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Two isomorphic lanthanide compounds {[Ln(ddpp)(H2O)]·CH3CN}n(Ln = Eu and Gd, H4ddpp = 2,5-di(2′,4′-dicarboxylphenyl)pyridine) were synthesized. Complex 1-Eudisplays ultrahigh acid–base stability and thermal stability. Furthermore, luminescence measurements revealed that 1-Eucould detect quinolone antibiotics with an ultralow limit of detection in aqueous solution. The ratiometric probe properties for sensing antibiotics could be attributed to the incompletely sensitized Eu3+ion of the ligand. Remarkably, it is interesting that 1-Gdexhibits excellent tetracycline degradation properties under visible light. Ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and valence band X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were carried out to investigate the photodegradation mechanisms. Moreover, a rational explanation for the fluorescent probe and photocatalysis behavior of these two complexes was also discussed with the assistance of density functional theory calculations.

Tractive performance is a key factor affecting the field mobility of unmanned vehicles. Presently, studies on the tractive performance of unmanned vehicles mainly focus on the tractive performance of a single wheel, but few studies have used the discrete element method to predict the tractive performance of vehicles. In this paper, a method based on dynamics and discrete elements is proposed to predict the traction performance of a vehicle. Based on the proposed method, the tractive performance of an unmanned vehicle in various field environments is obtained. Firstly, a numerical method for calculating the dynamic tractive performance of the vehicle on a flat road surface is proposed based on vehicle dynamics theory and terramechanics. According to the corresponding soil parameters, the tractive performance of the vehicle on three different sandy loams and three different clays is calculated. The mechanism of action between the wheels and the soil on sloped road is different from that on flat road, and the numerical calculation method is no longer suitable for predicting the tractive performance of vehicles on sloped roads. To predict the tractive performance of unmanned vehicles on various slope roads, the dynamic and discrete element method was used to simulate a sandy loam flat road, sandy loam pitch slope, sandy loam roll slope, light clay flat road, light clay pitch slope, and light clay roll slope. The vehicle dynamics model was established using dynamics software, and the tractive performance of the vehicle on six different roads was obtained through the coupling simulation of dynamics and discrete elements.

An increasing utilization of flexible healthcare electronics and biomedicine-related therapeutic materials urges the development of multifunctional wearable/flexible smart fabrics for personal therapy and health management. However, it is currently a challenge to fabricate multifunctional and on-body healthcare electronic devices with reliable mechanical flexibility, excellent breathability, and self-controllable joule heating effects. Here, we fabricate a multifunctional MXene-based smart fabric by depositing 2D Ti3C2Txnanosheets onto cellulose fiber nonwoven fabric viaspecial MXene–cellulose fiber interactions. Such multifunctional fabrics exhibit sensitive and reversible humidity response upon H2O-induced swelling/contraction of channels between the MXene interlayers, enabling wearable respiration monitoring application. Besides, it can also serve as a low-voltage thermotherapy platform due to its fast and stable electro-thermal response. Interestingly, water molecular extraction induces electrical response upon heating, i.e., functioning as a temperature alarm, which allows for real-time temperature monitoring for thermotherapy platform without low-temperature burn risk. Furthermore, metal-like conductivity of MXene renders the fabric an excellent Joule heating effect, which can moderately kill bacteria surrounding the wound in bacteria-infected wound healing therapy. This work introduces a multifunctional smart flexible fabric suitable for next-generation wearable electronic devices for mobile healthcare and personal medical therapy.

Recent advances in semiconductor sequencing platform (SSP) have provided new methods for preimplantation genetic diagnosis/screening (PGD/S). The present study aimed to evaluate the applicability and efficiency of SSP in PGD/S. The artificial positive single-cell-like DNAs and normal single-cell samples were chosen to test our semiconductor sequencing platform for preimplantation genetic diagnosis/screening (SSP-PGD/S) method with two widely used whole-genome amplification (WGA) kits. A total of 557 single blastomeres were collected from in vitro fertilization (IVF) couples, and their WGA products were processed and analyzed by our SSP-PGD/S method in comparison with array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH). Our SSP-PGD/S method indicated high compatibilities with two commercial WGA kits. For 557 single blastomeres, our method with four million reads in average could detect 24-chromosome aneuploidies as well as microdeletion/microduplication of the size over 4 Mb, providing 100% consistent conclusion with array-CGH method in the classification of whether it was transplantable. Our studies suggested that SSP-PGD/S represents a valuable alternative to array-CGH and brought PGD/S into a new era of more rapid, accurate, and economic.

