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Nitrogen fixation in legumes occurs via symbiosis with rhizobia. This process involves packages of symbiotic genes on mobile genetic elements that are readily transferred within or between rhizobial species, furnishing the recipient with the ability to interact with plant hosts. However, it remains elusive whether plant host migration has played a role in shaping the current distribution of genetic variation in symbiotic genes. Herein, we examined the genetic structure and phylogeographic pattern of symbiotic genes in 286 symbiotic strains of Mesorhizobium nodulating black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), a cross-continental invasive legume species that is native to North America. We conducted detailed phylogeographic analysis and approximate Bayesian computation to unravel the complex demographic history of five key symbiotic genes. The sequencing results indicate an origin of symbiotic genes in Germany rather than North America. Our findings provide strong evidence of prehistoric lineage splitting and spatial expansion events resulting in multiple radiations of descendent clones from founding sequence types worldwide. Estimates of the timescale of divergence in North American and Chinese subclades suggest that black locust-specific symbiotic genes have been present in these continent many thousands of years before recent migration of plant host. Although numerous crop plants, including legumes, have found their centers of origin as centers of evolution and diversity, the number of legume-specific symbiotic genes with a known geographic origin is limited. This work sheds light on the coevolution of legumes and rhizobia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lacking knowledge of the microbial responses to environmental change at the species and functional levels hinders our ability to understand the intrinsic mechanisms underlying the maintenance of microbial ecosystems. Here, we present results from temporal microcosms that introduced inorganic and organic contaminants into agro-soils for 90 days, with three common legume plants. Temporal dynamics and assemblage of soil microbial communities and functions in response to contamination under the influence of different plant growth were explored via sequencing of the 16S rRNA amplicon and shotgun metagenomics. Soil microbial alpha-diversity and structure at the taxonomic and functional levels exhibited resilience patterns. Functional profiles showed greater resilience than taxonomic ones. Different legume plants imposed stronger selection on taxonomic profiles compared with functional ones. Network and random forest analyses revealed that the functional potential of soil microbial communities was fostered by various taxonomic groups. Betaproteobacteria were important predictors of key functional traits such as amino acid metabolism, nucleic acid metabolism, and hydrocarbon degradation. Our study reveals strong resilience of soil microbiome to chemical contamination and sensitive responses of taxonomic rather than functional profiles to selection processes induced by different legume plants. This is pivotal to develop approaches and policies for the protection of soil microbial diversity and functions in agro-ecosystems with different response strategies from global environmental drivers, such as soil contamination and plant invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the interdiffusivities in fcc Co-Ni alloys at 1373 K due to different types of diffusion couple experiments were firstly re-calculated via the unifiedWagner method based on the measured composition profiles. Their maximum difference due to different approaches for diffusion couple preparation was found to be larger than one order of magnitude. Then, a comprehensive analysis on the effect of different preparation methods was performed. After that, a two-step diffusion couple technique in combination with the pragmatic numerical inverse method was proposed to determine the accurate interdiffusivities by eliminating the effect of external stress. Such a novel approach was successfully applied in the binary fcc Co-Ni alloys for demonstration purposes. Moreover, it is anticipated that such novel approach can be utilized as the standard method for accurate interdiffusivity measurement, and the resultant accurate interdiffusivities in different alloys may serve as a benchmark for the later experimental and theoretical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal behaviors of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin (EHL), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and their blend (50:50 wt.%) were revealed using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR). A first-order reaction model (Coats-Redfern) and non-isothermal model-free method (Ozawa-Flynn-Wall) were applied to the TG experimental data to determine the pyrolysis kinetic parameters. The results showed that H2O and CO2 were first released from the EHL due to the degradation of the weakly linked side chains. The degradation of lateral chains, the breakage of aromatic series in the EHL structure, and the ß scission of HDPE led to the formation of H2O, CO2, C=O, aromatics, alkanes, and alkenes. Low intensities of H2O, CO2, alkanes, and alkenes were also observed in the final pyrolysis stage due to the degradation of lignin groups. Interactions during co-pyrolysis were observed in the pyrolysis stages of 390 to 542 °C and 563 to 790 °C. The activation energy values of EHL, HDPE, and their blend obtained by the Coats-Redfern method were 48.0 to 94.4 kJ/mol, 230.2 kJ/mol, and 42.7 to 260.1 kJ/mol, respectively. When the Ozawa-Flynn-Wall method was applied, activation energy ranges of 121.4 to 243.7 kJ/mol, 143.5 to 335.9 kJ/mol, and 74.8 to 260.9 kJ/mol for EHL, HDPE, and their blend, respectively, were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a crucial regulator of the cellular antioxidant response and xenobiotic metabolism. Activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway has been demonstrated to confer protection against environmental insults and prevent disease or inhibit the progression of diseases related to oxidative stress. In an attempt to identifynovel improvedNrf2 inducers for systemic protection against tissue damage by environmentalinsults, we identified artemisitene as a novel Nrf2 activ atorusing antioxidant responsive elementluciferase assayinMDA-MB-231cells. Further studies suggest that artemisitene activates Nrf2 by decreasing Nrf2 ubiquitination and increasing its stability. In Nrf2 wild-type mice, systemic administration of artemisitene strongly inhibits bleomycininduced lung damage. Artemisitene represents a novel class of