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Plant micronutrients can promote growth and resist the invasion of severe bacterial disease pathogens but their low efficiency and toxicity accumulation need to be addressed. A facile strategy of ionic liquid (IL)-assisted boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS) exfoliation and conjugation with various amounts of ammonium dimolybdate (ADM) providing plant micronutrients was proposed. The specific surface area grew by 14.8% viaexfoliation and functionalization by BNNS–IL–ADM. The loading content of ADM within BNNS–IL–ADM with different ratios of ADM was 3.18%, 6.25%, and 10.04%. BNNS–IL–ADM aqueous dispersions under neutral condition exhibited a larger absolute magnitude of zeta potential and manifested better colloidal dispersibility. BNNS–IL–ADM acting as a carrier afforded high loading capacity (509.0 mg g−1) of volatile active ingredients, and also achieved long-term release behavior viathe nanoconfinement effect fitting best with the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. BNNS–IL–ADM improved the antibacterial efficiency by 92.86% and 92.50% against soil-borne phytopathogenic bacteria Ralstonia solanacearumin comparison with ADM and commercial formulation. The stem diameter as an index against the infection of R. solanacearumin a pot experiment was increased by 48.28% and 10.26% when treated by BNNS–IL–ADM in comparison with water control and ADM treatment. Moreover, BNNS–IL–ADM showed a promoting effect on seed germination and plant growth and represented facilitated fixation of major organic elements within plant tissue. BNNS–IL–ADM also presented excellent adhesion ability and uniform coating as a seed dressing agent. Such platform offers a feasible strategy for control of soil-borne bacterial wilt disease viatriggered sustained release of nutrients and active ingredients acting on-demand.

Long-term exposure to Fipronil (FIP) roots the vital organ, like liver, kidney, and neurological disorders. Therefore, fast, portable and low-cost sensors are required to detect FIP in environmental and food samples. Here, an electrochemical sensor was successfully developed by using Si-69-β-CD and N-rGO modified a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the detection of FIP. The novel Si-69-β-CD composite was prepared by a facile hydrothermal method was subjected to Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometers (EDS), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for morphological and structural confirmation. Results:The electrochemical properties of β-CD were improved by grafting Si-69 as estimated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The electrochemical studies demonstrated that the developed Si-69-β-CD/N-rGO/GCE sensor exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for FIP. In addition, under optimized experimental conditions, the Si-69-β-CD/N-rGO/GCE sensor for FIP was shown a wide linear range of 0.01–20 µmol/L and the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0023 µmol/L. The usefulness of the sensor for the detection of FIP in egg samples was also investigated. Significance:Our study is valueable to the analytical methodology for measurements of Fiproni with a novel method that is robust and sensitive than others. Our current study showed sufficient sensitivity and accuracy and thus is suitable for future application in measuring contaminants in environmental and food samples.

This study aims to explore the utility of ColorViz mapping from dual data sources for assessing arterial collateral circulation and predicting cerebral tissue-level collateral (TLC) in patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. A retrospective study was conducted at a single center on a cohort of 79 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic cerebrovascular diseases between November 2021 and April 2022, who had undergone both multi-phase CT angiography (mCTA) and computed tomography perfusion (CTP). The quality of images and arterial collateral status depicted on ColorViz maps from dual data-sets (mCTA and CTP) were assessed using a “5-point scale” and a “10-point scale,” respectively. The status of TLC was evaluated by analyzing multilevel hypoperfusion volume and the hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR). The Spearman correlation coefficient was employed to examine the association between arterial collateral status derived from dual data sources and TLC. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic efficacy in detecting large vessel occlusive acute ischemic stroke (LVO-AIS). The ColorViz maps derived from dual data sources facilitated comparable image quality, with over 95% of cases meeting diagnostic criteria, for the evaluation of arterial level collateral circulation. Patients with robust arterial collateral circulation, as determined by dual data sources, were more likely to exhibit favorable TLC status, as evidenced by reductions in hypoperfusion volume (Tmax > 4 seconds, Tmax > 6 seconds, Tmax > 8 seconds, and Tmax > 10 seconds, P < .05) and HIR (Tmax > 6 seconds/4 seconds, Tmax > 8 seconds/4 seconds, Tmax > 10 seconds/4 seconds, and Tmax > 8 seconds/6 seconds, P < .05). The sensitivity and specificity in detecting LVO-AIS was 60.00% and 97.73% for mCTA source maps, while 74.29% and 72.73% for CTP source maps (P > .05 based on De-Long test). In conclusion, this study indicates that ColorViz maps derived from both data sources are equally important in evaluating arterial collateral circulation and enhancing diagnostic efficiency in patients with LVO-AIS, as well as offering insights into the TLC status based on hypoperfusion volume and HIR.

