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Recently, sand fences, made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) board, which is resistant against harsh plateau environmental conditions, could possibly be used to control the wind-blown sand along the Qinghai section of the Golmud-Korla Railway. In this paper, wind tunnel simulation was performed on the protective effect of multiple rows of HDPE board sand fences on wind-blown sand. Two parameters have been used to reflect the protective effect of sand fences, that is, windproof efficiency and sand control efficiency, referring to the reduction rates of wind speed at a height of 0.04 m and sand flux in a run of test with the fence compared those in the control run of test without it, respectively. The test results showed that when the porosity was 30%, the single-row sand fence had the best wind proof and sand control efficiency with respective values of 46% and 65.3%. The windproof efficiencies of double-row and triple-row sand fences at 20H were 59% and 62%, respectively. Compared with the windproof efficiency of the single-row sand fence, those of the two-row and three-row fences increased by 13% and 16%, respectively; The maximum sand control efficiency of the double-row and triple-row sand fences were 92.1% and 96.5%, increased by 26.8% and 31.2%, respectively, compared with that of the single-row sand fence. This study indicates that the sand control efficiency after adding one or two rows was not double or triple that of the single-row fence, while the first-row sand fence played a major protective role. Compared with the double-row sand fences, the effect of the third row sand fence in triple-row sand fences is limited, and thus double-row HDPE board sand fences with the porosity of 30% are recommended to control wind-blown sand along the Qinghai section of the Golmud-Korla Railway.

The digital image correlation method has been applied to directly observe the local strain and crack formation in mooring chain steel during tensile tests in air or when simultaneously charging hydrogen in different ways, viz. including/excluding the notch root. Interestingly, hydrogen accumulation promoted crack initiation on the surface when the local strain reached approximately 0.9%, while strain of 19% to 20% was reached in the hydrogen-free specimens before visible crack formation. Even through the stress–strain curves prior to the sudden drop indicate a negligible effect of hydrogen, its presence can greatly reduce the stress-induced crack initiation. In addition, hydrogen introduced while avoiding the notch root can disorganize the regular distribution of strain produced by the notch before crack initiation. Therefore, hydrogen-induced embrittlement below the critical stress criterion can be explained by hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity, while above the critical stress criterion, hydrogen-enhanced decohesion provides a better explanation.

Background: Increasing evidence indicates that vitamin D deficiency negatively affects the cardiovascular system. Here we studied the therapeutic effects of calcitriol in myocardial infarction (MI) and investigated its underlying mechanisms. Methods: A MI model of Kun-ming mice induced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation was utilized to study the potential therapeutic effects of calcitriol on MI. AC16 human cardiomyocyte-like cells treated with TNF-α were used for exploring the mechanisms that underlie the cardioprotective effects of calcitriol. Results: We observed that calcitriol reversed adverse cardiovascular function and cardiac remodeling in post-MI mice. Mechanistically, calcitriol suppressed MI-induced cardiac inflammation, ameliorated cardiomyocyte death, and promoted cardiomyocyte proliferation. Specifically, calcitriol exerted these cellular effects by upregulating Vitamin D receptor (VDR). Increased VDR directly interacted with p65 and retained p65 in cytoplasm, thereby dampening NF-κB signaling and suppressing inflammation. Moreover, up-regulated VDR was translocated into nuclei where it directly bound to IL-10 gene promoters to activate IL-10 gene transcription, further inhibiting inflammation. Conclusion: We provide new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effects of calcitriol, and we present comprehensive evidence to support the preventive and therapeutic effects of calcitriol on MI.

In the current work, the nitroxide radical groups are utilized to functionalize the nucleobases, obtaining the nucleobase diradical building blocks for magnetic DNA with significant ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic coupling characteristics. The nitroxide functionalization strategies include introduction of nitroxide radical group to the carbon site and oxidization of the amino group in nucleobases, and the diradical-functionalized nucleobases are denoted by 2NOX, where X = A, G, T, and C bases. The density functional theory calculations reveal that these nitroxide diradicalized nucleobases are stable and have large magnetic spin coupling magnitudes. Almost all of them possess antiferromagnetic-like spin coupling characteristics with considerably large spin coupling constants [J = −671.7 (2NOA1), −463.3 (2NOA3), −370.5 (2NOG), −494.9 (2NOC1), −3265.5 (2NOT), and −2445.5 cm–1 (2NOC3)] expect for 2NOC2 and 2NOA2 which have the ferromagnetic-like spin coupling characteristics (J = 149.1 and 440.7 cm–1), res...

