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A comprehensive investigation of elastic and inelastic electron scattering from molecular pyridine is reported using the ab initio R-matrix method with the static exchange plus polarization and close-coupling approximations for incident energies up to 10 eV. The two well-known low-lying 1 2B1 and 1 2A2 shape resonances as well as a 2 2B1 mixed-character resonance compare well with the theoretical and experimental results. We also detect five core-excited resonances (1 2A1, 1 2B2, 3 2B1, 2 2A2, and 4 2B1), which lie above the first electronic excitation threshold. The total elastic cross sections and momentum transfer cross sections agree reasonably with previous reference data. Comparisons of the differential elastic cross sections of pyridine with those measured for benzene, pyrazine, and pyrimidine show remarkable agreement at scattering angles above 40° but behave differently for forward scattering below 40° below 6 eV, due to the dominant effect of the permanent dipole moment on the differential cross section in the low energy region with narrow scattering angles. Inelastic electronic excitation cross sections are presented, showing the influence of core-excited resonances below the ionization threshold for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viruses deploy multiple strategies to suppress the host innate immune response to facilitate viral replication and pathogenesis. Typical G3BP1+ stress granules (SGs) are usually formed in host cells after virus infection to restrain viral translation and to stimulate innate immunity. Thus, viruses have evolved various mechanisms to inhibit SGs or to repurpose SG components such as G3BP1. Previous studies showed that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV- 2) infection inhibited host immunity during the early stage of COVID-19. However, the precise mechanism is not yet well understood. Here we showed that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (SARS2-N) protein suppressed the doublestranded RNA (dsRNA)-induced innate immune response, concomitant with inhibition of SGs and the induction of atypical SARS2-N+/G3BP1+ foci (N+foci). The SARS2-N protein--induced formation of N+foci was dependent on the ability of its ITFG motif to hijack G3BP1, which contributed to suppress the innate immune response. Importantly, SARS2-N protein facilitated viral replication by inducing the formation of N+foci. Viral mutations within SARS2-N protein that impair the formation of N+foci are associated with the inability of the SARS2-N protein to suppress the immune response. Taken together, our study has revealed a novel mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 suppresses the innate immune response via induction of atypical N+foci. We think that this is a critical strategy for viral pathogenesis and has potential therapeutic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional thermal sterilization technology is easy to implement and safe, but it will destroy food nutrition and change food taste. Therefore, people began to turn their attention to non-thermal sterilization. High-voltage pulsed electric field sterilization technology is one of them; it has attracted much attention because of its high efficiency and little damage to food. Different types of loads will cause serious trailing of the pulse falling edge. In view of this situation, this paper proposes a new topology circuit that combines a solid-state switch with a half-bridge Marx generator. It can be used for high-voltage pulsed electric field sterilization. By improving the structure of the classical Marx circuit, the high-voltage pulse power supply of the new topology circuit has the characteristics of steep rising edge and short falling edge delay; does not require isolation inductance or isolation resistance, which solves the isolation problem between the DC charging power supply and the high-voltage terminal; and has a good voltage-clamping function and load adaptability. The working process of the topology circuit under resistive, capacitive and inductive loads and the voltage clamping effect when the solid-state switch does not work properly in the discharge process are analyzed in detail. The power supply is composed of an adjustable DC power supply, five-stage half-bridge Marx generator and control protection circuit. A field programmable gate array (FPGA) is used as the controller to generate control signals, and optical fiber isolation is used to provide control signals for the main loop. The power supply can output a high-voltage square wave pulse with a voltage amplitude of 10 kV, maximum pulse number of 1000 per second, maximum pulse width of 20 μs, pulse rise time of smaller than 300 ns and short pulse drop time, and the repeated voltage amplitude, frequency and pulse width are adjustable, which can meet the requirements of a high-voltage pulse sterilization experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thrust nappe played an important role in the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the middle part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). However, the timing, structural style and kinematic processes of the thrust nappe remain controversial, particularly the detail of the thrust nappe in the Guaizihu region (110 km east of Ejinaq). In this study, we investigate new field mapping, seismic sections, geochronology and low‐temperature thermochronometric dating to provide constraints on the history of this thrust nappe in the Chaheilingashun area (northwestern Guaizihu region). The field mapping, seismic sections and structural analysis reveal that the autochthonous system had developed a series of strong fold structures in the upper Permian strata. The allochthonous system mainly contains Devonian monzogranite (U‐Pb age, ranges from 386.7 to 389.0 Ma) and Meso–Neoproterozoic schists (the maximum depositional age, ∼880 Ma), which were thrust upon the upper Permian strata during Middle to Late Triassic. Based on similar rocks, geochronological dating and the Yagan thrust, we suggest that the postulated root zone of this allochthon might have originated from the Huhetaoergai area (40–60 km northwest of the study area). The geochronological results reveal that the lower age limit of this thrust nappe is constrained by the Lower–Middle Triassic syntectonic sediments (tuffaceous sandstone, ∼247 Ma), which is the sedimentary response of the fold structure., The timing of the termination of this thrust nappe is defined by the cooling age (40Ar/39Ar data, 217–211 Ma) of the Devonian monzogranite and Meso–Neoproterozoic schists. Thus, we consider this thrust event in the study area to potentially have occurred in the period from 247 Ma to 211 Ma, which may represent the tectonic response to the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spray swirling flame is modulated by both air and fuel. • Flame dynamic is determined by destructive/constructive modulation of air and fuel. • Flame coherent structures are revealed with POD method. Combustion instability is still a main challenge in developing advanced gas turbine combustors. It is essential to conduct instability control once it occurs. In this paper, liquid fuel modulation by a high-speed on/off valve is used to control flame oscillation generated by loudspeakers. Spray swirling flame dynamic under the combined modulation of air and fuel is experimentally studied. Flame dynamical characteristics and coherent structures at different excitation phase delays are discussed with nonlinear time-series analysis and proper orthogonal decomposition method. Experimental results show flame heat release rate fluctuation is decreased by 86% at 40° while flame instability is intensively enhanced at 220°. Phase portraits and recurrence plots show the flame is in a chaotic oscillation with low amplitude aperiodic oscillations at 40° while it suffers from the largest fluctuation at 220°. Difference in flame dynamic is caused by the destructive (out of phase) and constructive (in phase) interference of heat release rate fluctuations induced by air excitation and fuel modulation. Flame returns back to its nature dynamical behavior under out-of-phase modulation. Longitudinal modes of the spray flame are enhanced while the spiral modes are inhibited under in-phase modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), one of the most economically important leaf vegetables, exhibits early bolting under high-temperature conditions. Early bolting leads to loss of commodity value and edibility, leading to considerable loss and waste of resources. However, the initiation and molecular mechanism underlying early bolting induced by high temperature remain largely elusive. Results: In order to better understand this phenomenon, we defined the lettuce bolting starting period, and the high temperature (33 °C) and controlled temperature (20 °C) induced bolting starting phase of proteomics is analyzed, based on the iTRAQ-based proteomics, phenotypic measurement, and biological validation by RT-qPCR. Morphological and microscopic observation showed that the initiation of bolting occurred 8 days after high-temperature treatment. Fructose accumulated rapidly after high-temperature treatment. During initiation of bolting, of the 3305 identified proteins, a total of 93 proteins exhibited differential abundances, 38 of which were upregulated and 55 downregulated. Approximately 38% of the proteins were involved in metabolic pathways and were clustered mainly in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Furthermore, some proteins involved in sugar synthesis were differentially expressed and were also associated with energy production. Conclusions: This report is the first to report on the metabolic changes involved in the initiation of bolting in lettuce. Our study suggested that energy metabolism