Search

Nanorods assembled 3D microspheres of TiO2/MnO2 were prepared via a simple one-pot hydrothermal approach. The resultant composite material exhibited remarkable electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in comparison to each single component. The electrochemical sensor constructed with TiO2/MnO2 exhibited a linear relationship within the range 0.0001–5.6 mmol·L−1 for H2O2. The limit of detection (LOD) and sensitivity for H2O2 were 0.03 µmol·L−1 (S/N = 3) and 316.6 µA (mmol·L−1)−1 cm−2. Moreover, this sensor can be employed to detect trace amount of H2O2 in serum and urine samples successfully, supporting an insight and strategy for a more sensitive electrochemical sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein purification is a basic technology in both biological research and industrial production, and efficient, convenient, economical, and environmentally friendly purification methods have always been pursued. In this study, it was found that alkaline earth metal cations (Mg2+, Ca2+) and alkali metal cations (Li+, Na+, K+) and even nonmetal cations (e.g., NH4+, imidazole, guanidine, arginine, lysine) can precipitate multi-histidine-tagged proteins (at least two tags in a whole protein) at low salts concentrations that are 1–3 orders of magnitude lower than salting-out, and precipitated proteins could be dissolved at moderate concentration of corresponding cation. Based on this finding, a novel cation affinity purification method was developed, which requires only three centrifugal separations to obtain highly purified protein with purification fold similar to that of immobilized metal affinity chromatography. The study also provides a possible explanation for unexpected protein precipitation and reminds researchers to consider the influence of cations on the experimental results. The interaction between histidine-tagged proteins and cations may also have broad application prospects. Key points: • Histidine-tagged proteins can be precipitated by low-concentrations common cations • A novel nonchromatographic protein purification method was developed • Purified protein can be obtained in pellet form by only three centrifugations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, nitrilase (Nit) was immobilized in zeolite imidazole framework-90 (ZIF-90) by one-pot biomimetic mineralization strategy. The structure, morphology and functional groups of ZIF-90 and immobilized enzyme Nit@ZIF-90 were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Circular dichroism (CD) proved that the immobilized method of encapsulation in ZIF-90 could effectively maintain the intrinsic conformation of Nit. Meanwhile, the stability and reusability of Nit@ZIF-90 were systematically evaluated. Compared with the free enzyme, the thermal, pH and organic solvents stability of Nit@ZIF-90 were significantly increased. Further, Nit@ZIF-90 exhibited better reusability during the hydrolysis of acrylonitrile and retained 48.34% of the initial activity after 10 cycles. Besides, the Ni@ZIF-90 had preferable storage stability, which showed a high degree of residual activity (more than 64 %) after storage at 4 °C for 7 d. The improved stability and reusability of the Nit@ZIF-90 implied that it could be used as a potential effective biocatalyst for hydrolysis of nitrile compounds in industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effect of SpyTag/SpyCatcher cyclization on stability and refolding of protein, we constructed a cyclized green fluorescent protein (SRGFP) and its derivative to act as a linear structure control (L-SRGFP). SRGFP and L-SRGFP showed similar fluorescence characteristics to the wild-type GFP, while compared with GFP and L-SRGFP, the thermal stability and denaturation resistance of SRGFP were improved. The refolding efficiencies of these three denatured proteins were investigated under different pH, temperature and initial protein concentration conditions, and it was found that SRGFP was superior to GFP and L-SRGFP in terms of refolding yield and refolding speed. In the pH range of 8.0–8.5, SRGFP could basically recover all fluorescence, while GFP and L-SRGFP recovered only about 87.52% and 88.58%. When refolded at a high temperature (37 °C), SRGFP still recovered 85.27% of the fluorescence, whereas GFP and L-SRGFP recovered only around 69.43% and 68.45%. At a high initial protein concentration (5 mg/mL), the refolding yield of SRGFP was about 15% higher than that of both GFP and L-SRGFP. These results suggest that the introduction of SpyRing structure (head-to-tail cyclization via SpyTag and SpyCatcher) improved the protein's stability and facilitated the refolding of denatured protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The mechanism by which species diversity drives productivity in different ecosystems is controversial, possibly due to the confounding effects of key environmental variables. Karst ecosystems are fragile and are at great risk of species loss. In these ecosystems, soil depth is a key driver of community diversity and productivity. However, the influence of soil depth on the relationship