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In this paper, we provide a pathwise spine decomposition for superprocesses with both local and non-local branching mechanisms under a martingale change of measure. This result complements earlier results established for superprocesses with purely local branching mechanisms and for multitype superprocesses. As an application of this decomposition, we obtain necessary/sufficient conditions for the limit of the fundamental martingale to be non-degenerate. In particular, we obtain extinction properties of superprocesses with non-local branching mechanisms as well as a KestenStigum L log L theorem for the fundamental martingale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of general and subarachnoid (spinal) anesthesia on the incidence of postoperative delirium and cognitive impairments in elderly Chinese patients. Methods: Elderly Chinese patients (n = 281) aged 65 - 79 years (mean age = 74.12 ± 4.15 years) who underwent proximal femoral fracture surgery were recruited over a 1-year period for this study. The patients were evaluated using neuropsychological assessment battery (NAB) 24 h before surgery, and on the first day 1 month after surgery. Data on activity of daily living (ADL) (in this case toileting at the time of discharge) were recorded and analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference in the number of patients that developed postoperative delirium between the two anesthesia groups (p > 0.05). Although the trail making test (TMT) scores (parts A and B) were increased on the first day 1 month after surgery, there were no significant differences in NAB results between the two groups (p > 0.05). Patients who received subarachnoid (spinal) anesthesia had significantly higher dependency for toileting at the time of discharge than those who received general anesthesia (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results show that general and subarachnoid (spinal) anesthesia do not cause postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction in elderly Chinese patients who underwent proximal femoral fracture surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: This study is aimed at identification of miR-195-5p/MMP14 expression in cervical cancer (CC) and their roles on cell proliferation and invasion profile of CC cells through TNF signaling pathway in CC. Methods: Microarray analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and DAVID were used to analyze differentially expressed miRNAs, mRNAs and signaling pathways. MiR-195-5p and MMP14 expression levels in CC cell were determined by qRT-PCR. Western blot was employed to measure MMP14 and TNF signaling pathwayrelating protein level. Luciferase reporter system was used to confirm the targeting relationship between MMP14 and miR-195-5p. Cell proliferation and invasion was respectively deeded by CCK8, transwell. In vivo experiment was carried out to study the impact of MMP14 and miR-195-5p on CC development in mice. Results: The microarray analysis and the results of qRT-PCR determined that miR-195-5p was under-expressed and MMP14 was over-expressed in CC cells. GSEA and DAVID analysis showed that TNF signaling pathway was regulated by miR-195-5p/MMP14 and activated in cervical carcinoma cells. The miR-195-5p and MMP14 have a negative regulation relation. In vivo experiment found that down-regulated MMP14 and up-regulated miR-195-5p suppressed the tumor development. Conclusion: Our results suggest that MMP14 is a direct target of miR-195-5p, and down-regulated MMP14 and upregulated miR-195-5p suppressed proliferation and invasion of CC cells by inhibiting TNF signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baicalin is a flavonoid compound isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, a Chinese traditional medicinal herb, and is used as an anti‑inflammatory, antibacterial, anxiolytic and hepatoprotective drug. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that baicalin exhibits potent antitumor properties by suppressing cell growth, arresting cell cycle progression and inducing differentiation or apoptosis in leukemia cell lines. However, whether or not the extrinsic pathway is involved in baicalin‑induced apoptosis of leukemia cells and the mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of baicalin remain unclear. In the present study, the effect of baicalin on the expression of caspase‑8, Fas cell surface death receptor (Fas) and Fas ligand in HL‑60 cells was assessed, and it was demonstrated that the Fas‑mediated extrinsic pathway was also involved in baicalin‑triggered cell apoptosis, in addition to the intrinsic pathway. Furthermore, baicalin was able to inhibit the proliferation of HL‑60 cells by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, and by down‑regulating Myc proto‑oncogene protein (c‑Myc) along with its target gene, human telomerase reverse transcriptase. In summary, the results of the present study demonstrated that baicalin was able to inhibit the growth of HL‑60 cells through blockade of the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, and significantly induce the apoptosis of cells by activating the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. The inhibition of HL‑60 cell growth was also demonstrated to be mediated by telomerase inhibition through suppression of c‑Myc. The results of the present study highlight the possibility of baicalin as a promising regimen for the treatment of AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unusual and highly effective asymmetric annulation of nitrosoarenes with hydroxymaleimides catalyzed by a chiral bifunctional amine squaramide catalyst has been disclosed. A wide range of highly fused chiral N-hydroxyindolines with two consecutive quaternary stereocenters and multifunctional groups were directly and effectively prepared in excellent yields (up to >99%) with complete regioselective cyclization and excellent stereoselectivities (up to >99:1 dr and >99% ee). The efficiency and potentials of the new reaction and the target chiral entities were well demonstrated by delicate transformations into a series of new chiral indolines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-cembrenediol ((1S,2E,4R,6R,7E,11E)-2,7,11-cembratriene-4,6-diol), shown to be one of the most important allelochemicals of tobacco in previous studies, effectively inhibited the root and stem growth of receptor plants and the inhibitory effects was concentration-dependent. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Seedlings of lettuce (Tai Yuan Sun) were treated with β-cembrenediol to clarify its mode of action. Results showed that β-cembrenediol significantly inhibited the seedling growth and reduced fresh weight of L. sativa. The compounds effectively affected cell mitotic index and caused cell death. Exposure to β-cembrenediol induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, increased content of hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, and proline, and decreased in chlorophyll content indicated lipid peroxidation and induction of oxidative stress. These results suggested that β-cembrenediol caused oxidative damage through enhanced generation of ROS, as indicated by increased lipid peroxidation, disruption of membrane integrity and impacted mitosis, ultimately resulted in growth inhibition of the receptor plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consider a superdiffusion X on Rd corresponding to the semi-linear operator A(u) = Lu + βu -ku2, where L is a second order elliptic operator, β(.) is in the Kato class, and k(.) ≥ 0 is bounded on compact subsets of Rd and is positive on a set of positive Lebesgue measure. The main purpose of this paper is to complement the results obtained in (Ann. Probab. 32 (2004) 78-99), in the following sense. Let λ∝ be the L∝-growth bound of the semigroup corresponding to the Schrddinger-type operator L + β. If λ∝≠ 0, then we prove that, in some sense, the exponential growth/decay rate of ‖X,‖, the total mass of Xt is λ∝. We also describe the limiting behavior of exp(-λ∝t)‖X,‖. as t → ∝. This should be compared to the result in (Ann. Probab. 32 (2004) 78-99), which says that the generalized principal eigenvalue λ2 of the operator gives the rate of local growth when it is positive, and implies local extinction otherwise. It is easy to show that λ∝ ≥ λ2, and we discuss cases when λ∝ > λ2 and when λ∝ = λ2. When λ∝ = 0, and under some conditions on β. we give a necessary and sufficient condition for the superdiffusion X to exhibit weak extinction. We show that the branching intensity k affects weak extinction; this should be compared to the known result that k does not affect weak local extinction. (The latter depends on the sign of λ∝ only, and it turns out to be equivalent to local extinction.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the association between tea drinking and semen quality is limited. Little is reported on whether tea drinking is benefit to sperm quality. This cross-sectional and longitudinal study was conducted between April 2017 and July 2018. Participants were healthy men who were screened as potential sperm donors recruited at the Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank of China. A structured questionnaires containing sociodemographic information, daily habits, sperm collection-related information was completed for each participant at interview. Repeated semen samples were taken to examine the sperm parameters, including sperm volume, sperm concentration, sperm count, progressive motility, and total motility. A total of 1385 men with 6466 sperm samples were included in this study. Two groups were compared: tea drinking men (389, 28.1%) and non-tea drinking men (996, 71.9%). Compared with subjects who never drink tea, the analyses showed that sperm concentration and total sperm count were higher in tea-consuming subjects. A 10-year period or more duration of tea drinking significantly increased semen concentrations by 16.27% (P < 0.05). Sperm concentration was increased in subjects with a frequency of tea drinking of 3 days or more per week (P < 0.05) or, among men who were occasional alcohol drinkers, when tea concentration was weak (P < 0.05). No evidence of trend effects (P for trend > 0.05) or interaction effects (P for interaction > 0.05) between tea consumption and sperm quality, respectively. Our findings provide evidence that tea drinking may improve male reproductive health. Long-term, frequent, weak tea drinking tends to increase sperm quality among men with low BMI or health-related behaviors like smoking or alcohol intake. [Display omitted] • Long-term of tea drinking significantly increased sperm concentration. • Frequent of tea drinking was associated with a higher sperm count in occasional alcohols consumers. • Frequent of tea drinking was associated with a higher progressive sperm motility in occasional alcohols consumers. • Weak tea drinking was associated with greater total sperm count among occasional alcohols consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, self-assembly regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) nanofibers were prepared and observed by Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). Then RSF films containing nanospheres and nanofibers were prepared and dissolved with poly (L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) with a blending ratio of 30/70 in hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP). In order to determine whether different nanostructures in the solution influence the morphological, structural, and mechanical properties of the final electrospun materials, flat membranes were prepared and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), and mechanical testing. The secondary structure of as-spun materials with RSF nanofibers were not changed, however, the diameter of electrospun fibers decreased and tensile strength and elongation at breaks increased. Electrospun materials with RSF nanofibers have the potential to be used for skin, cartilage, and blood vessels because of their biocompatibility and improved mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in humans. It has caused more than 100 million deaths since its discovery in 