and ribosomal proteins are pivotal components during initiation of bolting. This study could provide a potential regulatory mechanism for the initiation of early bolting by high temperature, which could have applications in the manipulation of lettuce for breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive study of electron collisions with the X1Σg+ ground state as well as the metastable A3Σu+ and a1Πg excited states of the N2 molecule is reported using the fixed-nucleus R-matrix method. Integral elastic scattering and electronic excitation cross sections from the X1Σg+ ground state to the eight lowest electronic states, A3Σu+, B3Πg, W3Δu, B′3Σu−, a1Πg, a′1Σu−, w1Δu and C3Πu, overall agree well with the available experimental and theoretical results although updates of some recommended values are suggested. Accurate electron impact electronic transition cross sections starting from the A3Σu+ and a1Πg metastable excited states are reported. The total summed electronic transition cross sections from the a1Πg state is dominant: an order of magnitude higher than those of the X1Σg+ ground state. The de-excitation cross sections generally show a downward trend with increasing incident electron energy, which is different from the elastic and electronic excitation cross sections which generally increase with collision energy. There is a prominent 2Πu symmetry resonance peak at 2.8 eV for electronic de-excitation scattering of a1Πg → B3Πg, which significantly contributes to the total summed cross sections from the a1Πg excited state. The present results provide a new insight which will aid understanding of electron spectra in the atmosphere of the Earth and Titan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stiffness is the key dynamic parameter of the angular contact ball bearing. This work established a dynamic bearing model based on Hertz theory and thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) and compared the contact angle, inner race position, and stiffness. In most cases, the stiffness calculated via Hertz was higher than when using TEHL. The axial stiffness values determined via the two theories were close, while the radial stiffness calculated via the Hertz theory was smaller than that determined by TEHL under light load and high speed. Considering the elastic deformation of the races and the initial contact angle, the results obtained by TEHL displayed a lower error rate in the experiment than Hertz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, polymer dots (Pdots) possessing conjugated structures have attracted the attention of researchers for use as photocatalysts for H2 evolution reactions. Herein, soluble Pdots (ca. 30 nm) based on the semiconducting polymer poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) (PFO) were introduced as a photocatalyst for photodegradation activity and light-driven hydrogen generation by a nanoprecipitation method. A photodegradation activity study of these Pdots (PFO-Pdots) with methylene blue (MB) showed a good ability to degrade MB in aqueous solution under simulated light. Moreover, the PFO-Pdots exhibited a good H2 production rate up to 1.20 ± 0.04 mmol h−1 g−1 without platinum or rhodium as a cocatalyst. According to the I–V curves and transient photocurrent response study, it was obvious that a significant photocurrent of the PFO-Pdots was generated under light irradiation. The low recombination rate of the photogenerated carriers and shortened charge diffusion path led to a good photocatalytic H2 evolution rate. These phenomena suggested that the conjugated Pdots only composed of C, H, and O elements had good photocatalytic activity, and it was a powerful supplement to existing polymer photocatalytic systems. Moreover, PFO-Pdots had better photocatalytic activity in water than pure PFO. This study shows that PFO-Pdots or conjugated Pdots may be promising candidates in the field of photocatalysis in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A photoelectrochemical electrode was fabricated based on a graphene honeycomb film. • A fluorescent probe (AFP-PFBT-GOD) was synthesized for the detection current promotion. • This photoelectrochemical biosensor can sensitively detect alpha-fetoprotein by competitive immunoassay. • The photoelectrochemical biosensor has high detection sensitivity and good reliability. • The detection limit of alpha-fetoprotein is lower than 0.05 ng/mL. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in adult serum often appears in early liver cancer. Therefore, early detection of an abnormal elevation of AFP concentration is important for the early diagnosis and treatment of primary liver cancer. In this work, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) electrode was fabricated for AFP-sensitive detection based on a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) honeycomb structure. After layer-by-layer bioconjugation, the immunoassay graphene electrode was modified with anti-AFP antibodies (Ab). Meanwhile, polymer nanoparticles (PFBT dots) were prepared via a nanoprecipitation method. In addition, the AFP was modified by using the PFBT dots and glucose oxidase (GOD), which formed a fluorescent probe (AFP-PFBT-GOD). By the competitive linkage of AFP and AFP-PFBT-GOD onto the anti-AFP modified honeycomb structure electrode, an immunosensor for AFP detection was obtained. During the PEC test, the electrons produced by the catalytic reaction of glucose and GOD can scavenge the photogenerated holes on the PFBT dots, which can reduce the recombination of photogenerated holes and electrons on the PFBT dots. The PEC immunosensor based on a rGO honeycomb structure exhibited a linear detection range of 0.05–100 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.05 ng/mL. The excellent detection performance of the graphene PEC biosensor provides an opportunity for the early diagnosis of primary liver cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccination is the most effective approach to prevent infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Adjuvants are often used to induce effective immune responses and overcome the immunological weakness of recombinant HPAI antigens. Given the logistical challenges of immunization to HPAI during pandemic situations, vaccines administered via the intramuscular (I.M.) route would be of value. A new formulation of nanoemulsion adjuvant (NE02) suitable for I.M. vaccination was developed. This NE02 was evaluated alone and in combination with CpG to develop H5 immune responses in mouse and ferret models. Measures of recombinant H5 (rH5) specific immunity evaluated included serum IgG and IgG subclasses, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid IgA, and cytokines. The activation of NF-kB was also analyzed. The efficacy of the vaccine was assessed by performing hemagglutination inhibition (HAI), virus neutralization (VN) assays, and viral challenges in ferrets. I.M. vaccination with rH5-NE02 significantly increased rH5-specific IgG and protected ferrets in the viral challenge model providing complete protection and sterile immunity in all animals tested. Combining NE02 and CpG produced accelerated antibody responses and this was accompanied by an elevation of IFN-γ and IL-17 responses and the downregulation of IL-5. The combination also caused a synergistic effect on NF-kB activation. In immunized ferrets after viral challenge, the rH5-NE02 + CpG vaccine via I.M. achieved at least 75% and 88% seroconversion of HAI and VN antibody responses, respectively, and improved body temperature stabilization and weight loss over NE02 alone. The I.M. injection of NE02 adjuvanted rH5 elicits strong and broad immune responses against H5 antigens and effectively protects animals from lethal H5 challenge. Combining this adjuvant with CpG enhanced immune responses and provided improvements in outcomes to viral challenge in ferrets. The results suggest that combinations of adjuvants may be useful to enhance H5 immune responses and improve protection against influenza infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We theoretically study chalcogen bonds involving SF 2 and SFH, each paired with various unsaturated hydrocarbons ethyne, ethene, 1,3-butadiene, and benzene. The binding energies are calculated at theory level MP2, M06-2X-D3 and CCSD(T)/CBS, respectively. Geometry structure, binding energies, interaction type and strength are studied comparatively. SFH engages in a stronger chalcogen bond than does SF 2 for all systems, which indicates that SFH is a stronger electron acceptor than SF 2. Two kinds of energetic effects are observed, SF 2 ···cis-butadiene complex contain the strongest chalcogen bond among all the SF 2 ···π complexes, which is attributed to the energetic effect of two S···π interactions. For SFH···π complexes, the strongest interaction is formed between SFH and C 6 H 6 , which can be explained by the synergistic effects of the S···π and S H···π interaction. The largest charge transfer arises from the occupied C C bonding orbital to the σ*(S F) antibonding orbital. The quantity is considerably larger for SFH than for SF 2. Highlights • The binding energies are calculated at different theory level including MP2, M06-2X-D3, and high-level CCSD(T)/CBS. • The formation of chalcogen bond is investigated comparatively by MEP, NBO, ELF and NCI methods. • Two kinds of energetic effects with additive aspects are observed. • The results show that SFH is a stronger electron acceptor than SF 2 in forming chalcogen bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient approaches with high precision are essential for understanding the formation and stability of noncovalent interaction complexes. Here, 21 noncovalent interaction complexes involving π‐system are selected and grouped in three subsets according to ETS–NOCV method: dispersion‐dominated, electrostatic‐dominated, and