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A convenient method for the construction of 9,10‐diarylphenanthrenes through one‐pot multicomponent reactions of iodoarenes, o‐bromobenzoic acids, and calcium carbide is described. A series of target compounds are efficiently synthesized via Csp2−H activation and the simultaneous construction of five C−C bonds. The salient features of this method are the use of inexpensive and easy‐to‐handle solid alkyne source as an alternative of flammable and explosive gaseous acetylene. Meanwhile the use of commercially available substrates, wide functional tolerance, and simple workup procedure are also advantage of this protocol. In addition, the corresponding products can also be synthesized on gram scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microstructural characterization of spontaneous combustion coal gangue (SCCG), the hydration products and mechanism of spontaneous combustion coal gangue concrete (SCCGC) were discerned through microscopic analysis. The bond performance was assessed employing a central pull-out test on samples variably substituted with SCCG (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) and augmented with basalt fiber (BF) (0%, 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.2%). The failure mode and bonding mechanism were also revealed by this test. The bond-slip curves were fitted by various bond-slip constitutive models and a suitable model was found for each section. As indicated by the results, SCCGC possessed a lower carbon content and higher Al and Si element contents. These elements would undergo secondary hydration reactions with CH, which could enhance the strength of the ITZ and the compactness of the bond interface between BFRP bars and concrete. The failure modes were splitting and pull-out. An inverse correlation was observed between bond strength and the increment in SCCG aggregate substitution, ranging from a decline of 2.6% to 23.1%. As the BF content increased, the bond strength and peak slip increased by 3.9% ∼ 19.7% and 4.0% ∼ 14.6%, respectively. Furthermore, the reinforcing effect of BF on bond strength increased from 3.9% ∼ 10.3% to 8.8% ∼ 19.7% as the SCCG replacement rate increased, which was noticeable. The Malvar model and the Continuous Curve model were the best fitting models for the ascending and descending sections of bond-slip curves, respectively, while the residual stage was well fitted by the Hao Qingduo model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the therapeutic efficiency of paclitaxel (PTX) and reduce its toxicity to normal tissues, a novel hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) derivative has been designed and developed. The polymer (bio‐HP‐β‐CD(NAC)‐PLA) is synthesized by modifying HP‐β‐CD with polylactic acid, cysteine, and biotin. Using bio‐HP‐β‐CD(NAC)‐PLA as the carrier, a PTX‐loaded nanoparticulate system is developed by a modified emulsion solvent evaporation method. The optimized drug‐loaded nanoparticles are obtained with a mean diameter of 162.4 nm and drug loading of 16.1%. In vitro drug release study exhibits that PTX is released in a redox‐dependent manner. Cellular uptake study suggests that the bio‐HP‐β‐CD(NAC)‐PLA nanoparticles can be specifically taken up by MCF‐7 cells via the biotin receptor‐mediated endocytosis. In vitro and in vivo anticancer efficacy evaluations demonstrate the superior antitumor activity and negligible toxicity of the PTX‐loaded nanoparticles. It can be concluded that the proposed polymer bio‐HP‐β‐CD(NAC)‐PLA offers a promising drug delivery system for targeted delivery and controlled release of PTX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As an indicator of tumor invasiveness, microvascular invasion (MVI) is a crucial risk factor for postoperative relapse, metastasis, and unfavorable prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the genetic mechanisms underlying MVI, particularly for Chinese patients, remain mostly uncharted. Methods: We applied deep targeted sequencing on 66 Chinese HCC samples. Focusing on the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter (TERTp) and TP53 co‐mutation (TERTp+/TP53+) group, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of the TERTp+/TP53+ group on tumor progression and metastasis. Additionally, we evaluated the tumor immune microenvironment of the TERTp+/TP53+ group in HCC using multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) staining. Results: Among the 66 HCC samples, the mutated genes that mostly appeared were TERT, TP53, and CTNNB1. Of note, we found 10 cases with TERTp+/TP53+, of which nine were MVI‐positive and one was MVI‐negative, and there was a co‐occurrence of TERTp and TP53 (p < 0.05). Survival analysis demonstrated that patients with the TERTp+/TP53+ group had lower the disease‐free survival (DFS) (p = 0.028). GSEA results indicated that telomere organization, telomere maintenance, DNA replication, positive regulation of cell cycle, and negative regulation of immune response were significantly enriched in the TERTp+/TP53+ group (all adjusted p‐values (p.adj) < 0.05). mIF revealed that the TERTp+/TP53+ group decreased CD8+ T cells infiltration (p = 0.25) and enhanced PDL1 expression (p = 0.55). Conclusions: TERTp+/TP53+ was significantly enriched in MVI‐positive patients, leading to poor prognosis for HCC patients by promoting proliferation of HCC cell and inhibiting infiltration of immune cell surrounding HCC. TERTp+/TP53+ can be utilized as a potential indicator for predicting MVI‐positive patients and poor prognosis, laying a preliminary foundation for further exploration of co‐mutation in HCC with MVI and clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient method for the construction of 2‐methyl‐1‐sulfonylindoles and 2,3‐dimethyl‐1‐sulfonylindoles using solid calcium carbide as an alkyne source and o‐sulfonamidobenzaldehyde hydrazones or o‐sulfonamidoacetophenone hydrazones as starting materials is described. This protocol has the salient feature of the use of an inexpensive, abundant and easy‐to‐handle solid alkyne source, effectively avoiding the use of flammable and explosive gaseous acetylene as an original alkyne source. Noble‐metal‐free conditions, wide substrate scope, high yield, and simple workup procedures are advantages of this method. The transformation can also be carried out on a gram scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the drying process of oat noodles, the effects of temperature, relative humidity and addition amount of oat on its quality were studied. Wheat flour and oat powder were used as raw materials to prepare oat noodles with different content of oat (0, 10%, 20%, 30%), which were dried at different temperatures (40, 50, 60 $) and relative humidity (55%, 65%, 75%). The color, bending resistance, cooking quality, texture quality, acidity, fatty acid value, !-glucan content, microstructure, and sensory quality were measured, and analyzed the effects of different temperature, relative humidity and different amount of oat on the quality of oat noodle. The results showed that the dried noodles had lower b* value, longer breaking distance, lower acidity, and fatty acid content when dried at 40 $ (P<0.05). When the relative humidity was 75%, the b* value, bending strength, breaking distance, acidity and fatty acid content of the noodles were higher "P <0.05). When the addition amount of oat flour was 30%, the L* value was lower, the a* value was higher, the bending strength breaking distance was smaller, and the acidity, fatty acid and /3-glucan contents were higher "P < 0.05). The temperature of 45 and relative humidity of 75% were reasonable drying process of oat noodles. Drying at low temperature and high humidity (40 !/75%) can improve the color, cooking, and texture quality of oat noodles, the microstructure is compact and the sensory score is good. It can be used for drying oat noodles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pull-out test was performed in this study to investigate the bond performance between basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars and recycled concrete. Three factors were considered: aggregate size (5–10 mm, 11–15 mm, and 16–20 mm), bond anchorage length of bars (3D, 5D, and 7D), and the recycled aggregate replacement rate (0%, 30%, 60%, and 100%). The bond–slip mechanism, failure mode, bond stress distribution, and bond–slip curves were all analysed. Based on the results, it was found that situations with a high recycled aggregate replacement rate, large aggregate particle sizes, or long bond lengths have an increased likelihood of experiencing splitting failure. As the aggregate size increases, the bond strength between the BFRP bars and the concrete would also increase, in ordinary concrete, a 22.54% increase was observed, whereas in recycled concrete, the maximum increase reached 48.20%. The effect would be more pronounced on recycled concrete compared to ordinary concrete, and it would also be more significant in specimens with BFRP bars compared to steel bars. Additionally, the optimal bond anchorage length was determined to be 5D. The bond strength exhibited a trend of decrease followed by an increase as the recycled aggregate replacement rate increased. The maximum reduction of 59.7% in bond strength was observed when the replacement rate of recycled aggregate reached 60%. Moreover, when the replacement rate of recycled aggregate increased to 100%, there was a decrease of 19.05% in bond strength compared to the specimen without recycled aggregates. Based on the experimental test data and existing models, an improved two-stage bond–slip constitutive model was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multivariate linear regression model between the coupling factor and the quality index of oat noodles in the drying system was established, and the drying coupling factor predicted the quality index of oat noodles. Taking the quality index of oat noodles as the dependent variables, and the coupling factors (temperature, air absolute water potential, air absolute water potential and accumulated temperature) as the independent variables, through multiple linear regression, the prediction model of each quality index of oat noodles was established, evaluated and verified. The results showed that the established quality index regression models of optimal cooking time, cooking loss, cooking water absorption, ductility, hardness, chewability, adhesion, flexural strength, breaking distance, acidity and fatty acid