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Gram-positive enhancer matrix (GEM) nanoparticles are often used in mucosal immunity, preparation of subunit vaccines or as an immune adjuvant due to its good immunological activities in recent years. Here, we designed and screened out a high affinity peptide ligand PL23, which could specifically target the non-epitope region of Classic Swine Fever Virus (CSFV) E2 protein, by virtual screening technology, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) test. The OD value of PL23 at 450 nm was reached 1.982, and the KD value of it was 90.12 nM. Its binding capacity to protein was verified by SDS-PAGE as well. PL23 was subsequently conjugated to GEM nanoparticles by dehydration synthesis generating GEM-PL23 particles, and the GEM-PL-E2 particles were assembled after incubated with CSFV E2 protein. The cytotoxic test indicated that PL23, CSFV E2 protein, GEM nanoparticles, GEM-PL23 particles and GEM-PL-E2 particles were not toxic to cells and GEM nanoparticles could significantly promote the growth of APCs at high concentration for 1 h, p

An increasing number of multidisciplinary field and laboratory projects focused on paleoanthropological sites from different areas of Asia are resulting in the discovery of many important findings. One such key area is southern China, particularly in the karst limestone caves of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, as a number of important hominin fossils have been discovered in recent years. In order to more intensively investigate the vast karst deposits of southern Guangxi, beginning in 2016 we initiated a systematic survey and excavation research program in Chongzuo City, southwest Guangxi. To date, this new field research initiative resulted in the discovery of eight new vertebrate fossil localities. One of these sites is the Yanlidong (“YLD”) cave, which in addition to yielding a rich collection of vertebrate fossils, also included the discovery of three hominin fossil teeth. Based on morphological and metric comparisons, we tentatively assigned these three teeth to modern Homo sapiens. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of fossiliferous sediment indicate that age of these human teeth can be constrained between 30 and 65 ka. The implications of this new evidence from YLD and other nearby caves for the origin of modern humans in eastern Asia debate are discussed.

Aim Serum anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (anti-PLA2R) antibodies are highly accurate in diagnosing idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) in populations with kidney disease. However, the diagnostic value of anti-PLA2R antibodies for IMN in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is unclear. The objective of this study is to determine the diagnostic efficacy and the optimal cut-off value of this marker in populations with DKD. Methods This study included 227 patients with type 2 diabetes who were admitted to the Department of Nephrology of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital from May 2016 to January 2018 and underwent pathological diagnosis by renal biopsy. Anti-PLA2R antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in this population. According to the pathological results, the participants were divided into an IMN group and non-membranous nephropathy (non-MN) group. The clinical characteristics were analyzed, the diagnostic ability of anti-PLA2R antibodies was evaluated, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to obtain the optimal cut-off value. Results There were 45 patients in the IMN group, accounting for 19.8% of the study sample. The patients in this group were older at the time of renal biopsy than the non-MN group and presented a shorter duration of diabetes, better glycemic control, lower blood pressure and uric acid, and better renal function; in addition, their clinical symptoms indicated nephrotic syndrome. The optimal cut-off value for anti-PLA2R antibodies for the diagnosis of IMN in DKD was 2.71 Ru/ml, sensitivity was 0.800, specificity was 0.951, positive predictive value was 0.800, negative predictive value was 0.951, accuracy was 0.921, and the Yoden index was 0.750. The area under the ROC curve was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.788–0.952) (p Conclusions Patients in the IMN group were older, had better renal function and general condition, and the clinical symptoms indicated nephrotic syndrome. Anti-PLA2R antibodies had a good diagnostic performance for IMN in the population with DKD, and the optimal cut-off value was 2.71.

Owing to the unearthed left maxillary fragment and left lower premolar fossil in 1950s, Changyang Cave was regarded as an important hominin site where Middle Pleistocene hominins are first discovered in southern China. However, only two bovine tooth fossils have been dated to 194 + 24–20 ka and 196 + 20–17 ka by U-series dating since 1980s. In this work, the stratigraphy of Changyang Cave was re-investigated by applying U–Th dating method for eight new tooth fossils obtained from fossil layer and two carbonate crystal samples from clay cement on the wall of this cave. New dating results showed that the ages of the two carbonate crystals are 256 and 233 ka respectively, and those of the eight tooth fossils are concentrated from 193 ka to 143 ka. Considering the ages of the two previous fossils, new carbonate crystals, and new eight tooth fossils, we suggested that the age range of Changyang hominin is between 196 and 143 ka.

