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Abstract Aluminum is an attractive anode material for electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices, but the passive film and parasitic corrosion of aluminum anode in aqueous solution limits its development. Herein, we investigated the electrochemical performance of Al-2Mg alloy in alkaline electrolyte containing stannate ion via hydrogen evolution tests, electrochemical measurements and surface analysis. It is found that the solid-solute magnesium in aluminum matrix activates the oxide film and decreases the cathodic sites, which negatively shift the aluminum anode potential. Furthermore, the doping magnesium ion in the oxide film facilitates the tin deposition reaction on the surface of aluminum anode, and the uniformly deposited tin inhibits the parasitic corrosion reaction. As a result, Al-2Mg alloy in 6 M NaOH solution with 0.05 M Na 2 SnO 3 exhibits low hydrogen evolution rate of 0.015 mL·cm−2·min−1 with the inhibition efficiency of 95% at open circuit and negative electrode potential of −1.81 V vs. saturated calomel electrode at 20 mA cm−2. Highlights • The passivating oxide film of aluminum anode is doped with magnesium ion. • Magnesium ion activates the Al-2Mg anode in alkaline solution. • Tin is uniformly deposited on the Al-2Mg anode surface. • Al-2Mg in 6 M NaOH +0.05 M Na 2 SnO 3 exhibits high inhibition efficiency of 95%. • The anode possesses negative electrode potential of −1.81 V vs. SCE at 20 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to assess the anxiety and depression of caregivers of adult patients with epilepsy (PWE) and evaluate its effect on patient quality of life (QOL). Method One hundred sixty pairs of adult PWE and their caregivers were enrolled in our study. Quality of life in adult PWE was evaluated with the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 scale (QOLIE-31). Symptoms of anxiety and depression in caregivers were assessed with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) respectively. Correlation and stepwise multiple liner regression analyses were used as statistical analysis. Results Of the caregivers, 41 (31.30%) had anxiety symptoms (HAM-A scores > 6) and 44 (33.59%) had depression symptoms (HAM-D scores > 6). Caregiver anxiety was significantly associated with poorer adult PWE QOL scores in four of the seven subscales and the QOLIE-31 total score. Caregiver depression was significantly associated with poorer adult PWE QOL in all seven subscales as well as the QOLIE-31 total score. Caregiver depression was an independent predictor of the QOLIE-31 total score and five subscales: seizure worry, emotional wellbeing, energy/fatigue, cognitive, and medication effects. Conclusion Caregivers of adult PWE are at high risk of experiencing anxiety and depression. Caregiver psychological status, especially depression, was an independent predictor of poorer QOL for adult PWE. Highlights • Caregivers of adult PWE are at high risk of experiencing anxiety and depression. • Caregiver depression was an independent predictor of poorer QOL for adult PWE. • Older age at seizure onset and being with a female caregiver have association with better QOL in adult PWE. • The number of AEDs and relationship to patients have no significant association with adult PWE QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to investigate the pathogen distribution and drug resistance in patients with acute cerebral infarction complicated with diabetes mellitus and nosocomial pulmonary infection.Methods: From August 2015 to December 2017, 172 pathogenic bacterial strains from patients with acute cerebral infarction complicated with diabetes mellitus and nosocomial pulmonary infection in our hospital were identified, and the drug sensitivity was analyzed.Results: Among these 172 strains of pathogenic bacteria, gram negative bacteria was the main cause of pulmonary infection in hospitalized patients with acute cerebral infarction, accounting for 75.6% of all pathogens. Furthermore, 80% of diabetic patients with cerebral infarction had lung infection induced by gram negative bacteria, which was significantly higher than that in non-diabetic patients (72.2%). Moreover, the drug resistance rate in the diabetic group (68.3%) was significantly higher than that in the non-diabetic group (54.3%). Gram positive bacteria accounted for 19.1% of all pathogenic bacteria. The infection rate of gram-positive bacteria in diabetic patients with cerebral infarction was 14.7%, which was lower than that in the non-diabetic group (22.6%). The drug-resistance rate was higher in the diabetic group (45.5%) than in the non-diabetic group (28.2%). Furthermore, the fungal infection rate in patients with lung infection in these two groups was 5.3 and 5.2%, respectively, and fungi presented with high sensitivity to commonly used antifungal agents.Conclusion: In patients with acute cerebral infarction complicated with diabetes mellitus and nosocomial pulmonary infection, the majority of pathogens are multidrug-resistant gram negative bacilli. Pathogen culture should be conducted as soon as possible before using antibiotics, and antimicrobial agents should be reasonably used according to drug sensitivity test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A three-dimensional (3D) zinc metal-organic framework (MOF), {[Zn 2 (μ 3 -OH)(cpta)(4,4′-bipy)]·H 2 O} n (1) (4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine) was solvothermally synthesized base on a semirigid V-shaped multicarboxylate ligand 2–4(-carboxyphenoxy)terephthalic acid (H 3 cpta). 1 has a complicated 3D structure in which the tetramer [Zn 4 (μ 3 -O) 2 O 10 N 4 ] second building units (SBUs) are interconnected by the V-shaped cpta3− and 4,4′-bipy ligands. 1 shows good selective and sensitive fluorescence sensing effect for detecting Cr(III)/Cr(VI) ions and p -nitrotolune (p -NP). The detection limits of Cr3+, Cr 2 O 7 2−, and p -NP can reach 5.55 × 10−6, 6.91 × 10−6 and 4.01 × 10−6 M, respectively. Moreover, 1 can be recycled at least four times for sensing Cr3+ and Cr 2 O 7 2− ions. In addition, the luminescence intensity of 1 is strongly correlated with the pH value in a pH range from 2 to 12. Graphical abstract A three-dimensional (3D) zinc metal-organic framework (MOF) was synthesized under solvothermal condition by the assembly of semirigid V-shaped multicarboxylate ligand 2–4(-carboxyphenoxy)terephthalic acid (H 3 cpta) and 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy) with Zn(II) ion. 1 shows good selective fluorescence sensing for detecting Cr(III)/Cr(VI) ions and p -nitrotolune (p -NP). fx1 Highlights • A 3D Zn-MOF has been successfully synthesized. • It exhibits highly luminescent sensing properties for Cr3+, Cr 2 O 7 2−, p -NP and pH. • The detection limits of Cr3+, Cr 2 O 7 2−, and p -NP can reach 5.55 × 10−6, 6.91 × 10−6 and 4.01 × 10−6 M, respectively. • It can be recycled at least four times for sensing Cr3+ and Cr 2 O 7 2− ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate whether a three-dimensional (3-D) wound scanner could be used to measure the area of scars. Scar models were constructed using flesh-colored, brown-colored (simulating hyperpigmented scars), orange-colored (simulating scars with obvious vascularization), and white-colored (simulating hypopigmented scars) plastic. Each colored plastic was used to construct scar models with regular and irregular base surfaces (four each). Two human models were selected to simulate patients with scars, and the scar models were placed on the right cheek, right lower jaw-neck, right ulnar forearm, anterior tibial region of the right calf, and at the back of these human models for scar area measurement. Two experimenters separately measured the scar area vertically using the profile method, pixel method, and 3-D wound scanner. Each experimenter measured the scar area thrice. Regarding accuracy, we found significant differences between the data and standard value of various measurement methods (P<0.05); however, the ratio of the data and standard value using the 3-D wound scanner was 0.982, which was the closest to 1, and showed the lowest coefficient of variation. Regarding correlation, Spearman's coefficient using the 3-D wound scanner was 0.992, showing the strongest correlation. With respect to inter-experimenter reliability and stability of retesting, each Cronbach's coefficient of the 3-D wound scanner between the two experimenters was >0.90, showing high reliability; thus, fulfilling the requirements for clinical measurement. The 3-D wound scanner took an average time of 38.87±3.45s for measurement, which was significantly shorter compared that for other methods The 3-D wound scanner showed greater