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The supergiant Shuangjianzishan (SJS) Ag–Pb–Zn deposit, located in the southern Great Xing'an Range (SGXR), is the largest Ag deposit in China. The SJS deposit can be divided into two ore blocks: the Shuangjianzishan ore block and the Xinglongshan ore block. Given the importance of the Xinglongshan ore block in the SJS deposit, our work is focused on the Xinglongshan ore block. The vein orebodies in the Xionglongshan ore block mainly occur in the NW-, NNW-, and NNE-trending fault zones, and its mineralization is mainly related to a deep concealed syenogranite. Here, we present new geochronology, isotope geochemistry, and fluid inclusion data for the Xinglongshan ore block and provide additional insights into the metallogenic mechanism of the deposit. The dating results show that the syenogranite related to the mineralization formed at approximately 137 Ma, which is coherent with some previous age determinations in sulfides from the ore deposit. The mineralization of the Xinglongshan ore block can be divided into four stages: sphalerite–arsenopyrite–pyrite–chalcopyrite–quartz stage (stage I), sphalerite–galena–pyrite–silver-bearing mineral–quartz stage (stage II), sphalerite–galena–silver-bearing mineral–quartz–calcite stage (stage III), and weakly mineralized quartz–calcite stage (stage IV). Four types of fluid inclusions (FIs) have been identified within quartz and calcite veins: liquid-rich, gas-rich, pure-liquid, and pure-gas FIs. The homogenization temperatures in the four stages exhibit a gradual decrease, with stage I ranging from 253 to 302 °C, stage II from 203 to 268 °C, stage III from 184 to 222 °C, and stage IV from 153 to 198 °C, respectively. The salinity for stages I, II, III, and IV falls within the ranges of 3.4–6.6 wt% NaCl eqv., 2.6–7.2 wt% NaCl eqv., 2.9–7.0 wt% NaCl eqv., and 1.2–4.8 wt% NaCl eqv., respectively, indicative of a low-salinity ore-forming fluid. The δ18Owater and δD values of the ore-forming fluid span from −13.9‰ to 7.4‰ and −145‰ to −65‰, with δ13CV-PDB values between −11.0‰ and −7.9‰. These values suggest that the ore-forming fluid predominantly originated from a mixture of magmatic and meteoric water. The 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of sulfides range from 18.278 to 18.361, 15.530 to 15.634, and 38.107 to 38.448, respectively. These ratios imply that the ore-forming material was primarily derived from the Early Cretaceous granitic magma, which resulted from the mixing of depleted mantle- and crustal-derived magmas. The fluid mixing was the dominant mechanism for mineral precipitation. The Xinglongshan ore block belongs to a magmatic-hydrothermal vein-type deposit related to the Early Cretaceous syenogranite, and the Shuangjianzishan ore block belongs to an intermediate sulfidation epithermal deposit related to coeval subvolcanic rocks. The Ag–Pb–Zn mineralization at Shuangjianzishan is genetically related to the Early Cretaceous volcanic–intrusive complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new angiosperm is reported based on a leaf specimen from the Early Cretaceous Chijinpu Formation in Beishan area, Northwest China. The associated plants include abundant gymnosperms and ferns. The new angiosperm leaf, discovered for the first time in this region, has a cordate base and peltate excentric lamina attachment. Cluster analysis and morphological comparisons with other angiosperm leaves show that this specimen is more similar to peltate fossil leaves. However, the exact taxonomic position of this fossil leaf is uncertain due to limited characters, so that we established a new genus and species, Gansupeltata beishanensis gen. et sp. nov. The new finding adds to the diversity of early angiosperms, and further demonstrates that angiosperms have already evolved during the Early Cretaceous in the Beishan area, Northwest China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of 1.75 equiv of tBuNC with Ni(1,5-COD)2, followed by crystallization from benzene/pentane, resulted in the isolation of [Ni8(CNtBu)12][Cl] (2) in low yields. Similarly, the reaction of Ni(1,5-COD)2 with 0.6 equiv of [Ni(CNtBu)4], followed by addition of 0.08 equiv of I2, resulted in the formation of [Ni8(CNtBu)12][I] (3), which could be isolated in 52% yield after work-up. Both 2 and 3 adopt folded nanosheet structures in the solid state, characterized by two symmetry-related planar Ni4 arrays, six terminally bound tBuNC ligands, and six tBuNC ligands that adopt bridging coordination modes. The metrical parameters of the six bridging tBuNC ligands suggest that they have been reduced to their [tBuNC]2− form. In contrast to the nanosheet structures observed for 2 and 3, gas phase Ni8 is predicted to feature a compact bisdisphenoid ground state structure. The strikingly different structural outcomes reveal the profound structural changes that can occur upon addition of ligands to bare metal clusters. Ultimately, the characterization of 2 and 3 will enable more accurate structural predictions of ligand-protected nanoclusters in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the sesquiterpenoids in Curcuma longa L. and their activity related to anti-atherosclerosis. The chemical compounds of the rhizomes of C. longa were separated and purified by multiple chromatography techniques. Their structures were established by a variety of spectroscopic experiments. The absolute configurations were determined by comparing experimental and calculated NMR chemical shifts and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Their anti-inflammatory effects and inhibitory activity against macrophage-derived foam cell formation were evaluated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-injured RAW264.7 macrophages, respectively. This study resulted in the isolation of 10 bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids (1–10) from C. longa, including two pairs of new epimers (curbisabolanones A–D, 1–4). Compound 4 significantly inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, compound 4 showed inhibitory activity against macrophage-derived foam cell formation, which was represented by markedly reducing ox-LDL-induced intracellular lipid accumulation as well as total cholesterol (TC), free cholesterol (FC), and cholesterol ester (CE) contents in RAW264.7 cells. These findings suggest that bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids, one of the main types of components in C. longa, have the potential to alleviate the atherosclerosis process by preventing inflammation and inhibiting macrophage foaming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolite-caused taste variation during rambutan maturation is unknown due to a lack of systematic investigation of all components. In this study, three growing stages, including unripe (S1), half-ripe (S2), and full-ripe (S3) BY2 and BY7 rambutans were compared and profiled by UPLC–MS/MS-based widely targeted metabolomics analysis. We demonstrated that the sugar-acid ratios of two rambutans were greatly improved between the S2 and S3 stages. A total of 821 metabolites were identified, including 232, 205, 204, and 12 differential metabolites (DMs) in BY2-S1 vs. BY2-S2, BY2-S2 vs. BY2-S3, BY7-S1 vs. BY7-S2, and BY7-S2 vs. BY7-S3, respectively. A correlation analysis showed that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) could be the sugar-acid ratio biomarker of BY2 rambutan. Methionine (Met), alanine (Ala), and S-methyl-L-cysteine (SMC) could be total amino acid biomarkers of BY2 and BY7 rambutans. In addition, UPLC-MS/MS-based quantitative verification of the above biomarkers exhibited the same variations as metabolomics analysis. This study not only provides useful nutritive information on rambutans but also valuable metabolic data for rambutan breeding strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil remains of Dryopterites fern foliage were collected from the Lower Cretaceous Chijinbao Formation in the Zhongkouzi Basin, Beishan area, Northwest China. A new species, Dryopterites beishanensis Ren and Sun sp. nov., is described on the basis of gross morphological structure and details of reproductive characters. Fronds are tripinnate, the main rachis is broad, and pinnules are small, oval or long ovate, and attached at narrow angles to the rachis, with apices obtuse. Sporangia are rounded or rounded-reniform and borne on the lateral vein, with one to two pairs in number. Spores are suborbicular or oval and monolete, with laesura 28 to 41 µm long. The extine is not smooth. The new fossils represent the first record of Dryopterites from the Chijinbao Formation. Additionally, according to different fossil records, the genus Dryopterites most likely originated in East Asia in the Early Cretaceous (Hauterivian to Barremian age). The new fossil provides new evidence on concerning the origin of Dryopterites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies without effective targeted therapies. MUC1 has emerged as a potential common target for cancer therapy because it is overexpressed in a variety of different cancers including the majority of pancreatic cancer. However, there are still no approved monoclonal antibody drugs targeting MUC1 have been reported. Recently, we generated a humanized MUC1 antibody (HzMUC1) specific to the interaction region between MUC1-N and MUC1-C. In this study, we generated the antibody drug conjugate (ADC) by conjugating HzMUC1 with monomethyl auristatin (MMAE), and examined the efficacy of HzMUC1-MMAE against the MUC1-positive pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Western blot and immunoprecipitation were used to detect MUC1 in pancreatic cancer cells. MUC1 localization in pancreatic cancer cells was determined by confocal microscopy. HzMUC1 was conjugated with the monomethyl auristatin (MMAE), generating the HzMUC1-MMAE ADC. Colony formation assay and flow cytometry were used to assess the effects of the HzMUC1-MMAE cell viability, cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Capan-2 and CFPAC-1 xenograft model were used to test the efficacy of HzMUC1-MMAE against pancreatic cancer. Results: HzMUC1 antibody binds to MUC1 on the cell surface of pancreatic cancer cells. HzMUC1-MMAE significantly inhibited cell growth by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. Importantly, HzMUC1-MMAE significantly reduced the growth of pancreatic xenograft tumors by inhibiting cell proliferation and enhancing cell death. Conclusion: Our results indicate that HzMUC1-ADC is a promising novel targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer. HzMUC1-ADC should also be an effective drug for the treatment of different MUC1-positive cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies without effective targeted therapies. MUC1 has emerged as a potential common target for cancer therapy because it is overexpressed in a variety of different cancers including the majority of pancreatic cancer. However, there are still no approved monoclonal antibody drugs targeting MUC1 have been reported. Recently, we generated a humanized MUC1 antibody (HzMUC1) specific to the interaction region between MUC1-N and MUC1-C. In this study, we generated the antibody drug conjugate (ADC) by conjugating HzMUC1 with monomethyl auristatin (MMAE), and examined the efficacy of HzMUC1-MMAE against the MUC1-positive pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Western blot and immunoprecipitation were used to detect MUC1 in pancreatic cancer cells. MUC1 localization in pancreatic cancer cells was determined by confocal microscopy. HzMUC1 was conjugated with the monomethyl auristatin (MMAE), generating the HzMUC1-MMAE ADC. Colony formation assay and flow cytometry were used to assess the effects of the HzMUC1-MMAE cell viability, cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Capan-2 and CFPAC-1 xenograft model were used to test the efficacy of HzMUC1-MMAE against pancreatic cancer. Results: HzMUC1 antibody binds to MUC1 on the cell surface of pancreatic cancer cells. HzMUC1-MMAE significantly inhibited cell growth by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. Importantly, HzMUC1-MMAE significantly reduced the growth of pancreatic xenograft tumors by inhibiting cell proliferation and enhancing cell death. Conclusion: Our results indicate that HzMUC1-ADC is a promising novel targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer. HzMUC1-ADC should also be an effective drug for the treatment of different MUC1-positive cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetracyclines are one class of widely used antibiotics. Meanwhile, due to abuse and improper disposal, they are often detected in wastewater, which causes a series of environmental problems and poses a threat to human health and safety. As an efficient and environmentally friendly method, enzymatic catalysis has attracted much attention. In previous studies, we have designed an efficient peroxidase (F43Y/P88W/F138W Mb, termed YWW Mb) based on the protein scaffold of myoglobin (Mb), an O2 carrier, by modifying the heme active center and introducing two Trp residues. In this study, we further applied it to degrade the tetracycline antibiotics. Both UV-Vis and HPLC studies showed that the triple mutant YWW Mb was able to catalyze the degradation of tetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, and chlortetracycline effectively, with a degradation rate of ~100%, ~98%, ~94%, and ~90%, respectively, within 5 min by using H2O2 as an oxidant. These activities are much higher than those of wild-type Mb and other heme enzymes such as manganese peroxidase. As further analyzed by UPLC-ESI-MS, we identified multiple degradation products and thus proposed possible degradation mechanisms. In addition, the toxicity of the products was analyzed by using in vitro antibacterial experiments of E. coli. Therefore, this study indicates that the engineered heme enzyme has potential applications for environmental remediation by degradation of tetracycline antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brick masonry structures will suffer different degrees of damage in their long‐term service. The common damage modes involve compression and shear damage. The acoustic emission (AE) technology, including improved b‐value (Ib‐value), signal intensity analysis, and the k‐means clustering method, was carried out during uniaxial compression and shear experiments to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the damage state of the brick masonry. Results demonstrate that the shear damage exhibits a more obvious brittle failure characteristic compared with the uniaxial compression damage. The Ib‐value could reflect the damage evolution state of the brick masonry whether it is uniaxial or shear damage (i.e., every decrease in the Ib‐value is a manifestation of damage expansion). The boundary of HI‐Sr in the signal intensity analysis is proposed to differentiate the mild, moderate, and serious damage under uniaxial compressive, and the boundary is proposed to distinguish the mild and serious damage under shear. The appearance of the signal cluster with the highest ring count, energy, and duration implies the failure of the brick masonry under uniaxial compressive and shear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapidly rotating and highly magnetized remnant neutron star (NS; magnetar) could survive from a merger of double NSs and drive a powerful relativistic wind. The early interaction of this wind with the previous merger ejecta can lead to shock breakout (SBO) emission mainly in ultraviolet and soft X-ray bands, which provides an observational signature for the existence of the remnant magnetar. Here, we investigate the effect of an anisotropic structure of the merger ejecta on the SBO emission. It is found that the bolometric light curve of the SBO emission can be broadened, since the SBO can occur at different times for different directions. In more detail, the profile of the SBO light curve can be highly dependent on the ejecta structure and, thus, we can in principle use the SBO light curves to probe the structure of the merger ejecta in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A rapid UPLC-MS/MS method was optimized to detect 14 biogenic amines (BAs). • Daverine, histamine, tyramine, and putrescine were the dominant BAs in hairtail. • Vibrio could be the main BA-producing bacterium in deep-fried hairtail. • Deep-frying of hairtail was more recommended to inhibit BAs accumulation. Biogenic amines (BAs) produced by microbial decarboxylation of amino acids are crucial toxic nitrogenous compounds in fish. An optimized ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method with simple pretreatment was established to detect 14 BAs in both raw (control check, CK) and deep-fried (DF) hairtails. This method exhibited a good linear relationship with average recoveries of 73.3–120.0 % and relative standard deviations of 2.5–10.0 %, respectively. The total BAs in CK and DF hairtails decreased sharply to 338.2 and 25.3 mg/kg on the 9th day, respectively. Four BAs, including cadaverine (CAD), histamine (HIS), tyramine (TYR), and putrescine (PUT) accounted for 92.5–99.9 % of total BAs were selected as the dominant BAs. Bacterial analysis showed that the abundance of DF was relatively low. Further correlation analysis proved that Vibrio had a significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation with total BAs and could be the main BA-producing bacterium in DF hairtail. This work provides new evidence of