The highly porous luminescent metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can act as fluorescent probes for the detection of nitro compounds and can also serve as containers and energy transfer platforms to construct the host–guest systems. Herein, two new three-dimensional MOFs with high porosity were prepared successfully by the electron-rich tetrakis(4-pyridylphenyl)ethylene (tppe) as ligands. Compound 1shows the high sensitivity and selectivity toward nitro-antibiotics in an aqueous media, particularly showing the best detection efficiency for furazolidone (FZD) among the reported luminescent sensors. The highly efficient fluorescence quenching toward FZD may be attributed to the electron and energy transfer. Compound 2has naphthalene-2,7-dicarboxylic acid (2,7-npd) and tppe as dual linkers, and the energy transfer between 2,7-npd and tppe leads to the emission band in a large scale. It is worth noting that the single-phased white-light materials can be obtained by the in situ encapsulation of different concentration of sulforhodamine 101 (SR101) into compound 2matrix.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are caused by mutations in the DMDgene. The aim of this study is to identify pathogenic DMDvariants in probands and reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease in affected families. Variations in 100 unrelated DMD/BMD patients were detected by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Pathogenic variants in DMDwere successfully identified in all cases, and 11 of them were novel. The most common mutations were intragenic deletions (69%), with two hotspots located in the 5′ end (exons 2–19) and the central of the DMDgene (exons 45–55), while point mutations were observed in 22% patients. Further, c.1149+1G>A and c.1150-2A>G were confirmed by hybrid minigene splicing assay (HMSA). This two splice site mutations would lead to two aberrant DMDisoforms which give rise to severely truncated protein. Therefore, the clinical use of MLPA, NGS, and HMSA is an effective strategy to identify variants. Importantly, eight embryos were terminated pregnancies according to prenatal diagnosis and a healthy boy was successfully delivered by preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Early and accurate genetic diagnosis is essential for prenatal diagnosis/PGD to reduce the risk of recurrence of DMD in affected families.

Molecule-based solid-state materials with long lifetimes could enable longer migration distances for excitons, which are beneficial for vast applications in optoelectronic field. Herein, we report a hexanuclear zinc cluster based MOF exhibits highly enhanced phosphorescence about 2 orders of magnitude in comparison with the pristine phosphor ligand. The combination of both experimental and computational results suggest that the {Zn6} cluster is very important for adjusting molecular conformations, packing arrangement, and photophysical properties of the organic phosphor ligands within the MOF matrix. Optoelectronic measurements reveal that the MOF-modified electrode is catalytically active to hydrogen evolution under light irradiation in neutral solution. Thus, our study provide an effective way to achieve low-cost metal-based phosphorescence MOF, expanding its further optoelectronic applications.

A novel aryl gold(I) isocyanide complex with reversible sponge mechanoresponsive luminescent (MRL) property is reported. Upon grinding, the green-emitting crystals (1g) converted to a yellow-emitting amorphous state (1y). There are two ways to achieve the reversible process: after placing 1yfor 10 h at room temperature, an intermediate state was generated and then dichloromethane (DCM) was added; 1gcan be directly obtained by recrystallizing in DCM. The recovery is triggered by the weak halogen bonding and π···π stacking interactions.

To evaluate the efficacy and short term prognosis of Tirofiban in different treatment duration in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) combined with intracoronary injection.

Worse reproductive health in the men born through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or other assisted reproductive techniques (ART) has been reported in many studies. However, owing to the interference of genetic and environmental factors, it is difficult to identify whether ICSI method would affect male reproductive health. Therefore, ART mouse models were established in this study. Besides semen quality, serum testosterone and histological analysis of testes, 6 paternally expressed imprinted genes were chosen to detect their expressions and methylation levels in testes of adult F1 and F2 mice. Although the phenotypic abnormalities weren’t found, Kcnq1ot1, Mest, Peg3, Plagl1 and Snrpn in ICSI group showed lower expressions than those in naturally conceived (NC) group. The expressions of Kcnq1ot1, Peg3 and Snrpn in in vitro fertilization (IVF) conceived mice was lower than those in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) conceived mice, but higher than those in ICSI mice. Most differences between NC and ICSI group and between IVF and ICSI group were also represented in F2 generations. During the methylation analysis, no matter there was significant difference between compared groups, the changing trends of methylation level were almost opposite to their corresponding gene expressions. These results indicated that the differential expressions of paternally expressed genes occurred in testes of ICSI mice, which may be mediated by methylation modification. Both ICSI procedure and mechanical stimulation can induce intergenerational transmission of the epigenetic changes. In vitro culture and mechanical stimulation were the main factors inducing the down regulation of paternally expressed imprinted genes in testes.