accuracy and correlation, and a shorter measurement time, compared with other measurement methods The inter-experimenter reliability and retesting stability of the 3-D wound scanner also fulfilled the requirements for clinical measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After administration, drug molecules usually enter target cells to access their intracellular targets. In eukaryotic cells, these targets are often located in organelles, including the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, lysosomes, Golgi apparatus, and peroxisomes. Each organelle type possesses unique biological features. For example, mitochondria possess a negative transmembrane potential, while lysosomes have an intraluminal delta pH. Other properties are common to several organelle types, such as the presence of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) or solute carrier-type (SLC) transporters that sequester or pump out xenobiotic drugs. Studies on subcellular drug distribution are critical to understand the efficacy and toxicity of drugs along with the body's resistance to them and to potentially offer hints for targeted subcellular drug delivery. This review summarizes the results of studies from 1990 to 2017 that examined the subcellular distribution of small molecular drugs. We hope this review will aid in the understanding of drug distribution within cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Copeptin has been implicated as an effective prognostic biomarker of stroke outcome; however, few studies have investigated whether copeptin could be used as an etiological factor for stroke or not. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of serum copeptin with stroke. Methods. In total, 238 participants including 119 cases (87 ischemic stroke and 32 hemorrhagic stroke) and 119 controls were included in this 1 : 1 matched case-control study. Conditional multivariate logistic regression was conducted to assess the Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI); restricted cubic spline in logistic regression model was used to evaluate the dose-response association between serum copeptin and total stroke, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke. Results. The median serum copeptin was 20.90 pmol/L, 20.90 pmol/L, 6.53 pmol/L, and 8.42 pmol/L for total stroke, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and healthy subjects, respectively. The corresponding ORs (95% CIs) for the highest compared with the lowest quartile were 1.23 (0.62–2.44) for total stroke, 4.01 (1.47–10.96) for ischemic stroke, and 0.13 (0.22–0.69) for hemorrhagic stroke. No nonlinear dose-response relationship was found between serum copeptin and total stroke (Pnonlinear=0.278), ischemic stroke (Pnonlinear=0.362), and hemorrhagic stroke (Pnonlinear=0.314). Compared with the reference copeptin level, a significantly increasing trend was found between serum copeptin and ischemic stroke (Poverall=0.002), and a decreasing trend was found between serum copeptin and hemorrhagic stroke (Poverall=0.007). Conclusions. Elevated serum copeptin levels were positively associated with ischemic stroke and adversely associated with hemorrhagic stroke. Additional prospective studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm the present findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) polymer is hydrogenated and then readily grafted on GO to provide nanohybrid material GO-g-SPEEK. The material shows good enough properties for the preparation of proton exchange membranes. First, the GO-g-SPEEK membrane has much more water uptake but less water swelling compared with Nafion ® , and an excellent proton conductivity of 0.219 Scm −1 at 90 °C. Then, it demonstrates a peak power density of 112 mWcm −2 when utilized in a H 2 /air fuel cell at circumstance temperature. Further, blending of the materials with Nafion leads to composite membranes of GO-g-SPEEK/Nafion, which has a close proton conductivity to that of GO-g-SPEEK but far higher cell performances. Of the composite membranes, GO-g-SPEEK/Nafion-33 reveals cell performance of 182 mWcm −2 at 25 °C and 213 mWcm −2 at 60 °C. These results indicate that Nafion might serve only as an enhancer of compatibility between membrane and Nafion-supported catalyst phase in the membrane electrode assembly, and therefore suggest that the GO-g-SPEEK may be a promising membrane material for the application in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a fuzzy logic nonzero-sum game-based distributed approximated optimal control scheme is presented for modular robot manipulators (MRMs) with human-robot collaboration (HRC) tasks. The MRM dynamic model is formulated by using joint torque feedback (JTF) technique. Based on the differential game strategy, the optimal control problem of HRC task-oriented MRM systems is transformed into a nonzero-sum game problem of multiple robotic subsystems. By taking advantage of the adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) algorithm, the distributed approximate optimal control policy under HRC tasks is developed by a novel fuzzy logic nonzero-sum game manner for solving the coupled Hamilton–Jacobian (HJ) equation. The trajectory tracking error under HRC task of the closed-loop MRM system is proved to be ultimately uniformly bounded (UUB) using the Lyapunov theory. Finally, experiment results have been presented, which demonstrate the advantage and effectiveness of the developed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The addition of Re and Cr suppressed the formation of vacancy clusters in W after high-temperature irradiation, while no effect was observed for W-5 at.% Ta and W-2.5 at.% Mo alloys. • Fine Cr-rich and Re-rich precipitates were observed in W-0.3 at.% Cr and W-5 at.% Re alloys, respectively, where the distributions of Mo and Ta in W-2.5 at.% Mo and W-5 at.% Ta alloys were uniform even after irradiation. • Irradiation hardening was observed for all materials but that of W-5 at.% Re alloy was significantly smaller than the hardening of W, W-2.5 at.% Mo and W-5 at.% Ta alloys. • The stability of mixed dumbbells plays an important role in the vacancy cluster formation, precipitation and irradiation hardening of W alloys. Irradiation responses of binary W alloys were investigated systematically from the perspective of the binding energy of an alloying element with a W self-interstitial atom (W-SIA). Plates of W, W-0.3 at.% Cr, W-5 at.% Re, W-2.5 at.% Mo and W-5 at.% Ta alloys were irradiated at 1073 K with 6.4 MeV Fe ions to 0.26 dpa at the damage peak, where the binding energy of alloying element with W-SIA is in order of Cr > Re > Mo > Ta. The formation of vacancy-type defects (vacancies and vacancy clusters) was studied by using positron lifetime measurement. The precipitation of alloying elements was studied by using atom probe tomography (APT) and the hardness changes in the irradiated volumes were measured by the nanoindentation technique. The formation of vacancy-type defects was strongly suppressed by the addition of Cr and Re, while Ta and Mo had no noticeable suppression effect. The APT measurements showed fine Cr- and Re-rich precipitates in W-0.3 at.% Cr and W-5 at.% Re alloys, respectively, where the density of precipitates in the latter was clearly lower than that in the former. The distributions of Mo and Ta were uniform even after irradiation. Irradiation hardening was observed for all materials but that of W-5 at.% Re alloy was significantly smaller than the hardening of W, W-2.5 at.% Mo and W-5 at.% Ta alloys. These observations suggest that the irradiation hardening of W, W-2.5 at.% Mo, and W-5 at.% Ta alloys were mainly caused by vacancy-type defects. It was concluded that an alloying element with moderate binding energy with a W-SIA effectively suppresses vacancy formation without significantly enhanced precipitation and consequently mitigates irradiation hardening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A plantation of 5-year-old poplar Populus × euramericana cv. ‘Neva’ was used to study the regulatory effects of root pruning on nutrients, photosynthetic characteristics, and water-use efficiency (WUE) of leaves and growth rates of diameter at breast height (DBH; 1.3 m), tree height, and volume. Six root-pruning treatments were conducted with different combinations of intensity (at a distance of six, eight or ten times DBH from the trunk) and orientation (on two or four sides of the trees). Results showed that the N, P, K, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance of leaves were all significantly decreased by root pruning over the initial period following root pruning (30 days), but increased in the subsequent investigations. The values of the above indexes peaked in 8–2 treatment (i.e., eight times DBH distance on two sides). The leaf WUE in 8–2 treatment, and average growth rates of DBH, tree height and volume, were the highest among all treatments within 3 years of root pruning. The results indicated that the root pruning based on the appropriate selection of intensity and orientation had significant positive effects on leaf nutrients, photosynthesis, and growth of trees in a closed-canopy poplar plantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Many studies have reported the increased presence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Altered microbiome profiles, pro-inflammatory responses and impaired intestinal permeability have been observed in children with ASD and co-morbid GI symptoms, yet few studies have compared these findings to ASD children without GI issues or similarly aged typical developing children. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are biological signatures in terms of immune dysfunction and microbiota composition in children with ASD with GI symptoms. Methods Children were enrolled in one of four groups: ASD and GI symptoms of irregular bowel habits (ASD GI ), children with ASD but without current or previous GI symptoms (ASD NoGI ), typically developing children with GI symptoms (TD GI ) and typically developing children without current or previous GI symptoms (TD NoGI ). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from the blood, stimulated and assessed for cytokine production, while stool samples were analyzed for microbial composition. Results Following Toll-Like receptor (TLR)-4 stimulation, the ASD GI group produced increased levels of mucosa-relevant cytokines including IL-5, IL-15 and IL-17 compared to ASD NoGI . The production of the regulatory cytokine TGFβ1 was decreased in the ASD GI group compared with both the ASD NoGI and TD NoGI groups. Analysis of the microbiome at the family level revealed differences in microbiome composition between ASD and TD children with GI symptoms; furthermore, a predictive metagenome functional content analysis revealed that pathways were differentially represented between ASD and TD subjects, independently of the presence of GI symptoms. The ASD GI also showed an over-representation of the gene encoding zonulin, a molecule regulating gut permeability, compared to the other groups. Conclusions Overall our findings suggest that children with ASD who experience GI symptoms have an imbalance in their immune response, possibly influenced by or influencing metagenomic changes, and may have a propensity to impaired gut barrier function which may contribute to their symptoms and clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: WNT5A, a representative ligand of activating several non‐canonical WNT signal pathways, plays significant roles in oncogenesis and tumor inhibition. It has been shown that the non‐receptor tyrosine kinase SRC is required for WNT5A‐induced invasion of osteosarcoma cells. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying WNT5A/SRC‐mediated osteosarcoma cells invasion remains poorly defined. The study was designed to explore the role of ERK1/2 in WNT5A/SRC‐induced osteosarcoma cells invasion and the downstream target of the SRC/ERK1/2 signalings. We found that WNT5A (100 ng/mL) remarkably stimulated migration and invasion of human osteosarcoma MG‐63 cells, whereas inhibiting either SRC kinase activity by siRNA‐mediated SRC silence or ERK1/2 phosphorylation by PD98059 treatment suppressed these effects, which suggested that the activation of SRC and ERK1/2 is essential for WNT5A‐induced MG‐63 cells migration and invasion. Furthermore, ERK1/2 phosphorylation induced by WNT5A was dramatically blocked by SRC siRNA. Additionally, our study further demonstrated that MMP‐14 was upregulated after exposure to WNT5A in MG‐63 cells, and the increased expression was blocked by SRC siRNA or PD98059. Collectively, these results indicate that WNT5A activates SRC/ERK1/2 signal pathway, leading to the upregulation of MMP‐14 expression and MG‐63 cells migration and invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rare C 12 -norabietane diterpene racemate ( 1 ) and a new abietane diterpene alkaloid ( 2 ) were isolated from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Their structures were established by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, and 1 was successfully resolved by chiral HPLC, demonstrating that 1 is racemic. The absolute configurations of 1a [(+)-miltiorolide A], 1b [(−)-miltiorolide A], and 2 were determined using TDDFT-ECD calculations. 1a and 1b are the first examples of enantiomeric C 12 -norabietane diterpenes featuring an isobutylene with a tetrahydronaphthalene-butyrolactone ring system. The cytotoxic activities of the isolates ( 1 and 2 ) were evaluated against three human cancer cell lines BEL-7402, HT-29 and PANC-28. A plausible biogenetic pathway of 1 was also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new coordination polymers (CPs), [InCl(H 2 bidc) 2 (H 2 O)] n ( 1 ) and [Sc(Hbidc)(OH)(H 2 O)] n ( 2 ) (H 3 bidc = benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylic acid) were synthesized through a solvothermal approach. 1 exhibits a 1D infinite chain, which further constructs a 3D supramolecular framework via hydrogen bonds. 2 features a 3D supramolecular framework consisting of left- and right-handed chiral layers, which contain the left- and right-handed chiral spiral chains. The adjacent layers stack through π–π stacking interactions between benzene and imidazole rings. 1 exhibits excellent catalytic reactivity for the Strecker reaction and can be recycled four consecutive reactions with more than 95% conversion yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter jujube ( Zizyphus jujuba Mill.) is a kind of high quality, fresh jujube fruit originated from China. Selenium (Se) affects the chemical composition and antioxidative properties in plants. At appropriate concentrations, Se acts as an antioxidant or activates mechanisms that can alleviate oxidative stress in the chloroplast, and enhances plant growth. Although the addition of Se is known to increase Se uptake in crops, it is unclear whether exogenous Se affects nutritional and functional components in winter jujube. Winter jujube trees were sprayed with selenium (as sodium selenite) at five concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, or 200 mg/L of Se) three times at the fruitlet stage between July and August. The Se content, ratio of organic Se to total Se in leaves and fruits, fruit quality, and yield were measured. At Se concentrations of 50 mg/L or higher, total Se content increased rapidly whereas the ratio increased initially and decreased later. Different Se concentrations affected the quality of fruits differently: at 50 mg/L, compared to their values in the unsprayed control trees, vitamin C content was greater by 20.94%; soluble sugars, 29.48%; total flavonoids, 43.48%; and the sugar: acid ratio, 41.81%. Along with the increase of Se addition, average fruit weight and yield of winter jujube presented a trend of increasing up to 50 mg L −1 and decreasing thereafter. Thus, the foliar spray of sodium selenite at Se concentration of 50 mg/L is recommended during the fruitlet stage of Zhanhua winter jujube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effects of root pruning on the physicochemical characteristics and microbial activities of poplar rhizosphere soil. The root systems of 5-year-old poplar (Populus×euramericana cv. ‘Neva’) trees were manually pruned at 6, 8, or 10 times diameter at breast height (DBH) from the trunk (severe, moderate, and light, respectively) along both inter-row sides. Moderate root pruning significantly increased the concentrations of amino acids, organic acids, and total sugars in the root exudates and decreased the pH of rhizosphere soil. This treatment also increased the contents of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and total organic carbon as well as high-, medium-, and low-activity organic carbon in rhizosphere soil. Moreover, moderate pruning increased the contents of microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, and enhanced basal respiration, in addition to decreasing the metabolic quotients in rhizosphere soil by 8.9%, 5.0%, and 11.4% compared with control, light, and severe root pruning treatments, respectively. Moderate pruning increased the growth rates of DBH, tree height, and volume to the highest levels. Furthermore, these indices were not significantly different between the light root pruning and control groups, but varied significantly between severe and moderate root-pruning treatments. Thus, root pruning, depending on the distance from