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An adaptive multilevel correlation analysis, a kind of data-driven methodology, is proposed. The analysis is done by subdividing the time series into segments such that adjacent segments have significantly different mean values. It is shown that the proposed methodology can provide multilevel information about the correlation between two variables. An integrated coefficient with its significance testing is also proposed to summarize the correlation at each level. Using the adaptive multilevel correlation analysis methodology, the correlation between streamflow and water level is investigated for a case study, and the results indicate that real correlation might be far more complicated than the empirically constructed picture. EDITOR D. Koutsoyiannis ASSOCIATE EDITOR E. Volpi [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvement of fruit traits is an important objective in current mulberry breeding programs. In this study, 93 mulberry accessions of diverse origin were genotyped using 15 ISSR markers to identify marker–trait associations with fruit traits. Fifteen ISSR primers generated a total of 104 amplification products, of which 94 were polymorphic, revealing 90.38% polymorphism; the mean PIC value was 0.2698. UPGMA cluster analysis showed clear genetic relationships between the 93 mulberry cultivars, and the major clusters were related to known pedigree relationships and their ecotype. The meanr2value for all intra-chromosomal loci pairs was 0.0210. Marker–trait associations were investigated using the unified mixed-model approach, considering both population structure (Q) and kinship (K). In total, 24 marker–trait associations (p < 0.01) were identified using different ISSR markers. The results suggest that association mapping in mulberry is a viable alternative to quantitative trait loci mapping, and detection of associations between markers and mulberry fruit traits will also provide important information for marker-assisted breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Azoreductase, a flavin mononucleotide-containing oxidoreductase fromEscherichia coli, can catalyze the reduction of azo dyes to form aromatic amine compounds. Few spectroscopic studies have explored the binding mode of azo dyes or the role of the arginine at site 59 in Azoreductase. In this article, protein engineering strategy has been used to construct one mutant in which the arginine residue at site 59 was mutated to glycine. Fluorescence spectroscopic data showed that the addition of Methyl Red and Methyl Orange resulted in the fluorescence quenching of the cofactor flavin mononucleotide bound to Azoreductase. The association constant was fitted using the standard binding equation instead of the Stern-Volmer equation. The results showed that the mutation from the arginine to glycine at site 59 weakened the association constant from 2.21 × 105 L.mol−1to 4.55 × 104 L.mol−1at 25°C. A similar phenomenon was also observed when Methyl Orange was used as a substrate. In each case, the association constant tended to decrease as the temperature increased from 25°C to 37°C. Thermodynamic parameter analysis revealed that the interaction type changed from a van der Waals interaction (between Azoreductase and the dyes) to a hydrogen bonding interaction (between the mutant and the dyes). Moleculcar docking was also performed in this work to provide some support for the binding mode and binding stability between Azoreductase/mutant and azo dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A complementary Y-shaped chiral metamaterial (CYCMM) is proposed for the realization of giant optical activity and circular polarization with strong circular dichroism (CD) simultaneously for terahertz (THz) waves. It is demonstrated that the proposed CYCMM can achieve 90° linear polarization rotation around 2.13 THz and a giant CD effect at 2.38 THz through full-wave simulations. The mechanism of the giant CD effect and optical activity is illustrated by simulated surface current distribution. Due to strong optical activity and the CD effect, the proposed CYCMM is useful for the development of integrated terahertz spectroscopic and imaging devices. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Phalaenopsis stobartiana Reichenbach f. 1877 is mainly distributed in Yunnan province of China and has a high ornamental and breeding value. Here, we reported the chloroplast genome of P. stobartiana. The length of the chloroplast genome was 145,900 bp, encoding 120 genes. The average GC content was 36.8%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. stobartiana and P. wilsonii are closely related. The chloroplast genome could be used for further phylogenetic research, and provide molecular data for future genetic protection and breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Early increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression is involved in the evolution of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) by facilitating the development of cerebrovascular complications. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the detrimental effects of MMP-9 in HSE has not been elucidated. Recent research finds angiotensin II plays an important role in regulation of MMP-9 activity. The aim of this work was to identify the influence of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) captopril on MMP-9 activation after herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection. Methods: Animal models of HSE were established by intracerebral inoculation of HSV-1 into mice. Brain tissue ROS levels were measured by staining with dihydroethidium. MMP-9 protein expression was detected by immunofluorescence and brain water content was measured with dry-wet weight method. Neurological function score was quantified 5 d after HSV-1 infection. Microglial cells were treated with various concentrations of captopril. MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity in the supematant of the cell cultures was assessed by zymography. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of p47phox and MMP-9. Results: Immunofluorescence showed that expression of MMP-9 in brain tissue was mainly presented in OX-42 positive microglia. Quantification of gelatinolytic activity by densitometry showed that expression of MMP-9 in microglia was significantly increased after HSV-1 infection and inhibited by captopril treatment. NADPH oxidase subunit p47phox and MMP-9 mRNA expression were significantly increased 6 h after HSV-1 infection, and were seen reduced after captopril treatment in dose dependence. Captopril also downregulated ROS and MMP-9 protein expression following encephalitis in vivo, and attenuated brain edema, and improved neurological function. Discussion: This compelling evidence suggests that MMP-9 is a key pathogenic factor within HSE. ACEI captopril could reduce the expression of MMP-9 mediated by ROS, then relieve cerebral edema and improve neurological function, which may lay a foundation for further basic research and clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel 1,8-disulfonamidocarbazole-dipyrromethane Schiff-base macrocycle (1) and its amine analogue (2) were designed and synthesised, and their anion binding properties were studied via UV–vis and1H NMR titration spectra. The obtained results showed that a small change in the macrocyclic structure (by reducing imines into the corresponding amines) produced a remarkable impact on its binding affinity and selectivity for anions. For example, macrocycle1displayed a 7.9:1 F−/H2PO4−selectivity; however, its amine analogue2showed a 78.5:1 F−/H2PO4−selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Searching for the contact points between wheels and rails is important because these points represent the points of exerted contact forces. In order to obtain an accurate contact point and an in-depth description of the wheel/rail contact behaviours on a curved track or in a turnout, a method with improved accuracy in three dimensions is proposed to determine the contact points and the contact patches between the wheel and the rail when considering the effect of the yaw angle and the roll angle on the motion of the wheel set. The proposed method, with no need of the curve fitting of the wheel and rail profiles, can accurately, directly, and comprehensively determine the contact interface distances between the wheel and the rail. The range iteration algorithm is used to improve the computation efficiency and reduce the calculation required. The present computation method is applied for the analysis of the contact of rails of CHINA (CHN) 75 kg/m and wheel sets of wearing type tread of China's freight cars. In addition, it can be proved that the results of the proposed method are consistent with that of Kalker's program CONTACT, and the maximum deviation from the wheel/rail contact patch area of this two methods is approximately 5%. The proposed method, can also be used to investigate static wheel/rail contact. Some wheel/rail contact points and contact patch distributions are discussed and assessed, wheel and rail non-worn and worn profiles included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a novel variant found in a female from Guilin municipality in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. This variant can be readily detected by both cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). Sanger sequencing revealed a novel mutation on the β-globin gene [β65(E9)Lys→Glu (AAG>GAG); HBB: c.196A>G]. We named this novel hemoglobin (Hb) variant Hb Guangxi for the place of origin of the proband. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract \nHighlights Polyether antibiotics (PAs) are the anti-coccidiosis drugs used for treating and preventing coccidiosis. Studies show the residues of these antibiotics in food cause adversities and threaten human health. PAs thus need robust, rugged, and accurate methods for their analysis. This review encompasses pretreatment and detection methods of PAs in diverse matrices since 2010. Both conventional and developed methods are part of the pretreatments, such as dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, solid-phase extraction, solid-phase microextraction, solvent front position extraction, QuEChERS (Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe), supercritical fluid extraction, and others. The analysis methods involve liquid chromatography coupled with detectors, sensors, etc. The pros and cons of various techniques for PAs have been discussed and future tendencies are proposed.Progress of pretreatment and analytical methods for PAs are summarized.Comparisons between different mass analyzers are discussed in detail.Novel materials in microextraction methods are depicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a novel α2-globin chain hemoglobin (Hb) variant in a 23-year-old female of Chinese Han nationality. The Hb variant can be detected by glycated Hb electrophoresis (CapillaryS2, Hb A1c program). However, Hb fractions analyzed by capillary electrophoresis (CE) (CapillaryS2, Hb program) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), (VARIANT II™ β-Thalassemia Short Program) showed no suspicious Hb variant. Sanger sequencing revealed a novel mutation [α67(E16)Thr→Ile, HBA2: c.203C>T]. We named this novel variant Hb Sichuan after the geographic origin of the proband. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here a novel α1-globin chain variant, Hb Hubei [α114(GH2)Pro→His, HBA1: c.344C>A], in a Chinese individual. The proband, a 28-year-old Chinese female, was discovered following routine Hb A1c analysis using cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Sanger sequencing revealed a novel missense mutation, HBA1: c.344C>A (CCC>CAC), in exon 2 of the α1-globin gene. The mutation caused a transition of proline to histidine at position α114(GH2) on the α1-globin chain. This new variant was named Hb Hubei after the geographic origin of the proband. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a novel β-globin chain variant, Hb Shenzhen [β90(F6)Glu→Ala, HBB: c.272A>C], in a 52-year-old Chinese individual. The hemoglobin (Hb) variant takes the position of the Hb D zone using capillary electrophoresis. Sanger sequencing revealed a novel base mutation on the β-globin gene, HBB: c.272A>C, that resulted in a transition of glutamic acid to alanine at exon 2 of the β-globin gene. We named this novel variant Hb Shenzhen for the geographic origin of this proband. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors are overexpressed in numerous human cancers, such as pancreatic, colon and gastric cancers. Previous studies have shown that the specific receptor-binding property of CCK for CCK receptors (CCKRs) can be exploited to produce immunotoxins (ITs) that target cancer cells overexpressing CCK receptors. Purpose: Construct a new IT-targeting CCKR-overexpressing colon cancers. Methods: To construct the CCKR-targeted IT, a reverse CCK8 peptide was fused with a modified 38-kDa truncated form of the Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE38KDEL). An efficient immunoaffinity purification procedure was used to produce a PE38-based IT. Several analyses, including CCK8 competition and indirect immunofluorescence assays, were performed to confirm the interaction between rCCK8 and CCKR. After cytotoxic assays on several cell lines, the anti-tumor activity of the new IT was detected in nude mice. Results: The rCCK8PE38 IT showed specific cytotoxicity for two colon cancer cell lines and one gastric cancer cell line. After purification, 18-26 mg of pure rCCK8PE38 per 1 L of culture was obtained. Purified rCCK8PE38 showed high cytotoxicity in colon cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 0.8-3.5 ng/mL. The results of the CCK8 competition and indirect immunofluorescence assays showed that rCCK8 had a specific interaction with CCKR. Nude mice inoculated with HCT-8 tumor xenografts were treated with rCCK8PE38, which efficiently decreased the tumor size in those mice. Conclusions and discussion: All of these data suggest that rCCK8PE38 has potential as a new immunotherapy agent. Furthermore, the results of this study further support the high value of the immunoaffinity method for IT purification procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of global production networks have made great strides in understanding the dominant organizations of global production but so far have only offered limited insights on mitigating risks inherited by being a part of such networks