value, were significant (P <0.01), and the model's coefficients R2 for quality index prediction were 0.8075, 0.9981, 0.8485, 0.8354, 0.8118, 0.8194, 0.8030, 0.8416, 0.8838, 0.8100 and 0.8888, respectively. The drying coupling factor can be used to predict the quality index of oat noodles, and the study provided a theoretical basis for the quality control of oat noodles in the drying process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For efficient combustion of aquatic biomass, the effects of heating rate on the combustion and dynamic characteristics of two typical aquatic species (water hyacinth, Pistia stratiotes), and the effects of temperature and additives on ash K and Cl concentrations are studied. The two types of pellets have ignition temperatures of 252.7 and 250.3 °C, respectively. At a heating rate of 10 °C min−1, where combustion is most stable, the comprehensive combustion efficiencies reach their maximum at 4.7 × 10−6 and 2.2 × 10−6 mg2min−1°C−2, respectively. The K and Cl concentrations in the ash decrease steadily with increasing temperature, falling to 10.3% and 0.41% for water hyacinth and 11.1% and 1.85% for P. stratiotes, respectively. X‐ray diffraction (XRD)shows that abundant Ca minerals form in the ash after the addition of CaO, which inhibit KCl formation, and K and Al silicates form in the ash after the addition of kaoline, which reserve K in the ash. These findings provide a starting point for the development of efficient aquatic biomass combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Studying the pathogenesis of liver cancer is conducive to the exploration of effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In this study, we investigated the expression of FOXA1 and its oncogenic role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods. Transcriptome data of HCC tissues were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GEO databases and analyzed using R software. We also upregulated FOXA1 expression in HCC cells and investigated the role of FOXA1 in the proliferation and migration of HCC cells through proliferation, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays. Results. An analysis of the transcriptome data in TCGA database revealed found that FOXA1 is highly expressed in HCC tissues and that patients with low FOXA1 expression have a better prognosis. High FOXA1 expression was mainly associated with extracellular matrix organization, cancer, and mitosis. The results of an immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay showed that FOXA1 protein was highly expressed in HCC tissues, and patients with low FOXA1 expression showed longer disease-specific survival times and progression-free intervals. The results from quantitative reverse transcription–PCR (RT–qPCR) and Western blot experiments showed that the expression of FOXA1 in liver cancer cell lines was higher than that in immortalized human liver cell lines. Proliferation, wound healing, and Transwell experiments showed that FOXA1 enhanced the proliferation and migration abilities of liver cancer and immortalized human cell lines. Conclusion. Our research suggests that FOXA1 plays an important role in promoting the recurrence and metastasis of HCC by increasing cell proliferation and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The double pulse technology increases the energy transmission between the plasma plume and the target by coupling the laser beam, which greatly enhances the signal, reduces the detection limit of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and improves the ability of trace elemental analysis. In this paper, the emission characteristics of plasma in orthogonal double-pulse LIBS (DP-LIBS) are studied theoretically by using the hydrodynamics model, including the effects of pulse interval and spot position of the second laser pulse on the emission intensity of various species in the reheating mode. The results show that in the reheating mode, the pulse interval corresponding to the maximum intensity ratio of double pulse to single pulse occurs at 0.2–0.5 μs, while in the pre-ablation mode, it increases with the increase of pulse interval. According to the decrease of the number density of the background gas above the sample before the ablation pulse in the pre-ablation mode, the enhancement mechanism of spectral line intensity is explained from two aspects: plasma–plasma coupling effect and pressure effect. In addition, the spatial distribution and raising mechanism of plasma temperature in these modes are also explored. It shows that in the reheating mode, the plasma temperature is increased by directly absorbing laser energy, while in the pre-ablation mode, it is increased by reducing the energy loss between vapor plasma and gas plasma and weakening the shielding effect. The theoretical analysis of double pulse plasma provides a theoretical basis for the experimental research and application of DP-LIBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: 1,2,4‐triazole is successfully grafted onto C═C bonds of graphene oxide surface with retained carboxylic acid, hydroxy, and epoxy groups. The structure of the resulting 1,2,4‐triazole‐doped graphene oxide (NGO) is proved by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra. The polybenzimidazole (PBI)/NGO composite membranes (NGO content:0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5%) were also prepared and subjected to the absorption of various suitable amounts of phosphoric acid (PA). As expected, the composite membranes well maintained their superior mechanical properties (57‐69 MPa) containing 2 PA molecules per PBI unit. The morphological characterization using the atomic force microscopy phase images and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed a micro‐phase separation, providing continuous ionic channels and ultimately enhancing the ionic conductivity. As a result, the maximum proton conductivity of 27 mS cm−1 is achieved for PBI/NGO‐3 membrane (NGO content: 3%) at 160°C under anhydrous conditions, and the maximum power density of the cell using PBI/NGO‐3 membrane is 254 mW cm−2. These composite membranes displayed great potential for high‐temperature proton exchange membranes under anhydrous conditions. The scanning electron microscopy images further showed the condensed structures with the suitable quantity of NGO in the composite membranes due to the hydrogen bonding and acid–base interactions between NGO and PBI. This condensed structure improved the mechanical properties, enhanced thermal stability, and increased oxidative stability of the composite membranes. Additionally, the PBI/NGO/PA composite membranes exhibit high thermal decomposition temperature (Td[5%] higher than 284°C) and superior tensile strengths (greater than 55 MPa). Remarkably, the membranes demonstrated exceptional oxidative stability and could maintain less than 15% quantity loss for more than 200 hours in Fenton's reagent (3 wt% H2O2, 4 ppm Fe2+). Novelty statement: The manuscript entitled "Enhanced Performance of High‐Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane by Introducing 1,2,4‐Triazole Functionalized Graphene Oxide into Polybenzimidazole" was written by Haiqiu Zhang In this work, 1,2,4‐triazole is successfully grafted onto graphene oxide nanosheets by C═C bonds without damaging other groups, and condensed structure improved the oxidative stability effectively, meanwhile, with the low‐acid‐loaded quantity and gained higher proton conductivity under anhydrous condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main observation and conclusion: A one‐pot three‐component method for the synthesis of 2‐methyl‐3‐aminobenzofurans using calcium carbide as a concise solid alkyne source, and salicylaldehydes and secondary amines as starting materials is described. This protocol has salient feature of the use of inexpensive, abundant and easy‐to‐handle alkyne source, avoiding the use of inflammable and explosive acetylene gas as an original alkyne source. In addition, step economy, satisfactory yield, and simple work‐up procedure are also advantages of this route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that cold plasma inactivated microorganisms located on a variety of food surfaces and food packaging materials under atmospheric pressure conditions; however, less attention has been paid to the impact of cold plasma on microorganisms in liquid food stuffs. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of cold plasma treatment on maintaining quality and the bactericidal effect of kiwi turbid juice, and obtain the optimal parameters. Kiwi turbid juice was treated with different treatment voltages, juice volumes, and discharge times. Tow principle components (chlorophyll and total phenols) were extracted by factor analysis and the cumulative contribution achieved was 87.017%. Three‐factor response surface methodology was used to analyze the interactions between the factors, and particle swarm optimization was used to search for the optimal parameters. The results showed that the established three‐index regression model was significant. At the optimal level of 12 kV treatment voltage, 18 ml juice volume, and 1 min discharge time, chlorophyll, total phenols, and bactericidal rate of the optimized test were 0.18 mg/g, 3.47 OD280/g, and 83.97%, respectively. This study provides key implications for applying cold plasma during kiwi turbid juice processing. Practical applications: Kiwi turbid juice is rich in nutrition, has high quality and good taste, which can greatly retain the flavor of fresh juice, and has a broad market development prospect. Sterilization is a key process in the production of kiwi turbid juice, Cold plasma processing is a potential nonthermal method which can enable extension of shelf life of kiwi turbid juice, yet retaining its freshness and organoleptic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is one of the most important topics of concern in the fields of science, environment and global economy. Carbon dioxide emissions have increased dramatically in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue with a projected increase of both global energy consumption and CO2 emissions by 51% in 2050 compared with 2005. To mitigate the negative impacts arising, a potential strategy to convert CO2 into renewable fuels or valuable chemicals can be applied. Bio‐CO2 emission reduction is receiving more and more attention as an environmentally friendly method. Microalgae are attracting worldwide attention in this regard owing to their exceptional speed of growth, resistance to harsh environments and low production costs. In this review, the biochemical principles of microalgae‐CO2 fixation and the research progress of microalgae strains used for CO2 fixation are reviewed and discussed. The latest progress in the co‐development of a microalgae carbon sequestration industry and other industries are provided, along with a survey of the progress in methods to improve microalgae‐CO2 fixation. Finally, the problems to be solved in the industry and its future directions of development are clarified. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple method for the synthesis of 1,3‐diynes from iodoarenes using calcium carbide as an alkyne source and air as an oxidant is described. A series of 1,4‐diarylbuta‐1,3‐diynes were efficiently synthesized by this strategy. The salient features of this protocol are the use of inexpensive and easy‐to‐handle alkyne source, broad substrate scope, open‐air condition, and simple operation procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) nanocrystals have attracted considerable attention for their exceptional optical, electrical and catalytic properties. But the formation mechanism of 2D nanocrystals remains debatable. Shape evolution can provide a platform for a more accurate and complete understanding of the formation mechanism of 2D nanocrystals. In this work, we used purified CdSe quantum dots as seeds to grow 2D nanocrystals. The shape of the CdSe 2D nanocrystals can change from rectangular 2D nanocrystals to square 2D nanocrystals with increasing growth time. This shape evolution process can be adjusted by the addition of different concentrations of CdSe seeds. Upon reducing the concentration of CdSe seeds, the shape evolution process of CdSe 2D nanocrystals was accelerated. The dissolution and recrystallization behaviors play a key role in the shape evolution of CdSe 2D nanocrystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is associated with diabetes, but it is unclear if the thyroid hormone levels change in euthyroid adults with diabetes. Objective: To investigate the association between thyroid hormone levels and diabetes in euthyroid adults. Methods: Among the euthyroid adults who underwent health examination in West China Hospital of Sichuan University in 2016, patients with diabetes were identified according to the medical history, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c. Age and sex matched controls were identified from the population. The patients with diabetes group was further divided into two subgroups: patients with newly diagnosed diabetes (NDD) and with previously diagnosed diabetes (PDD). Independent t-test and multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the difference in the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and the ratio of FT4/FT3 between groups. Results: We included 32,557 participants, 2,271 with diabetes. Compared to the adults without diabetes, the odds ratios (ORs) per one unit elevation of TSH, FT4, FT4/FT3 ratio and FT3 in patients with diabetes were 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82– 0.95], 1.11 (95% CI: 1.08– 1.14), 2.05 (95% CI: 1.81– 2.32) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.78– 0.93), respectively. Compared to the NDD group, the ORs per one unit elevation of TSH, FT4, FT4/FT3 ratio and FT3 of the PDD group were 0.81 (95% CI: 0.71– 0.92), 1.08 (95% CI: 1.04– 1.12), 1.76 (95% CI: 1.49– 2.08) and 1.01 (95% CI: 0.92– 1.12), respectively. Conclusion: In euthyroid adults, diabetes was associated with increased FT4/FT3 ratio, which is linked to the peripheral turnover of the thyroid hormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 20 examples of 2-[(1 H -indol-1-yl)(aryl)methyl]-1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-diones were efficiently synthesized by the aza-Michael addition at the N 1 position of indoles with 2-aroyl-1,3-diarylenones at room temperature in the presence of potassium hydroxide. The salient features of this protocol are no transition-metal catalysts, mild conditions, high chemoselectivity, high atom economy, high yields, and a simple work-up procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal and molecular structures of K 4 [(Httha) 2 ]·13.5H 2 O (ttha?= triethylenetetraminehexaacetic acid), K 4 [(Httha) 2 ]·14H 2 O, K 3 [Dy III (ttha)]·5H 2 O, K 3 [Ho III (ttha)]·5H 2 O and K 3 [Er III (ttha)]·5H 2 O have been determined by single-crystal X-ray structure analyses. The crystal data of these five complexes are as follows: (1) K 4 [(Httha) 2 ]·13.5H 2 O, monoclinic crystal system, P 2(1)/ n space group, Z ?=?4, µ?=?2.339?mm -1 and F (000)?=?3404. The final R and wR are 0.0514 and 0.0906 for 11,144 [ I ?>?2.0?s( I )] unique reflections, and 0.0976 and 0.1068 for all 26,048 reflections, respectively. (2) K 4 [(Httha) 2 ]·14H 2 O, monoclinic crystal system, P 2(1)/ n space group, Z ?=?4, µ?=?2.611?mm -1 and F (000)?=?3424. The final R and wR are 0.0339 and 0.0667 for 10,699 [ I ?>?2.0?s( I )] unique reflections, and 0.0543 and 0.0741 for all 22,190 reflections, respectively. (3) K 3 [Dy III (ttha)]·5H 2 O, monoclinic crystal system, P 2(1)/ c space group, Z ?=?4, µ?=?3.096?mm -1 and F (000)?=?1716. The final R and wR are 0.0252 and 0.0600 for 5905 [ I ?