ABSTRACTStudies over the past decades have implicated lncRNAs in promoting the development, migration and invasion of gastric cancer (GC). However, the role and mechanism of lncRNA MBNL1-AS1 in GC promotion are poorly understood. In this research, qRT-PCR showed that MBNL1-AS1 was down-regulated in GC tissues and cells. Cell experiments and the animal study demonstrated that MBNL1-AS1 knockdown accelerated GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, thus restraining cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, overexpression of MBNL1-AS1 repressed GC cell promotion. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed that MBNL1-AS1 binds to miR-424-5p via negative modulation. Rescue experiments showed that decreased miR-424-5p level inhibited GC cell promotion by silencing MBNL1-AS1. Furthermore, Smad7 was identified as a target of miR-424-5p that could reverse the promotion of GC cell growth mediated by miR-424-5p. Western blot results proved that MBNL1-AS1 affected TGF-β/SMAD pathways by regulating the miR-424-5p/Smad7 axis. Collectively, MBNL1-AS1 restrained GC growth via the miR-424-5p/Smad7 axis and thus could be a promising target for GC therapy. These findings illustrate that lncRNA MBNL1-AS1, as a tumor suppressor gene, participates in GC progression by regulating miR-424-5p/Smad7 axis, thus activating TGF-β/EMT pathways. The evidence may provide a potential marker for GC patients.

To continue our efforts to discover novel fungicide lead structures, a series of 3,4-dichloroisothiazole-based-strobilurin derivatives were synthesized and characterized. In vitrobioassay screening with 9 different plant pathogens suggested that the linker between 3,4-dichloroisothiazole and the pharmacophore played a critical role in fungicidal potency and scope. Among these, compound 2awith a cis-methoxy oxime ether as a linker was a better active compound. Further modification of 2a, 4aand 6aby replacement of carboxylic ester with a carboxamide led to the best active compound 7ain this study. In vivobioassay screening and verification indicated that compounds 1cand 7adisplayed the best efficacy against wheat white powder (Erysiphe graminis) and corn rust (Puccinia sorghiSchw). In addition, compound 7awas validated by upregulating salicylic acid (SA) signaling and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related gene expression. A potent lead compound with a broad spectrum of fungicidal and systemic acquired resistance activity has been discovered by bridging 3,4-dichloroisothiazole and the strobilurin pharmacophore with various linkers.

