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Neuroinflammation and endothelial cell apoptosis are prominent features of blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, which have been described in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and can predict cognitive decline. Recent reports revealed vascular β-amyloid (Aβ) deposits, Muller cell degeneration and microglial dysfunction in the retina of AD patients. However, there has been no in-depth research on the roles of inflammation, retinal endothelial cell apoptosis, and blood-retinal barrier (BRB) damage in AD retinopathy. We found that Raddeanin A (RDA) could improve pathological and cognitive deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by targeting β-amyloidosis, However, the effects of RDA on AD retinal function require further study. To clarify whether RDA inhibits inflammation and apoptosis and thus improves BRB function in AD-related retinopathy. In vitro we used Aβ-treated HRECs and MIO-M1 cells, and in vivo we used 3×Tg-AD mice to investigate the effect of RDA on BRB in AD-related retinopathy. We found that RDA could improve BRB function in AD-related retinopathy by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated inflammation and suppressing Wnt/β-catenin pathway-mediated apoptosis, which is expected to improve the pathological changes in AD-related retinopathy and the quality of life of AD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant polysaccharides (PPS) composed of more than 10 monosaccharides show high safety and various pharmacological activities, including immunoregulatory, antitumor, antioxidative, antiaging, and other effects. In recent years, emerging evidence has indicated that many PPS are beneficial for metabolic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, obesity, and neurological diseases, which are usually caused by the metabolic disorder of fat, sugar, and protein. In this review, we introduce the common characteristics and functional activity of many representative PPS, emphasize the common risks and molecular mechanism of metabolic diseases, and discuss the pharmacological activity and mechanism of action of representative PPS obtained from plants including Aloe vera, Angelica sinensis, pumpkin, Lycium barbarum, Ginseng, Schisandra chinensis, Dioscorea pposite, Poria cocos, and tea in metabolic diseases. Finally, this review will provide directions and a reference for future research and for the development of PPS into potential drugs for the treatment of metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the crystalline and electronic structures of ultrathin cadmium sulfide {0001} films with thickness ranging from 1 to 14 Cd–S bilayers are studied using first‐principles calculations method. After structural relaxation, the film composed of 1 Cd–S bilayer is transformed into a CdS monolayer with flat honeycomb structure. Those 2‐ to 5‐bilayer films do not maintain the Wurtzite structure either: the distance between the sulfur and cadmium layers in each bilayer is compressed while the Cd–S bond length between adjacent bilayers is enlarged. These 1‐ to 5‐bilayer films reveal semiconducting characteristics in band structures, and their bandgaps are widened in some degree compared with the bulk. The films with 6–14 Cd–S bilayers keep the Wurtzite structure of the bulk, and exhibit metallic surface states due to the polarity of the films. The results could provide a new insight for the electronic structure regulation of cadmium sulfide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea polysaccharides have gained great attention but acid-assisted extraction was scarcely studied. Herein, an acid-extracted tea polysaccharide TP-1 was isolated. TP-1 contained glucose and galactose in a molar ratio of 4.33:1.00, and the molecular weight was 9.47 × 103 Da. The backbone is comprised of 1,4-α-Glcp, 1,6-α-Glcp, and 1,4-β-Galp, with branches of 1,4,6-α-Glcp. Polysaccharide TP-1 could scavenge DPPH, hydroxyl, and superoxide radicals, with the IC50 value of 457.1, 516.5, and 620.1 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, it could inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities with the IC50 value of 394.3 and 90.1 µg/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, glucose uptake was also observed to be significantly increased in insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 cells by TP-1. The results demonstrated that TP-1 might be employed for the control of diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic cognitive impairment is a common complication in type 2 diabetes. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid that has been shown to have neuroprotective effects against diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of BBR on the gray and white matter of the brain by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to explore the underlying mechanisms. The study used diabetic db/db mice and administered BBR (50 and 100 mg/kg) intragastrically for twelve weeks. Morris water maze was applied to examine cognitive function. T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) was performed to assess brain atrophy, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) combined with fiber tracking was conducted to monitor the structural integrity of the white matter, followed by histological immunostaining. Furthermore, the protein expressions of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT)/ glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) were detected. The results revealed that BBR significantly improved the spatial learning and memory of the db/db mice. T2WI exhibited ameliorated brain atrophy in the BBR-treated db/db mice, as evidenced by reduced ventricular volume accompanied by increased hippocampal volumes. DTI combined with fiber tracking revealed that BBR increased FA, fiber density and length in the corpus callosum/external capsule of the db/db mice. These imaging findings were confirmed by histological immunostaining. Notably, BBR significantly enhanced the protein levels of phosphorylated AKT at Ser473 and GSK-3β at Ser9. Collectively, this study demonstrated that BBR significantly improved the cognitive function of the diabetic db/db mice through ameliorating brain atrophy and promoting white matter reorganization via AKT/GSK-3β pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure organic room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) is highly preferable because of its long lifetime and potential applications. However, these kinds of materials are still very scarce due to the weak spin–orbit coupling between singlet and triplet states and easily nonradiative decay of the excited states. Achieving room temperature phosphorescence under visible light excitation is particularly challenging in aqueous solution. Herein, a micelle‐assisted assembling strategy has been developed to realize pure organic RTP in water by using donor–acceptor molecules. A visible‐light responsive long‐lived RTP in water with a lifetime more than 3 ms is obtained by the prepared nanocrystals. However, the same molecules show no RTP as rigid bulk crystals. Spectroscopic studies, single‐crystal structure analysis, X‐ray diffraction patterns, and density functional theory calculations reveal that the intermolecular interactions, heavy atom effect, and the molecular packing way play critical role to the long‐lived RTP character for the assembled nanocrystals in water and thermally activated delayed