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Copper iodide (CuI) clusters have continued been to arouse increasing attention in many fields due to their high cost-performance, abundant reserves, hypotoxicity and structural diversity. Despite the oxygen sensing capability of coordinate CuI clusters has been demonstrated, the ionic counterparts with better structural stability hold potential to construct more durable sensing platform. However, the optical applications of the ionic CuI clusters have been hindered largely by their prominently weak emission. With the progress of ion assembly in recent years, ionic CuI clusters with specific emission properties can be attainable. Herein, two ionic dinuclear CuI clusters with Mn(Ⅱ) crystal field are introduced through fabricating sensing films to exhibit their oxygen sensing performance for the first time. The results reveal that both sensing films presented good reversibility, fast response associated with wide linear responses in the range from 0 % to 90 % gaseous O 2. When the sensing behaviors of the two clusters were compared, different I 0 /I 100 ratios of 6.6 and 2.1 are observed. Through investigating EPR spectra and time-resolved luminescence spectra, we highlight that different Mn(Ⅱ) crystal field intensity in corresponding clusters lead to distinct oxygen sensing behaviors. In our perception, the possible mechanism could offer new performance modulation strategy based on CuI clusters with multi-emission centers. Owing to the good structural stability of such materials, one of the clusters is used to demonstrate the dissolved oxygen sensing capability of the platform. The study constructs a stable sensing system and will pave the new way for optical application of the family of ionic CuI clusters. • A new O 2 sensing platform based on two ionic copper iodide clusters with Mn(Ⅱ) crystal field is shown. • Fast and reversible response, as well as wide range linearity were observed for the both materials. • The performance modulation strategy based on Mn(Ⅱ) crystal field intensity is proposed. • Dissolved O 2 determination of the sensing platform is achieved by taking one material as an example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The impact of land finance on carbon emissions in China is quantitatively examined. • A specially designed two-stage regression method that could well address endogeneity is employed. • The direct and indirect influences of environmental effects of land finance are distinguished and evaluated. • The direct influences are estimated to dominate the total influences. • The total impact of land finance on carbon emissions is dependent on the level of GDP per capita. In the past two decades, land finance, a phenomenon of the financing arrangement based on land development, has gradually become a fiscal model that profoundly affects China's economic development. Based on the theory of fiscal decentralization and environmental federalism, this study employs a specially designed two-stage regression method to capture both direct and indirect (through economic development and industrial structure) influences of land finance on carbon emissions. Using the provincial panel data for the period of 1998–2016, the empirical results indicate that the direct influences are dominant, and the total impact of land finance on carbon emissions is non-linear and is dependent on the level of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. After 2003, the total effect is that carbon emissions increase continuously along with the economic development. To balance economic development and environmental protection and to enhance sustainable development, the traditional style of land finance should be changed as soon as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Whereas the serratus anterior (SA) and the upper trapezius (UT) work as a force couple for scapular motion, weakness of the SA and overactivation of the UT are often present in overhead athletes with shoulder dysfunction. Therefore, researchers addressing an intramuscular imbalance between the SA and UT have focused on finding exercises that target the weak SA and minimally activate the UT. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of push-up plus (PUP) exercise variants based on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the SA and UT. Data Sources: A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus between January 1, 2000, and March 31, 2008. Study Selection: Studies of PUP exercises that involved EMG analysis. Data Extraction: We assessed study quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. For the systematic analysis, the following data were extracted: (1) author, year, and study design; (2) participant characteristics; (3) type of PUP intervention; (4) EMG outcome measures; and (5) main results. For the meta-analysis, the EMG data of the SA and UT were calculated using the mean difference of EMG activity with a 95% confidence interval. Data Synthesis: Based on 19 studies with 356 participants, different hand positions (the distance between the hands, shoulder-flexion angle, and elbow-flexion angle) and different lower extremity positions variably affected the activation of the SA and UT during the PUP exercise. Also, when participants performed the PUP on an unstable