Nrf2 inducer, and artemisitene-based therapeutic approach targeting Nrf2may also provide antioxidant protection for humans against tissue damage by toxic chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-chars were produced by co-pyrolysis of lignin with high-density polyethylene at 350 °C, 450 °C, and 550 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, automated surface area and pore size analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy were performed on bio-char to reveal the effect of temperature on its physical structure and chemical properties. All of the bio-chars demonstrated a highly disordered, turbostratic structure and exhibited a wide pore distribution. Dramatic losses of carbonyl, hydroxyl, and C-H groups indicated the development of condensed aromatic structure in the bio-chars. Specifically, biochar produced at 450 °C showed the highest degree of aromaticity, which is the relative content of aromatic structure with small fused rings and free radical concentration. This structure has more potential application in composite production and as solid fuel for its combustion or gasification. Moreover, biochar produced at 550 °C had the greatest porosity development, favoring its use as a precursor for activated carbon production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses topological and locally linear actions of finite groups on S4. Local linearity of the orientation preserving actions on S4 forces the group to be a subgroup of SO(5). On the other hand, orientation reversing topological actions of "exotic" groups G (i.e., G C O(5)) on S4 are constructed, and local linearity and stable smoothability of the actions are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multimode vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of slender risers, respectively, in stepped and shear flows is explored by finite element simulations. Taking account of the interaction between fluid and structure, a hydrodynamic model is proposed and embedded into the finite element simulation so as to carry out dynamic response of multimode VIV in time domain. Multimode VIV in both stepped and shear flow fields is examined. In the case of stepped flow, a semi-empirical formula of modal weight is given. In the case of shear flow, modal excitation region can be determined based on modal energy, and participating modes approximately distribute in scattering groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pyrolysis of waste newspaper (WP) and co-pyrolysis of waste newspaper with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) (1:1 wt%) were carried out in a quartz tube at 500 °C to obtain biochars. The biochars were characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), automated specific surface area and pore size analyzer, and Raman spectroscopy to determine their physical and chemical properties. The analysis results for WP/HDPE-derived biochar (CWH) were compared to WP-derived biochar (CWB). The CWH had lower oxygen-containing groups, increased aromatic structure, higher calorific value, higher fuel ratio, and greater porosity development. CWH is more appropriate as solid fuel, soil adsorbent, or activated carbon precursor as compared to CWB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to examine whether the expression of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is altered in the eutopic endometrium of female patients with adenomyosis, as compared with that of females without adenomyosis. The expression of FAK was assessed by immunohistochemical, western blot and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. An elevated expression of FAK mRNA and protein was identified in the eutopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis compared with patients without adenomyosis (P<0.05). In addition, a positive correlation was detected between FAK protein expression and dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain in females with adenomyosis (P<0.05). The significant increase of FAK expression identified in the eutopic endometrium of females with adenomyosis, as well as the association of FAK protein expression with dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain, suggested that FAK may play a role in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To examine the anti-cancer effects of berberine on multiple cancer cell lines, and to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms. Material and methods: The IC50 values for the action of berberine on Tca8113 (oral squamous cell carcinoma), CNE2 (nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell), MCF-7 (breast cancer), Hela (cervical carcinoma), and HT29 (colon cancer) cells were determined by MTT cell viability assay. Early apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were examined by flow cytometry with annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) staining, respectively. For expression of BAX and BCL-2 genes and proteins were detected by real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. Results: Berberine displayed a cytotoxic effect on all the cell lines tested. The IC50 values were determined (Tca8113, 218.52 ±18.71; CNE2, 249.18 ±18.14; MCF-7, 272.15 ±11.06; Hela, 245.18 ±17.33; and HT29, 52.37 ±3.45). PI staining revealed that berberine treatment resulted in cell cycle arrest at G2/M. The treatment also induced early apoptosis as shown by annexin V staining. In addition, berberine significant elevated gene and protein expression of BAX, which was accompanied by substantial decreases in BCL-2 gene and protein levels. The effects of berberine on BAX and BCL-2 were time-dependent. Conclusions: Berberine exhibited cytotoxic effects on multiple cancer cell lines by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The BCL-2/BAX signaling pathway may be the common pathway underlying the anti-tumor effect of berberine. The findings support the notion that berberine is a dietary compound that can be further developed into a drug candidate for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the Frequency Modulation Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar sensor for multi-target displacement measurement in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). The principle of three-dimensional (3-D) displacement measurement of civil infrastructures is analyzed. The requirements of high-accuracy displacement and multi-target identification for the measuring sensors are discussed. The fundamental measuring principle of FMCW radar is presented with rigorous mathematical formulas, and further the multiple-target displacement measurement is analyzed and simulated. In addition, a FMCW radar prototype is designed and fabricated based on an off-the-shelf radar