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• The precise orbit data of the re-entry objects SZ-10 MODULE and TIANGONG 1 are adopted to retrieve the thermospheric mass densities below 200 km altitude. • The energy balance method is introduced and improved to the retrieval of the thermospheric mass densities below 200 km altitude. • The retrieved densities and their ratios with the NRLMSISE-00 empirical model are analyzed in terms of latitude and local time. Atmospheric mass densities in the lower thermosphere below 200 km have not been adequately determined, but they are crucial for re-entry prediction of space objects. In this paper, based on precise orbit data of the re-entry objects SZ-10 MODULE and TIANGONG 1 (COSPAR identifiers 2013-029H and 2011-053A, respectively; NORAD catalog numbers 39193 and 37820, respectively), the semi-major axis decay numerical method and the improved energy balance method are adopted to retrieve thermospheric mass densities below 200 km altitude, and a total of 7044 and 4698 points of valid densities data with one-minute temporal resolution are obtained, respectively. Then the retrieved densities after preprocessing are compared with the NRLMSISE-00 empirical model of the atmosphere. It shows that there is an excellent consistency between these two methods with the Pearson correlation coefficients around 1.00, the retrieved densities of which are also in good agreement with the model with the Pearson correlation coefficients above 0.97 (their systematic biases are about 1.1 % and 4.5 % with standard deviations of about 14 % and 20 % for these two objects respectively), but the retrieved densities of the semi-major axis decay numerical method have a smaller systematic bias from the model than the results of the improved energy balance method which is computationally more efficient. In addition, the corresponding retrieved densities and their ratios to the model are further analyzed in terms of latitude and local solar time, and the retrieved densities of these two methods are also in good consistency within about 97 %. The maximum mean deviations from the model in both dimensions reach about 12 %. It reveals the variations of the thermospheric mass densities below 200 km altitude with latitude and local solar time due to solar activity. Additionally, it also indicates that the NRLMSISE-00 model underestimates the thermospheric densities at high solar activity and overestimates the densities at low solar activity, as compared to the retrieved densities that are regarded as true values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gratitude has recently received increasing scholarly attention as a moral value and virtue important for individual and social functioning and therefore worth cultivating in schools. However, previous research has often been based on experiences in western societies, while moral values and moral cultivation are understood in different ways across cultural contexts. This exploratory qualitative study examines teachers’ conceptions of gratitude and their experiences of cultivating gratitude in schools in mainland China. Based on semi-structured interviews, the findings highlight Chinese teachers’ culturally distinctive conceptions of gratitude and its cultivation, namely its role in developing relationships and maintaining social harmony, and the importance of acts of reciprocity. This empirical study develops a more substantive cross-cultural understanding of the nature of gratitude and practices of moral cultivation in schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on semi-structured interviews with Tibetan teachers in Qinghai Province in Northwest China, this article explores how the teachers, who hold subject positions as pedagogical professionals and local intellectual elites, understand the value and implications of education for Tibetan people, and how they navigate their profession in the local education system. Findings show that the teachers demonstrate strong professional commitments towards the development of Tibetan society, which embodies an entanglement of knowledge and skills acquisition, Tibetan cultural and language preservation, and selective transformation of value and behaviourial orientations among students as well as parents. Firstly, the teachers are committed to students’ acquisition of school knowledge and skills which they believe would lead to better socio-economic outcomes for individuals and their families. Secondly, the teachers, especially the Tibetan language teachers, elaborated on the importance of education and their professional roles in transmitting Tibetan culture and language. Finally, the teachers attempt to make students motivated and competent to cope with rising educational and social competition, and make parents more supportive of and involved in school education. These findings show that the Tibetan teachers play crucial roles in the socio-economic and cultural transformations and development of Tibetan society in China, and shed light on their active engagement with modernisation discourses and projects. The paper also contributes to domestic and international scholarly discussions on teachers’ work and professional roles, education for ethnic minorities, education in developing contexts, and ethnic minorities’ engagement with modernisation (or similar processes such as globalisation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the increasingly complex and uncertain decision-making circumstances, interest groups and individuals will deliberately set attributes weight to manipulate the expected ranking of alternatives in order to achieve their benefits. However, it is not easy to change the ranking of alternatives, a certain compensation cost should be paid by decision makers. In previous studies, most scholars only considered the existence of unit compensation cost but ignored the uncertainty of compensation cost, which increased the risk of decision-making. In order to address the research gap, we construct two kinds of uncertainty sets in this work to describe the uncertainty of unit compensation cost more accurately. In addition, a robust strategic weight manipulation model is proposed with the presence of unit compensation cost uncertainty based on the robust optimization method to reduce the risk of the model. Furthermore, the proposed robust optimization model is applied to a numerical simulation of environmental assessment. The results show the applicability of the proposed method. Through comparison analysis and sensitivity analysis, we state that the proposed robust model is more scientific and effective than original model. Finally, some interesting conclusions and future research directions are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen fugacity controls the behaviour of multivalent elements and compositions of C-O-H fluids in Earth's mantle, which further affects the cycling of materials between the deep interior and surface of Earth. The redox state of the mantle lithosphere of typical stable cratons has been well documented, but how oxygen fugacity had varied during craton destruction remains unclear. This study estimates the oxygen fugacity of peridotite xenoliths entrained in Mesozoic and Cenozoic basalts on North China Craton (NCC), a typical destroyed craton. The oxygen fugacity vs. Mg# of olivine reveals that the mantle lithosphere beneath the NCC experienced three stages of evolution in terms of oxygen fugacity. First, the refractory and oxidized peridotite xenoliths indicate that the lithospheric mantle experienced a high degree of melt extraction and later long-term and complicated metasomatism before craton destruction. Then, the variations of olivine Mg-number in peridotites and oxygen fugacity reveal significant metasomatism by melts originated from the shallow asthenosphere during the destruction of the NCC since the Mesozoic. The third stage may have occurred when mantle peridotites interacted with silica-undersaturated melts or fluids stemmed from the mantle transition zone where the stagnant Pacific slab underlies. This study further verifies that the asthenospheric convection induced by the roll-back of the subducted paleo-Pacific slab played a crucial role in the destruction of the NCC and helps understand the oxygen fugacity variability during the later life of the craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online reviews provide a lot of information for analyzing consumers' satisfaction with products. However, traditional methods analyze overall online reviews, which not only wastes human and material resources, but also produces data analysis deviation. Meanwhile, traditional methods cannot accurately mine the novel features of products after software update. Therefore, a new data-driven method is proposed to overcome the shortcomings of the traditional method. We screen helpful reviews through information entropy to get the product features that customers really care about. We also utilize the uncertainty of information entropy to find the product features that customers follow with interest. Then we obtain the ranking of customer satisfaction with products by weighted sentiment analysis of product features. A case of medical APP is used to verify the