>?2.0?s( I )] unique reflections, and 0.0336 and 0.0629 for all 16,415 reflections, respectively. (4) K 3 [Ho III (ttha)]·5H 2 O, monoclinic crystal system, P 2(1)/ c space group, Z ?=?4, µ?=?3.217?mm -1 and F (000)?=?1720. The final R and wR are 0.0395 and 0.0796 for 5145 [ I ?>?2.0?s( I )] unique reflections, and 0.0546 and 0.0833 for all 11,567 reflections, respectively. 5. K 3 [Er III (ttha)]·5H 2 O, monoclinic crystal system, P 2(1)/ c space group, Z ?=?4, µ?=?3.398?mm -1 and F (000)?=?1724. The final R and wR are 0.0212 and 0.0463 for 5130 [ I ?>?2.0?s( I )] unique reflections, and 0.0258 and 0.0477 for all 11,796 reflections, respectively. The structure of K 4 [(Httha) 2 ]·13.5H 2 O is composed of two parts, each has a binuclear nine-coordinate structure with distorted monocapped square antiprismatic prisms, in which the ttha ligand coordinates to one central Eu III ion with three N atoms and four O atoms and to the other Eu III ion with two O atoms. The K 4 [(Httha) 2 ]·14H 2 O complex molecule is also composed of two parts in structure, each part has a binuclear nine-coordinate structure with distorted tri-capped trigonal prism. The [Dy III (ttha)] 3- complex anion has a mononuclear nine-coordinate structure with distorted monocapped square antiprismatic geometry, in which the ttha ligand coordinates to the central Dy III ion with four N atoms and five O atoms. The [Ho III (ttha)] 3- and [Er III (ttha)] 3- complex anions also have nine-coordinate structures, but the geometric conformation is close to a distorted tricapped trigonal prism. In addition, there is a free non-coordinated carboxyl group (–CH 2 COO - ) in the [Ho III (ttha)] 3- and [Er III (ttha)] 3- complex anions. The free carboxyl group could be embellished by biological molecules which have selectivity and affinity to focus positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work aims to optimize the process of cold plasma for fresh-cut kiwifruit. The effects of discharge times, treatment voltages, and slice thickness as well as the interaction between them were investigated. Factor analysis was used to screen out the characteristic indices of fresh-cut kiwifruit. Design-Expert software was used to design three-factor response surface tests and find the optimal parameters. The results revealed that the quality indices of fresh-cut kiwifruit were the color difference, brittleness, and solid-acid ratio, the established binomial regression equations were significant (P < 0.05). At the optimal level: 26 kV treatment voltage, 120 s discharge times, and 10 mm slice thickness, the optimized test values for the color difference, brittleness, solid-acid ratio and decreased logarithm value of total plate count were 2.25, 128.96 g·s, 18.03 and 2.30 lg(CFU·g−1), respectively. Cold plasma could significantly improve the inactivation of bacteria in fresh-cut kiwifruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A concise method for the facile construction of 3-methyl-2-substituted benzo[ b ]furans and 3-methyl-2-substituted benzo[ b ]thiophenes using low-cost, abundant, and easy-to-use solid calcium carbide instead of flammable and explosive gaseous acetylene as an original alkyne source, o -bromophenyl ethers or o -bromophenyl thioethers as substrates through an intramolecular carbanion-yne cyclization in a 5- exo-dig manner, and subsequent double-bond isomerization is described. The simultaneous formation of two C-C bonds is realized in a one-step route. The wide substrate scope, high yield, and simple workup manipulations are also merits of this method. The synthetic strategy can also be suitable for the gram scale.

The self-absorption effect is a primary factor responsible for the decline in the precision of quantitative analysis techniques using plasma emission spectroscopy, such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). In this study, based on the thermal ablation and hydrodynamics models, the radiation characteristics and self-absorption of laser-induced plasmas under different background gases were theoretically simulated and experimentally verified to investigate ways of weakening the self-absorption effect in plasma. The results reveal that the plasma temperature and density increase with higher molecular weight and pressure of the background gas, leading to stronger species emission line intensity. To reduce the self-absorption effect in the later stages of plasma evolution, we can decrease the gas pressure or substitute the background gas with a lower molecular weight. As the excitation energy of the species increases, the impact of the background gas type on the spectral line intensity becomes more pronounced. Moreover, we accurately calculated the optically thin moments under various conditions using theoretical models, which are consistent with the experimental results. From the temporal evolution of the doublet intensity ratio of species, it is deduced that the optically thin moment appears later with higher molecular weight and pressure of the background gas and lower upper energy of the species. This theoretical research is essential in selecting the appropriate background gas type and pressure and doublets in self-absorption-free LIBS (SAF-LIBS) experiments to weaken the self-absorption effect.