The conventional dynamometer diagram diagnosis method of rod pumped well has the function to calculate the well yield based on the downhole dynagraph. In recent years, it can substitute for the traditional separator metering mode technically through further development and support to measure the oil well in an automatic and remote manner, analyze the working conditions and alarm in a real time manner, thus simplifying the collection process and improving the metering accuracy and working efficiency. In this paper, the technical and management problems in development and application of automatic metering technology of rod pumped well dynamometer diagram in Huabei Oilfield are discussed and solutions are proposed in order to guide the wide application of such technology in Huabei Oilfield.

A nanocasting method using SBA-15 as a hard template was adopted to prepare mesoporous nanocrystalline ANbO3 (A = Li, Na, and K) samples. The characteristics of samples werecharacterized by techniques such asXRD, N2-sorption measurement, HRTEM and UVDRS. It was found that thealkality of the alkali metals could have profound impacts on the synthesis andthe physical properties of samples. The Li, Na, and K precursors can reacteasily with the siliceous template, and the reactivity varies with the alkalityof the alkali metal. The synthesis of KNbO3 is unsuccessful because of the high alkality ofK. The templated LiNbO3 andNaNbO3 consist of single crystalline nanoparticles that generate interparticle mesoporosity. The LiNbO3andNaNbO3 samples showed notably enhanced photocatalytic activitiesfor 2-propanol photodegradation in comparison to the counterparts prepared bythe solid state reaction.

Based on polycarboxylate chemistry, polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCs) with hydrophobic side chains were synthesized through radical copolymerization reaction. The molecular weight and polydispersity index were analyzed by gel permeation chromatograph (GPC), and the results showed the same structural information. The performances of PCs in cement paste were tested by measuring the fluidity and fluidity retention. The slump and the compressive strengths of concrete were also determined. Additionally, the foaming behavior of PCs was investigated by the foam volume, the surface tension of PCs aqueous solution,and the air content of concrete. According to the data, the hydrophobic side chains of PCs may affect the hydration reaction of cement resulting in better workability.

There existed a competitive adsorption of polycarboxylate (PC) molecular between cement particles and clay particles, and the amount of effective adsorption of PC on the cement particles was decreased. The clay particles carry a negative charge, so the Ca2+ that produced by the hydration of cement clinker minerals could be adsorbed. The positive charge density on the surface of cement particles was decreased. The amount of effective adsorption of PC on the cement particle surface was also decreased. The basic reason of the reduction of water-reducing rate of PC was the decreased of the amount of effective adsorption of PC on the cement particle surface.

Blade is one of the most important components of an aero engine; its geometric shape should be inspected carefully in the production stage to ensure that it satisfies the tolerance specification. Blending and torsion deformation are basic items of blade geometric shape inspection. Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM) has been widely used to perform the blade geometric shape measurement. Some sampling strategies for blade CMM measurement are discussed and one kind of blade blending and torsion deformation calculation method considering the CMM probe radius compensation is presented. Experiments based on simulation data and real measurement data are performed to verify the adopted sampling strategy and deformation calculation method.

The joint optimization problem of product schedule and preventive maintenace in the flow shop is NP hard. In this paper, a joint optimization model was firstly established by abstracting the tobacco production process into a equivalent two-machine flow shop. And then a simplified method was proposed to solve the model according to the characteristic of the problem. Finally, a case was used to verify the validity of the model and the effectiveness of the method.