between species diversity and productivity in karst ecosystems remains unclear. Methods: We established artificial karst herbaceous communities with different soil depths and species richness levels and determined how two biodiversity effects—complementarity effect (effect of positive interactions among species) and selection effect (effect due to dominance of productive species)—contributed to productivity. Results: Soil depth, species diversity, and different species combinations were significant predictors of productivity. Species diversity significantly positively affected productivity at all three soil depths, with the effect size of species diversity being the greatest in medium-depth soil. Net diversity effects were greater than 0 in all multi-species communities, indicating that complementarity and selection effects both positively influenced productivity. However, complementarity effect had a greater contribution to productivity than selection effect in all multi-species communities. Furthermore, the contribution of complementarity effect increased with increasing soil depth, while that of selection effect decreased. Conclusions: Our result indicate that both soil depth and species diversity need be considered simultaneously in maintaining karst herbaceous community productivity. Moreover, complementarity effect is the major mechanism by which diversity increases community productivity, particularly in shallow soil. Thus, the more attention should be paid to promoting species diversity with the decreasing of soil depth for adequately preserve karst key functions such as herbaceous community productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron (Fe) deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is a major nutritional disorder in fruit trees grown on calcareous soils. As a peach rootstock, 'GF677' (Prunus dulcis Miller × P. persica (L.) Batsch) has great tolerance to Fe deficiency, but the molecular mechanisms of 'GF677' that support the process of iron deficiency chlorosis tolerance are still unknown. In this study, the key factors for differential iron deficiency chlorosis tolerance in two contrasting rootstocks (IDC-tolerant: 'GF677', IDC-susceptible: 'Maotao' (P. persica)) were investigated. 'GF677' exhibited greater Fe transfer and accumulation capacities when compared with 'Maotao', and the analysis of photosynthetic pigments, related precursors, and antioxidative enzyme activities further demonstrated that 'GF677' was more tolerant to IDC when compared with 'Maotao'. Furthermore, comparative transcriptome analysis revealed differential expression in many genes involved in iron transport and storage, and in photosynthesis recovery. These results suggest that the greater IDC tolerance of 'GF677' can be attributed to the greater expression of key genes related to specific Fe transporters, defense systems, photosynthetic recovery, and/or special proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shallow soil with low water availability, poor nutrition, and limited living space is the key limiting factor of plant growth and reproduction in vulnerable karst regions. As pioneers adapted to these areas, little is known about the reproductive responses of annual herbs to these limited soil resources. In this study, we, therefore, investigated the reproductive strategies ("fight or flight") of two annual Asteraceae herbs (Xanthium sibiricum and Bidens pilosa) growing in the harsh karst soil environment, by comprehensively considering biomass allocation, reproductive phenology, and seed production. X. sibiricum and B. pilosa were grown under three soil depths and three water availability levels in a full two-way randomized block design, then biomass allocation, initial flowering time, fruiting stage, life span and seed number and mass were examined. In X. sibiricum, reproductive allocation decreased with decreasing water availability, soil depth, and water availability + soil depth. Meanwhile, the initial flowering time, fruiting stage and life span were all delayed with moderate decreases in resources. However, in B. pilosa, reproductive allocation increased with decreasing soil resources, while initial flowering time, fruiting stage and life span remained unchanged under moderate resource decline. Under severe resource decline, both species showed a reduction in fruiting stage and life span. These results support the hypothesis that X. sibiricum tends to adopt a "fight" reproductive strategy in response to declining resources via changes in biomass allocation, reproductive phenology and seed production. In contrast, B. pilosa tends to adopt a "flight" strategy in terms of biomass allocation, while maintaining a relatively stable reproductive phenology and seed size to cope with the harsh living conditions. However, neither species coped well under severe declines in water availability, nutrition and living space. These findings help our understanding of how herbaceous plants can adjust their reproductive strategies to support their regeneration in harsh karst soil environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: This study showed the systematic identification of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involving in flag leaf senescence of rice, providing the possible lncRNA-mRNA regulatory relationships and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA networks during leaf senescence. LncRNAs have been reported to play crucial roles in diverse biological processes. However, no systematic identification of lncRNAs associated with leaf senescence in plants has been studied. In this study, a genome-wide high throughput sequencing analysis was performed using rice flag leaves developing from normal to senescence. A total of 3953 lncRNAs and 38757 mRNAs were identified, of which 343 lncRNAs and 9412 mRNAs were differentially expressed. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), 22 continuously down-expressed lncRNAs targeting 812 co-expressed mRNAs and 48 continuously up-expressed lncRNAs targeting 1209 co-expressed mRNAs were considered to be significantly associated with flag leaf senescence. Gene Ontology results suggested that the senescence-associated lncRNAs targeted mRNAs involving in many biological processes, including transcription, hormone response, oxidation–reduction process and substance metabolism. Additionally, 43 senescence-associated lncRNAs were predicted to target 111 co-expressed transcription factors. Interestingly, 8 down-expressed lncRNAs and 29 up-expressed lncRNAs were found to separately target 12 and 20 well-studied senescence-associated genes (SAGs). Furthermore, analysis on the competing endogenous RNA (CeRNA) network revealed that 6 down-expressed lncRNAs possibly regulated 51 co-expressed mRNAs through 15 miRNAs, and 14 up-expressed lncRNAs possibly regulated 117 co-expressed mRNAs through 21 miRNAs. Importantly, by expression validation, a conserved miR164-NAC regulatory pathway was found to be possibly involved in leaf senescence, where lncRNA MSTRG.62092.1 may serve as a ceRNA binding with miR164a and miR164e to regulate three transcription factors. And two key lncRNAs MSTRG.31014.21 and MSTRG.31014.36 also could regulate the abscisic-acid biosynthetic gene BGIOSGA025169 (OsNCED4) and BGIOSGA016313 (NAC family) through osa-miR5809. The possible regulation networks of lncRNAs involving in leaf senescence were discussed, and several candidate lncRNAs were recommended for prior transgenic analysis. These findings will extend the understanding on the regulatory roles of lncRNAs in leaf senescence, and lay a foundation for functional research on candidate lncRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) identification, expression profiles, and construction of circRNA-parental gene relationships and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA networks indicate that circRNAs are involved in flag leaf senescence of rice. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of 3′-5′ head-to-tail covalently closed non-coding RNAs which have been proved to play important roles in various biological processes. However, no systematic identification of circRNAs associated with leaf senescence in rice has been studied. In this study, a genome-wide high-throughput sequencing analysis was performed using rice flag leaves developing from normal to senescence. Here, a total of 6612 circRNAs were identified, among which, 113 circRNAs were differentially expressed (DE) during the leaf senescence process. Moreover, 4601 (69.59%) circRNAs were derived from the exons or introns of their parental genes, while 2110 (71%) of the parental genes produced only one circRNA. The sequence alignment analysis showed that hundreds of rice circRNAs were conserved among different plant species. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that parental genes of DE circRNAs were enriched in many biological processes closely related to leaf senescence. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), six continuously down-expressed circRNAs, 18 continuously up-expressed circRNAs and 15 turn-point high-expressed circRNAs were considered to be highly associated with leaf senescence. Additionally, a total of 17 senescence-associated circRNAs were predicted to have parental genes, in which, regulations of three circRNAs to their parental genes were validated by qRT-PCR. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were also constructed. And a total of 11 senescence-associated circRNAs were predicted to act as miRNA sponges to regulate mRNAs, in which, regulation of two circRNAs to eight mRNAs was validated by qRT-PCR. It is discussed that senescence-associated circRNAs were involved in flag leaf senescence probably through mediating their parental genes and ceRNA networks, to participate in several well-studied senescence-associated processes, mainly including the processes of transcription, translation, and posttranslational modification (especially protein glycosylation), oxidation–reduction process, involvement of senescence-associated genes, hormone signaling pathway, proteolysis, and DNA damage repair. This study not only showed the systematic identification of circRNAs involved in