Disinfection is an indispensable water treatment process for killing harmful pathogens and protecting human health. However, the disinfection has caused significant public concern due to the formation of toxic disinfection by-products (DBPs). Lots of studies on disinfection and DBPs have been performed in the world since 1974. Although related studies in China started in 1980s, a great progress has been achieved during the last three decades. Therefore, this review summarized the main achievements on disinfection and DPBs studies in China, which included: (1) the occurrence of DBPs in water of China, (2) the identification and detection methods of DBPs, (3) the formation mechanisms of DBPs during disinfection process, (4) the toxicological effects and epidemiological surveys of DBPs, (5) the control and management countermeasures of DBPs in water disinfection, and (6) the challenges and chances of DBPs studies in future. It is expected that this review would provide useful information and reference for optimizing disinfection process, reducing DBPs formation and protecting human health.

The occurrence of multi-modal ages for inclusions contained within cave sediments is probably far more widespread and problematic than has been appreciated by archaeologists until now. This phenomenon is likely to be a relatively common situation in caves especially in tropical/sub-tropical areas like southern China where karstification and sedimentation would have been rapid within a context of active hydrological regimes over protracted periods during the Pleistocene. The availability of various cost-effective dating techniques applicable to both Pleistocene cave sediments and a range of sedimentary inclusions means that archaeologists are now better placed to understand this phenomenon than ever before. Here we describe the results of Uranium-series dating of a randomly selected sample of deer bones and teeth from Maludong in southern China which demonstrate the existence of disparate multi-modal ages among sedimentary inclusions at the site. These results have implications for previous reconstructions of the palaeoenvironment of the site as well as for interpretations of the possible significance of enigmatic hominin remains from Maludong for understanding the late phases of human evolutionary history in the region. We conclude that the complexities of reconstructing sedimentary history and allied challenges of dating sedimentary inclusions in caves require urgent and serious attention by archaeologists especially in light of the growing international attention being paid to later Middle and Late Pleistocene sites in tropical East Asia.

Three-dimensional hollow SnO2@TiO2 spheres encapsulated in reduced graphene oxide aerogels (HSTGAs) were successfully fabricated through self-assembly from SnO2@TiO2 hollow spheres and graphene oxide nanosheets using a simple hydrothermal process. The hollow spheres possess an average size of 360 nm. The thickness of SnO2 shell is 10–15 nm, and the thickness of TiO2 shell is 20–35 nm. The TiO2 shell was anchored onto the surface of hollow SnO2 spheres to effectively limit volume change. Afterward, hollow SnO2@TiO2 spheres were wrapped in graphene oxide nanosheets to build a three-dimensional conductive structure. The applications of HSTGAs as anode for lithium ion storage were explored. Systematic electrochemical results show that HSTGAs electrode maintains a high-discharge capacity of about 668.2 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 200 cycles. Compared with pure metal oxide hollow spheres, HSTGAs can greatly enhance the electrochemical performance due to the synergistic effects of metal oxide hollow spheres and graphene oxide nanosheets. HSTGAs are prospective multifunctional nanomaterials that can be used to solve the current energy storage issues.

Sand-loess sequences in the desert-loess transition zone are sensitive terrestrial archives for recording past climatic changes and atmospheric dust activities. However, a high-resolution chronology for relative long-term sand-loess sequences is still rare. In this study, we used quartz SAR OSL and K-feldspar pIRIR (pIRIR290) methods to date a 16.8 m sand-loess sequence at Zhenbeitai in Yulin (North-Central China). The quartz is sensitive, fast component dominated but saturates at ∼150 Gy. The measured K-feldspar pIRIR290 De showed no dependency on the first IR stimulation temperature between 50 °C and 260 °C. Dose recovery results were consistent with unity up to ∼800 Gy for a test dose of approximately 30% of the equivalent dose to be measured. The resulting pIRIR290 ages are consistent with the stratigraphy up to ∼121 ka. Thus, a high-resolution chronology up to the last interglacial could be established for the Zhenbeitai sand-loess section. Derived mass accumulation rates show sedimentation rates of ∼10–80 cm/ka for the upper loess (

Background: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) first emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019, but spread rapidly throughout the world and became a pandemic Critical

Tremella-like silica spheres (TSSs) and brush-like silica fibers (BSFs) with well-defined structures were synthesized using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and sodium dodecyl sulfate aggregate as structure-directing agent and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as inducing agent. By controlling the amount of β-CD, the morphology of mesoporous silica was changed from TSSs to BSFs and then back to TSSs. The materials were characterized by using several techniques. The extraordinary mesoporous silica with a brush-like shape and measuring 180–220 nm wide and 6–20 μm long were formed as a result of the diameter of the U-shaped silica skeleton. These two kinds of materials can be used as fluorescent hybrid materials by immobilizing Rhodamine B (Rh B). Furthermore, the hybrid materials were well characterized by the fluorescence spectra to prove that BSFs-Rh B has excellent fluorescence property.