Electronic Braking System (EBS) can improve the braking performance of trucks significantly. A novel control algorithm for EBS has been proposed in this paper, which consists of Driving Identification Module and Braking Force Distribution Module. Driving Identification Module can recognize the non-emergency braking situation according to the signal of the electronic braking pedal. Braking Force Distribution Module regulates the braking force on front and rear axle by comparing the slip-ratios on every axle. As a result, the optimum braking pressure on different axles can enhance the safety and balance the brake wear. The performance of the control algorithm has been simulated utilizing 15-DOF vehicle dynamic model. The results show that the control algorithm can provide a good braking feeling and the braking performance of the vehicle is perfect.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is commonly used to solve male infertility problems. Previous studies showed that early environmental exposure of an embryo may influence postnatal development. To detect whether ICSI operations affect the reproductive health of a male or his offspring, we established assisted reproductive technologies (ART) conceived mouse models, and analyzed gene expression profiles in the testes of both ICSI and naturally conceived (NC) newborn F1mice using micro-array analysis. Among the differentially expressed genes, we focused on the expression of eight male reproduction-related genes. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of these genes in the testes of both adult and old F1generation mice and adult F2generation mice. Our results showed that down-regulated and somatic cell-expressed genes in newborn mice retained their differential expression patterns in adult and old F1generation individuals, implying the persistence and fetal origin of the alteration in the expression of these genes. The intergenerational transmission of differential gene expression was observed, but most changes tended to be reduced in adult F2generations. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) mice models were added to explore the precise factors contributing to the differences in ICSI offspring. The data demonstrated that superovulation, in vitro culture, and mechanical stimulation involved in ICSI had a cumulative effect on the differential expression of these male reproductive genes.

Product service system is a bundle of products and services. For higher customer satisfaction, product service systems have to be configurated to lead to desired customer perceptions. And it is necessary for configuration to discover the mapping relationship which is normally characterized by imprecision, uncertainty and non-linearity, from product service systems to customer perceptions. This paper proposes an approach based on dominance relation rough set to extract configuration knowledge considering customer perceptions. Loadometer product service system is used as a case to validate the proposed approach, and the results gain from the case show that the approach is effective.

Two complexes, namely [Mn3(hpda)2(H2O)8]n(1) and [Co3(hpdaH)3(H2O)7]·(4, 4′py)·(H2O)3(2) (hpdaH3= 4‐hydroxypyridine‐2, 6‐dicarboxylic acid) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectrocopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Complex 1forms a 1D linear chain, which is extended by hydrogen bonds resulting in a 3D network. Complex 2consists of a trinuclear cobalt(II) unit, which is further linked by hydrogen bonds to form a 3D supramolecular network. Magnetic measurements show that there is a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the adjacent MnIIions in 1.

The introduction of foam into concrete, made the concrete have a small internal, closed independent uniform bubbles, which can form light weight, good insulation properties of foamed concrete, mainly used for roofing, non-load-bearing walls and thermal insulation layer pipeline. The purpose of this study is to obtain basic data on the properties of the development of lightweight foamed concrete containing a novel and high-efficiency foaming agent for various applications. The results show that this novel complex foaming agent have high foam expansion and stable foam. Lightweight foamed concrete based on LC foaming agent exhibits high compressive strength, low thermal conductivity and low water absorption after 28-day curing. Furthermore, it can be found that micropores is homogenously distributed into the LC foamed concrete with density of 400kg/m3.

The service-oriented manufacturing is a new advanced manufacturing model, which combines service and manufacturing intensively. Firstly, this paper elaborates the origin of service-oriented manufacturing and the concept of “product system”. Then, it analyzes the characters and value of service-oriented manufacturing. At last, several key directions of future research in service-oriented manufacturing are proposed.

Three new ZnIIcoordination polymers, [Zn(bpe)(HL)2(H2O)]n(1), {[Zn(bpe)(L)]·H2O}n(2), and [Zn2Ca(bpe)(HL)2(L)2]n(3) [H2L = 5‐methoxyisophthalic acid and bpe = 1,2‐dis(4‐pyridyl) ethylene], were hydrothermally synthesized under different pH values and bases. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and further characterized by elemental analyses and IR spectroscopy. Polymer 1is formed at pH = 4 and has a 1D chain structure. These 1D chains are linked by hydrogen bonds to afford a 1D double chain and further to form a threefold interpenetrating network. At pH = 7, a 2D layer structure of 2with sql topology is formed. By using calcium hydroxide as base for the synthesis of 3, a 3D network with pcu topology is obtained. These structural differences among 1–3indicate that pH value and the identity of the base play important role in defining the overall structures of metal‐organic frameworks. In addition, the fluorescent properties of 1–3are discussed.