frontend and data acquisition (DAQ) card, and the displacement error induced by phase asynchronism is analyzed. The conducted outdoor experiments verify the feasibility of this sensing method applied to multi-target displacement measurement, and experimental results show that three targets located at different distances can be distinguished simultaneously with millimeter level accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As water transporters, aquaporins (AQPs) are closely related to other membrane transporters, and water permeability in cell may contribute to chemosensitivity of tumor. To understand the correlation between AQPs and cisplatin (DDP) sensitivity to ovarian cancer cells, effects of DDP on AQPs expression were detected in vitro, and chemosensitivity of DDP was observed in hypertoncity in vitro. Methods: SKOV3 cells were incubated with DDP, aquaporins blocker mercuric chloride, or in hypertonicity, and cell proliferation inhibition was measured by MTT. Effects of DDP on AQPs mRNA expression cancer cell SKOV3 were measured by RT-PCR. Results: MTT analyses showed that aquaporin blocker and hypertonicity increased the sensitivity of SKOV3 to DDP. The effects of DDP on AQPs expression were different between aquaporin subtypes: following an increase in the incubation time, the expression of AQP1 mRNA decreased significantly, but expression of AQP3 and AQP8 increased. Conclusion: Our studies have showed that different subtypes of AQPs play different roles in ovarian cancer cell in vitro, and which suggested that AQPs might be associated with chemotherapy sensitivity of ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bonding layers, serving as the strain transmission mediums, may bring undesirable effects to the sensing properties of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensors during their fatigue process. To analyze the strain sensitivity and the reflected spectrum of FBG strain sensors in different fatigue stages of bonding layers, their strain sensitivities were derived according to strain transfer models. Resorting to T-matrix formalism, the affected reflected spectra were stimulated. Theoretical analysis results show that there is a gradual decline in the strain sensitivity during the stage of fatigue crack initiation, and that significant distortions emerge in the reflected spectrum during the stage of fatigue crack propagation. In addition, a cyclic loading fatigue test was conducted and the phenomenon observed in the test showed a good agreement with the theoretical prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The standard approach to studying financial industrial agglomeration is to construct measures of the degree of agglomeration within financial industry. But such measures often fail to exploit the convergence or divergence of financial agglomeration. In this paper, we apply Markov chain approach to diagnose the convergence of financial agglomeration in China based on the location quotient coefficients across the provincial regions over 1993-2011. The estimation of Markov transition probability matrix offers more detailed insights into the mechanics of financial agglomeration evolution process in China during the research period. The results show that the spatial evolution of financial agglomeration changes faster in the period of 2003-2011 than that in the period of 1993-2002. Furthermore, there exists a very uneven financial development patterns, but there is regional convergence for financial agglomeration in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on the relation between the smooth structure of a symplectic homotopy K3 surface and its symplectic symmetries is initiated. A measurement of exoticness of a symplectic homotopy K3 surface is introduced, and the influence of an effective action of a K3 group via symplectic symmetries is investigated. It is shown that an effective action by various maximal symplectic K3 groups forces the corresponding homotopy K3 surface to be minimally exotic with respect to our measure. (However, the standard K3 is the only known example of such minimally exotic homotopy K3 surfaces.) The possible structure of a finite group of symplectic symmetries of a minimally exotic homotopy K3 surface is determined and future research directions are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: The authors propose an algorithm based on the k-d tree for nearest neighbor searching to improve the γ calculation time for 2D and 3D dose distributions. Methods: The γ calculation method has been widely used for comparisons of dose distributions in clinical treatment plans and quality assurances. By specifying the acceptable dose and distance-to-agreement criteria, the method provides quantitative measurement of the agreement between the reference and evaluation dose distributions. The γ value indicates the acceptability. In regions where γ≤1, the predefined criterion is satisfied and thus the agreement is acceptable; otherwise, the agreement fails. Although the concept of the method is not complicated and a quick naïve implementation is straightforward, an efficient and robust implementation is not trivial. Recent algorithms based on exhaustive searching within a maximum radius, the geometric Euclidean distance, and the table lookup method have been proposed to improve the computational time for multidimensional dose distributions. Motivated by the fact that the least searching time for finding a nearest neighbor can be an O(log N) operation with a k-d tree, where N is the total number of the dose points, the authors propose an algorithm based on the k-d tree for the γ evaluation in this work. Results: In the experiment, the authors found that the average k-d tree construction time per reference point is O(log N), while the nearest neighbor searching time per evaluation point is proportional to O(N1/k), where k is between 2 and 3 for two-dimensional and three-dimensional dose distributions, respectively. Conclusions: Comparing with other algorithms such as exhaustive search and sorted list O(N), the k-d tree algorithm for γ evaluation is much more efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to describe the diversity of potentially symbiotic bacteria associated with the invasive introduced legume Robinia pseudoacacia in China. Thirty-three isolates from 33 separate trees and nodules were characterized using restriction length fragment polymorphism and sequencing of 16S rRNA, nodA, nodC and nifH genes. Their 16S rRNA gene patterns and sequences placed them in three clades: 85% of isolates were related to the Mesorhizobium mediterraneum/temperatum group, whereas the remaining were similar either to Mesorhizobium amorphae or to Sinorhizobium meliloti. However, despite