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Low-carbon economy is an emerging and inevitable pathway toward sustainable development of cold chain logistics. Low-temperature transportation is the crucial link of cold chain logistics to low-carbon economy and the industry is known to have the higher energy consumption. Prior studies are lacking in involving the carbon emission cost in the optimization process. Route optimization of low-temperature transportation is conducive to the low-carbon cold chain logistics. This study aims to introduce the low-carbon economy into the cold chain logistics. There are various costs needed to be considered in cold chain logistics, and a cold chain logistics route optimization model included the carbon emission cost was developed. Ribonucleic acid computing was combined with ant colony optimization to prevent the influence of unreasonable parameter selection on algorithm performance. This novel proposed approach was applied to solve the route optimization problem of a cold chain logistics firm located in the Xiong'an, China. The results showed this method reduced the overall cost of logistics and minimized the amount of carbon emissions. The finding shed the light on the low-carbon transformational development of cold chain logistics firms. • Low-carbon economy moves toward sustainable development of cold chain logistics. • Low-temperature transportation links cold chain logistics to low-carbon economy. • The ribonucleic acid (RNA) and the ant colony optimization (ACO) are combined. • RNA–ACO offers a better solution to the route optimization of cold chain logistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new sulfonylcalix[4]arene-based dinuclear terbium molecular container (1) was conveniently synthesized and utilized as a fluorescence probe for the detection of a well-known biomarker 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), which is used for the evaluation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The sulfonylcalix[4]arene ligand could not only serve as an efficient antenna ligand to promote the ligand-to-metal energy transfer but also provide a suitable cavity to accommodate 1-OHP. Promising fluorescence quenching effects were well established during the titration of the compound 1 with 1-OHP, and these effects were due to the enhancement in the host–guest intermolecular charge transfer and the decrease in the ligand-to-metal energy transfer after the formation of the stable host–guest complex. The fluorescence sensing mechanism was clearly understood through the titration experiments, and the data could be fit with the Benesi–Hildebrand and Stern–Volmer models. The TbIII-TBSC-based luminescent sensor exhibited quick response, high sensitivity, and specific selectivity to 1-OHP, even in the presence of other constituents in urine, thus providing a new sensing platform for the clinical diagnosis of human exposure to PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra‐long room temperature phosphorescence (ULRTP) materials show valuable applications in encryption, biological imaging, and many other fields. Amazingly, the concomitant impurities from raw materials that are normally ignored contribute dramatically to the ULRTP. In this study, CzPMB [9‐(4‐bromo‐3‐methylphenyl)‐9H‐carbazole] with phosphorescent quantum efficiency of 64% is prepared from commercial carbazole, but the phosphorescent efficiency is drastically reduced to < 2% once trace impurity (5‐(4‐bromo‐3‐methylphenyl)‐5H‐benzo[b]carbazole) is separated. HPLC studies demonstrated the separated impurity is a byproduct derived from trace benzocarbazole in commercial carbazole. Subsequently, the ULRTP for the CzPMB synthesized from lab‐made carbazole is totally unobserved, strongly confirming the dramatic impact of impurity. A defect trapping mechanism in multicomponent system rather than heavy atom effect is proposed for highly efficient ULRTP after carefully analyzing the crystal packings and molecular energy levels. Inspired by this discovery, a series of effective ULRTP bi‐component systems with the highest phosphorescence efficiency of 64.1% are reproduced by directed host‐guest doping. This strategy paves a viable path for the design of organic materials with highly efficient ULRTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cationic PtAu2 heterotrinuclear complexes [PtAu2(dpmp)2(C≡CR)2]2+ (dpmp = bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)phenylphosphine, R = aryl) of aromatic acetylides were prepared. The PtAu2 structures are supported through doubly bridging dpmp and stabilized by a significant Pt–Au interaction. They are highly phosphorescent in fluid CH2Cl2 solution (Φem = 23.5%–78.9%), the solid state (Φem = 15.4%–70.2%), the PMMA film (Φem = 39.9%–71.7%) and the doping film of 61% TCTA : 31% OXD-7 : 8% PtAu2 complex (Φem = 16.9%–67.9%). The phosphorescence arises mainly from 3[π (C≡CR) →π* (dpmp)] 3LLCT and 3[π (C≡CR) → s/p (PtAu2)] 3LMCT triplet excited states for carbazole-acetylide complexes, whereas other complexes display a 3LLCT character mixed with noticeable PtAu2 centered 3[d → s/p] parentage. Utilizing a mixed host composed of hole-transporting TCTA and electron-transporting OXD-7 doped with 8% PtAu2 species as a light-emitting layer and CuSCN as a hole-transporting layer through an orthogonal solution process, the devices exhibit highly efficient electrophosphorescence with the highest current efficiency (CEmax) of 51.7 cd A−1 and external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 14.5%. The efficiency roll-off is small in the practical brightness range of 500–5000 cd m−2. The PtAu2 complexes with carbazole-acetylides display a higher electroluminescence efficiency ascribed to their better hole-transporting character as well as more facile energy transfer from mixed host materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of medical career, special medicines and transport problems attract much attention nowadays. Transportation for special drug ,which is required to achieve “efficiency first,taking into account the efficiency”,should consider the economic benefits and time requirement.Fundamentally speaking, solving the special drugs transport problems is to reduce the patient’s body to pass drug costs. Based on the analysis of special drug transport properties, the special drug delivery route optimization model which is solving by the Chaos Ant Colony Optimization is established with the