Two CuIIcomplexes [Cu3(2,2′‐bipy)2(pdc)2)(H2O)2]·2H2O (1) and [Cu4(2,2′‐bipy)2(pdc)2(OH)2]n·2nH2O (2) (2,2′‐bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine; H3pdc = 3,5‐pyrazoledicarboxylic acid) were synthesized under hydrothermal reaction conditions. Because of different experimental conditions, the structure of complex 1is built up of a trinuclear CuIIunit and solvate water molecules, whereas complex 2has an novel one‐dimensional coordination polymeric structure linked by three kinds of bridging groups in an alternating manner. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of the compounds were performed and indicated antiferromagnetic interactions in 1and ferromagnetic interactions in 2.

Two new CoIIcoordination polymers [Co4(tbip)4(bipy)4(H2O)4] (1) and [Co(tbip)(phen)(H2O)]·H2O (2) (H2tbip = 5‐tert‐butyl isophthalic acid, bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1is a tbip‐bridged tetranuclear cobalt(II) complex, which is further linked by hydrogen bonds to form a supramolecular network. Compound 2shows a tbip‐bridged linear chain structure, which is extended by hydrogen bonds to generate a double chain. Magnetic measurements show that there are weak ferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent CoIIions in 1.

Photocatalytic degradation of pollutants is an effective environment purification strategy. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted extensive attention in the field of photocatalysis owing to their structural diversity, uniform cavity, and large specific surface area. However, poor electrical conductivity, light absorption, and water stability restrict their development. The tailorable structure of MOFs may effectively overcome these limitations. Herein, three Cu-based MOFs (complexes 1–3) with one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) structures, respectively, were successfully prepared by introducing different uncoordinated ligands and adjusting the ligand/metal salt ratio. Among them, complex 1with a 1D chain was constructed as a typical J-type aggregation by π–π stacking interactions between adjacent naphthalene rings. This intermolecular aggregation mode enhances strong exciton coupling between conjugated rings, reduces the transition energy, expands the intrinsic light absorption edge, and provides a channel for electron transport, thus improving the charge-separation efficiency. As expected, complex 1with a 1D chain structure exhibited excellent Fenton-like catalytic activity. The apparent reaction rates were 3.2 and 2.0 times higher than those of 2D and 3D MOFs, respectively.

One novel N-[(3-carboxyphenyl)sulfonyl]glycine (H3L1) ligand (1) was prepared in high yield, and its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Reaction of H3L1 with Mn(ClO4)2·6H2O at different pH values gave two new dinuclear complexes: [Mn2(HL1)2(phen)4]·16H2O (2) and [Mn2L1(phen)4(H2O)]ClO4·3H2O (3) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). Additionally, two copper(II) complexes, [K2Cu(L2)2(H2O)2]n (4) and [CuL2(H2O)]2·2H2O (5), involving another novel ligand, N,N′-(1,3-phenylenedisulfonyl)bis(glycine) (H2L2), were prepared by a one-pot reaction of 1,3-phenylenebis(sulfonyl chloride), glycine, and KOH or triethylamine in the presence of CuII ions. A self-assembled (H2O)30 cluster containing a puckered (H2O)12 ring core was found in 2, which presents a new mode of association of water molecules not predicted theoretically or previously observed experimentally. Furthermore, 2 forms a 2-D supramolecular structure through hydrogen bonding and unique π–π stacking interactions. In 3, there also exist discrete trimeric water clusters. The identity of the base determines the specific structural characteristics of 4 and 5. When potassium hydroxide was used for the synthesis of 4, it led to a 3-D copper(II)–potassium(I) coordination polymer; when triethylamine was used, paddle-wheel dinuclear units of copper(II) carboxylate were produced. Magnetic measurements show that there are weak antiferromagnetic interactions in 2–4. In 5 the χMT vs. T curve shows a minimum at 110 K and a climb from 110 K to 5 K, then a long-range antiferromagnetic ordering occurs, as revealed by a decrease in χMT with T. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)

Two new copper(II) compounds with imino nitroxide radicals [Cu(IM‐MeImz)2· (SCN)] 0.5[Cu(SCN)4] (1) and [Cu(IM‐MeImz)2· (SCN)]ClO4· H2O (2) (IM‐meImz = 2‐(5‐methylimidazol‐4‐yl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐2‐imidazoline‐1‐oxyl) have been synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. X‐ray analysis demonstrates that complex 1contains CuIIions in both square‐pyramidal and square planar coordination. There are complete charge separation into [Cu(IM‐MeImz)2(SCN)]+cations and 0.5[Cu(SCN)4]−anions, in a 2:1 ratio. The complex 1was connected as a one‐dimensional polymer by intermolecular interactions. In complex 2, the coordination around the copper atom is distorted square pyramidal and the apical position is occupied by one nitrogen atom of SCN−anion. The 2‐D network structure was formed and arranged through intermolecular H‐bonds interactions. The complex 1exhibits intramolecular weak ferromagnetic coupling between CuIIion and the radicals.