Interstitial iron ( Fe i ) has strong influence on physical properties of Fe 1 + x Sb (0.08 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.38) compounds. We synthesized Fe 1.08 Sb single crystals with Fe i content close to the lower limit of solution area and investigated its transport and magnetic properties. The ac susceptibility and field dependence of magnetization measurements demonstrate that the transition at ∼9 K is a spin glass transition. By analyzing temperature dependence of susceptibility ( χ vs T) and resistivity (d2 ρ /dT2 vs T) results, we found a change of scattering in transport properties caused by the ordering of Fe i moments in this compound. In addition, the Hall resistivity results reveal that the hole-type carrier is dominant and the topological Hall effect induced by spin chirality is negligible in Fe 1.08 Sb.

The Qinling Mountain Range (QMR) in central China encompasses innumerable Paleolithic sites. The hominin settlement in the QMR is comparable with that in the Nihewan Basin in northern China. The recorded information on the loess deposition in the QMR include both hominin remains and environmental changes. Since 2004, geological, geomorphological, archaeological, and chronological investigations were conducted by our team. By systematically using luminescence, paleomagnetic, and 26Al/10Be burial dating methods to obtain age controls, and by correlating the pedostratigraphy and magnetic susceptibility of the Luochuan loess section, we established the loess–paleosol sequence and chronology of the lithic artifact levels for 35 Paleolithic sites and spots in the QMR. This work remarkable found shifts from glacial-to interglacial-driving hominin settlement patterns. During the stage between 1.2 and 0.7 Ma, large drying events, such as L15 (MIS 38) and L9 (MIS 22, 23 and 24), may have driven hominin migrations when the Loess Plateau was depopulated; moreover, the southern QMR was a glacial refugium. During the stage after ∼0.60 Ma, the contrasts between glacial and interglacial scales are the greatest; furthermore, longer and warmer humid interglacial environments were dominant. S5 (MIS 13, 14, 15) and S1 (MIS 5) interglacial periods provided the optimal environments for hominin settlement and dispersal. On the basis of investigations, we also found that the hominin settlement is relatively continuous from ∼1.20 Ma to ∼0.05 Ma in the QMR. The human occupation of the QMR decreased considerably after ∼0.05 Ma, probably because of changes in climate and human adaptations.

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) is high in elderly people, and is difficult to prevent and treat. One of its major causes is renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). A young systemic environment may prevent the senescence of old organs. However, it is unknown whether a young milieu may reduce renal IRI in the elderly. To examine this question, bilateral renal IRI was induced in old (24 months) mice three weeks after parabiosis model establishment. At 24 hours after IRI, compared to old wild-type mice, the old mice with IRI had significantly damaged renal histology, decreased renal function, increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. However, there was no increase in autophagy. Compared to old mice with IRI, old-old parabiosis mice with IRI did not show differences in renal histological damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, or autophagy, but did exhibit improved renal function. Compared to the old-old parabiosis mice with IRI, the old mice with IRI in the young (12 week)-old parabiosis showed less renal histological injury and better renal function. Renal oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were significantly decreased, and autophagy was significantly increased. Thus, a youthful systemic milieu may decrease oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, and increase autophagy in old mice with IRI. These effects ameliorated IRI injuries in old mice. Our study provides new ideas for effectively preventing and treating AKI in the elderly.

Purpose The purpose of the study was to test the psychometrical properties of the Chinese version of the Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life (PEmb-QoL) questionnaire. Methods We translated the English version of the PEmb-QoL into Chinese. Patients at various periods after pulmonary embolism diagnosed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between May 2016 and Dec 2017 were invited to complete the questionnaire. Standard psychometrical tests and criteria were used to evaluate the acceptability, reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the PEmb-QoL. Results A total of 108 participants completed the questionnaire and were included for further analysis. The Chinese version of the PEmb-QoL showed good internal consistency (Crohnbach's alpha ranging from 0.643 to 0.930), inter-item correlations (0.369–0.599), and item-total correlations (0.341–0.893). Test-retest reliability was also good (0.759–0.896). Moderate correlations between PEmb-QoL and SF-36 dimensions, and low correlations between PEmb-QoL and clinical characteristics supported convergent and discriminant validity. Exploratory factor analysis suggested four underlying dimensions: work-related problems, daily activity limitations, emotional complaints and frequency and intensity of complaints. Conclusions The Chinese version of the PEmb-QoL questionnaire is both valid and reliable for measuring quality of life in patients at various periods after pulmonary embolism, proving the universality of this disease-specific questionnaire.

In this study, flower-shaped TiO2/C embedded with fish-scale-like MoS2 (TiO2/C/MoS2) microspheres were synthesized by impregnating MoS2 into the interspace of TiO2/C. The TiO2/C/MoS2 microspheres (diameter of 2–3 µm), which are composed of several homogeneous flake-shaped petals, were then applied as anode in lithium-ion batteries. MoS2 has a fish-scale shape with size of approximately 10 nm. In addition, MoS2 is connected to the TiO2 petal surface. In the flower-shaped TiO2/C/MoS2 microspheres, TiO2 acts as backbone for MoS2 that can effectively minimize the strain of volume changes. The fish-scale-like MoS2 can provide more active sites for reactions. The flower-shaped TiO2/C/MoS2 electrode exhibits a discharge capacity of 621 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles, which is much higher than that of TiO2/C electrode (291 mA h g−1) and pure MoS2 electrode (160 mA h g−1). Compared with TiO2/C and pure MoS2, the structural and compositional features of the TiO2/C/MoS2 microspheres enhance the specific capacity and cycling stability.