surface compared with a stable surface, UT activity increased 2.74% (95% confidence interval = 0.07%, 5.41%). Conclusions: The standard PUP exercise elicited high EMG activity of the SA. Participants generated higher SA and lower UT EMG activity when they performed the PUP exercise on a stable surface in full elbow extension, with the hands placed shoulder-width apart, shoulder-flexion angles of 110° or 120°, and the ipsilateral lower extremity lifted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungicides (azoxystrobin, propiconazole, pyraclostrobin, and thiophanatemethyl) were applied to field plots of creeping bentgrass established on a sand-based root zone substrate and maintained at a cutting height of 0.34 cm. The wetting agent, a modified alkylated polyol, was applied 24 h prior to fungicide application. Irrigation (0.51 cm) was applied to plots immediately after the fungicide spray. Turf was sampled nine times over 42 days to examine fungicide residues in three components of the turf profile: verdure/thatch. roots, and soil. Residues were extracted from samples and then quantified using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) procedure. The experiment was run twice. Wetting agent had little or no effect on fungicide distribution in any of the turf components. Postapplication irrigation had little effect on residues observed in the verdure/thatch component. Significant irrigation treatment effects were observed in root and soil components, but results varied among fungicides and sampling dates. Where significant effects were observed for the irrigation plus wetting agent treatment, results generally mirrored outcomes for irrigation treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper iodide hybrid materials (CIHMs) are receiving great attention as promising luminescent materials. Their structural diversity can be enriched by design and selection of organic ligands, associated with corresponding photophysical properties. However, the role of ligands in modulating sensing performance of CIHMs stays rarely revealed. Here, we demonstrate the O 2 sensing capability of four tetranuclear CIHMs and reveal the impact of ligands on their different triplet quenching process. Oxygen sensing films were prepared using the selected CIHMs. The study results reveal their oxygen sensing behaviors with wide linear photoluminescence (PL) responses in the range from 0% to 100% for gaseous oxygen, and the corresponding PL quenching ratios of 12.14, 11.30, 2.90 and 2.26 (0–100% O 2), respectively. In addition, all the CIHMs showed rapid and reversible response to oxygen within 10 s. Through investigating the time-resolved luminescence spectra, 1H NMR and corresponding crystal structures of the CIHMs in N 2 and O 2 environments, we highlight that specific crystal stacking patterns caused by different ligands play a major role in their distinct oxygen sensing behaviors. It indicates that the sensing performance of the CIHMs can be regulated through functionalization of the ligands which inspires new insights into their more extensive application. • The O 2 sensing capability of four tetranuclear copper iodide hybrid materials is demonstrated. • Short response time, full range linearity and excellent reversibility were observed for the four materials. • The impact of different ligands on triplet quenching process of corresponding materials is shown. • Specific crystal stacking patterns caused by different ligands play a major role in distinct sensing behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genome is constantly attacked by genotoxic insults. DNA damage has long been established as a cause of cancer development through its mutagenic consequences. Conversely, radiation therapy and chemotherapy induce DNA damage to drive cells into apoptosis or senescence as outcomes of the DNA damage response (DDR). More recently, DNA damage has been recognized as a causal factor for the aging process. The role of DNA damage in aging and age-related diseases is illustrated by numerous congenital progeroid syndromes that are caused by mutations in genome maintenance pathways. During the past 2 decades, understanding how DDR drives cancer development and contributes to the aging process has progressed rapidly. It turns out that the DDR factor p53 takes center stage during tumor development and also plays an important role in the aging process. Studies in metazoan models ranging from Caenorhabditis elegans to mammals have revealed cell-autonomous and systemic DDR mechanisms that orchestrate adaptive responses that augment maintenance of the aging organism amid gradually accumulating DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The age-related decline of signal joint T-cell receptor rearrangement excision circles (sjTRECs) in human peripheral blood has been demonstrated in our previous study and other reports. Until now, only a few studies on sjTREC detection in bloodstain samples were reported, which were based on a small sample of subjects of a limited age range, although bloodstains are much more frequently encountered in forensic practice. In this present study, we adopted the sensitive Taqman real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method to perform sjTREC quantification in bloodstains from individuals ranging from 0-86 