Herein, we prepared and compared two water-soluble amphiphilic zein-based nanocarrier systems with avermectin (AVM) payload to enhance pesticide’s water-dispersity, foliage wettability, adhesion, anti-UV, and pH-responsive controlled release property. Ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) and diethanolamine (DEA) were utilized to conjugate with hydrophobic zein via a ring-opening reaction and then encapsulated with AVM via a hydrophobic interaction to fabricate a nanopesticide marked as AVM@Zein-EGDE/DEA. For the sake of further improving the nanocarrier’s performance, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was grafted with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) to form a kind of copolymer CMC-g-P(HEMA-MMA), which was applied to conjugate with Zein-EGDE via a ring-opening reaction. Likewise, another nanopesticide system named AVM@Zein-EGDE/CMC-g-P(HEMA-MMA) was obtained through hydrophobic interactions as well as the electrostatic effect. Various techniques were utilized to confirm chemical interaction, thermal behavior, structural characteristics, and stability. The results showed that AVM encapsulated in Zein-EGDE/CMC-g-P(HEMA-MMA) possessed a larger particle size with an average value of 180–254 nm than AVM loaded in Zein-EGDE/DEA with 144–175 nm but had better stability in aqueous solution. Also, AVM loaded in Zein-EGDE/CMC-g-P(HEMA-MMA) enhanced the encapsulation efficiency, and both of them exhibited excellent pH-responsive sustained release behavior. Besides, the former improved wettability on a cucumber leaf surface and enhanced adhesion ability compared to AVM@Zein-EGDE/DEA because of CMC-g-P(HEMA-MMA) with hydrophobic segments. Similarly, anti-UV performance was also enhanced owing to CMC-g-P(HEMA-MMA) as an additional protective layer. More importantly, the encapsulation of Zein-EGDE/DEA and Zein-EGDE/CMC-g-P(HEMA-MMA) as protective barriers for AVM still retained a similar toxicity level. Overall, we demonstrated the proof of concept for the application of amphiphilic zein-based nanomaterials as aqueous nanocarriers for hydrophobic pesticides.

To improve the utilization of pesticides and reduce the amount of pesticides used, sustained-release nanoparticles were prepared. Soybean protein isolate (SPI) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were modified to obtain hydrazine-modified SPI and aldehyde-modified CMC, respectively, and SPI-CMC was prepared by the condensation of hydrazine and aldehyde groups, forming a hydrazone bond. SPI-CMC was heated and loaded with avermectin (AVM) to obtain AVM/SPI-CMC. The encapsulation efficiency property, anti-ultraviolet property, sustained-release characteristics, pH responsiveness, and toxicological profiles were studied. The particles in the formulation were spherical-like, with sizes ranging between 150 and 250 nm. The encapsulation efficiency increased with the addition of SPI, which reached 44.49% when SPI was added in a mass ratio of mSPI-HYD:mCMC-ALD= 2:1. The percentage of remaining AVM in AVM/SPI-CMC was 31.47% higher than that in the AVM solution after UV irradiation for 43 h. Moreover, the nanoparticles were responsive to pH. SPI-CMC had no significant effect on the insecticidal toxicity of AVM. Environmental friendly SPI-CMC could protect and release pesticides continuously, which could improve the efficiency of pesticides.

Donepezil is a clinically approved acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) for cognitive improvement in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Donepezil has been used as a first-line agent for the symptomatic treatment of AD, but its ability to modify disease pathology and underlying mechanisms is not clear. We investigated the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of donepezil in AD-related triple transgenic (APPSwe/PSEN1M146V/MAPTP301L) mouse model (3×Tg-AD). Mice (8-month old) were treated with donepezil (1.3 mg/kg) for 4 months and evaluated by behavioral tests for assessment of cognitive functions, and the hippocampal tissues were examined by protein analysis and quantitative proteomics. Behavioral tests showed that donepezil significantly improved the cognitive capabilities of 3×Tg-AD mice. The levels of soluble and insoluble amyloid beta proteins (Aβ1–40and Aβ1–42) and senile plaques were reduced in the hippocampus. Golgi staining of the hippocampus showed that donepezil prevented dendritic spine loss in hippocampal neurons of 3×Tg-AD mice. Proteomic studies of the hippocampal tissues identified 3131 proteins with altered expression related to AD pathology, of which 262 could be significantly reversed with donepezil treatment. Bioinformatics with functional analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network mapping showed that donepezil significantly elevated the protein levels of PINK 1, NFASC, MYLK2, and NRAS in the hippocampus, and modulated the biological pathways of axon guidance, mitophagy, mTOR, and MAPK signaling. The substantial upregulation of PINK 1 with donepezil was further verified by Western blotting. Donepezil exhibited neuroprotective effects via multiple mechanisms. In particular, PINK 1 is related to mitophagy and cellular protection from mitochondrial dysfunction, which might play important roles in AD pathogenesis and represent a potential therapeutic target.