1882. Currently, more than 5 million people are infected with TB bacterium each year. The cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis plays an important role in maintaining the ability of mycobacteria to survive in a hostile environment. Therefore, we report a virtual screening (VS) study aiming to identify novel inhibitors that simultaneously target RmlB and RmlC, which are two essential enzymes for the synthesis of the cell wall of M. tuberculosis. Methods: A hybrid VS method that combines drug-likeness prediction, pharmacophore modeling and molecular docking studies was used to indentify inhibitors targeting RmlB and RmlC. Results: The pharmacophore models HypoB and HypoC of RmlB inhibitors and RmlC inhibitors, respectively, were developed based on ligands complexing with their corresponding receptors. In total, 20 compounds with good absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity properties were carefully selected using the hybird VS method. Discussion: We have established a hybrid VS method to discover novel inhibitors with new scaffolds. The molecular interactions of the selected potential inhibitors with the active-site residues are discussed in detail. These compounds will be further evaluated using biological activity assays and deserve consideration for further structure-activity relationship studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biogenic amine serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a neurotransmitter in vertebrates and invertebrates. It acts in regulation and modulation of many physiological and behavioral processes through G-protein-coupled receptors. Five 5-HT receptor subtypes have been reported in Drosophila that share high similarity with mammalian 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT7 receptors. We isolated a cDNA ( Pr5-HT 8) from larval Pieris rapae, which shares relatively low similarity to the known 5-HT receptor classes. After heterologous expression in HEK293 cells, Pr5-HT8 mediated increased [Ca2+]i in response to low concentrations (< 10 nM) of 5-HT. The receptor did not affect [ cAMP]i even at high concentrations (> 10 μM) of 5-HT. Dopamine, octopamine, and tyramine did not influence receptor signaling. Pr5-HT8 was also activated by various 5-HT receptor agonists including 5-methoxytryptamine, (±)-8-Hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino) tetralin, and 5-carboxamidotryptamine. Methiothepin, a non-selective 5-HT receptor antagonist, activated Pr5-HT8. WAY 10635, a 5-HT1A antagonist, but not SB-269970, SB-216641, or RS-127445, inhibited 5-HT-induced [Ca2+]i increases. We infer that Pr5-HT8 represents the first recognized member of a novel 5-HT receptor class with a unique pharmacological profile. We found orthologs of Pr5-HT8 in some insect pests and vectors such as beetles and mosquitoes, but not in the genomes of honeybee or parasitoid wasps. This is likely to be an invertebrate-specific receptor because there were no similar receptors in mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two bipyridinium-based metal-organic hybrid materials, {[Cd(Bpyen)0.5(p-BDC)(H2O)Br]·5H2O} (1) and {[Cd(Bpyen)(o-BDC)Br2]·8H2O} (2), have been synthesized. 1 is a 2D coordination polymer while 2 shows 1D chain-like structure. Both compounds exhibit rapid color change under light irradiation. However, the decolourization of the photochromic products is very different. The influence of the auxiliary ligands on the photochromism and decolourization process of the bipyridinium-based hybrid materials has been explored. Interestingly, water molecules are encapsulated in these two compounds and form novel water aggregates consisting of novel water building units, such as the (H2O)10 water cluster in 1 and the (H2O)12 water cages in 2 through hydrogen-bond interactions. The effect of these water aggregates on the stability of the two compounds has been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three metal-organic coordination compounds with different interpenetrating modes, [Cd(BCbpy)(BDC)].3H2O (1), [Cd2(BCbpy)2(BDC)Cl2][Cd(BCbpy)2(BDC)].18H2O (2), and [Cd(BCbpy)Cl2].3H2O (3) (HBCbpyCl = 1-(4-carboxybenzyl)-4,4-bipyridinium chloride, H2BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Compound 1 exhibits a 2D + 2D → 2D interpenetrating array with the coexistence of polyrotaxane and polycatenane structures. Compound 2 is an unprecedented example of a 2D + 2D + 1D → 2D interpenetrating structure which involves 2D + 2D → 2D parallel interpenetration and a 2D + 1D → 2D polyrotaxane. In the case of compound 3, the absence of the rod-like BDC ligand prevents threading through the ring-like units, no polyrotaxane structure is formed, and the compound features infinite 1D ring-containing chains arranged in parallel without any interpenetration. Interestingly, the structural transformation can be achieved through a solvent-mediated anion exchange process when compound 1 or 2 is exposed to the aqueous solution containing chloride ions. Upon progressive replacement of the BDC2- ligands by chloride ions, the complicated network topology is simplified and undergoes an evolution from interpenetration to non-interpenetration, accompanied by a visually observed on-off-on fluorescence switching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Phosphate (P) deficiency decreases the yield and quality of citrus fruits. Citrus seedlings acquire P from their environment either directly, via the roots, or indirectly, via a symbiotic interaction with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). To clarify the effects of different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf) under inorganic phosphorus (Pi) starvation, AM colonization, trifoliate orange weight, phosphate (P) concentration, P uptake and the expressions of trifoliate orange Pht1 inorganic P (Pi) transporter genes were analyzed in five Glomus species treated roots under high and low Pi concentrations. The results showed that among five Glomus species, the suitable fungus type for the growth of trifoliate orange seedlings varied with soil Pi concentration. Seven Pht1 phosphate transporter genes which were cloned based on citrus genome were regulated by both soil Pi concentration and AMF colonization. Pi starvation triggered the up-regulation of most members of the Pht1 family except PtaPT6 which showed steady expression in all P treatments. Although only PtaPT4 was phylogenetically associated with the AM-inducible Pht1 subfamily I, the expressions of both PtaPT4 and PtaPT5 showed a striking up-regulation by AMF colonization. Meanwhile, PtaPT1, PtaPT2, PtaPT3 and PtaPT7 were down-regulated in mycorrhizal roots. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hydrothermal reaction of lead(ii) salt with monosodium 2-sulfoterephthalate (2-NaH2stp) and three N-donor auxiliary ligands gives rise to a series of 1D–3D Pb(ii) coordination polymers:[Pb(2-Hstp)(o-phen)] (1), [Pb(2-Hstp)(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)]·H2O (2), [Pb(2-Hstp) (4,4′-bipy)(H2O)] (3), [Pb(2-Hstp)(H2O)] (4), [Pb3(2-Hstp)(2-stp)(OH)(4,4′-bipy)] (5) and [Pb2(2-stp) (OH)] (6) (o-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine and 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine). X-ray diffraction structural analyses of these complexes reveal 1, 3, 4and 6crystallize in the monoclinic crystal system of the P21/cSpace group, while 2and 5crystallize in the triclinic P space group. Complex 1possesses 1D left- and right-handed helical double-stranded chains sharing a common axis and Pb nodes, and a great deal of H-bonds and ππ interactions between o-phen molecules. For 2, the square H-bond clusters link two left- and right-handed helical single-stranded chains to form 1D dual-chain supramolecular structures. Complex 3features a 1D bimetallic chain structure containing four left-handed helical chains sharing one common axis: one main helix and three auxiliary helixes in ABC order twisting up the main helix. Structural analysis shows that complex 4presents a 3D 5-connected architecture with the topology symbol as (44, 66). In 5, a 2D double-layer structure arises from the μ3-OH bridged [Pb3(OH)] triangle clusters with 2-stp3−anions. The 3D framework of 6is constructed from a unique tetra-nuclear lead(ii) [Pb4(OH)2] chair-like motif based on two μ3-OH groups and 2-stp3−anions, resulting in the (42, 66) topology. Solid-state fluorescence properties for these crystalline materials are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We derive a large deviation principle for occupation time of super α-stable process in ℝd with d > 2α. The decay of tail probabilities is shown to be exponential and the rate function is characterized. Our result can be considered as a counterpart of Lee's work on large deviations for occupation times of super-Brownian motion in ℝd for dimension d > 4 (see Ref. 10). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In a controlled potted experiment, citrus (Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings were inoculated with three species of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Glomus mosseae, G. versiforme or G. diaphanum. Two soil-water levels (ample water, −0.10MPa; drought stress, −0.44MPa) were applied to the pots 4months after transplantation. Eighty days after water treatments, the soils and the citrus seedlings were well colonized by the three AM fungi. Mycorrhizal fungus inoculation improved plant biomass regardless of soil-water status but decreased the concentrations of hot water-extractable and hydrolyzable carbohydrates of soils. Mycorrhizal soils exhibited higher Bradford-reactive soil protein concentrations than non-mycorrhizal soils. Mycorrhizas enhanced >2mm, 1–2mm and >0.25mm water-stable aggregate fractions but reduced 0.25–0.5mm water-stable aggregates. Peroxidase activity was higher in AM than in non-AM soils whether drought stressed or not, whereas catalase activity was lower in AM than non-AM soils. Drought stress and AM fungus inoculation did not affect polyphenol oxidase activity of soils. A positive correlation between the Bradford-reactive soil protein concentrations, soil hyphal length densities, and water-stable aggregates (only >2mm, 1–2mm and >0.25mm) suggests beneficial effects of the AM symbiosis on soil structure. It concluded that AM fungus colonization enhanced plant growth under drought stress indirectly through affecting the soil moisture retention via glomalin''s effect on soil water-stable aggregates, although direct mineral nutritional effects could not be excluded. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus versiforme on plant growth, osmotic adjustment and photosynthesis of tangerine (Citrus tangerine) were studied in potted culture under well-watered and water stress conditions. Seven-day-old seedlings of tangerine were transferred to pots containing Glomus versiforme or non-AMF. After 97 days, half of the seedlings were subject to water stress and the rest were well-watered for 80 days. AM colonization significantly stimulated plant growth and biomass regardless of water status. The soluble sugar of leaves and roots, the soluble starch of leaves, the total non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) of leaves and roots, and the Mg2+ of leaves were higher in AM seedlings than those in corresponding non-AM seedlings. The levels of K+ and Ca2+ in leaves and roots were higher in AM seedlings than those in non-AM seedlings, but differences were only significant under water stress conditions. Moreover, AM colonization increased the distributed proportions of soluble sugar and NSC to roots. However, the proline was lower in AM seedlings compared with that in non-AM seedlings. AM seedlings had higher leaf water potential (Ψ), transpiration rates (E), photosynthetic rates (Pn), stomatal conductance (), relative water content (RWC), and lower leaf temperature (Lt) than corresponding non-AM seedlings. This research also suggested that AM colonization improved the osmotic adjustment originating not from proline but from NSC, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+, resulting in the enhancement of drought tolerance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two bis-methoxo-bridged dimeric copper(II) complexes, [Cu 2 (OMe) 2 (APMD) 4 ](BF 4 ) 2 1 and [Cu 2 (OMe) 2 (APMD) 4 ](ClO 4 ) 2 2 , were prepared and characterized by x-ray single-crystal structure analysis and magnetic susceptibility. Complexes 1 and 2 are isomorphous, being composed of discrete [Cu 2 (μ 2 -OMe) 2 (APMD) 4 ] 2+ cations and anions with each Cu(II) atom ligated by two pyrimidine nitrogen atoms (Cu-N ≈ 2.01Â) from two APMD ligands and two oxygen atoms (Cu-O ≈ 1.92Â) from the μ 2 -methoxo groups in a distorted square-planar geometry. The intramolecular metal-metal separations in the two complexes are ca . 