First N‐benzenesulfonyl‐L‐glutamic acid‐bridged manganese(II) coordination polymer [Mn(bipy)(bs‐glu)]n(bs‐glu = N‐benzenesulfonyl‐L‐glutamic acid dianion, bipy = 2, 2′‐bipyridine) has been synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P212121. The γ‐carboxyl group coordinates to the MnIIatom in a chelating mode, while the α‐carboxyl group coordinates in a bidentate‐bridging mode. The complex displays a one‐dimensional double‐chain polymer. Magnetic measurements show that there are weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent MnIIions in the compound.

The reaction of Pb(CH3COO)2·3H2O with N‐benzesulfonyl‐L‐glutamic acid in the presence of 2, 2′‐bipyridine (bipy) or 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) produced two novel complexes [Pb2(Bs‐glu)2(bipy)2] (1) and [Pb2(Bs‐glu)2(phen)2] (2) (Bs‐glu = N‐benzesulfonyl‐L‐glutamic acid dianion). In 1chains bearing alternative 16‐membered rings and Pb2O3nodes are constructed from the interactions of PbIIions with the carboxylates of Bs‐glu ligands. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first lead(II) complex of carboxylates with the formation of chains of Pb2O3. In 2the 16‐membered ring units are connected by centrosymmetric Pb2O2nodes to form chains. Complexes 1and 2construct the 3‐D supramolecular architectures through versatile hydrogen bonds and π‐π stacking interactions.

A new building block for molecule-based magnetic materials — thiazole-substituted nitronyl nitroxide NIT2-thz [1, NIT2-thz = 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-(2'- thiazolyl)imidazolin-1-oxyl 3-oxide] and its copper(II) complexes [Cu(NIT2-thz)2(N3)2] (2) and [CuCl2(NIT2-thz)2] (3) — have been synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. Compound 1 is found to contain two crystallographically independent molecules; the shortest contact between nitroxide groups is 4.900 Å. Both 2 and 3 are mononuclear complexes, in which the copper(II) centers are hexacoordinate. In complex 2, the copper(II) ion has an elongated octahedral geometry, but complex 3 has a rare compressed-octahedral coordination sphere. Magnetic susceptibility data for compounds 1−3 have been measured in the range 5−300 K. There are ferromagnetic interactions (J = 10.13 cm⁻¹) between the Cu^II ions and the radicals of 2, and antiferromagnetic interactions (J = −8.17 cm⁻¹) between the Cu^II ions and the radicals of 3. The magnetic properties of complexes 2 and 3 are discussed in connection with their crystal structures. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)

Two novel oxamido-bridged heterobinuclear copper(ii)–manganese(ii) complexes derived from macrocylic oxamido compounds incorporating different blocking ligands were synthesized and characterized by IR and electronic spectroscopy. They are of formula [Cu(L)Mn(phen)₂](ClO₄)₂·1.5H₂O (1) and [Cu(L)Mn(ntb)](ClO₄)₂·H₂O (2), where L = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-2,3-dione, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and ntb = tris(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)amine. The crystal structures of the two complexes have been determined and they consist of binuclear units in which the copper(ii) ion is in a square-planar environment and linked to the manganese(ii) ion via the exo–cis oxygen atoms of the oxamido macrocyclic ligand, with Cu⋯Mn separations of 5.421 (1) and 5.486 Å (2), respectively. The packing of the molecules along the a orientation in 2 results in open channels, which were extended into a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded supramolecular network. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility for 1 and 2 were analyzed by means of the Hamiltonian, Ĥ = −2JŜ_MnŜ_Cu, leading to J = −14.2 and −14.7 cm−1 for 1 and 2, respectively.