their diverse taxonomic positions, the nodA, nodC and nifH genes' phylogenies indicated that these R. pseudoacacia symbionts share similar symbiosis genes, implying gene transfers and a degree of host specificity. Comparison of R. pseudoacacia symbiotic diversity in native and other invaded areas suggests that most Chinese symbionts may not have arrived with the seed but were local bacteria that acquired specific symbiotic genes from native American rhizobia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of pyridine4thiol PT to preserve certain aryl bromides in strong alkali is reported Scheme1. The presence of this additive or of some of its amphoteric analogs such as 3hydroxypyridin41Hones suppresses the replacement of the Brsubstituent by hydroxide and alkoxide ions. A mechanistic interpretation of the effect is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smooth and symplectic symmetries of an infinite family of distinct exotic K3 surfaces are studied, and a comparison with the corresponding symmetries of the standard K3 is made. The action on the K3 lattice induced by a smooth finite group action is shown to be strongly restricted, and, as a result, the nonsmoothability of actions induced by a holomorphic automorphism of prime order at least 7 is proved, and the nonexistence of smooth actions by several K3 groups is established (included among which is the binary tetrahedral group T24 that has the smallest order). Concerning symplectic symmetries, the fixed-point set structure of a symplectic cyclic action of prime order at least 5 is explicitly determined, provided that the action is homologically nontrivial. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The reliability of electroless Ni(P) under-bump metallization (UBM) was evaluated via temperature cycling and solder bump shear strength tests. Commercial diodes and dummy dies fabricated in-house were used as substrates for the electroless Ni(P) UBM deposition. Solder bumps were formed after reflowing eutectic 63Sn37Pb solder foils over the Ni(P) UBM. The solder bump shear strength was measured before and after different temperature cycling. The results from this study showed that the UBM thickness and dimension had important effects on the solder bump shear strength and reliability. Both the larger UBM dimension and larger UBM thickness tended to induce higher stress in the UBM, which resulted in the lower solder bump shear strength and lower temperature cycling reliability. A better UBM structure solution for high current electronic packaging application is indicated in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under simulated water current conditions, we investigated the effects of total suspended solids (TSS) and chlorophyll a (chl a) on the diffuse attenuation coefficient and euphoric depth in Lake Taihu water. Photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) diffuse attenuation coefficients [Kd(PAR)] ranged from 1 to 2 and 4 m-1, with corresponding euphoric depths of 4.6, 2.3, and 1.15 m under still, slow, and fast water currents, respectively. The blue wavelength was the most strongly attenuated, and green was the most penetrating wavelength. The ranges of spectral diffuse attenuation coefficients from 400 to 700 nm were 0.75 – 2.56, 2.30 – 4.66, and 3.51 – 10.34 m-1 under the three water currents. Significant correlations were found between Kd(PAR), euphoric depth [Zeu(PAR)], Secchi depth (SD) and TSS. However, TSS was the primary attenuation factor responsible for the observed differences in Kd, Zeu, and SD under conditions of different water current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnO2 is an attractive anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical specific capacity (1491 mAh g−1), low cost, and environmental benignity. The main challenges for SnO2 anodes are their low intrinsic conductivity and poor cycling stability associated with their large volume changes during the charge and discharge process. Here, we present a simple chemical vapor deposition method to fabricate three-dimensional SnO2/carbon on Cu foam electrodes for LIBs. Such a three-dimensional electrode combines multiple advantages, including a continuous electrically conductive network, short pathways for electron transport and ion diffusion, and porous space to allow for the volume expansion of SnO2 nanoparticles. With this anode, superior electrochemical performance is achieved with a high reversible specific capacity of 1171 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1. A stable cycling performance as well as an excellent rate capability is also achieved. These outstanding lithium-storage properties suggest the strategy is a reliable approach for fabricating high-performance LIB electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesorhizobium alhagi strain CCNWXJ12-2T is a novel species of soil-dwelling, nitrogen-fixing bacteria that can form symbiotic root nodules with Alhagi sparsifolia. Moreover, the strain has high resistance to salt and alkali. Here we report the draft genome sequence of Mesorhizobium alhagi strain CCNWXJ 12-2T. A large number of osmotic regulation-related genes have been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal decomposition characteristics and kinetic parameters of fallen leaves (FLs), waste tires (WTs), and their blends (1:1 weight ratio) were investigated. Pyrolysis experiments were conducted with four different heating rates of 5 °C/min, 10 °C/min, 20 °C/min, and 40 °C/min from 35 °C to 800 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere using a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) curves indicated that the three samples were mainly degraded in a wide temperature range of 350 °C to 450 °C, and that a greater weight loss rate corresponded to a higher heating rate. An elemental analysis demonstrated that FLs/WTs blends embraced a maximum calorific value that reached 25.24 MJ/kg. Two model-free methods, iso-conversional Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) were applied on the TGA data of samples to calculate the activation energies. The results showed that the average activation energies of the same feedstock based on KAS and FWO methods were approximately the same, with the highest error within 1.6%. Then, the activation energies obtained were introduced in the Coats/Redfern (CR) model-fitting method to derive the pre-exponential factors, based on first order rate of reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the free vibration solution of a thick plate by using three dimensional coupled thermoelastic theory. Many previously works reveal that the mechanical and thermal are coupled together, which mean that the deformation of the solid will produce temperature