We computationally design a series of azobenzene (AB)-bridged double radicalized nucleobases, a novel kind of diradical Janus-type nucleobases, and explore their spin coupling characteristics. Calculations prove that such diradical Janus-bases not only normally match with their complementary bases, but also exhibit well-defined diradical character with photo-convertible intramolecular magnetic couplings (antiferromagnetic vs. ferromagnetic). Combination of four radical nucleobases (rG, rA, rC, rT) and photoswitch AB can yield 10 diradical Janus-bases with different magnetic characteristics in which AB functions a bridge to mediate the spin coupling between two radical bases. The trans-form supports mild antiferromagnetic couplings with the spin coupling constants (J) ranging from -153.6 cm-1 to -50.91 cm-1 while the cis-form has weak magnetic couplings with ferromagnetic (0.22-8.50 cm-1 ) for most of them or antiferromagnetic (-0.77, -1.73, -3.30 cm-1 ) properties for only three. Further structural examination and frontier molecular orbital analyses indicate that the extended π conjugation for better spin polarization provides an effective through-π-bond pathway to mediate the spin coupling in the trans conformation while nonplanarity of the cis conformation weakens the through-bond coupling and causes a competitive through-space pathway and as an overall result inhibits the spin coupling between two spin moieties. Meanwhile, we also find that the J values of the cis conformation vary with their angle between the radical base and its linked phenylene. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of the diradical Janus-bases can be significantly increased by interacting with metal ions. They also maintain a good UV absorption characteristics and there is a clear redshift compared with AB. This work provides a promising strategy for the rational design of photo-convertible Janus-base magnets as the magnetism-tunable DNA building blocks. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The spin-coupling properties of a series of radicalized uracil (rU) dimer diradicals with different H-bonding modes is examined. Each rU has four double H-bonding sites [the amide units: two at the Watson-Crick face (upper site WC1 and lower site WC2 ), a Hoogsteen site (HO), and a minor-groove site (MI)], and ten homogeneous dimers (rU-rU) can self-pair with well-defined diradical characters and comparable stability to the native U dimers. More interestingly, all these dimers exhibit distinctly different spin-coupling characters (ferromagnetic (FM) versus antiferromagnetic (AFM) and large- versus small-magnitude spin couplings), indicative of remarkable magnetic-coupling anisotropy of rU. This observation originates from the fusion of a cyclopentadienyl radical to U, which leads to uneven spin-density distribution. In rU, the fused five-membered radical ring can spin-polarize to the edge in the minor groove, and thus dimerization of rU leads to different H-bonded structures with remarkably different magnetic couplings. The calculated larger magnetic coupling constants J are 1003.7 and 540.2 cm-1 for the WC2 -HO and MI-HO H-bonding modes between rU, which exhibit considerably large FM couplings, the MI-MI, WC1 -WC2 and WC2 -WC2 modes show moderate FM couplings (J=0.4-77 cm-1 ), and the other modes exhibit moderate or weak AFM couplings. These observations indicate that the HO and MI sites are favorable spin-coupling sites. In addition, the H-bond lengths and electronic structures of the H-bonding sites, proton transfer, and extra H-bonding interaction with the surroundings can also affect the magnetic couplings of the base pairs. Clearly, the unique magnetic coupling anisotropy of rU provides a promising application basis for the design and assembly of bio-inspired anisotropically magnetic membranes and even magnetism-tunable building blocks for novel magnetic nanoscale devices.