availability and effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that using 56.72% of the original data, 92% of the consistent results can be achieved, and 8% of the novel features can be discovered. Our research method can also be applied to environmental science and other fields. Finally, some interesting conclusions and future research directions are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first B-ring-naphthalene-substituted flavonol-based ratiometric fluorescent cysteine (Cys) probe NCA (2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl acrylate) was developed, which also acts as a precursor of the photoCORM. NCA enables fast (20 s), highly selective and sensitive (limit of detection: 23 nM) detection and visualization of exogenous and endogenous Cys in live HeLa cells and zebrafish. The fluorophore HNC (3-hydroxy-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one), driven and quantitatively produced by the Cys sensing reaction, was designed as a photoCORM. By controlling the light illumination intensity or duration or photoCORM dosage, HNC can supply accurate and quantitatively controlled linear CO gas in an aerobic environment. The location and CO releasing procedure of HNC can be monitored in real time by its own fluorescence. NCA and all its reaction products are biocompatible. Our study presents the first B-ring-naphthalene-substituted flavonol-based ratiometric fluorescent probe to efficiently detect and image exogenous and endogenous Cys both in vitro and in vivo, which also acts as a Cys-driven and visible-light triggerable photoCORM precursor, for linear CO delivery in an aerobic environment. This study not only has promising applications in Cys sensing, imaging and spatiotemporal control of CO liberation in live systems, but will also contribute to the development of handy molecular tools for CO gas therapy and clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first water-soluble B-ring-indole-substituted flavonol-based cysteine (Cys) fluorescent probe, MICA (2-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl-acrylate), was developed, which simultaneously serves as a precursor of photoCORM. In PBS buffer (only 15% DMF), MICA can perform rapid (330 s), highly chemoselective (particularly for homocysteine and glutathione) and sensitive (limit of detection: 92 nM) sensing and visualization of exogenous and endogenous Cys in live HeLa cells and zebrafish over a wide linear concentration range (0–12 μM/2.4 equiv.). The fluorophore HMIC (3-hydroxy-2-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one), actuated and quantitatively generated via the sensing reaction of the precursor MICA with Cys, was designed as a photoCORM. By modulating the light illumination intensity or illumination duration or photoCORM dosage, HMIC can provide precisely controlled quantitative and linear CO gas by visible light illumination in aerobic environments. For live HeLa cells, MICA and all reaction products showed low toxicity (over 85% cell viability versus 10 μM analyst) and efficient cellular uptake. In live HeLa cells and zebrafish, both exogenous and endogenous Cys can be visualized by MICA, and the location and CO liberation process of the generated HMIC can be tracked in real time through its fluorescence. Substitution of the B-ring of 3-hydroxy-flavone (3-FL) by indole results in a 52 nm absorption red-shift vs.3-FL. Our work is the first water-soluble B-ring-indole-substituted flavonol-based fluorescent probe that efficaciously detects and visualizes exogenous and endogenous Cys both in vitro and in vivo, simultaneously serving as a precursor of photoCORM, actuated by Cys and triggered by visible light, releasing linear CO in aerobic environments. This work not only provides promising applications for the detection and visualization of exogenous and endogenous Cys, and spatiotemporally controllable CO liberation in live systems, but will also facilitate the development of handy molecular tools for clinical diagnosis and CO gas therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Normative data on the growth and development of the upper airway across the sexes is needed for the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired respiratory anomalies and to gain insight on developmental changes in speech acoustics and disorders with craniofacial anomalies. Methods: The growth of the upper airway in children ages birth to 5 years, as compared to adults, was quantified using an imaging database with computed tomography studies from typically developing individuals. Methodological criteria for scan inclusion and airway measurements included: head position, histogram-based airway segmentation, anatomic landmark placement, and development of a semi-automatic centerline for data extraction. A comprehensive set of 2D and 3D supra- and sub-glottal measurements from the choanae to tracheal opening were obtained including: naso-oro-laryngo-pharynx subregion volume and length, each subregion's superior and inferior cross-sectional-area, and antero-posterior and transverse/width distances. Results: Growth of the upper airway during the first 5 years of life was more pronounced in the vertical and transverse/lateral dimensions than in the antero-posterior dimension. By age 5 years, females have larger pharyngeal measurement than males. Prepubertal sex-differences were identified in the subglottal region. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the importance of studying the growth of the upper airway in 3D. As the lumen length increases, its shape changes, becoming increasingly elliptical during the first 5 years of life. This study also emphasizes the importance of methodological considerations for both image acquisition and data extraction, as well as the use of consistent anatomic structures in defining pharyngeal regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to use a derivative of genetic programming to predict the bond strength of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars in concrete under the effects of design guidelines. In developing bond strength prediction models, this paper prioritized simplicity and meaningfulness over extreme accuracy. Design/methodology/approach: Assessing the bond strength of GFRP bars in concrete is a critical issue in designing and building reinforced concrete structures. Findings: Ultimately, the equation of a linear form of a particular design guideline was suggested as the optimal prediction model. Improvements to the current design guidelines suggested by this model include setting a 1.31 magnification and considering the effects of the three significant parameters of bar diameter (db), minimum cover-to-bar diameter (C/db) and development length to bar diameter (l/db) under an acceptable root mean square error accuracy of around 2 MPa. Furthermore, the model suggests that the original influence parameter of concrete compressive strength (fc) may be removed from bond strength calculations. Originality/value: The model suggests that the original influence parameter of concrete compressive strength (fc) may be removed from bond strength calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum communication channels suffer from various noises, which are mathematically modeled by error super-operators. To combat these errors, it is necessary to design recovery super-operators. We aim to construct the optimal recovery that maximizes the minimum fidelity through the noisy channel. It is typically a MAX–MIN problem, out of the scope of convex optimization. Compared to existing methods, our method is exact and complete by a reduction to quantifier elimination over real closed fields in a fragment of two alternative quantifier blocks. Finally, the complexity is shown to be in EXP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantar pressure refers to the interfacial contact pressure between the foot and the supporting surface during daily locomotor activities. Information derived from plantar pressure measures is essential in gait and posture research for diagnosing patho-mechanics associated with the musculoskeletal diseases. In particular, it is compulsory to reduce the abnormally high plantar pressure in people with diabetes for the prevention and treatment of foot ulcerations in this population. In this study, a portable biofeedback-based gait training device is developed to advocate able-bodied subjects to adopt different movement patterns in walking to manipulate the plantar pressure distribution under the foot. Through the simultaneous detection of the plantar pressure pattern and the kinematics of the lower extremity joints, it was revealed that the unloading effects for the plantar site in particular to the lateral forefoot subareas were more abundant through biofeedback-assisted gait alterations than the self-awareness control for gait adjustment. In addition, the corresponding relationship between joint coordination and pressure redistribution pattern was obtained, which could potentially be used in gait retraining interventions to correct abnormal plantar pressure patterns in people with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinopyroxene megacrysts in volcanic rocks can provide substantial information on the