the accumulation of BAs in refrigerated hairtail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the d-band center theory can well describe the interaction between gas molecules and transition metal surfaces, the detailed reaction process and specific adsorption conditions are unclear. Hence, in this work, we systematically studied the adsorption mechanism, adsorption conditions, and recovery time of NO and NO2 molecules on different transition metals (Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru, Tc, Mo, Nb, and Zr) surfaces by first-principles. The results indicated that the charge transfers from the dz2, dxz, and dyz orbitals of substrate atoms to the HOMOs/LUMOs of NO and NO2. Moreover, we demonstrate that the interaction orbitals between the NO/NO2 and the metal atoms excellently correspond with the match of energy level and parity, and the maximum overlap of the orbital wave function. Interestingly, the excellent linear scaling between charge transfer and the d-band center, work function, and matrix element (V2ad) of metals has been confirmed. Specifically, the different recovery times of these systems at different temperatures were explored. Our results can provide a feasible way for exploring gas-sensitive materials in the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important characteristic of tumor, acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) is closely related to immune escape, invasion, migration and drug resistance of tumor. The acidity of the TME mainly comes from the acidic products produced by the high level of tumor metabolism, such as lactic acid and carbon dioxide. pH regulators such as monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX), and Na+/H+ exchange 1 (NHE1) expel protons directly or indirectly from the tumor to maintain the pH balance of tumor cells and create an acidic TME. We review the functions of several pH regulators involved in the construction of acidic TME, the structure and structure-activity relationship of pH regulator inhibitors, and provide strategies for the development of small-molecule antitumor inhibitors based on these targets. [Display omitted] • Review of pH regulators related to tumor and their inhibitors. • Structure-activity relationship analysis. • The hypothesis of two interaction mode for MCT1 inhibitors. • Guide for future drug modification or drug design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al-air battery is a promising alternative to electrochemical storage systems because of their high energy density and low cost. However, the hydrogen evolution corrosion in alkaline electrolytes is a major obstacle before this technology can be commercially viable. In this paper, three polyelectrolytes as corrosion inhibitors for pure Al anodes in KOH electrolytes are investigated by electrochemical methods, hydrogen evolution rate (HER) tests, weight loss measurements, and surface characterization. The Attenuated Total internal Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and theoretical simulation results show that all the polyelectrolytes can be adsorbed on Al to form a protective barrier against the corrosive species. In particular, poly(allylamine) (PAH) exhibits the highest corrosion inhibition efficiency. Furthermore, galvanostatic discharge measurement reveals that the Al-air battery in PAH electrolyte exhibits the highest specific discharge capacity (1495.2 mA h g−1). Computational analysis shows that the inhibition performance depends on the frontier molecular orbital energy and adsorption energy. [Display omitted] • Polyelectrolytes are assessed as corrosion inhibitors for the Al-air battery. • The anticorrosion efficiency follows the order of PAH > PAA > PSS. • PAH would form the most compact protective layer in the near-surface region. • The adsoption energy rather than ΔE would determine the anti-corrosion efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus (CoV) 3‐chymotrypsin (C)‐like cysteine protease (3CLpro) is a target for anti‐CoV drug development and drug repurposing because along with papain‐like protease, it cleaves CoV‐encoded polyproteins (pp1a and pp1ab) into nonstructural proteins (nsps) for viral replication. However, the cleavage sites of 3CLpro and their relevant nsps remain unclear, which is the subject of this perspective. Here, we address the subject from three standpoints. First, we explore the inconsistency in the cleavage sites and relevant nsps across CoVs, and investigate the function of nsp11. Second, we consider the nsp16 mRNA overlapping of the spike protein mRNA, and analyze the effect of this overlapping on mRNA vaccines. Finally, we study nsp12, whose existence depends on ribosomal frameshifting, and investigate whether 3CLpro requires a large number of inhibitors to achieve full inhibition. This perspective helps us to clarify viral replication and is useful for developing anti‐CoV drugs with 3CLpro as a target in the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Manzhouli–Xin Barag right banner are located in the southwest of the Ergun Massif (NE China), the tectonic evolution of these areas are still controversial. In this study, a series of rocks comprising rhyolites (LA–ICP–MS U–Pb zircon ages of 206 ± 2 Ma and 195 ± 2 Ma), granodiorites (196 ± 1 Ma and 190 ± 1 Ma), and monzogranites (206 ± 5 Ma and 196 ± 1 Ma) are newly identified. Whole-rock major and trace element analyses show that these felsic rocks and granites belong to the metaluminous to peraluminous, high-K calc-alkaline series, and can be classified as I-type granites. The zircon in-situ Lu–Hf isotope analyses on rhyolite, granodiorite, and monzogranite, yielded the εHf(t) values that are ranging from of 9.7–12.1, and two-stage model age are in the range of 0.5 Ga to 0.6 Ga, εHf(t) values of 4.4–7.5, 0.8–1.0 Ga, εHf(t) values of 6.0–10.5, 0.6–0.9 Ga, respectively. The whole-rock Sr–Nd isotope analyses on rhyolite, granodiorite, and monzogranite, yielded lower initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (ISr) of 0.703374–0.703586, 0.704503–0.704577, 0.704936–0.704379, with medium εNd(t) values of 4.32–4.38, 1.54–2.96, − 0.68 to 2.73, respectively, suggesting that they are derived from the partial melting of a juvenile depleted lower crust. They all show enrichment in the large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, and K) and depletion in the high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti), indicating that they are generated in an Andean-type arc setting and are metasomatized by subduction-slab released fluids or melts with minor crustal contamination. Mainly three magmatic phases: ca. 283–225 Ma, ca. 225–166 Ma, and ca. 166 Ma–114 Ma are identified in the Ergun Massif, and above Late Triassic to Early Jurassic magmatic rocks are related to the second phase, which attribute to the Mongol–Okhotsk ocean southward subduction and lateral crustal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphopenia is commonly observed in SARS and COVID‐19 patients although the lymphocyte count is not always below 0.8 × 109/L in all the patients. It is suggested that lymphopenia serves as a useful predictor for prognosis in the patients. It is also hypothesized that lymphopenia is related to glucocorticoids and apoptosis. However, the ordering between lymphopenia and apoptosis appears different between SARS and COVID‐19 patients, ie, lymphopenia is prior to apoptosis in SARS patients whereas apoptosis is prior to lymphopenia in COVID‐19 patients. This paper attempts to figure out this contradiction through three players, lymphopenia, glucocorticoids, and apoptosis. Although the literature does not provide a solid explanation, the level of glucocorticoids could determine the ordering between lymphopenia and apoptosis because the administration of high doses of glucocorticoids could lead to lymphopenia whereas low doses of glucocorticoids could benefit patients. In the meantime, this paper raises several questions, which need to be answered in order to better understand the whole course of COVID‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural health monitoring represents an efficient way to diagnose the condition of cable-stayed bridges. Most studies assessing the condition of cable-stayed bridges and detecting damage to them have been developed to monitor the longitudinal performance of bridge bearings. However, few studies have aimed to detect the damage to tension pendulums, which are usually tie-down cables that resist girder uplift from auxiliary piers. This study aims to develop an effective method for detecting the damage of tension pendulums in cable-stayed bridges using structural modal frequencies. First, the sensitivity of the bridge frequency to tension pendulum damage is derived according to the