Detection of targets in real samples with high sensitivity and accuracy is very important and a challenge for the application of developed biosensors. Herein, a novel and efficient cathodic aptasensor coupling photoelectrochemical (PEC) enhancement of photoanodes with signal amplification of nanocatalysts was elaborated. The model target of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was employed to demonstrate the performance. A three-dimensional (3D) PEDOT/Bi2S3/ZnO photoanode was fabricated via successive modification of bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) nanosheets and a poly(3,4-ethylenedixythiophene) (PEDOT) layer on vertical zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods. For the aptasensing cathode, after reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was deposited, the CEA aptamer was anchored on the cathodic substrate via the linking of chitosan. Part of the complementary DNA (cDNA) was labeled with Pt nanocatalyst to form the Pt-cDNA conjugate, which amplified the signal via DNA hybridization with the CEA aptamer. Target detection depended on a dramatic decrease in the current signal produced by both the escape of the signal amplifier and obvious steric hindrance of the captured CEA. Benefiting from the superior cosensitization structure of the photoanode and excellent catalytic ability for oxygen reduction of the labeled Pt nanocatalyst, the cathodic aptasensor demonstrated high sensitivity. Owing to the separation of the photoanode with biorecognition, the aptasensor also exhibited good selectivity in the biomatrix. This kind of cathodic aptasensor has offered an effective way to explore other high-performance biosensors for real applications.

Experimental studies showed that high energy radiation induced base release and DNA backbone breaks mainly occur at the neighboring 5' nucleotide when a single-stranded DNA is modified by radiosensitizing 5-halogenated deoxyuridines. However, no mechanism can be used to interpret these experimental observations. To better understand the radiosensitivity of 5-halogenated deoxyuridines, mechanisms involving hydrogen abstraction by the uracil-5-yl radical from the C2' and C3' positions of an adjacent nucleotide separately followed by the C3'-O3' or N-glycosidic bond rupture and the P-O3' bond breakage are investigated in the DNA sequence 5'-TU(•)-3' employing density functional theory calculations in the present study. It is found that hydrogen abstractions from both positions are comparable with the one from the C2' site slightly more favorable. The N-glycosidic bond cleavage in the neighboring 5' nucleotide following the internucleotide C2'-Ha abstraction is estimated to have the lowest activation free energies, indicating that the adjacent 5' base release dominates electron induced damage to single-stranded DNA incorporated by 5-halogenated deoxyuridines. Relative to the P-O3' bond breakage after the internucleotide C3'-H abstraction, the C3'-O3' bond rupture in the neighboring 5' nucleotide following the internucleotide C2'-Ha abstraction is predicted to have a lower activation free energy, implying that single-stranded DNA backbone breaks are prone to occur at the C3'-O3' bond site. The 5'-TU(•)-3' species has substantial electron affinity and can even capture a hydrated electron, forming the 5'-TU(-)-3' anion. However, the electron induced C3'-O3' bond rupture in 5'-TU(-)-3' anion via a pathway of internucleotide proton abstraction is only minor in both the gas phase and aqueous solution. The present theoretical predictions can interpret rationally experimental observations, thereby demonstrating that the mechanisms proposed here are responsible for high energy radiation induced damage to single-stranded DNA incorporated by radiosensitizing 5-halogenated deoxyuridines. By comparing with previous results, our work proves that the radiosensitizing action of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine is not weaker but stronger than its isomer 6-bromo-2-deoxyuridine on the basis of the available data.

Graphene oxide (GO) and polyaniline (PANI) are very unique materials with broad potential in corrosion protection coating. To achieve the maximum stability and anti-corrosion effect in a polar medium, firstly itaconic acid doped PANI (DP) was readily prepared by a one-step method, followed by forming a GO and DP composite (GODP). Characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra provides evidence for the successful doping of itaconic acid in PANI. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the d-spacing of the GO sheets increases slightly with the intercalation of DP. The morphological studies show disordered structures in GODP compared with the original GO sheets due to the introduction of PANI molecules and the interaction of functional groups on the surface of the GO sheets. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals the good thermal stability of DP and GODP. Quantum calculation further confirms the successful doping of itaconic acid, and the effective complex of GO and DP, providing a quantitative understanding of the curing mechanism. The crosslinking interaction among the GODP, curing agent, and epoxy resin facilitates the formation of a compact coating, leading to excellent corrosion resistance toward Mg alloy.