leaf senescence of rice, but also laid a foundation for functional research on candidate circRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has exhibited huge application value in many fields including chemical synthesis, medicine, environmental remediation, and fuel cells. Traditional anthraquinone method for H2O2 commercial production has emerged the drawbacks of toxicity, H2 consumption and high energy input. Photocatalytic production of H2O2, which only requires water, oxygen, solar light and catalyst, is a novel and green technique, and potentially becomes one of the substitutes for anthraquinone method. Herein, we comprehensively review the research progress in the reported semiconductor catalysts, their modification strategies, as well as the related photocatalysis systems and mechanisms for the light driven H2O2 production. In detail, the photocatalysts are introduced from different families including ZnO, g-C3N4, TiO2, metal complexes, metal sulfides, Bi containing semiconductors, and carbon materials. In the meantime, their modification strategies are systematically evaluated aiming at the improvement in the structures and the photoelectrical properties of semiconductors, as well as their effective activation of molecular O2, and inhibition of H2O2 decomposition. Finally, this review is concluded with a brief summary and outlook, and the major challenges for the development of photocatalytic H2O2 production over the emerging semiconductor photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A consistent focus in theoretical mechanics has been on how to apply Lagrange's equation to continuum mechanics. This paper uses the concept of a variational derivative and its laws of operation to investigate the derivation of Lagrange's equation, which is then applied to nonlinear elasto-dynamics. In accordance with the work-energy principle and the energy conservation law, kinetic and potential energies are proposed for rigid-elastic coupling dynamics, whose governing equation is established by manipulating Lagrange's equation. In addition, case studies are used to demonstrate the application of the proposed method to spacecraft dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uneven soil depth and low water availability are the key limiting factors to vegetation restoration and reconstruction in limestone soils such as in vulnerable karst regions. Belowground competition will possibly increase under limited soil resources. Here, we investigate whether low resource availability (including shallow soil, low water availability, and shallow soil and low water availability combined) stimulates the competition between grasses with different root systems in karst soil, by assessing their growth response, biomass allocation, and morphological plasticity. In a full three-way factorial blocked design of soil depth by water availability by neighbor identity, we grew Festuca arundinacea (deep-rooted) and Lolium perenne (shallow-rooted) under normal versus shallow soil depth, high versus low water availability, and in monoculture (conspecific neighbor) versus mixture (neighbor of the other species). The key results were as follows: (1) total biomass and aboveground biomass in either of the species decreased with reduction of resources but were not affected by planting patterns (monoculture or mixture) even at low resource levels. (2) For F. arundinacea, root biomass, root mass fraction, total root length, and root volume were higher in mixture than in monoculture at high resource level (consistent with resource use complementarity), but lower in mixture than in monoculture at low resource levels (consistent with interspecific competition). In contrast for L. perenne, either at high or low resource level, these root traits had mostly similar values at both planting patterns. These results suggest that deep-rooted and shallow-rooted plant species can coexist in karst regions under current climatic regimes. Declining resources, due to shallow soil, a decrease in precipitation, or combined shallow soil and karst drought, increased the root competition between plants of deep-rooted and shallow-rooted species. The root systems of deep-rooted plants may be too small to get sufficient water and nutrients from dry, shallow soil, while shallow-rooted plants will maintain a dominant position with their already adaptive strategy in respect of root biomass allocation and root growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: The enhanced expression of a P -type ATPase gene ( SaHMA3 ) is essential for Cd hyperaccumulation and hypertolerance in Sedum alfredii Hance. A functional understanding of the mechanism through which hyperaccumulator plants accumulate and tolerate extremely toxic metals is a prerequisite for the development of novel strategies for improving phytoremediation using engineered plants or natural hyperaccumulators as well as biofortification and food crop safety. Most hyperaccumulator species, however, are small and slow-growing, and their potential for large-scale decontamination of polluted soils is limited. Sedum alfredii Hance, the