fluorescence for crystals in solid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sheath electric field is localized with a thickness of only several Debye lengths. It widely exists at plasma boundaries and in some cases can be very intense. Previous diagnoses of an intense, localized sheath electric field could only deliver the spatially averaged amplitude of the field. The sheath's spatial structures remain unresolved. In this paper, we numerically demonstrate the three-dimensional reconstruction of a cylindrically symmetric sheath electric field by means of the Abel inversion in combination with a correction of the spatial dislocation in the inversion process. By employing a divergent or/and relativistic proton beam for radiography of the sheath region, it is found that the crossings of the proton trajectories can be prevented and the linearity requirement for the Abel inversion can be satisfied. A sheath electric field with an amplitude of about 1×1011 V/m and a thickness of sub-μm level is well reconstructed with a 120 MeV proton beam. The inter dependences of the reconstruction on the proton beam energy, energy spread, beam divergence, and the amplitude of the sheath are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present here that pyrene derivative can be arranged in close proximity using M13 virus as framework through click reaction. The observation of excimer emissions of pyrene was a direct evidence for the proper spatial arrangements of chromophores in the architecture, in which both ground-state and excited-state electronic interactions of pyrenes were facilitated. Efficient energy transfer could be induced through the electrostatic interactions between the M13 backbone and the positively charged rhodamine 6G. The investigation of chromophore-modified M13 and its energy transfer process would be beneficial for exploiting the structures of various natural virus and artificially self-assembled virus-like particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We theoretically investigate the optical bistable behavior in a three-mode optomechanical system with atom-cavity-mirror couplings. The effects of the cavity-pump detuning and the pump power on the bistable behavior are discussed detailedly, the impacts of the atom-pump detuning and the atom-cavity coupling strength on the bistability of the system are also explored, and the influences of the cavity-resonator coupling strength and the cavity decay rate are also taken into consideration. The numerical results demonstrate that by tuning these parameters the bistable behavior of the system can be freely switched on or off, and the threshold of the pump power for the bistability as well as the bistable region width can also be effectively controlled. These results can find potential applications in optical bistable switch in the quantum information processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canned nuclear coolant pump is used in the advanced third generation pressurized water reactor and is key equipment and unique rotating equipment in the first loop of a nuclear power plant. High efficiency, low power consumption, low axial force and low pressure pulsation are the significant hydraulic performance demanding to hydraulic components. Impeller is a key component of canned nuclear coolant pump. The blade stacking lean angle is one of the main geometric parameters in impeller design. Therefore, an investigation into the stacking lean angle to the canned nuclear coolant pump can be useful. In order to understand effects of stacking lean angle to canned nuclear coolant pump, this paper numerically investigated three different stacking lean angles. The validity of numerical simulation was confirmed through a comparison between numerical and experimental results. The performance change of canned nuclear coolant pump with the stacking lean angle was acquired. Hydraulic performance curve, axial force curve, static pressure distribution at impeller outlet and static pressure pulsation were performed to investigate the performance changes caused by the stacking lean angle. The results show that the stacking lean angle has important influence on the performance of canned nuclear coolant pump and should be paid attention to in the impeller design. Positive stacking lean angle is good for efficiency and reducing pressure pulsation in impeller. Negative stacking lean angle is good for increasing the head and reducing the axial force, while reducing pressure pulsation in static components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), [Zn 2 (TZI)( μ 3 -OH)(H 2 O) 2 ]·(CH 3 ) 2 NH ( JUC-165 ), [Cd 5 (TZI) 3 ( μ 3 -OH)(H 2 O) 7 ]·4H 2 O ( JUC-166 ), and [Cd(TZI)]·(CH 3 ) 2 NH 2 ·H 2 O ( JUC-167 ) (JUC = Jilin University China) have been synthesized by self-assembly of Zn 2+ /Cd 2+ ions and a prominent ligand, 5-tetrazolylisophthalic acid (H 3 TZI). JUC-165 exhibits fascinating three-dimensional (3D) structure containing 1D rectangular channels with dimensions of 6.5 × 3.0 Å 2 and it performs (5,5)-connected topology with a Schläfli symbol of 4 6 6 4 , JUC-166 displays a 2D sandwich-layer which further forms into a 3D supermolecular structure by H-bonds reactions and JUC-167 exhibits (4,4)-connected 3D frameworks with a Schläfli symbol of 4 2 6 3 8. Furthermore, we research the fluorescence properties of these new MOFs measured at room temperature, and the results reveal that JUC-165 , JUC-166 and JUC-167 display strong main emission spectra peaks at 410, 437 and 415 nm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a simple, rapid, and sensitive method for the determination of nitrite (NO2−) in food samples by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection in acidic conditions had been developed. The derivatization of the nitrite with 2,3-diaminonaphthalene was performed in acidic conditions to yield the highly fluorescent 2,3-naphthotriazole, which was directly analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection without adjusting the solution to alkaline. The analysis column was reversed-phase C8 column. A constant flow rate of 1.0 mL/min was employed using water/acetonitrile as the mobile phase in isocratic mode (70:30, v/v). Fluorescence was monitored with excitation at 375 nm and emission at 415 nm. The standard calibration curves were linear for nitrite in different matrixes in the concentration range of 0-100 μg/L, and the correlation coefficients ranged from 0.9978 to 0.9998. The limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges of 0.012-0.060 and 0.040-0.20 mg/kg, respectively. The recoveries of nitrite from samples spiked at three different concentrations were 74.0-113.2%, and the relative standard deviations of the recovery results ( n = 6) were 1.67-10.8%. The proposed method has good repeatability and is very sensitive and simple. It has been successfully used to determine nitrite in foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new coordination polymers, [Zn(H 2 biim)(pzdc)] n ( 1 ), [Cd(H 2 biim)(pzdc)] n ( 2 ) and [Cd(H 2 biim) 0.5 (ip-OH)] n ( 3 ) (H 2 biim = 2,2′-biimidazolate, H 2 pzdc = 2,3-pyrazinedicarboxylic acid, H 2 ip-OH = 5-hydroxylisophthalic acid), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural and display two-dimensional (2D) undulated layers with 3-connected (4.8 2 ) topologies, which are further extended into three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular structures through hydrogen-bonding and C–H⋯π interactions. Complex 3 is a relatively rare 3D compound, featuring a binodal (4,5)-connected (4 4 .6 2 )(4 4 .6 6 ) topology. A comparison of all the complexes demonstrates that the structural characteristics of the dicarboxylate ligands play a great role in the modulation of the coordination structures. Moreover, their luminescent properties and thermal stabilities were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor in response to the article "Epidemiological characteristics and temporal-spatial clustering analysis of hand, foot and mouth disease in Nanchang city 2008-2012," by F. Cao and P. Huang in the 2015 issue is presented.