Correction for ‘Functionalized boron nitride nanosheets conjugated with plant micronutrients as seed dressing agents towards control of bacterial wilt disease’ by Li Hao et al., Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023, 10, 2343–2358, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00173C.

Zein’s prevalent hydrophobic character is one of the major challenges associated with ineffective utilization as an aqueous nanocarrier for pesticides. Herein, we report an effective approach to hydrophilic modification of zein by phosphorylation using nontoxic sodium tripolyphosphate (STP), thereby improving the water-solubility, foliage wettability, and adhesion ability of zein as a nanocarrier for sustained release of pesticides. The procedure relied on zein grafted with STP via N- and O- phosphate bonds and encapsulation of avermectin (AVM) as a hydrophobic model drug using phosphorylated zein (P-Zein), which achieved pH sensitivity to controlled release of AVM in various applicable environments. The chemical interaction between zein and STP was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetric. Scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential technique were applied to investigate their structural characteristics and stability, from which it was found that AVM encapsulated in P-Zein (AVM@P-Zein) formed uniform nanoparticles with average sizes in the range of 174–278 nm under different conditions, and had an excellent stability in aqueous solution. Besides, AVM@P-Zein facilitated the wettability on the foliage surface evidenced from contact angle values owing to the amphiphilic character after phosphorylation as well as enhanced the adhesion ability between liquid and leaf, restricting the pesticide runoff. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy was employed to explore the anti-UV property and encapsulation as well as release behavior, which revealed that the presence of P-Zein like a shell protects AVM from UV photolysis with encapsulation efficiency of approximately 81.52%, and the release of AVM from P-Zein showed pH-responsive behavior ascribed to protonation and deprotonation of phosphate under various pH conditions fitting to Elovich kinetic model, achieving the relatively more rapid release under acidic conditions. More importantly, AVM@P-Zein retained the toxicity for insecticidal effect.

ABSTRACTCircular RNA (circRNA) has been confirmed to play a vital role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression. However, the function and regulatory mechanism of hsa_circ_0012634 in PDAC progression remain unclear. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of hsa_circ_0012634, microRNA (miR)-147b and homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2). Cell function was assessed by cell counting kit 8 assay, EdU assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry. Glucose uptake and lactate production were evaluated to determine cell glycolysis ability. Protein expression was examined by western blot analysis. RNA interaction was confirmed by RNA pull-down assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Exosomes were isolated from serums and cell culture supernatant using ultracentrifugation and identified by transmission electron microscopy. Animal experiments were conducted using nude mice. Hsa_circ_0012634 was downregulated in PDAC tissues and cells, and its overexpression suppressed PDAC cell proliferation, glycolysis and enhanced apoptosis. MiR-147b was targeted by hsa_circ_0012634, and its inhibitors repressed PDAC cell growth and glycolysis. HIPK2 could be targeted by miR-147b, and hsa_circ_0012634 regulated miR-147b/HIPK2 to suppress PDAC cell progression. Hsa_circ_0012634 was lowly expressed in serum exosomes of PDAC patients. Exosomal hsa_circ_0012634 inhibited PDAC cell growth and glycolysis in vitro, as well as tumorigenesis in vivo. Exosomal hsa_circ_0012634 restrained PDAC progression via the miR-147b/HIPK2 pathway, confirming that hsa_circ_0012634 might serve as a diagnosis and treatment biomarker for PDAC.

Researchers are still faced, with the challenge of creating a readily fabricated ion-imprinted electrode that can quickly and precisely detect trace metal ions. In this paper, a novel surface ion-imprinted polymer (sur-IIP) based on Au nanoparticle with high conductivity was synthesized and modified on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE). From structural characterization, the functional monomer, thiolated chitosan, was self-assembled on the surface of Au nanoparticle by the ‘Au-S’ bond and formed an imprinted layer in 15 nm thick. During the electrochemical measurement, different detection parameters such as supporting electrolyte, pH, deposition potential, deposition time were optimized under the optimal conditions, the modified electrode exhibited a extensive linear range from (0.05–30 μmol L-1) and lowest limit of detection was 0.0487 μmol L-1. The developed sensor was applied for the detection of traces of Cu (II) ions from tap water as well as from drinking water successfully. Compared with other surface ion-imprinted polymers, the sur-IIP in this paper were more conductive and could be modified tightly on the electrode by dip-dropping. The overall strategy of preparing the ion-imprinted polymer on the surface of Au nanoparticles were accessible and efficient.