under the condition of crises in the world’s wealthiest regions. Drawing from the literature of regional resilience, this paper examines the performance of Chinese Information Communication Technology firms before and after the financial crisis of 2008 with the aim to identify differentiated impacts and the firms’ and region's ability to deal with shocks under the crisis conditions. The research looks into how market portfolios and technological levels affect firm performance based on primary data from two large-scale firm-level surveys conducted before and after the 2008 financial crisis. I found that while the 2008 crisis primarily affected demands outside China, its impacts did not stop at firms or regions specializing in export. Domestic market-oriented firms also suffered from the shock, and mixed-market firms performed the best during the crisis. Technological levels did not have a clear impact on firm performance during the crisis. While the two surveys cover only a short time horizon, the comparison highlights the entrenched nature of the production networks and underscores the importance of creating and maintaining structural diversity and multiple market relations to survive the new “normal” of the volatile globalized industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to present two new iterative algorithms to find the minimum norm fixed point of nonexpansive nonself-mappings in the framework of Hilbert spaces. The results presented in this paper improve and extend the corresponding ones announced by Yao and Xu [Yao Y, Xu HK. Iterative methods for finding minimum norm fixed point of mappings with applications. Optimization. 2011;60:645–658] and many others. Some applications to convex minimization and split feast problems(SFP) are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Genetic factors have been studied extensively for their role in the pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). This study was conducted to investigate whether manganese superoxide dismutase ( SOD2) variants play a significant role in POAG in a Chinese population. Methods: This study included of 416 unrelated POAG patients and 997 unrelated control subjects. Four SOD2 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including rs6917589 rs2842980, rs5746136 and rs4880, were genotyped by dye terminator-based SNaPshot method. The genotype and allele frequencies were evaluated using the χ2 tests. Results: Allelic association analysis showed that there were suggestive differences in the allelic distributions between POAG cases and controls for SNPs rs6917589 and rs5746136 ( p = 0.0.046 and p = 0.032, respectively), but no statistically significant association was detected between the two SNPs and POAG after Bonferroni correction ( p > 0.0125). The allele and genotype frequency in SNPs rs2842980 and rs4880 showed no statistically significant difference between POAG cases and controls ( p = 0.128 and p = 0.867, respectively). SNP rs5746136 had a significant association with POAG in the recessive model ( p = 0.003155). Haplotype ATGT generated from the four SNPs showed a trend of association with POAG ( p = 0.0098). Conclusion: Our results showed a trend of association with POAG, suggesting that SOD2 may play a significant role in the development of POAG in the Chinese population. Further work with a larger sample size and functional study is needed to confirm the importance of the SOD2 gene in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The miscibility, bioactivity, and antibacterial properties of chitosan/collagen specimens were systematically studied. The specimens were prepared by blending collagen and chitosan with varying deacetylation degrees in solutions; the collagen molecules had been extracted from pigskins using the acid swelling-pepsin digestion method. To understand the miscibility properties of collagen and chitosan molecules, the intrinsic viscosity and differential scanning calorimetry analysis of collagen, chitosan, and collagen/chitosan specimens were performed. The instrinsic viscosity measurements suggested that chitosan and collagen molecules with varying deacetylation degrees were miscible at molecular level for all compositions and degrees of deacetylation of chitosan/collagen mixture solutions prepared in this study. Fourier transform infrared analyses suggested that the percentage of preserved triple helix structures present in collagen molecules in collagen/chitosan specimens decreased with increasing chitosan contents, since the ratios of peak absorbance at 1239 cm−1of amide III and 1455 cm−1of C‒H bending of collagen/chitosan specimens decreased significantly with increase in their chitosan contents. Abnormally high denaturation temperatures (Td) were observed as the chitosan contents of collagen/chitosan specimens reached 40 wt%, at which Tdof collagen molecules was even