only one metal hyperaccumulator from the Crassulaceae family, is an ideal candidate for gaining a functional understanding of the intra-family hyperaccumulation mechanisms as well as their potential applications. In the present study, we isolated and functionally characterized a P-type ATPase gene ( SaHMA3) from S. alfredii Hance. SaHMA3 alleles from a hyperaccumulating ecotype (HE) and non-hyperaccumulating ecotype (NHE) were constitutively expressed in both shoot and root and encoded tonoplast-localized proteins, but showed differences in transport substrate specificity and expression level. SaHMA3 h from the HE plant was a Cd transporter. In contrast, SaHMA3n from NHE plants was able to transport both Zn and Cd. SaHMA3 showed a significantly higher constitutive expression level in HE plants than in NHE plants. Furthermore, the expression level of SaHMA3 in the shoots of HE plants was considerably higher than in the roots. Overexpression of SaHMA3h in tobacco plants significantly enhanced Cd tolerance and accumulation and greatly increased the root sequestration of Cd. In summary, our data suggested that SaHMA3 plays critical roles in Cd hyperaccumulation and hypertolerance in Cd hyperaccumulator S. alfredii Hance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from the basic equations of hydrodynamics, the maximum powertype variational principle of the hydrodynamics of viscous fluids was established by Weizang CHIEN in 1984. Through long-term research, it is clarified that the maximum power-type variational principle coincides with the Jourdian principle, which is one of the common principles for analytical mechanics. In the paper, the power-type variational principle is extended to rigid-body dynamics, elasto-dynamics, and rigid-elastic-liquid coupling dynamics. The governing equations of the rigid-elastic-liquid coupling dynamics in the liquid-filled system are obtained by deriving the stationary value conditions. The results show that, with the power-type variational principles studied directly in the state space, some transformations in the time domain space may be omitted in the establishing process, and the rigid-elastic-liquid coupling dynamics can be easily numerically modeled. Moreover, the analysis of the coupling dynamics in the liquid-filled system in this paper agrees well with the numerical analyses of the coupling dynamics in the liquid-filled system offered in the literatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new electrochemical sensor for HO was constructed by depositing copper doped CuO nanosheets on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The morphology and composition of the modified electrode were characterized via scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical properties of the electrode were studied using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The catalytic performance of the sensor was studied in 100 mM NaOH solution via differential pulse voltammetry and revealed the sensor to display significantly improved electrocatalytic activity with respect to the analysis of the HO in comparison to a plain GCE or a GCE modified with copper only. The response to HO at a working voltage of −0.46 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) is linear in the 0.003 - 8 mM concentration range, and the detection limit is 0.21 mM (at an S/N ratio of 3). Satisfactory results were obtained in the analysis of tap, rain and river waters spiked with HO. The analytical performance of this electrode compares favorably to the results obtained with other commonly used techniques for analysis of HO. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to gain further insight into the role of the MAPK signaling pathway in terminal differentiation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) with filaggrin knockdown. Filaggrin expression was knocked down by shRNA technology and the MAPK pathways were inhibited by three different inhibitors in NHEKs. The associated mRNAs and proteins were investigated by RT-PCR and western blot. Filaggrin absence inhibited the expression of differentiation-associated proteins, and blocked the protein expression of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK, Akt and NF-κB. Moreover, inhibited p38 MAPK, instead of ERK1/2 or JNK, lead to decreases in the expressions of Akt, NF-κB, and differentiation- associated proteins. In conclusion, Filaggrin might affect the epidermal terminal differentiation mainly through the p38-MAPK, NF-κB and Akt pathways. ERK1/2 and JNK might also be involved in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the role of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) cleavage activating protein SCAP gene polymorphisms in reducing risk associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in females with metabolic syndrome. Topics discussed include a research study conducted at Longhua Hospital and Fenglin Community Hospital in the Xuhui District of Shanghai, selected tag SNPs (tSNPs) using genotype data and statistical analysis with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE).

