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Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) contributes to promoting green and low-carbon transformation in rural areas. In order to better guide rural households to invest in BIPV projects and promote the goal of "carbon neutrality" in China's building sector, this study integrates the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the social cognitive theory (SCT), and the PEST analysis framework. It constructs a theoretical model from the perspective of "External Factors-Internal Psychology-Investment Intention" to investigate rural households' investment intentions toward BIPV projects and their influencing factors. Basic data were collected from 488 valid questionnaires from rural households in Henan Province, and the theoretical model was empirically tested using structural equation modeling. The results show that the model constructed from both internal and external factors effectively explains rural households' investment intentions (II) toward BIPV projects (R2 = 0.89), with investment attitude (IA) being the strongest psychological motivation leading to their II. All four external factors—policy, economic, social, and technological—positively influence II with diminishing effects. Additionally, the policy factor has the most significant effect on IA, while the economic factor has a more prominent effect on perceived behavioral control (PBC), and the technological factor has a relatively weaker effect on the two psychological factors. Furthermore, the four external factors indirectly influence investment intentions through the two psychological factors of IA and PBC, with the mediating effect of IA being higher than PBC. Based on the findings, this study proposes effective suggestions to enhance rural households' investment intentions toward BIPV projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panax notoginseng often faces varying levels of light stress during its growth, which can hinder efforts to improve its yield and quality. Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are known play important role in photosynthesis, while the synergistic effect and mechanism in enhancing the resistance to light stress of P. notoginseng have yet to be well understood. In this study, field experiments and pot trials were conducted to investigate the regulatory effects of the combined application of N and K on N allocation in P. notoginseng leaves under light stress, as well as on metabolic products of photosynthesis and the accumulation of saponin. Results showed that compared with medium light (ML: optimal light intensity, 450 μmol/m2/s), both low light (LL: 60 μmol/m2/s) and high light (HL: 800 μmol/m2/s) stress significantly reduced the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) (32.45% and 12.23%, respectively) and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) (10.01% and 19.21%, respectively) of P. notoginseng leaves. Compared with N0K0 (N: K=0.0045:0.0045 kg/m2), N1K2 (N: K=0.0225:0.045 kg/m2) treatment significantly increased Pn and PNUE under LL or HL stress in P. notoginseng , with an average increase of 52.80% and 31.61%, respectively. The allocation of carboxylation nitrogen (Ncb) and electron transport nitrogen (Net) were identified as the main limiting factors for PNUE under light stress. However, compared with N0K0, N1K2 treatment mitigated these limitations by increasing Rubisco content at an average of 0.29 ng/g FW, and adjusting the Ncb ratio by 7.31% to 21.11%, primarily through conversion of non-protein nitrogen (N np) to photosynthetic nitrogen (N psn). In addition, compared with N0K0, N1K2 regulated the activity of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes, resulting in an average increase of 25.72% in starch content and a mean decrease of 6.48% in sucrose content under LL or HL stress, ultimately promoting the accumulation of total saponins in P. notoginseng (11.95% to 29.67%). In summary, under light stress, N1K2 synergy improves LL or HL stress resistance of P. notoginseng by expanding and supplementing the N psn pool in its leaves, thereby promoting the accumulation of carbohydrate and saponins. [Display omitted] • N1K2 mitigates Pn, WUE, and Rubisco decline in light-stressed P. notoginseng. • N1K2 increases the capacity and proportion of N psn in P. notoginseng. • N1K2 promotes the conversion of N np to N psn in P. notoginseng. • There is a significant correlation between PNpsn and PNUE. • N1K2 improves P. notoginseng 's stress resistance, enhancing yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy prosumer participates in the balance of the energy system actively through their production and consumption of energy and will become a major participant in the open energy market increasingly in the future. This paper used the bibliometric method to sort out 1251 literature