2.95 Â. The intermediate antiferromagnetic exchanges ( J ≈ - 270 cm -1 ) for the two complexes indicate a good overlap between the electronic orbitals of the square-planar copper(II) center via bridging oxygen atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new heterometallic coordination polymers, [Na4Ln12(stp)8(OH)16(H2O)12]·10H2O [Ln = Dy (1) and Ho (2)], have been prepared from monosodium 2-sulfoterephthalate (NaH2stp), dysprosium acetate, or holmium acetate. They are isostructural, possessing a [Ln12(μ3-OH)16]20+ wheel-cluster core based on four vertex-sharing cubane-like [Ln4(μ3-OH)4]8+ units. The Ln12 cores are linked by stp ligands into a three-dimensional (3D) architecture. Magnetic studies indicate that complex 1 exhibits slow relaxation of magnetization, and it can be regarded as the first 3D coordination assembly of a Dy12 cluster single-molecule magnet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure of trirubidium phosphate dodecatungstate, Rb3PO4W12O36, has been refined from X-ray powder diffraction data using the Rietveld method. The compound was obtained under hydrothermal conditions and is isotypic with K2.4(H3O)0.6PO4W12O36. The regular PO4 tetrahedron (43m symmetry) is surrounded by 12 WO6 octahedra, building the heteropolymetallate anion. By close packing of these heteropolyanionic units, orthogonally intersecting channels are formed where the Rb atoms are located. The alkali metal ion is surrounded by 12 O atoms to give a polyhedron with 42.m symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objectives: Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technology was widely used to screen the aptamers that bind the target protein safely and efficiently. Our study aimed to screen aptamers for anti-depression via binding to the 5-HTR to block 5-HT reuptake. Methods: The prokaryotic expression plasmid was constructed and the recombinant 5-HT1AR (mice) was expressed and purified. The ssDNA aptamer that bound 5-HT1AR specifically was screened by SELEX (Enzyme-linked Oligonucleotide assay), and the binding sites and relative binding strength of ssDNA were detected. At the same time, ssDNA aptamer inhibitory protein uptake and against depression was verified in cellular level and mouse depression model. Results: The recombinant 5-HT1AR protein was purified successfully. After 12 rounds of positive screening and 5 rounds of negative screening, four aptamers with high affinity and specificity were obtained and the same epitope was bounded by four aptamers using ELONA (Enzyme-linked Oligonucleotide assay). The uptake of 5-HT was influenced by aptamer 18 in vitro, and the improvement of depression state in mice after intravenous injection of aptamer 18 was proved by tail suspension experiment in mice. Conclusions: Aptamer is expected to be a new type of antidepressant, which can be used in the treatment of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study focuses on the lncRNA XIST (X inactive-specific transcript), an lncRNA involved in multiple human cancers, and investigates the functional significance of XIST and the molecular mechanisms underlying the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic cancer (PC). Methods: Clinical specimens from 25 patients as well as 5 human PC cell lines were analyzed for XIST, YAP, and microRNA(miR)-34a by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. To investigate how XIST influences cell proliferation, invasiveness, and apoptosis in PC, we performed the CCK-8 assays, Transwell assays, and flow cytometry. Luciferase reporter assays, qRT-PCR, and Western blot were applied to prove that miR-34a directly binds to XIST. Results: Up-regulation of XIST and Yes associated protein (YAP) and down-regulation of miR-34a were consistently observed in the clinical specimens and PC cell lines. Silencing XIST reduced the expression of YAP and suppressed transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced EMT, while over-expression of XIST increased the expression of YAP and promoted EMT. In addition, inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) hampered the XIST-promoted EMT. The results from the luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-34a directly targets XIST and suggested that XIST regulates cell proliferation, invasiveness, and apoptosis in PC by sponging miR-34a. Conclusions: XIST promotes TGF-β1-induced EMT by regulating the miR-34a–YAP–EGFR axis in PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shot-range interaction and the atomic anharmonic vibration are both considered, and then the analytic functions of the Debye temperature, the specific capacity and the thermal conductivity of graphene with the temperature are obtained. The influence of anharmonic vibration on these thermal physical properties is also investigated. Some theoretical results are given. If only the harmonic approximation is considered, the Debye temperature of the graphene is unrelated to the temperature. If the anharmonic terms are considered, it increases slowly with the increasing temperature. The molar heat capacity of the graphene increases nonlinearly with the increasing temperature. The mean free path of phonons and the thermal conductivity of the graphene decrease nonlinearly with the increasing temperature. The relative changes of the Debye temperature, the specific heat capacity and the thermal conductivity caused by the anharmonic terms increase with the increasing temperature. The anharmonic effect of atomic vibration becomes more significant under higher temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Li (2011, Example 2.2), the notion of a multi-type continuous-state branching process (MCSBP) was introduced with a finite number of types, with the countably infinite case being proposed in Kyprianou and Palau (2018+). One may consider such processes as a super-Markov chain on a countable state-space of types, which undertakes both local and non-local branching. In Kyprianou and Palau (2018+) it was shown that, for MCSBPs, under mild conditions, there exists a lead eigenvalue which characterises the spectral radius of the linear semigroup associated to the process. Moreover, in a qualitative sense, the sign of this eigen- value distinguishes between the cases where there is local extinction and exponential growth. In this paper, we continue in this vein and show that, when the number of types is finite, the lead eigenvalue gives the precise almost sure rate of growth of each type. This result matches perfectly classical analogues for multi-type Galton- Watson processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Sevoflurane is used in anesthesia for surgery including in organ transplantation. We investigated the role of a non-coding single-stranded microRNA, miR-495-3p, in the sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity using a mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line (HT22). Methods The levels of miR-495-3p in sevoflurane-exposed mice and HT22 cells were determined via RT-qPCR. The role of miR-495-3p on cell viability and apoptosis were determined by CCK-8 and flow cytometric assay, respectively. Western blotting was explored to measure levels of Bax, Bcl-2, active caspase 3, BDNF, p-ERK/ERK and p-CREB/CREB in HT22 cells. ELISA assay was used to examine the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to explore the interaction of miR-495-3p and BDNF. Results The level of miR-495-3p was increased sevoflurane-exposed mice and in sevoflurane-treated HT22 cells. Downregulation of miR-495-3p inhibited sevoflurane-induced apoptosis and promoted cell proliferation by upregulating the proteins of Bcl-2 and downregulating the expressions of Bax and active caspase-3 in HT22 cells. In addition, inhibition of miR-495-3p alleviated sevoflurane-induced oxidative injuries in HT22 cells via decline of ROS and upregulation of SOD and GPX. MiR-495-3p can inhibit the ERK/CREB pathway by targeting BDNF. Conclusion Downregulation of miR-495-3p can decrease oxidative status in HT22 cells and alleviate sevoflurane-induced cytotoxicity through stimulating the BDNF/ERK/CREB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated that polypeptides extracted from scorpion venom (PESV) inhibited cell proliferation in several tumors, however, the effect on dysfunctional and exhausted natural killer cells which contribute to tumor escape from immune surveillance remain to be elucidated. In this study, we determined the effect of PESV on NK infiltration into H22 cells orthotopic transplantation tumors and on the expression of MHC class I chain-related proteins A (MICA) in HepG2 cells. We found that tumor growth in mice was significantly inhibited by PESV and the survival time of tumor-bearing mice treated with PESV was significantly prolonged. Moreover, levels of tumor-infiltrating NK cells, NKG2D protein, perforin and granzyme B mRNA were significantly increased in the group treated with PESV compared with the tumor-bearing control group. In addition, In addition, up-regulation of MICA by PESV enhances the susceptibility of HepG2 cells to NK lysis in vitro . These results indicate that the inhibitory effects of PESV on hepatic carcinoma are likely mediated by up-regulation of NK cell activity via the MICA-NKG2D pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphate (P) deficiency decreases the yield and quality of citrus fruits. The P concentration, P uptake, and the expression of three predicted acid phosphatase genes in trifoliate orange seedlings were measured among inorganic phosphate (Pi), organic phosphate (Po), and no phosphate (−P) treatments to assess the ability of Po to improve trifoliate orange P deficiency. The three genes were expressed in Pichia pastoris X-33 to characterise the trifoliate orange phytase gene. Our analysis showed that trifoliate orange could utilise phytin without microorganisms in P-deficient conditions by promoting phytase and acid phosphatase activity; however, Po had a smaller effect on the improvement of trifoliate orange P deficiency than Pi fertiliser. The expression of the three genes in roots and leaves with Pi treatment did not respond to −P solutions, but nearly all three genes were up-regulated in roots or leaves with Po and −P treatment after −P solutions were supplied. Further, the PtPAP3 recombinant protein (r-PtPAP3), which was expressed in P. pastoris , showed phytase activity that was as high as that of cereal phytases. The r-PtPAP3 K m values were 46.2 μM for phytate and 1631 μM for ρ -nitrophenylphosphate. Incubation with Mn 2+ increased the specific activity of r-PtPAP3 for phytate by approximately 1.9-fold, and Fe 2+ increased it by approximately 1.2-fold. In summary, the function and expression pattern of PtPAP3 allowed a detailed understanding of the significance of phytate metabolism of a woody perennial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil water conservation is crucial to the yield of dry-land wheat. The aim of this study was to explore an effective method to improve the water conservation and wheat yield in the Loess Plateau of Shanxi, China. A two-factor split-plot design was performed in field with tillage practice (subsoiling and no tillage) as main plot and nitrogen (N) application (75, 150 and 225 kg ⋅ hm-2) as subplot. Soil water storage (SWS), yield and its components, and precipitation use efficiency (PUE) were determined. In fallow period, subsoiling increased the SWS in the 0-300 cm soil depth. In the growth period, subsoiling not only had a positive effect on water storage at the over-wintering, jointing and booting stages, but also accelerated the water utilization in the 0-60 cm soil depth during sowing-jointing and jointing-anthesis