Rayleigh method. Then, a finite-element simulation of a cable-stayed bridge is conducted to validate the rationality of the frequency index. Finally, a case study on tension pendulum damage is carried out for the cable-stayed Yonghe Bridge. The results indicate that the frequency change is far more sensitive to the damage of the tension pendulums than to the damage of the stay cables. The failure of tie-down cables will result in a substantial decrease in the bridge frequency, up to approximately 35% for the first vertical bending mode of the bridge. In practice, the damage of tension pendulums can be effectively detected by a sudden decrease in the measured frequency of cable-stayed bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Beidashan pluton formed at ca. 140–138 Ma and belongs to I-type granite. • The Beidashan pluton sourced from mantle-derived melt and the Xilinhot Group. • Crystal mush model is used to explain the genesis of the Beidashan granitic complex. • Reducibility, high F content, and fractionation are helpful for tin mineralization. The Beidashan pluton, consisting of quartz monzonite in the northeast and biotite granite in the southwest, is a representative granitic intrusion in the southern Great Xing'an Range. To investigate its petrogenesis and relationship with tin mineralization, whole-rock and accessory minerals (zircon and apatite) geochemical analyses were carried out. The quartz monzonite mainly belongs to high-K calc-alkaline strongly peraluminous granite, and the biotite granite is high-K calc-alkaline weakly peraluminous granite. Zircon U-Pb dating indicates a younger age for the biotite granite (138 Ma) than the quartz monzonite (140 Ma). The zircon Hf and apatite Nd isotopic compositions of the quartz monzonite (ε Hf (t) = 5.2 to 9.1 and ε Nd (t) = −1.1 to 1.3) and those of the biotite granite (ε Hf (t) = 5.6 to 8.0 and ε Nd (t) = −0.9 to 1.0) are indistinguishable, implying that they were derived from the same sources. Modeling results using apatite Nd isotope data show that they were from a mixing source of the Xilinhot Group and mantle-derived basaltic melt. Whole-rock and apatite trace elements reveal that the granitic magma mainly experienced fractional crystallization of amphibole, biotite, plagioclase, K-feldspar, apatite, and monazite from the quartz monzonite to the biotite granite. Mineralogical, whole-rock geochemical, and apatite trace element data indicate that the Beidashan pluton has an I-type granite affinity. A crystal mush model was proposed accounting for the composition gap between these two granites (e.g., SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , and Ba), in which the biotite granite represents the highly fractionated interstitial melt extracted from the crystal mush system whereas the quartz monzonite is the residual crystal mush consisting of the cumulate crystals and trapped interstitial melt. The melt was extracted when the crystallinity of the crystal mush reached about 33–37%, and the residual crystal mush trapped about 38–46% interstitial melt. Both Ce anomalies in zircon and Eu anomalies in apatite imply reducing conditions. The calculated values of oxygen fugacity for the Beidashan pluton range from −19.3 to −15.7, and most of them are lower than the fayalite-magnetite-quartz (FMQ) oxygen buffer. Apatite in the Beidashan pluton has high F (2.35–3.61%) and low Cl (0–0.41%) concentrations, which are similar to those of Sn-W deposits worldwide. The Sn contents of apatite increase from the quartz monzonite (mean 0.30 ppm) to the biotite granite (mean 1.09 ppm), suggesting that magma evolution is important for the enrichment of Sn in the melt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ranking of dissolution and diffusion abilities in liquid LBE: Fe > Cr > Al. • Significant differences in atomic distribution of Fe, Cr, and Al at SLI. • Greater ability of Bi atom penetration into FeCrAl alloy compared to Pb atom. • Thermal vibrational processes of Pb and Bi atoms exist in FeCrAl alloy. Lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) corrosion-resistant materials are crucial for the development of future fourth-generation nuclear reactors, and the dissolution and diffusion of material components are important processes in LBE corrosion-resistant materials. FeCrAl alloy is an important structural material for fourth-generation reactors, and it is essential to study its dissolution and diffusion processes in liquid LBE. Molecular dynamics simulations (MD) were used to investigate the mutual diffusion process between the FeCrAl alloy and liquid LBE. The dissolution and diffusion abilities of Fe, Cr, and Al atoms in liquid LBE were evaluated using mean-square displacement (MSD) and diffusion activation energy (DAE). Fe atoms exhibited the highest degree of diffusion, while Al atoms showed the lowest degree of diffusion, resulting in a distinct difference in the elemental distribution at the solid–liquid interface (SLI). There was a significant difference in the depth of penetration of Pb and Bi atoms into the FeCrAl alloy matrix, with Bi atoms penetrating deeper. Furthermore, there is a thermal vibration process during the invasion of Pb and Bi atoms into the FeCrAl alloy matrix, which promotes the invasion process of Pb and Bi atoms. In addition, an increase in temperature exacerbates the diffusion of Fe, Cr, and Al atoms in liquid LBE and the process of Pb and Bi atom invasion into the FeCrAl alloy matrix. Our research may contribute to the design of future nuclear-grade FeCrAl alloy and the development of next-generation reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2 encode four structural and accessory proteins (spike, envelope, membrane and nucleocapsid proteins) and two polyproteins (pp1a and pp1ab). The polyproteins are further cleaved by 3C‐like cysteine protease (3CLpro) and papain‐like protease (PLpro) into 16 nonstructural proteins (nsps). PLpro is released from nsp3 through autocleavage, and then it cleaves the sites between nsp1/2, between nsp2/3 and between nsp3/4 with recognition motif of LXGG, and the sites in the C‐terminus of ubiquitin and of protein interferon‐stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) with recognition motif of RLRGG. Alone or together with SARS unique domain (SUD), PLpro can stabilize an E3 ubiquitin ligase, the ring‐finger, and CHY zinc‐finger domain‐containing 1 (RCHY1), through domain interaction, and thus, promote RCHY1 to ubiquitinate its target proteins including p53. However, a dilemma appears in terms of PLpro roles. On the one hand, the ubiquitination of p53 is good for SARS‐CoV because the ubiquitinated p53 cannot inhibit SARS‐CoV replication. On the other hand, the ubiquitination of NF‐κB inhibitor (IκBα), TNF receptor‐associated factors (TRAFs), and stimulator of interferon gene (STING), and the ISGylation of targeted proteins are bad for SARS‐CoV because these ubiquitination and ISGylation initiate the innate immune response and antiviral state. This mini‐review analyzes the dilemma and provides a snapshot on how the viral PLpro smartly manages its roles to avoid its simultaneously contradictory actions, which could shed lights on possible strategies to deal with SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "masked" terminal Zn sulfide, [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][MeLZn(S)] (2) (MeL={(2,6‐iPr2C6H3)NC(Me)}2CH), was isolated via reaction of [MeLZnSCPh3] (1) with 2.3 equivalents of KC8 in THF, in the presence of 2.2.2‐cryptand, at −78 °C. Complex 2 reacts readily with PhCCH and N2O to form [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][MeLZn(SH)(CCPh)] (4) and [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][MeLZn(SNNO)] (5), respectively, displaying both Brønsted and Lewis basicity. In addition, the electronic structure of 2 was examined computationally and compared with the previously reported Ni congener, [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][tBuLNi(S)] (tBuL={(2,6‐iPr2C6H3)NC(tBu)}2CH). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "masked" terminal Zn sulfide, [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][MeLZn(S)] (2) (MeL={(2,6‐iPr2C6H3)NC(Me)}2CH), was isolated via reaction of [MeLZnSCPh3] (1) with 2.3 equivalents of KC8 in THF, in the presence of 2.2.2‐cryptand, at −78 °C. Complex 2 reacts readily with PhCCH and N2O to form [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][MeLZn(SH)(CCPh)] (4) and [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][MeLZn(SNNO)] (5), respectively, displaying both Brønsted and Lewis basicity. In addition, the electronic structure of 2 was examined computationally and compared with the previously reported Ni congener, [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][tBuLNi(S)] (tBuL={(2,6‐iPr2C6H3)NC(tBu)}2CH). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sliding bearings of a bridge are important sliding elements that accommodate the bridge movement caused by temperature action and vehicle/wind load. The sliding life of sliding bearings is determined by the wear of the sliding materials in the bearing. However, the wear of sliding bearings primarily results from a large amount of cumulative sliding displacement experienced by the sliding bearing, even if the movement of the bridge under the vehicle/wind load is far less than the allowable design displacement of the sliding bearing. In general, bearing displacement is monitored using displacement gauges with a low sampling frequency, which cannot accurately capture the relatively high‐frequency displacement component caused by vehicle/wind loads. For predicting the sliding life of sliding bearings, this paper provides a mode rotation angle superposition approach to estimate cumulative sliding displacement. The estimation approach incorporates the combination of the rotation angles of bridge ends and the modal parameters of bridges. The feasibility and advantage of the estimation approach are illustrated by a numerical example; then, the influence factors of the error are analysed. Finally, sliding life prediction of sliding bearings is applied to an actual bridge using the estimation approach of cumulative sliding displacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the vertical swelling pressure in disturbed expansive soil was evaluated under constant-volume hydration swelling tests. The volume change during inundation was observed under two conditions: constant vertical stress at inundation and constant volume. A swelling stress-strain relationship model of compacted expansive soil is established under a one-dimensional axial load, which is related to the properties of the soil and can be used to predict the swelling stress of compacted soil with high density or strain under a specific axial load. This study can help to predict the swelling stress and strain of compacted expansive rock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up till now, metals, conductive polymers and carbon materials have been widely applied in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. However, EMI shielding materials that are light-weight, flexible, ultra-thin, and mechanically robust are strongly needed for many civilian and military applications. In this study, a carbon nanotube (CNT)/polymer composite film of only 1-μm thick is prepared by continuous winding and deposition of a cylinder-like CNT assembly impregnated with a polymer solution. The in-situ impregnation leads to homogeneous mixing and strong tube-tube interfacial bonding. Further optimization of the CNT content and alignment to high levels endows the thin composite film with a high tensile strength of 1250 MPa as well as a high EMI shielding effectiveness of 30 dB in the frequency range from 1 GHz to 18 GHz. Such a combination of mechanical and shielding properties surpasses all previous observations, and thus provides a new strategy for developing novel shielding materials for wide applications. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic commerce has been becoming the new driver of the retail industry. The large-scale expansion of electronic commerce with additional packaging certainly increases stress on the environment. However, a comparative analysis of environmental impacts of electronic commerce and conventional retail trade channels is unavailable. In this study, an Average Package Difference Model (APDM) was developed to evaluate CO 2 emissions difference via the two retail channels in Shenzhen, China based on a life-cycle perspective. In the meanwhile, the national emission was estimated by the above results. Our results suggest that conventional retail has a higher environmental cost than that of electronic commerce, especially during shopping trips. Specifically, average CO 2 emission difference per package in terms of product returns, packaging, buildings and transportation were 0.14 ± 0.03, 0.84 ± 0.08, 0.67 ± 0.04, 1.3 ± 0.26 kg, respectively. CO 2 is mainly emitted from buildings and consumer trips in conventional retail trade, whereas packaging is mainly responsible for CO 2 emission in e-commerce. In China, the total CO 2 emission difference between conventional retail and electronic commerce was 124 million tons in 2016. Growth of the proportion of electronic commerce will contribute to lower CO 2 emissions induced by the entire retail industry. Actually, carbon emissions can be reduced in both conventional retail and electronic commerce, such as the reusable packaging, opening shopping centers in dense population zones and promoting the usage of public transportation. Unlabelled Image • City-level CO 2 emission from retail trade was estimated using average package unit. • Environmental cost of conventional retail is higher than that of electronic commerce. • Packaging is responsible for CO 2 emission in electronic commerce. • CO 2 is mainly emitted from buildings and consumer trips in conventional retail trade. • The CO 2 emission difference between the two channels in China was 124 Mt in 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the scaling relation of damage zone width with displacement of faults is important for predicting subsurface faulting mechanisms and fluid flow processes. The understanding of this scaling relationship is influenced by the accuracy of the methods and types of data utilized to investigate faults. In this study, seismic reflection data are used to investigate the throw and damage zone width of five strike-slip faults affecting Ordovician carbonates of the Tarim intracraton basin, NW China. The results indicate that fault slips with a throw less than 200 m had formed wide damage zones up to 3000 m in width. Also, damage zone width is found to have both a positive correlation and a power-law relation with throw of two orders of magnitude, with a ratio of these values varying in a range of 2–15. The relationship between throw and damage zone width is not a simple power-law and changes its slope from small to larger size faults. The results indicate that throw scales well with damage zone width for the studied faults, and hence these can be used to predict fault geometries in the Tarim Basin. The study of the wide carbonate damage zones presented here provides new insights into scaling of large-size faults, which involve multiple faulting stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Pt metal can act as a good NH 3 -sensitive material. • NH 3 molecules and noble metals excellently satisfy the specific adsorption rules. • Work functions of metal substrates correlate linearly with NH 3 charge transfers. Although the d -band center theory can efficiently describe the interaction between gas molecules and transition metal surfaces, the specific reaction process and detailed adsorption criteria remain unclear. Therefore, we systemically investigated the adsorption process and mechanism of Ammonia (NH 3) molecules on transition metal (i.e., Ag, Au, Pd and Pt) surfaces using first-principles calculations. Results indicate that the NH 3 molecule undergoes chemisorption on the Pt (1 1 1) surface with considerable charge transfer and adsorption energy, indicating that Pt metal is a promising NH 3 -sensitive material. Furthermore, the chemisorption primarily entails the highest-occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of NH 3 , and the metal atoms conform perfectly to the principles of energy-level matching, wave function matching, and maximal orbital wave function overlap. Notably, a linear relationship exists between the charge transfer of NH 3 and the work function of X-metal substrates. Our findings provide a feasible way to efficiently design NH 3 -sensitive materials for experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A completely new phase for one-component hard spheres is reported in an unexpected region of the phase diagram. The new phase is observed at compressibility factors intermediate between the solid and the metastable branches. It can be obtained from either Monte Carlo simulations alone or a combination of Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics calculations. An analysis of the intermediate scattering function data shows that the new phase is in a stable equilibrium. Radial distribution function data, configurational snapshots, bond order parameters, and translational order parameters obtained from molecular simulations indicate that the new phase is significantly different from the isotropic liquid, metastable, or crystalline phases traditionally observed in hard sphere systems. This result significantly changes our previous understanding of the behavior of hard spheres. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new polyketide derivatives, trichodermatides E (1) and F (2), are unprecedented examples of a polyketide with 6/6/6/6 tetracyclic skeleton, together with five known analogs koninginin B (3), koninginin D (4), 7-O-methylkoninginin D (5), koninginins E and F (6–7), were isolated from the plant endophytic fungus Trichoderma applanatum. The structures of these two compounds were determined by NMR data and HR-ESI-MS analysis. The putative biosynthesis of compounds 1–7 was presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of combined atlas fracture with type II (C1-type II) odontoid fractures and to outline a management strategy for it. Patients and Methods: Twenty three patients with C1-type II odontoid fractures were treated according to our management strategy. Nonoperative external immobilization in the form of cervical collar and halo vest was used in 13 patients with stable atlantoaxial joint. Surgical treatment was early performed in 10 patients whose fractures with traumatic transverse atlantal ligament disruption or atlantoaxial instability. The visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI) scale, and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale at each stage of followup were then collected and compared. Results: Compared to pretreatment, the VAS score, NDI score, and ASIA scale were improved among both groups at followup evaluation after treatment. However, in the nonsurgical group, one patient (1/11) developed nonunion which required surgical treatment in later stage and one patient (1/13) with halo vest immobilization had happened pin site infection. Two patients of the surgical group (2/11) had appeared minor complications: occipital cervical pain in one case and cerebrospinal fluid leakage in one case. Two patients (2/23) were excluded from nonsurgical treatment group because their followup period was less than 12 months. Twenty one patients were followed up regularly with an average of 23.9 months (range 15–45 months). Conclusions: We outlined our concluding management principle for the treatment of C1-type II odontoid fractures based on the nature of C1 fracture and atlantoaxial stability. The treatment principle can obtain satisfactory results for the management of C1-type II odontoid fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, N vacancy-doped g-C 3 N 4 /Ag 2 CO 3 heterojunction catalyst with outstanding photocatalytic N 2 fixation ability was synthesized via in-situ self-sacrificial method. XRD, UV–Vis, N 2 adsorption, XPS, PL, TPD and EPR are used to characterize the as-prepared catalysts. The results show that the charge transfer between V N -g-C 3 N 4 and Ag 2 CO 3 follows the " Z -scheme" mechanism. The atmosphere has a significant effect on the nitrogen photofixation performance of as-prepared catalyst using methanol as hole scavenger. Under the atmosphere of 50% O 2 and 50% N 2 , the as-prepared N vacancy-doped g-C 3 N 4 /Ag 2 CO 3 heterojunction catalyst displays the ammonium ion production rate of 11 mg·L−1·h−1·g cat −1, which is 2.4 times higher than that under pure nitrogen atmosphere. A "two-path" ammonia production mechanism is proposed in this work. A "two-path" photocatalytic N 2 fixation mechanism over as-prepared N vacancy-doped g-C 3 N 4 /Ag 2 CO 3 heterojunction catalyst is proposed in this reaction system. Unlabelled Image • N vacancy-doped g-C 3 N 4 /Ag 2 CO 3 was synthesized via in-situ self-sacrificial method. • The atmosphere has a significant effect on the nitrogen photofixation performance of as-prepared catalyst. • A "two-path" ammonia production mechanism is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We proposed a thought of active capture of particles by improving the interaction force between fibers and particles. Nanoparticle‐enhanced tubular nanofibers (Ag‐SPNTs) were prepared by template‐free cationic polymerization followed by surface modification. Ag‐SPNTs have coarse surface and bamboo‐like tubular structure with a diameter of approximately 80‐150 nm. Ag nanoparticles were embedded on the nanofibers surface, and the content of Ag nanoparticles in the nanofibers could be tuned by changing the concentration of [Ag(NH3)2]+ in the preparation process. f‐d curve measured by AFM showed that increasing the content of Ag nanoparticles in the nanofibers resulted in the enhanced interaction force between the nanofiber surface and particles. Particle matter capture test showed that the number of captured microscaled/naonoscaled particles on the fiber surface increased obviously for the nanoparticle‐enhanced tubular nanofibers (Ag‐SPNTs) compared to the nanofibers without nanoparticle (SPNTs), probably due to the increased interaction force and adhesion energy between fiber surface and particles. Filtration property test showed that the Ag‐SPNTs fiber films had a better filtration performance with a higher filter efficiency and QF value than that of SPNTs. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Many researches have brought progress in learning a good generative model by combing the advantages of GAN and VAE, where latent space learning is always important for generating high-quality images. But these existing works mainly seek to impose the latent space a given distribution in advance or to obey a Gaussian distribution with KL divergence penalty, which leads to the difficulties of deciding a suitable prior distribution corresponding to different datasets. Thus in this paper we develop a two-stage combining method of AE and GAN under unsupervised and supervised conditions respectively, each stage performed to improve the effect of modeling latent distribution. In the first stage, an adversarial procedure achieves to match the latent distribution with real data distribution determined by arbitrary dataset without having access to a pre-set prior distribution. In the second stage, besides one adversarial procedure trained for outputting images, the other adversarial procedure is designed to attain the goal of optimizing the latent distribution of the first stage via back-propagation. Therefore, loop optimization of the network parameters during training will at last allow the framework to map an input noise to a high quality image. Extensive experiments are conducted to verify the performance of representing latent space and generating images on different datasets including MNIST, fashion-MNIST, CIFAR-10, and CelebA. The code and tutorials already release at https://github.com/TwistedW/CAE-CGAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Four legume polysaccharides were extracted from mung bean (MBP), azuki bean (ABP), pea (PP) and cowpea (CPP) with obvious differences in molecular weight and monosaccharide composition. Their hypoglycemic activities in STZ-induced diabetic mice were compared by oral administration at the dose of 400 mg/kg·bw/d. The analysis of fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting serum insulin (FINS), serum lipids (including total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol), hepatic glycogen content and mice body weight showed that ABP and CPP possessed significant hypoglycemic activities. Histopathological observation confirmed the capability of ABP and CPP to intervene the damage in pancreas tissues. Results suggested that the hypoglycemic effects of the four kinds of legume polysaccharides were significantly different, which might due to their different chemical structures. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The molecular structure of four legume polysaccharides is different. • Polysaccharides from azuki bean and cowpea has hypoglycemic effect. • Polysaccharides from mung bean has little hypoglycemic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract High Mg diorites provide important insights into crust-mantle interaction during tectonic evolution of orogenic belt. An integrated study including zircon U-Pb dating, whole-rock geochemistry and isotopic compositions of Sr and Nd was carried out on high Mg diorites of the Wulong pluton located in the narrowest part of the South Qinling Belt. Crystallized ages of 218-210 Ma are obtained in combination with the published data. These rocks are characterized with relatively high MgO (2.76–7.17%), Cr (68.7-310 ppm) and Ni (21.3–76.3 ppm) contents. Most diorites exhibit high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios with negligible Eu anomaly. Isotopic compositions of whole-rock show enriched attributes (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.7050–0.7071, ε Nd (t) = −7.56 to −3.45). Geochemical models indicate that these rocks did not result from melting of subducted slab, magma mixing, fractional crystallization or melts derived from delaminated lower crust reacted with mantle. Instead, high Mg diorites were generated through basaltic melts derived from asthenosphere mantle assimilating crustal components with crystallized phase of garnet-bearing amphibolite (AFC). Together with regional geological setting of the South Qinling Belt, we propose that the parental magma of these high Mg diorites was probably originated from upwelled asthenosphere mantle at the base of thinned crust after delamination of thickened crust during Late Triassic. The continental crust of the South Qinling Belt was thickened as a result of collision with the Yangtze Block during Middle Triassic. Then eclogitized lower crust collapsed and foundered into asthenosphere mantle due to partial melting of thickened crust during Late Triassic. In response, the upwelling and underplating of asthenosphere mantle took place at the base of continental crust. Moreover, upwelling of hot mantle may provide the heat source for migmatites and initiate the doming of Foping area. Highlights • High Mg diorites of the Wulong pluton are formed at 218-210 Ma. • High Mg diorites are generated through AFC process at lower crust. • Parental magma of diorites originated from asthenosphere mantle. • Upwelling of asthenosphere mantle promotes the doming of Foping area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instrument-free chlorine dioxide (ClO 2) preservative for fruit and vegetable has gained great attention due to its convenience and safety. In this study, a series of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) with citric acid (CA) substituents were synthesized, characterized, and further used to prepare a novel ClO 2 slow-releasing preservative for longan. UV–Vis and FT-IR spectra revealed that CMC-CA#1–3 were successfully prepared. Further potentiometric titration showed that the mass ratios of CA grafted in CMC-CA#1–3 were 0.18:1, 0.42:1, and 0.42:1, respectively. The composition and concentration of ClO 2 slow-releasing preservative were optimized, and the best formulation was as follows: NaClO 2 :CMC-CA#2:Na 2 SO 4 :starch = 3:2:1:1. The maximum ClO 2 release time of this preservative reached >240 h at 5–25 °C, and the maximum release rate always occurred at 12–36 h. Longan treated with 0.15–1.2 g ClO 2 preservative had significantly (p < 0.05) higher L * and a * values but lower respiration rate and total microbial colony counts than the CK group (0 g ClO 2 preservative). After 17 days of storage, longan treated with 0.3 g ClO 2 preservative had the highest L * value of 47.47 and lowest respiration rate of 34.42 mg·kg−1·h−1, showing the best pericarp color and pulp quality. This study provided a safe, effective, and simple solution for longan preservation. • Carboxymethyl chitosan-citric acid complex (CMC-CA) was successfully synthesized. • CMC-CA showed better stability as H+ provider than citric acid. • A novel ClO 2 slow-releasing preservative was prepared and evaluated. • ClO 2 preservative improved shelf life of longan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orogenic petrological processes associated with the amalgamation of Rodinia (ca. 1 Ga) and Gondwana (ca. 550 Ma) reflect distinct tectonic dynamics that might have contributed to the contrasting geochemical and biological evolution following the orogenies. In this study, we explore these differences using the time sequence analysis of geochemical proxies in the detrital zircons sourced from the margin of East Gondwana. The zircon Eu anomalies are stronger during the formation of Gondwana than Rodinia, indicating a thicker Gondwana crust than Rodinia; the hinterland of Rodinia (∼35 km) is significantly thinner than its core Grenville Province (55–60 km). The Ce to U and Ti ratio, U/Yb, and ε Hf (t) proxies suggest that the Rodinia assembly was dominated by non-arc intraplate magmatism, consistent with widespread high-temperature magmatism and protracted granulite-facies metamorphism. The thin crust and accordingly, low-elevation terrain, possibly overriding an anomalously hot mantle, limited continental weathering flux, and primary productivity in the Mesoproterozoic oceans. By contrast, the orogenies leading to the assembly of Gondwana may have proceeded in a modern-style plate tectonic manner, resulting in rapid uplift at the Gondwana margin, where voluminous clastic sediments were subsequently recycled and contributed to the post-orogenic magmatism from ca. 500 Ma. This massive crustal reworking is reflected by negative ε Hf (t) values of zircons that contrast ε Hf (t) ∼ 0 in the Mesoproterozoic. The emergence of extensive mountains accelerated erosion and delivered key nutrients that might have fueled the rapid diversification of life forms in the late Precambrian and early Paleozoic. • Zircons record Rodinian within-plate and Gondwanan arc-dominant magmatism. • Gondwanan magmas were more evolved and reflected active plate tectonics. • Distinct tectonic regimes result in a thicker Gondwana margin than that of Rodinia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is currently the most common neurodegenerative disease. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a pivotal factor in AD pathogenesis. Recent research has demonstrated that plant miRNAs exert cross-kingdom regulation on the target genes in animals. Gastrodia elata (G. elata) is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine that has significant pharmacological activity against diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Our previous studies have indicated that G. elata-specific miRNA plays a cross-kingdom regulatory role for the NF-κB signaling pathway in mice. In this study, further bioinformatics analysis suggested that Gas-miR36-5p targets GSK-3β. Through western blot, RT-qPCR, and assessments of T-AOC, SOD, and MDA levels, Gas-miR36-5p demonstrated its neuroprotective effects in an AD cell model. Furthermore, Gas-miR36-5p was detected in the murine brain tissues. The results of the Morris water maze test and western blot analysis provided positive evidence for reversing the learning deficits and hyperphosphorylation of Tau in AD mice, elucidating significant neuroprotective effects in an AD model following G. elata RNA administration. Our research emphasizes Gas-miR36-5p as a novel G. elata-specific miRNA with neuroprotective properties in Alzheimer's disease by targeting GSK-3β. Consequently, our findings provide valuable insights into the cross-kingdom regulatory mechanisms underlying G. elata-specific miRNA, presenting a novel perspective for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aims Results Conclusion Based on our previous research on the specific miRNAs identified from Gastrodia elata, we selected Gas-miR2-3p to investigate its effects on neuroinflammation via in vitro and in vivo experiments.RT-qPCR analysis indicated that G. elata specific Gas-miR2-3p was detected in all murine tissues post-oral administration, suggesting their potential as orally bioavailable miRNA. The analysis of RT-qPCR, Western blotting and ELISA assays consistently demonstrate that the expression of inflammatory factors as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β was decreased and the expression levels of p-p65 and p-IκBα were downregulated after the action of Gas-miR2-3p in both cell and animal experiments.Gas-miR2-3p can attenuate neuroinflammation by regulating the inflammation factors and suppressing the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that G. elata miRNAs, as novel active components, perform a modulatory role in the NF-κB signaling pathway associated with neuroinflammation in a cross-species way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A metal‐free domino reaction was developed for efficient synthesis of 4,5‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐(NH)‐triazoles by sequentially coupling sulfur salts with aldehydes and sodium azide. In the presence of L‐proline, olefinic sulfur salt intermediates rather than epoxides are formed in situ via the coupling of sulfur salts with aldehydes and cyclize with azide ion. This process features mild conditions, high efficiency, commercially available starting materials, and wide substrate scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one‐pot mild and metal‐free procedure for efficient synthesis of 4,5‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐(NH)‐triazoles has been developed through the sequentially reaction of pyridinium salts with aldehydes and sodium azide. In the presence of L‐proline, a key intermediate, an olefinic pyridinium‐salt, is in situ generated via coupling of pyridinium salts with aldehydes and cyclizes with azide ion to form a triazole ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been widely