data related to energy prosumer in the "Web of Science Core Collection" and used the software named CiteSpace to perform statistics and cooccurrence analysis. The research found the following: (a) journals in the field of prosumer have their emphasis on theory, application, policy, and modeling; (b) the United States and European institutions have published the articles most, and the academic influence of Chinese scholars needs to be further improved; (c) the focus of the prosumers' research in the past decade has turned the energy system designing to the market transaction research; (d) P2P, P2G, and prosumer community are three market models that have attracted attention for scholars; besides, self-consumption, market matching, district heating, aggregators, and household energy management systems are also the current research hotspots; (e) digital technologies such as big data, the Internet of Things, and blockchain have a significant impact on the prosumer participating in energy market transactions, which will change the existing energy supply chain model profoundly. In the context of the energy Internet, energy trading platforms, digital ecosystems, cross-border innovation, and other fields will become the hotspots in future research on prosumer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Determine whether salicylic acid (SA) can alleviate the inhibitory effects of Al stress on dry matter accumulation in Panax notoginseng, and to investigate the mechanism by which the SA regulates photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Methods: Effects of SA on the biomass of P. notoginseng and the concentration of Al in leaves under Al stress were evaluated. SA and the scavenger paclobutrazol (PAC, SA synthetic inhibitor) were used to assess the effects of SA on photosynthesis and the metabolism of total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) in P. notoginseng. Results: SA reduced Al by 13.23% in the leaves of P. notoginseng under Al stress. It also promoted the synthesis of carbohydrates in the leaves and their transport to the roots. Additionally, SA alleviated the Al-induced reduction of chlorophyll (Chl) by upregulating the expression of Chl synthesis genes (CHLM, CHLG, HEMB1, HEMC, and HEME) and downregulating the degradation genes (CLH2 and PPH1). Concomitantly, the rubisco activase (RCA) and rubisco enzyme activities were promoted by upregulating the expressions of the RCA, rbcL, and rbcS genes via treatment with SA, thereby restoring the synthesis and metabolism of TNC. Furthermore, SA attenuated the decrease in photosynthetic capacity and photosynthesis system II photochemistry efficiency in Al-stressed plants. Furthermore, SA significantly reduced the H2O2 concentration by 12.22% under Al stress. Conclusions: By regulating photosynthesis-related genes and photochemical processes, SA promoted photosynthesis and enhanced leaf carbohydrate synthesis under Al stress. Thus, SA enhanced the production of P. notoginseng biomass, ultimately reducing the inhibitory effects of Al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Ursolic acid (UA) is an antitumor component derived from Chinese herbal medicine; this study is to observe the effects of UA on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gastric cancer. Methods. (1) In vitro experiments: 25μmol/L and 50μmol/L UA were applied to BGC-823, AGS, MGC-803, and HGC-27 cells; MTT staining, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were used to assess cell proliferation, cell migration, and apoptosis, respectively. Western blot was performed to detect the expressions of N-Cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, Twist, Axl, p-Axl, IKK, p-IKK, NF-κB, and p-NF-κB. (2) In vivo experiments: Ten BALB/c-nu mice were used to establish gastric cancer xenograft model. Five were orally given UA for 4 weeks and five were given normal saline. Expressions of N-Cadherin and Snail were examined by immunohistochemical assay; expressions of N-Cadherin, Snail, Twist, Axl, p-Axl, IKK, and p-IKK were detected by Western blot. Results. (1) UA inhibited cell proliferation in BGC-823 and HGC-27 cells in dose-dependent manners. (2) UA inhibited cell migration in BGC-823, AGS, and MGC-803 cells while inducing apoptosis in BGC-823 cells. (3) UA significantly decreased the expressions of N-Cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, Twist p-Axl, p-IKKα/β, and p-NF-κB in BGC-823 and MGC-803 cells. (4) UA distinctly decreased the expressions of N-Cadherin, Snail, p-Axl, and p-IKKα/β in gastric cancer xenograft model rats. Conclusion. UA can effectively inhibit the proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. The antitumor effect of UA is conducted by EMT inhibition, which may be associated with the regulation of Axl/NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Dencichine is significantly