objective of minimizing the cost in the paper. It is shown that the Chaos Ant Colony Optimization is effective to slove the model by simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To make full use of the population's global statistics information, this paper introduced estimation of distribution algorithm into binary artificial bee colony algorithm, and proposed a binary artificial bee colony algorithm based on estimation of distribution algorithm. It guided the candidate solution by the global statistics information from the estimation of distribution algorithm, which could enhance the global exploration ability. It designed the multidimensional update strategy in the discrete domain, which quickens convergence speed and reduces the computational complexity. The simulation results show that, compared with the traditional binary artificial bee colony algorithm, the performances of the improved algorithm are better in the optimization accuracy, convergence speed and robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance the global exploration ability of the binary artificial bee colony algorithm, a binary artificial bee colony algorithm based on estimation of distribution is proposed. The proposed algorithm is applied on the optimal multi-user detection technique, and the multi-user detection scheme based on the algorithm is designed. The algorithm directly adopts the multi-dimensional neighborhood search strategy in the discrete domain, thus quickening the convergence speed and avoiding the conversion from continuous domain to discrete domain. Meanwhile, it makes use of the global statistics information obtained by estimation of distribution to generate the candidate solutions. The simulation results show that, compared with the conventional detectors, the convergence speed of the designed detector is faster, the bit error rate and the near-far resistance ability is significantly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposed a novel blind deconvolution algorithm based on PSO to remove the convolution effect for sound signals in communication channel. It used the temporal predictability as the measure of deconvolution and used PSO for optimizing the cost function based on it. Then, the filter coefficient for deconvolution could be got and the signals could be deconvoluted successfully. Simulation results show that the deconvolution property of the algorithm for sound signals is good. The values of correlation coefficient and signal-to-noise ratio between recovered signals and source signals are all high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to measure genetic diversity and population structure among 92 Canadian barley cultivars using two types of molecular markers (SSRs and DArTs) and pedigree data. A total of 368 alleles were identified at 50 SSR loci. The number of alleles per locus ranged between 2 and 13 ( = 7.36) and PIC values ranged from 0.34 to 0.86 ( = 0.69). For the biallelic DArT markers, the genetic distance matrix was based on 971 markers whose PIC values ranged between 0.06 and 0.50 ( = 0.39). A third distance matrix was computed based on the kinship coefficient. Clustering of genotypes was performed based on the genetic distance matrix and the three dendrograms obtained showed the genetic relationships among barley cultivars. The topological similarity of the three dendrograms was estimated using a congruence index and showed the three dendrograms to be in very good agreement. Statistical analysis also showed a highly significant correlation between the SSR and DArT matrices ( r = 0.80, p < 0.002) compared with lower yet significant correlations of the pedigree data with both marker types ( r = 0.46, p < 0.002; r = 0.52, p < 0.002). Finally, we assessed linkage disequilibrium in this germplasm and found it to be quite extensive, as the mean distance between marker pairs with significant ( P < 0.001) r2 values >0.5 was 3.8 cM. Information obtained from comparing results of different genetic diversity estimation methods should be useful for the improvement and conservation of barley genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of highly phosphorescent PtAg2 heterotrinu-clear alkynyl complexes with bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)-phenylphosphine (dpmp) were prepared and characterized structurally. The solution phosphorescence with various emitting colors is systematically modulated by modifying substituents as well as n-conjugated systems in aromatic acetylides. The crystals, powders, or films exhibit reversible stimuli-responsive phosphorescence changes upon exposure to vapor of MeCN, pyridine, DMF, etc., resulting from perturbation of d8-d10 metallophilic interaction in the excited states as a consequence of the formation/disruption of Ag--solvent bonds. Both experimental and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) studies demonstrate that d8-d10 metallophilic interaction exerts a crucial role on phosphorescent characteristics due to the PtAg2 cluster-based ³[d → p] state. This study affords a paradigm for phosphorescence modulation in d8--d10 heteronuclear complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Gastric cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Patients usually present late with local invasion or metastasis, for which there are no effective therapies available. Following previous studies that identified the adhesion molecule Cadherin-17(CDH17) as a potential marker for gastric carcinoma, we performed proof-of-principle studies to develop rational therapeutic approaches targeting CDH17 for treating this disease. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to study the expression of CDH17 in 156 gastric carcinomas, and the relationship between survival and CDH17 expression was studied by multivariate analyses. The effect of RNA interference–mediated knockdown of CDH17 on proliferation of gastric carcinoma cell lines was examined in vitro and in vivo, as well as the effects on downstream signaling by immunoblotting. Results: CDH17 was consistently up-regulated in human gastric cancers, and overall survival in patients with CDH17 upregulation was poorer than in those without expression of this gene (5 yrs overall survival rate 29.0% vs. 45.0%, P<0.01). Functional assays demonstrated that CDH17 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion, clonogenicity and induce G0/G1 arrest. In mice, shRNA-mediated CDH17 knockdown markedly inhibits tumor growth; intratumoral injection of CDH17 shRNAs results in significant antitumor effects on transplanted tumor models. The antitumor mechanisms underlying CDH17 inhibition involve inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Conclusion: Our results identify CDH17 as a biomarker of gastric carcinoma and attractive therapeutic target for this aggressive malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of head and neck cancer with significantly high prevalence in Southern China. Unlike other head and neck cancers, mutations or deletions of tumor suppressor genes in NPC are not common. Recently, downregulation of tumor suppressor genes expression by microRNA (miRNA) is increasingly recognized as an important mechanism of nasopharyngeal tumorigenesis. In this study, we reported that microRNA-144 (miR-144) was frequently upregulated in NPC specimens and cell lines. Repression of miR-144 significantly decreased cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, invasion and tumor formation in nude mice, while restoring miR-144 in miR-144-attenuated NPC cells exhibited a strong tumorigenic role. Further, we found that miR-144 was inversely correlated with the tumor suppressor gene phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in NPC specimens and cell lines, and then we identified PTEN as a direct target of miR-144 in NPC cell lines. PTEN downregulation in miR-144-attenuated cells could increase cell growth, migration and invasion. Mechanistic investigations revealed that miR-144 suppressed the expression of PTEN to increase the expression of pAkt and cyclin D1 to promote G1-phase transition and decrease E-cadherin to promote migration and invasion. Taken together, we provide compelling evidence that miR-144 functions as an onco-miRNA in NPC, and its oncoeffects are mediated chiefly by repressing PTEN expression to activate the PI3K/Akt pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A major objective of quantitative trait locus (QTL) studies is to find genes/markers that can be used in breeding programs via marker assisted selection (MAS). We surveyed the QTLs for yield and yieldrelated traits and their genomic distributions in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the available published reports. We then carried out a meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis to identify the major and consistent QTLs for these traits. In total, 55 MQTLs were identified, of which 12 significant MQTLs were located on wheat chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2A, 2D, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4D and 5A. Our study showed that the genetic control of yield and its components in common wheat involved the important genes such as Rht and Vrn. Furthermore, several significant MQTLs were found in the chromosomal regions corresponding to several rice genomic locations containing important QTLs for yield related traits. Our results demonstrate that meta-QTL analysis is a powerful tool for confirming the major and stable QTLs and refining their chromosomal positions in common wheat, which may be useful for improving the MAS efficiency of yield related traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of phosphine-linked oligomers of oxo-centered triruthenium-acetate clusters have been prepared by the reaction of [Ru3O(OAc)6(py)2(CH3OH)](PF6) (1) with di- or poly-phosphine. They have been characterized by elemental analysis, ESI-MS spectrometry, UV–Vis, IR, and 31P NMR spectroscopy, and cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. The structures of diphosphine-linked dimeric compounds 4 and 7 were determined by X-ray crystallography. As revealed by redox wave splitting, weak to moderate electronic communication is operative between triruthenium clusters across bridging di- or poly-phosphine. With increase of the methylene number in Ph2P(CH2) n PPh2, electronic communication decreases rapidly in diphosphine-linked dimeric complexes [{Ru3O(OAc)6(py)2}2{μ-Ph2P(CH2) n PPh2}]2+ (n =1–5). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Diphosphine-bridged dimers of oxo-centered triruthenium–acetate cluster units, i.e., [{Ru3O(OAc)6(py)2}2(dppan)](PF6)2 (2) and [{Ru3O(OAc)6(py)2}2(dppf)](PF6)2 (3) were prepared by reaction of 2.3 equivalent [Ru3O(OAc)6(py)2(CH3OH)](PF6) with 9,10-bis(diphenylphosphino)anthracene (dppan) or 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf), respectively. Apparent redox wave splitting is observed in complex 2, revealing the presence of electronic communication between two triruthenium units mediated through bridging dppan. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–Vis, 31P NMR, and ES-MS spectroscopies, and cyclic and differential-pulse voltammetry. The crystal structure of complex 3 was determined by X-ray crystallography. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Reaction of cyclometallated iridium(III) complex Ir(ppy)2(PPh3)Cl (2, ppy=2-phenylpyridine) with dicyanamide or tricyanomethanide gave neutral mononuclear complexes Ir(ppy)2(PPh3)N(CN)2 (3a) or Ir(ppy)2(PPh3)C(CN)3 (3b), and dicyanamide/tricyanomethanide-linked binuclear iridium(III) complexes [{Ir(ppy)2(PPh3)}2N(CN)2]+ (4a) or [{Ir(ppy)2(PPh3)}2C(CN)3]+ (4b). Substitution of coordinated chloride in the precursor 2 with dicyanamide or tricyanomethanide improved significantly the luminescence properties of 3a–4b. Compared with that in the precursor 2 (1.6%), 2.2 to 9.3-fold enhancement of emission quantum yields was detected in 3a–4b. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A platinum(ii) complex of 5,5′-bis(trimethylsilylethynyl)-2,2′-bipyridine displays unusually reversible colour and luminescence changes when exposed to specific organic vapours, correlated well with PtPt distances as well as π–π and C–H(CC) interactions in the stacking of square-planar platinum(ii) moieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Octahedral hexanuclear ferrocenylacetylide complexes [Ag6(μ-dppm)2(μ3-η1-C&z.tbnd6;CFc)4(CH3OH)2](BF4)2 (1) and [Cu6(μ-dppm)2(μ3-η1-C&z.tbnd6;CFc)4(ClO4)2] (2) (dppm=Ph2PCH2PPh2, Fc=ferrocenyl) are synthesised and characterized structurally. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Three quinoline-based zinc(ii)–Schiff base complexes were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. They exhibit remarkable aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) in acetonitrile/diethyl ether mixtures due to the conversion of weak luminescence in homogeneous solution into strong emission in the nano-aggregated phase after increasing the fractions of diethyl ether. Interestingly, the AIEE performance can be significantly promoted by joining the two quinoline units through an alkoxy chain. Moreover, they show reversible mechanochromic luminescence behavior between dark and bright states during the grinding–fuming cycles, due to the modulation of morphologies between amorphous and crystalline states. Introducing an electron donating group in the para-position of aniline significantly improves the mechanochromic luminescence effect with a more accessible and distinct emission colour contrast. The molecular packing in the crystalline phase and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations demonstrate that multiple intermolecular C–H…π and π–π interactions significantly strengthen the molecular rigidity and enhance the intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) characteristics, leading to the effective emission enhancement in crystalline/nano-aggregated states. The novel AIEE and reversible mechanochromic luminescence properties point to the promising potential applications of these complexes in smart fluorescent materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been tremendous interest in the emissive properties of group 11 alkylnyl complexes. Aiming at attaining photoluminescent Au-Ag heterometallic alkynyl complexes one feasible approach is to incorporate polymenc silver aryl acetylide with binuclear Au components the reaction allows isolation of Au-Ag heterometallic complexes with unprecedented trianion - derived from cyclotrimerization of arylacetylide The trianion displays an unusual μ5-bonding fashion bound to three Au and two Ag centers.

Heterodimetallic Ru–Fe complexes [(tppz)(PPh3)2RuL](ClO4) (L = C≡CFc, [1](ClO4); C≡C–C6H4–C≡CFc), [2](ClO4); C≡C–C6H4–C6H4–C≡CFc, [3](ClO4)) were synthesized by the reactions of [(tppz)(PPh3)2RuCl](ClO4) (tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine) with ferrocence-acetylide ligands and characterized by ESI-MS, and 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopies. The structure of [1](PF6) was determined by X-ray crystallography. The electrochemical studies show that compounds [1](ClO4)–[3](ClO4) possess two widely separated anodic peaks, ascribable to one-electron oxidation of Fc and RuII, respectively. This assignment is further corroborated by the results of UV-vis-NIR, XPS, and theoretical calculation studies. Compound [1](ClO4) exhibits significant Ru…Fe metal–metal interactions across the Ru–C≡C–Fc backbone. As revealed by electrochemical, spectroscopic and theoretical computational studies, one-electron oxidized species [1a](ClO4)2 is between the electronically delocalized and valence-trapped state and shows a typical Robin–Day class II mixed-valence behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the maladjustment of Asian (Bangladeshi, Pakistani) and African (Nigerian, Namibian, Ghanaian) peacekeepers and its major influence factors. By random cluster sampling, 300 Asian peacekeepers and 271 African peacekeepers were administered the military psychological maladjustment scale (MPMS) and risk factors questionnaire. Investigation at Day 7 and Day 120 into the peacekeeping deployment period indicated that MPMS total score and factor scores of the Asian peacekeepers were significantly lower than those of the African peacekeepers (p < .01). The total score and each factor score of MPMS of the Asian peacekeepers significantly decreased (p < .01); for the African peacekeepers, only the factor score of emotional disorder of MPMS significantly decreased (p < .05). Stepwise regression analysis showed that the education duration was the influence factor for the emotional disorder factor score in the Asian peacekeepers, and the two factors were positively correlated. Age, military service duration, education duration and marital status were the major influence factors for the MPMS factors of the African peacekeepers, among which age was negatively correlated with the total score and each factor score, and military service duration, education duration and marital status were positively related. We conclude that the Asian peacekeepers are more adaptable and resilient than the African peacekeepers. Education duration was the major influence factor for Emotional Disorder in the Asian peacekeepers. The major influence factors for maladjustment in the African peacekeepers were age, military service duration, education duration and marital status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, structure, and phosphorescence properties of twofamilies of triphosphine-supported Au(I)–Ag(I) heteronuclearalkynyl cluster complexes with unprecedented Au2Ag2and Au8Ag4cluster structures are described.The phosphorescence emission over the whole visible light region wassystematically tuned through modification of the electronic effectsin aromatic acetylide ligands to attain bright phosphorescence withdifferent luminescent colors. Introduction of electron-withdrawingCF3to phenylacetylides results in the emission spectralblue-shift, while it shows progressive red-shift upon introducingelectron-donating But, OMe, or NMe2. As demonstratedfrom both experimental and theoretical studies, the phosphorescencearises primarily from 3LLCT/3IL and Au2Ag2/Au8Ag4cluster-centered 3[d→p] transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterotetranuclear geometrical (Er2Yb2/Yb2Er2) and configuational (EuTb3/Eu3Tb) isomeric lanthanide(III) complexes havebeen synthesizedand characterized by spectroscopy as well as X-ray crystallography.The geometric Er2Yb2/Yb2Er2isomers exhibit dual emissions from both erbium(III) and ytterbium(III)ions. For the EuTb3/Eu3Tb configurational isomers,the TbIIIsubunits transfer energy to the EuIIIcenters in the EuTb3complex, whereas the TbIIIion in the TbEu3complex serves mainly as a structuralstabilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two copper(II) complexes of disubstituted 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy = 2, 2'-bipyridine) with tetraalkylammonium groups, [Cu(L1)2Br](ClO4)5·2H2O (1) and [Cu(L2)2Br](ClO4)5·H2O (2) (L1 = [4, 4'-(Et3NCH2)2-bpy]2+, L2 = [4, 4'-((n-Bu)3NCH2)2-bpy]2+), have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray crystallographic study of 1 indicates that Cu(II) is a distorted trigonal bipyramidal or square pyramid. DNA binding of both