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Background: Brachyura crab is the largest branch of Decapoda crustacean. Phylogenetic relationships within Brachyura remain controversial to be investigated. The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) is an important molecular marker for studying the phylogenetic relationships of Brachyura. Methods and results: To understand the phylogeny of Brachyura, the three complete mitogenomes from Charybdis annulata, Leptodius exaratus, and Spider crab were sequenced and annotated. Their full length was 15,747, 15,716, and 16,608 bp long, respectively. The first two crabs both contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a control region. However, Spider crab contained 13 PCGs, two rRNA genes, 25 tRNA genes and a control region. The mitogenomes of each of the three crabs exhibited high AT content (67.8%, 69.1%, and 70.8%), with negative AT skews (–0.014, − 0.028, and − 0.017) and GC skews (–0.269, − 0.286, and − 0.341). The gene order of C. annulata was identical to the ancestor of Brachyura. Compared with the ancestor of Brachyura, L. exaratus exhibited the gene rearrangements of Val (V)-rrnS-control region, and Spider crab had the four copies of Lys (K). Phylogenetic analyses indicated that C. annulata belonged to Portunidae family, Portunoidea superfamilies, L. exaratus belonged to Xanthidae family, Xanthoidea superfamilies, and Spider crab belonged to Mithracidae family, Majoidea superfamilies. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the two species (Somanniathelphusa boyangensis and Huananpotamon lichuanense) belonging to the Potamoidea were sister groups to the Thoracotremata, thus supporting the conclusion that Heterotremata is polyphyletic. Conclusion: The results of this study enriched the crab mitogenome database and enabled us to better understand the phylogenetic relationships of Brachyura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical pores with accessible active sites in carbon are highly desired for enhancing sodium storage in sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, it is still challenging to construct such materials with tunable architectures. Herein, a sponge-like 3D hierarchical porous Fe-doped carbon (Fe@NCS) was successfully assembled from an energetic framework. The continuous distribution of micro/meso/macro-pores in the range of 5 nm–2 μm and homogenously decorated Fe atoms were achieved, which greatly enhanced the storage and diffusion of Na+ ions and displayed brilliant high-rate capability and cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous CoS/MoS2 with abundant heterogeneous interfaces was faciley synthesized from a bimetallic hybrid zeolitic imidazolate framework, which showed excellent catalytic activity and reaction kinetics in both the HER and OER in 1 M KOH. Meanwhile, as a cathode and anode in water splitting electrocatalysis, it delivers a low cell voltage of 1.61 V at 10 mA cm−2 and excellent durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of the order Crocodylia are mostly large, predatory and semi-aquatic reptiles. Crocodylia, the closest living relatives of birds, first appeared in the Late Cretaceous period. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes of 19 Crocodylia species, including two species (Melanosuchus niger and Caiman yacare) that have not been previously sequenced for mitogenomes, were processed through Illumina sequencing to offer genetic resources and compare with the mitogenomes of Crocodylia species reported previously. In addition, a high-resolution phylogenetic tree of nearly all current recognized species of Crocodylia is constructed based on mitogenomic data. Phylogenetic analyses support monophyly of three families: Alligatoridae (four genera: Alligator , Caiman , Melanosuchus and Paleosuchus), Crocodylidae (three genera: Crocodylus , Mecistops and Osteolaemus) and Gavialidae (two genera: Gavialis and Tomistoma). The tree topology is generally similar to previous studies. Molecular dating suggests that the first split within Crocodylia date back to the Upper Cretaceous (approx. 86.75 Mya). The estimated time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of Alligatoridae is 53.33 Mya and that of Crocodylidae and Gavialidae is 50.13 Mya, which might be closely linked to climate changes during the Late Palaeocene and Early Eocene. Additionally, this study proves that the diversification rate within Crocodylia began to increase from the Late Eocene (about 36 Mya) and two diversification peak periods of Crocodylia (0–10 Mya and 10–20 Mya) are disclosed, which is roughly consistent with the estimated crocodylian species richness through time. Combining all these clues, we can suggest that climate fluctuation may have played a decisive role in the speciation of Crocodylia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A semianalytical solution of stress and displacement in the strain-softening and plastic flow zones of a salt cavern is presented. The solution is derived by adopting the large deformation theory, considering the nonlinear Hoek–Brown (H-B) strength criterion. The Romberg method is used to carry out numerical calculation, and then, the large deformation law of displacement is analyzed. The results