the trunk, significantly influences the physicochemical properties and microbial activities in poplar rhizosphere soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products have become one of the most important resources for discovering novel xanthine oxidase inhibitors, which are commonly employed in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. However, to date, few reports exist regarding the use of monoterpene glycosides as xanthine oxidase inhibitors. Thus, we herein report the use of ultrafiltration coupled with liquid chromatography in the screening of monoterpene glycoside xanthine oxidase inhibitors from the extract of Paeonia lactiflora ( P. lactiflora), and both high-performance counter-current chromatography and medium-pressure liquid chromatography were employed to separate the main constituents. Furthermore, the xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities and the mechanisms of inhibition of the isolated compounds were evaluated using a multi-mode microplate reader by Molecular Devices. As a result, three monoterpene glycosides were separated by combined high-performance counter-current chromatography and medium-pressure liquid chromatography in purities of 90.4, 98.0, and 86.3%, as determined by liquid chromatography. These three compounds were identified as albiflorin, paeoniflorin, and 1- O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-8- O-benzoylpaeonisuffrone by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, and albiflorin and paeoniflorin were screened as potential xanthine oxidase inhibitors by ultrafiltration with liquid chromatography. The evaluation results of xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity corresponded with the screening results, as only albiflorin and paeoniflorin exhibited xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus [GBS]) is an important neonatal pathogen and emerging cause of disease in adults. The major risk factor for neonatal disease is maternal vaginal colonization. However, little is known about the relationship between GBS and vaginal microbiota.Methods: Vaginal lavage samples from nonpregnant women were tested for GBS, and amplicon-based sequencing targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA V3-V4 region was performed.Results: Four hundred twenty-eight of 432 samples met the high-quality read threshold. There was no relationship between GBS carriage and demographic characteristics, α-diversity, or overall vaginal microbiota community state type (CST). Within the non-Lactobacillus-dominant CST IV, GBS positive status was significantly more prevalent in CST IV-A than CST IV-B. Significant clustering by GBS status was noted on principal coordinates analysis, and 18 individual taxa were found to be significantly associated with GBS carriage by linear discriminant analysis. After adjusting for race/ethnicity, 4 taxa were positively associated with GBS, and 6 were negatively associated.Conclusions: Vaginal microbiota CST and α-diversity are not related to GBS status. However, specific microbial taxa are associated with colonization of this important human pathogen, highlighting a potential role for the microbiota in promotion or inhibition of GBS colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two zinc(II) coordination polymers (CPs), namely, {[Zn 2 (µ 5 -tzbt)(µ-trz)]·3.5H 2 O} n (trz = 1,2,4-triazolate) (1) and {[Zn 2 (µ 5 -tzbt)(µ-OH)(phen)]·4H 2 O} n (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) (2) have been constructed from 1-(triazol-1-yl)-2,4,6-benzene tricarboxylic acid (H 3 tzbt) under hydrothermal conditions. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that 1 displays 3D framework containing left - handed and right - handed helical chains, whilst 2 is a 2D layered structure. These new CPs both exhibit intensive fluorescence emission at room temperature. Notably, they perform as host for the encapsulation of Ln(III) ions and serve as an antenna to sensitize Tb(III) ions. By encapsulating different Ln(III) ions, both Eu 0.2 Tb 0.8 @ 1 and Eu 3+ @ 2 present white-light emission. In addition, 2 exhibits highly luminescent sensing properties for acetone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MCrAlX coatings (M = Ni, Co or NiCo; X = Y, Hf, Ta and Si, etc.) have an excellent oxidation resistant, but in which the various alloying elements will lead to the difference in evolution mechanism of microstructure at high temperature, and thus affects its friction and wear mechanism. Therefore, NiCrAlY, NiCoCrAlYHfSi and NiCoCrAlYTa coatings are deposited by high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying technology in this work. The tribological properties of three kinds coatings at 800 °C are mainly investigated. The emphasis is placed at the influences of alloying elements on evolution mechanism of microstructure as well as mechanical and tribological properties of three coatings. All the coatings are dense and uniform, and their phases are roughly same. However, the different alloying elements lead to the different mechanical properties of coatings. Meanwhile, with the increase of hardness, the wear rate and friction coefficient of the coatings decrease obviously. Especially, the friction coefficient and wear rate of NiCoCrAlYTa coating are significantly lower than those of the other coatings. This phenomenon is mainly attributed to the transformation of worn damage pattern of the coating and the generation of continuous glaze layer at the friction interface. In conclusion, this work could be considered as a guidance to expand the applications of MCrAlX-based coating in modern industries. [Display omitted] • The performance of MCrAlX-based coatings is different with varying alloy elements. • The NiCoCrAlYTa coating exhibits the better mechanical and tribological properties. • The wear mechanism of coatings is related to the formation and spreading of glaze layer. • The glaze layer is composed of mixed oxides, layer-like spinel and amorphous phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water-sediment regulation scheme (WSRS) in the Yellow River has been adjusted annually to maintain the optimal capacity of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir via the scouring of deposits downstream before the rainy season. The high-intensity sediment scouring in a short time has given rise to elevated dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) exportation; however, the source of the DIC is still unclear. Here, we hypothesized that sediment scouring released porewater DIC into the river water, increasing the riverine DIC concentration and enhancing CO 2 outgassing during the adjustment of the WSRS. To test this hypothesis, we used the isotopic composition of the DIC (δ13C DIC) to constrain the sources and transformations of the DIC. River water samples were collected below the Xiaolangdi Reservoir dam before, during, and after the adjustment of the WSRS. In these three stages, the pH of the river water decreased from 8.2 to 8.0 and then increased to 8.4; and the DIC concentrations increased from 185.30 to 216.37 mg L−1, and then decreased to 199.93 mg L−1. The δ 13C DIC values decreased from −7.01 to −11.53‰ and then increased to −6.82‰; and the partial pressure of the CO 2 increased from 5.21 × 10−3 to 35.30 × 10−3 atm, and then decreased to 3.40 × 10−3 atm. The increase in the DIC concentrations with negative δ 13C DIC values during the adjustment of the WSRS resulted from the release of porewater DIC due to the sediment scouring, which was derived from the anaerobic oxidation of organic matter in the permeable sediment environment. More broadly, the sedimentary organic carbon-derived DIC released into the ocean would counteract CO 2 drawdown via the burial of organic carbon in the geological timescales. [Display omitted] • Artificial sediment scouring increased DIC concentrations and flux during the WSRS. • Riverine δ 13C DIC values were negative during the WSRS. • DO concentrations were as low as 1.6 mg/L, and d -excess values increased to 9‰ during the WSRS. • Porewater mixing has resulted in negative δ 13C DIC values and increased DIC concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dam damming has an adverse effect on river connectivity, leading to downstream nutrient transport and ecosystem fragmentation. Dam demolition has already been used as an effective measurement to promote the ecological restoration of rivers. Few studies have analyzed the short-term variations of water quality following dam removal. This study investigated the response of multi-element and multi-form water quality parameters, such as water temperature (TEM), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH 3 –N), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP), to