Molecular testing of indeterminate thyroid nodules informs about the presence of point mutations, insertions/deletions, copy number variants, RNA fusions, transcript alterations and miRNA expression. American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines suggest molecular testing of indeterminate thyroid nodules may be considered to supplement risk of malignancy (ROM). Although these recommendations have been incorporated in clinical practices in the United States, molecular testing of indeterminate thyroid nodules is not common practice in Asia. Here, we performed molecular testing of 140 indeterminate nodules from Chinese patients using a novel molecular platform composed of RNA and DNA-RNA classifiers, which is similar to Afirma GEC and ThyroSeq v3. Compared with reports from North America, the new RNA and DNA-RNA classifiers had a higher positive predictive value (p1 = 0.000 and p2 = 0.020) but a lower negative predictive value (p1 = 0.004 and p2 = 0.098), with no significant differences in sensitivity (p1 = 0.625 and p2 = 0.179) or specificity (p1 = 0.391 and p2 = 0.264). Out of 58 resected nodules, 10 were borderline and 33 malignant, indicating a 74.1% ROM, which was higher than reports in North America (10-40% ROM). Our findings emphasize molecular testing with the newly reported RNA and DNA-RNA classifiers can be used as a 'rule-in' test when ROM is high., (© 2022 The Authors. Molecular Oncology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Federation of European Biochemical Societies.)

Background: Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer of the retina that accounts for 3% of all childhood cancers. The aim of this study was to illuminate the oncogenic role and potential molecular mechanisms of the microRNA miR-154-5p and autophagy-related gene 7 (ATG7) in retinoblastoma, and to establish a nude mouse model in order to explore new therapeutic horizons for the disease., Methods: Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot were performed to detect the expression levels of miR-154-5p and ATG7. The targeting relationship between miR-154-5p and ATG7 was analyzed by employing the luciferase reporter assay. MiR-154-5p mimic and pcDNA-ATG7 were transfected, either alone or in combination, into Y79 cells. The subsequent in vitro experiments involved four groups: the control group, miR-154-5p group, ATG7 group, and miR-154-5p + ATG7 group. Orthotopic xenograft models were established by injecting BALB/c athymic nude mice with treated and untreated Y79 cells., Results: Y79 cells were transfected with miR-NC or miR-154-5p. Compared to those in the control group, the mRNA expression levels of miR-154-5p were increased in the miR-154-5p mimic group; in contrast, decreases were observed in the mRNA and protein expression levels of ATG7. Y79 cells were transfected with PcDNA or pcDNA-ATG7. The mRNA expression level of ATG7 was increased in pcDNA-ATG7 group. MiR-154-5p was found to have an element complementary to the three prime untranslated region of ATG7. Overexpression of miR-154-5p inhibited Y79 cells proliferation and migration, and promoted Y79 cells apoptosis via targeting of ATG7. In the in vivo experiment, the tumors of the miR-154-5p group of mice were significantly reduced in weight. Tumor growth and the protein levels of Survivin were both suppressed when miR-154-5p was overexpressed in vivo ; however, cell apoptosis and the protein levels of p21 were promoted. In the miR-154-5p group, the expression levels of miR-154-5p were upregulated compared to those in the control group, but the ATG7 expression level was downregulated., Conclusions: MiR-154-5p overexpression downregulated ATG7, which inhibited cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro , as well as tumor formation in vivo ., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/atm-20-6009). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2020 Annals of Translational Medicine. All rights reserved.)

A simple method for the construction of propen-2-yl sulfones through cascade reactions of calcium carbide with arylsulfonylhydrazones using copper as a mediator is described. The salient features of this protocol are the use of readily available and easy-to-handle alkyne source, broad substrate scope, open-air condition, and simple operation procedure.

In this paper, we proposed and validated a novel and accurate pipeline for automatically segmenting flaky corneal ulcer areas from fluorescein staining images. The ulcer area was segmented within the cornea by employing a joint method of Otsu and Gaussian Mixture Modeling (GMM). In the GMM based segmentation, the total number of Gaussians was determined intelligently using an information theory based algorithm. And the fluorescein staining images were processed in the HSV color model rather than the original RGB color model, aiming to improve the segmentation results' robustness and accuracy. In the Otsu based segmentation, the images were processed in the grayscale space with Gamma correction being conducted before the Otsu binarization. Afterwards, morphological operations and median filtering were employed to further improve the Otsu segmentation result. The GMM and Otsu segmentation results were then intersected, for which post-processing was conducted by identifying and filling holes through a fast algorithm using priority queues of pixels. The proposed pipeline has been validated on a total of 150 clinical images. Accurate ulcer segmentation results have been obtained, with the mean Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) being 0.88 when comparing the automatic segmentation result with the manually-delineated gold standard. For images in the RGB color space, the mean DSC was 0.83, being much lower than that of the images in the HSV color space.