investigated for its roles in learning and memory. The present study investigated the time-limited involvement of the caudal anterior cingulate cortex (cACC) of the mPFC in the retrieval process for a simple associative motor learning, trace eyeblink conditioning (tEBC), using a 75 dB or 100 dB tone as the conditioned stimulus (CS). The GABAA receptor agonist muscimol was injected into the cACC of guinea pigs at 1 day or 4 weeks after tEBC acquisition. When muscimol was administered 1 day after tEBC acquisition, the conditioned response (CR) of the 75 dB group was severely impaired, whereas the CR of the 100 dB group exhibited no significant change relative to the control. When muscimol was administered 4 weeks after tEBC acquisition, the CR was impaired in both the 75 dB and 100 dB groups. This study indicate that the cACC of the mPFC is necessary for recent retrieval of tEBC with a low-intensity CS but not of tEBC with a high-intensity CS, whereas for remote retrieval of tEBC, the cACC of the mPFC is essential regardless of whether the CS intensity is high or low. These results support a conditional role for the mPFC in modulating recent retrieval of tEBC and a persistent role for its involvement in remote retrieval of tEBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to explore the characteristic ions distinguishing different Barcelona stages in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) platform, and to evaluate their value in diagnosing and monitoring the progress of HCC. The serum was sampled from 20 healthy volunteers, 20 patients with HBV-induced cirrhosis and 75 patients with HBV-associated HCC of different BCLC stages. Samples were all examined using UPLC-MS. Principal components analysis (PCA) and the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model were constructed to determine potential biomarkers. Then, the independent sample-nonparametric test was used to perform the final screening for ion identification. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of these ions. Serum metabolomic PCA and OPLS-DA models were established to diagnose different BCLC stages of HCC associated with HBV, with OPLS-DA model parameters (R2X=67.2%, R2Y=82%, Q2Y=61.1%). A total of 20 metabolites with statistically significant differences among groups were identified, primarily including amino acids, bile acid, fatty acid and phosphatidate. The area under the curve (AUC) of LysoPC [18:2 (9Z,12Z)], LysoPC (P-16:0), asparaginyl-proline and vaccenic acid in the comparison between HCC and cirrhosis were all increased compared with that of AFP, indicating a more improved diagnosis ability. Furthermore, the AUC of L-aspartyl-4-phosphate and LysoPC [20:5 (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)] in the stage A vs. B comparison were increased compared with that of AFP, but were decreased in the comparison between stage B and C. The present study succeeded in screening metabolic ions that reflect the progress of HCC with high diagnostic value. Thus, the identified ions may serve a role in clinically diagnosing HBV-associated HCC and monitoring the development of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a highly efficient and green oxidant because it has the highest content of active oxygen (47% w/w) and produces only H2O as a by-product. In this work, nickel doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanofibers with outstanding photocatalytic H2O2 production ability are prepared. The characterization results demonstrate that Ni is not only present as the oxide but inserts at the interstitial position through coordinative Ni(i)–N bonds. These Ni(i)–N bonds can act as chemical adsorption sites to activate molecular O2. Moreover, as an “electron transfer bridge”, Ni(i)–N active sites promote electron transfer from the catalyst to the adsorbed O2 molecules. The as-prepared nickel-doped g-C3N4 displays a much higher H2O2 equilibrium concentration and formation rate than neat g-C3N4 prepared by calcination without post-treatment does, as well as excellent structural stability. Density functional theory simulations show that Ni(i)–N active sites can adsorb O2 molecules with high adsorption energy and elongate the O=O bond, leading to its activation. Charge density difference results confirm the electron transfer from the Ni+ doping sites to the O2 molecules. The Mulliken charge is −0.42 when O2 is adsorbed on the Ni+ doping site, indicating that the O2 molecule is enriched by a large number of electrons. This electron-rich environment is beneficial to the H+ attack to form H2O2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae are potential candidates for the production of valuable products, such as renewable biodiesel, health products and pigments. However, low biomass productivity has restricted their large-scale applications. In this study, the effects of two auxins (one natural type of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and the other synthetic type of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)) on the growth and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) production of a freshwater microalgae Scenedesmus sp. LX1 were investigated. Both auxins showed a “low dosage-promotion and high dosage-inhibition” effect on the growth and FAMEs accumulation. The optimum dosage of IAA and 2,4-D were 1 mg L −1 and 0.1 mg L −1 , respectively. Moreover, the IAA could increase the monounsaturated fatty acid content. The auxins may promote the growth by enhancing the photosynthetic activity through increasing chlorophyll contents. Therefore, auxin significantly enhanced microalgal growth and FAMEs accumulation, and has a potential for application in developing efficient microalgal cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reaction of the Th(IV) metallacycle [Th(CH2SiMe2NSiMe3)(NR2)2] (1; R = SiMe3), with Ph3P═CH2 affords the Th(IV) carbene [Th(CHPPh3)(NR2)3] (2) in good yield. In solution, complex 2 exists in equilibrium with complex 1 and free ylide, Ph3P═ CH2. The thermodynamic parameters of this equilibrium were probed using variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy, and these results are compared to those collected for the isostructural U(IV) complex [U(CHPPh3)(NR2)3]. X-ray diffraction studies, together with NMR spectroscopic data and DFT calculations, provide clear evidence for actinide-carbon multiple bonding in the title complex 2, which features the shortest Th-C distance measured thus far. This interaction is best characterized as a strongly polarized σ(Th-C) bond augmented by a three-center two-electron π(Th-C-P)-type interaction. In addition, 13C NMR chemical shifts of carbon atoms bonded to the thorium center were identified as quantitative measures of the An-C bond covalency for a series of structurally related Th carbenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid electric vehicles are widely accepted as a promising short to mid-term technical solution due to noticeably improved efficiency and lower emissions at competitive costs. In recent years, various hybrid powertrain systems were proposed and implemented based on different types of conventional transmission. Power-split system, including Toyota Hybrid System and Ford Hybrid System, are well-known examples. However, their relatively low torque capacity, and the drive of alternative and more advanced designs encouraged other innovative hybrid system designs. In this work, a new type of hybrid powertrain system based hybridized automated manual transmission (HAMT) is proposed. By using the concept of torque gap filler (TGF), this new hybrid powertrain type has the potential to overcome issue of torque gap during gearshift. The HAMT design (patent pending) is described in details, from gear layout and design of gear ratios (EV mode and HEV mode) to torque paths at different gears. As an analytical tool, mutli-body model of vehicle equipped with this HAMT was built to analyze powertrain dynamics at various steady and transient modes. A gearshift was decomposed and analyzed based basic modes. Furthermore, a Simulink-SimDriveline hybrid vehicle model was built for the new transmission, driveline and vehicle modular. Control strategy has also been built to harmonically coordinate different powertrain components to realize TGF function. A vehicle launch simulation test has been completed under 30% of accelerator pedal position to reveal details during gearshift. Simulation results showed that this HAMT can eliminate most torque gap that has been persistent issue of traditional AMT, improving both drivability and performance. This work demonstrated a new type of transmission that features high torque capacity, high efficiency and improved drivability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]