To determine the influence of reaction conditions on the formation of metal-organic frameworks(MOFs), three Pb II -H 3 sfpip complexes {[Pb(Hsfpip)(H 2 O) 3 ]·H 2 O} n ( 1 ), {[Pb 2 (Hsfpip) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ]·H 2 O} n ( 2 ), [Pb 2 (Hsfpip) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ] n ( 3 ) [H 3 sfpip = 2-(2,4-disulfophenyl)imidazo(4,5-f)(1,10)-phenanthroline] have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The diverse structures of products show the marked sensitivity of the structural chemistry of the aromatic sulfonate ligand to synthetic conditions. Complex 1 is formed at pH 3.0, and displays a one-dimensional linear chain structure with Hsfpip 2− group as a μ 2 –η 2 :η 1 coordination mode. While at pH 5.0, a two-dimensional double layer structure of 2 is formed, in which Hsfpip 2− group shows a μ 4 –η 2 :η 1 :η 1 :η 1 coordination mode. The two-dimensional networks are further connected by hydrogen bonds to result in a three-dimensional supramolecular network. Furthermore a three-dimensional network of 3 is got by increasing pH to 6.5, in which Hsfpip 2− group presents the unusual μ 5 –η 2 :η 1 :η 1 :η 1 :η 1 coordination mode. The structural differences of three complexes give some insights into the effect of pH on the construction of coordination polymers. Additionally, the thermal stabilities and photoluminescence properties of 1 – 3 were also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial multihoming is a new direction of the research of two-sided markets, differentiation of platforms is very common in real economic life. This article considers a competition model when two platforms are different and users partially multihoming, then compares three situations when two platforms price synchronously and sequentially. The research finds that prices of two sides of platforms are positive, bigger platform predominate over small platform at price, number of singlehoming users and platform profit when two platforms price synchronously and smaller platform prices firstly. Whatever bigger and smaller platforms tend to let competing platform price firstly, increasing of network externalities of two platforms will cause the increasing of multihoming users, finally we adopt case and data of competition of commercial banks to verify conclusions of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Seven isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets containing cottonseed meal (CM) levels of 0, 9, 18, 27, 36, 45 and 54% (with the free gossypol (FG) levels of 0, 107.8, 215.7, 323.5, 431.3, 539.2 and 647.0mgkg−1, respectively) were fed to juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio) with initial body weight of 11.3g for 8weeks to evaluate the effects of dietary CM on growth performance, hematological indices, liver and gonad histology. When the dietary CM level ranged from 0% to 27%, the weight gain (WG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed no significant difference among groups (P >0.05), but when the CM level increased from 27% to 54%, the WG and protein efficiency ratio (PER) significantly decreased (P <0.05), and the FCR significantly increased (P <0.05). The amount of red blood cells (RBC) and the hematocrit (Hct) value were significantly higher in the groups of 27–54% CM compared to the groups of 0–18% CM (P <0.05), but the hemoglobin (Hb) level showed relative stability in the groups of 0–45% CM, then significantly decreased when the CM level reached 54%. The activities of serum alanine aminotransferase and hydroxyl radicals were significantly increased for fish fed diets containing 45–54% CM compared with fish fed diets containing 0–36% CM (P <0.05). The free gossypol concentrations in muscle and liver corresponded to the dietary CM levels. There were no significant differences in the gonad index of both sexes among groups (P >0.05). Compared with the groups of 0% and 27% CM, the hepatocyte volume decreased, and the number of hepatocytes increased in the group of 54% CM, which also demonstrated the higher number of primary spermatocytes and the fewer sperm cells in the testis. Taken together, these results indicated that a safe level of CM in the juvenile carp diet was 27% (FG of 323.5mgkg−1) and broken-line model analysis based on WG showed the upper level of CM was 26.85%. The dietary cottonseed meals higher than 36% (431.3mgkg−1 FG) may damage growth performance and hematology. Furthermore, high levels of dietary CM (54% CM with FG of 647.0mgkg−1) may slightly impair the liver and decrease the number of sperm cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The two-state reaction (TSR) mechanismof CpCo(C4H4) with isocyanate on the tripletand singlet potential energy surfaces has been investigated at theB3LYP level. The minimal energy crossing point (CPs) in the crossingseam between the potential energy surfaces are located using the methodof Harvey et al., and possible spin inversion processes are discussedby means of spin–orbit coupling (SOC) calculations. As a result,the two distinct reaction pathways for the formation of a pyridin-2-onecobalt complex have been found. For the first pathway, there are twokey crossing points along the reaction pathway. The first crossingpoint, CP2, exists near 1B. The reacting system will changeits spin multiplicity from the triplet state to the singlet statenear this crossing region because the magnitude of the spin-multiplicitymixing (SOC1-e,1-center= 393.37 cm–1) increases in a small energy gap between high- and low-spin stateswill greatly enhance the probability of intersystem crossing. Thesingle (P1ISC) and double (P2ISC) passes estimated at CP2 areapproximately 0.28 and 0.48, respectively. The second crossing point,CP3, will again change its spin multiplicity from the singlet stateto the triplet state in the Co–Cγbond activationpathway, leading to a decrease in the barrier height of 1TS(CF) from 19.5 to 9.5 kcal/mol. Thus, the reaction system willaccess a lower energy pathway and then move on the triplet potentialenergy surface as the reaction proceeds. As for the second pathway,the formation of the initial transition is a very unfavorable processkinetically. However, from the beginning of 1H, TSR isa very favorable process kinetically and thermodynamically. Afterpassing point CP5, the triplet potential energy surface can providea low-cost reaction pathway toward the product complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), protracted elevation of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) is held to be associated with cortical, but not trabecular, bone loss. However, an alternative explanation for the apparent preservation of trabecular bone is fragmentation of the cortex by intracortical remodeling. The cortical fragments resemble trabeculae and so may be erroneously included in the quantification of ‘trabecular’ bone density. To test this hypothesis, we compared bone