stage and in the 180-300 cm depth during anthesis-maturity stage. Consequently, yield and PUE were significantly improved by increasing the spike number and grain number per spike. Soil water storage declined as the concentration of N increased. Moreover, subsoiling in fallow period combined with 150 kg ⋅ hm-2 N significantly increased the water utilization in the 0-60 cm depth at the early vegetative growth stage, enhanced the water absorption by deep roots at late reproductive growth stages, improved yield by increasing spike numbers and had a strong positive effect on PUE. Application of 150 kg ⋅ hm-2 N notably enhanced the promoting effects of subsoiling on soil water conservation, water utilization and yield of dry-land wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bright white-light emission was obtained from a novel pyridinium molecule by aggregation. Photophysical, single-crystal structural, and computational studies demonstrated that an additional low-energy emission was generated by the excitation of a new intermolecular charge-transfer (CT) band at the ground state that cooperates with the non-quenched high-energy monomer emission to produce white light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus versiforme on reactive oxygen metabolism and antioxidant production by citrus (Citrus tangerine) roots were investigated in pot culture under well-watered (WW) and water stress conditions. Seven-day-old citrus seedlings were transplanted into plastic pots containing with and without G. versiforme. After 97 days of acclimation, half of the seedlings were subjected to water stress and the other half were WW for 80 days. Regardless of water status, biomass yield, plant height, leaf number per plant and stem diameter were notably higher in AM than in non-AM seedlings. Whether water stressed (WS) or not but AM roots showed lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide (). Under WW conditions, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (G-POD) and glutathione reductase (GR) were significantly higher in AM than in non-AM roots. WS AM roots showed higher activities of SOD, catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) when compared with non-AM roots. WW AM roots had higher levels of soluble protein, glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) on the other hand, WS AM roots also showed higher levels of ascorbate (ASC) and GSSG. The higher enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant productions would partly alleviate oxidative damage. AM colonization was significantly positively correlated with GSH and negatively correlated with SOD, APX and H2O2. The data from the present study suggests that, AM symbiosis helps in increments of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant productions which in turn help AM plants to enhance drought tolerance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The reduction of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions from agricultural production is an efficient solution to mitigate global climate change. Maize (Zea mays L.) is most important grain crop in Shanxi Province, China. The environmental pressure due to large GHGs emissions associated with agricultural inputs during the process of maize production cannot be ignored. Based on the dataset from the National Cost-Benefit Survey for Agricultural Products, changes in carbon footprint (CF) with different functional units were assessed for maize production using life cycle assessment in Shanxi Province, China. The results showed that GHGs emissions sourced from maize production increased from 3633.7 kg CO2-eq ha-1 in 2004 to 4043.3 kg CO2-eq ha-1 in 2013 in Shanxi Province. Fertilizers application, soil N2O emission and irrigation contributed more than 85% of total GHGs emissions. Excluding soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, the CF of maize produced with different functional units (i.e., at yield-, production value-, cost-, net income-scale) showed a decreasing trend from 2004 to 2013. Taking SOC storage into account, the CF of maize with different functional units decreased by 38.3-44.7% compared with that excluding SOC storage. In summary, reasonable fertilizer application and increasing SOC sequestration could be some potential solutions to reduce carbon footprint of maize production in Shanxi Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new isatin N,N'-cyclic azomethine imine 1,3-dipole was devised, and an unusual Michael addition with β-nitrostyrene catalyzed by tributylamine under mild conditions has been developed. The new reaction featured the C3 umpolung of oxindole and an unusual formation of double bond. Notably, this new synthon performed as a donor rather than an acceptor. This protocol provided a promising method for the preparation of various 3-aminooxindoles with good yields in moderate diastereoselectivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The persistence of HIV in resting memory CD4 T cells at a latent state is considered as the major barrier on the path to achieve a cure for HIV. Proteasome inhibitors (PIs) were previously reported as latency reversing agents (LRAs) but the mechanism underlying this function is yet unclear. Here we demonstrate that PIs reactivate latent HIV ex vivo without global T cell activation, and may facilitate host innate immune responses. Mechanistically, latent HIV reactivation induced by PIs is mediated by heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) via the recruitment of the heat shock protein (HSP) 90-positive transcriptional elongation factor b (p-TEFb) complex. Specifically, HSP90 downstream HSF1 gives positive feedback to the reactivation process through binding to cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) and preventing it from undergoing degradation by the proteasome. Overall, these findings suggest proteasome inhibitors as potential latency reversing agents. In addition, HSF1/HSP90 involved in HIV transcription elongation, may serve as therapeutic targets in HIV eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A metal-organic framework (MOF) featuring