are compared with those obtained by former numerical methods, and the solutions are validated. The results indicate that the displacement of the plastic zone decreases with the increase in distance away from the salt cavern. Similarly, it decreases with an increase in the geological strength index or running pressure, with the running pressure having a more significant effect on the displacement. It increases with the dilation angle, and the impact degree gradually increases. Compared with the softening parameter, h , of the plastic zone, the flow parameter, f , has little impact on the displacement. The displacement of the plastic zone obviously increased when considering the strain-softening of salt rock. When considering the shear dilation and softening behaviors of salt rock, the analytical solution obtained by employing the experiential regression Hoek–Brown (H-B) criterion, which considers many factors such as the structural characteristics of the salt formation and the rock mass quality, is safer and closer to the actual situation. This study can provide reference for many applications, including but not confined to analyzing the deformation of the surrounding rock of an underground salt cavern storage facility during construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A semianalytical solution of stress and displacement in the strain-softening and plastic flow zones of a salt cavern is presented. The solution is derived by adopting the large deformation theory, considering the nonlinear Hoek–Brown (H-B) strength criterion. The Romberg method is used to carry out numerical calculation, and then, the large deformation law of displacement is analyzed. The results are compared with those obtained by former numerical methods, and the solutions are validated. The results indicate that the displacement of the plastic zone decreases with the increase in distance away from the salt cavern. Similarly, it decreases with an increase in the geological strength index or running pressure, with the running pressure having a more significant effect on the displacement. It increases with the dilation angle, and the impact degree gradually increases. Compared with the softening parameter, h , of the plastic zone, the flow parameter, f , has little impact on the displacement. The displacement of the plastic zone obviously increased when considering the strain-softening of salt rock. When considering the shear dilation and softening behaviors of salt rock, the analytical solution obtained by employing the experiential regression Hoek–Brown (H-B) criterion, which considers many factors such as the structural characteristics of the salt formation and the rock mass quality, is safer and closer to the actual situation. This study can provide reference for many applications, including but not confined to analyzing the deformation of the surrounding rock of an underground salt cavern storage facility during construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of baicalin on subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rats and explore the potential mechanisms. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats underwent experimental SAH and received treatment with baicalin at 10 or 50 mg/kg after 2 and 12 h of SAH. Neurological scores, brain water content, Evans-blue extravasation, and levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured 24 h after SAH. Expression of nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), aquaporin 4 (AQP4), occludin, and zonulaoccludens-1 (ZO-1) were detected in the brain by Western blot. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Baicalin attenuated EBI 24 h after SAH in rats (P<0.05). Baicalin elevated neurological scores, GSH-Px, SOD, and increased the expression of Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1, occludin, and ZO-1 in SAH rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Baicalin reduced MPO, MDA, and the expression of MMP-9, AQP4, TNF-α, and IL-1β (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: Baicalin reduced SAH-induced EBI, partially via activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and inhibition of MMP-9 and AQP4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) is very important to understand molecular evolution and phylogenetics. Herein, in this study, the complete mitogenome of Sesarmops sinensis was reported. The mitogenome was 15,905 bp in size, and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a control region (CR). The AT skew and the GC skew are both negative in the mitogenomes of S. sinensis. The nucleotide composition of the S. sinensis mitogenome was also biased toward A + T nucleotides (75.7%). All tRNA genes displayed a typical mitochondrial tRNA cloverleaf structure, except for the trnS1 gene, which lacked a dihydroxyuridine arm. S. sinensis exhibits a novel rearrangement compared with the Pancrustacean ground pattern and other Brachyura species. Based on the 13 PCGs, the phylogenetic analysis showed that S. sinensis and Sesarma neglectum were clustered on one branch with high nodal support values, indicating that S. sinensis and S. neglectum have a sister group relationship. The group (S. sinensis + S. neglectum) was sister to (Parasesarmops tripectinis + Metopaulias