotherapy. In this research, the authors investigated the production of 13.5 keV neutron production and moderation based on an accelerator neutron source. A lithium glass detector was used to measure the neutron flux produced via near threshold $$^{7}\hbox {Li(p,n)}^{7}\hbox {Be}$$ reaction using the time-of-flight method. Furthermore, the moderation effects of different kinds of materials were investigated using Monte Carlo simulation.

Qi-Wei Zhang Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jilin Medical University, Jilin, People’s Republic of China Purpose: The relationship of the matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) polymorphisms rs679620 and rs3025058 with ischemic stroke has received much attention. The aim of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis of published case–control studies to evaluate the cumulative evidence.Methods: We performed a search of ISI Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were appropriately derived from fixed-effects or random-effects models.Results: We identified seven eligible studies including 5,204 subjects. The pooled analysis showed that the MMP-3 rs679620 A allele carriers had increased risk of ischemic stroke compared with homozygotes for the G allele in Asians (AA + GA vs GG: OR =1.42, 95% CI: 1.05–1.91, P=0.022). Concerning the rs3025058 polymorphism, the results did not suggest an association between rs3025058 genotypes and ischemic stroke risk (5A5A + 6A5A vs 6A6A: OR =1.04, 95% CI: 0.73–1.47, P=0.844; 5A5A vs 6A5A + 6A6A: OR =1.14, 95% CI: 0.74–1.77, P=0.556; and 5A5A vs 6A6A: OR =1.11, 95% CI: 0.68–1.80, P=0.677). In subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no statistically significant associations were demonstrated for rs3025058 in Asians and Caucasians, respectively. There was no evidence for publication bias.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the rs679620 A allele carriers have increased risk of ischemic stroke in Asians, but there is no association between rs3025058 and ischemic stroke risk. Keywords: ischemic stroke, meta-analysis, MMP-3, polymorphism

A new flavonol glycoside, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-(2-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-glucopyranosyl-7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (1), along with eleven known compounds including five flavonol glycosides (2-6), one phenolic glycoside (7), two megastigmane glycosides (8 and 9), two triterpenoids (10 and 11) and one alditol (12), was isolated from the aerial parts of Euonymus fortunei. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence. Compounds 2-4, 7, 8, and 10-12 were evaluated their antimicrobial activities against Ureaplasma urealyticumin vitro, but all tested compounds have no useful activities against Ureaplasma urealyticum.

Circulating cooling water plays an important role in industrial water use. In this study, the corrosion inhibition effects of PBTCA, HEDP, and ATMP organic phosphorus inhibitors were investigated using the weight loss method by varying the dosage of inhibitors, ClO2 concentrations, and pH values on carbon steel in recirculating cooling water with a low concentration of ClO2 solution. The results showed that the three corrosion inhibitors had a satisfactory corrosion inhibition effect and that corrosion inhibition efficiency is positively correlated with the concentration of organic phosphorus inhibitors and pH. The average corrosion inhibition efficiency of the three inhibitors was about 80% at the concentration of inhibitors = 35 mg/L, pH = 9.0, and the concentration of ClO2 = 7.0 mg/L, of which the single-phosphorus molecular corrosion inhibitor proved to be the best inhibitor. When the ClO2 concentration was 7 mg/L, the corrosion inhibition efficiencies of the three corrosion inhibitors were relatively stable. Using the density functional theory (DFT) algorithm in the Gaussian 09 program, the optimization calculation was completed by the B3LYP/6-31G (d, p) method at the microlevel. The molecular structures of the three organic phosphorus inhibitors and the number of phosphorus-containing atoms were compared to the sustained-release properties. Organic phosphorus inhibitors, as an electronic buffer, not only provided electrons but also received electrons. They formed a complex with iron and zinc ions in water in order to attach to the surface of the carbon steel and to alleviate corrosion. In addition, the adsorption with a metal surface followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

Objective To determine the potential predictors of loss of response (LOR) to infliximab (IFX) maintenance therapy for adult patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Methods We searched for English-language articles published between 1990 and March 2017 in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. After identifying eligible studies, data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. The potential prognostic variables were identified and dichotomized for meta-analysis. Based on the heterogeneity among study variables, random-effects models was used in our meta-analysis. Results Twenty-six studies met our eligibility criteria and consolidated drug response data were obtained from 3212 patients. The pooled rate of LOR to IFX maintenance therapy with a median follow-up of 1.1 years was 34%. The incidence of LOR to IFX therapy was increased in CD patients with perianal lesions (odds ratio [OR] 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-2.75, P = 0.03), colon involvement (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.20-5.50, P = 0.02) and younger age at CD onset (standardized mean difference -0.79, 95% CI -1.41 to -0.18, P = 0.01). Conclusions The meta-analysis estimates the incidence of LOR among adult CD patients undergoing IFX therapy is 34%. The presence of perianal lesions, younger age at CD onset, and involvement of the colon are relative risk factors of LOR in CD patients received scheduled IFX maintenance therapy.

Fast neutron radiography (FNR) is an effective non-destructive testing technique. Due to the scattering effect and low detection efficiency, the detection limit of FNR under certain conditions cannot be determined. In order to obtain the minimum detectable thickness by FNR, we studied the contrast sensitivity of FNR lead samples, both theoretically and experimentally. We then clarified the relationship between pixel value and irradiation time, and sample materials and thickness. Our experiment, using a 4-cm-thick lead sample, verified our theoretical expression of FNR contrast sensitivity.

Two new compounds, (−)-(6aR,11aR)-4-methoxy-8,9-(methylenedioxy)pterocarpan 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and 5-hydroxy-7-methoxyisoflavone 4′-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(16)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), were isolated, together with 30 known compounds from the stems and leaves of Sophora flavescens Aition. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including HR-ESI-MS data. A preliminary comparison of phenolic metabolite profiles, based on the qualitative HPLC analysis, indicated that the composition of the roots and the aerial parts were significantly different.