In this study, we developed a facile one–pot strategy for fabricating flower–shaped yolk–shell SiO2 nanospheres (FYSSns) using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide–polyvinylpyrrolidone–cyclohexane–ethanol–water vesicle–microemulsion composite aggregation as templates through a simple solvothermal route. FYSSns displayed yolk–shell structures with flower-shaped yolks (260–320 nm) with ordered radial mesochannels (∼7 nm), large cavities (100–120 nm), and thin silica shells (20–30 nm). High laccase immobilization amounts were achieved using FYSSns as supporter, and the laccase–modified FYSSns were applied to the electrochemical sensor with high selectivity for detecting catechol. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed sensor showed a wide linear range from 12.5–450 μM over catechol concentration and a low detection limit of 1.6 μM. The outstanding performance was attributed to the advantages of FYSSns, such as large specific surface area and its own mesochannel structure.

In this study, anatase TiO 2 nanorods with exposed high-energy {100} and {001} facets and low-energy {101} facets were fabricated in the presence of surfactants cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, didecyldimethylammonium bromide, and ammonia via a facile hydrothermal method without the erosive reagent hydrofluoric acid. The particle size and morphology were mainly tuned by regulating the hydrothermal temperature. When the temperature was increased from 150 °C to 180 °C and 200 °C, the length of the nanorods decreased from 700-1000 nm to 400–500 nm and 100–200 nm, respectively. Concurrently, the edges and tops of the truncated tetragonal pyramid of the TiO 2 nanorods became blurry and flattened. The synthesized typical TiO 2 nanorods were then used as photocatalysts, and their performance during the direct generation of H 2 from water was evaluated. The TiO 2 nanorods obtained at 150 °C successfully produced high amounts of H 2 evolution (281.36 μmol) in the presence of methanol as a sacrificial agent under ultraviolet light irradiation for 4 h. The outstanding photocatalytic activity of the nanorods was mainly ascribed to the formation of surface heterojunctions in the edges and corners between adjacent high-energy {001} or {100} facets and low-energy {101} facets. The formed heterojunctions could facilitate charge separation through preferential carrier flow toward the specific facets.

Benzophenone-type UV filters are a group of compounds widely used to protect human skin from damage of UV irradiation. Benzophenone-4 (BP-4) was targeted to explore its transformation behaviors during chlorination disinfection treatment in the presence of iodide ions. With the help of ultra performance liquid phase chromatograph and high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer, totally fifteen halogenated products were identified, and five out of them were iodinated products. The transformation mechanisms of BP-4 involved electrophilic substitution generating mono- or di-halogenated products, which would be oxidized into esters and further hydrolyzed into phenolic derivatives. The desulfonation and decarboxylation were observed in chlorination system either. Obeying the transformation pathways, five iodinated products formed. The pH conditions of chlorination system determined the reaction types of transformation and corresponding species of products. The more important was that, the acute toxicity had significant increase after chlorination treatment on BP-4, especially in the presence of iodide ions. When the chlorination treatment was performed on ambient water spiked with BP-4 and iodide ions, iodinated by-products could be detected.

China is a key area of early human settlement in East Asia, with numerous Paleolithic localities indicating an early Pleistocene presence of hominins in northern and southern China. Considerable research has been devoted to determining possible migration routes for hominins linking the two areas. In this paper, we report the discovery of several loess-covered Paleolithic sites in the Hanzhong and Ankang Basins along the Hanjiang River in the southern piedmont of the Qinling Mountains (QLM) in central China. A chronology is developed for these sections using a combination of detailed optically stimulated luminescence dating, magnetostratigraphic analyses, and pedostratigraphic correlation with the well-dated loess–paleosol sequence of the central Chinese Loess Plateau. The results indicate that the age of the oldest lithic assemblage at the Longgangsi locality 3 Paleolithic site in Hanzhong Basin is ∼1.20 Ma, thus making this locality as one of the oldest sites in central China. Our work also indicates that hominins occupied the Hanjiang valley at several times: ∼1.2, 0.9, ∼0.6, and ∼0.1 Ma. We propose that the Hanjiang River Valley was a probable hominin routeway through the QLM because many sites corresponding to these different phases were also discovered to the north of the QLM. Future study on the Hanjiang River Valley is important for verifying the hypothesis of an early human migration route between southern and northern China.