Objective Hemorrhage from the stump of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) is a significant postoperative risk with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Studies have shown that wrapping the GDA stump using the omentum or the falciform ligament can help prevent bleeding. We aimed to determine whether wrapping the GDA stump with the ligamentum teres hepatis (LTH) would reduce postoperative PD hemorrhage.Methods We retrospectively reviewed data for 148 patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) at our hospital from November 2015 to September 2021. We compared perioperative data from 63 LPD patients without wrapping of the GDA (unwrapped group) and 85 whose GDA stumps were wrapped (wrapped group).Results There were no significant differences in the groups’ baseline characteristics. The postoperative GDA stump bleeding incidence was significantly lower in the wrapped group than that in the unwrapped group (7.9% vs. 0, respectively). There was also no significant difference in the incidence of other complications (intra-abdominal infection, postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), biliary fistula, and gastrointestinal bleeding).Conclusion Using the LTH to wrap the GDA stump during LPD can reduce bleeding from the GDA stump but not the incidence of other complications.

ABSTRACTCurcumin and fenretinide are 2 well-known and promising chemotherapeutic compounds via various molecular mechanisms. However, the anticancer capacity of either curcumin or fenretinide is limited. This prompted us to examine the combined anticancer effects of curcumin and fenretinide. Our results demonstrate for the first time that there is synergistic anticancer effect of combined treatment with these 2 agents, leading to enhanced cytotoxicity and enhanced expression level of pro-apoptotic protein cleaved PARP in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells while showed little toxicity to rat cardiomyoblast normal cells. The combination treatment was also demonstrated to inhibit lung carcinoma growth in vivo. Furthermore, we show that fenretinide or the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA decreased curcumin-induced Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) upregulation, and produced a similar enhanced cytotoxic effect. In addition, GRP78 knockdown by siRNA also enhanced the cytotoxic effect of curcumin in A549 and H1299 cells. Our findings suggest that the 2 small molecules, when used in combination, can potentially be effective therapeutic agents for treating NSCLC, at least in part, by regulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone protein GRP78.

Soil salinization is one of the global ecological and environmental problems that are tremendously threatening to the sustainable development of agriculture and food supply. In this work, a facile strategy was proposed to enhance the salt stress resistance of plants by preparing salicylic acid (SA)-functionalized mesoporous silica nanocarriers loaded with emamectin benzoate (EB). The obtained nanopesticides demonstrated a particle size of less than 300 nm. As an endogenous plant hormone, the grafting of SA in this nanopesticide system improved the uptake and translocation of pesticides in cucumber plants by 145.06%, and the applications of such nanopesticides enhanced the salt stress resistance of plants. This phenomenon was accounted for by the SA-functionalized nanopesticides increasing the superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities (640 and 175%, respectively) and reducing the malondialdehyde content (54.10%), correspondingly alleviating the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and cell damage in plants. The above results were also confirmed by Evans blue staining and NBT staining experiments on cucumber leaves. In addition, these nanopesticides exhibited high insecticidal toxicity, and they also demonstrated biosafety toward nontarget organisms due to their sustained release property. Therefore, this work developed a biosafe SA-functionalized nanopesticide system, and these newly developed nanopesticides have potential in the agricultural field for enhancing salt stress resistance of plants.