Transcription factor NF-κB has both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic properties depending on the cell type. Its role in the intestinal epithelial cell has not been well elucidated. Trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) is an anti-apoptotic peptide secreted by intestinal goblet cells. Here we show that TFF3 activated NF-κB p50/p65 heterodimer within 1 h in IEC-18 cells (a nontransformed rat intestinal epithelial cell line). Moreover, we found that TFF3-treated IEC-18 cells are resistant to anoikis, an anchorage-related apoptosis in epithelium. In addition, the stable expression of a mutant form of the endogenous NF-κB inhibitor (IκBαmut) in IEC-18 cells results in a significant attenuation of anti-anoikic effect of TFF3. Taken together, these data indicate that (1) TFF3 is an endogenous gastrointestinal peptide with anti-anoikic property; (2) TFF3 activates NF-κB in enterocytes; and (3) TFF3-induced resistance to anoikis in intestinal epithelial cells is mediated by a distinct signaling cascade linked to NF-κB. Furthermore, our study implicates NF-κB as an important regulator in survival pathway of intestinal epithelial cells.

Abstract: This study compared the antioxidative activity of green tea catechin (GTC) extract with that of rosemary extract in canola oil, pork lard, and chicken fat. The GTC extract was obtained from jasmine and longjing green teas and mainly consisted of four epicatechin isomers including (−)epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (−)epigallocatechin (EGC), (−)epicatechin (EC), and (−)epicatechin gallate (ECG). The oxidation was conducted at 100 ± 2°C by monitoring oxygen uptake. The oxygen consumption test demonstrated that GTC extract was much more effective than the rosemary extract against lipid oxidation in canola oil, pork lard, and chicken fat under the conditions of the present study. Together with our previous study which showed that GTC extract was more protective than butylated hydroxytoluene as an antioxidant, these results suggest that GTC as a mixture of EGCG, EGC, EC, and ECG may serve as an antioxidant in processed foods.

This study compared the antioxidative activity of green tea catechin (GTC) extract with that of rosemary extract in canola oil, pork lard, and chicken fat. The GTC extract was obtained from jasmine and longjing green teas and mainly consisted of four epicatechin isomers including (-)epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (-)epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)epicatechin (EC), and (-)epicatechin gallate (ECG). The oxidation was conducted at 100 ± 2°C by monitoring oxygen uptake. The oxygen consumption test demonstrated that GTC extract was much more effective than the rosemary extract against lipid oxidation in canola oil, pork lard, and chicken fat under the conditions of the present study. Together with our previous study which showed that GTC extract was more protective than butylated hydroxytoluene as an antioxidant, these results suggest that GTC as a mixture of EGCG, EGC, EC, and ECG may serve as an antioxidant in processed foods.

This study compared the antioxidative activity of green tea catechin (GTC) extract with that of rosemary extract in canola oil, pork lard, and chicken fat. The GTC extract was obtained from jasmine and longjing green teas and mainly consisted of four epicatechin isomers including (-)epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (-)epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)epicatechin (EC), and (-)epicatechin gallate (ECG). The oxidation was conducted at 100 ± 2°C by monitoring oxygen uptake. The oxygen consumption test demonstrated that GTC extract was much more effective than the rosemary extract against lipid oxidation in canola oil, pork lard, and chicken fat under the conditions of the present study. Together with our previous study which showed that GTC extract was more protective than butylated hydroxytoluene as an antioxidant, these results suggest that GTC as a mixture of EGCG, EGC, EC, and ECG may serve as an antioxidant in processed foods.

This study compared the antioxidative activity of green tea catechin (GTC) extract with that of rosemary extract in canola oil, pork lard, and chicken fat. The GTC extract was obtained from jasmine and longjing green teas and mainly consisted of four epicatechin isomers including (−)epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (−)epigallocatechin (EGC), (−)epicatechin (EC), and (−)epicatechin gallate (ECG). The oxidation was conducted at 100 ± 2°C by monitoring oxygen uptake. The oxygen consumption test demonstrated that GTC extract was much more effective than the rosemary extract against lipid oxidation in canola oil, pork lard, and chicken fat under the conditions of the present study. Together with our previous study which showed that GTC extract was more protective than butylated hydroxytoluene as an antioxidant, these results suggest that GTC as a mixture of EGCG, EGC, EC, and ECG may serve as an antioxidant in processed foods.