years old (n = 264). The results revealed that sjTREC contents in human bloodstains were declined in an age-dependent manner (r =20.8712). The formula of age estimation was Age =27.1815Y242.458±9.42 (Y dCtTBP- sjTREC; 9.42 standard error). Furthermore, we tested for the influence of short- or long- storage time by analyzing fresh and stored bloodstains from the same individuals. Remarkably, no statistically significant difference in sjTREC contents was found between the fresh and old DNA samples over a 4-week of storage time. However, significant loss (0.16-1.93 dCt) in sjTREC contents was detected after 1.5 years of storage in 31 samples. Moreover, preliminary sjTREC quantification from up to 20-year-old bloodstains showed that though the sjTREC contents were detectable in all samples and highly correlated with donor age, a time-dependent decrease in the correlation coefficient r was found, suggesting the predicting accuracy of this described assay would be deteriorated in aged samples. Our findings show that sjTREC quantification might be also suitable for age prediction in bloodstains, and future researches into the time-dependent or other potential impacts on sjTREC quantification might allow further improvement of the predicting accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diastereoselective synthesis of bis-cyclometalated Ir(III) stereoisomers δ/Λ-[Ir(C∧N)2(d-pro)] and δ/Λ-[Ir(C∧N)2(l-pro)] (where C∧N is 2-phenylpyridine (Hppy), (4,6-difluorophenyl)pyridine (Hdfppy), and 2-phenylquinoline (Hpq) and pro is proline) with dual stereogenic centers at the metal and auxiliary ligand has been developed. The diastereomers Λ-l and Λ-d, and δ-l and δ-d exhibit distinguishable photophysical properties in both solution and the solid state. The thermodynamically stable diastereomers Λ-[Ir(ppy)2(l-pro)], Λ-[Ir(dfppy)2(l-pro)], and Λ-[Ir(pq)2(l-pro)] emit a green emission at 524 nm (Φ = 3.5% and τ = 35 ns), a blue-green emission at 480 nm (Φ = 4.5% and τ = 59 ns), and a red emission at 588 nm (Φ = 6.5% and τ = 200 ns) in DCM solution, respectively, which are blue-shifted accompanied by a large quantum yield and long lifetime relative to the corresponding unstable diastereomers δ-[Ir(ppy)2(l-pro)] at 537 nm (Φ = 2.3% and τ = 29 ns), δ-[Ir(dfppy)2(l-pro)] at 489 nm (Φ = 2.8% and τ = 43 ns), and δ-[Ir(pq)2(l-pro)] at 591 nm (Φ = 5.4% and τ = 192 ns). Similar cases were also observed in crystals, but the signals were significantly red-shifted with respect to those in solution. Single-crystal structural analyses show that the δ-l and Λ-d diastereomers exhibit larger interligand repulsion and loose molecular packing with respect to the δ-d and Λ-l diastereomers, resulting in energy and photophysical property differences. In addition, the isomers with δ and Λ configurations at the metal center exhibit positive and negative circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) signals, respectively, indicating that the effects of the chiral carbon atoms in pro ligands on CPL signals are negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) films were fabricated in situ on the surface of a high-strength and robust 2024 aluminum alloy using step voltage and constant voltage modes, respectively. Our study included examination of the microstructure, thickness, microhardness, and electrochemical characteristics of the AAO films. Cross-sectional morphology analysis revealed that the AAO film produced via the step-voltage approach exhibited remarkable density, uniformity, and good quality. In contrast, conspicuous cracks were observed in the AAO film generated under constant-voltage conditions when applied to the 2024 aluminum alloy substrate. Notably, the microhardness of the AAO film prepared using the step voltage method surpassed that of its constant-voltage counterpart. Specifically, the microhardness of the AAO film produced at 30 V via the step voltage reached 289 HV, whereas the equivalent AAO film produced at a constant voltage of 30 V registered only 174 HV. Furthermore, the self-corrosion potential and polarization resistance of the AAO films created using the step voltage were markedly higher than those achieved using a constant voltage. Specifically, the AAO films produced under step voltage conditions, specifically at 30 V and 60 min, exhibited the highest self-corrosion potential and polarization resistance values of namely −0.52 V and 34,888.6 Ω, respectively. In contrast, AAO films prepared under constant voltage conditions displayed values of −0.61 V and 23,292.0 Ω, respectively. Conducting AC impedance measurements and subsequent fitting calculations, the maximum thickness of the AAO film generated via step voltage and constant voltage methods amounted to 132.43 nm and 106.70 nm, respectively. Overall, the microstructure and corrosion resistance of the AAO film formed on the surface of the 2024 aluminum alloy using the step voltage approach demonstrated that it outperformed that of the AAO layer prepared under constant-voltage conditions. Chinese library classification number:TG178 Document ID:A Article ID. • A new method and new idea for preparing anodic oxide film on aluminum alloy surface were explored. • Anodic oxide film produced using the step voltage approach exhibited a dense and uniform microstructure, forming a strong bond