correlated with the selenium content in P. notoginseng. • There is a significant correlation between dencichine and selenium content in soil. • Selenium promotes the accumulation of dencichine in P. notoginseng. • Dencichine increases the antioxidant capacity of P. notoginseng. • Dencichine improves the stress resistance of P. notoginseng. Abstract Dencichine is the main ingredient in Panax notoginseng, which is an herb that plays a key role in hemostasis. The biosynthesis of dencichine requires the participation of sulfur. Selenium and sulfur are congeners. The purpose of this study was to reveal if selenium participates in the synthesis of dencichine, and to determine whether dencichine plays a role in anti-stress effects. P. notoginseng and planting soil were sampled from different sites and subjected to selenium and dencichine determinations. Biosynthesis of dencichine was investigated by exposing the seedlings to different selenium concentrations in pot and hydroponic experiments. The effects of dencichine on the regulation of the antioxidant enzyme system and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also tested in hydroponic experiments. The results indicated that the selenium and dencichine contents of roots were 0.69-0.98% and 0.21–1.18 mg kg−1, respectively, and the soil selenium content in 18 planting areas in Yunnan Province was 0.16-0.32 mg kg−1. Dencichine and selenium contents in soil or plants were positively correlated (R2 = 0.1643***, R2 = 0.3084***, respectively). Selenium treatment increased the dencichine content by 69–111% in pot experiments using 5 mg kg−1 and by 23–33% in hydroponic experiments using 2 μM. The key genes in the dencichine biosynthetic pathway, such as β-cyanoalanine synthase and serine acetyltransferase , were significantly upregulated by the 2 μM selenium treatment. Dencichine treatment (30 μM) significantly enhanced root activity, increased antioxidant capacity, decreased ROS content, and reduced lipid peroxidation of the cell membranes. Therefore, selenium promoted the synthesis of dencichine, which acted as an anti-stress agent in P. notoginseng. However, the selenium content was deficient in the P. notoginseng planting soil from Yunnan Province. These results suggest that appropriate selenium supplementation is beneficial for the growth and development of P. notoginseng and the accumulation of dencichine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sonochemistry as a clean, efficient and environmentally friendly synthetic method has shown great potential in the chemical synthesis. In this work, poly (propylene carbonate) (PPC) was successfully obtained from carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and propylene oxide (PO) by using Zn-Co and Zn-Fe double metal cyanides (DMCs) as catalyst with the sonochemistry method. With FTIR, 1 H NMR and GPC analysis, PPCs prepared in the ultrasonic field have high yield, high molecular weight and wide polydispersity index (PDI). It is proven to be effective for the copolymerization of CO 2 and PO with the sonochemistry method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitotic chromosomal instability (CIN) plays important roles in tumor progression, but what causes CIN is incompletely understood. In general, tumor CIN arises from abnormal mitosis, which is caused by either intrinsic or extrinsic factors. While intrinsic factors such as mitotic checkpoint genes have been intensively studied, the impact of tumor microenvironmental factors on tumor CIN is largely unknown. We investigate if glucose deprivation and lactic acidosis – two tumor microenvironmental factors – could induce cancer cell CIN. We show that glucose deprivation with lactic acidosis significantly increases CIN in 4T1, MCF-7 and HCT116 scored by micronuclei, or aneuploidy, or abnormal mitosis, potentially via damaging DNA, up-regulating mitotic checkpoint genes, and/or amplifying centrosome. Of note, the feature of CIN induced by glucose deprivation with lactic acidosis is similar to that of aneuploid human tumors. We conclude that tumor environmental factors glucose deprivation and lactic acidosis can induce tumor CIN and propose that they are potentially responsible for human tumor aneuploidy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a composite matrix composed of epoxy copolymers P (GMA-co-MPC) and acetylene black that can be used to entrap cytochrome P450. The composite provides a biocompatible microenviroment and can substantially accelerate the electron transfer between the cytochrome P450 and the electrode. The electrochemical response is characterized by a pair of well-defined redox peaks for the heme Fe(II/III) redox couples were observed at −483 mV (vs. SCE). The immobilized cytochrome P450 exhibits excellent electrocatalytical activity to diethylstilbestrol (DES). The amperometric response varied linearly with the concentration of DES in the 0.2 to 2.8 μM concentration range. The biosensor displays a detection limit 5.9 × 10 mol L and thus represents a promising candidate for studying the electrochemistry of cytochrome P450s and its sensing applications. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional chemical pesticide dosage forms and crude application methods have resulted in low pesticide utilization, increased environmental pollution, and the development of resistance. Compared to traditional pesticides, nanopesticides enhance the efficiency of pesticide utilization and reduce the quantity required, thereby decreasing environmental pollution. Herein, Cry1Ac insecticidal crystal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis Subsp. Kurstaki HD-73 was encapsulated in a metal-organic framework (zeolite imidazolate framework-8, ZIF-8) through biomimetic mineralization to obtain Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 nanopesticides. The Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 nanopesticides exhibited a dodecahedral porous structure, and the introduction of Cry1Ac did not affect the intrinsic crystal structure of ZIF-8. The indoor toxicity analysis revealed that the toxicity of Cry1Ac towards Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), Helicoverpa armigera Hubner , and Spodoptera litura Fabricius was not affected by ZIF-8 encapsulation. Surprisingly, Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 still exhibited excellent pest management efficacy even after exposure to heat, UV irradiation, and long-term storage. More importantly, the encapsulation of ZIF-8 significantly enhanced the internal absorption performance of Cry1Ac in maize leaves and extended its persistence period. Thus, ZIF-8 could potentially serve as a promising carrier for the preparation of nanopesticides with enhanced applicability, stability, and persistence period, providing a powerful strategy to improve the application of Cry1Ac in future agricultural pest management. [Display omitted] • Cry1Ac toxin was immobilized in ZIF-8 via biomimetic mineralization. • Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 showed good stability under heating and UV irradiation conditions. • Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 possessed excellent long-term storage stability. • ZIF-8 enhanced the internal absorption of Cry1Ac in maize leaves. • ZIF-8 extended the persistence of Cry1Ac in maize leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional chemical pesticide dosage forms and crude application methods have resulted in low pesticide utilization, increased environmental pollution, and the development of resistance. Compared to traditional pesticides, nanopesticides enhance the efficiency of pesticide utilization and reduce the quantity required, thereby decreasing environmental pollution. Herein, Cry1Ac insecticidal crystal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis Subsp. Kurstaki HD-73 was encapsulated in a metal-organic framework (zeolite imidazolate framework-8, ZIF-8) through biomimetic mineralization to obtain Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 nanopesticides. The Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 nanopesticides exhibited a dodecahedral porous structure, and the introduction of Cry1Ac did not affect the intrinsic crystal structure of ZIF-8. The indoor toxicity analysis revealed that the toxicity of Cry1Ac towards Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), Helicoverpa armigera Hubner , and Spodoptera litura Fabricius was not affected by ZIF-8 encapsulation. Surprisingly, Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 still exhibited excellent pest management efficacy even after exposure to heat, UV irradiation, and long-term storage. More importantly, the encapsulation of ZIF-8 significantly enhanced the internal absorption performance of Cry1Ac in maize leaves and extended its persistence period. Thus, ZIF-8 could potentially serve as a promising carrier for the preparation of nanopesticides with enhanced applicability, stability, and persistence period, providing a powerful strategy to improve the application of Cry1Ac in future agricultural pest management. [Display omitted] • Cry1Ac toxin was immobilized in ZIF-8 via biomimetic mineralization. • Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 showed good stability under heating and UV irradiation conditions. • Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 possessed excellent long-term storage stability. • ZIF-8 enhanced the internal absorption of Cry1Ac in maize leaves. • ZIF-8 extended the persistence of Cry1Ac in maize leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the poor prognosis of unresectable advanced gastric cancer (GC), novel therapeutic strategies are needed. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade, the most frequently activated pathway in GC, plays an important role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. The MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is an attractive therapeutic target for GC. In this study, trametinib, a mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor, reduced the p-ERK level and significantly increased signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation in GC cells, resulting in reduced sensitivity to trametinib. Physapubescin B (PB), a steroidal compound extracted from the plant Physalis pubescens L., inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of GC cells by suppressing STAT3 phosphorylation. The combination of PB and trametinib suppressed the STAT3 phosphorylation induced by trametinib, and synergistically suppressed gastric tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Together, these results indicate that inhibition of both MEK and STAT3 may be effective for patients with MAPK/ERK pathway-addicted GC. • PB suppresses the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of GC cells. • PB inhibits the transcriptional and post-transcriptional activity of STAT3. • PB and trametinib synergistically induce the apoptosis of GC cells. • The combination of PB and trametinib suppresses both ERK and STAT3 phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most lethal cancer. Effective treatments are lacking, and our knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms in play is poor. Oridonin from the Chinese herb Rabdosia rubescens exerts various anticancer activities. However, the dose-dependent effects of oridonin on human GC remain unclear. Here, we found that oridonin inhibited GC cell growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Low-dose oridonin induced GC cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 and cell senescence by suppressing the c-Myc-AP4 pathway and enhancing p53-p21 signaling. AP4 overexpression partly abrogated the oridonin-induced senescence of GC cells. High-dose oridonin induced apoptosis and autophagy, with the autophagy inhibitor BafA1 attenuating oridonin-induced apoptosis. Together, the findings indicate that oridonin at different doses modulates GC cell senescence and apoptosis; oridonin may thus usefully treat GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Artemisia annua is the major source for artemisinin production. The artemisinin content in A. annua is affected by different types of light especially the UV light. UVR8, a member of RCC1 gene family was found to be the UV-B receptor in plants. The gene structures, evolutionary history and expression profile of UVR8 or RCC1 genes remain undiscovered in A. annua. Results: Twenty-two RCC1 genes (AaRCC1) were identified in each haplotype genome of two diploid strains of A. annua, LQ-9 and HAN1. Varied gene structures and sequences among paralogs were observed. The divergence of most RCC1 genes occurred at 46.7 – 51 MYA which overlapped with species divergence of core Asteraceae during the Eocene, while no recent novel RCC1 members were found in A. annua genome. The number of RCC1 genes remained stable among eudicots and RCC1 genes underwent purifying selection. The expression profile of AaRCC1 is analogous to that of Arabidopsis thaliana (AtRCC1) when responding to environmental stress. Conclusions: This study provided a comprehensive characterization of the AaRCC1 gene family and suggested that RCC1 genes were conserved in gene number, structures, constitution of amino acids and expression profiles among eudicots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor hypoxia, which is mainly caused by the inefficient microvascular systems induced by rapid tumor growth, is a common characteristic of most solid tumors and has been found to hinder treatment outcomes for many types of cancer therapeutics. In this study, an amphiphilic block copolymer, poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate-block-n-butyl acrylate (PEGA-BA), was prepared via the ATRP method and self-assembled into core-shell micelles as nano radiosensitizers. These micelles encapsulated a photosensitizer, Chlorin e6 (Ce6), and demonstrated well-defined morphology, a uniform size distribution, and high oxygen loading capacity. Cell experiments showed that PEGA-BA@Ce6@PFCE micelles could effectively enter cells. Further in vitro anticancer studies demonstrated that the PEGA-BA@Ce6@PFCE micelles significantly suppressed the tumor cell survival rate when exposed to a laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional Chinese herb Panax notoginseng (PN) tonifies blood, and its main active ingredient is saponin. PN is processed by different methods, resulting in different compositions and effects. To investigate changes in the microstructure and composition of fresh PN processed by different techniques and the anti-anemia effects on