the demolition of 4 dams in Chishui River Basin in short term. The study employed Spearman correlation analysis and Generalized Additive Models to identify the critical variables and examine the inter-relationship between these water quality parameters. Our results show that COD, BOD 5, and TP increased after two weeks of dam removal, while NH 3 –N and TN decreased. Dams with larger volumes and higher heights led to more obvious deterioration for DO, COD, and BOD 5. We also found that denitrification and resuspension dominantly affect the water quality indicators following dam removal. Denitrification is responsible for downstream TN increase, and resuspension and related sediment transport contribute to downstream TP increase. Our study provides an opportunity to explore the transformation and migration of N and P in reservoirs following dam removal in the short term and presents a scientific basis and new thought for the short-term protection and management following the clean-up and rectification of multiple small hydropower plants. • COD, BOD 5 , and TP are short-term risk factors following dam removal. • TN and NH 3 –N decreased after two weeks of dam removal. • Dam removal altered correlations among water parameters. • Larger reservoirs and higher dams led to greater water quality decline. • The N retention is the mainly reason for the TN concentration decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new and rare iridoid glucosides, cornusfuroside A–D ( 1 – 4 ), containing the furan ring were identified from water extract of the fruit of Cornus officinalis . These new chemical structures were determined through extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, IR, HRESIMS, experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Notably, this study is the first report on the isolation of four iridoid glucoside structures with acetal functions in the sugar moiety. The neuroprotective effects of these compounds were also evaluated in vitro . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance aldose reductase (ALR2) inhibition and add antioxidant ability, phenolic hydroxyl was introduced both to the quinoxalinone core and C3 side chain, resulting in a series of derivatives as ALR2 inhibitors. Biological activity tests suggested that most of the derivatives were potent and selective inhibitors with IC 50 values ranging from 0.059 to 6.825 μM, and 2-(3-(4-hydroxystyryl)-7-methoxy-2-oxoquinoxalin-1(2 H )-yl)acetic acid ( 6b ) was the most active. Particularly, it was encouraging to find that some derivatives endowed with obvious antioxidant activity, and among them the phenolic 3,4-dihydroxyl compound 6f with 7-hydroxyl in the quinoxalinone core showed the most potent activity, even comparable with the well-known antioxidant Trolox. Structure-activity relationship and docking studies highlighted the importance of phenolic hydroxyl both in C3 side chain and the core structure for constructing potent ALR2 inhibitors with antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence suggests that the failure of clinical antidepressants may be related with neuroinflammation. The NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is an intracellular multiprotein complex, and has been considered as a key contributor to the development of neuroinflammation. Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome is an effective method for depression treatment. In this review, we summarized current researches highlighting the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathology of depression. Firstly, we discussed NLRP3 inflammasome activation in patients with depression and animal models. Secondly, we outlined the possible mechanisms driving the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Thirdly, we discussed the pathogenetic role of NLRP3 inflammasome in depression. Finally, we overviewed the current and potential antidepressants targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome. Overall, the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation may be a potential therapeutic strategy for inflammation-related depression. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved heavy metals (DHMs) contamination has raised global concern for ecological and human health development. Weathering of sulfide-bearing ore metals can produce acidic, sulfate-rich solutions in the presence of water and oxygen (O 2), and DHMs are released to deprave the river water quality. Sulfur and oxygen isotope signatures (δ 34S SO4 and δ 18O SO4) could identify this pyrite-derived sulfate; however, it is yet not well known whether the δ 34S SO4 and δ 18O SO4 values could limit the DHMs sources and illustrate anthropogenic impacts on DHMs along the river corridor. We tried to solve this problem through field works in the Luohe River and Yihe River, two tributaries of the Yellow River, China, where metal sulfide mine activities mostly occurred upstream, but agricultural and domestic behaviors concentrated in the lower plain reaches. In the Luohe River upper areas, δ 34S SO4 values had negative correlations with concentrations of cadmium (Cd) (p < 0.01), nickel (Ni) (p < 0.05), molybdenum (Mo) (p < 0.01), uranium (U) (p < 0.01), and SO 4 2− (p < 0.01). However, as the δ 34S SO4 values increased downstream in the Luohe River, concentrations of copper (Cu) (p < 0.05), mercury (Hg) (p < 0.05), Ni (p < 0.05), and SO 4 2− (p < 0.01) simultaneously elevated. The Bayesian Isotope Mixing Model (BIMM) results via δ 34S SO4 values demonstrated 64.3%–65.3% of SO 4 2− from acid mine drainage (AMD) in the Luohe River's upper reaches and 63.5%–67.7% in the Yihe River's upper reaches, and about 33% from sewage and industrial effluents in the Luohe River's lower reaches and 27% in Yihe River's lower reaches. Our results confirmed the different anthropogenic impacts on the DHMs concentrations in Luohe River and Yihe River and provided a robust method for DHMs sources appointment and pollution management in river systems. [Display omitted] • Mo and SO 4 2− concentrations had negative relations with δ 34S SO4 values in the upstream. • Sulfide mine drainage contributed 64% to 68% of upstream riverine SO 4 2−. • Sewage and industrial effluents exported 27%–33% of downstream riverine SO 4 2−. • δ 34S SO4 and δ18O SO4 values could be used to distinguish different anthropogenic metal inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of aldose reductase (ALR2) inhibitors based on pyridothiadiazine were prepared and evaluated for their activities in ALR2 inhibition, DPPH scavenging, and MDA inhibition. Comparison studies were carried out between analogs having either hydroxyl or methoxy groups substituted on the N2-benzyl side chains of the compounds. Most of the hydroxy-substituted compounds were found to be more potent compared to their methoxy-substituted analogs with respect to DPPH inhibition (>93%) and MDA inhibition (>73%). However, ALR2 inhibitory activity was found to be affected by the electron-withdrawing substituent at the C7 position in addition to the effect of the N2-substituted benzyl group. These results provide an array of multifunctional ALR2 inhibitors possessing capacities both for ALR2 inhibition and as antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus-based materials are promising for high-performance lithium-ion battery (LIB) applications due to their high theoretical specific capacity. Currently, the existing physical methods render great difficulty toward rational engineering on the nanostructural phosphorus or its composites, thus limiting its high-rate LIB applications. For the first time, a sublimation-induced synthesis of phosphorus-based composite nanosheets by a chemistry-based solvothermal reaction is reported. Its formation mechanism involves solid-vapor-solid transformation driven by continuous vaporization-condensation process, as well as subsequent bottom-up assembly growth. The proof-of-concept LIBs composed of the phosphorus-based nanosheets achieve a high capacity of 630 mAh g−1 at an ultrahigh current density of 20 A g−1, which is attributed to efficient lithium-ion diffusion and electron transfer. Such simple sublimation-induced transformation opens up new prospects for rational engineering of phosphorus-based materials for enhancing electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to find a suitable method for detecting the microbe index of Daqu for Chinese liquor brewing, during the regular production of Daqu, the phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles of Daqu for light-fragrant Chinese liquor were investigated. Three types of Daqu clearly showed different features. The PLFA 18:3 w 6c (3, 6, 9), as one of the biomarkers for fungi, was the highest in the Houhuoqu samples, the lowest in the Hongxinqu samples and moderate with fluctuations in the Qingchaqu samples. The PLFA 18:1 w 9c, another biomarker for fungi, was only detected in the Hongxinqu samples with a steady content. The ratio of the fungi to bacteria of Hongxinqu was 11:20, which was significantly higher than in the Qingchaqu and the Houhuoqu samples. Principal component analysis found that most of the variations in the PLFA patterns were due to the different Daqu types. Variances analysis found that some PLFAs had the potential to be used as representative biomarkers for each type of Daqu. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Procedural justice is regarded as a focus in understanding job-related attitudes and behaviors of employees. Researchers concerned have shown that procedural justice is positively associated with employees work outcomes. However, less attention has been focused on the impact of job security, such impacts one's expectations about continuity in a job situation, as a potential influence on procedural justice and work outcomes. Drawing on a sample of 212 supervisor-subordinate dyads from an air transportation group in the People's Republic of China we examined whether job security mediates the effect of procedural justice on work outcomes (in the aspects of extra-role behavior and turnover intentions). The study from using structural equation showed that job security fully mediates the relationship not only between procedural justice and extra-role behavior but also between procedural justice and turnover intention. Implications for future research and limitations of the present study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uninuclear europium (Eu), as well as binuclear Eu and terbium (Tb), complexes were synthesized using acrylic acid (AA) as the first ligand and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) as the second ligand. The relative weight ratio of the europium (III) (Eu3+) to terbium (III) (Tb3+) ions of the binuclear complex was 1:1 as determined via energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The structures of the Eu(AA)3Phen and Eu0.5Tb0.5(AA)3Phen complexes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A series of tri-cellulose acetate (TCA)/ the Eu(AA)3Phen and TCA/Eu0.5Tb0.5(AA)3Phen composites were prepared by solution blending, and their luminescent properties were investigated by fluorescence spectrophotometry. The excitation spectra of all composites indicated that the TCA matrix probably affected the energy absorption and transfer of organic ligands. In TCA/Eu0.5Tb0.5(AA)3Phen composites the introduced Tb3+ions had some influence on energy absorption and transfer of organic ligands; the energy transfer process of the complex is suggested to be as follows: Phen→AA→Tb3+ion→Eu3+ion. The emission spectra indicated that the luminescent intensity of the TCA/Eu0.5Tb0.5(AA)3Phen composites was noticeably stronger than that of the TCA/Eu(AA)3Phen composites, suggesting that the comparatively stable and high-efficiency energy transfer process was only slightly influenced by the TCA matrix. In summary, the TCA/Eu0.5Tb0.5(AA)3Phen (90/10) composite possesses fine luminescent properties for potential usage as red fluorescent materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibrosis results from excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) plays a central role in hepatic fibrosis. Thus, removal of excess ECM and promotion of apoptosis in HSC are two antifibrotic approaches. Ethyl acetate fraction (EF) of Terminalia bellirica fruit has long been used in liver diseases, but little scientific evidence exists for EF mechanisms in such illnesses. EF has demonstrated both antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities in HSC-T6. The present study investigated the effects of EF on cellular proliferation, ECM removal, cellular signaling pathways, and apoptosis of a rat HSC line (HSC-T6). HSC-T6 cells were incubated with EF, and their proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. Expression of Smad2, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis. Expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, and TIMP-2 mRNAs was determined by real-time PCR. Collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, and hydroxyproline levels were assessed by ELISA. Apoptosis was measured and confirmed by Annexin V-PI staining using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Apoptotic pathways involving Fas/FasL expression and Bcl-2/Bax family were investigated by real-time PCR. Results showed that 31.25–250 μg/mL EF exhibited cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects on HSC-T6 cells. EF at 50 μg/mL significantly decreased the levels of collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, and hydroxyproline. EF suppressed the gene expression of Smad2, PDGFR, α-SMA, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 but elevated that of MMP-2. These events consequently facilitated ECM removal and fibrosis resolution. The highest potency of EF promoting HSC-T6 apoptosis was detected at 50 μg/mL concentration. This finding was associated with upregulation of Fas/FasL and Bax, as well as downregulation of Bcl-2 in HSC-T6. These results indicate that EF demonstrates antifibrotic activity, and its mechanism of action can be ascribed to inhibition of collagen synthesis, cytokine secretion, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway. Furthermore, EF facilitates apoptosis in HSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Sepsis is a life threatening condition that is characterized by the loss of vascular reactivity. The factor(s) responsible for the diminished vascular function seen in sepsis are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize the vascular dysfunction from the rat cecal inoculum (CI) sepsis model using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sepsis as reference models. Materials and methods Experiments were performed on isolated aorta from CI, CLP and LPS treated rats using a combination of pharmacological approaches. Key findings Phenylephrine (PE)-induced aortic contraction was significantly decreased in each model ( p < 0.05) and not normalized by L-NAME or indomethacin. The vascular response elicited in the CI model for acetylcholine (Ach) was more similar to that seen in the CLP than the LPS model. The removal of the endothelial layer increased sensitivity to L-NAME ( p < 0.05) in aortae from CI group. Inhibition of the large conductance Ca 2 + /voltage sensitive K + (BK Ca ) channel did not normalize PE hyporesponsiveness but did abolish sepsis-induced contractile oscillation. Inhibition of the voltage dependent Kv 1.5 channel was not able to reverse the vascular hyporesponsiveness, however, inhibition of the ATP dependent (K ATP ) channel inhibition partially restored the contractile response ( p < 0.05). Elevation of VCAM expression and aortic structural alternation were observed in each model. Significance These results suggest that the CI model may be an additional tool that could be used to investigate the mechanisms of vascular hyporesponsiveness in sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Observing the effects of high-volume hemofiltration (HVHF) treatment on the monocytes apoptosis, antigen presentation, and secretion function, this study investigated the mechanism of HVHF effect on immunity homeostasis in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in an animal model.Materials and Methods: Lipopolysaccharides were administered in 12 Beagle dogs in order to induce MODS. Six dogs were randomly assigned to receive HVHF treatment for 12 hours (HVHF group) and the rest did not receive any treatment (the MODS group). The expression of DLA-DR, apoptosis, and cytokine levels were measured at 7 time points: normal condition (T1), after operation (T2), and zero, 3, 6, 9, and 12 hours after endotoxin injection (T3 to T7, respectively).Results: Apoptosis of CD14+ mononuclear cell increased in early and late stages gradually in the MODS group and began to decline gradually after the HVHF treatment. There was a significant difference between the two groups at time points T2 to T7 (P < .01). After HVHF, the impaired expression of dog leukocyte antigen-DR showed an improvement trend in the HVHF group, which was significant better at T5 and T7 than that in the MODS group (P < .05). Interleukin-4 secretion increased significantly with HVHF and was significantly higher at time points T4 to T7 as compared with the MODS group (P < .01).  