microarchitecture in 43 patients with untreated PHPT (mean 62.9years, range 31–84) with 47 healthy age-matched controls and 25 patients with surgically treated PHPT (63.6years, 30–82). Images of the distal radius and tibia were acquired using high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT and analysed using StrAx1.0, a new software program that quantifies bone morphology in-vivo. Results were expressed as the mean number of standardized deviations (SD) from the age-specific mean (Z scores, mean±SEM). In subjects with PHPT, total tibial cortical area was reduced −0.26±0.08 SD; p=0.002). Cortical volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) was reduced (−0.29±0.06 SD; p<0.001) due to higher cortical porosity (0.32±0.06 SD; p<0.001) and lower tissue mineralization density (−0.21±0.06 SD; p=0.002). Medullary area was increased (0.26±0.08 SD; p=0.002) and trabecular vBMD was reduced (−0.14±0.04 SD; p<0.001). In subjects who underwent successful parathyroidectomy, cortical area (−0.18±0.10 SD; NS) and medullary area (0.18±0.10 SD; NS) did not differ from controls. Cortical vBMD was reduced (−0.15±0.05 SD; p=0.003) due to high porosity (0.15±0.05 SD; p=0.006), values numerically lower than in untreated PHPT. Tissue mineralization density (−0.26±0.04 SD; p<0.001) and trabecular vBMD were reduced (−0.16±0.04 SD, p<0.001). The results were similar in the distal radius. In PHPT, chronically elevated endogenous PTH does not spare trabecular bone; it causes bone loss and microarchitectural deterioration in both cortical and trabecular compartments of bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two complexes, [Cd(ip-OH)(H2biim)(H2O)][Cd(ip-OH)(H2biim)(H2O)3]-8(H2O) (1) and [Cd(Himdc)( H2biim)]n (2) (H2ip-OH = 5-hydroxylisophthalic acid, H2biim = 2,2'-biimidazolate, H3imdc = 4,5- imidazoledicarboxylic acid), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 is a 3-D supramolecular network constructed by 0-D and 1-D • it interactions. Complex 2 is a 1-D zigzag polymeric coordination chain and the chains are connected to form a 3-D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds. The complexes were characterized by elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. Fluorescence was also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Elevation of the levels of myocardial biomarkers after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has prognostic value in patients with coronary heart disease. We explored the relationship between elevation of the serum level of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) after PCI and platelet aggregation rate and coronary plaque composition. Methods: Eighty patients with unstable angina pectoris underwent PCI and were divided into two groups according to serum cTnT level 24 hours after PCI: group I (cTnT ≥2 times the normal level) and group II (cTnT <2 times the normal level). Coronary plaque composition was measured with virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound. Platelet aggregation rate was detected immediately before and 24 hours after PCI. Results: Compared with the patients in group II, patients in group I showed more unstable plaques, a larger necrotic core area (20.88 ± 8.04% vs. 15.31 ± 5.48%, P < 0.05), higher platelet aggregation rate (51.47 ± 12.72% vs. 44.78 ± 13.29%, P < 0.05), and longer stents. The serum cTnT level 24 hours after PCI was positively correlated with the necrotic core area. Conclusions: In patients with unstable angina pectoris, a large necrotic core, high rate of platelet aggregation, and stent length are predictors of cTnT elevation after PCI. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:433-438) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new metal–organic coordination polymer (H3O)[Cu3(tbip)3.5(H2O)2]·H2O (1) (H2tbip=5-tert-butyl isophthalic acid) has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that 1 features a 2D chiral kagomé layer structure. Two copper ions are linked by four carboxylate ligands to form a Cu2 paddlewheel building block. The Cu2 paddlewheel building blocks as the 4-connected nodes, were furthermore connected by tbip ligands to form a 2D kagomé topological network. Interestingly, the compound 1 possesses chirality, which is less reported in kagomé lattice. In addition, the magnetic properties have been also studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The blast point detection is a foundation of fire emendation, damage evaluation and opposite firepower point estimation. According to the characteristics of artillery blast point, this paper proposes a new center-surround Haar-like feature which can be calculated quickly. An algorithm for the blast point detection is presented based on Adaboost with the new Haar-like feature. The experiment results show that the proposed algorithm has better performance than the Adaboost algorithm without the new Haar-like feature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of substrate size on the supersonic jet flow regime, particle acceleration and temperature distribution within the substrate in cold spraying. A computational fluid dynamics approach is employed in the present work to achieve this objective. The simulated results show that substrate diameter has some effect on the gas flow regime and the consequent particle motion. When the substrate diameter is smaller than the nozzle exit diameter, the thickness of the bow shock formed in front of the substrate is rather small, which contributes to increase the particle impact velocity. With increasing the substrate diameter, the bow shock thickness increases gradually up to the point at which the substrate diameter is beyond the nozzle exit diameter. A further increase beyond this has almost no effect on the flow regime and the bow shock thickness. Besides, the current numerical work also reveals that the temperature distribution within the substrate can be significantly influenced by substrate thickness. With an increase in substrate thickness, the substrate temperature presents a downward trend, which means that higher inlet temperature may be required for thick substrate to achieve the same preheating effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four new metal-organic coordination polymers, Cd(mip)(DMF)(1), Cd(mip)(EtOH)(2), Cd2(mip)2(H2O)5·3H2O (3), Cd(mip)(bpp)(H2O)·H2O (4) (H2mip = 5-methylisophthalic acid, bpp = 1,3-di(4-pyridyl)propane) have been hydro(solvo)thermally synthesized and characterized by IR, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 and 2 are isostructural, and two adjacent Cd centers are bridged by four carboxylate groups in μ 2-carboxylato-κ1O.:κ1O′ and μ 2Ο; κ2O,O′ fashion to form a linear (Cd–O–Cd)n chain. The adjacent (Cd–O–Cd)n chains are further connected by mip bridges to form a 3D framework. 3 features two types of chiral layers: One left-handed and another right-handed, which lead to racemic solid-state compound. 