evolution of the magmatic system at depth. Although considerable attention has been paid to these crystals, their origin is not yet completely resolved. The clinopyroxene megacrysts worldwide can be divided into two major types in general: the green Cr-diopside type and the black Al-augite type. There is a consensus view that the Cr-diopside megacrysts are mantle xenocrysts, whereas two contrasting opinions exist regarding the origin of the black Al-augite megacrysts. One favours a cognate origin, viewing them as crystallization products of the host magmas under high-pressure; while the other argues that they are xenocrysts crystallized from previous alkali basalts or fragments of mantle peridotites, pyroxenites or pegmatite veins. A review study on the clinopyroxene megacrysts in Meso-Cenozoic volcanic rocks from the North China Craton (NCC) and their comparison with those worldwide provides new constraints on their origin, namely, the Cr-diopside megacrysts, as previously thought, are all xenocrysts, representing disaggregated clinopyroxene crystals from clinopyroxene-rich mantle rocks. Contrary to the formerly proposed cognate origin, the Al-augite megacrysts are also xenocrysts, having no direct genetic link to their host rocks. They crystallized from melts that have formed earlier than the host magmas, and probably accumulated in a magma chamber or occurred as sheets or veins filling a fracture network surrounding a magma chamber in the upper mantle. During the subsequent eruption of the host lavas, these previously formed crystals were incorporated into the magma and were brought up to the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early detection and diagnosis of ovarian cancer (OC) is complicated due to the concealment of the ovarian anatomical position and the lack of clinical manifestations and specific indicators of early OC. Therefore, it is urgent to study the pathogenesis of OC, especially the molecular mechanism. Results: LncRNA GAS8-AS1 was decreased in OC tissues and cell lines, and high expression of GAS8-AS1 indicated a higher 5-year survival rate of OC patients. Overexpression of GAS8-AS1 suppressed growth of OC cells, while deletion of GAS8-AS1 promoted the progression of OC cells. Further data indicated GAS8-AS1 activated autophagy in OC cells. Functional experiments showed that 3-MA removed the inhibitory effect of GAS8-AS1 in OC cells. On the contrary, Rapamycin reversed the promoting effect of GAS8-AS1 in OC cells. Furthermore, GAS8-AS1 bound with Beclin1 and promoted its expression, and silencing of Beclin1 reversed the inhibitory role of GAS8-AS1 in OC progression. In vivo tumorigenesis assay showed GAS8-AS1 suppressed OC progression and activated Beclin1 mediated autophagy. Conclusion: Our study suggested GAS8-AS1 inhibited OC progression by activating autophagy via binding with Beclin1, and GAS8-AS1 might be a potential therapeutic target for OC clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify structure‐function relationship among "typical" (2HisCOO) and "atypical" (3His, 3HisCOO, 4His) different active site dioxygenases, a set of model ligands 2NCOO, 3 N, 3NCOO, 4 N (L2NCOOH: 2‐((benzyl(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)amino)methyl)benzoic acid, L3N: N‐benzyl‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐N‐(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)methanamine, L3NCOOH: 2‐{[bis(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)amino]methyl}benzoic acid, L4N: tris(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)amine) and their complexes [CoIILn(fla)] (n: 2NCOO (1), 3 N (2), 3NCOO (3), 4 N (4); fla: 3‐flavonolate) were designed as ES models of the Co(II)‐containing quercetin 2,4‐dioxygenase (Co‐2,4‐QD) from a structural and functional viewpoint. Their structure, properties, O2 reactivity, reaction mechanism, and structure‐reactivity relationship details were investigated. [CoLn(fla)] exhibit higher single turnover O2 reactivity to produce products similar to the enzymatic reaction, and model ligands dependent order 3 > 4 > 1 > 2. 3 (the same 3HisCOO structure as natural 2,4‐QD) shows higher reactivity, which highlight the role of active site Glu of 2,4‐QD. The reaction rate constant k shows linear correlation with E1/2(CoIII/II) and Epa(fla−/fla•), which highlights the structure‐property‐O2 reactivity relationship. This is the first biomimetic study of structure‐function correlation among 2HisCOO, 3His, 3HisCOO, 4His different active site dioxygenases, could shed light on understanding structure‐function relationship among them and reaction mechanism of Co‐2,4‐QD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The supercapsular percutaneously-assisted total hip (SuperPATH®) approach was created by combining the percutaneous preparation of the acetabulum using the percutaneously-assisted total hip (PATH), femoral reaming, and broaching of superior capsulotomy (SuperCap) approach. This technique reported a low complication rate, excellent gait kinematics, low transfusion rate, a shorter length of hospital stay, and a high proportion of discharge from the hospital. As minimally invasive SuperPath approach is designed for both trauma and end-stage degenerative joint disease, we investigated if this technique and standard surgical tools can replace artificial femoral head in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture. We also tested if it has advantages over the traditional posterior approach.Methods: A prospective study was performed in 100 cases of eligible femoral neck fractures from May 01, 2015 to October 31, 2016. They were randomly divided into SuperPath and traditional group. The outcomes were evaluated using preoperative index, intraoperative data, and postoperative function data.Results: No significant difference was detected in the operation time between the two groups. Compared with the traditional group, SuperPath group had smaller incision length, less intraoperative bleeding, lower transfusion rate, and a shorter starting time of weight-bearing activity. Harris Hip Score, Barthel Index, and VAS for pain-level scores in the SuperPath group at 1-week follow-up intervals were significantly lower than the conventional group, but not significantly different at 3-month and 2-year follow-up post-operation.Conclusions: SuperPath approach for artificial femoral head replacement can reduce surgical injury due to smaller size of incision and accelerate weight-bearing activities post-operation to treat senile femoral neck fractures compared with traditional posterior approach surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metallic-framework drywall is used as the specimens in this research. The standard fire test and finite element simulation were performed once on 300 cm × 300 cm area specimen and twice on 100 cm × 100 cm area specimens, to quantify and evaluate the effect of the junction boxes on the fireproof property after being embedded into the metallic-framework drywall. The results of the experiment show that the temperature of unexposed surface rises faster due to the higher thermal conductivity of the internal metal junction box. The general junction box whose material is PVC can be softened off when heated, affecting the integrity of the firewall and also leading to rapid transfer to the unexposed surface. The prediction of finite element simulation temperature is highly correlated with the results of the real experiment. It is effective to strengthen the original weaknesses by adding a calcium silicate board behind the junction box and using metal panels instead of PVC. The temperature of the temperature junction box surface which is the highest temperature point of unexposed surface decreased most significantly at 72.9°C after the reinforcement. In addition, after reinforcement, the fire resistance time can reach to 1 hour by inserting the junction box into the metallic-framework drywall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this paper is going to present a hybrid approach to solve multi-criteria bilevel optimization models with uncertain parameters in the objective functions. In reality, the player can not provide the weights to the objectives exactly. Since to assert the correct weight for objective is difficult, ambiguity is often not absent in the weights given by the player. Therefore, each player (leader or follower) usually has to choose a weight of his objective from a given set. Then, we proposed a robust optimization approach to copy with this situation, where each player obtains his strategy by minimizing his worst-case weighted sum objective over the given weight region. We note that the worst-case implies the maximization of the weights. The corresponding reformulation is presented with the different choice of weights. By an application in supply chain optimization with the consideration of both supply and demand uncertainties, the usefulness of the proposed method is shown. The comparison with the existed approach is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel mononuclear copper(II)-flavonolate complex [Cu II L(fla)] (LH: 2-{[bis(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)-amino]methyl}-4-methoxy benzoic acid, flaH: flavonol) was prepared as a structural and functional