Conclusions. High-volume hemofiltration can alleviate the mononuclear cell apoptosis, improve antigen-presenting function and secretion function, inhibit the release of inflammatory factors, and maintain immune homeostasis, and consequently alleviate symptoms of MODS effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Essential hypertension (EH) is known as the result from the interaction of environmental and genetic factors. We selected tag SNPs of CLCNKA_B genes as gene markers, to elucidate the relationship between CLCNKA_B and EH, and to determine the possible interaction among tag SNPs and dietary factors in island of China.Methods: A case-control study was conducted in Changshan islands of China, blood samples of 806 participants were genotyped, and the general characteristics and dietary habits of them were collected. Unconditional logistic regression (ULR) was used to assess the effects of CLCNKA_B tag SNPs and dietary factors on EH. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to test gene–environment interaction for EH risk.Results: Four SNPs were identified as the tag SNPs of CLCNKA_B. Recessive model for rs5253 and rs2275166 were marginal associated with the decrease risk of EH (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.12–1.07 for rs5253; OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.16–1.05 for rs2275166). In GMDR, the five-factor interaction model of rs1010069, salt, marine products, meat and edible oil consumption was the best model, with a maximum CVC of 10/10 and a TBA of 0.638 (p = 0.001). In ULR, compared with subjects carried wild genotypes and null dietary risk factor, those with three or more dietary risk factors and mutation genotypes had 5.90-fold EH risk (95% CI:2.24–15.53).Conclusion: Though the single loci of tag SNPs of CLCNKA_B are not enough to significantly increase the EH susceptibility, the combination of CLCNKA tag SNP, salt, marine products, meat and edible oil consumption is associated with elevated risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel series of (1,2-benzothiazin-4-yl)acetic acid enantiomers was prepared by chiral resolution, and their absolute configurations were determined using the PGME method. The biological evaluation of the racemate and single enantiomers has shown a remarkable difference for the aldose reductase inhibitory activity and selectivity. The (R)-(−)-enantiomer exhibited the strongest aldose reductase activity with an IC50value of 0.120 μM, which was 35 times more active than the S-(+)-enantiomer. Thus, the stereocenter at the C4 position of this scaffold was shown to have a major impact on the activity and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A group of novel quinoxalinone derivatives ( 4a – h ) were prepared and investigated for their inhibitory activity against ALR2 and antioxidant activity. Most of them were found to be potent aldose reductase inhibitors with IC 50 values ranging from 0.019 to 0.982 μM. The most active compound 2-(3-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)-6-fluoro-2-oxoquinoxalin-1(2 H )-yl)acetic acid ( 4c ) also had an excellent selectivity. In addition, a number of compounds showed strong antioxidant activity and the phenolic 3,5-dihydroxyl compound 4f with 7-chloro in the quinoxalinone core was most active in scavenging the DPPH radical and suppressing lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are important electrochemical energy storage devices for consumer electronics and emerging electrical/hybrid vehicles. However, one of the formidable challenges is to develop ultrafast charging LIBs with the rate capability at least one order of magnitude (＞10 C) higher than that of the currently commercialized LIBs. This tutorial review presents the state-of-the-art developments in ultrafast charging LIBs by the rational design of materials. First of all, fundamental electrochemistry and related ionic/electronic conduction theories identify that the rate capability of LIBs is kinetically limited by the sluggish solid-state diffusion process in electrode materials. Then, several aspects of the intrinsic materials, materials engineering and processing, and electrode materials architecture design towards maximizing both ionic and electronic conductivity in the electrode with a short diffusion length are deliberated. Finally, the future trends and perspectives for the ultrafast rechargeable LIBs are discussed. Continuous rapid progress in this area is essential and urgent to endow LIBs with ultrafast charging capability to meet huge demands in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The water age of Poyang Lake has significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity. • The water stage at Hukou and basin inflow are the main influencing factors. • The proposed Water Conservancy Hub may increase the water age. As an important indicator of pollutant transport and dispersion conditions in lakes, the water exchange capacity of large shallow lakes has always been a focus in research on lake hydrodynamic and water environment. Poyang Lake is a large shallow lake and also the largest freshwater lake in China, which is being given prominent environmental and ecological status. Poyang Lake's hydrological situation fluctuates dramatically and the spatial and temporal characteristics and influencing factors of its water exchange capacity are complicated. In this paper, water age was selected to describe the water exchange capacity of Poyang Lake, and a water age model of Poyang Lake was established. With the water age model, the spatial and temporal characteristics and influencing factors of water age of Poyang Lake were studied and the law of response of the water age to the evolution of River-Lake relationship between Yangtze River and Poyang Lake and the proposed Poyang Lake Water Conservancy Hub was analyzed. The results showed that: (1) The water age of Poyang Lake demonstrates significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity, that is, the water age in summer and autumn is obviously higher than that in winter and spring and the water age in the disc-shaped lake and lake bay area is obviously higher than that in the main river channel and beach; (2) The water stage at Hukou and catchment inflow are the main factors affecting the water age of Poyang Lake and the influence of the water stage at Hukou on the water age of Poyang Lake is greater than that of the catchment inflow, and the higher water stage at Hukou, the higher the water age of Poyang Lake, while the higher the catchment inflow, the lower the water age of Poyang Lake; (3) After 2003, the water age of Poyang Lake decreases with the evolution of River-Lake relationship and the most significant decrease happens in autumn; (4) The proposed Poyang Lake Water Conservancy Hub may increase the water age of Poyang Lake to some extent while it alleviates the problem of low water in Poyang Lake. This study can provide a scientific base for the water environment management of Poyang Lake and provide a reference for research on water exchange capacity of other large shallow lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoxalin-2(1H)-one based design and synthesisproduced several series of aldose reductase (ALR2) inhibitor candidates.In particular, phenolic structure was installed in the compounds forthe combination of antioxidant activity and strengthening the abilityto fight against diabetic complications. Most of the series 6showed potent and selective effects on ALR2 inhibition withIC50values in the range of 0.032–0.468 μM,and 2-(3-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7-fluoro-2-oxoquinoxalin-1(2H)-yl)acetic acid (6e) was the most active.More significantly, most of the series 8revealed notonly good activity in the ALR2 inhibition but also potent antioxidantactivity, and 2-(3-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxystyryl)-2-oxoquinoxalin-1(2H)-yl)acetic acid (8d) was even as strong asthe well-known antioxidant Trolox at a concentration of 100 μM,verifying the C3 p-hydroxystyryl side chain as thekey structure for alleviating oxidative stress. These results thereforesuggest an achievement of multifunctional ALR2 inhibitors having bothpotency for ALR2 inhibition and as antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Atacama Desert is one of the oldest and driest deserts in the world, and its hyper-arid core is described as 'the most barren region imaginable'. We used a combination of high-throughput sequencing and microscopy methods to characterize the endolithic microbial assemblages of halite pinnacles (salt rocks) collected in several hyper-arid areas of the desert. We found communities dominated by archaea that relied on a single phylotype of Halothece cyanobacteria for primary production. A few other phylotypes of salt-adapted bacteria and archaea, including Salinibacter, Halorhabdus, and