Meeting Multiple Demands Under Climate ChangeUS and Canadian agricultural lands are being pressed to provide more environmental and economic services, while at the same time their capacity to provide these services under potential climate change (CC) is being questioned (Field et al. 2007; CAST 2011). Producers are already experiencing weather patterns outside of climate norms (e.g., the 2011 droughts in Texas, and flooding along the Missouri River in the United States and along the Red River in Canada) that have had significant impacts on production. Predictions of future climate conditions for the US Midwest include longer growing seasons that could potentially increase crop yields but also increase heat waves, floods, droughts, and insect and weed issues that may then adversely impact production (USGCRP 2009). Climate change drives many stressors and interacts with many nonclimatic stressors. This makes it difficult to forecast outcomes in any general way other than many existing threats to agricultural production, such as erosion and pests, which will most likely be exacerbated under shifting climate (Field et al. 2007; USGCRP 2009). Creating profitable and healthy operations under this unpredictable interplay of factors driven by shifting climate (and, along with it, shifting markets) will…

Abstract: The spatial functions of surface area density (vegetative surface area per unit canopy volume) and cubic density (vegetative volume per unit canopy volume) have been used as two three-dimensional (3D) structural descriptors for shelterbelt. The functions were defined by models as a general case. However, sub-models such as surface area, volume, and corresponding distributions were not explicitly defined for poplar trees, which are a dominant woody species in shelterbelts all over China, and this limits applications of the models in China and elsewhere. In order to define and develop these sub-models for shelterbelts, poplar trees were destructively sampled from multiple-row shelterbelts and then were measured for their surface area and volume. Using these measurements, we estimated parameters to define their equations explicitly. Based on the architecture and planting patterns of trees in shelterbelts, the distribution of the surface areas and volumes vertically and across the width for different tree heights were constructed for the three components of trunks, branches and leaves. Incorporating the defined equations into the models, we described the 3D structure of a multiple-row poplar shelterbelt. The results showed that, the spatial change in magnitude of surface area density (0.215–10.131 m2/m3) or cubic density (0.00007–0.04667 m3/m3) in shelterbelts is large and their distributions are not uniform. The assumption for boundary-layer flow modeling efforts that the 3D distribution of shelterbelt structure was uniform is not the case in field. The 3D structure model not only can be used to model the flow field as influenced by each tree component, but also can express the entire aerodynamic characteristics of a shelterbelt. The methodologies and equations that are developed in this study can be applied to estimate the 3D structure of a shelterbelt with a design similar to our studied poplar shelterbelts in terms of species composition and planting patterns. The fitted models can be used to describe the 3D aerodynamic structure of field shelterbelts. Furthermore, an improved description of shelterbelt structure has great potential to improve the simulation of boundary layer flows as influenced by that shelterbelt. Such insights can eventually be used to quantify the design of shelterbelt structure and/or adjustment for managing the function of shelterbelts and their effects on microclimate.

The Jiaodong super-large gold metallogenic region is located on the eastern margin of the North China craton and the western margin of the Circum-Pacific tectonic belt. Ore-forming chronology indicates that these deposits formed at 120 ± 10 Ma. Helium and argon isotope compositions of fluid inclusions in pyrite range in 3He/4He ratios from 0.38 to 2.36 R/Ra (R: 3He/4He ratios of samples; Ra: 3He/4He ratios of Beijing air, 1.4 x 10-6) and in 40Ar/36Ar ratios from 310 to 1148. δ18O and δD values of fluid inclusions in quartz are -2.16 to +6.28‰ and -65 to -98‰, respectively. A consistent relationship between H-O and He-Ar isotopic systems show that mantle-source fluids were involved in large-scale metallogeny in the Jiaodong region. The fluids were produced accompanying delamination, lithosphere thinning, and crust-mantle interaction that occurred in the eastern North China craton during the Early Cretaceous (140-120 Ma).

Reports on trends in the importation and exportation of oil in several countries as of October 9, 2003. Russia; China; Japan; United States.

Presents comments by Chinese experts on the six-party talks over Korean nuclear issue held in Beijing, China. Publisher Wang Gangyi; Researcher Ruan Zongze; Researcher Gao Haikuan.