Showing features associated with archaic Homo sapiens and evolved Homo erectus , the Dali skull is a key fossil for understanding human evolution in China. Various dating methods such as U-series, IRSL, TL, ESR, ESR/U-series, and stratigraphical correlation with central Loess Plateau sequence were used to estimate the antiquity the Dali Man site with varying results. In this study, a total of 12 samples were taken in the sequence in the Dali Man site, from the aeolian loess-palaeosol sequence and underlying fluvial deposit layers including the palaeoanthropological level and dated by several optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) methods: coarse-grained quartz SAR OSL, thermally transferred OSL (TT-OSL), and K-feldspar post-IR infrared (IR) stimulated luminescence (post-IR IRSL; pIRIR 290 ) methods. Results show that the TT-OSL and pIRIR 290 ages were consistent up to ∼100 ka. For older samples, the feldspar ages were significantly older. These pIRIR 290 ages increased with the stratigraphy up to 310 ka. The best age estimation of the Dali Man layer providing by the feldspar pIRIR 290 suggested that the Dali Man lived in late period of L3 (MIS 8) stage. Furthermore, correlating the pIRIR 290 ages between 267.7 ± 13.9 ka and 258.3 ± 14.2 ka and new pollen analysis, we proposed a new viewpoint that the Dali Man was likely to live during a transitional period from glacial to interglacial climate in the S2/L3 (MIS 7/8) stage.

Chloroform, a regulated disinfection by-product in water, is often generated during chlorination disinfection treatment. However, the formation of chloroform is heavily dependent on the molecular structures of precursors. Moreover, compounds containing ketone moiety are ubiquitous in water environments. However, it is unclear if they can generate chloroform during chlorination. In this study, 14 benzophenones (BPs), efficient and widely used UV filters, with different substituents were selected to explore chloroform formation during chlorination. All 14 BPs generated chloroform, with yields dependent on their molecular structures and operational conditions. Compounds 2,2′,4,4′-tetrahydroxy-BP and benzophenone produced the highest and lowest chloroform of 0.313 and 0.013 g/g, respectively, corresponding to the fastest and slowest formation rate constants of 1.41 × 10−1 and 2.71 × 10−2 min−1. Alkaline conditions and high chlorine dosages were favorable to chloroform formation. Three reactions played key roles in chloroform formation from BPs: (1) chlorine initiated Baeyer–Villiger oxidation converted ketone moieties of BP molecules into esters; (2) the esters further underwent hydrolysis and formed phenolic and benzoic products; and (3) benzoic acids underwent decarboxylation and hydrolysis to form phenolic products. Subsequently, these phenolic products could further generate chloroform in the chlorination system. More importantly, BPs could generate chloroform in the ambient water matrices during practical chlorination treatment. This work emphasized the critical role of Baeyer–Villiger oxidation for chloroform formation, implying that pollutants containing aromatic ketone moieties generate chloroform during chlorination disinfection, and their potential risk should therefore be reviewed.

Since 2010, we have found stone artifacts at the Houfang and Dishuiyan loess sections on the second terrace of the Hanjiang River and the Wolonggang thick natural loess section on the fifth terrace of the same river near the Xuetangliangzi site. We dated Dishuiyan and Houfang loess sections by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and thermally transferred OSL (TT-OSL) methods respectively. Dating results showed that the loess–paleosol deposited on the second Hanjiang River terrace as L1, S1, L2, and S2 in sequence. We dated the Wolonggang loess section by high-resolution paleomagnetostratigraphic analyses. The Jaramillo subchron was found at this section. Correlating with the central Loess Plateau, we recognized the continuous loess–paleosol sequence from L9 to L15. Investigations showed that loess was continuously deposited on the terraces of the Hanjiang River at Yunxian Basin since at least 1200 ka.

Rationale and Objective IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is an important cause for end-stage renal disease worldwide. The treatment for IgAN remains challenging, and few randomized and controlled clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate new therapies. The present study assesses the efficacy and safety of Abelmoschus manihot (AM) in IgAN patients. Study Design Randomized, non-inferiority, double-blind, double-dummy multicenter trial. Setting and Participants This trial was designed to recruit 1,600 biopsy-proven IgAN patients (proteinuria between 0.5-3.0 g/d and estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] of ≥ 45 ml/min/1.73 m2) across China. Interventions The participants were randomized at 1:1 to AM (2.5 g for three times per day) or losartan potassium (100 mg per day) for 48 weeks. Outcomes The primary outcome was the change in 24-hour proteinuria from baseline to week 48. The secondary outcomes were the change in eGFR from baseline to week 48, and the incidents of endpoint events (proteinuria ≥ 3.5 g/24 h, doubling of serum creatinine, or receiving renal replacement treatment). Results Among 1,470 randomized patients (mean age, 37.4 [SD, 10.6] years old; 777 [52.9%] were female; mean eGFR, 95.0 [SD, 24.3] mL/min/1.73 m2; mean 24-hour proteinuria, 1.2 [SD, 0.7] g/d), the mean decline in 24-h proteinuria at week 48 was 230 mg and 253 mg in the AM and losartan potassium groups, respectively (P = 0.676). The mean difference in the change in 24-h proteinuria between these two groups was -23.32 mg (95% confident interval: -123.2 to 76.6, p = 0.647). The mean decline in eGFR was 0.41 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 0.76 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the AM and losartan potassium groups, respectively (p = 0.661). The mean difference in the change in eGFR between these two groups was -0.43 ml/min/1.73 m2 (95% confident interval: -1.99 to 1.13, p = 0.589). The incidence of endpoint events was 8.6% in the AM group and 8.2% in the losartan group (p = 0.851). Limitations The results of the trial may not be generalized to IgAN patients with a proteinuria of > 3.0 g/d and an eGFR of Conclusion AM can be recommended as a promising treatment for IgAN patients.