higher than that of the corresponding pure chitosan molecules with varying deacetylation degrees. The antibacterial activity of collagen/chitosan blends increased consistently with increasing deacetylation degrees and concentrations of chitosan molecules in collagen/chitosan solutions. Possible explanations for these interesting thermal denaturation, antibacterial, and miscibility properties of chitosan/collagen specimens are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A simple anion receptor incorporating bisamide and bispyrrole groups as recognition sites was synthesised, and its binding properties towards anions were studied by UV–vis,1H NMR, ESI-MS spectra and theoretical calculations. This receptor exhibited a selective complexation with biologically importantand F− over other anions tested in dry CH3CN. Significantly, the discrimination of these two anions could be realised via the obviously different UV–vis readouts of the receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) has a typical monsoon climate, with high temperatures and an uneven distribution of precipitation throughout the year. This climate, combined with the geographic position of the LMB, has led to an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events over last decade. However, few previous studies have used remote-sensing data to investigate the impact of such weather events, particularly severe droughts, on biological productivity in the LMB. To address this, we assessed the impact of drought on vegetation productivity in the LMB during 2000–2011 using MOD17 products. Several drought events were identified during this period. Of these, the most severe occurred during 2005 and 2010, although the 2005 drought was both more extensive and more intense. Net primary productivity (NPP) exhibited considerable variation during 2000–2011: the droughts in 2005 and 2010 reduced NPP by 14.7% and 8.4%, respectively. The impact of drought on NPP in 2005 was much greater than that in 2010, likely owing to the longer duration and larger deficit of precipitation in 2005 (which lasted from winter 2004 to spring 2005). Our results demonstrate that severe drought had a greater impact on NPP than mild drought, especially for forests, woodlands, and shrublands. Comparatively, little variation in NPP was found for croplands, even under drought conditions, which were attributed to the wide use of irrigation and the exploitation of water sources during drought periods. Moreover, multi-season croplands in Vietnam experienced only a small reduction in gross primary productivity (GPP) in 2005 compared to one-season croplands in Cambodia, which can be related to the shorter growing periods of the former impacted by droughts. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The taxonomy and phylogeny of the genusLiotesbaScheerpeltz, 1965 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae: Xantholinini) are studied. Four new species are described:Liotesba fengyangshanasp. nov. from Zhejiang,Liotesba recticepssp. nov. from Sichuan,Liotesba expansipalpissp. nov. from Hubei andLiotesba ovaticepssp. nov. from Sichuan. Six known species are also redescribed in detail due to insufficient original description and lack of modern data. The genusLiotesbais therefore increased by four species to 17 species. A key to species and a distribution map for all known species are provided. Phylogenetic analysis is conducted for 12 terminal taxa (10Liotesbaspecies and two other Xantholinini species as outgroups) based on 58 characters and results in two most parsimonious trees (consistency index = 0.47, retention index = 0.40,L = 154). By mapping the morphology of labrum and aedeagus of 10 species onto the phylogenetic trees, perspective evolutionary trends of the two characters are exhibited: the aedeagus possessing the spinulate inner sac may be primitive, and the labrum with protruding median teeth may have evolved more than once within the genusLiotesba.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8706FA00-904F-4993-961D-0E001557AB86 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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GFPS1b is an antitumor glycoprotein isolated and purified from the mycelia ofGrifola frondosaGF9801. In the present study, freeze drying and hot air drying of GFPS1b were compared according to their drying kinetics, functional/conformational/topographical changes, and anti-proliferative activities for the first time. UV spectroscopy, FT-IR, SEM, and compositional analysis were conducted to evaluate the structural changes of GFPS1b after the above drying processes. Results showed that physicochemical and anti-proliferative properties of GFPS1b differed from each other after the two drying treatments. The freeze-dried GFPS1b-F showed the significant advantages over hot-air-dried GFPS1b-A due to its higher product yield, higher protein content, total sugar content, uronic acid content, higher solubility, and anti-proliferative activity. This study revealed that different drying methods used for preparation of glycoprotein GFPS1b could significantly affect the physicochemical properties and structure, which in turn adversely affect the biological activity of GFPS1b. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the complete mitochondrial genomes of Crenidorsum turpiniae, a new record whitefly pest on tea-tree. The mitogenome of C. turpiniae is 15,427 bp long and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes and a putative control region (GenBank: MN934936). The whole base composition of the heavy strand for A, C, G and T is 30%, 12.24%, 15.82% and 41.87%, respectively, with an AT bias (-16%). All PCGs use ATN as start codon (N, any nucleotide), except for NAD6 uses TTG. Most of the PCGs use TAA as a stop codon. The length of 16SrRNA and 12SrRNA gene are 1277 bp and 768 bp, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. turpiniae and Tetraleurodes acaciae had a closer genetic relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to identify the drivers behind households’ decision to purchase a manufactured home rather than buy a traditional house or rent. A nested logit model is estimated using recent movers’ data from the national sample of the American Housing Survey 1985–2003. Explanatory factors include both housing choice attributes and movers’ characteristics. The results suggest that lowering the user cost of owning a manufactured home increases the probability of choosing that type of dwelling. Compared to their high-income counterparts, low- and medium-income households are more likely to choose owning manufactured homes as a transitional stage between renting and traditional home ownership. The recent movers who previously lived in manufactured homes are more inclined to own manufactured homes. Recent movers from older age groups, who are married, from a bigger family, or from a white family, are less likely to own manufactured homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) is widely used as a plasticizer in carrier of pesticide, food packing and many daily products. It could be hydrolysed to mono-butyl phthalate (MBP) inside the body of organisms, which is highly toxic to humans and other organisms, affecting the reproductive and developmental function. Immune spleen cells were collected from mice immunised intraperitoneally (i.p.) and multiple subcutaneously (s.c.). A hybridoma cell line named 2F7 was obtained via colony hybridisation of immune spleen cells and myeloma cells SP2/0. The mAb against MBP secreted by 2F7 was an isotype of IgG1, and showed 1.93×108of an affinity and the CR values of the mAb with other analogues of MBP were not more than 5%, except for BBP (11.5%). The high affinity and IgG characteristics of the mAb against MBP could be used for MBP detection in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Gastrin/cholecystokinin subtype 2 receptor (CCK2R) is overexpressed in several types of tumors. Gastrin-17 (G17) peptide has a high affinity with CCK2R. These characters suggest that G17 may be useful for target cancer therapy. Purpose: Construct a new immunotoxin (IT) targeting of CCK2R overexpressed gastric cancer. Methods: Two ITs were generated using forward and reverse G17 peptides fused with PE38. To get a high yield, codon optimized gene and optimized fermentation parameters were used in large-scale protein expression. An immunoaffinity technique was introduced into pseudomonas exotoxin (PE)-derived IT purification procedure. G17 competition, GST pull-down and indirect immunoflourescence assays were carried out to confirm the interaction between rG17 and CCK2R. Then, several cytotoxic assays were carried out on 18 cell lines, and an in vivo antitumor activity experiment was tested in nude mice. Results: The rG17PE38 showed specific cytotoxicity on three gastric cancer cells, while G17PE38 did not. After optimization, the expression level reached about 40% in medium deprived of NaCl. Next, 15-27.5 mg of pure rG17PE38 per 1 L of cultures was obtained. Results of G17 competition, GST pull-down and indirect immunoflourescence assays demonstrated that rG17 have a specific interact with CCK2R. Purified rG17PE38 showed high cytotoxicity on gastric cancer cell lines with the IC50 value of 0.6-4 ng · mL−1. Treatment of nude mice inoculated with BGC-823 tumor xenografts with rG17PE38 efficiently inhibited tumor size. Conclusions and discussion: The present study demonstrates that reversed G17 could be used as target moiety of PE-derived IT and the rG17PE38 could be developed as a new immunotherapy agent. Codon optimized gene could increase the rG17PE38 expression level in E. coli and furthermore NaCl inhibits the rG17PE38 expression in large scale. Meanwhile, our