depressus), suggesting that S. sinensis belongs to Grapsoidea, Sesarmidae. Phylogenetic trees based on amino acid sequences and nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial 13 PCGs using BI and ML respectively indicate that section Eubrachyura consists of four groups clearly. The resulting phylogeny supports the establishment of a separate subsection Potamoida. These four groups correspond to four subsections of Raninoida, Heterotremata, Potamoida, and Thoracotremata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies from our laboratories showed that an anti-inflammatory drug, 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor zileuton, attenuates ischemic brain damage via inhibiting inflammatory reaction. However, it was elusive whether zileuton attenuates inflammatory reaction and ischemic brain damage through the modulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In the present study, we, for the first time, investigated whether PI3K/Akt pathway was involved in zileuton's anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties against brain damage following experimental ischemic stroke. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), then received treatment with zileuton or vehicle after the onset of ischemia. LY294002 was injected intracerebroventricularly to inhibit the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway selectively. Neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarct volume, morphological characteristic and cerebral water content were assessed 24 h after cerebral ischemia. The enzymatic activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured 24 h after cerebral ischemia. Expression of p-Akt, t-Akt and COX-2 in ischemic brain were determined by western blot. NF-κB p65 immuno-positive cells in ischemic brain were detected 24 h after cerebral ischemia. The content of TNF-α in blood was examined by ELISA. 5-LOX inhibitor zileuton significantly reduces neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarct volume, cerebral water content, ischemic neuronal injury and the enzymatic activity of MPO, all of which were abolished by LY294002 administration. Zileuton significantly up-regulates the expression of p-Akt, which was inhibited by LY294002 administration. Zileuton significantly down-regulates the over-expression of NF-κB p65 and COX-2, and attenuates the release of TNF-α, all of which were disminished by LY294002 administration. These results suggest that zileuton attenuates ischemic brain damage by inhibiting inflammatory reaction through the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous studies demonstrated that propofol protects rat brain against focal cerebral ischemia. However, whether propofol attenuates early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats remains unknown until now. The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of propofol on early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats and further explore the potential mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) by endovascular perforation then received treatment with propofol (10 or 50 mg/kg) or vehicle after 2 and 12 h of SAH. SAH grading, neurological scores, brain water content, Evans blue extravasation, the myeloperoxidase activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured 24 h after SAH. Expression of nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression in rat brain were detected by Western blot. Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were assessed by ELISA. Neurological scores, brain water content, Evans blue extravasation, the myeloperoxidase activity, and MDA content were significantly reduced by propofol. Furthermore, expression of Nrf2 in rat brain was upregulated by propofol, and expression of NF-κB p65, AQP4, COX-2, MMP-9, TNF-α, and IL-1β in rat brain were attenuated by propofol. Our results demonstrated that propofol improves neurological scores, reduces brain edema, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, inflammatory reaction, and lipid peroxidation in rats of SAH. Propofol exerts neuroprotection against SAH-induced early brain injury, which might be associated with the inhibition of inflammation and lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Littoral cell tumors are unique to the spleen and are different from all other primary splenic tumors. These tumors may be divided into three types: 'littoral cell angioma,' 'littoral cell hemangioendothelioma,' and 'littoral cell angiosarcoma.' We present a patient with splenic littoral cell hemangioendothlioma accompanied by hepatic metastases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:308-312, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of lutein and lycopene supplementation on carotid artery intima–media thickness (CAIMT) in subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis. A total of 144 subjects aged 45–68 years were recruited from local communities. All the subjects were randomly assigned to receive 20 mg lutein/d (n 48), 20 mg lutein/d+20 mg lycopene/d (n 48) or placebo (n 48) for 12 months. CAIMT was measured using Doppler ultrasonography at baseline and after 12 months, and serum lutein and lycopene concentrations were determined using HPLC. Serum lutein