Glume-unclosing after anthesis is a widespread phenomenon in hybrid rice and also a maternal hereditary trait. The character of Glume-unclosing in rice male sterile lines also seriously influences germination rate and the commercial quality of hybrid rice seeds. We validated that the type of glume-unclosing after anthesis in the elite rice thermo-sensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) line RGD-7S was caused by high temperature. Transcriptomic sequencing of rice panicles was performed to explore the change of transcript profiles under four conditions: pre- and post-anthesis under high temperature (HRGD0 and HRGD1), and pre- and post-anthesis under low temperature (LRGD0 and LRGD1). We identified a total of 14,540 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) including some heat shock factors (HSFs) across the four samples. We found that more genes were up-regulated than down-regulated in the sample pair HRGD1vsHRGD0. These up-regulated genes were significantly enriched in the three biological processes of carbohydrate metabolism, response to water and cell wall macromolecular metabolism. Simultaneously, we also found that the HSF gene OsHsfB1 was specially up-regulated in HRGD1vsHRGD0. However, the down-regulated DEGs in LRGD1vsLRGD0 were remarkably clustered in the biological process of carbohydrate metabolism. This suggests that carbohydrate metabolism may play a key role in regulation of glume-unclosing under high temperature in RGD-7S. We also analyzed the expression pattern of genes enriched in carbohydrate metabolism and several HSF genes under different conditions and provide new insights into the cause of rice glume-unclosing.

Objective: To further investigate the mechanisms of hair cell generation or regeneration, the primary culture systems of cochlear sensory epithelial cell (CSEC) of rats were established., Method: Cochlear sensory epithelial (containing the organ of Corti) of postnatal day 1 (P1) rats was isolated by mechanical dissociation. The explants were grown on sterilized disposable plastic dishes,cultured in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium(DMEM), and observed daily by inverted microscopy. The culture medium was changed twice a week. The pure CSEC was harvested by the limiting dilution method. CSEC was identified by immunocytochemical method with cytokeratin 18, vimentin, Brn3. a, Calretinin, BrdU and ultrastructural examination with transmission electron microscopy. The markers of epithelial cell and the markers of hair cell were used to identify the origin and character of CSEC. CSEC mitotic division was detected by BrdU staining of nuclear DNA., Result: The fresh explants were light yellow. The morphology of CSEC couldn't be seen clearly under the inverted microscope because of the complex structures of cochlear sensory epithelial. CSEC grew out of the explants usually at 2nd culture day. Fibroblast like cells (FLC) around the CSEC grew faster than CSEC, but could easily be excluded. Pure CSEC may grow into monolayer with 'cobblestone-like' appearance and show a large, flat, polygonal epithelial morphotype with big, round nuclei. Some cells showed 'Dome' formation, probably due to fluid collection underneath the cell monolayer. The culture CSEC coexpressed cytokeratin 18 and vimentin has rich microvilli and complex tight junction,which indicated the epithelial origination of CSEC. Coexpressed of the Brn3. a and Calretinin of the hair cell characteristic markers suggested the culture cell may represent rat progenitor hair cell. BrdU staining showed CSEC produced new hair cell-like cell (progenitor hair cell) by the mitotic division., Conclusion: The primary culture systems of cochlear sensory epithelial cell of rats were successfully established in vitro. CSEC coexpressed the characteristic markers of the immature hair cell,which identified the culture cell may represent progenitor cell of rats hair cell. It may be a suitable model for in-depth investigation the molecular mechanisms of hair cell generation or regeneration.

Objective: By observing the relationship between the fragment deletion of mitochondrial DNA (mt DNA) of inner ear in rat and the hearing loss to investigate the possible role of mt DNA deletion in presbycusis., Method: Thirty wistar rats were divided into group A (young rat, 4 months, n = 15) and group B (old rat, 24-30 months, n = 15) according to the age. The threshold of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) was tested. The inner ear membranous labyrinth tissue was harvested and the mtDNA was amplified to identify 4,834 bp deletion by PCR technique., Result: The mean of ABR thresholds in group B (64.79 +/- 10.88 dB peSPL) was significantly higher than that in group A (40.00 +/- 4.66 dB peSPL) (P < 0.01). In group B, 9 of the 15 rats demonstrates the mtDNA 4,834 bp deletion, while no deletion was detected in group A., Conclusion: Deletion of mtDNA of inner ear tissue in old rat is found. The mtDNA deletion is associated with the presbycusis and may be one of the causes of presbycusis.