with the 2024 aluminum alloy substrate. • Anodic oxide film prepared the step voltage method exhibited a thinner thickness while demonstrating higher microhardness. • The corrosion resistance of the anodic oxide film prepared using the step voltage technique substantially exceeded that of the film produced using constant voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • At room temperature, low-toxicity and ligand-free Cs 2 AgInCl 6 :Bi was prepared for ammonia determination in water. • The method has the advantages of rapid determination, good selectivity and wide determination range (1.00–20.00 mg L-1, determination limit is 0.40 mg L-1). • The reaction mechanism of Cs 2 AgInCl 6 :Bi and ammonia was discussed. • The method can determinate ammonia quantitatively with sensitively in environmental water samples. Ammonia (NH 3) is a common pollutant in water and an important indicator of environmental pollution. Its determination is of great significance to environmental protection. We synthesized ligand-free Cs 2 AgInCl 6 :Bi at room temperature to establish a low toxicity, rapid, and simple fluorescence assay for the selective determination of NH 3 in water. Studies have shown that there is a good linear relationship with the concentration of NH 3 in the range of 1.00 ∼ 20.00 mg L-1 and the determination limit is 0.40 mg L-1. The selectivity for NH 3 is higher than other substances may exist in the water (eg. Na+, SO 4 2-). Subsequently, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and ultraviolet absorption spectra were used to investigate the possible mechanism of NH 3 reaction with Cs 2 AgInCl 6 :Bi. The water samples of lakes and rivers were analyzed by the proposed method and indophenolblue method, the results shown that there is no significant difference between the two methods. The reliable results (0.1%< RSD < 4.1%) and the satisfactory recovery (99.0%∼102.5%) were obtained by direct determination method and mark recovery method. Therefore, the simple, rapid and low-toxicity fluorescence method established in this work provides a promising approach for NH 3 analysis in environmental water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact toughness, microstructure and distribution of elements over the thickness of a plate from high-strength low-carbon bainitic steel are studied with the use of the methods of EPMA and EBSD. The causes of low impact toughness of the high-strength steel are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of celiac disease (CD) has been related to polymorphisms in the regulator of G-protein signaling 1 (RGS1) and interleukin-12 A (IL12A) genes, but the existing findings are inconsistent. Our aim is to investigate the associations of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2816316 in RGS1 and rs17810546 in IL12A) with CD risk using meta-analysis. We searched PubMed and Web of Science on RGS1 rs2816316 and IL12A rs17810546 with CD risk. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each SNP were estimated. All statistical analyses were performed on Stata 12.0. A total of seven studies were retrieved and analyzed. The available data indicated the minor allele C of rs2816316 was negatively associated with CD (C vs. A: OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.74-0.80), and a positive association was found for the minor allele G of rs17810546 (G vs. A: OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.31-1.43). The co-dominant model of genotype effect confirmed the significant associations between RGS1 rs2816316/IL12A rs17810546 and CD. No evidence of publication bias was observed. Our meta-analysis supports the associations of RGS1 and IL12A with CD and strongly calls for further studies to better understand the roles of RGS1 and IL12A in the pathogenesis of CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The gene delivery vector for DNA-based therapy should ensure its transfection efficiency and safety for clinical application. The Micro-Linear vector (MiLV) was developed to improve the limitations of traditional vectors such as viral vectors and plasmids. Methods: The MiLV which contained only the gene expression cassette was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Its cytotoxicity, transfection efficiency in vitro and in vivo, duration of expression, pro-inflammatory responses and potential application for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive tumors were evaluated. Results: Transfection efficiency for exogenous genes transferred by MiLV was at least comparable with or even greater than their corresponding plasmids in eukaryotic cell lines. MiLV elevated the expression and prolonged the duration of genes in vitro and in vivo when compared with that of the plasmid. The in vivo pro-inflammatory response of MiLV group was lower than that of the plasmid group. The MEKK1 gene transferred by MiLV significantly elevated the sensitivity of B95-8 cells and transplanted tumor to the treatment of Ganciclovir (GCV) and sodium butyrate (NaB). Conclusions: The present study provides a safer, more efficient and stable MiLV gene delivery vector than plasmid. These advantages encourage further development and the preferential use of this novel vector type for clinical gene therapy studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]