Halococcus were major components of the halite communities, indicating specific adaptations to the unique halite environments. Multivariate statistical analyses of diversity metrics clearly separated the halite communities from that of the surrounding soil in the Yungay area. These analyses also revealed distribution patterns of halite communities correlated with atmospheric moisture. Microbial endolithic communities from halites exposed to coastal fogs and high relative humidity were more diverse; their archaeal and bacterial assemblages were accompanied by a novel algae related to oceanic picoplankton of the Mamiellales. In contrast, we did not find any algae in the Yungay pinnacles, suggesting that the environmental conditions in this habitat might be too extreme for eukaryotic photosynthetic life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cortex Phellodendri is a typical Chinese herb with a large number of alkaloids existing in all parts of it. The most common methods for screening and isolating alkaloids are mostly labor intensive and time consuming. In this study, a new assay based upon ultrafiltration liquid chromatography was developed for the rapid screening of ligands for α-glucosidase and xanthine oxidase. The C. Phellodendri extract was found to contain two alkaloids with both α-glucosidase- and xanthine oxidase binding activities and one lactone with α-glucosidase-binding activity. Subsequently, with the help of high-speed countercurrent chromatography, the specific binding ligands including palmatine, berberine, and obaculactone with purities of 97.38, 96.12, and 96.08%, respectively, were successfully separated. An optimized low-toxicity two-phase solvent system composed of ethyl acetate/ n-butanol/ethanol/water (3.5:1.7:0.5:5, v/v/v/v) was used to isolate the three compounds mentioned above from C. Phellodendri. The targeted compounds were identified by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Therefore, ultrafiltration liquid chromatography combined with high-speed countercurrent chromatography is not only a powerful tool for screening and isolating α-glucosidase and xanthine oxidase inhibitors in complex samples but is also a useful platform for discovering bioactive compounds for the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus and gout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beetles are the most diverse group of insects in Insecta which can be found in almost every habitat and environment on Earth. The possessing of the rapid and effective immune defenses is one of the important factors for their success. It is generally recognized that beetles only rely on the non-specific innate immune defense, without immunological memory, to fight against pathogens. However, there was cumulative evidence for the innate immune memory in invertebrates, including beetles, over the last decades, implying that insect innate immunity is more complex and has more features than previously thought. In beetles, it has been well documented that the specific or nonspecific enhanced immunocompetence can persist throughout development within generations and can even be transferred to the descendents in the next generation. Although insect immune priming might be shaped by epigenetic modifications and transferring effectors, mRNA and microbial signals, the solid experimental evidence to support the causal relationship between any of them and immune priming is still scarce. The combined usage of 'omics' approaches and CRISPR/Cas9 in the appropriate insect models with well-known genetic background, Tribolium castaneum and Tenebrio molitor , will help us to decipher the molecular mechanisms by which immune priming occurs in beetles in depth. • Primed immune responses of beetles exhibit a variable degree of specificity from nonspecific to specific. • Both male-specific and female-specific TGIP occurs in beetles. • Beetle TGIP can be mediated by the maternal transfer of bacterial signals and immune effectors to the offspring via eggs. • The causal relationship among gut bacteria, epigenetic modifications and immune priming remain elusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Novel quinoxalinone derivatives were synthesized and tested for their inhibitory activity against aldose reductase. Among them, N1-acetate derivatives had significant activity in a range of IC50 values from low micromolar to submicromolar, and compound 15a bearing a C3-phenethyl side chain was identified as the most potent inhibitor with an IC50 value of 0.143 μM. The structure–activity studies suggested that both C3-phenethyl and C6-NO2 groups play an important role in enhancing the activity and selectivity of the quinoxalinone based inhibitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Despite the advanced detection and sterilization techniques available today, the sensitive diagnosis and complete elimination of bacterial infections remain a significant challenge. A strategy is reported for efficient bacterial capture (ca. 90 %) based on the synergistic effect of the nanotopography and surface chemistry of the substrate on bacterial attachment and adhesion. The outstanding bacterial-capture capability of the functionalized nanostructured substrate enables rapid and highly sensitive bacterial detection down to trace concentrations of pathogenic bacteria (10 colony-forming units mL−1). In addition, this synergistic biocapture substrate can be used for efficient bacterial elimination and shows great potential for clinical antibacterial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the advanced detection and sterilization techniques available today, the sensitive diagnosis and complete elimination of bacterial infections remain a significant challenge. A strategy is reported for efficient bacterial capture (ca. 90 %) based on the synergistic effect of the nanotopography and surface chemistry of the substrate on bacterial attachment and adhesion. The outstanding bacterial-capture capability of the functionalized nanostructured substrate enables rapid and highly sensitive bacterial detection down to trace concentrations of pathogenic bacteria (10 colony-forming units mL−1). In addition, this synergistic biocapture substrate can be used for efficient bacterial elimination and shows great potential for clinical antibacterial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A copper-catalyzed cascade reaction of N-H insertion and oxidative aromatization has been developed. 2-Arylaminophenols have been prepared in moderate to high yields from the diazo substrates. Moreover, this newly established methodology allows efficient access to natural 1-oxygenated carbazole alkaloids, such as glycozolicine and murrayafoline A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel, non-acid series of nitroquinoxalinone derivatives was synthesized and tested for their inhibitory activity against aldose reductase as targeting enzyme. All active compounds displayed an 8-nitro group, and showed significant activity in IC50 values ranging from 1.54 to 18.17μM. Among them 6,7-dichloro-5,8-dinitro-3-phenoxyquinoxalin-2(1H)-one (7e), exhibited the strongest aldose reductase activity with an IC50 value of 1.54μM and a good SAR (structure–activity relationship) profile. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Smad3 is a principal intracellular mediator of signaling for transforming growth factor β, a cytokine involved in pleiotropic pathophysiological processes including inflammation and immunity. The function of Smad3 in regulating inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and septic shock has not been characterized. Methods: Smad3−/−(referred hereafter as KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were injected intraperitoneally with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce the septic hypotension. Mortality, blood pressure, and plasma levels of nitrite were measured. The iNOS messenger RNA and protein levels in lung, kidney, and spleen were also analyzed. Results: Mice lacking functional Smad3 respond to LPS with greater mortality than their WT littermates. The high mortality of KO mice is accompanied by enhanced hypotension after intraperitoneal injection of LPS. Both KO and WT mice displayed an increase in plasma nitrite during the experimental period; however, LPS administration caused more dramatic changes in KO mice than WT mice. Likewise, the iNOS messenger RNA and protein levels in lung, kidney, and spleen were more strongly increased in KO mice than in WT mice after LPS administration. Conclusions: Defects in the Smad3 gene may increase susceptibility to the development of septic hypotension because of enhanced iNOS production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]