variation inside the solid. First, based on the three dimensional coupled thermoelastic theory, the governing equations of the thick rectangular plate for free vibration analysis are derived. Unlike the traditional first order or third order shear deformation theory with which the deformations along the thick direction are described by the deformations of the middle surface, a new form which use functions to describe the deformations along plate thick direction (the Z direction) is presented in this paper. Galerkin method and Laplace transform are applied to convert the governing equations into a series of first order ordinary differential equations as well as the boundary conditions to obtain the closed solution of the coupled thermoelastic rectangular plate. The Newton iterative method is applied to solve the eigenfunction. Finally, a thick plate with four edges simply supported has been investigated by using the proposed method. Eigensolutions and the damping effects of the plate with thermoelastic coupling are investigated by numerical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide nanowire and titanium dioxide nanoparticle (ZnO:TiO2 NW/NP) hybrid films were utilized as the photoanode layer in quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). CdSe quantum dots (QDs) with a ZnS passivation layer were deposited on the ZnO:TiO2 NW/NP layer as a photosensitizer by successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR). Cells were fabricated using a solid-state polymer electrolyte and intensity-modulated photovoltage and photocurrent spectroscopy (IMVS/PS) was carried out to study the electron transport properties of the cell. Increasing the SILAR coating number enhanced the total charge collection efficiency of the cell. The electron transport time constant and diffusion length were found to decrease as more QD layers were added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To construct a dendritic cell (DC)-targeted DNA vaccine against FimA of Porphyromonas gingivalis and evaluate the immunogenicity and protection in mice. Materials and Methods: A targeted DNA plasmid pCTLA4-FimA, which encodes the signal peptide and extracellular regions of mouse cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4), the hinge and Fc regions of human Igg1 and FimA of P. gingivalis, was constructed. Mice were immunized with pCTLA4-FimA, the non-targeted DNA plasmid pFimA, which contains only fimA gene, or pCI vector intra-nasally. Serum and saliva antibody responses were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protection against P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis was evaluated by measuring alveolar bone loss in mice. Results: Mice immunized with pCTLA4-FimA showed elevated levels of specific serum IgG and salivary IgA antibody responses compared with mice immunized with pFimA (p<0.01). Both pFimA and pCTLA4-FimA immunized groups showed significantly lower alveolar bone loss, with the magnitude protection greater in the latter (p<0.01), compared with the pCI immunized group. Conclusions: The DC-targeted DNA construct pCTLA4-FimA enhanced both systemic and mucosal immunity following intra-nasal immunization. A DNA-based immunization strategy may be an effective way to attenuate periodontitis induced by P. gingivalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoclasts dissolve bone through acidification of an extracellular compartment by means of a multimeric vacuolar type H[sup +]-ATPase (V-ATPase). In mammals, there are four isoforms of the 100-kDa V-ATPase "a" subunit. Mutations in the a3 isoform result in deficient bone resorption and osteopetrosis, suggesting that a3 has a unique function in osteoclasts. It is thus surprising that several studies show a basal level of a3 expression in most tissues. To address this issue, we have compared a3 expression in bone with expression in other tissues. RNA blots revealed that the a3 isoform was expressed highest in bone and confirmed its expression (in decreasing order) in liver, kidney, brain, lung, spleen, and muscle. In situ hybridization on bone tissue sections revealed that the a3 isoform was highly expressed in multinucleated osteoclasts but not in mononuclear stromai cells, whereas the al isoform was expressed in both cell types at about the same level. We also found that a3 expression was greater in osteoclasts with 10 or more nuclei as compared with osteoclasts with five or fewer nuclei. We hypothesize that these differences in a3 expression may be associated with previously demonstrated differences between large and small osteoclasts with reference to their resorptive activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Previous study has reported phosphorus intake is associated prostate cancer (PCa), but the association between phosphorus intake and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels hasn't been reported in non-history of PCa population. Therefore, we performed a secondary data analysis based on existing data from the public Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2003-2010) database.Methods and Study Design: Totally 6403 participants were selected from NHANES (2003-2010) database. The interested independent and dependent variables were considered as dietary phosphorus intake and PSA level, respectively. Covariates included demographic data, dietary data, physical examination data, and comorbidities. Weighted linear regression and generalized additive models were used to addressing the linear and non-linear link of phosphorus intake to PSA level.Results: Linear association between phosphorus intake and PSA was not detected [β=0.016 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) -0.012, 0.045)]. But we found an existing nonlinearity. By the recursive algorithm, the inflection point was 1151 mg. On the left side of the inflection point, we did not find the correlation between dietary phosphorus intake (per 100 change) and PSA level [β=-0.04 (95% CI -0.11, 0.02), p=0.2155], while dietary phosphorus intake (per 100 change) positively associated with PSA [β=0.05 (95% CI 0.01, 0.09) p=0.0293] on the right side of inflection point.Conclusions: There is a non-linear correlation between dietary phosphorus intake and PSA. Dietary phosphorus intake was positively associated with increased PSA when dietary phosphorus intake is beyond 1151 mg after adjusting other covariates. Over 1151 mg per day dietary phosphorus intake may be the risk factor for PSA increasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new modeling method for AC-AC switched capacitor converters (SCCs) is introduced in this study. The proposed analytical method aims to accurately describe the input-output characteristics of AC-AC SCCs and establish a mathematical model for static voltage conversion ratio and equivalent resistance, which are key performance metrics for SCCs. A quantitative analysis of converter regulation capability is addressed on the basis of the modeling method. In this analysis, the effects of the control parameters and individual components on SCCs are illustrated extensively. Component stresses, such as the peak value and transient variation of the voltage/current of the converter, are also presented. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by comparing it with the existing modeling method and applying it to an AC-AC SCC with a conversion ratio of three. Two 1 kW prototypes are built in a laboratory, and their experimental results exhibit good agreement with the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon black (CB) was used to fill the shell of wood high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composite to improve its antistatic properties and simultaneously maintain its mechanical properties. The conductivity analysis revealed that the percolation threshold of the CB in coextruded WPC was between 15% and 20%, and the surface resistivity of the sample containing 20% CB (CW-20) achieved the floor antistatic requirements of an electronic information system room and its support area according to GB/T 50174 (2017). The addition of CB into the shell of the coextruded WPC inhibited its crystallization. The mechanical properties of coextruded WPC were increased when the CB content was increased. The flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength of the CW-20 sample were increased by 21.6%, 10.8%, and 26.1%, respectively. In addition, the dosage of CB in regular WPCs was 6.71 times as much as that of coextruded WPCs, which achieved similar antistatic and mechanical properties of the two structural WPCs. These results demonstrated that the low CB filled shell of HDPE composite exhibited a large reduction in its surface resistivity and a significant enhancement in its mechanical properties, which expands the application of coextruded WPCs in flammable and explosive uses while also improving the antistatic and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has the potential to relieve neuropathic pain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the NO-cGMP-PKG signaling pathway is involved in the analgesic effects of early hyperbaric oxygen treatment of neuropathic pain in rats. Methods: Rats were randomly grouped for establishment of chronic constriction injury (CCI) models. Intrathecal catheters were inserted and 2.5ATA HBO therapy was administered from day 1 post-surgery for 60 minutes daily, continuously for 5 days; menstruum NS, DMSO, NO synthase(NOS) nonspecific inhibitor (L-NAME), soluble guanylyl cyclase(sGC) inhibitor (ODQ) and protein kinase G(PKG) inhibitor (KT5823) were administered intrathecally 30 minutes prior to HBO therapy. Pain-related behaviors in rats were observed at specific time points. Western blot and real-time RT-PCR were used to observe the expressions of PKG1 mRNA and protein in the spinal dorsal horn. Results: Compared with the CCI group, HBO could significantly relieve mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in rats. After intrathecal administration of L-NAME, ODQ and KT5823, effects of HBO on relieving hyperalgesia in rats were reversed (P < 0.05 vs. HBO), and expression of PKG1 mRNA and protein decreased in the spinal dorsal horn of the animals (P < 0.05 vs. HBO). Conclusions: Early HBO therapy could significantly improve symptoms of hyperalgesia of neuropathic pain in rats, possibly via activation of the NO-cGMP-PKG signaling transduction pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the authors investigate the problem of finite-time output regulation for a class of mismatched uncertain n-dimensional integrator, in which only the output signal is measurable and the higher derivatives of the matched and mismatched disturbances are bounded by time-varying functions. Based on a finite-time extended state observer, an output feedback controller is constructed. It is shown that even in the presence of mismatched uncertainties, whose high-order derivatives are bounded by positive functions, the output of the system can be regulated to zero in finite time without requiring the knowledge of full-state signals. An application to mass-spring mechanical systems is given to illustrate the effectiveness and attractive properties of the authors' proposed controller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the distributed secondary voltage control of islanded microgrids with multi-agent consensus algorithm is investigated. As an alternative to a time-triggered approach, an event-triggered scheme is proposed to reduce the communication load among inverter-based distributed generators (DGs). The proposed aperiodic control scheme reduced unnecessary utilization of limited network bandwidth without degrading control performance. By properly establishing a distributed triggering condition in DG local controller, each inverter is only required to send voltage information when its own event occurs. The compensation of voltage amplitude deviation can be realized, and redundant data exchange related to fixed high sampling rate can be avoided. Therefore, an efficient use of communication infrastructure can be realized, particularly when the system is operating in steady state. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified by simulations on a microgrid test system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to avoid the false alarm and alarm failure caused by sensor malfunction or failure, it has been critical to diagnose the fault and analyze the failure of the sensor measuring system in major infrastructures. Based on the real time monitoring of bridges and the study on the correlation probability distribution between multisensors adopted in the fault diagnosis system, a clustering algorithm based on k-medoid is proposed, by dividing sensors of the same type into k clusters. Meanwhile, the value of k is optimized by a specially designed evaluation function. Along with the further study of the correlation of sensors within the same cluster, this paper presents the definition and corresponding calculation algorithm of the sensor’s validation. The algorithm is applied to the analysis of the sensor data from an actual health monitoring system. The result reveals that the algorithm can not only accurately measure the failure degree and orientate the malfunction in time domain but also quantitatively evaluate the performance of sensors and eliminate error of diagnosis caused by the failure of the reference sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is concerned with the problem of generalised Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov (GKYP) lemma and its application to two-dimensional (2D) continuous-discrete systems described by Roesser model. On the basis of the feature of states in the system, a rectangular finite frequency range is characterised by a linear matrix inequality and then combined with S-procedure, the GKYP lemma is developed for 2D continuous-discrete systems in Roesser model. As special cases of this lemma, 2D continuous-discrete case finite frequency bounded realness and positive realness are investigated as well. Furthermore, the finite frequency 2D positive realness control problem via state-feedback controllers are considered based on the developed lemma. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of tricyclic chromones has been developed. In this approach, tricyclic chromones were synthesized from a diverse range of phenols and alkynes through a Sonogashira coupling and subsequent gold-catalyzed intramolecular domino cyclization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, several typical traits of weedy rice and its damage characteristics were analyzed. The results showed that the shattering of weedy rice was sometimes weaker than that of conventional rice. The newly-harvested weedy rice seeds have certain dormant period and a long active period, while the conventional rice seeds have no dormant period but have a limited active period. In the direct seeding and intercropping rice fields where weedy rice occurs seriously last year, if not controlled timely, weedy rice may caused a damage above 28%, sometimes even above 99%. After one season of cultivation, the underground weedy rice and conventional rice seeds will be carbonized, losing their activity. The germination of underground weedy rice can be first induced, and when the last-season wheat is harvested, the germinated weedy rice can be killed with 41% glyphosate (3 000 ml/hm2), thus the damage and expansion of weedy rice will be effectively controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) uses maltose-1-phosphate to synthesize a-glucans that make up the major component of its outer capsular layer. Maltose kinase (MaK) catalyzes phosphorylation of maltose. The molecular basis for this phosphorylation is currently not understood. Here, we describe the first crystal structure of MtbMaK refined to 2.4 Å resolution. The bi-modular architecture of MtbMaK reveals a remarkably unique N-lobe. An extended sheet protrudes into ligand binding pocket of an adjacent monomer and contributes residues critical for kinase activity. Structure of the complex of MtbMaK bound with maltose reveals that maltose binds in a shallow cavity of the C-lobe. Structural constraints permit phosphorylation of a-maltose only. Surprisingly, instead of a Gly-rich loop,MtbMaK employs 'EQS' loop to tether ATP. Notably, this loop is conserved across all MaK homologues. Structures of MtbMaK presented here unveil features that are markedly different from other kinases and support the scaffolding role proposed for this kinase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eu2+/Dy3+ co-doped high silica luminescence glasses were prepared through sintering porous glasses which have adsorbed rare earth ions previously and the effect of pore structure parameters including average pore size, specific surface area, and pore volume on luminescence properties of high silica glass were analyzed by utilizing BET method and emission spectra. The results show that the pore parameters of porous glasses do not affect the shapes of emission spectra but affect the luminescence intensities of high silica glasses. The luminescence intensities of high silica glass increase when the specific surface area of porous glasses increases, which can be interpreted by mechanism of adsorption of rare earth ions onto porous glass. The average pore size and pore volume indirectly affect the luminescence intensities through influencing specific surface area of porous glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical and mechanical properties of bamboo-wood hybrid scrimber filled with different loadings of nanoparticles were studied. The effects of nanoparticles on flame retardant and smoke suppression properties of bamboo-wood hybrid scrimber were studied by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), cone calorimeter (CONE), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that the physical and mechanical properties of bamboo-wood hybrid scrimber were improved by adding a moderate loading of nanoparticles; the optimal loading of nanoparticles was 10%. The heat transfer in bamboo-wood hybrid scrimber was prevented and the escaping channel of combustible gas was blocked by the uniformly filling effect of nanoparticles. The gas concentration was diluted by the noncombustible gas produced by pyrolysis of nanoparticles; the combustion chain reaction was suppressed by highly reactive free radicals produced by pyrolysis of nanoparticles.The residual mass of bamboo-wood hybrid scrimber filled with nanoparticles in thermogravimetric (TG) curve at 900 s and burned by method of cone calorimeter (CONE) at 600 s was increased compared to that of untreated one, which showed that inorganic mineral powder has the effect of catalytic charring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the significant body of data supporting an essential role for c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) in neurodegenerative disorders, we set out to develop highly selective JNK inhibitors with good cell potency and good brain penetration properties. The structure−activity relationships (SAR) around a series of aminopyrimidines were evaluated utilizing biochemical and cell-based assays to measure JNK inhibition and brain penetration in mice. Microsomal stability in three species, P450 inhibition, inhibition of generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and pharmacokinetics in rats were also measured. Compounds 9g, 9i, 9j, and 9lhad greater than 135-fold selectivity over p38, and cell-based IC50values < 100 nM. Moreover, compound 9lshowed an IC50= 0.8 nM for inhibition of ROS and had good pharmacokinetic properties in rats along with a brain-to-plasma ratio of 0.75. These results suggest that biaryl substituted aminopyrimidines represented by compound 9lmay serve as the first small molecule inhibitors to test efficacy of JNK inhibitors in neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many self-reactive T cells are eliminated by negative selection in the thymus, some of these cells escape into the periphery, where they must be controlled by additional mechanisms. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying peripheral T cell tolerance and its maintenance remain largely undefined. In this study, we report that sirtuin 1 (Sirti), a type III histone deacetylase, negatively regulates T cell activation and plays a major role in clonal T cell anergy in mice. In vivo, we found that loss ofSirtl function resulted in abnormally increased T cell activation and a breakdown of CD4+ T cell tolerance. Conversely, upregulation of Sirti expression led to T cell anergy, in which the activity of the transcription factor AP-1 was substantially diminished. Furthermore, Sirti interacted with and deacetylated c-Jun, yielding an inactive AP-1 factor. In addition, Sirti-deficient mice were unable to maintain T cell tolerance and developed severe experimental allergic encephalomyelitis as well as spontaneous autoimmunity. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms ofT cell activation and anergy, and we suggest that activators ofSirtl may be useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment and/or prevention of autoimmune diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3α1 (JNK3α1) is a mitogen-activated protein kinase family member expressed primarily in the brain that phosphorylates protein transcription factors, including c-Jun and activating transcription factor-2 (ATF-2) upon activation by a variety of stress-based stimuli. In this study, we set out to design JNK3-selective inhibitors that had >1000-fold selectivity over p38, another closely related mitogen-activated protein kinase family member. To do this we employed traditional medicinal chemistry principles coupled with structure-based drug design. Inhibitors from the aminopyrazole class, such as SR-3576, were found to be very potent JNK3 inhibitors (IC50 = 7 nM) with >2800-fold selectivity over p38 (p38 IC50> 20 μM) and had cell-based potency of ∼1 μM. In contrast, indazole-based inhibitors exemplified by SR-3737 were potent inhibitors of both JNK3 (IC50 = 12 nM) and p38 (IC50 = 3 nM). These selectivity differences between the indazole class and the aminopyrazole class came despite nearly identical binding (root mean square deviation = 0.33 Å) of these two compound classes to JNK3. The structural features within the compounds giving rise to the selectivity in the aminopyrazole class include the highly planar nature of the pyrazole, N-linked phenyl structures, which better occupied the smaller active site of JNK3 compared with the larger active site of p38. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A near-infrared spectrometer based on novel MOEMS grating light modulators is proposed. The spectrum detection method that combines a grating light modulator array with a single near-infrared detector has been applied. Firstly, optics theory has been used to analyze the essential principles of the proposed spectroscopic sensor. Secondly, the grating light modulators have been designed and fabricated by micro-machining technology. Finally, the principles of this spectroscopic sensor have been validated and its key parameters have been tested by experiments. The result shows that the spectral resolution is better than 10 nm, the wavelength deviation is less than 1 nm, the deviation of the intensity of peak wavelength is no more than 0.5%, the driving voltage of grating light modulators array device is below 25 V and the response frequency of it is about 5 kHz. With low cost, satisfactory precision, portability and other advantages, the spectrometer should find potential applications in food safety and quality monitoring, pharmaceutical identification and agriculture product quality classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Groundwater contaminated with arsenic imposes a big challenge to human health worldwide. Using natural compounds to subvert the detrimental effects of arsenic represents an attractive strategy. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a critical regulator of the cellular antioxidant response and xenobiotic metabolism. Recently, activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway has been reported to confer protection against arsenic-induced toxicity in a cell culture model. OBJECTIVES: The goal of the present work was to identify a potent Nrf2 activator from plants as a chemopreventive compound and to demonstrate the efficacy of the compound in battling arsenic-induced toxicity. RESULTS: Oridonin activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway at a low subtoxic dose and was able to stabilize Nrf2 by blocking Nrf2 ubiquitination and degradation, leading to accumulation of the Nrf2 protein and activation of the Nrf2-dependent cytoprotective response. Pretreatment of UROtsa cells with 1.4 µM oridonin significantly enhanced the cellular redox capacity, reduced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and improved cell survival after arsenic challenge. CONCLUSIONS: We identified oridonin as representing a novel class of Nrf2 activators and illustrated the mechanism by which the Nrf2 pathway is activated. Furthermore, we demonstrated the feasibility of using natural compounds targeting Nrf2 as a therapeutic approach to protect humans from various environmental insults that may occur daily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Thalassemia and sickle cell disease both display a great deal of phenotypic heterogeneity, despite being generally thought of as simple Mendelian diseases. The reasons for this are not well understood, although the level of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is one well characterized ameliorating factor in both of these conditions. To better understand the genetic basis of this heterogeneity, we carried out genome-wide scans with 362,129 common SNPs on 4,305 Sardinians to look for genetic linkage and association with HbF levels, as well as other red blood cell-related traits. Among major variants affecting HbF levels, SNP rs11886868 in the BCL11A gene was strongly associated with this trait (P < 10-35). The C allele frequency was significantly higher in Sardinian individuals with elevated HbF levels, detected by screening for β-thalassemia, and patients with attenuated forms of β-thalassemia vs. those with thalassemia major. We also show that the same BCL11A variant is strongly associated with HbF levels in a large cohort of sickle cell patients. These results indicate that BCL11A variants, by modulating HbF levels, act as an important ameliorating factor of the β-thalassemia phenotype, and it is likely they could help ameliorate other hemoglobin disorders. We expect our findings will help to characterize the molecular mechanisms of fetal globin regulation and could eventually contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches for β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]