The nature and variability of Chinese Paleolithic culture remain unclear because the method of studying lithic industries has been essentially typological, and few regions have been intensively researched. A technological and techno-functional methodology provides a new perspective for exploring the cognitive modes of hominids and interpreting the intra and inter-regional homogeneity and variability of Paleolithic cultures. Over the last few decades, numerous Paleolithic sites with stone artifacts were excavated in the Hanshui River Valley. Based on a new methodology and recent discoveries, this paper reviews the Paleolithic sites of the Hanshui River Valley and studies representative industries to investigate regional lithic production and human behaviors. In terms of operative schemes, debitage and faconnage coexisted at nearly all sites and showed continuity and stability throughout the Pleistocene. For debitage, the Type C was present in nearly all sites. For faconnage, operative scheme 1 (unifacially-knapped on matrix of simple bevel) was predominant. The operative schemes of both debitage and faconnage were extremely similar in that great emphasis was placed on the selection of natural technical characters rather than on intentional preparation. For inter-regional variability, the percentage of bifaces was much lower (

National Natural Science Foundation of China [41202127, 41072122]; Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions; Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [1082020904]; CAS [XDA05130201]; Chinese Academy of Sciences [KZCX2-YW-BR-24]

Objectives To investigate the relationship between telomere length in peripheral blood white cells and cardiovascular function in a healthy, aging Han Chinese population. Methods In 2012, peripheral blood leukocytes were obtained from 139 healthy individuals in Beijing, China, and telomere restriction fragment (TRF) length was assayed using a digoxigenin-labeled hybridization probe in Southern blot assays. Indicators of cardiovascular function were also evaluated, including electrocardiograms (ECG), (RR, P, PR, QRS, ST and T intervals); blood pressure (BP), (SBP, DBP, PP, PPI); cardiovascular ultrasound (left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF); mitral early and late diastolic peak flow velocity (MVE and MVA); and lipid indices (TC, TG, HDL, LDL, LCI). The relationships of these cardiovascular indictors to telomere length were evaluated. Results No correlations were found between telomere length and ECG, BP or lipid indices even after adjustment for age. Correlations were found between TFR length and some cardiovascular ultrasound indictors (D, MVEA, MVEDT, MVES, MVEL, MVEI, IMT), but these were not seen after adjusting for age. Conclusions We did not find that leukocyte TFR length was associated with cardiovascular ultrasound indictors, ECG, BP, or lipid indices in this population of healthy Han Chinese individuals. Telomere length may serve as a genetic factor in biological aging.

The mechanism of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in acute kidney injury remains uncertain. Previous studies indicated that mesenchymal stem cells could attenuate inflammation-related organ injury by induction of regulatory T cells. Whether regulatory T-cell induction is a potential mechanism of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in ischemic acute kidney injury and how these induced regulatory T cells orchestrate local inflammation are unknown. Here we found that mesenchymal stem cells decrease serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, improve tubular injury, and downregulate IFN-γ production of T cells in the ischemic kidney. In addition to the lung, mesenchymal stem cells persisted mostly in the spleen. Mesenchymal stem cells increased the percentage of regulatory T cells in the spleen and the ischemic kidney. Antibody-dependent depletion of regulatory T cells blunted the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells, while coculture of splenocytes with mesenchymal stem cells caused an increase in the percentage of regulatory T cells. Splenectomy abrogated attenuation of ischemic injury, and downregulated IFN-γ production and the induction of regulatory T cells by mesenchymal stem cells. Thus, mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate ischemic acute kidney injury by inducing regulatory T cells through interactions with splenocytes. Accumulated regulatory T cells in ischemic kidney might be involved in the downregulation of IFN-γ production.