mixed. We mainly focus on examining the performance of random‐phase approximation (RPA) on these π systems. The tested RPA‐based method includes standard RPA and its variants including the related single excitations (SEs), renormalized single excitations (rSEs), second‐order screened exchange (SOSEX), and the renormalized second‐order perturbation theory (rPT2). The routine second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) and three popular DFT‐D functionals (M06‐2X‐D3, ωB97XD, and PBE‐D3(BJ)) are also assessed for comparison. In this work, besides the calculation of interaction energies at Dunning‐type aug‐cc‐pVDZ and aug‐cc‐pVTZ basis set, we also present a larger database of interaction energies calculated using MP2 and RPA methods with Dunning‐type aug‐cc‐pVQZ basis set. An accurate CCSD(T)/CBS scheme is used to provide benchmark database. In addition to the high‐level results, we also provide potential energy surfaces (PES) of different interaction type. Among all the tested methods, MP2 has a satisfactory performance on electrostatic‐dominated and mixed‐type systems, except for dispersion‐dominated systems. DFT‐D functionals, especially ωB97XD functional, has a balanced performance across all the tested systems. Importantly, for RPA‐based methods, the calculation accuracy can be dramatically improved by taking into account SE or exchange effects, especially in the mixed complexes. We conclude that rPT2 among all the test RPA‐based methods gives an overall satisfactory performance across different interaction types. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses remain a pandemic risk to the world population. Although vaccines are the best solution to prevent this threat, a more effective vaccine for H5 strains of influenza has yet to be developed. All existing vaccines target only serum antibody against influenza as the primary outcome, while mucosal immunity has not been addressed. To address these shortcomings we have used an effective mucosal adjuvant system to produce a prototype vaccine that provides antibody, cellular and mucosal immunity to multiple serotypes of H5. Methods Plant-derived recombinant H5 (rH5) antigen was mixed with a novel nanoemulsion NE01 adjuvant. The rH5-NE01 vaccine was administered intranasally to CD-1 mice and ferrets. Immunogenicity of this immunization was evaluated through rH5-specific antibody and cellular immune responses. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (VN) assays were performed. Protection against H5N1 virus challenge was evaluated in ferrets. Results Intranasal immunization with rH5-NE01vaccine induced high titers (>106) of rH5-specific IgG in mice. In mice and ferrets this vaccine also achieved titers of ≥40 for both HI and VN. Additionally, the levels of rH5-specific IgA were significantly increased in bronchial secretions in these animals. The rH5-NE01 vaccine enhanced rH5-specific cellular immune responses including IFN-γ and IL-17. Ten-day survival post challenge was 100% in ferrets that received rH5-NE01compared to 12.5% in the PBS group. Furthermore, this vaccine prevented weight loss and increases in body temperature after H5N1 challenge as compared to the controls. Moreover, H5N1 virus in nasal wash of rH5-NE01-vaccinated ferrets was significantly decreased compared to controls. Conclusion Intranasal immunization with rH5 antigen formulated with NE01 adjuvant elicited strong, broad and balanced immune responses that effectively protect against H5N1 influenza virus infection in the ferret model. The ease of formulation of rH5-NE01 makes this novel combination a promising mucosal vaccine candidate for pandemic influenza. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous studies, Gentianella acuta (Michx.) Hulten was reported to contain xanthones, iridoids, terpenoids, and sterols and is mainly used to cure hepatitis, jaundice, fever, headache, and angina pectoris. In this study, we used bioassay guided fractionation to identify compounds from G. acuta and investigated their activity against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis of H9c2 cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC) expression were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein expression was evaluated using western blot. The results showed that all four compounds had protective effects on H9c2 cells. The transcription levels of HO-1 and GCLC significantly increased in H9c2 cells pretreated with norswertianolin (1), swetrianolin (2), demethylbellidifolin (3), and bellidifolin (4). However, compared to the model group, the transcription levels of Nrf2 were not enhanced by pretreatment with compounds 1, 2, and 4. The protein expression levels of HO-1 and GCLC in H9c2 cells were greater than that in the H2O2-treated group, and the expression of Nrf2 was not significantly changed except by swetrianolin treatment; inhibitors can reverse the protective effect by ZnPP (15 μM), BSO (10 μM), and brusatol (10 μM). The results indicated that the four compounds isolated from G. acuta inhibited the oxidative injury induced by H2O2 by activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway in H9c2 cells and provide evidence that G. acuta may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of ab initio methods (MP2, DFT/B3LYP, random-phase approximation (RPA), CCSD(T) and QCISD(T)) in predicting interaction energy of X H⋯π (X H = HCCH, HCl, HF; π = C 2 H 2 , C 2 H 4 , C 6 H 6 ) hydrogen complexes are assessed systematically. The CCSD(T)/CBS benchmarks of interaction energy are reported. It is found that RPA agrees well with CCSD(T)/CBS benchmarks and experimental results. CCSD(T) and QCISD(T) perform the best only when compared with CCSD(T)/CBS benchmarks, MP2 performs well only for experimental data. B3LYP provides the worst accuracy. Additionally, the equilibrium structure, interaction type of X H⋯π hydrogen complexes are investigated by the natural bond orbital (NBO) and the non-covalent interaction index (NCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Geodetector was used to screen sources, reducing the subjectivity of using PCA alone. • Land use can significantly explain the variation of Cr in the flood season. • High As groundwater is mainly concentrated in regions with low NDVI. Accurately identifying the sources of trace elements in groundwater is difficult, especially in the areas with intensive human activities. This study proposes a framework to identify and quantify the contributions of potential sources of trace elements in groundwater. Health risk assessment is first conducted to identify the trace elements with the highest threats to groundwater quality, and then the geographical detector is used to qualitatively investigate the potential sources and processes dominating the pollution from identified trace elements, and the absolute principal component scores-multivariate linear regression (APCS-MLR) is used to quantify the contributions of different sources to the accumulation of trace elements. The proposed approach was applied to China's Loess Plateau, a typical water-limited area with rapid urbanization and intensive agricultural activities, after conducting two groundwater sampling campaigns in a flood and a dry season. The trace element concentrations in groundwater exhibited significant spatial and seasonal differences. Health risk assessment revealed that Cr and As through oral ingestion were responsible for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks in different seasons. Land use was the primary factor influencing the spatial heterogeneity of Cr in the flood season, while elevation and distance from city were dominant factors in the dry season. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and distance from city contributed the most to As change in the flood season, but NDVI was the major contributor in the dry season. The average contributions of potential pollution sources to trace elements in groundwater were in the order of natural source (35%) > geogenic process (17%) > industrial source (13%) in the flood season, but mixed sources (47%) > agricultural activities (18%) in the dry season. Distinguished from the traditional source apportionment methods, the newly proposed approach is not limited to identification of pollutant sources, but also can obtain the exact contributions of different sources. The findings provide useful information for groundwater management in the Loess Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconfigurable absorbers have attracted much interest owing to their dynamic reflection manipulation property. In this work, a novel multifunctional reconfigurable absorber, which can be flexibly switched among wideband absorption mode, frequency‐reconfigurable narrowband absorption mode, and amplitude‐controllable absorption mode, is proposed and demonstrated. This absorber employs the graphene layer for tuning its reflection magnitude, while the springs‐using shape memory alloy (SMA) is adopted to support the whole absorber for dynamically controlling absorption frequency through height regulation. The above functionality switching is realized by the bias voltage applied to the graphene layer and the loaded SMA springs. The reconfigurable absorption performance is experimentally verified, and the corresponding results show that such an absorber can generate wideband absorption in the range of 3.6–18 GHz. By tuning the height of the loaded SMA springs, it will be switched to the narrowband absorption state and its absorption peak frequency can be dynamically tuned from 8.7 to 13.5 GHz. When further changing the graphene resistance, the reflection amplitude can be also controlled in both wide‐ and narrow‐band absorption modes. In addition, the absorber also performs well under circumstances of different polarizations, which may have promising prospects in electromagnetic protection and camouflage fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background BID functions as a bridge molecule between death-receptor and mitochondrial related apoptotic pathways to amplify apoptotic signaling. Our previous studies have demonstrated a substantial increase in BID expression in primary normal thyroid epithelia cells treated with inflammatory cytokines, including the combination of IFNγ and IL-1β or IFNγ and TNFα. The aim of this study was to determine whether an increase in BID expression in thyroid can induce autoimmune thyroiditis. Methods A transgenic mouse line that expresses human BID in thyroid cells was established by fusing a mouse thyroglobulin (Tg) promoter upstream of human BID (Tg-BID). We tested whether the increased expression of pro-apoptotic BID in thyroid would induce autoimmune thyroiditis, both in the presence and absence of 0.3% iodine water. Results Our data show that Tg-BID mice in a CBA/J (H-2 k) background do not spontaneously develop autoimmune thyroiditis for over a year. However, upon ingestion of iodine in the drinking water, autoimmune thyroiditis does develop in Tg-BID transgenic mice, as shown by a significant increase in anti-Tg antibody and mononuclear cell infiltration in the thyroid glands in 30% of mice tested. Serum T4 levels, however, were similar between iodine-treated Tg-BID transgenic mice and the wild type mice. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that increased thyroid expression of BID facilitates the development of autoimmune thyroiditis induced by iodine uptake. However, the overexpression of BID itself is not sufficient to initiate thyroiditis in CBA/J (H-2 k) mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated experimentally the process of a droplet impact on a regular micro-grooved surface. The target surfaces are patterned such that micro-scale spokes radiate from the center, concentric circles, and parallel lines on the polishing copper plate, using Quasi-LIGA molding technology. The dynamic behavior of water droplets impacting on these structured surfaces is examined using a high-speed camera, including the drop impact processes, the maximum spreading diameters, and the lengths and numbers of fingers at different values of Weber number. Experimental results validate that the spreading processes are arrested on all target surfaces at low velocity. Also, the experimental results at higher impact velocity demonstrate that the spreading process is conducted on the surface parallel to the micro-grooves, but is arrested in the direction perpendicular to the micro-grooves. Besides, the lengths of fingers increase observably, even when they are ejected out as tiny droplets along the groove direction, at the same time the drop recoil velocity is reduced by micro-grooves which are parallel to the spreading direction, but not by micro-grooves which are vertical to the spreading direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: N-Succinyl-chitosan nanoparticles (NSCNP) are synthetical nanoparticles derived from chitosan. In our previous study, we demonstrated that NSCNP could induce apoptosis in K562 cells, which were evidenced by decreasing cell zeta potential, disrupting the mitochondrial membrane potential, increasing ROS generation and Ca2+ concentration. Here, by western blot we revealed that apoptosis induced by NSCNP was associated with accumulation of cytochrome c in cytosol and elevating expression of apoptosis-promoted protein Bax while depressing expression of apoptosis-restrained protein Bcl-2 in time- and dose-dependence. Cell cycle blocking in G2/M phase was evidenced by kinetic cell cycle analysis. The activations of caspase-9 and 3, not caspase-8 were observed by fluorescent and colorimetric assays. Our data suggested that the apoptotic signals triggered by NSCNP were mediated mainly through the intrinsic mitochondria-dependent pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We develop a facile approach to fabricating multifunctional dendrimer-stabilized gold nanoparticles (Au DSNPs) for cancer cell targeting and imaging. In this work, amine-terminated generation 5 (G5) poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers pre-functionalized with folic acid (FA) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FI) are complexed with Au(iii) ions, followed by acetylation of the amine groups on the dendrimer surfaces. This one-step process leads to the spontaneous formation of 6 nm-sized Au nanoparticles stabilized by multifunctional dendrimers bearing both targeting and imaging functionalities. The multifunctional Au DSNPs are characterized by UV-Vis spectrometry, 1H NMR, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The formed Au DSNPs are water-soluble, stable, and biocompatible. Combined flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, silver staining, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analyses show that the FA- and FI-functionalized Au DSNPs can specifically target to cancer cells expressing high-affinity FA receptors in vitro. This approach to functionalizing Au DSNPs may be extended to other targeting molecules, providing a unique nanoplatform for targeting and imaging of a variety of biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tianshan range, a Paleozoic orogenic belt in Central Asia, has undergone multiple phases of tectonic activities characterized by the N–S compression after the early Mesozoic, including the far‐field effects of the Cenozoic Indian–Asian collision. However, there are limited reports on the tectonic deformation and initiation of Triassic intracontinental deformation in the Tianshan range. Understanding this structural context is crucial for interpreting the early intracontinental deformation history of the Eurasian continent during the early Mesozoic. Growth strata and syn‐tectonic sediments provide a rich source of information on tectonic activities and have been extensively used in the studies of orogenic belts. Based on detail fieldwork conducted in this study, the middle–late Triassic Kelamayi Formation of the northern Kuqa Depression in the southern Tianshan fold‐thrust belt has been identified as the typical syn‐tectonic growth strata. The youngest detrital zircon component in two lithic sandstone samples from the bottom and top of the Kelamayi growth strata yielded U‐Pb ages of 223.4 ± 3.1 and 215.5 ± 2.9 Ma, respectively, indicating that the maximum depositional age of the bottom and top of the Kelamayi growth strata is 226–220 and 218–212 Ma. The geochronological distribution of detrital samples from the Early–Middle Triassic and Late Triassic revealed abrupt changes, suggesting a new source supply resulting from tectonic activation in the Tianshan range. The coupling relationship between the syn‐tectonic sedimentation of the Kelamayi Formation and the South Tianshan fold‐thrust system provides robust evidence that the Triassic intracontinental deformation of the South Tianshan range began at approximately 226–220 Ma (during the Late Triassic) and ended at approximately 218–212 Ma. These findings provide crucial constraints for understanding the intraplate deformation in the Tianshan range during the Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing evidence showing that apoptosis plays a role in the development of the autoimmune thyroid diseases—Hashimoto's (lymphocytic) thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD). The immune pathogenesis of HT and GD is not yet fully understood, but evidence points toward several steps. A defect in CD4CD25T regulatory cells breaks the immunological tolerance of the host and induces an abnormal production of cytokines, which facilitates the initiation of apoptosis. Though apoptosis appears to play a role in the pathogenesis of both HT and GD, the mechanisms that mediate these processes appear different. The induction of apoptosis in HT results in the destruction of thyrocytes, while apoptosis in the GD leads to damage of thyroid-infiltrating lymphocytes. The differences in the apoptotic mechanisms produce two very different forms of thyroid autoimmune responses, eventually developing into HT and GD, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TRAIL preferentially induces apoptosis in tumor cells and virus-infected cells. Unlike other tumor necrosis factor family members, TRAIL does not kill cells from most normal tissues and has thus been proposed as a promising new cancer treatment. Our study demonstrated that IFN? combined with TRAIL can trigger apoptosis in vitro in several resistant thyroid tumor cell lines, such as thyroid anaplastic carcinoma cells (ARO cells), while either agent alone exerts only a minimal effect. We further tested this effect on a mouse thyroid tumor model, when in vivo tumor growth was also significantly inhibited by this combination. The mechanism of how IFN? sensitized thyroid carcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis was investigated by screening global gene alterations in ARO cells treated with IFN?. Microarray data revealed that a proapoptotic gene, Bak, is markedly upregulated by IFN?, and this was confirmed by RNase protection assay. Western blot analysis also showed a significant increase in Bak at the protein level. Upregulation of Bak and sensitization for apoptosis by IFN? was blocked by overexpression of antisense Bak in ARO cells. Furthermore, overexpression of Bak sensitized ARO cell to TRAIL-induced apoptosis without the need for IFN? pretreatment. This suggests that Bak is a regulatory molecule involved in IFN?-facilitated TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in thyroid cancer cells.Oncogene (2004) 23, 928-935. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1207213 Published online 1 December 2003 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A 3D Graphene/ZnO macroporous substrate was constructed for CTCs adhesion. • The resistance change shows high detection sensitivity and excellent specificity. • The EIS also revealed the regular impedance changes during the adhesion process. • The sensing process was analyzed by equivalent circuit model. A three-dimensional (3D) graphene macroporous foam substrate with ZnO nanorod array was developed for specific and non-invasive detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). With the help of the epithelial cell adhesion molecule antibody (anti-EpCAM) and the array structure, the EpCAM-positive CTCs can adhere on the detection substrate (rGO-ZnO-antiEpCAM foam). Moreover, the resistance and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of the rGO-ZnO-antiEpCAM foam was changing during the CTCs adhering process with high sensitivity. Compared to the EpCAM-negative cancer cell, the resistance of the substrate is rising with the amount of the EpCAM-positive CTCs. The possible reason is that the negative charges of CTCs affected the conductivity of the p -type reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and when CTCs were adhering to the rGO-ZnO-antiEpCAM foam, the resistance of the rGO-ZnO-antiEpCAM foam increased. In addition, the EIS measurement also shows the regular changes during the adhering process. From the equivalent circuit modeling of EIS, the charge transfer resistance (R ct) on the surface of the rGO-ZnO-antiEpCAM foam electrode had a linear growth. This may be due to the fixation of negatively charged Breast cancer cells (MCF-7) on the substrate, the charge transfer process was hindered, which caused the semicircle domain of the EIS curve to expand significantly with time. These results reveal that CTCs can not only be specifically adhered on the rGO-ZnO-antiEpCAM foam, but also the electrical microenvironment of the detection substrate was changed during CTCs adhering process. The construction of the detection substrate, the measurement and analysis methods of the electrical signals are of great significance in CTCs acquisition and sensing, which will provide an effective strategy for the real-time monitoring of CTCs at the clinic. The CTCs adhered on the 3D graphene/ZnO macroporous structure, and the electrical properties of this substrate changed dramatically during the adhesion of CTCs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abundant oxygen vacancies were successfully introduced on the kermesinus BiOI (K-BiOI) surface by UV–Vis-Light driving method firstly, and K-BiOI sample exhibited a high hydrogen production rate of 6.51 mmol g−1 h−1 without cocatalyst loading. [Display omitted] • K-BiOI contained OVs was synthesized by UV-Vis-Light driving method firstly. • K-BiOI exhibited a high hydrogen production rate without cocatalyst loading. • The OVs on K-BiOI surface could delay the photogenerated carrier recombination. • The model of the excitation-recombination process of carriers was proposed. Many studies have been devoted to enhancing photocatalytic activity of hydrogen generation by water splitting in recent years. Herein, a well-defined 3D flowerlike mesoporous photocatalyst (kermesinus BiOI, K-BiOI) was successfully prepared through UV–Vis-Light driving method. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and surface photovoltage (SPV) tests confirmed that the oxygen vacancies (OVs) were introduced onto the surface of BiOI, which resulted that the color of BiOI changed from normal orange to kermesinus. The successful introduction of OVs led to the absorption range of K-BiOI stretched. Although the OVs are introduced on the surface, the main body of the material is still BiOI. Furthermore, K-BiOI exhibited a remarkably improved hydrogen production rate of 6.51 mmol g−1 h−1 under UV–Vis-light irradiation, which was 21-fold higher than that of BiOI under UV light irradiation. The OVs on the K-BiOI surface could form a defect state lying near the conduction band minimum of the photocatalyst and act as an electron scavenger delaying the photogenerated carrier recombination during the photoreaction process. The present work provides a new approach to introduce OVs on the surface of BiOI, which can provide a new strategy of catalyst preparation for the efficient H 2 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoride (F−) enrichment reduces the availability of groundwater resources in the arid region, and it is thus important to investigate the hydrogeochemistry and health hazards of fluoride-enriched groundwater. Seventy-two groundwater samples (20 unconfined samples from the piedmont plain, 22 unconfined samples and 30 shallow confined samples from the alluvial plain) were collected in the Tarim Basin of China to illustrate the geochemical processes driving the F− enrichment and the incidence of dental fluorosis. The patterns of average ions contents in groundwater are Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ and SO 4 2− > Cl− > HCO 3 − > NO 3 − > F−. The highest F− concentration (average 2.16 mg/L) is observed in unconfined groundwater in the alluvial plain, while the lowest (average 0.63 mg/L) is recorded in unconfined groundwater in the piedmont plain. Approximately 5.0% of unconfined groundwater in the piedmont plain, 90.9% of unconfined groundwater and 33.3% of shallow confined groundwater in the alluvial plain contain F− concentrations exceeding 1.0 mg/L (Chinese drinking water standard). Mineral dissolution, cation exchange, and evaporation play a significant role in the formation of solutes in groundwater. High-F- groundwater is mostly associated with SO 4 ·Cl–Na·Ca, SO 4 ·Cl–Na·Mg, and SO 4 ·Cl–Na types water. Thermodynamic simulations reveal that the dissolution of F-bearing minerals (e.g., fluorite) significantly controls the F− contents in groundwater. High concentrations of F− are closely related to high HCO 3 −, high Na+, high salinity, cation exchange, and evaporation. This demonstrates that high F− concentrations are caused by the increase in fluorite solubility due to high ionic strength, Ca2+ consumption and the desorption of F− from solid surfaces under alkaline conditions. Mixing with the upper unconfined groundwater plays a vital role in the enrichment of F− in shallow confined groundwater in the alluvial plain. The health risk assessment based on Dean's classification indicates that the percentage prevalence of fluorosis for boys aged 6 to 18 is 15.5% for Yecheng (YC), 18.4% for Zepu (ZP), 33.3% for Shache (SC), 29.8% for Maigaiti (MG), and 44.9% for Bachu (BC), while that for girls of the same age is 14.3% for YC, 24.3% for ZP, 42.2% for SC, 41.4% for MG, and 45.3% for BC. For male and female adults aged between 19 and 68, the percentage prevalence of fluorosis is: YC (11.5%, 12.0%), ZP (18.3%, 20.0%), SC (35.4%, 35.0%), MG (32.5%, 39.7%), and BC (42.4%, 44.3%). It is obvious that younger generation, especially girls, suffers from more severe dental fluorosis. This study has implications for the effective management of high-F- groundwater in arid regions. [Display omitted] • High-F- groundwater was observed in the western region of the Tarim Basin, China. • High-F- groundwater is mainly SO4·Cl–Na·Ca, SO4·Cl–Na·Mg, and SO4·Cl–Na types water. • Fluoride-bearing minerals dissolution and ion exchange significantly control F− concentrations. • The younger generation aged between 6 and 18 years suffers from more severe dental fluorosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between anemia and postoperative chemotherapy in elderly cancer patients. Methods One hundred and fifty-seven elderly patients (age ⩾60) with pathologically confirmed breast, lung and digestive tract cancers, who had HGB⩾ 120 g/L and ECOG scores 0-2, were included in this study. We reviewed their clinicopathological data and analyzed the correlation of anemia in breast cancer patients after 1, 3 or 5 cycles and lung cancer patients after 1, 2 or 3 cycles of postoperative chemotherapy. Results Among the 157 cases, the overall proportion of anemia was 31.8% (50/157), with 18.8% in male and 47.2% in female patients (P<0.001). After three cycles of chemotherapy, the proportion of anemia was 57.9% in lung cancer, 34.5% in breast cancer, 26.3% in gastric cancer and 9.3% in colorectal cancer patients (P<0.001 ). The proportion of anemia during 5 cycles chemotherapy (three cycles in lung cancer) was gradually increasing. In the lung cancer patients, anemia was observed in 66.7% of patients who received vinorelbine plus cispialin regimen and 25.0% of cases who received vinorelbine regimen chemotherapy (P = 0.044). Conclusions In most elderly patients with normal hemoglobin level and in good conditions, the chemotherapy-related anemia is mild and less frequent. Age should not limit the adjuvant chemotherapy in elderly cancer patients. Attention should be paid to the possibility of anemia in elderly female lung cancer patients receiving multiple cycle platinum-based chemotherapy regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dirac–Weyl equation characterized quasi-particles in the T3 lattice are studied under external magnetic field using the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP). The energy spectrum of the quasi-particles is found by the Nikiforov–Uvarov method. Based on the energy spectrum obtained, the thermodynamic properties are given, and the influence of the GUP on the statistical properties of systems is discussed. The results show that the energy and thermodynamic functions of massless Dirac–Weyl fermions in the T3 lattice depend on the variation of the GUP parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal multimorbidity measures for predicting disability trajectories are not universally agreed upon. We developed a multimorbidity index among middle-aged and older community-dwelling Chinese adults and compare its predictive ability of disability trajectories with other multimorbidity measures. This study included 17,649 participants