tumor-bearing BALB/c mice after chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide (CTX). Fresh PN was processed by hot-air drying (raw PN, RPN), steamed at 120 °C for 5 h (steamed PN, SPN), or fried at 130 °C, 160 °C, or 200 °C for 8 min (fried PN, FPN1, FPN2, or FPN3, respectively); then, the microstructures were compared with 3D optical microscopy, quasi-targeted metabolites were detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS), and saponins were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). An anemic mouse model was established by subcutaneous H22 cell injection and treatment with CTX. The antianemia effects of PN after processing via three methods were investigated by measuring peripheral blood parameters, performing HE staining and measuring cell proliferation via immunofluorescence. 3D optical profiling revealed that the surface roughness of the SPN and FPN was greater than that of the other materials. Quasi-targeted metabolomics revealed that SPN and FPN had more differentially abundant metabolites whose abundance increased, while SPN had greater amounts of terpenoids and flavones. Analysis of the composition and content of the targeted saponins revealed that the contents of rare saponins (ginsenoside Rh 1 , 20(S)-Rg 3 , 20(R)-Rg 3 , Rh 4 , Rk 3 , Rg 5) were greater in the SPN. In animal experiments, the RBC, WBC, HGB and HCT levels in peripheral blood were increased by SPN and FPN. HE staining and immunofluorescence showed that H-SPN and M-FPN promoted bone marrow and spleen cell proliferation. The microstructure and components of fresh PN differed after processing via different methods. SPN and FPN ameliorated CTX-induced anemia in mice, but the effects of PN processed by these two methods did not differ. [Display omitted] • The rare saponin (ginsenoside Rh1, Rg3, Rh4, Rk3, Rg5) contents were higher in SPN. • The RBC, WBC, HGB and HCT levels in peripheral blood were increased by SPN and FPN. • H-SPN and M-FPN promoted bone marrow and spleen cell proliferation. • There was no significant difference between SPN and FPN in anti-anemia activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We deploy a time-dependent Born–Oppenheimer approximation approach for numerically solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) by reducing the wavefunction dimensionality to nuclear and electronic degrees of freedom, and apply it to a one-dimensional model of H2 +. Based upon our three distinct error evaluation schemes, we quantitatively compare the wavefunctions and HHG spectra which are computed by the present approximation method, with those obtained by fully solving the TDSE. The similarities of both the wavefunctions and the HHG spectra justify that our approach is feasibly precise for medium laser intensity. It is also anticipated that this approximation can be adopted for other polyatomic molecules with a dimensionality reduction and computational simplification in calculating the time-dependent wavefunctions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), commonly associated with many diseases, is believed to have affected human adaptation to environmental changes during the out-of-Africa expansion. APOBEC3B (A3B), a member of the cytidine deaminase family APOBEC3s, also exhibits a variable gene insertion/deletion polymorphism across world populations. Using data available from published reports, we examined the global geographic distribution of ACE and A3B genotypes. In tracking the modern human dispersal routes of these two genes, we found that the variation trends of the two I/D polymorphisms were directly correlated. We observed that the frequencies of ACE insertion and A3B deletion rose in parallel along the expansion route. To investigate the presence of a correlation between the two polymorphisms and the effect of their interaction on human health, we analyzed 1199 unrelated Chinese adults to determine their genotypes and other important clinical characteristics. We discovered a significant difference between the ACE genotype/allele distribution in the A3B DD and A3B II/ID groups (P = 0.045 and 0.015, respectively), indicating that the ACE Alu I allele frequency in the former group was higher than in the latter group. No specific clinical phenotype could be associated with the interaction between the ACE and A3B I/D polymorphisms. A3B has been identified as a powerful inhibitor of Alu retrotransposition, and primate A3 genes have undergone strong positive selection (and expansion) for restricting the mobility of endogenous retrotransposons during evolution. Based on these findings, we suggest that the ACE Alu insertion was enabled (facilitated) by the A3B deletion and that functional loss of A3B provided an opportunity for enhanced human adaptability and survival in response to the environmental and climate challenges arising during the migration from Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii is an herb that possesses various ethnopharmacological applications. Herein, our current study focuses on the antitumor effect of a combination of physalins, which are regarded as the most representative secondary metabolites from calyces of Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii. Materials and Methods: We mainly investigated the antitumor activity of the physalins extracted from Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii on both solid and hematologic cancers. The main cells used in this study were NCI-H1975 and U266 cells. The major assays used were the CCK-8 assay, Western blot analyses, immunofluorescence assay and Annexin V assay, and a xenograft mouse model was used. Results: The results showed that physalins exhibited a strong antitumoural effect on both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and multiple myeloma (MM) cells by suppressing constitutive STAT3 activity and further inhibiting the downstream target gene expression induced by STAT3 signaling, which resulted in the enhanced apoptosis of tumor cells. Moreover, physalins significantly reduced tumor growth in xenograft models of lung cancer. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings demonstrated that the physalins from Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii may potentially act as cancer preventive or chemotherapeutic agents for NSCLC and MM by inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway. The present study served as a promising guide to further explore the precise mechanism of Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) formula fertilization on cadmium (Cd) accumulation in P. notoginseng. Field investigations as well as formulated N and K fertilizers application experiments were conducted. Field investigations showed that Cd accumulation decreased PNS content in the main roots of P. notoginseng, while PNS content was promoted by soil available potassium (AK) and K in the main roots. The Cd content in P. notoginseng and the bioavailable Cd content in the soil decreased with the increasing of total K (TK) and AK in the soil. The increase of soil pH, total organic matter (TOM) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) values can reduce the bioavailable Cd content in soil, thus reducing the Cd accumulation in P. notoginseng. Under current fertilization in P. notoginseng cultivation, decreased N fertilization can alleviate the deterioration of soil physical and chemical properties. Under identical N fertilization, increasing K fertilization promoted the PNS accumulation (0.3–38.3%), also improved soil physical and chemical properties. Formulated N and K fertilizers application (1:2) experiments showed that reducing application of N and increasing K fertilization could reduce the bioavailable Cd content in soil, and the Cd content also decreased by 0.5–69.6% in P. notoginseng. Abbreviation: PNS: P. notoginseng saponins; F(EXC): Exchangeable fraction; F(Carb): Bound to carbonates fraction; F(Fe-MnOX): Bound to iron and manganese oxides fraction; F(OM): Bound to organic matter fraction; F(RES): Residual fraction; AK: Available potassium; TK: Total potassium; CEC: Cation exchange capacity; TOM: Total organic matter [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Robust city-level CO 2 emission inventory for China was benchmarked for 2005. • A combination of CHRED database, statistical data and survey data was considered. • Megacities or dominant coal/iron/steel-producing cities had high CO 2 emissions. • Industrial structure, city scale and climate greatly affected per capita CO 2 emissions. Abstract Year 2005 is important because it is the base year for the international carbon reduction commitment and national development plans for China. However, accurate and robust CO 2 emission data for 2005 remain limited, particularly for city-level emissions. To address these gaps, we established a uniform city-level CO 2 emission inventory for all the 287 prefecture-level cities in China for 2005, combining the High-Resolution Emission Gridded Database (CHRED) 2.0, statistical data and onsite survey. The results showed that Shanghai, Tangshan, Beijing, Tianjin, Jining, Handan, Chongqing, Suzhou, Shijiazhuang and Wuhan were the ten cities with greatest CO 2 emissions in 2005, with total CO 2 emissions of 205, 184, 145, 126, 116, 103, 96, 93, 90 and 81 Mt, respectively. These cities were either megacities or those dominated by coal, iron or steel production. However, the three cities with the highest CO 2 emissions per GDP and CO 2 emissions per capita were Jiayuguan, Wuhai and Shizuishan, which were dominated by industry, small- or medium-sized, and exhibited a high demand for heat and cooling. Cluster analysis revealed that industrial energy consumption was the dominant emission source for most cities, except Haikou and Lhasa, for which indirect CO 2 emissions were dominant. This study will greatly contribute to the city level CO 2 emission inventory and research on China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scuteformoids A-J, ten previously undescribed neo- clerodane diterpenoids along with one known analogue, were isolated from petroleum ether soluable fraction of the whole plants of Scutellaria formosana . The differences among these compounds are the substituents and stereochemistry at C-13. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR experiments, and the absolute configurations of Scuteformoids A, C, E, F, and I were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Scuteformoids A, C, D, F, H, and I were evaluated for their inhibitory effects against HIV lytic replication and cytotoxic activities. All of them showed weak anti-HIV activities, with EC 50 values ranging from 48.24 to 79.17 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel electrochemical biosensing platform was developed based on the modification of biocompatible hybrid film of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and ionic liquids (ILs), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF4) onto glass carbon electrode (GCE). Then an unmediated biosensor was successfully prepared by immobilizing the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the β-CD/ILs composite film. β-CD could provide a biocompatible microenvironment for HRP, and ILs could accelerate the electron transfer between HRP and the electrode. Results showed that the HRP entrapped in the β-CD/ILs film could maintain its native structure and the direct electrochemistry of HRP were facilely achieved. A couple of well-defined redox peaks of HRP were observed at about −0.32V (vs. SCE), corresponding to the protein heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couples. The electrocatalysis of this biosensor to both quercetin and hydrogen peroxide was characterized. The biosensor exhibited a low operating potential (−0.05V vs. SCE), fast amperometric response, high sensitivity, good selectivity and sub-micromolar limit of detection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With the continual air pollution and environmental issues caused by the combustions of sulfur-containing fuels, the desulfurization in transport fuels becomes a crucial topic worldwide. In this study, a kind of phosphomolybdic ionic liquid–supported hydroxyapatite was successfully designed and employed as a catalyst for heterogeneous oxidative desulfurization in fuel. The prepared catalysts were characterized via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), which confirmed that phosphomolybdic ionic liquid was successfully immobilized on hydroxyapatite. With the prepared sample n-[Pmim]PMo/HAP, the sulfur removal could reach 97.2% under mild conditions. Furthermore, the supported catalyst has excellent recyclability and utilization foreground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A GHG emissions inventory for 305 Chinese cities is compiled for 2015. • Emissions of CO2, CH4, N2O, and fluorinated GHGs are separately accounted. • The uncertainty of city-level GHG emissions is analyzed. Accounting and understanding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the city level are of great importance because cities are the focus of future mitigation and adaption activities to address climate change, especially in developing nations like China. However, existing studies have not yet provided a complete and updated emissions inventory of city-level GHGs for China in terms of city and GHG-type coverage. In this paper, we rigorously assemble a dataset that contains GHG emissions including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated GHGs for 305 Chinese cities, based on a high-resolution emissions database (China High-Resolution Emission Database, CHRED 3.0) and first-hand on-site data collection and verification by 19 groups of 137 researchers using a bottom-up method, and analyze the uncertainty of the emissions. Results show that total GHG emissions are high in cities in eastern China and low in cities in west, while per capita GHG emissions are high in northern cities and low in southern cities. The emissions of four types of GHGs (CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O and fluoridated GHGs) share different spatial distributions, due to variant industrial structure, energy structure, industry point sources and agricultural surface sources, etc. The uncertainty of GHG emissions is highly related to the source data of cities. Finally, we propose policy recommendations, including improving data quality and strengthening competitions of city-level emission reduction, to improve city-level emissions data integrity and low-carbon development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]