In northern China, environmental changes in the transitional zone from the sandy desert to the loess plateau have been regarded as an important issue in the understanding of climate changes and the remains of hominin activities found in this zone provide a solid line of evidence to support the reconstruction of environmental conditions during the late Pleistocene. In 2006, many stone artifacts were collected on the surface in the southeastern Tengger Desert, Northern China. The Tengger lithic assemblage is correlated to the Late Middle to Early Upper Paleolithic stage and with the typical and extensively investigated Shuidonggou site some 140 km north–east of the Tengger localities. In order to evaluate both the age and the environmental conditions prevailing during human occupation despite the lack of associated stratigraphies, we have tried to place the Tengger localities into the Late Pleistocene climatic framework using the available published data provided by Mu Us Desert sand–loess sections and records of Tengger paleolake levels, respectively eastwards and westwards from the newly discovered localities. Additionally, an unpublished sand–loess section was studied by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) near Zhongwei city, around 170 km to the south. All the data suggests that the optimal time for hominin activity in the Tengger Desert would have been from 42 to 22 ka, during a period of relatively humid conditions when the climate of the area was governed by the strengthened summer East Asian monsoon.

Thermally transferred optically stimulated luminescence (TT-OSL) dating extends the age range beyond current limits of OSL dating in Chinese loess. In this study, we use a single-aliquot regenerative-dose procedure for TT-OSL protocol to date Yaochangwan and Hejialiang localities of loess-covered Liangshan Paleolithic sites in Hanzhong Basin, which is an important area for the study of Paleolithic industries during the middle Pleistocene in central China. The results suggest that buried culture layer at the Hejialiang locality is correlated with the last interglacial paleosol S1 in Chinese Loess Plateau, it is dated at 86.3 ± 6.4 ka. The Yaochangwan locality spans from approximate 600–100 ka and correlates with S5–S1 in the typical Chinese loess–paleosol sequences, respectively. These ages suggest that hominins already occupied the Hanzhong Basin since approximately 600 ka ago.

A newly discovered Paleolithic site in loess deposits in the Lushi Basin, South Luo River, central China, is dated using pedostratigraphic analysis, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and magnetostratigraphic analysis. This region is regarded as an important place for hominin occupation and settlement during the early to middle Pleistocene. Results indicate that the archaeological site dates from 600 ka to 620 ka, reinforcing the view that Homo erectus had occupied a large area of eastern Asia by 620 ka. The lithic assemblages of Lushi Basin is a flake and core technology, typical for this time period in north-central China. It may be compared with that at the Zhoukoudian locality 1 in north China and some sites in the Luonan Basin, and provides important data for understanding the behavior and stone tool technology of early Chinese hominins.

Doping dependence of the anisotropic resistivity and in-plane thermopower have been systematically studied for Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 1− x Gd x Cu 2 O 8+ δ single crystals ( x =0, 0.09, 0.19, 0.32 and 0.41), whose hole concentration changes from overdoped to underdoped level. For the underdoped crystals, the in-plane resistivity ρ ab ( T ) exhibits an obvious downturn from the T -linear behavior at characteristic temperature T * , whose value increases with x , which manifests the opening of the spin gap in the normal state. The c -axis resistivity ρ c ( T ) and the anisotropy ρ c ( T )/ ρ ab ( T ) increase rapidly with increasing Gd-doping concentration. The in-plane thermopower S increases monotonously with decreasing the carrier concentration, and its temperature dependence for the underdoped crystals shows a deviation from the T -linear dependence at high temperature region. By assuming a characteristic temperature T scale where the thermopower S begins to deviate from T -linear behavior, S ( T )/ S ( T scale ) vs. T / T scale can be well scaled into a universal curve for all the underdoped crystals. The T scale , which is supposed to relate with pseudogap, shows the similar doping dependence to that of T * . However, there are quantitatively difference between T * and T scale .

Large, high-quality Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 1− x Gd x Cu 2 O y (Gd-doped Bi2212) single crystals for x =0–1.0 were successfully grown by a self-flux method for the first time. The structure of the crystals was examined by X-ray diffraction and Laue photographs. All the crystals possess the pure Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O y (Bi2212) phase with the in-plane dimension up to 8×3 mm 2 . The c -axis length of the doped crystals decreases with increasing Gd concentration. The superconducting transition temperature T c of the crystals increases slightly at first and then drops rapidly upon Gd doping, which can be described well by the hole filling mechanism.

High-quality Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca(Cu 1− x Mn x ) 2 O y single crystals were successfully grown by the self-flux method for the first time. For starting composition x =0−10%, all the crystals possess the pure Bi2212 phase with evident difference between the nominal and actual Mn concentration. The c -axis lattice parameter decreases with increasing Mn content for both as-grown and air-annealed single crystals. The superconducting transition temperature decreases dramatically upon Mn doping, with the T c suppression rate larger than those of other 3 d transition elements doped Bi2212 reported previously.