model of the ES (enzyme-substrate) complex of Cu II -containing flavonol 2,4-dioxygenase. Its structure, properties and reactivity towards molecular dioxygen have been investigated in details. The complex shows the best reactivity in the copper(II)-flavonolate ES model system, may it could be contributed to the approximately monodentate coordination of the substrate flavonolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain insights into the role of the carboxylate group of Glu73 in the active site of quercetin 2,4-dioxygenase (2,4-QD), the copper(II) complexes [CuIIL n(AcO)] [ 1 (L n = L1), 2 (L n = L2), 3 (L n = L3), and 4 (L n = L4)] supported by a series of carboxylate-containing ligands [ L1H = 2-{[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]methyl}benzoic acid; L2H = 3-{[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]methyl}benzoic acid,; L3H = 2-({bis[2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl]amino}methyl)benzoic acid; L4H = 3-({bis[2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl]amino}methyl)benzoic acid] as well as the ternary CuII flavonolate (fla-) complexes [CuIIL n(fla)] [ 5 (L n = L1), 6 (L n = L2), 7 (L n = L3), and 8 (L n = L4)] were synthesized and characterized as structural and functional models for the active site of 2,4-QD. The ternary complexes [CuIIL n(fla)] showed different reactivities in the dioxygenation of bound flavonolate to benzoic acid, salicylic acid, and N, N-dimethylbenzamide at 75-90 °C (single-turnover reaction) in the order 5 >> 7 > 8 ≈ 6. A similar reactivity tendency was found in the catalytic dioxygenation of the substrate flavonol (multiturnover reaction) by the binary complexes. The different reactivities of the copper complexes could be attributed to the different Lewis acidities of the copper(II) ions induced by the different coordination environments of the ligands. The results will provide important insights into the pivotal catalytic role of the carboxylate group of Glu73 in 2,4-QD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effects of diesel exhaust (DE) on an experimental model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung injury and fibrosis in mice. BLM was intravenously administered to both Nrf2+/+ and Nrf2-/- C57BL/6J mice on day 0. The mice were exposed to DE for 56 days from 28 days before the BLM injection to 28 days after the BLM injection. Inhalation of DE induced significant inhibition of airway clearance function and the proinflammatory cytokine secretion in macrophages, an increase in neutrophils, and severe lung inflammatory injury, which were greater in Nrf2-/- mice than in Nrf2+/+ mice. In contrast, inhalation of DE was observed to induce a greater increase of hydroxyproline content in the lung tissues and significantly higher pulmonary antioxidant enzyme mRNA expression in the Nrf2+/+ mice than in Nrf2-/- mice. DE is an important risk factor, and Nrf2 regulates the risk of a DE inhalation induced immune response during BLM lung injury and fibrosis in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Axially chiral binaphthoic acid ( BNA) was studied as a resolving agent for a stereoselective crystallization of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethylamine ( CPEA). The diastereomeric pair of ( R)- BNA/( S)- CPEA crystallizes in methylene chloride, on the other hand, the pair of ( S)- BNA/( S)- CPEA crystallizes in acetone. The switch of the solubility of the diastereomeric pair is due to the imine formation with acetone. The very low solubility of the BNA/imine pair appears to be responsible for the fast and complete imine formation. The crystal structure of the BNA part in both crystals of the diastereomers maintains a same feature. Asymmetric chiral channels and pockets composed by intermolecular packing of BNA molecules appear in the crystal structures, and the robustness of them seem to contribute to the recognition of the chirality of CPEA with high selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Migrants often face multiple risk factors for smoking initiation. Former studies that have explored the smoking habits of Chinese migrants have provided inconsistent findings and lacked nationally representative samples.Methods: Using data from the 2012 Migrant Dynamics Monitoring Survey in China published by the National Population and Family Planning Commission, this study explored current smoking rates and its determinants among migrants in China.Results: The smoking rates of men (46.9%, 46.3%-47.3%) and women (1.8%, 1.7%-1.9%) differed significantly. Although the overall smoking rates in migrants was slightly lower than in the general population, the rates in certain subgroups were much higher. Among men, the three leading associated factors were the following: higher smoking rates among the divorced or widowed (odds ratio [OR] = 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-1.74); lower smoking rates among those with an educational level of senior high school or above (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.71-0.76), and higher smoking rates in the migrant-receiving area (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.18-1.42). Among women, smoking rates were also higher in the migrant-receiving area (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.34-2.34), when monthly income was more than 3000 Renminbi (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.43-1.90), and among those with an educational level of senior high school or above (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.56-0.75). The social integration of migrants, the duration of stay, and working hours had weaker associations with smoking risk.Conclusions: The sociodemographic features, work pressure, and migration-related features were sex-dependent determinants of smoking rates. These factors need to be considered when planning tobacco control interventions among migrants.Implications: Our study was the first to analyze a nationally representative Chinese migrant sample with respect to smoking, its differential rates across various subgroups, and its determinants. Our results provided overall levels of migrant smoking rates. The findings also demonstrated the influences of sex, other sociodemographic variables, migration-related factors, work pressure, and social integration on the smoking habits of migrants. These results provide a database of information for developing and improving tobacco control interventions in migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An advanced wastewater treatment process (SIPER) was developed to simultaneously reduce sludge production, prevent the accumulation of inorganic solids, recover phosphorus, and enhance nutrient removal. The ability to recover organic substance from excess sludge to enhance nutrient removal (especially nitrogen) and its performance as a C-source were evaluated in this study. The chemical oxygen demand/total nitrogen (COD/TN) and volatile fatty acids/total phosphorus (VFA/TP) ratios for the supernatant of the alkaline-treated sludge were 3.1 times and 2.7 times those of the influent, respectively. The biodegradability of the supernatant was much better than that of the influent. The systemCOD was increased by 91 mg/L, and nitrogen removal was improved by 19.6% (the removal rate for TN reached 80.4%) after the return of the alkaline-treated sludge as an internal C-source. The C-source recovered from the excess sludge was successfully used to enhance nitrogen removal. The internal C-source contributed 24.1% of the total C-source, and the cyclic utilization of the system C-source was achieved by recirculation of alkaline-treated sludge in the sludge reduction, inorganic solids separation, phosphorus recovery (SIPER) process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses a metal stud partition fireproof drywall measuring 83 mm in thickness as a test specimen to explore the impact of an embedded junction box on the firefighting performance of the wall through one time of standard fire test on a 300 cm × 300 cm area and five times of standard fire test on a 120 cm × 120 cm area. The results show that the quality of calcium silicate board plays a big role in the fireproof effectiveness. The embedded junction box located on the backside of the fire can reduce the effectiveness of the wall, especially the area above the socket. The thickness of rock wool may increase the performance, but in a limited rate. External junction box may not impact the fireproofing performance of the wall but it still possesses some safety risks. An embedded junction box measuring 101 × 55 mm could already damage the fire compartment, and in reality there may be more complicated situations that should be noted and improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to get insights into the metal ion effects and the carboxylate effects on enzymatic activity, a series of the carboxylate ligand supported transition metal complexes [MIIL(OAc)] (M = Mn (1), Fe (2), Co (3), Ni (4), Cu (5) and Zn (6); LH = 2-{[bis-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]methyl}-4-methoxy benzoic acid) were synthesized and characterized as structural and functional models for the active sites of various MII-substituted resting quercetin 