concentrations increased significantly from 0·34 to 1·96 μmol/l in the lutein group (P< 0·001) and from 0·35 to 1·66 μmol/l in the combination group (P< 0·001). Similarly, serum lycopene concentrations increased significantly from 0·18 to 0·71 μmol/l in the combination group at month 12 (P< 0·001), whereas no significant change was observed in the placebo group. The mean values of CAIMT decreased significantly by 0·035 mm (P= 0·042) and 0·073 mm (P< 0·001) in the lutein and combination groups at month 12, respectively. The change in CAIMT was inversely associated with the increase in serum lutein concentrations (P< 0·05) in both the active treatment groups and with that in serum lycopene concentrations (β = − 0·342, P= 0·031) in the combination group. Lutein and lycopene supplementation significantly increased the serum concentrations of lutein and lycopene with a decrease in CAIMT being associated with both concentrations. In addition, the combination of lutein and lycopene supplementation was more effective than lutein alone for protection against the development of CAIMT in Chinese subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis, and further studies are needed to confirm whether synergistic effects of lutein and lycopene exist. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The reaction of Co(NO3)2 ·6H2O with N, N-diethanolamine (H2 L1) in the presence of sodium acetate, using triethylamine as a base, leads to a tridecanuclear mixed-valent cobalt cluster [CoII9CoIII4(OH)6(H2O)2( L1)8(OAc)4](NO3)4 ·24H2O ( 1). Similar reaction with a newly designed hydroxy- and nitrogen-rich chelating ligand 2-[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol (H2 L2) gives a mixed-valent Co13 cluster [CoII7CoIII6(OH)12( L2)6](NO3)8 ·10H2O ( 2). The cobalt ions in both 1 and 2 are nearly coplanar, forming a novel shieldlike configuration for 1 and a unique hexagram structure for 2, both of which have not been observed for the polynuclear cobalt clusters. The magnetic susceptibility investigation showed that complexes 1 and 2 exhibited ferromagnetic coupling between CoII ions. Further magnetic studies revealed a slight frequency dependence of 2, which suggests that 2 might be a single-molecule magnet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new isostructural coordination polymers, namely, [M4(μ3-OMe)4(nic)4] n [M = MnII ( 1), FeII ( 2), and CoII ( 3); Hnic = nicotinic acid], have been solvothermally synthesized and magnetically characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals that compounds 1- 3 are three-dimensional frameworks, which are constructed through {M4(μ3-OMe)4} cubane-like building blocks and bridging nic- anions. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that they all show antiferromagnetic behavior with different intracubane coupling constants. Complex 1 exhibits spin-frustration behavior, and was fitted with a two- J model in the temperature range of 2-300 K, which gives J1 = -0.92 and J2 = -2.23 cm-1. Complexes 2 and 3 were fitted with the same model in the temperature range of 30-300 K and 40-300 K to give the exchange coupling constants J1 = -2.49, J2 = 4.84 cm-1 and J1 = -4.18, J2 = 5.44 cm-1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two three-dimensional (3D) homochiral metal–organic frameworks, integrating double helical chains based on enantiopure ligands and single helical structures braided by 4,4′-bipyridine (bipy) and cadmium clusters, have been synthesized successfully, as a result of complete asymmetric induction between the two types of helix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A broadband and high‐K monolithic passive balun for silicon‐based radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) are presented. It utilises the top level thick Cu metal and adopts a 16‐side geometry. The proposed balun is designed and fabricated with a 0.13‐μm CMOS mixed‐signal 1P6M process. The measured results show that the amplitude imbalance is < 0.2 dB and the phase imbalance is within 4° from the frequency range of 0.1–7 GHz. Compared with the typical octagonal balun, the proposed design achieves the same coupling coefficients K and attains an enhancement in the transmission efficiency S21 within the frequency range of 0.1–20 GHz, and the consumed chip area is reduced by 3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stimuli-responsive material with AND logic function was realized by modulating sensitive Cu–Cu interactions, which is quite different from traditional photoinduced electron transfer (PET) strategies. The obtained material not only gets rid of fluid media, but also displays nondestructive, high intensity optical signals and environmentally friendly performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grey-backed thrush (Turdus hortulorum) is an endangered bird species, which is mainly distributed in northern China, Korean Peninsula and Vietnam. In this study, the complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome ofT. hortulorumis determined. The circle genome was 16,759 bp in length and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 1 control region (D-loop). The mtDNA ofT. hortulorumis similar to the typical mtDNA of birds and other vertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]