Silica-rich metasomatism is invoked as a mechanism for the conversion of clinopyroxene-bearing peridotites to orthopyroxene-rich, clinopyroxene-poor peridotites. While harzburgites are a major constituent of the garnet-diamond facies “keel” of Archaean (> 2500 Ma) cratons, metasomatic conversion of lherzolite to harzburgite is not widely documented from cratonic rocks. We report on the replacement of diopside by enstatite in polymict peridotites from Kimberley, South Africa and provide elemental and isotopic constraints on the nature of this process. Silica-rich metasomatism appears to have occurred at mid-craton depths and to have involved a silica-rich derivative of incompatible element-rich melts like kimberlite. The preservation of elemental and isotopic disequilibria in these mantle rocks may arise from the nearly synchronous occurrences of the kimberlite entrainment process and fluid-assisted deformation/crack propagation resulting in polymict formation.

Interviews three noted Chinese specialists on historical issues, the present situation and the future of the Korean Peninsula. Chen Fengjun, professor of the College of International Relations of Peking University; Yu Meihua and Chu Shulong, research fellows of the Research Institute of Contemporary International Relations of China.

•LINC01857 is upregulated in PAAD and promotes malignant cellular behaviors.•LINC01857 interacts with miR-19a-3p to regulate SMOC2 expression.•LINC01857 promotes malignant cellular phenotypes by upregulating SMOC2.

Background: Biological pesticides, especially baculovirus, often lose their activity under the influence of external light, temperature, and other changes. This limited the application of them. The present study was aimed to prolong the biological activity and ensure the efficacy of a biological pesticide using microencapsulation technology. Results: In this study, gelatin/carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-Spodoptera lituranucleopolyhedrovirus microcapsules were prepared. The morphological characteristics, apparent morphology, embedding rate, virus loading, particle size, laboratory virulence, and UV resistance of the microencapsulated virus, were tested. The best conditions for preparing gelatin /CMC-S. lituranucleopolyhedrovirus microcapsules include the gelatin/CMC ratio of 9:1, wall material concentration of 1%, core material/wall ration ratio of 1:2, re-condensation pH of 4.67, and curing time of 1 h. The prepared microcapsules of S. lituranucleopolyhedrovirus exhibited a good external appearance and spherical shapes with an average particle size of 13 μm, an embedding rate of 62.53%, and a drug loading of 43.87%. The virulence test showed that the microencapsulated virus lost by 2.21 times of its initial activity than the untreated virus. After being treated with field exposure, the gelatin/CMC shell of the microcapsule can better protect the virus in the wild environment. Conclusion: Microencapsulation improves the tolerance of S. lituranuclear polyhedrosis virus to ultraviolet radiation. These results will provide ideas for the research of stable and efficient baculovirus preparations and further promote the application and promotion of environmental friendly biological pesticides.

The effects of aluminum (Al) treatment on polyamines were studied using suspension cultures of Madagascar periwinkle [Catharanthus roseus(L.) G. Don]. The addition of Al (0.2, 0.5, 1.0 mM) to the suspension cultures caused a significant increase in putrescine within 24 h only in freshly transferred cells. By contrast, Al treatment reduced putrescine content at all other times (days 2–7). Further analysis showed that the largest increase in putrescine occurred at 6 h when Al was added at the time of transfer of cells to fresh medium. If Al treatment was delayed to as little as 3 h after transfer to fresh medium, the cellular level of putrescine decreased. While spermidine remained unchanged, spermine was significantly higher in the presence of Al in all cases. The inhibitory effect of Al on DNA synthesis also depended upon the time of its addition. Cellular Ca, Mg, and Mn decreased in response to Al given at the time of transfer to fresh media while Fe increased, and Na, K and P remained unchanged. The results indicate a critical physiological change in the response of cells to Al within a short time (about 3 h) after transfer to fresh medium.