2,3-dioxygenases (2,3-QD). Their structures, spectroscopic features, redox properties, as well as the catalytic reactivity toward the substrate flavonol and O2 have been investigated in detail. The model complexes show higher enzymatic reactivities in the catalytic dioxygenation (oxidative ring opening) of the substrate flavonol at lower temperatures (55–100 °C), presumably caused by the carboxylate group in the supporting model ligand, which could lower the redox potential of the bound substrate flavonolate by electron donation. The catalytic reactivity of [MIIL(OAc)] exhibits notable differences and it is in a metal ion dependent order of Co (3) ＞ Ni (4) ＞ Zn (6) ＞ Fe (2) ＞ Mn (1) ＞ Cu (5). The differences in the reactivities among them could be ascribed to the redox potential of the bound substrate flavonolate, which was drastically influenced by the metal ions via tuning the electron density of flavonolate, providing important insights into the metal ion effects and the carboxylate effects on the enzymatic activity of various MII-substituted 2,3-QD. Our model complexes [MIIL(OAc)] are the first examples of a series of structural and functional models of various MII-substituted resting 2,3-QD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical for embryonic development, and this process is recapitulated in adults during wound healing, tissue regeneration, fibrosis and cancer progression. Cell migration is believed to play a key role in both normal wound repair and in abnormal tissue remodeling. Prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) inhibits fibroblast chemotaxis, but stimulates chemotaxis in airway epithelial cells. The current study was designed to explore the role of PGE 2 and its four receptors on airway epithelial cell migration following EMT using both the Boyden blindwell chamber chemotaxis assay and the wound closure assay. EMT in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) was induced by TGF-β 1 and a mixture of cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ). PGE 2 and selective agonists for all four EP receptors stimulated chemotaxis and wound closure in HBECs. Following EMT, the EP1 and EP3 agonists were without effect, while the EP2 and EP4 agonists inhibited chemotaxis as did PGE 2 . The effects of the EP2 and EP4 receptors on HBEC and EMT cell migration were further confirmed by blocking the expected signaling pathways. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PGE 2 switches from a stimulator to an inhibitor of cell migration following EMT of airway epithelial cells and that this inhibition is mediated by an altered effect of EP2 and EP4 signaling and an apparent loss of the stimulatory effects of EP1 and EP3. Change in the PGE 2 modulation of chemotaxis may play a role in repair following injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of optical models associated with blood cells are introduced in this paper. All of these models are made up of different parts possessing symmetries. The wrapped phase images as well as the unwrapped ones from two orthogonal directions related to some of these models are obtained by simulation technique. Because the phase mutation occurs on the boundary between nucleus and cytoplasm as well as on the boundary between cytoplasm and environment medium, the equation of inflexion curve is introduced to describe the size, morphology, and substructure of the nuclear cell based on the analysis of the phase features of the model. Furthermore, a mononuclear cell model is discussed as an example to verify this method. The simulation result shows that characterization with inflexion curve based on orthogonal phase images could describe the substructure of the cells availably, which may provide a new way to identify the typical biological cells quickly without scanning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory information undergoes ordered and coordinated processing across cortical layers. Whereas cortical layer (L) 4 faithfully acquires thalamic information, the superficial layers appear well staged for more refined processing of L4-relayed signals to generate corticocortical outputs. However, the specific role of superficial layer processing and how it is specified by local synaptic circuits remains not well understood. Here, in the mouse primary auditory cortex, we showed that upper L2/3 circuits play a crucial role in refining functional selectivity of excitatory neurons by sharpening auditory tonal receptive fields and enhancing contrast of frequency representation. This refinement is mediated by synaptic inhibition being more broadly recruited than excitation, with the inhibition predominantly originating from interneurons in the same cortical layer. By comparing the onsets of synaptic inputs as well as of spiking responses of different types of neuron, we found that the broadly tuned, fast responding inhibition observed in excitatory cells can be primarily attributed to feedforward inhibition originating from parvalbumin (PV)-positive neurons, whereas somatostatin (SOM)-positive interneurons respond much later compared with the onset of inhibitory inputs to excitatory neurons. We propose that the feedforward circuit-mediated inhibition from PV neurons, which has an analogous function to lateral inhibition, enables upper L2/3 excitatory neurons to rapidly refine auditory representation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new europium silicates, Na15Eu3Si12O36 (denoted as 1) and K2EuSi4O10F (denoted as 2), were successfully synthesized under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, and structurally characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The single-crystal XRD analysis of 1 reveals that its structure is based on [Si6O18]n12n- cyclosilicate anions that are built from six SiO4 tetrahedra sharing two of their four O corners with each other. Such [Si6O18]n 12n- cyclosilicate anions are linked via EuO6 octahedra to form a three-dimensional (3D) framework containing 6-membered ring channels delimited by the SiO4 tetrahedra and EuO6 octahedra along the [010] direction. The structure of 2 consists of infinite tubular chains of corner-sharing SiO4 tetrahedra, which are further linked together via corner sharing O atoms by infinite chains of EuO4F2 octahedra forming a 3-D framework that contains 8-ring and 6-ring channels along the [010] direction. The photoluminescence properties of 1 and 2 were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on a new device that can reduce radiation heat at the openings of buildings. Intumescent coating is sprayed on wire netting affixed to the open spaces in the external wall of a building to reduce radiation heat and fire spread. This study uses a 1.2 m × 1.2 m × 1.2 m furnace to conduct fire-resistance tests according to the ISO 834-1 standard (the standard 1 h temperature rise curve and the furnace pressure). The study variables include wire netting with different mesh numbers (mesh widths) and wire netting with different coating thicknesses. The results from six sets of fire tests show that under the same coating thickness, less radiation heat is generated for a larger mesh number (i.e., smaller mesh width). Under the same mesh number for the wire netting, less radiation heat is generated for a larger coating thickness. At distances of 50 cm, 100 cm, and 150 cm from a fire source with a temperature of 945°C, the radiation heat calculated based on the theory is 6.9 W/cm. This study proves that the radiation heat can be dropped to 0.48 W/cm with the installation of intumescent-coated wire netting, and that this type of netting can effectively prevent fire spreading by radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiII-flavonolate complexes [NiIILR(fla)] (LRH: 2-{[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]methyl}-p/m-R-benzoic acid, R: p-OMe (1), p-Me (2), m-Br (4) and m-NO2 (5), fla: flavonolate) were synthesized and characterized with relevance to structural and functional models for the ES (enzyme–substrate) adduct of the NiII-containing quercetin 2,3-dioxygenase (2,3-QD). Their structures, spectroscopic features, redox properties and the reactivity toward molecular oxygen have been investigated. The complexes show a similar distorted octahedral structure and higher enzyme-type dioxygenation reactivity than other reported metalflavonolate complexes in the oxidative O-heterocyclic ring-opening of the bound substrate flavonolate at lower temperature owing to the introduced carboxylate group in the supporting model ligands. The reaction rate shows first-order dependence on both of the complex and O2 and the second-order rate constant k fits a Hammett linear free energy relationship (ρ = −0.71) for the substituent group in the supporting model ligand LR. The complexes exhibit substituent group dependent structures, properties and reactivity and there are some relationship among them, which could be ascribed to the electronic nature of the substituent group via the benzoate, NiII ion and O(4)vC(27)–C(21)vC(22) “electron conduit”. In a word, the stronger electron donating group could induce a smaller torsion angle, larger λmax and lower redox potential of the bound flavonolate, making a higher reactivity finally. This study is