In this work, we computationally design radical nucleobases which possess improved electronic properties, especially diradical properties through introducing a cyclopentadiene radical. We predict that the detailed electromagnetic features of base assemblies are based on the orientation of the extra five-membered cyclopentadiene ring. Broken symmetry DFT calculations take into account the relevant structures and properties. Our results reveal that both the radicalized DNA bases and the base pairs formed when they combine with their counterparts remain stable and display larger spin delocalization. The mode of embedding the cyclopentadiene free radical in the structures has some influence on the degree of π-conjugation, which results in various diradical characteristics. Single-layered radical base pairs all have an open-shell singlet ground state, but the energy difference between singlet and triplet is not significant. For two-layered radical base pairs, the situation is more complex. All of them have an open-shell state as their ground state, including an open-shell singlet state and an open-shell triplet state. That is, the majority of radical base pairs possess anti-ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic characteristics. We present here a more in-depth discussion and analyses to study the magnetic characteristics of radical bases and base pairs. As an important factor, two-layered radical base pairs also have been carefully analyzed. We hope that all the measurements and results presented here will stimulate further detailed insights into the related mechanisms in modified DNA bases and the design of better ring-expanded DNA magnetic materials.

We computationally design a series of azobenzene (AB)-bridged double radicalized nucleobases, a novel kind of diradical Janus-type nucleobases, and explore their spin coupling characteristics. Calculations prove that such diradical Janus-bases not only normally match with their complementary bases, but also exhibit well-defined diradical character with photo-convertible intramolecular magnetic couplings (antiferromagnetic vs. ferromagnetic). Combination of four radical nucleobases (rG, rA, rC, rT) and photoswitch AB can yield 10 diradical Janus-bases with different magnetic characteristics in which AB functions a bridge to mediate the spin coupling between two radical bases. The trans-form supports mild antiferromagnetic couplings with the spin coupling constants (J) ranging from -153.6 cm

Possible electron-induced ruptures of C3'-O3', C5'-O5', and N1-C1' bonds in O4-hydrogenated 2'-deoxythymidine-3'-monophosphate (3'-dT(O4H)MPH) and 2'-deoxythymidine-5'-monophosphate (5'-dT(O4H)MPH) are investigated using density functional theory calculations, and efficient pathways are proposed. Electron attachment causes remarkable structural relaxation in the thymine C6 site. A concerted process of intramolecular proton transfer (IPT) from the C2' site of 2'-deoxyribose to the C6 site and the C3'-O3' bond rupture is observed in [3'-dT(O4H)MPH](-). A low activation barrier (9.32 kcal/mol) indicates that this pathway is the most efficient one as compared to other known pathways leading to backbone breaks of a single strand DNA at the non-3'-end thymine, which prevents the N1-C1' bond cleavage in [3'-dT(O4H)MPH](-). However, essentially spontaneous N1-C1' bond cleavage following similar IPT is predicted in [5'-dT(O4H)MPH](-). A moderate activation barrier (13.02 kcal/mol) for the rate-controlling IPT step suggests that base release from the N1-C1' cleavage arises readily at the 3'-end of single strand DNA with the strand ended by a thymine. The C5'-O5' bond has only an insignificant change in the IPT process. Solvent effects are found to increase slightly the energy requirements for either bond ruptures (11.23 kcal/mol (C3'-O3') vs 16.18 kcal/mol (N1-C1')), but not change their relative efficiencies.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the protective effects of siwuheji on cisplatin-induced ovarian impairing and explore its possible mechanisms in mice. METHOD The mice received cisplatin ip (7 mg kg(-1)) for 7 days, while fed with siwuheji for 14 days. The changes of estrous cycle, ovary and uterus coefficient, levels of estrogen in serum and morphology of ovary were recorded. RESULT From the third day of cisplatin injection, the estrous cycle of the model group stagnated in interphase. On the thirteenth day, part of the mice fed with siquheji started with change of estrous cycle. The ovary coefficient of the model group was less than the control group, the experimental groups were no differences compared with the control group and had significant differences with the model group. The levels of E2 and P of model group were lower than the control group, but no statistical significance. The level of E2 with high-dose Siwuheji group was higher than model group, and the level of P of the low-dose group was higher than model group, but both no statistical significances. The FSH/LH ratio of model group was significantly higher than the control group, low-dose group and medium-dose group of siwuheji resumed to normal levels, and had a significantly change compared with the model group. Ovarian biopsy of model group showed the decrease in the number of developing follicle at all levels, and increase in the number of Atresia of ovarian. There were more growing follicte in the large, medium-dose group. CONCLUSION Cisplatin can induce mice ovarian injury and functional decline, on the other hand, siwuheji can improve cisplatin-induced ovarian dysfunction.