Reasonably designing highly pH-stable lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) is of great importance for multifunctional applications. Herein, three isostructural Ln-MOFs, namely, {[Ln(tcmb)(H2O)2]·2H2O}n(1-Ln, where Ln = Eu, Tb, Gd), have been synthesized and characterized. Experiments results showed that 1-Tbdisplayed high thermal, pH, and luminescence stability, which provided the possibility for its practical application. Because of the excellent luminescence performances of Ln-MOFs, the luminescent sensing and photocatalytic properties were investigated. 1-Tbexhibits high sensitivity, selectivity for sensing Fe3+, CrO42–/Cr2O72–ions in the presence of other competition ions. In addition, 1-Gddemonstrates the high photocatalytic activity for degrading tetracycline (TC) under visible light, with the degradation efficiency achieving 82% approximately. To prepare multicolor luminescence materials, by adjusting the relative proportion of Eu3+and Tb3+we constructed bimetallic Ln-MOFs 1-EuxTb1–xwith excellent linear color tunability from green to red, suggesting that 1-EuxTb1–xcan be the candidates for optical imaging and barcode research.

The title complex {[Co(dimb)2(H2O)2]·(NO3)2·(H2O)2}n(1) (dimb = 1,3‐di(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)‐5‐methylbenzene) has been hydrothermally synthesized by the reaction of dimb with Co(NO3)2·6H2O in aqueous solution. The cobalt(II) atoms are linked by bridging dimb ligands to form 2D corrugated and wavy networks containing Co4(dimb)4macrocyclic motifs. Two neighboring independent layers interlinked each other in a parallel fashion to construct three‐dimensional structure by O–H···O, N–H···O and C–H···O hydrogen bonds. Magnetic measurement shows the weak antiferromagnetic interaction with a one‐dimensional chain model in the range of 5–300 K, with Jof –0.68 cm−1.

In conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF), complete failure of fertilization occurs in 5% to 15% of treatments. Although the causes may be unclear, sperm defects appear to be the major contributor. However, a convincing test is not yet available that can predict the risk of fertilization failure. In this study, we found that germinal angiotensin-converting enzyme (gACE) (also called testicular ACE) was undetectable in sperm from patients who had total fertilization failure (TFF) and lower fertilization rates (LFRs) by IVF based on Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence analyses. Additionally, almost all of the patients without gACE on sperm (23 of 25) manifested a TT genotype of the rs4316 single-nucleotide polymorphism of ACE. Overall, our results indicate that the absence of gACE expression is responsible for TFF and LFRs by IVF. The rs4316 polymorphism of ACE might be associated with infertility in those patients. We conclude that sperm lacking gACE may be recognized before commencing IVF and that the patients may be directed instead to consider intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Epidemiological studies have reported a higher incidence of growth disorders among newborns conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF), suggesting that IVF may be disruptive to the process of embryonic and fetal growth. However, the long-term effects of IVF on the growth and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the body weight of IVF mice from birth to the age of 1.5 yr. In addition, we analyzed gene expression of insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2), H19, Igf2receptor (Igf2r), and miR-483 and their DNA methylation status using real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot, and pyrosequencing. The results showed that when compared with the in vivo group, the body weight of IVF mice was significantly higher at birth, but lower at 3 wk; in addition, gene expression of Igf2was significantly up-regulated, with down-regulated expression of H19and miR-483in both liver and skeletal muscle. At the same time, there were significant differences in the DNA methylation rates of Igf2/H19differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and the IGF2 protein expression between the two groups. In the IVF treatment group, the differences in growth and expression disappeared at 10 wk. However, at 1.5 yr of age, aberrant expressions of Igf2/H19, Igf2r, and miR-483 and changes in DNA methylation rates in the liver or skeletal muscle were again observed in IVF mice. Our results indicate that IVF causes alterations in mouse growth during the postnatal periods that may be associated with alterations in Igf2/H19expression and likely involve the regulation of miR-483 and the methylation status of Igf2/H19DMRs.

KNbP2O8(I) is synthesized by dispersing a solution of Nb2O5in HF (110 °C, 24 h) into a mixture of H2O, ethylene glycol, KOH, and 85% H3PO4(autoclave, 180 °C, 7 d, 37% yield).

The title compound is solvothermally synthesized from a mixture of Al(OPr)3, H3BO3, and diethylenetriamine in the presence of HF as mineralizer and H2O/pyridine as medium (autoclave, 180 °C, 7 d, 35% yield).