complexes was studied by UV spectroscopic titration. In the presence of reducing reagents, the cleavage of plasmid pBR322 DNA mediated by both complexes was investigated and efficient oxidative cleavage of DNA was observed. Mechanistic study with reactive oxygen scavengers indicates that hydrogen peroxide and singlet oxygen participate in DNA cleavage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Zn(II) complexes of two bipyridyl derivatives with trimethylaminomethyl groups, [Zn(L1)3](ZnBr4)(ClO4)2Br4 ·12H2O (1) and [Zn(L2)3](ClO4)8 ·H2O (2) (L1 =[4,4′-(Me3NCH2)2-bpy]2+, L2 =[5,5′-(Me3NCH2)2-bpy]2+ and bpy=2,2′-bipyridyl), were synthesized and characterized. The structure of complex 1 has been determined by X-ray diffraction, and the configuration of ligand-coordinated Zn(II) ion can be well described as distorted octahedral. Species distribution of both complexes in aqueous solution was investigated by potentiometeric titration. DNA-binding ability of both complexes was studied by UV spectroscopy titration. Under hydrolytic condition, both complexes (150μM) can effectively cleave plasmid pBR322 DNA from supercoiled to nicked form, giving hydrolysis rate constants of 2.63×10−5 and 9.92×10−5 s−1, respectively (pH 7.75, 37°C). The result shows that complex 2 is one of the most active artificial nucleases based on zinc. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reactions of Pt(diimine)(tdt) (tdt = 3,4-toluenedithiolate) with [M2(dppm)2(MeCN)2]²+ (M = CuΙ or AgΙ, dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) gave heterotrinuclear complexes [PtCu2(tdt)(μ-SH)(dppm)3](CIO4)(1) and [PtCu2-(diimine)a(tdt)(dppm)2](CIO4)2 (diimine = 2,2′-byridine (bpy) 2; 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (dmbpy) 3; phenanthroline (phen) 4, 5-bromophenanthroline (Brphen) 5) for M - CuΙ, but [PtAg2(tdt)(μ-SH)(dppm)3](SbF6) (6) and [PtAg2(diimine)(tdt)(dppm)2](SbF6)2 (diimine = bpy 7; dmbpy 8; phen 9; Brphen 10) for M = AgΙ. While the complexes [PtAg2(diimine)(tdt)(dppm)2](SbF6)2 (7–10) result from linkage of Pt(diimine)(tdt) and [M2(dppm)2(MeCN)2]²+ by tdt sulfur donors, formation of [PtCu2(diimine)2(tdt)(dppm)2](ClO4)2 (2–5) is related to rupture of metal-ligand bonds in the metal components and recombination between the ligands and the metal atoms by self-assembly. The formation of 1 and 6 is involved not only in dissociation and recombination of the metal components, but also in disruption of C-S bonds in the dithiolate (tdt). The dithiolate tdt adopts a chelating and bridging coordination mode in anti conformation for [PtCu2(diimine)2(tdt)(dppm)2](CIO4)2 (2–5), whereas there is the syn conformation for other complexes. Compounds 1 and 6 represent sparse examples of μ-SH-bridged heterotrinuclear PtΙΙMΙ2 complexes, in which PtΙΙ-MΙ centers are bridged by dppm and sulfur donors of tdt, whereas MΙ-MΙ (M = Cu for 1; Ag for 6) centers are linked by dppm and the μ-SH donor. The 31P NMR spectra show typical platinum satellites (JPt-P = 1450–1570 Hz) for 1–6 and Ag-P coupling for PtΙΙ-AgΙ (JAg-P = 350–450 Hz) complexes 6–10. All of the complexes show intense emission in the solid state and in frozen glasses at 77 K. The complexes [PtAg2(diimine)(tdt)(dppm)2](SbF6)2 (7–10) also afford emission in fluid acetonitrile solutions at room temperature. Solid-state emission lifetimes at room temperature are in the microsecond range. It is revealed that emission energies of the trinuclear heterometallic complexes [PtAg2(diimine)(tdt)(dppm)2](SbF6)2 (7–10) exhibit a remarkable blue shift (0.10–0.35 eV) relative to those of the precursor compounds Pt(diimine)(tdt). The crystal structures of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 9 were determined by X-ray crystallography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the predictive capability of clinical parameters for long-term chemotherapy benefits among stage IIIB-IV non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients without sensitive mutations. Patients and methods: We investigated the clinical features of 206 stage IIIB-IV non-squamous NSCLC patients without sensitive mutations and assessed their predictive value for disease control rate (DCR) at 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Results: Seventy-two patients received docetaxel and platinum-based chemotherapy while 134 received pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy. The 6-month and 12-month DCR were 33 (45.8%) and 6 (8.3%) in the docetaxel group and 69 (51.5%) and 19 (14.2%) in the pemetrexed group, respectively. Univariate Cox regression revealed that age, sex, smoking history, adrenal gland metastasis, stage IV disease, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and serum albumin were associated with unfavorable progression-free survival (PFS). Age, stage IV disease, and NLR were identified as independent predictors of PFS using multivariate analysis. NLR was the only parameter that could predict 3-month and 6-month DCRs. NLR and age were able to predict 12-month DCR, with NLR presenting a larger area under the curve. Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated that patients with NLR > 2.231 displayed significantly reduced long-term disease control. The group with higher NLR had more male patients, lower ALB levels, and serum sodium levels as well as higher platelet counts. Conclusion: NLR was an independent predictor of long-term chemotherapy benefits among non-squamous NSCLC patients without sensitive mutations. Patients with lower NLR were optimal candidates for chemotherapy. Patients with high NLR may receive alternative treatments or be included in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The preparation, characterization and photophysical properties of heterobinuclear complexes {Pt(C^N^N)(Chfac)3 (C^N^N=2-(6-(naphthalen-3-yl)-4-phenylpyridin-2-yl)pyridine; HCsp sp="0.25" />=5-ethynyl-2,2′-bipyridine; Ln=Nd, Eu, Yb; hfac=hexafluoroacetylacetonate) are described. With excitation at 390⩽ λ ex ⩽500nm which is the MLCT/LLCT absorption region of the Pt(C^N^N)(Comophore, lanthanide luminescence is successfully attained by Pt→Ln energy transfer from the platinum(II) antenna chromophore to the lanthanide center across the bridging Cnd. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The reaction between [Cu2(Ph2PNHPPh2)2(MeCN)2](BF4)2 and sodium salt of mercaptoacetic acid (HSCH2COONa) at room temperature for 12 h produced a doubly μ3-SH-bridged tricopper complex [Cu3(μ-Ph2PNHPPh2)3(μ3-SH)2](BF4)·2MeOH·Et2O which affords a trigonal bipyramidal core of Cu3(μ3-SH)2 with copper ⋯ copper separations around 3.0 A˚. The complex is photoluminescent and it displays an emissive maximum at 523 nm in the solid state at 293 K. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We demonstrate a proof-of-concept design of a new platform for proton recognition and modulation. The new proton receptors are derived from a unique class of synthetic supercontainers that exhibit exceptional proton binding capacity (over 50 equiv.) and intriguing proton-dependent fluorescent switching behavior. Experimental and computational studies suggest that the proton-responsive event involves a two-step mechanism pertaining to proton binding by both amino and pyrenyl moieties of the supercontainer constructs. The high proton binding capacity of the supercontainers can be further modulated via small-molecule “regulators” that compete for the proton-binding sites, opening exiting new opportunities for proton manipulation in both chemistry and biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizophrenia is a severe and debilitating psychiatric disorder of unknown etiology, and its diagnosis is essentially based on clinical symptoms. Despite growing evidence on the relation of altered expression of miRNAs and schizophrenia, most patients with schizophrenia usually had an extensive antipsychotic treatment history before miRNA expression profile analysis, and the pharmacological effects on miRNA expression are largely unknown. To overcome these impediments, miRNA microarray analysis was performed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from patients with schizophrenia who were not on antipsychotic medication and healthy controls. Then, using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), we verified the top 10 miRNAs with the highest fold-change values from microarray analysis in 82 patients with schizophrenia and 43 healthy controls, and nine miRNAs demonstrated significant differences in expression levels. Finally, we compared these nine miRNA profiles before and after antipsychotic treatment. Our results revealed that serum miR-21 expression decreased strikingly in patients after antipsychotic treatment. The change of miR-21 expression was negatively correlated with improvement of positive, general psychopathology, and aggressiveness symptoms. This study preliminarily analyzed the possible changes in circulating miRNAs expression in response to antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia, and the molecular mechanisms of this needs to be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop a Chinese Mental Resilience Scale. A total of 2500 healthy participants, in two representative samples of the Chinese population, were administered the scale. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and correlation analysis were used to obtain the relevant coefficients and verify the reliability and validity of the scale. Five factors were extracted: willpower, family support, optimism and self-confidence, problem solving, and interpersonal interaction, plus a lying subscale, which together accounted for 54 percent of the total variance. The Chinese Mental Resilience Scale demonstrated good psychometric properties. It can be used to evaluate the mental resilience level of general Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of sleep deprivation on serum cortisol level and mental health and explore the correlations between them in servicemen. A total of 149 out of the 207 Chinese servicemen were randomly selected to go through 24 hour sleep deprivation, leaving the rest (58) as the control group, before and after which their blood samples were drawn for cortisol measurement. Following the procedure, all the participants were administered the Military Personnel Mental Disorder Prediction Scale, taking the military norm as baseline. The results revealed that the post-deprivation serum cortisol level was positively correlated with the factor score of mania in the sleep deprivation group (r Sp = 0.415, p < 0.001). Sleep deprivation could significantly increase serum cortisol level and may affect mental health in servicemen. The increase of serum cortisol level is significantly related to mania disorder during sleep deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, diagnosis and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) are based on the patients' description of symptoms, mental status examinations, and clinical behavioral observations, which increases the chance of misdiagnosis. There is a serious need to find a practical biomarker for the proper diagnosis of MDD. This study aimed to explore the possibility of microRNA (miRNA) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as specific blood-based biomarker for MDD patients. By using an Affymetrix array that covers 723 human miRNAs, we identified 26 miRNAs with significant changes in expression in PBMCs of MDD patients. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis in a larger cohort of 81 MDD patients and 46 healthy controls confirmed that the expression levels of 5 miRNAs (miRNA-26b, miRNA-1972, miRNA-4485, miRNA-4498, and miRNA-4743) were up-regulated. By receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the combining area under the ROC curve (AUC) of these five miRNAs was 0.636 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58-0.90]. MiRNA target gene prediction and functional annotation analysis showed that there was a significant enrichment in several pathways associated with nervous system and brain functions, supporting the hypothesis that differentially-regulated miRNAs may be involved in mechanism underlying development of MDD. We conclude that altered expression of miRNAs in PMBCs might be involved in multiple stages of MDD pathogenesis, and thus might be able to serve as specific biomarker for diagnosis of MDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A devastating earthquake registering 8.0 on the Richter Scale struck Wenchuan County in Northwest Sichuan Province in China on May 12, 2008, claiming over 69,200 lives, seriously wounding more than 374,600 people, and rendering more than 18,400 people missing. The epicenter was close to Yingxiu Township in Wenchuan County. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the psychosomatic conditions of the children and adolescents exposed to the devastating earthquake and explore the risk factors for psychosomatic symptoms. Method: A total of 1,828 participants aged 6 to 16 years, of whom 842 from the affected area and 986 from non-affected area, were administered a Psychosomatic Conditions Scale. Results: Each factor score, total somatic score, total psychological score, and total psychosomatic score of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group ( P < 0.001). Positive correlation was found between the psychological state and somatic symptoms in the experimental group( r = 0.157 ~ 0.489, P < 0.01). Respiratory system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, digestive system, urogenital system, emotion, behavior, and language, combined as a panel, were significantly differentiated between the two groups, accounting for 73.4 % of the total difference. In the experimental group, the factor scores of anxiety, behavior, total psychological score, and total psychosomatic score of the girls were obviously higher than those of the boys ( P < 0.01 ~ 0.05); most somatic factors and psychological factors, total somatic score, total psychological score, and total psychosomatic score of the elder adolescents were significantly higher than those of the younger children ( P < 0.01 ~ 0.05). Conclusion: The children and adolescents exposed to 5.12 earthquake greatly suffered from terrible psychosomatic conditions, among whom the elder girls had more severe symptoms, particularly in terms of anxiety and behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Despite the growing evidences on the relation of altered expression of miRNAs and schizophrenia, most schizophrenia subjects have an extensive antipsychotic treatment history and the pharmacological effects on miRNA expression are largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the change of plasma microRNA-181b level and improvement of symptomatology before and after six-week antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia patients, and explore their association. A total of 20 schizophrenia patients absent of antipsychotics and 20 age-and gender-matched normal controls were enrolled, and tested for 9 schizophrenia-associated microRNA (miR-30e, miR-34a, miR-181b, miR-195, miR-346, miR-432, miR-7, miR-132 and miR-212) expression levels in plasma using quantitative RT-PCR and for symptomatology improvement using Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) before and after treatment (olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone and risperidone) for the patients only. Compared with the normal control group, the expression levels of miRNA-181b, miRNA-30e, miRNA-34a and miRNA-7 of the patients group were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Compared with those before treatment in the patient group, the symptomatology scores were significantly lower (p < 0.001), and the expression level of microRNA-181b was significantly down-regulated after treatment (p < 0.05). The change of miRNA-181b expression was positively correlated with the improvement of negative symptoms and lack of response symptoms (r = 0.502 and 0.557, P < 0.05, accounting for 20.2% and 26.4% respectively), and their therapeutic effects with OR being 11.283 and 5.119 respectively. We conclude that miRNA-181b, miRNA-30e, miRNA-34a and miRNA-7 are probably involved in pathogenesis of SZ, and the significant down-regulation of miRNA-181b expression predicts improvement of negative symptoms to treatment, and thus can serve as a potential plasmamolecular marker for antipsychotic responses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of 24 h total sleep deprivation on serum rennin, angiotensin II, cortisol, dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine in servicemen. A total of 223 servicemen had blood drawn before and after deprivation for serum rennin, angiotensin II and cortisol measurements. Altogether 60 participants were randomly selected from all the participants as a subsample for serum dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine measurements. The results revealed that the levels of all six hormones after sleep deprivation were significantly higher than those before. We conclude that sleep deprivation probably serves as an endogenous stressor via complex pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of platinum(II) complexes bearing 1,3-bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindoline (BPI) derivatives as ligand have been prepared by substitution of the coordinated Cl in precursors [Pt(L)Cl] [L = L1 ( 1), L2 ( 2), L3 ( 3)] by a monodentate strong-field ligand such as CN-, CN-cyclohexyl, PPh3, NCS-, PhS-, or N(CN)2-. Most of these compounds display orange-to-red luminescence in both the solid state and solution at ambient temperature. Compared with precursors 1- 3, both low-energy absorption and emission bands in ligand-substituted platinum(II) complexes 4- 13 exhibit distinct blueshifts. The emission of platinum(II) complexes with CN-containing monodentate ligands shows progressive blueshifts with increasing ligand field strength: 609 ( 10, NCS-) → 603 [ 12, N(CN)2-] → 590 ( 4, CN-) → 581 nm ( 7, C≡N-cyclohexyl). The emission of complexes 4- 9 originates mainly from the 3[π → π*(BPI)] 3IL triplet excited state, mixed with some 3[dπ(Pt) → π*(BPI)] 3MLCT character. In contrast, the emission of 10- 13 arises from a clearly increased 3[π(L) → π*(BPI)] 3LLCT state with reduced 3[π → π*(BPI)] 3IL and 3[5d(Pt) → π*(BPI)] 3MLCT character. Noticeably, dicyanamido-linked dinuclear complex 13 displays a significant ligand-ligand electronic interaction between the two BPI across the Pt-N≡C-N-C≡N-Pt bridge with remarkable LLCT character from one BPI to the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sertraline is one of the most commonly used antidepressants in clinic. Although it is well accepted that sertraline exerts its action through inhibition of the reuptake of serotonin at presynaptic site in the brain, its effect on the neural stem cells (NSCs) has not been well elucidated. In this study, we utilized NSCs separated from the hippocampus of fetal rat to investigate the effect of sertraline on the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs. The study demonstrated that sertraline had no effect on NSCs proliferation but it significantly promoted NSCs to differentiate into serotoninergic neurons other than glia cells. Furthermore, we found that sertraline protected NSCs against the lipopolysaccharide-induced cellular damage. These data