intriguing Borromean entanglement exhibits a unique mechanochromic luminescence with on-off switching. The concomitant excitation wavelength-dependent emission behavior can be utilized to tune the emission color from violet to orange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The octopamine and tyramine, as the invertebrate counterparts of the vertebrate adrenergic transmitters, control and modulate many physiological and behavioral processes. Both molecules mediate their effects by binding to specific receptors belonging to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors. So far, four families of octopamine and tyramine receptors have been reported. Here, we described the functional characterization of one putative octopamine/tyramine receptor gene from the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis. By a mechanism of alternative splicing, this receptor gene (CsOA3) encodes two molecularly distinct transcripts, CsOA3S and CsOA3L. CsOA3L differs from CsOA3S on account of the presence of an additional 30 amino acids within the third intracellular loop. When heterologously expressed, both receptors cause increases of intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The short form, CsOA3S, was activated by both octopamine and tyramine, resulting in decreased intracellular cAMP levels ([cAMP]i) in a dose-dependent manner, whereas dopamine and serotonin are not effective. However, CsOA3L did not show any impact on [cAMP]i. Studies with series of agonists and antagonists confirmed that CsOA3 has a different pharmacological profile from that of other octopamine receptor families. The CsOA3 is, to our knowledge, a novel family of insect octopamine receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Effects of salicylic acid (SA) on active oxygen metabolism and the antioxidant system in the pulp of ‘Cara cara’ navel orange (C. sinensis L. Osbeck) fruit stored at 6°C and 20°C were investigated through analysis of the contents of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6), glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR, EC 1.8.5.1) and ascorbate peroxidase (AsA-POD, EC 1.11.1.11), and non-enzyme components such as ascorbate (AsA), dehydroascorbate (DHAsA), glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in the AsA-GSH cycle. The results showed that the control fruit (dipped in water) had lower contents of malondialdehyde and activities of antioxidant enzymes at 6°C, and lower contents of ascorbate and glutathione at 20°C. During storage, the contents of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde together with activities of SOD and CAT gradually increased at both storage temperatures. SA-pretreatment accelerated hydrogen peroxide accumulation and the increase in SOD, but it significantly slowed down malondialdehyde and CAT rate of increase during storage compared to controls under these two temperatures. At the end of storage, malondialdehyde contents in SA-pretreated fruit were 12.6 and 27.6% lower than those in control fruit. The activities of GR and DHAR and the contents of AsA and GSH during fruit storage declined but the SA-pretreatment reduced the rate of this decline. The SA-pretreated fruit had higher values of AsA/DHAsA than those in control fruit at the same temperature, and these ratios were highest at 6°C. These results indicate that low storage temperature and exogenous SA can reduce lipid peroxidation by regulating the antioxidant system, and suggest that pretreatment with SA combined with lower storage temperature might provide a useful means of maintaining beneficial antioxidant activity during storage of navel orange. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The present experiments sought to determine whether cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3), suppressed elastase-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development in a rat model. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 16/each group) were randomly distributed into three groups: sham-, saline-, and cilostazol-. Rats of saline and cilostazol groups underwent intra-aortic elastase perfusion to induce AAAs, while rats of sham-group were perfused with saline. Rats of cilostazol-group received cilostazol treatment (100 mgkg−1d−1) for the entire experimental period. The areas of the lumen of the aortas at the segment with maximum diameter were measured preperfusion and on d 7, 14 after perfusion. Systolic blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff technique. Aortic tissue samples were harvested on d 14 after intra-aortic perfusion and evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot for matrix metalloproteinase-2, 9 (MMP-2, 9), by immunohistochemistry for nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and by Gomori aldehyde fuchsin for elastin. Activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in these samples were also measured. Results: On d 14, rats of saline-group had significantly increased aortic sizes compared with sham-group (P < 0.01), while, cilostazol treatment significantly reduced this increase (cilostazol- versus saline-, P < 0.01) without affecting blood pressure (P > 0.05). The expression of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the destruction of elastic fibers in aortic tissues were significantly decreased by cilostazol treatment (P < 0.05), probably through the suppression of NF-κB activation (P < 0.01). Consistently, cilostazol significantly inhibited NADPH oxidase activity (P < 0.01), accompanied by a reduced level of ROS (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Cilostazol retards experimental AAAs development independently of blood pressure reduction possibly by inhibiting proteolysis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Selective PDE3 inhibition may offer an additional method to pharmacologically inhibit AAAs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The title molecule, C20H18, lies on a crystallographic inversion centre. The dihedral angle between the unique phenyl ring and the central benzene ring is 88.39 (11)°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]