aged ≥50 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey 2011–2018. Two disability trajectory groups were estimated using the total disability score differences calculated between each follow-up visit and baseline. A weighted index was constructed using logistic regression models for disability trajectories based on the training set (70 %). The index and the condition count were used, along with the pattern identified by the latent class analysis to measure multimorbidity at baseline. Logistic regression models were used in the training set to examine associations between each multimorbidity measure and disability trajectories. C-statistics, integrated discrimination improvements, and net reclassification indices were applied to compare the performance of different multimorbidity measures in predicting disability trajectories in the testing set (30 %). In the newly developed multimorbidity index, the weights of the chronic conditions varied from 1.04 to 2.55. The multimorbidity index had a higher predictive performance than the condition count. The condition count performed better than the multimorbidity pattern in predicting disability trajectories. Self-reported chronic conditions. The multimorbidity index may be considered an ideal measurement in predicting disability trajectories among middle-aged and older community-dwelling Chinese adults. The condition count is also suggested due to its simplicity and superior predictive performance. • The present study is the first to construct a new multimorbidity index using disability trajectories as the outcome. • The multimorbidity index performed better than count- and pattern-based measures in predicting disability trajectories. • The multimorbidity index may ideally be considered when measuring multimorbidity to predict disability trajectories. • The condition count is also suggested due to its simplicity and superior predictive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To verify the hypothesis that an enriched environment (EE) alleviates sleep deprivation‐induced fear memory impairment by modulating the basal forebrain (BF) PIEZO1/calpain/autophagy pathway. Methods: Eight‐week‐old male mice were housed in a closed, isolated environment (CE) or an EE, before 6‐h total sleep deprivation. Changes in fear memory after sleep deprivation were observed using an inhibitory avoidance test. Alterations in BF PIEZO1/calpain/autophagy signaling were detected. The PIEZO1 agonist Yoda1 or inhibitor GsMTx4, the calpain inhibitor PD151746, and the autophagy inducer rapamycin or inhibitor 3‐MA were injected into the bilateral BF to investigate the pathways involved in the memory‐maintaining role of EE in sleep‐deprived mice. Results: Mice housed in EE performed better than CE mice in short‐ and long‐term fear memory tests after sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation resulted in increased PIEZO1 expression, full‐length tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB‐FL) degradation, and autophagy, as reflected by increased LC3 II/I ratio, enhanced p62 degradation, increased TFEB expression and nuclear translocation, and decreased TFEB phosphorylation. These molecular changes were partially reversed by EE treatment. Microinjection of Yoda1 or rapamycin into the bilateral basal forebrain induced excessive autophagy and eliminated the cognition‐protective effects of EE. Bilateral basal forebrain microinjection of GsMTx4, PD151746, or 3‐MA mimicked the cognitive protective and autophagy inhibitory effects of EE in sleep‐deprived mice. Conclusions: EE combats sleep deprivation‐induced fear memory impairments by inhibiting the BF PIEZO1/calpain/autophagy pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herb genomics and comparative genomics provide a global platform to explore the genetics and biology of herbs at the genome level. Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is an important medicinal plant for a variety of bioactive chemical compounds of which the biosynthesis may involve transport of a wide range of substrates mediated by oligopeptide transporters (OPT). However, information about the OPT family in the plant kingdom is still limited. Only 17 and 18 OPT genes have been characterized for Oryza sativa and Arabidopsisthaliana, respectively. Additionally, few comprehensive studies incorporating the phylogeny, gene structure, paralogs evolution, expression profiling, and co-expression network between transcription factors and OPT genes have been reported for ginseng and other species. In the present study, we performed those analyses comprehensively with both online tools and standalone tools. As a result, we identified a total of 268 non-redundant OPT genes from 12 flowering plants of which 37 were from ginseng. These OPT genes were clustered into two distinct clades in which clade-specific motif compositions were considerably conservative. The distribution of OPT paralogs was indicative of segmental duplication and subsequent structural variation. Expression patterns based on two sources of RNA-Sequence datasets suggested that some OPT genes were expressed in both an organ-specific and tissue-specific manner and might be involved in the functional development of plants. Further co-expression analysis of OPT genes and transcription factors indicated 141 positive and 11 negative links, which shows potent regulators for OPT genes. Overall, the data obtained from our study contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of the OPT gene family in ginseng and other flowering plants. This genetic resource will help improve the interpretation on mechanisms of metabolism transportation and signal transduction during plant development for Panax ginseng. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the mobile monitoring network of tectonic geochemical in the Mid-East section of Qilian mountain, the precursory anomaly analysis and seismic situation tracking in the seismic hazard area were carried out by monitoring the concentration of soil gas radon crossing fault and combining with the distribution characteristics of seismic activity b value. Results show that the concentration of radon released changed significantly difference in the Mid-East segment of Qilian mountain during 2007–2013, under the background of the regional stress field enhancement, the gas release concentration of Gulang fault significantly decline, implying there is an obvious squeezing and the fault stress accumulation resulting in the decrease of porosity and radon concentration, so we circle a potential over magnitude 6 earthquake hazard fault segment in the future. Subsequently the 2016 Menyuan Ms6.4 earthquake occurred in this hazard zone. Therefore, we believe that soil gas radon can be used as a tracer for regional fault tectonic activities and stress changes, and it is necessary to pay attention to the monitoring of cross-fault soil gas in earthquake precursor observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to explore the feasibility of a new drug delivery system using laponite (LAP) and cyclic poly(ethylene glycol) (cPEG). Variously shaped and flexible hybrid nanocrystals were made by both the covalent and physical attachment of chemically homogeneous cyclized PEG to laponite nanodisc plates. The size of the resulting, nearly spherical particles ranged from 1 to 1.5 µm, while PEGylation with linear methoxy poly (ethylene glycol) (mPEG) resulted in fragile sheets of different shapes and sizes. When infused with 10% doxorubicin (DOX), a drug commonly used in the treatment of various cancers, the LAP-cPEG/DOX formulation was transparent and maintained liquid-like homogeneity without delamination, and the drug loading efficiency of the LAP-cPEG nano system was found to be higher than that of the laponite-poly(ethylene glycol) LAP-mPEG system. Furthermore, the LAP-cPEG/DOX formulation showed relative stability in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with only 15% of the drug released. However, in the presence of human plasma, about 90% of the drug was released continuously over a period of 24 h for the LAP-cPEG/DOX, while the LAP-mPEG/DOX formulation released 90% of DOX in a 6 h burst. The results of the cell viability assay indicated that the LAP-cPEG/DOX formulation could effectively inhibit the proliferation of A549 lung carcinoma epithelial cells. With the DOX concentration in the range of 1–2 µM in the LAP-cPEG/DOX formulation, enhanced drug effects in both A549 lung carcinoma epithelial cells and primary lung epithelial cells were observed compared to LAP-mPEG/DOX. The unique properties and effects of cPEG nanoparticles provide a potentially better drug delivery system and generate interest for further targeting studies and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloroplast genomes for 3 Bidens plants endemic to China (Bidens bipinnata Linn., Bidens pilosa Linn., and Bidens alba var. radiata) have been sequenced, assembled and annotated in this study to distinguish their molecular characterization and phylogenetic relationships. The chloroplast genomes are in typical quadripartite structure with two inverted repeat regions separating a large single copy region and a small single copy region, and ranged from 151,599 to 154,478 bp in length. Similar number of SSRs and long repeats were found in Bidens, wherein mononucleotide repeats (A/T), forward and palindromic repeats were the most in abundance. Gene loss of clpP and psbD, IR expansion and contraction were detected in these Bidens plants. It seems that ndhE, ndhF, ndhG, and rpl32 from the Bidens plants were under positive selection while the majority of chloroplast genes were under purifying selection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 3 Bidens plants clustered together and further formed molophyletic clade with other Bidens species, indicating Bidens plants might be under radiation adaptive selection to the changing environment world-widely. Moreover, mutation hotspot analysis and in silico PCR analysis indicated that inter-genic regions of ndhD-ccsA, ndhI-ndhG, ndhF-rpl32, trnL_UAG-rpl32, ndhE-psaC, matK-rps16, rps2-atpI, cemA-petA, petN-psbM were candidate markers of molecular identification for Bidens plants. This study may provide useful information for genetic diversity analysis and molecular identification for Bidens species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) plays an important role in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis of gastric cancer. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) inhibits IL-1 selectively and specifically through IL-1R type I (IL-1RI). However, the underlying mechanism by which IL-1RA modulates the interactions of tumor cells and their micro-environment is poorly understood. We have evaluated the role of IL-1RA in the metastatic process as well as the mutual or reciprocal actions between gastric cancer cells and stromal cells.Materials and methods: The expressions of IL-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and IL-1RI mRNA were determined by reverse transcriptase-PCR. The regulatory effect of IL-1RA on the secretion of VEGF in human gastric cancer cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of IL-1RA on metastatic potential was evaluated using proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis assays, respectively, including in vitro co-culture system models consisting of tumor cells and stromal cells that were used to detect invasion and angiogenesis.Results: Interleukin-1α mRNA was detected in the higher liver metastatic gastric cell line MKN45. IL-1α protein was expressed in MKN45 cells and in HUVECs. VEGF mRNA and protein were detected in the three gastric cancer cell lines (MKN4, NUGC-4, and AGS). Levels of VEGF secreted by gastric cancer cells and HUVECs appeared to be reduced through the action of IL-1RA via IL-1RI in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01). IL-1RA significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of HUVECs (P < 0.01) and tube formation by HUVECs (P < 0.01), both in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with HUVECs grown without cancer cells (control) or with NUGC-4 cells, tube formation by HUVECs was significantly enhanced by co-culture with MKN45 cells (P < 0.01). The enhanced tube formation in the presence of MKN45 cells was inhibited by the addition of IL-1RA (P < 0.01).Conclusions: The IL-1RA downregulated the metastatic potential of gastric cancer through blockage of the IL-1α/VEGF signaling pathways. IL-1RA has the potential to play a role in the treatment of gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To compare the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the treatment of acute cholecystitis (AC) at different time points after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD). Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from database inception to 1 May 2022. The last date of search was the May 30, 2022. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to conduct quality assessments, and RevMan (Version 5.4) was used to perform the meta-analysis. Results: A total of 12 studies and 4379 patients were analyzed. Compared with the < 2-week group, the ≥ 2-week group had shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, shorter postoperative hospital stay, lower rate of conversion to laparotomy, and fewer complications. There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding bile duct injury, bile leakage, and total cost. Conclusions: The evidence indicates that the ≥ 2-week group has the advantage in less intraoperative blood loss, minor tissue damage, quick recovery, and sound healing in treating AC. It can be seen that LC after 2 weeks is safe and effective for AC patients who have already undergone PTGBD and is recommended, but further confirmation is needed in a larger sample of randomized controlled studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Species in genus Amomum always have important medicinal and economic values. Classification of Amomum using morphological characters has long been a challenge because they exhibit high similarity. The main goals of this study were to mine genetic markers from cp genomes for Amomum species identification and discover their evolutionary history through comparative analysis. Results: Three species Amomum villosum, Amomum maximum and Amomum longipetiolatum were sequenced and annotated for the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes, and the cp genomes of A. longipetiolatum and A. maximum were the first reported. Three cp genomes exhibited typical quadripartite structures with 163,269-163,591 bp in length. Each genome encodes 130 functional genes including 79 protein-coding, 26 tRNAs and 3 rRNAs genes. 113-152 SSRs and 99 long repeats were identified in the three cp genomes. By designing specific primers, we amplified the highly variable loci and the mined genetic marker ccsA exhibited a relatively high species identification resolution in Amomum. The nonsynonymous and synonymous substitution ratios (Ka/Ks) in Amomum and Alpinia showed that most genes were subjected to a purifying selection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary relationships of Amomum and Alpinia species and proved that Amomum is paraphyletic. In addition, the sequenced sample of A. villosum was found to be a hybrid, becoming the first report of natural hybridization of this genus. Meanwhile, the high-throughput sequencing-based ITS2 analysis was proved to be an efficient tool for interspecific hybrid identification and with the help of the chloroplast genome, the hybrid parents can be also be determined. Conclusion: The comparative analysis and mined genetic markers of cp genomes were conducive to species identification and evolutionary relationships of Amomum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Mesoproterozoic granite covering about 5 km2 is firstly recognized in the Zhusileng area, which is located between the northern Alxa Block and the South Gobi microcontinent. New geochronological data from this area provide new insight for understanding the Precambrian crustal evolution of the middle segment of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Based on the crystal shapes, internal textures, and high Th/U ratios, the zircons from this Mesoproterozoic granite are interpreted as magmatic origin. Meanwhile, LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb dating shows that it was emplaced at 1458 ± 7.5 Ma. Published geochronological data and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of igneous rocks from the Zhusileng area and its vicinity are also compiled in this study. The Late Palaeozoic granitoids from the Zhusileng area have strongly negative εNd(t) values (−0.1 to −10.8), high (87Sr/86Sr)i (0.69657–0.73423) and old Nd model ages (0.9–1.8 Ga), suggesting the existence of Precambrian microcontinent in the Zhusileng area. Furthermore, the statistical analysis (or isotopic mapping) of Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of Palaeozoic granitoids from the middle segment of the southern CAOB also displays similar εNd(t) values and relatively old Nd model ages along the Hanshan Block, Zhusileng, Tsaggan Uul terrane, and Hutag Uul terrane. Therefore, we propose that those units may share a common basement during Mesoproterozoic to Early Neoproterozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: BID functions as a bridge molecule between death-receptor and mitochondrial related apoptotic pathways to amplify apoptotic signaling. Our previous studies have demonstrated a substantial increase in BID expression in primary normal thyroid epithelia cells treated with inflammatory cytokines, including the combination of IFNγ and IL-1β or IFNγ and TNFα. The aim of this study was to determine whether an increase in BID expression in thyroid can induce autoimmune thyroiditis.Methods: A transgenic mouse line that expresses human BID in thyroid cells was established by fusing a mouse thyroglobulin (Tg) promoter upstream of human BID (Tg-BID). We tested whether the increased expression of pro-apoptotic BID in thyroid would induce autoimmune thyroiditis, both in the presence and absence of 0.3% iodine water.Results: Our data show that Tg-BID mice in a CBA/J (H-2 k) background do not spontaneously develop autoimmune thyroiditis for over a year. However, upon ingestion of iodine in the drinking water, autoimmune thyroiditis does develop in Tg-BID transgenic mice, as shown by a significant increase in anti-Tg antibody and mononuclear cell infiltration in the thyroid glands in 30% of mice tested. Serum T4 levels, however, were similar between iodine-treated Tg-BID transgenic mice and the wild type mice.Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that increased thyroid expression of BID facilitates the development of autoimmune thyroiditis induced by iodine uptake. However, the overexpression of BID itself is not sufficient to initiate thyroiditis in CBA/J (H-2 k) mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite advances in antimicrobial therapies, wound infection remains a global public health concern. We aimed to formulate and assess various nanoemulsions (NEs) for potential effectiveness as stable antimicrobial agents suitable for topic application. A total of 106 NEs were developed that varied with respect to nonionic and cationic surfactants. Stability testing demonstrated that the NEs tested are broadly stable, with 97/106 formulations passing 2-week stability tests. Two NEs, NB-201 and NB-402, were selected to test antimicrobial activity in a wound model in mice. Skin abrasion wounds were infected with Staphylococcus aureus followed by NE treatment. Infected skin was then evaluated by measuring colony forming units. NB-201 reduced median bacterial counts by 4 to 5 log compared to animals treated with saline, whereas NB-402 reduced bacterial counts by 2 to 3 log. Additional stability tests on NB-201 demonstrated that NB-201 is stable in the presence of human serum, and is stable for at least 6 months at 5°C, 25°C, and 40°C. Finally, in in vitro studies, NB-201 was found to be effective against S. aureus at a higher dilution than the commercially available silver sulfadiazine. Altogether these results demonstrate that NB-201 is a stable and effective topical antimicrobial for the treatment of S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholestasis of the indwelling biliary stents usually leads to stone recurrence after endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatoraphy (ERCP). Biliary stents, including metallic and none-degradable plastic stents are widely used in clinical settings due to their many excellent properties. However, conventional biliary stents still suffer from poor antibacterial activity and anti-bile-adhesion, which lead to injured, local fibroblasts proliferating. Currently, various coatings for biliary stents have been prepared to meet the clinical demands. In this review, we start by summarizing and discussing classifications of biliary stents and antibacterial/antibiofilm mechanism. Then, the latest advances about developing antibacterial and antibiofilm coatings for improving the properties of biliary stents are reviewed and discussed in detail. Lastly, we list several possible directions for future development of biliary stents coatings and biliary stent, such as anti-bile-adhesion coating, multifunctional coating, drug-eluting biodegradable biliary stents and 3D printed biliary stents. [Display omitted] • A antibacterial and antibiofilm coating for biliary stents is overviewed. • Classifications of biliary stents and antibacterial and antibiofilm mechanism are discussed. • Materials used in antibacterial and antibiofilm coating for biliary stents are discussed. • Directions for future development of biliary stents coatings are prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are associated with depression. However, it is unclear whether coexisting CMDs may increase the risk of depression. We examined associations between cardiometabolic multimorbidity and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese.Methods: Participants aged ≥45 years were enrolled from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011-2018 (N = 18,002). Cardiometabolic multimorbidity was defined as the coexistence of ≥2 CMDs, including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. We used generalized estimating equation models to examine associations between cardiometabolic multimorbidity and depressive symptoms, including the dose effect of disease count and prevalent disease combinations, as well as individual and additive effects of specific CMDs.Results: The prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity was 24.5%. A higher number of CMDs had an additive dose effect on depressive symptoms that persisted consistently in specific CMDs. Stroke only, heart disease only, and diabetes only were each associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms compared with no CMDs. CMD combinations involving stroke, heart disease, or diabetes were each associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms compared with the absence of stroke, heart disease, or diabetes.Limitation: Self-reported chronic conditions.Conclusion: Stroke, heart disease, and diabetes showed individual and additive effects on CMD combinations, whereas hypertension and dyslipidemia only showed associations with depressive symptoms in combinations with other CMDs. These results suggest person-centered healthcare of mental health prevention and treatment for middle-aged and older adults with individual or multiple CMDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hundreds of millions of people around the world are currently exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride (F-) in drinking water. Although the factors controlling the spatiotemporal distribution of F- contents have been analyzed, their contributions have rarely been quantified. In this study, 510 water samples were collected in the dry and wet seasons in China's Loess Plateau to investigate the spatial and seasonal distribution, controlling factors, and potential health risks of F- in natural water. High-F- waters were mainly distributed in valley areas of the Loess Plateau, and more severe fluoride pollution of streamwater and groundwater was found in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Mineral dissolution, competitive adsorption, adsorption/desorption and cation exchange jointly controlled F- enrichment. Spatiotemporal distribution of high-F- levels was mainly determined by climate and streamwater-groundwater connectivity in the dry season, with contribution rates of 41.7% and 37.6%, and by terrain and anthropogenic activities in the wet season, with contribution rates and 49.9–55.6% and 30.7%, respectively. Fluoride in groundwater through oral intake posed the greatest health risks to infants, followed by children, teenagers and adults in the dry and wet seasons. This study provides a scientific basis for the effective management of high-F- water in arid regions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CaTiO 3 /Cu/TiO 2 all-solid-state Z-scheme heterojunction was successfully designed by a facile two-step hydrothermal method firstly, and high efficiency of hydrogen production (23.550 mmol g-1h−1) can be obtained with appropriate proportion of non-noble metal electron mediator (Cu nanoparticles) loading. [Display omitted] • CaTiO 3 /Cu/TiO 2 Z-scheme heterojunction was designed by a new synthesis route. • The electron mediator (Cu nanoparticles) played the important transport role. • Vector Z-scheme system can promote the separation of photoexcited carriers. • CaTiO 3 /Cu/TiO 2 exhibited high hydrogen production rate of 23.550 mmol g-1h−1. Herein, the CaTiO 3 /Cu/TiO 2 all-solid-state Z-scheme heterojunction is successfully designed via Cu nanoparticles situating at the interface between CaTiO 3 and TiO 2 with a new synthesis route. Interestingly, TiO 2 nanosheets are generated in-situ on the surface of CaTiO 3 in the second step hydrothermal reaction. The lifetimes of photoexcited carriers, photoluminescence emission spectra and transient photocurrent response tests have confirmed that the efficient Z-scheme charge transmission path of the CaTiO 3 /Cu/TiO 2 is beneficial to facilitate the separation of photogenerated carriers and reduce their recombination efficiency. As expected, the hydrogen generation rate of CaTiO 3 /Cu/TiO 2 is increased to 23.550 mmol g-1h−1 with the appropriate amount of copper loading, which is about 981 times and 93 times higher than that of pristine CaTiO 3 (0.024 mmol g-1h−1) and CaTiO 3 /TiO 2 (0.253 mmol g-1h−1), respectively. Furthermore, the CaTiO 3 /Cu/TiO 2 sample shows good stability in cycle experiments. Particularly, experimental results show that the non-noble metal Cu nanoparticles can be an effective electron mediator. And these merits strongly demonstrate that the CaTiO 3 /Cu/TiO 2 composites have potential application in photocatalytic field. This study can provide fundamental guidance for designing rationally efficient non-noble metal vector Z-scheme system photocatalysts with outstanding photocatalytic H 2 generation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined formulating a new antifungal agent, posaconazole (POS) and its derivatives, with different molecular vehicles. Several combinations of drug and carrier molecules were synthesized, and their antifungal activities were evaluated against Aspergillus fumigatus. Posaconazole and four of its derivatives were conjugated to either generation 5 (G5) dendrimers or partially modified G5 dendrimers. The in vitro antifungal activities of these compounds suggest that conjugates with specific chemical linkages showed better fungistatic activity than direct conjugates to POS. In particular, a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-imidazole modified G5 dendrimer demonstrated improved antifungal efficacy relative to the parent G5 molecule. Further studies were then conducted with POS derived molecules coupled to PEG-imidazole modified G5 dendrimers to achieve a highly soluble and active conjugate of POS. This conjugated macromolecule averaged 23 POS molecules per G5 and had a high solubility with 50 mg/mL, which improved the molar solubility of POS from less than 0.03mg/mL to as high as 16mg/mL in water. The primary release profile of the drug in human plasma was extended to over 72 h, which is reflected in the in vitro inhibition of A. fumigatus growth of over 96 h. These POS-polymer conjugates appear to be novel and efficient antifungal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are potentially useful molecular materials that can exhibit structure flexibilities induced by some external stimuli. Such structure transformations can furnish MOFs with improved properties. The shape-controlled growth of MOFs combined with crystal-structure transformation is rarely achieved. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of hierarchical Zn/Ni-MOF-2 nanosheet-assembled hollow nanocubes (NAHNs) by a facile surfactant-free solvothermal approach. The unique nanostructures undergo crystal-structure transformation from Zn/Ni-MOF-5 nanocubes to Zn/Ni-MOF-2 nanosheets, which is analogous to the dissolution and recrystallization of inorganic nanocrystals. The present synthetic strategy to fabricate isostructural MOFs with hierarchical, hollow, and bimetallic nanostructures is expected to expand the diversity and range of potential applications of MOFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]