The law of conservation of energy is one of the most fundamental laws of nature. According to the law of the conservation of energy, the non-linear and non-conservative quasi-variational principle of flexible body dynamics is established. The physical meaning of the quasi-stationary value conditions has been explained in non-linear and non-conservative flexible body dynamics. In the case study, the application in spacecraft dynamics is researched. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for sensing hydrogen peroxide (HO). It was constructed by consecutive electrochemical deposition of poly(anthranilic acid) and poly(diphenylamine sulfonate) on the GCE, followed by the deposition of copper oxide (CuO). The morphology and electrochemistry of the modified electrode was characterized by atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The catalytic performance of the sensor was studied with the use of differential pulse voltammetry under optimized conditions. This sensor displayed significantly better electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of HO in comparison to a GCE without or with modification with CuO or polymer films alone. The response to HO is linear in the range between 0.005 to ~11 mM, and the detection limit is 0.18 μM (at an S/N of 3). [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the removal of 17β-estradiol (E2) in horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-mediated oxidative coupling systems were investigated in this study. The results showed that the removal rate of E2 and the affinity of HRP to E2 had been significantly decreased in the presence of DOM. Compared with urban sludge DOM (USDOM), river sediment DOM (RSDOM), which features relatively low aromaticity and molecular weight and a large number of O-containing groups, more strongly inhibited the E2-HRP-HO reactions than USDOM. The products were analyzed with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The results suggested that the self-coupling of E2 was suppressed in the presence of DOM, likely resulting from cross-coupling between DOM and E2 or self-coupling of DOM in the HRP system. The results are useful in understanding the fate of estrogens in natural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, hepatitis is a huge public health problem. Outbreaks of hepatitis A are the most frequent cause of acute hepatitis, and to date, few epidemiologic investigations or molecular surveillance studies have been performed. In 2006, two major outbreaks of hepatitis A occurred, one in Guigang City, southern China, and the other in Hetian City, northwestern China. Field and molecular epidemiologic investigations were conducted. In Guigang, a single outbreak occurred in a school; 35 patients and 25 asymptomatic individuals were infected with 1 strain of hepatitis A virus (HAV). A case-control study showed that contaminated water was the likely transmission source. In Hetian, the epidemic of hepatitis A consisted of sporadic, small outbreaks involving as many as 20 wild HAV strains. A molecular epidemiology approach allowed us to identify two groups infected by individual HAV strains. Further fieldwork and a case-control study showed that ice cream was the suspected transmission source in one group. Our molecular epidemiology study showed that genetic variability between the HAV strains isolated from Guigang and Hetian and previously reported HAV strains was at least 4.3%. Contaminated water and suspected ice cream were associated with outbreaks of hepatitis A. Viral genetic analysis may advance field investigations in complex situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the corresponding relations between general forces and general displacements, the balancing and geometrical equations of elasticity are multiplied by the corresponding virtual quantities, integrated with volume and area, and then added algebraically. Proceeding to the next step, by substituting constitutive relation and considering that body force and surface force are both fellow forces, the generalized quasi-variational principles with the two kinds of variables of the first type are established in non-conservative systems. Through substituting another constitutive relation, using similar methods as above, the generalized quasi-variational principles with the two kinds of variables of the second type are established in non-conservative systems. By using the generalized quasi-complementary energy principles with the two kinds of variables of the first type, a method for solving two kinds of variables (internal force and deformation) is given for non-conservative systems of the typical fellow forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a form of clonal plasma cell malignancy that associates with clinical manifestations such as anemia, hypercalcemia, bone pain, and renal impairment. Approximately 20–50% of MM patients at initial diagnosis experience renal injury, a vital complication that significantly influences prognosis and quality of life. This review seeks to clarify the multifaceted mechanisms of renal injury in MM, scrutinizing the pathogenic role of monoclonal proteins, the impact of hypercalcemia, and direct renal infiltration by plasma cells. Furthermore, it evaluates current diagnostic approaches, reviews management strategies, and highlights potential avenues for future research. By incorporating the latest scientific evidence and insights, this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of MM-associated renal impairment, offering a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians in handling this complex complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a panel data analysis on country characteristics and foreign direct investment in China, in relation to world economics. Information on how many foreign investment firms China approved; Description of the literature review and hypothesis formation; Information on the foreign direct investment (FDI) in China.