Abstract: Extensive volcanism is one of the important features of Cenozoic geology in China. Based on temporal-spatial distribution, the volcanism was associated with three major different geological settings: 1) the continental rift basalts in Northeast and North China; 2) the tension-fault basalts on the continental margins of Southeast China; and 3) the collision-zone high-K volcanics in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and its vicinities. The characteristics of “depletion in the south and enrichment in the north” of the China continental mantle are strongly supported by isotopic evidence. The Cenozoic continental mantle of China can be divided, on the basis of isotopic evidence and regionally geological characters, into the following geochemical provinces: 1) the depleted mantle in South China; 2) the primary mantle in Northeast and North China; 3) the hybrid and transitional mantle in the region of Shandong, Anhui, Jiangsu and northern Zhejiang; 4) the depleted mantle around the Bohai Bay and the Lower Liaohe River; 5) the K-metasomatic enriched mantle in the northern part of Northeast China; and 6) the re-cycled enriched mantle in the ancient subduction zone in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and its surroundings. These geochemical characteristics on a regional scale must be a reflection of the nature of lithosphere evolution.

Focuses on the Korean War in the 1950s. Consequences of the war; Reasons of the Chinese military for fighting in the war; Criticisms against the United Nations armed forces; Significance of the signing of the armistice agreement.

Objective. To compare outcomes between laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) and open spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (OSPDP) for treatment of benign and low-grade malignant tumors of the pancreas and evaluate feasibility and safety of LSPDP. Methods. The clinical data of 53 cases of LSPDP and 44 cases of OSPDP performed between January 2008 and August 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical outcomes between the two groups were compared. Results. There was no significant difference in preoperative data between the two groups. However, the LSPDP group had statistically significant shorter operative time (145.3±55.9 versus 184.7±33.5, P=0.03) and lesser intraoperative blood loss (150.6±180.8 versus 253.5±76.2, P=0.03) than that of the OSPDP group. Moreover, the LSPDP group also had statistically significant earlier passing of first flatus (2.2±1.4 versus 3.1±1.9, P=0.01), earlier diet intake (2.3±1.8 versus 3.4±2.0, P=0.01), and shorter hospital stay (6.2±7.2 versus 8.8±9.3, 0.04) than that of the OSPDP group. However, postoperative pancreatic fistula (P=0.64) and total postoperative complications (P=0.59) were not significantly different between the groups. The rate of pancreatic fistula and total postoperative complications occurred in 62.5% and 64.5%, respectively, in LSPDP group and, similarly, 70% and 70.0%, respectively, in OSPDP group. Conclusion. This study confirms that LSPDP is safe, feasible, and superior to OSPDP in terms of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and postoperative recovery. Hence, it is worth popularizing LSPDP for benign and low-grade malignant tumors of the pancreas.

Reports on the realignment of United States forces overseas. Use of military instead of diplomatic means to interfere in Asian affairs; Increase in the likelihood that the U.S. might use force when dealing with North Korea; Need to deal with a nuclear crisis with that country.

Interviews Ji Zhiye, a research fellow of China's Contemporary International Relations Institute. Focus on Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to China in July 2000; Transition from Sino-Soviet relations to Sino-Russia relations; Difference between the Shanghai Five regime and a military clique; Statement that the Sino-Russia strategic partnership is non-aligned.

Reports on the participation of the Maritime of Japanese Self-Defense Forces in a joint maneuver with the United States and Southeast Asian countries in Singapore. Sending of naval vessels to the South China Sea in order to participate in a maneuver with India and Vietnam; Provisions under the Peace Constitution formulated after the World War II; Changes in Japan's defense policy.

Presents a chronological listing of events relating to the Korean nuclear issue. Signing of the Joint Declaration on Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in 1991; Signing of the Framework Agreement by the DPRK and the U.s. in 1994; Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to the DPRK in 2003.

Interviews Zhao Xijun, Deputy Director of the Finance and Securities Institute of the Renmin University of China, regarding the country's foreign exchange rate policy. International pressures to appreciate the renminbi, China's currency; Techniques for valuing a currency; Convertibility of the currency.

Interviews Chen Fengying, researcher with the Institute for Contemporary International Relations, about impact of the Iraq War on the world economy. Effects of fluctuations in oil prices; Stock trading since the start of the war; Prospects for growth.

Reports on Cuban Association for Friendship With China member Moises Sio Wong's visit to China to participate in the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-Cuba diplomatic relations. Wong's Chinese origins; Chinese-Cubans' involvement in the socialist revolution in Cuba led by Fidel Castro; Wong's previous visits to China.