the first example of a series of structural and functional ES models of the NiII-containing 2,3-QD, providing important insights into the structure–property–reactivity relationship, the electronic substituent effects and carboxylate effects on the enzymatic reactivity and the catalytic role of the NiII-containing 2,3-QD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of mononuclear CoII-flavonolate complexes [CoIILR(fla)] (LRH = 2-{[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]methyl}-p/m-R-benzoic acid; R = p-OMe (1), p-Me (2), m-Br (4), and m-NO2 (5); fla = flavonolate) were designed and synthesized as structural and functional models for the ES (enzyme-substrate) complexes to mimic the active site of the Co(II)-containing quercetin 2,3-dioxygenase (Co-2,3-QD). The metal center Co(II) ion in each complex shows a similar distorted octahedral geometry. The model complexes display high enzyme-type dioxygenation reactivity (oxidative O-heterocyclic ring opening of the coordinated substrate flavonolate) at low temperature, presumably due to the attached carboxylate group in the ligands. The reactivity exhibits a substituent group dependent order of -OMe (1) > -Me (2) > -H (3)14b > -Br (4) > -NO2 (5), and the Hammett plot is linear (? = -0.78). This can be explained as the electronic nature of the substituent group in the ligands may influence the conformation and redox potential of the bound flavonolate and finally bring different reactivity. The structures, properties, and reactivity of the model complexes show some dependence on the substituent group in the supporting model ligands, and there is some relationship among them. This study is the first example of a series of structural and functional ES models of Co-2,3-QD, with focus on the effects of the electronic nature of substituted groups and the carboxylate group of the ligands to the dioxygenation reactivity, that will provide important insights into the structure-property-reactivity relationship and the catalytic role of Co-2,3-QD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new method to solve nonlinear semidefinite complementarity problem by combining a continuous method and a trust-region-type method. At every iteration, we need to calculate a second-order cone subproblem. We show the well-definedness of the method. The global convergent result is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of flavonolate complexes [M∥L(fla)] (M = Mn (1), Fe (2), Co (3), Ni (4), Cu (5), and Zn (6), LH: 2-{[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]methyl}benzoic acid, fla: flavonolate) have been synthesized as structural and functional models for the ES (enzyme-substrate) complexes of the active site of various M∥-containing quercetin 2,3-dioxygenase (2,3-QD) and their structures, spectroscopic features, and redox properties, as well as the reactivity toward molecular oxygen, have been investigated. The metal centers of [Fe∥L(fla)]·H2O (2), [Co∥L(fla)]·CH3OH (3), and [N∥IL(fla)] (4) exhibit a distorted octahedral geometry with two oxygen atoms of fla, one oxygen atom of the benzoate group of ligand L, and three nitrogen atoms of ligand L, in which oxygen atom of the carbonyl group of fla and one of the pyridine nitrogen atoms occupy the axial positions. The complexes [M∥L(fla)] exhibit relatively high reactivity in the oxidative ring-opening of the bound flavonolate at lower temperature, presumably due to the existing carboxylate group in the supporting ligand. Thus, our complexes act as good functional ES models of various metal(∥)-containing 2,3-QD. In addition, complexes [Fe∥L(fla)]·H2O (2), [Co∥L(fla)]·CH3OH (3), and [N∥IL(fla)] (4) are the first structurally characterized Fe∥-, Co∥-, and N∥I-flavonolate complexes, as an active site ES model of Fe∥-, Co∥-, and N∥I-containing 2,3-QD, respectively. The model complexes exhibit notably different reactivity in the order of Fe (2) > Cu (5) > Co (3) > Ni (4) > Zn (6) > Mn (1). The differences in the reactivity among them may be attributed to the redox potential of the coordinated flavonolate of the complexes, which are remarkably influenced by the Lewis acidity of the metal ion and its coordination environment. Our study is the first example of the metal ion effects on the enzyme-like dioxygenation reactivity, providing important insights into the metal ion effects on the enzymatic reactivity of various metal(∥)-containing 2,3-QD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescence metal–organic materials (MOMs) are widely used as probes for detection. However, most of such probes are based on fluorescence and work in either turn‐off or turn‐on mode. In contrast, long‐lived (>10 ms) probes (LLPs) with recovery response to analyte are quite rare. Herein “solvation complex” strategy is used to prepare two new afterglow complexes with multiple coordinated solvents, trans‐complex 1 with both delayed fluorescence (DF) and room temperature phosphorescence (RTP), and cis‐complex 2 with RTP. Remarkably, they can serve as selective and recovery LLPs for l‐Arginine detection, with limit of detection down to 1.0 × 10−7 M. In addition, heating/fumigation can induce reversible arousal/silence of their afterglow, while H2O/DMSO vapor fumigation causes reversible crystalline‐to‐crystalline transformation between them. Detailed mechanism studies reveal that the change in coordinated solvent, including loss/acquisition, exchange, or replacement, plays a key role in such afterglow multi‐stimuli‐responsive properties. This work not only shows the potential of such long‐lived luminescence complex for recovery detection, but also reveals the unique advantages of solvation complex in the preparation of afterglow multi‐stimuli‐responsive materials [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Diesel exhaust particle (DEP) is the major components of PM2.5, and much attention has focused on PM2.5 in relation to adverse health effects, and many pulmonary diseases. In the present study, we used a human bronchial epithelial cell (HBEC) line to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of erythromycin (EM) and EM703 – a new derivative of erythromycin without antibacterial effects on the expressions of IL-8 caused by DEP exposure. DEP showed a dose-dependent stimulatory effect on IL-8 product in HBEC. Increases of IL-8 expression by DEP stimulation were significantly blocked by both EM and EM703 pretreatment. Furthermore, NF-κB and Nrf2 activation, the antioxidant enzymes such as HO-1, NQO-1 mRNA expression were increased by DEP exposure and these increases were blocked by both of EM and EM703 pretreatment. Our results suggest that, EM and EM703 may have an inhibitory effect on expression inflammatory cytokines in HBEC induced by DEP not only as an anti-inflammation but also an antioxidant drug. EM and EM703 might contribute to chemical prevention of the risk of pulmonary diseases induced by oxidative stress from environmental pollutant, such as DEP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Potentilla anserina L. is a traditional chinese functional food. The objective of this study was to exploit the use of this nutrient-rich food in bread by replacing wheat flour at 1-9% level. Breads prepared with P. anserina were analyzed for dough rheology properties, loaf volume, crumb texture, micro-structural and selected sensory attributes. Dough rheological properties were investigated using farinograph. Upon addition of P. anserina, significant increase in water absorption, development time and stability, and decrease in the mixing tolerance index was recorded. Loaf volumes decreased significantly from 5.32 to 3.85 cm³/g as the P. anserina supplementation increased from 0 to 9%. Hardness and total phenolic contents significantly increased with the addition of P. anserina powder. The microstructure of the breads was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). the addition of P. anserina to wheat flour distinctly destroyed gluten matrix in the SEM images and produced a continuous sheet of gelatinized starch. Sensory evaluations revealed that P. anserina can be added to flour at the level of 5%, as did not deteriorate the bread sensory evaluation. The acceptable quality bread could be made with up to 5% P. anserina, as did not deteriorate the bread sensory evaluation. therefore, the addition of P. anserina could be an effective way to produce functional wheat flour bread. As the role of diet in the prevention of non-communicable diseases has become more evident, there is a growing demand for a new generation of healthier food products. Since limited references are published in the area of P. anserina enriched breads, studies on the development of new products with acceptable physico-chemical characteristics are essential for exploiting value-added uses of P. anserina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A comprehensive review of U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes of zircons separated from granulite xenoliths entrained in Phanerozoic magmatic rocks and inherited xenocrysts from the associated lower crust rocks from various domains of the North China Craton (NCC) provides new insights into understanding the evolution of the lower crust in this part of the Precambrian nucleus of