The variations of the high angle 00 38 peak-shape by means of X-ray l scans of the 00 l fundamental reflections were investigated in detail for a highly oriented Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O y (Bi2212) crystal with sufficiently small intrinsic mosaicity and the same crystal annealed in air at 250, 300, 400, 600, and 750°C for 20 h in consequence. For the first time, we observed a new additional reflection almost overlapped original 00 l fundamental reflection at annealing temperature below 400°C by X-ray diffraction measurement, which shows that there coexisted two sets of lattice periodicity in the c -direction of the annealed crystal. The new additional reflection appeared at 250°C and disappeared at 400°C. Its intensity was increased at 300°C. The measurements of the AC susceptibility, c -axis parameter and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the 00 38 peaks showed that the new additional reflection was associated with the oxygen diffusion in CuO 2 planes and the changes of strain field. The results provide the new experimental evidence that the structural distortion is more sensitive to the oxygen diffusion in CuO 2 planes than to that in Bi–O layers.

Effect of Pr-doping on the structure and superconductivity of Bi2212 system was studied for Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 1− x Pr x Cu 2 O y single crystals with x =0–0.78. The a - and b -axis lengths increase with increasing Pr concentration, while the c -axis length and the period of modulation decrease with Pr-doping. These can be explained by the higher valence of Pr ion substituting at Ca site, the extra oxygen in BiO bilayers and the lattice mismatch between perovskite layer and BiO bilayer. In addition, the changes in lattice parameters are more dramatic in the Pr-rich region than those in the Ca-rich region, which can be attributed to the difficulty in the intercalation of extra oxygen in the BiO bilayer at high-doping level. The superconducting transition temperature increases slightly at first and then drops gradually upon Pr doping and the complete suppression of superconductivity occurs when the Pr content reaches 0.60. The superconducting volume faction also decreases with Pr content and is proportional to 1− ax 2 .

The reversible magnetization measurements with applied field parallel to the c -axis were carried out for a series of Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+ δ (Bi2212) single crystals with different oxygen content varying from underdoped to overdoped states, from which the doping dependence of penetration depth and n s / m * can be obtained. It was firstly found in this system that with increasing oxygen content, the value of n s / m * increases in the underdoped region and reaches a maximum at the optimal doping, then decreases in the overdoped region. The observed deviation from the linear relationship of T c ∝ n s / m * in the underdoped region can be regarded to be due to the structural distortion and the disorder scattering, while the decrease of n s / m * in the overdoped region is suggested to be due to the phase-separation related pair breaking.

Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 1− x Pr x Cu 2 O y single crystals were successfully grown by a self-flux method from Bi-rich melts for the first time. For starting composition x s =0–0.6, all the crystals possess the pure Bi2212 phase with the actual Pr content varying from x =0 to 0.78 correspondingly. However, the grown crystals are of the Bi2201 and the Bi2222 phase for starting composition x s =0.7–0.9 and x s =1.0, respectively, with evident difference between the nominal and actual composition of crystals. The superconducting transition temperature of Bi2212 crystals increases slightly at first and then drops gradually upon Pr doping and the complete suppression of superconductivity occurs when the actual Pr content reaches 0.60.

A new kind of Bi-based single crystal Bi 2 Sr 1.5 Pr 2.5 Cu 2 O y was grown by a self-flux method. The crystals were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction. It was found that the crystal has an orthorhombic structure with lattice parameters a =5.491(7) A, b =5.532(8) A and c =35.68(8) A, which are close to those of the Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O y (Bi2223) phase, and incommensurate modulation structures along b -axis with period of 4.15. Intergrowth of other phases in some crystals were also observed.

The structure of a new single crystal Bi 2 Sr 1.5 Pr 2.5 Cu 2 O y was characterized by various diffraction means. X-ray four-circle diffraction showed that the crystal has the Bi-2222 structure with slightly orthorhombic symmetry and the lattice parameters a =5.501(4) A, b =5.509(4) A and c =17.87(1) A. The crystal has an incommensurate modulation structure that can be described as q * =0.24 b * +0.5 c * . X-ray diffraction linear- and θ -scans in the b * c * -plane of the 00 l and 0 k 0 fundamental reflections and modulation-related reflections were conducted by using a powder X-ray diffractometer in reflection or transmission geometry. From these scan data, the lattice parameters and modulation wavevector can also be obtained and were found close to those from four-circle diffraction. Moreover, the detailed distribution of reciprocal points in the b * c * -plane can be obtained directly from these X-ray diffraction scans. The modulation structure was also observed by electron diffraction.

The effects of oxygen content on the anisotropic resistivity and Cu 2+ localized spin moments have been studied for the Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8 + x single crystals. It was found that the in-plane and out-of-plane resistivities ( ϱ ab and ϱ c ), as well as the electron spin resonance (ESR) signals decrease with increasing oxygen contents from underdoping to overdoping states. We believe that the in-plane resistivity upturn in an underdoped region is closely related to the carrier localization, and the scattering of spin fluctuations plays an important role in the charge transport properties. On the origin of c-axis resistivity, we should take into account the scattering in the `barrier' layer between CuO 2 ‘cells’ and the scattering or fluctuations in the planes.