4 exhibits a two-dimensional wave-like (2D) (4,4) layer structure with infinite 1D linear chain. In addition, the luminescent properties of 1–4 are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a new level-set method based on global and local regions for image segmentation. First, the image fitting term of Chan and Vese (CV) model is adapted to detect the image's local information by convolving a Gaussian kernel function. Then, a global term is proposed to detect large gradient amplitude at the outer region. The new energy function consists of both local and global terms, and is minimized by the gradient descent method. Experimental results on both synthetic and real images show that the proposed method can detect objects in inhomogeneous, low-contrast, and noisy images more accurately than the CV model, the local binary fitting model, and the Lankton and Tannenbaum model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helical groove seal is designed in reactor coolant pump to control the leakage along the front surface of the impeller face due to its higher resistance than the circumferentially grooved seal. The flow and the friction factors in helical groove seals are predicted by employing a commercial CFD code, FLUENT. The friction factors of the helical groove seals with helix angles varying from 20 deg to 50 deg, at a range of rotational speed and axial Reynolds number, were, respectively, calculated. For the helically grooved stator with the helix angle greater than 20 deg, the leakage shows an upward trend with the helix angle. The circumferentially grooved stator has a lower resistance to leakage than the 20 deg and 30 deg stators. It can be predicated that, for a bigger helix angle, the friction factor increases slightly with an increase in high axial Reynolds number, which arises from the high-pressure operation condition, and the friction factor is generally sensitive to changes in the helix angle in this operation condition. The study lays the theoretical foundation for liquid seal design of reactor coolant pump and future experimental study to account for the high-pressure condition affecting the leakage characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ionothermal reaction of isophthalate (H2ip), and colbolt(II) nitrate under 1-ethly-3-methylimidazolium bromide (EMimBr) as solvent leads to a novel three dimensional metal–organic framework (EMim)2[Co3(ip)4] (1). It can be described as an eight-connected CsCl-type net (42464) utilizing trinuclear Co(II) clusters as eight-connected nodes and ip ligands as linkers. The imidazolium cation [EMim]+ of the ionic liquid acting as charge-compensating agents has interactions with the framework. The magnetic properties studies show ferrimagnetic behavior for 1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mesoporous ZrO2 nanobelts (MZNs) have been prepared by a calcination route of ZrS3 nanobelts in air. The nanobelts prepared at 400–600°C are the mixtures of tetragonal and monoclinic phases, and have well-distributed mesopores (pore diameter of about 3.4–3.6nm). As the calcination temperature increased from 400 to 1200°C, the structures changed from tetragonal to monoclinic phase, while the morphologies turned from regular nanobelts to bead-like nanowires, and the mesopores disappeared bit by bit. Fe-doped and Fe2O3-loaded MZNs have been prepared to compare the catalytic activities of Fe-doped, Fe2O3-loaded, and pure MZNs for methane combustion. The results showed that Fe2O3-loaded MZNs have rather high catalytic activity, suggesting its potential application in practice. Methane combustion data over the catalysts are well fitted by a first-order kinetic expression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new coordination polymer [Cd2(cpta)(H2O)4]n (1) (H4cpta=cis,cis,cis-1,2,3,4-cyclopentanetetracarboxylic acid) has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by IR, elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that 1 is a six-connected pcu-type network with (41263) topology. 1 also displays strong fluorescent emissions in the solid state at room temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Reaction of Zn(OAc)2·2H2O and bis(2-carboxyethyl)isocyanurate (H3bci) leads to the generation of a new coordination polymer, Zn(Hbci)(H2O)3 (1), (H3bci=bis(2-carboxyethyl)isocyanurate), which features an interesting 2D layer containing Zn(II)–Hbci–Zn(II) right-handed and left-handed helical chains and μ 2-H2O bridges. Furthermore, hydrogen bonds link the adjacent 2D layers to form a 3D supramolecular framework. The photoluminescence property of 1 was also studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A systematic finite element analysis (FEA) on the subsequently incident particles which refer to the particles depositing after the formation of the first layer coating is conducted in this study to clarify the bonding mechanism inside the cold sprayed coating. A simplified particle impact model is proposed and the simulated results based on this model demonstrate that substrate hardness exerts some effects on the deformation behavior of the subsequently incident particles. Hard substrate makes these particles deform intensively but using soft substrate enables them to achieve a slight deformation. At the same time, it is also found that substrate hardness plays its best role only when the formed coating is thin, as the development of the coating, the particle deformation behavior becomes more and more insensitive to the substrate hardness. The multi-particle impact simulation based on Eulerian method is also performed and reaches the same conclusion, confirming the accuracy of the simplified model. Besides, it is also found that when the velocity is increased to a hypervelocity, excessive deformation occurs in the formed coatings due to the impact of the subsequently incident particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

1. Metformin is one of the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Accumulating evidence suggests that metformin also has cardioprotective effects. In the present study, we investigated the cardioprotective effects of metformin and the mechanisms involved. 2. A rat model of chronic heart failure was established by permanent left coronary artery occlusion. Heart failure rats were randomly divided into four groups: (i) a saline-treated group given 4 mL/kg day via intragastric gavage; (ii) a metformin-treated group, given 100 mg/kg metformin once daily via intragastric gavage; (iii) a group treated with 5 mg/kg 5′-aminoimidazole-4-carboxyamide-ribonucleoside (AICAR), an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist, every second day; and (iv) a group treated with 100 mg/kg per day metformin + 20 mg/kg, i.p., compound C (an AMPK antagonist). After 4 weeks treatment, echocardiography was used to assess left ventricular (LV) dimensions and function. Expression of AMPK, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. 3. Metformin administration significantly improved cardiac function and LV remodelling, as evidenced by increases in LV systolic pressure and LV ejection fraction and decreases in LV end-diastolic diameter and LV end-systolic diameter. These beneficial effects of metformin were associated with increased AMPK and eNOS phosphorylation, as well as reductions in insulin, TGF-β1, basic fibroblast growth factor and tumour necrosis factor-α levels in the circulation and/or myocardium. 