indicate that sertraline can promote neurogenesis and protect the viability of neural stem cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A series of platinum(ii) complexes with 1,3-bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindoline (BPI) derivatives were prepared by substitution of the coordinated Cl in the precursor complex Pt(BPI)Cl with a N-heterocyclic ligand such as pyridine, phthalazine or phenanthridine. These complexes display orange to red luminescence in fluid dichloromethane solutions and in the solid states at room temperature. The photophysical properties were tuned by introducing electron-withdrawing -NO2or electron-donating -NH2to the BPI ligand. The DFT computational studies suggest that the emission in the N-heterocyclic ligand substituted platinum(ii) complexes originates mainly from the 3[π→π*(BPI)] 3IL triplet excited state, mixed with some 3[dπ(Pt)→π*(BPI)] 3MLCT character. Compared with the precursor Pt(BPI)Cl, both the low-energy absorption and the emission in the N-heterocyclic ligand substituted platinum(ii) complexes exhibits a distinct blue-shift due to an obviously enhanced contribution from the 3IL state and a reduced 3MLCT character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of oxo-centred triruthenium-acetate complexes with valence iii,iii,iiwere prepared by reactions of [Ru3III,III,III]+precursor [Ru3O(OAc)6(py)2(CH3OH)]+(1) with 3-chloro-6-(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridazine (cppd), 3-chloro-6-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)pyridazine (cmppd), 3,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridazine (ppd), 3,6-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)pyridazine (mppd) or 3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (bptz). When neutral Ru3III,III,IIprecursor Ru3O(OAc)6(CO)(CH3OH)2(2) was utilized, a stable low-valence Ru3III,II,IIderivative complex was successfully isolated. As established through crystal structural analyses, they were derived from 1or 2by substitution of the axial methanol and one of six bridging acetates in the parent Ru3(μ3-O)(μ-OAc)6cluster core as well as one axial pyridine in some cases. As revealed by electrochemical and spectroscopic studies, substituting one of the six bridging acetates in the parent Ru3(μ3-O)(μ-OAc)6cluster core significantly modifies the electronic and redox characteristics. Compared with those for the parent compound [Ru3O(OAc)6(py)3]+, triruthenium-based redox potentials of these derivatives show remarkable positive shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary aim of the present study was to quantitatively assess and analyze influential psychosocial factors in the mental health of new military recruits.Methods: A total of 2,734 army recruits were evaluated by using the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and Trait Meta-Mood Scale.Results: In general, the army recruits were found to be in a good state of mental health. The SCL-90 scores of the new recruits were significantly higher than those of the normal civilian population (p < 0.01). The new recruits were similar to the normal army population, with notable exceptions in the following three scales: obsessive-compulsive, depression, and anxiety (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). Factors that significantly influenced the SCL-90 scores included childhood environment, education level, and parental relationship. Results from the current study also revealed negative associations between the SCL-90 global severity index and the Trait Meta-Mood Scale subscale scores (p < 0.01).Conclusion: The mental health status of army recruits is closely related to their childhood environment, education level, parental relationship, and emotional intelligence. These factors should be considered by mental health workers, to help new army recruits adapt to the new environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of Cu(II) complexes of disubstituted 2,2′-bipyridine bearing ammonium groups [Cu(L1−4)2Br]5+ (1–4, L1 =[5,5′-(Me2NHCH2)2-bpy]2+, L2 =[5,5′-(Me3NCH2)2-bpy]2+, L3 =[4,4′-(Me2NHCH2)2-bpy]2+, L4 =[4,4′-(Me3NCH2)2-bpy]2+ and bpy=2,2′-bipyridyl) were synthesized, of which complexes 1 and 4 were structurally characterized. Both coordination configurations of Cu(II) ions can be described as distorted trigonal bipyramid. The interaction between all complexes and CT-DNA was evaluated by thermal-denaturation experiments and CD spectroscopy. Results show that the complexes interact with CT-DNA via outside electrostatic interactions and their binding ability follows the order: 1 > 2 > 3 > 4. In the absence of any reducing agents, the cleavage of plasmid pBR322 DNA by these complexes was investigated and the hydrolysis kinetics of DNA was studied in Tris buffer (pH 7.5) at 37°C. Obtained pseudo-Michaelis–Menten kinetic parameters: 15.0, 13.6, 2.01 and 1.69h−1 for 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, indicate that complexes 1 and 2 exhibit very high DNA cleavage activities. According to their crystal data, the high nuclease activity may be attributed to the strong interaction of the metal moiety and two ammonium groups with phosphate groups of DNA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of cyclometallated iridium(III) acetylide complexes Ir(ppy)2(PPh3)(C:hsp sp="0.12" />=C6H5 3, C6H4But-4 4, C6F5 5, C6H4COMe-4 6, SiMe3 7) were synthesized by substitution of coordination chloride in precursor Ir(ppy)2(PPh3)Cl (2, ppy=2-phenylpyridine) with an acetylide ligand. These complexes are brightly luminescent in fluid dichloromethane at ambient temperature, originating from 3MLCT/3LLCT/3IL states as supported by TD-DFT studies. It is demonstrated that substitution of coordination chloride in precursor 2 (λ em =456 and 485nm, Φ em =1.6%) with an acetylide ligand results in obvious red-shift of the emission as well as significant enhancement of the luminescence efficiency in 3–7 (λ em =480–510nm, Φ em =9.5%–19%) since the energy level of non-emissive d–d transition is highly raised and thus d–d state deactivation is significantly suppressed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Multifunctional heteropentanuclear Al3Ln2(Ln = Nd, Eu, Yb) clusters with a novel structure exhibit significantly fluoride-enhanced lanthanide emission intensity and lifetime in both solid state and solution as well as unusual white-light emitting for an Al3Eu2complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]