Asia. The oldest zircons recorded in granulite xenoliths show ages up to 3.6Ga, slightly younger than the oldest zircons (3.8Ga) from samples of the exposed Archean upper crust. However, the Hf isotope features indicate that the oldest lower crust might have been derived from a 4.0 to 4.1Ga primordial crust as indicated by the data from an inherited zircon in the North Qinling Orogenic Belt at the southern part of the NCC. Our synthesis also suggests that ca. 2.5Ga mark an important period for the evolution of the lower crust of the NCC and the cratonization of the Archean blocks in the NCC, at least for the Eastern Block, with a possible link to mantle plume activity. The occasional presence of zircons with 2.6–3.1Ga ages in the lower crustal granulite xenoliths suggests a continuous reworking of the Paleoarchean lower crust during the Archean. The comprehensive data also show that 1.8–2.0Ga period was the first significant event for the evolution of the lower crust after the cratonization of the Archean blocks of the NCC, which affected the whole lower crust of the Eastern NCC. Episodic growth or rejuvenation of the Precambrian lower crust beneath the NCC is also revealed by U–Pb and Hf isotope data, resulting from the corresponding addition of juvenile materials from mantle to lower crust, with a mixing of the old crust with juvenile magma. This compositional modification of the lower crust resembles the compositional transformation from the refractory lithospheric mantle to a fertile one through the refractory peridotite – infiltrated melt reaction as revealed in the lithospheric mantle beneath the NCC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to discuss the new methods of clinical classification and staging of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) proposed by our group and to summarize the experiences of surgical treatment of MG with a novel incision by cutting the sternum cross-sectionally at the second intercostal level. A retrospective analysis was made for the clinical data from the patients with MG who underwent thymectomy from July 1988 to May 2009. The surgical procedures were designed into three groups, a group with Osserman classification and median incision of the sternum (Group 1), a group with MGFA typing (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America) and a small transverse sternal incision at the second intercostal level (Group 2), and a group with new typing and a smaller transverse sternal incision at the second intercostal level (Group 3). Observation of the clinical typing and staging was made in the patients with myasthenia crisis. The parameters such as procedure duration in Group 2 and 3 was significantly lower than those in Group I (P < 0.05). The incidence of myasthenia crisis in Group 3 was significantly lower than that in Groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.05). The procedure with a smaller transverse sternal incision at the second intercostal level (Group 3) is a safer method for patients with MG. The combination of this procedure with the new typing and staging methods proposed by our group could facilitate the selection of operation indications and opportunity, resulting in the lower incidence of myasthenia crisis and mortality. Our new procedure is well deserved to be a preferential selection by other hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water striders enjoy an intriguing ability to stand and walk freely on water surfaces, which is mainly attributed to the superior water repellency of their slender legs. In previous theoretical analyses, the legs are usually treated as rigid beams and the results show that a tremendously deep dimple and a large supporting force can be achieved when the leg descends into water. In this paper, the effect of the flexibility of water strider legs on their water-repellent ability is investigated, both theoretically and experimentally. We analyze a hydrophobic and flexible leg pressing obliquely on water. The leg may undergo a large deformation and assume different geometric configurations. It is shown that the flexible leg can float easily on a water surface, inducing only a shallow water puddle and a moderate supporting force as observed in real water striders. When the long leg is sufficiently compliant, the water surface will never be pierced and the leg will never sink. The findings are experimentally testified by using flexible fibers to represent water strider legs pressing on water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cognitive change is prevalent in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but still lack a widely accepted and sensitive screening method. In this study, we try to find a sensitive screening battery for detecting subtle cognitive deficits in patients with ALS. Methods: Eighty consecutive ALS patients and 57 matched normal controls underwent the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), the verbal fluency test (VFT), the Stroop Color Word Interference Test (CWT), and the prospective memory (PM) tests, including event-based (EBPM) and time-based (TBPM). Results: The patients did not differ from the controls in the MMSE, the VFT and the CWT. By contrast, statistically significant differences were found in the PM tests (EBPM: P=0.043; TBPM: P<0.001). More interestingly, TBPM was more sensitive than EBPM in the early-phase patients. Conclusions: Prefrontal lobar dysfunction does exist among ALS patients and may spread from the medial to the lateral region. The PM tests seem more sensitive in ALS patients with frontotemporal dysfunction than are the classical cognitive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microtubule dynamics is largely influenced by nucleotide hydrolysis and the resultant tubulin configuration changes. The GTP cap model has been proposed to interpret the stabilizing mechanisms of microtubule growth from the view of hydrolysis effects. Besides, the growth of a microtubule involves the closure of a curved sheet at its growing end. The curvature conversion from the longitudinal direction to the circumferential direction also helps to stabilize the successive growth, and the curved sheet is referred to as the conformational cap. However, there still lacks theoretical investigation on the mechanical-chemical coupling growth process of microtubules. In this paper, we study the growth mechanisms of microtubules by using a coarse-grained molecular method. First, the closure process involving a sheet-to-tube transition is simulated. The results verify the stabilizing effect of the sheet structure and predict that the minimum conformational cap length that can stabilize the growth is two dimers. Then, we show that the conformational cap and the GTP cap can function independently and harmoniously, signifying the pivotal role of mechanical factors. Furthermore, based on our theoretical results, we describe a Tetris-like growth style of microtubules: the stochastic tubulin assembly is regulated by energy and harmonized with the seam zipping such that the sheet keeps a practically constant length during growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ion-paired solutions of risedronate (RIS) with l-arginine (ARG), l-lysine (LYS), and diethylenetriamine (DETA) were tested in vitro for their potential to enhance the penetration of RIS across the skin of hairless mouse. The xylene solubilities of RIS paired with ARG, LYS, and DETA in molar ratios of 1:2, 1:2, and 1:1 were 8.9%, 12.0%, and 2.1%, respectively, in comparison with the solubility in deionized water, but non-ion-paired RIS was not detected in xylene. In vitro permeation tests were performed on the skin of hairless mice, and the results indicated that ion-paired RIS could penetrate mice skin about 36 times more effectively than RIS alone. The cumulative amount of ion paired RIS after 24h resulted in 475.18±94.19μg/cm2 and 511.21±106.52μg/cm2 at molar ratio of 1:2 and 1:1. The cumulative amount of RIS alone was as low as 14.13±5.49μg/cm2 in 24h. The hairless mice showed no skin irritation after a single administration of RIS alone and ion-paired RIS (1:2 molar ratio with ARG, and 1:1 molar ratio with DETA). In this study, we found that RIS can be delivered transdermally, and the ion-paired system in an aqueous solution showed an enhanced flux through the skin barrier. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Modeling the structure and mechanics of microtubules, which play significant roles in various physiological functions of cells, has long been a fascinating issue. In this paper, a coarse-grained mechanochemical model is presented to study the mechanical--chemical coupling and dynamic attributes of microtubules. The interactions among tubulins are taken into account from the molecular basis. This model is used to characterize the conformations of sheet-ended microtubules, to analyze the distributions of interaction energy, and further to simulate the radial indentation process of a microtubule. This method also works for investigating the dynamic properties of microtubules, e.g., their assembly, growth, deformation, and structural evolution for different conditions. This study is helpful for understanding the structure--mechanics--function relationship of microtubules and lays a foundation for further investigation of their dynamic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to understand the Precambrian crustal growth and reworking history of the North China Craton, in situ U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope analyses were carried out on the detrital zircons from a well-preserved, nearly undeformed Proterozoic sedimentary section with time interval of 1.8–0.8Ga. Totally, 806 zircons separated from 7 samples collected from each representative stratigraphic unit were measured for U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopic compositions, of which 430 grains yielded concordant U-Pb ages. The concordant zircons show three prominent age groups of 1.6–1.8Ga, 1.9–2.2Ga and 2.3–2.6Ga. Both positive and negative ɛHf(t) values were exhibited by zircons from all groups, suggesting both juvenile crust addition and crustal reworking for all age groups. The Hf crustal model ages of zircons reveal that the juvenile materials were continuously added to the crust between 4.0 and 2.0Ga with a prominent peak at 2.7–3.0Ga and a less significant peak at 3.1–3.4Ga. The juvenile contributions to the newly formed crust decrease stepwise through time, and crustal reworking has dominated over juvenile inputs to the continental crust since 2.6Ga. Compared with the detrital zircons from modern rivers running within the North China Craton, the sedimentary rocks contain more older zircons, implying the relatively poor preservation of Archean crustal rocks in modern river sand, and accordingly the weights of Archean crystallizations ages and crustal growth inferred from detrital zircons in modern river are significantly underestimated. The integrated studies of detrital zircons from both modern river sands and ancient sedimentary rocks are essential to decipher the early crustal growth history more faithfully. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In-situ zircon U–Pb ages, Hf isotopic compositions and whole rock geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions are presented for three Mesozoic syenitic–monzonitic intrusions from Shanxi province, central North China Craton. Zircons from these intrusions all show core–rim structures in that the oscillatory rims recorded their intrusive ages, whereas the cores are interpreted as xenocrysts. The U–Pb age data reveal that the northernmost Dishuiyan monzonite was emplaced at 241Ma, while the Huyanshan and Erfengshan syenitic–monzonitic complexes were emplaced at 130Ma and 128–134Ma, respectively. The Dishuiyan monzonite is petrologically and geochemically uniform, it shows LREE enrichment and HFSE depletion and exhibits enriched Sr and Nd isotopic compositions with (87Sr/86Sr)i =0.7065 and εNd(t)=−8.3–−7.9. The zircon rims in the Dishuiyan monzonite show highly varied Hf isotopic compositions with εHf(t)=−27.8–−6.4. The varied Hf isotopic compositions and enriched Sr–Nd isotopic compositions, together with the ubiquitous xenocrystic zircon cores, suggest the Dishuiyan monzonite was produced by the mixing of melts from enriched lithospheric mantle and lower crust. The monzonite and syenite from the Huyanshan complexes exhibit different geochemical features. The εNd(t) values of syenite, which are higher than those of monzonite resemble the enriched lithospheric mantle, and together with the absence of zircon in the syenite, we propose that it was originated by partial melting of enriched lithospheric mantle. Monzonites from Huyanshan and Erfengshan share similar petrological and geochemical characteristics, being enriched in LREE and depleted in HFSE, and they show low εNd(t) values between −18.2 and −13.9. Similar to zircon rims in the Dishuiyan monzonite, those in the Huyanshan and Erfengshan monzonites also exhibit highly varied Hf isotopic compositions. The consistent ages between the xenocrystic zircons in monzonites and the lower crustal basement rocks of the NCC reveal a significant contribution from the lower crust in the formation of the monzonites. We propose that the monzonites from Huyanshan and Erfengshan were formed through hybridization of enriched lithospheric mantle-derived and lower crust-derived magmas. The Mesozoic syenitic–monzonitic intrusions in Shanxi province were produced under extensional environments which linked to different geodynamic settings. The Triassic Dishuiyan monzonite is a product of post-collisional lithospheric extension related to the subduction of the paleo-Asian oceanic plate under the NCC and subsequent slab break-off in the north, while the Cretaceous Huyanshan and Erfengshan syenite–monzonite was produced under a back-arc extensional regime linked to the subduction of the paleo-Pacific slab beneath East Asia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mesozoic volcanic rocks are widespread throughout the Great Xing’an Range, NE China. However, precise data constraining the exact eruption ages are limited, especially for those from the southern Great Xing’an Range, which severely hampers our understanding of the petrogenesis and geodynamics of these rocks. In this paper, we report precise in situ LA-ICPMS zircon U–Pb age measurements for these volcanic rocks. Volcanic rocks in the southern Great Xing’an Range were divided into four units from bottom to top, namely, the Manketouebo, Manitu, Baiyingaolao and Meiletu formations. The previous studies suggested that these volcanic rocks were mainly formed in the Late Jurassic. Our data demonstrate that the Manketouebo formation erupted during Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous time, whereas the other formations are all of Cretaceous age. The southern Great Xing’an Range age dataset, along with recently obtained precise ages for volcanic rocks from the northern Great Xing’an Range indicate that Mesozoic volcanism throughout the Great Xing’an Range commenced in Late Jurassic, but peaked during the Cretaceous. They formed under an extensional tectonic setting which resulted from closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean and subsequent orogenic collapse. The globally elevated mantle temperature in Cretaceous may provided thermal contributions to the generation of the volcanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have recently reported that disruption of nuclear erythroid 2 P45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) enhances susceptibility to airway inflammatory responses induced by low-dose diesel exhaust particles (DEP) in mice. C57BL/6 Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2−/−) mice and wild-type (Nrf2+/+) mice were further exposed to low-dose DEP for 7h/day, 5days/week, for a maximum of 8weeks. After exposure to DEP for 5weeks, allergic airway inflammation was generated in the mice by intraperitoneal sensitization with OVA followed by intranasal challenge. Nrf2−/− mice exposed to relatively low-dose DEP showed significantly increased percentage changes relative to the OVA alone group in terms of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammatory cells, levels of IL-5 and thymus and activation regulated chemokine (TARC) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid than did Nrf2+/+ mice. Lung tissues of Nrf2−/− mice after DEP exposure showed inflammatory cell infiltrates, and increased PAS staining-positive mucus cell hyperplasia. In contrast, the percentage changes relative to the OVA group in the reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio in whole blood was higher in Nrf2+/+ mice than in Nrf2−/− mice. By using Nrf2−/− mice, it was shown for the first time that relatively low-dose DEP exposure induces oxidant stress, and that host anti-oxidant responses play a key role in the development of DEP-induced exacerbation of allergic airway inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Geochronological, petrological and geochemical studies were performed on the granulite xenoliths from a Late Cretaceous basaltic breccia dike in Junan, Shandong province, eastern China. These xenoliths show close similarities to the Nushan granulite xenoliths from the southern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) and the Archean granulite terrains in terms of mineralogy and bulk rock compositions, but are quite different from the Hanuoba mafic granulite xenoliths from the northern NCC. In-situ zircon U–Pb age and Hf isotopic analyses, together with geochemical data reveal that the protolith of these xenoliths was formed around 2.3Ga ago, through assimilation–fractional crystallization of a mafic magma. P–T conditions of these xenoliths suggest that the lower crust beneath the Junan region reaches to a depth of 35km, which agree well with the result deduced from various geophysical methods. The consistent petrological and seismic Moho depths, the observed velocity structure and calculated velocity of these xenoliths imply the absence of underplating induced crust–mantle transition zone, which was well formed in the northern NCC. Compared to 40–50km depth of the lower crust in Early Jurassic, the lower crust beneath Junan extended to a depth of 30km in Late Cretaceous, suggesting that the lower crust of NCC was significantly thinned during Late Mesozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]