This study was conducted to estimate the current prevalence of hypertension, cardiovascular condition and hearing difficulty of workers exposure to occupational noise, and to analyze any associations between these abnormal signs and occupational noise exposure. The subjects included 5205 noise-exposed workers. Workers with high noise exposure were more likely to have a higher threshold value than low exposure ones (P < 0.05). Subjects in the high exposure group had a significantly higher risk of hypertension and hearing loss than the ones in low exposure group. Between the ages of 30 and 45, high-level occupational noise exposure led to a significantly raising risk of both hypertension (Adjusted OR = 1.59, 95% CI, 1.19–2.11) and hearing loss (Adjusted OR = 1.28, 95% CI, 1.03–1.60) when comparing to low-level noise exposure. In male workers, the prevalence of hearing difficulty in high exposure group was approximately 1.2 times worse than in low group (P = 0.006). In addition, exposure to high noise level demonstrated a significant association with hypertension and hearing loss when the duration time to occupational noise was longer than 10 years. Hypertension and hearing difficulty is more prevalent in the noise-exposed group (higher than 85 dB[A]). Steps to reduce workplace noise levels and to improve workplace-based health are thus urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hollow urchin-like α-MnO2 material has been synthesized by a hydrothermal method starting from MnSO4·H2O and (NH4)2S2O8, and by using silver(I) as the catalyst. It has a hollow morphology with diameters of 5–6 μm and consists of densely aligned nanowires, with a 30–40 nm width and a 1.5 μm length. The diameter of the cavities and the thickness of the shell are about 1.2 μm and 300 nm, respectively. The material was placed on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and electrochemical experiments showed the respective sensor to possess good stability and reproducibility. The modified GCE displays response to both hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and dopamine (DA) at working potentials of −0.40 V and +0.4 V, respectively (both versus SCE). H2O2 can be detected with an 80 nM detection limit, and DA with a 12 nM detection limit (at S/N = 3). Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of synthesis of a hollow urchin-like α-MnO2, which taking MnSO4.H2O and (NH4)2S2O8 as raw materials and was further used to construct an electrocatalytic sensor for hydrogen peroxide and dopamine with low detection limit, desirable selectivity and sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co3O4/carbon hybrid hollow nanospheres (hs-Co3O4/C) with an empty cavity and a thin shell, were synthesized starting from the pectin and cobalt acetate via cross-linking deposition at room temperature and post-calcination. The hierarchical structure is constructed from the interconnected nanoparticles in the residual carbon matrix, and the carbon content can be adjusted by changing the calcination temperature. The gas sensor based on hs-Co3O4/C calcined at 300 °C in air shows high response towards 50 ppm of H2S (S = 95.5) and good selectivity at a low working temperature (92 °C). The detection limit is as low as 0.1 ppm. The non-enzymatic glassy carbon electrode based sensor constructed from the same material exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity for H2O2 with the sensitivity of 405.8 μA∙mM∙cm−2 at 0.3 V (vs. SCE) in alkaline solution. The chronoamperometric response time is < 3 s and the detection limit (at S/N = 3) is 0.30 μM. The good sensing performances are attributed to the synergetic effect of unique hollow nanostructure and appropriate amount of carbon in the hybrid material. The porous nanostructure can increase the mass transfer efficiency, and the cross-linked nanoparticles with good crystallinity also improve the conductivity of materials. The presence of carbon enhances the charge transfer ability and increases the specific surface, thereby improving the sensor performance.Schematic illustration of the formation of hollow Co3O4 nanospheres composited with pectin-derived carbon. The material displays excellent selectivity for H2S gas and in non-enzymatic detection of dissolved H2O2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to explore the effects of DNMT1 and DNMT3A polymorphisms on susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in Chinese workers. A total of 2689 industrial workers from a single textile factory were recruited. Venous blood was collected, as were questionnaire and pure-tone audiometry (PTA) data by specialist physicians. Four selected SNPs (rs7578575, rs749131, rs1550117, and rs2228611) in DNMT1 and DNMT3A were genotyped in 527 NIHL patients and 527 controls. Then, main effects of the genotypes and their interactions were evaluated. Results revealed that the GG genotype at rs749131 and the AG/GG genotypes at rs1550117 and rs2228611 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.87, 2.57, and 1.98 respectively], as well as the haplotypes AGGG and TGGA (rs7578578-rs749131-rs1550117-rs2228611) (OR = 1.35 and 1.56, respectively) were associated with an increased risk of NIHL in the Chinese population. Multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis indicated that rs7578575, rs749131, and rs2228611 interact and are related to increased NIHL risk (OR = 1.63). The genetic polymorphisms rs749131 G, rs1550117 G, and rs2228611 G within the DNMT1 and DNMT3A genes are associated with an increased risk of NIHL in the Chinese population and have the potential to act as biomarkers for noise-exposed workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retraction note for the article "Knockdown of filaggrin influences the epidermal terminal differentiation via MAPK pathway in normal human epidermal keratinocytes," by Ningning Dang and colleagues, published in the 2015 issue is presented.