4. The results indicate that chronic low-dose metformin confers significant cardioprotective effects against chronic heart failure by activating the AMPK-eNOS pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In cold spraying, the spraying of certain complicated surfaces may require nozzles with special cross-sections. In this study, numerical investigation is conducted to study the effect of nozzle cross-section shape on gas flow and particle acceleration in cold spraying. The comprehensive comparison between rectangular nozzles and elliptical nozzles indicates that rectangular nozzles result in slightly lower mean particle impact velocity than elliptical nozzles. However, for rectangular nozzles, more particles may achieve relatively high velocity due to the larger sectional area of their potential core. Furthermore, it can also be found from the numerical results that the mean particle impact velocity increases gradually with the decrease in Width/Length ratio (W/L) of the cross-section because of the diminishing bow shock size. However, when reducing the W/L to 0.2, the mean particle impact velocity begins to decrease steeply, which may be attributed to the rather small area of the potential core for the case of W/L=0.2. Moreover, the systematic study on the powder release position shows that releasing particles from the nozzle inlet can ensure that particles achieve a high impact velocity and temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The intersystem crossing channels of gaseous 4H-pyran-4-thione were investigated using the CASSCF//TD-B3LYP methods and group theory. Calculated results show that phosphorescence and nonradiative decay via intersystem crossing to the S0 state are simultaneous processes occurring at the T1 state. The spin–orbit coupling constant in the S0/T1 intersection is large, 〈T1∣H SO∣S0〉=156.0cm−1 and the computed average phosphorescence radiative lifetime is 136.5μs. A rapid depletion of the S1 state via intersystem crossing to the T1 state can be mediated by the T2 state, if spin relaxation is fast within the triplet levels. Our calculated results are in close agreement with experimental observations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a vital phytohormone that regulates mainly stomatal aperture and seed development, but ABA receptors involved in these processes have yet to be determined. We previously identified from broad bean an ABA-binding protein (ABAR) potentially involved in stomatal signalling, the gene for which encodes the H subunit of Mg-chelatase (CHLH), which is a key component in both chlorophyll biosynthesis and plastid-to-nucleus signalling. Here we show that Arabidopsis ABAR/CHLH specifically binds ABA, and mediates ABA signalling as a positive regulator in seed germination, post-germination growth and stomatal movement, showing that ABAR/CHLH is an ABA receptor. We show also that ABAR/CHLH is a ubiquitous protein expressed in both green and non-green tissues, indicating that it might be able to perceive the ABA signal at the whole-plant level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The mechanism of the spin–forbidden reaction on both doublet and quartet potential energy surfaces has been investigated at B3LYP, CCSD(T) and CASSCF levels of theory. The minimum energy point (MEX-1) on the doublet–quartet crossing surface is determined using the complete-active-space-self-consistent field (CASSCF) calculations with (3,4), (5,5), (7,6), and (7,7) active spaces with a weighting of 50%/50% to the doublet and quartet states. The minimum energy point (MEX-1) has a Cs structure resembling the intermediate structure 2M-1. The intersystem crossing at the MEX-1 crossing point is taking place, and it is attributed to the stronger spin–orbit coupling (SOC)(50.2–75.5cm−1) and the barrier (65.01–72.10kJ/mol) with respect to the ground state reactants . This is in close agreement with the experimental observation reporting large rate coefficients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 1868 healthy Chinese and Caucasian women and men aged 18 to 93 years to define the structural and biomechanical basis for racial and sex differences in vertebral body (VB) fragility. VB bone mineral content (BMC), cross-sectional area (CSA), and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) of the third lumbar vertebrae were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Using engineering principles, we calculated the load per unit CSA (stress), VB strength estimated from vBMD and the ratio of stress to strength (fracture risk index, FRI). Young adult Chinese women and men had a smaller VB with a higher vBMD than their Caucasian counterparts. In each race, women had a smaller VB than men but similar vBMD. From young adulthood (∼30 years) to old age (∼70 years), VB CSA increased more in Chinese than Caucasian women (8.6% vs. 5.8%) and increased less in Chinese than Caucasian men (8.7% vs. 11.8%). Estimated periosteal bone deposited was similar in Chinese and Caucasian women (2.64 vs. 2.63 g, 46% vs. 40% of peak BMC). Estimated endosteal bone lost was similar (3.94 vs. 4.05 g or 68% vs. 62% of peak BMC). As endosteal bone loss exceeded periosteal bone gain, net bone was lost from the VB, but this was similar in Chinese and Caucasian women (1.30 vs. 1.42 g or both lost 22% of peak BMC). For men, Chinese gained less periosteal bone than Caucasians (2.73 vs. 5.05 g or 34% vs. 56% of peak BMC) and lost less endosteal bone (3.07 vs. 5.49 g or 38% vs. 61% of peak BMC), so net bone loss was similar in Chinese and Caucasian men (0.34 vs. 0.44 g, both lost 5% of peak BMC). Comparing sexes, in Chinese, net bone loss was greater in women than in men because of greater endosteal bone loss in women (68% of peak BMC) than men (38% of peak BMC); periosteal bone gain was similar in women and men. In Caucasians, net bone loss was greater in women than men because periosteal bone gain was less in women (40%) than men (56%), endosteal bone loss was similar. The age-related increase in VB CSA reduced VB stress but vBMD decreased so the FRI increased; ∼25% of elderly Chinese and Caucasian women and ∼5% of elderly Chinese and Caucasian men had an FRI above unity. The structural basis of bone fragility differs by race and sex. Periosteal apposition plays a pivotal role in determining racial and sex differences in net bone loss, geometry, and strength. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The structural basis of racial and sex differences in femoral neck (FN) fragility in old age was assessed in a cross-sectional study of 829 healthy Chinese and 1181 healthy Caucasian subjects aged 18 to 93 years in Melbourne, Australia. We measured FN bone mineral density (BMD), periosteal diameter, and estimated endocortical diameter, cortical thickness, volumetric BMD (vBMD), section modulus, and buckling ratio using dual X-ray absorptiometry. Racial and sex differences in structural and strength indices were adjusted for age, bone length and body weight and were expressed in standard deviation (SD) unit. In young adulthood, Chinese women had a 0.85 SD narrower FN, a 0.47 SD thinner cortex and a 0.79 SD shorter FN axis length (FNAL) than Caucasian women. Across age, Chinese and Caucasian women had similar increments in endocortical and periosteal diameters and similar decrements in cortical thickness and vBMD (both ∼20%). In young adult males, FN periosteal diameter did not differ by race, but cortical thickness was 0.35 SD lower in Chinese than Caucasians. Across age, increments in periosteal and endocortical diameters were less in Chinese than Caucasian men so cortical thickness and vBMD diminished less in Chinese than in Caucasian men. In both races, young adult women had narrower FN than men. As Chinese women had a greater increment in periosteal diameter than Chinese men across age, the sex difference in FN periosteal diameter established in young adulthood diminished in old age. As Caucasian men had a greater increment in periosteal diameter than Caucasian women, the sex difference in FN periosteal diameter established in young adulthood increased with age. In old age, for both sexes, Chinese had a higher fracture risk in bending than Caucasians, but a lower fracture risk by buckling. For both races, women had a higher fracture risk in bending than men. Racial and sexual dimorphism in the absolute and relative behavior of the periosteal and endocortical surfaces throughout life produce race- and sex-specific differences in FN size, cortical thickness, and indices of bone strength in old age. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We studied 112 healthy men and 261 healthy women aged 18–92 years, and 34 men and 73 postmenopausal women with vertebral fractures aged 45–90 years to determine (i) whether patients with vertebral fractures have shorter stature before fracture, and (ii) whether the difference between arm span and standing or sitting height can be used to identify patients with fractures. Arm span was measured by using a calibrated extended ruler. Standing height, sitting height and leg length were measured by using a Holtain stadiometer. The results were expressed in absolute term and standard deviation (SD) or Z-scores (mean±SEM). Advancing age was associated with decreased sitting height (r=–0.37 to –0.41, both P<0.01) and a trend towards decreased arm span (r=–0.12 to –0.17, P=0.06 and 0.07) in healthy men and women; leg length was independent of age in both sexes (r=–0.09 to –0.12, NS). In patients with vertebral fractures, sitting height was reduced in women (Z=–0.83±0.14 SD, P<0.01) and men (Z=–1.37±0.21 SD, P<0.01) but only the women had reduced leg length (Z=–0.46±0.15 SD, P<0.01) and arm span (Z=–0.76±0.15 SD, P<0.01). Univariate and multivariate analyses suggest that the predictive ability of the difference between arm span and standing or sitting height to identify patients with vertebral fractures is limited. We concluded that women, not men, with vertebral fractures may come from a population with short stature. The difference between arm span and standing or sitting height cannot be used to predict vertebral fracture risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composites ferrous tungstate (FeWO 4) were fabricated as the sonocatalyst for degradation of meloxicam (MEL) in water. The composites are prepared carefully via hydrothermal reaction of sodium tungstate dehydrate and ferrous ammonium sulfate hexahydrate. The morphology of FeWO 4 were controlled successfully, by adjusting the acidity of the reaction solution (pH = 5, 6, 7, 8, 9). Multiple characterization results revealed that the obtained FeWO 4 shared the similar nano-microspheres structure, but with different BET surface area and energy gap. The sonocatalytic experiments showed that FeWO 4 nanomaterials with various synthetic pH values had different sonocatalytic performance on degradation of meloxicam (MEL), and FeWO 4 synthesized at pH 6 reaches maximum of 73.5% on degradation of MEL. This phenomenon was not only due to the moderate BET surface area (31.18 m2/g), moderate pore size distribution (10–30 nm) and moderate energy gap (1.73 eV) of FeWO 4 nano-microspheres, ·OH and holes also played a key role in the removal of MEL. The obtained catalyst was proved to be stable enough after four cycles. Our study demonstrates a novel finding, not reported previously, that FeWO 4 could be utilized as a promising sonocatalyst to degrade MEL by ultrasound-driven. [Display omitted] • FeWO 4 nanomaterials were morphology regulated for sonocatalytic degradation of meloxicam under ultrasonic irradiation. • Five samples with different energy gap were obtained by changing reaction pH value. • The decomposition mechanism of MEL by FeWO 4 was analyzed to understand the underlying phenomenon. • In the sonophotocatalytic system, the maximum MEL degradation efficiency was achieved around 80.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of defensins BNBD-1 and BNBD-2 in fresh bovine milk and infant formula, and to compare the defensin concentrations of bovine milk and human milk. Abundant BNBD-1 and BNBD-2 was found in fresh bovine colostrum. However, compared to fresh bovine milk, BNBD-1 and BNBD-2 concentrations in infant formula were very low. The BNBDs concentration ranges were also less than β-defensins in human milk. The BNBD-2 concentration in fresh bovine milk was higher than that of BNBD-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The electronic bands under lattice deformation, GGA + U, and SOC have semimetallic properties. • It has extremely high Curie temperature. • The Curie temperature under lattice deformation is still much higher than room temperature. We utilize density functional theory (DFT) to conduct a comprehensive theoretical investigation of the quaternary RhMnCrZ (Z = Si, Ge) Heusler alloys. Our study focuse on analyzing the stability, electronic structure, magnetism, exchange interaction, and Curie temperature of these alloys. The stability of the alloys is verified by calculating and analyzing the formation energy, phonon spectrum, elastic constants, and melting temperature. The calculation results show that the alloys are natural half-metallic ferromagnets with lattice constants of 5.868 Å for RhMnCrSi and 5.980 Å for RhMnCrGe. Meanwhile, the effects of compression and expansion stress on the half-metallic property are simulated from a practical perspective. The magnetic calculation of the alloys shows an integer magnetic moment and adheres to the Slater-Pauling rule, which states that M t = Z t - 24. Based on crystal field theory, orbital hybridization theory, exchange interaction, etc., the coupling effect of electrons and the principle of integer magnetic moments are analyzed. The Heisenberg model is used to calculate the exchange interactions between all atoms. Various exchange interactions between atoms are analyzed, and it is concluded that the dominant mechanism is the ferrimagnetic ordered phase. What's more, we calculate the Curie temperature of the RhMnCrZ (Z = Si, Ge) alloys, taking into account the exchange interactions. The Curie temperatures of both Heusler alloys are above 900 K, which is significantly higher than room temperature. RhMnCrZ (Z = Si, Ge) alloys show promise for spintronics applications, as indicated by theoretical simulation calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A 3D chiral coordination polymer, [Co3(hfipbb)2(D-Hcam)2(bpp)2(H2O)2]·2H2O (1) (H2hfipbb=2,2-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, D-H2cam=D-(+)camphoric acid, bpp=1,3-di(4-pyridyl)propane), has been hydrothermally synthesized, which features an interesting 6-connected self-interpenetrating (44.610.8) topological network. There exists predominantly antiferromagnetic interaction between the Co(II) centers in 1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Purpose: Endomorphins have shown great promise as pharmaceutics for the treatment of pain. We have previously confirmed that novel endomorphin analogues CEMR‐1 and CEMR‐2 behaved as potent μ agonists and displayed potent antinociceptive activities at the supraspinal and peripheral levels. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antinociceptive properties of CEMR‐1 and CEMR‐2 following intrathecal (i.t.) administration. Furthermore, their antinociceptive tolerance and opioid‐like side effects were also determined. Experimental Approach: The spinal antinociceptive effects of CEMR‐1 and CEMR‐2 were determined in a series of pain models, including acute radiant heat paw withdrawal test, spared nerve injury‐induced neuropathic pain, complete Freund's adjuvant‐induced inflammatory pain, visceral pain and formalin pain. Antinociceptive tolerance was evaluated in radiant heat paw withdrawal test. Key Results: Spinal administration of CEMR‐1 and CEMR‐2 produced potent and prolonged antinociceptive effects in acute pain. CEMR‐1 and CEMR‐2 may produce their antinociception through distinct μ receptor subtypes. These two analogues also exhibited significant analgesic activities in neuropathic, inflammatory, visceral and formalin pain at the spinal level. It is noteworthy that CEMR‐1 showed non‐tolerance‐forming analgesic properties, while CEMR‐2 exhibited substantially reduced antinociceptive tolerance. Furthermore, both analogues displayed no or reduced side effects on conditioned place preference response, physical dependence, locomotor activity and gastrointestinal transit. Conclusions and Implications: The present investigation demonstrated that CEMR‐1 and CEMR‐2 displayed potent and long‐lasting antinociception with a favourable side effect profile at the spinal level. Therefore, CEMR‐1 and CEMR‐2 might serve as promising analgesic compounds with minimal opioid‐like side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appendicular fractures are less common in Chinese than Caucasian women. Bone mineral density (BMD) is lower, not higher than in Caucasians because Chinese have smaller appendicular dimensions than Caucasians. However, smaller bones may offset the liability to fracture by being assembled with a more robust microstructure. We hypothesized that Chinese assemble an appendicular skeleton with a thicker, less porous and more mineralized cortex that is less deteriorated in advanced age than in Caucasians. We compared anthropometry in 477 Chinese and 278 Caucasian women and compared bone microstructure using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography in another cohort of 186 Chinese and 381 Caucasian women aged 18 to 86 years, all living in Melbourne, Australia. Trabecular plate (p) and rod (r) bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) were quantified using individual trabecula segmentation (ITS). Bone strength was estimated using micro-finite element analysis (μFEA). Premenopausal Chinese were shorter than Caucasian women, mainly due to shorter leg length. Distal radial total cross sectional area (CSA) was 14.8% smaller (p < 0.001). After adjusting for age and total CSA, Chinese had similar cortical and medullary areas but 0.30 SD lower cortical porosity and 0.27 SD higher matrix mineral density (both p < 0.05). Trabecular plate-to-rod ratio was 0.55 SD higher due to a 0.41 SD higher pBV/TV and 0.36 SD lower rBV/TV (p ranging 0.001 to 0.023). Chinese also had 0.36 SD greater whole bone stiffness and 0.36 SD greater failure load than Caucasians (both p < 0.05). After adjusting for age and total CSA, postmenopausal Chinese had 3.3% smaller cortical area, medullary area was 2.1% larger, cortical porosity was no lower, matrix mineral density and pBV/TV were no higher compared with Caucasians at the distal radius. Whole bone stiffness was 0.39 SD lower and failure load was 0.40 SD lower in Chinese (both p < 0.05). Chinese build a more robust skeleton than Caucasians during growth, an advantage not observed in advanced age due to greater bone loss or race-specific secular trends in bone morphology. • Chinese women build a more robust skeleton than Caucasians during growth. • The more robust skeleton is not observed in advanced age. • There may be greater bone loss or race-specific secular trends in bone morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, BiVO4/CuWO4 nanocomposites with S-scheme heterojunction structure were prepared firstly and the properties were analyzed by various techniques. The sonocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of tetracycline (TET). Under the optimum experimental conditions of initial concentration of TET = 25 mg/L, composite ratio of BiVO4 and CuWO4 = 15%, catalyst addition = 1 g/L, ultrasonic time = 120 min, ultrasonic power = 500 W, pH = 7, the experiment results showed that BiVO4/CuWO4 sonocatalyst removed TET by 81.05 ± 2.92%. K2S2O8 was verified to enhance the sonocatalytic performance of BiVO4/CuWO4 efficiently, and the removal ratio of TET could reach 91.25 ± 1.95% within 120 min by using BiVO4/CuWO4 and K2S2O8. The free radical (ROS) quenching experiment and TA-PL technology proved that the main free radical of degradation was ·OH. The potential sonocatalytic mechanism showed that the enhanced catalytic efficiency was due to the construction of S-scheme heterojunctions, which improved electron–hole pair (e−–h+) separation efficiency and rapid kinetics. The speculated TET degradation route of TET included intermediate products was proposed and four reused experiments proved that BiVO4/CuWO4 had good recyclability. In conclusion, the prepared BiVO4/CuWO4 composites with S-type heterojunction mechanism have more possibilities in wastewater treatment, which provides a helpful guide for the synthesis and application of composite sonocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel heteroglycan TLH-G was successfully isolated from Tricholoma lobayense cultivated in south China. TLH-G was composed of five monosaccharides, namely, mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, glucose and galactose, and consisted of →1)-β-D-Glcp-(6→ and →1)-α-D-Galp-(3→ motifs. TLH-G had excellent scavenging activities towards 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radicals. Structure-activity relationship analysis demonstrated that glycosidic bond types, monosaccharide composition, and branching degree were more important for the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Tricholoma lobayense than other structural factors. All the above results showed that the growth environment played a crucial role in the structure and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Tricholoma lobayense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood retinal barrier (BRB) damage is an important pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, and alleviating BRB damage has become a key target for DR treatment. We previously found that Lycopene seed polyphenols (LSP) maintained BRB integrity by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammation. However, it is still unknown whether LSP inhibits retinal neovascularization with abnormal capillaries and its mechanism of action. Here, we employed db/db mice and hRECs to find that LSP increases the level of glycolipid metabolism, maintains the morphology of retinal endothelial cells and inhibits acellular capillary neogenesis. Mechanistic studies revealed that LSP inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome, reduces cell apoptosis in retinal tissue, increases tight junction protein (TJ) expression, and reduces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Ve-Cadherin in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, this study finds that LSP inhibits inflammation and angiogenesis to improve BRB function to ameliorate DR. [Display omitted] ● Inflammasomes, apoptosis, and angiogenesis coexist in the pathogenesis of DR, and multitargeted intervention is required to achieve good therapeutic effects. ● LSP could exert anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and TJ protective effects in a high glucose environment. ● BRB dysfunction secondary to inflammasomes and apoptosis is a typical pathologic change in DR. ● LSP improved BRB function by inhibiting inflammation, apoptosis and neovascularization to effectively treat DR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]