present study inducts an immunoaffinity method in the IT purification procedure, which could purify the PE-derived ITs in native form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We experimentally investigate the interaction of linearly polarized light with a holographic grating in a conical mounting. Due to the periodic structure, the polarization properties of the reflected zeroth-order beam are highly sensitive to the conical angle. When a focused Gaussian beam with linear polarization impinges on an air–grating interface at an exceptional conical angle, a spatial splitting of the reflected beam is observed behind a polarizer. We find that it can be interpreted using the anisotropy of the polarization distribution in holographic grating reflection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple anion receptor (i.e. salicylaldehyde-indole-2-acylhydrazone) was synthesised and its recognition properties were investigated by naked-eye observation, UV–vis titration spectra,1H NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. The obtained results indicated that this receptor could realise the selective colorimetric sensing and absorption ratiometric response towards AcO− in CH3CN–DMSO medium, by virtue of threefold intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions formed with phenolic OH, indole NH and amide NH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have the potential to aid tissue regeneration. Intravenous (IV) MSC administration is currently being assessed following tissue injury. However, few studies have been performed to establish a safe and effective method of IV MSC infusion for newborns. We have established a safe, nontraumatic and effective technique for systemic MSC transplantation in newborn rats. Yellow-fluorescent-protein (YFP)-labeled MSC were characterized using MSC markers and their differentiation potential was confirmed. Rat pups were delivered by C-section on gestational day 21. The umbilical vein (UV) was cannulated and used for IV injection of MSC or saline control, which was performed under ultrasonographic imaging. An additional control group consisted of UV MSC injection in adult mice. Mean operating time, success rate of cannulation and death rate were recorded. YFP-MSC quantification in multiple organs was performed. Mean operating time was 3.9 ± 1.1 min. The success of UV MSC injection was 92.8%. The immediate and 24 hr delayed death rate for rat pups was significantly lower than that of adult mice ( p < .05). No pups receiving saline injection died. After locating the patent foramen ovale (PFO) of newborn pups by ultrasonographic imaging, extra pulse-waves and wave-shape changes were detected when MSC were injected. The number of YFP-MSC was 15.8 ± 4.1 cells per visual field (CPVF) in the lungs, 2.9 ± 1.2 CPVF in the heart, and 19.8 ± 5.0 CPVF in the intestines. We conclude that IV MSC infusion through the UV is a convenient, safe, and effective method for systemic MSC transplantation in prematurely delivered newborn rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global avalanche characteristics criterion of two Boolean functions was introduced by Zhou et al. [On the global avalanche characteristics criterion of two Boolean functions and the higher order nonlinearity, Inform. Sci. 180(2) (2010), pp. 256–265] to measure the cryptographic behaviour in a global characteristic. The two indicators σ f, g and Δ f, g of Boolean functions f and g were presented. In this paper, a new upper bound on σ f, g is derived, and a technique on constructing Boolean functions to attain the lower bound on the sum-of-squares indicator is described by using the disjoint spectra method. Some new upper bounds on Δ f, g and σ f, g are deduced for two special Boolean functions. Two relationships between σ f, g and algebraic immunity of the two Boolean functions are obtained. Finally, some links among different cryptographic indicators are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study takes a contextualized approach to examine the structures, measures and predictive value of four human resource management (HRM) systems in China. Synthesizing the established concepts in the Western literature with the indigenous practices in the Chinese workplace, we contextually adapt the conceptual components of commitment-based, collaboration-based, controlled-based and contract-based HRM systems. Using data from 224 organizations, we found a pluralistic structure of the HRM systems, consisting of two discriminant dimensions within each HRM system, and a high-order model encompassing all HRM systems. In addition, we found different predictive value of the HRM systems firm innovation, cost reduction and bottom-line performance. Ideas for future research and practical implications are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract \nHIGHLIGHTS Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most commonly used medication for stomach secretion disorders. However, when it comes to safe, discreet pharmaceutical practice, widely recognized preparational and analytical method(s) for PPIs with sensitivity, selectivity, speed and high accuracy still remains underdeveloped. For this reason, this paper sets out to make a comprehensive review of the preparation and determination methods for PPIs based on multiple matrices since 2010. We have integrated newly-developed techniques (such as solid phase extraction, liquid phase micro-extraction, and solid phase micro-extraction) into conventional sample preparational methods. On the other hand, our analytical techniques include liquid chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and employment of sensors. In addition, we have identified the pros and cons of each technique and have forecast their future developmental trends. Development of preparational and analytical methods for PPIs has been documented. The pros and cons of different pretreatment techniques have been specifically identified with comparison. The evolution of different microextraction methods for PPIs has been presented. The future trends of pretreatment and analytical methods for PPIs have been discussed. Development of preparational and analytical methods for PPIs has been documented.The pros and cons of different pretreatment techniques have been specifically identified with comparison.The evolution of different microextraction methods for PPIs has been presented.The future trends of pretreatment and analytical methods for PPIs have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current attempts for synthesizing chitosan-modified magnetite nanoparticles (CS-MNPs) as drug carrier involve use of surfactants, which brings potential cytotoxicity and decrease of saturated magnetization (Ms). To address this, we developed a facile single-step method for synthesizing CS-MNPs. The developed method offers several advantages. No surfactant was involved and the magnetite nanoparticles were in-situ-coated with a chitosan (CS) layer, which endows the CS-MNPs with enhanced physical and chemical properties. The Ms of magnetite was significantly increased (55.5 emu/g) as compared to magnetite nanoparticles modified by surfactants with oxygen ligands, indicating their potential applications as drug-delivery systems (DDSs) where high saturated magnetization (Ms) is preferred. Besides, the amount of CS layer of CS-MNPs was approx. 24 wt%, which makes the synthesized CS-MNPs highly biocompatible as no acute adverse effect of the viability on MG-63 cells was observed at doses up to 0.2 mg/ml. Macropinocytosis is the main endocytic mechanism of MG-63 cells internalize CS-MNPs, which might avoid lysosomal degradation of the CS-MNPs. The synthesized CS-MNPs have potential applications in the fields of targeted drug delivery, separation for purification and immunoassay and magnetic resonance imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three ion-pair complexes, [RhB][M(mnt)2] (RhB+ = 9-(2-carboxyphenyl)-3,6-bis(diethylamino)xanthylium; mnt2− = maleonitriledithiolate; M = Ni (1), Zn (2), Cu (3)) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal of 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c, the NiS4 core in the [Ni(mnt)2]2− anion exhibit perfect planar geometry. The adjacent anions form a column via lateral-to-lateral S…S interactions along (0 1 1) plane, and the neighboring cations align in a manner of parallel arrangement, also forming cations columns. The weak van de Waals forces as well as Coulomb attractions connect the adjacent anions and cations columns into three-dimensional molecular solid. UV-Vis spectrum studies disclosed that complexes 1–3 show similar absorption band in the 200–330 nm regions and different absorption band positions as well as intensity in the 350–380 nm regions. Photoluminescence investigations reveal that complexes 1–3 display strong main emission spectra peaks at 582, 576, and 579 nm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liesegang rings, periodical bands or ring patterns formed by inorganic precipitation in polymer gel medium, have attracted lots of interest of researchers aiming to construct ordered structures. Inspired by the Liesegang ring phenomena, chitosan, instead of inorganic species, was used as building block to construct a chitosan hydrogel with concentric multilayers in a protonated chitosan/NaOH reaction system by alternate soaking in NaOH solution and water. The morphology of concentric multilayers structure was characterized by environmental scanning electron microscopy. The upload and release behavior of isoniazid was also investigated. The quantitive rules of the concentric layer position/the square root of reaction time and the position of the consecutive concentric layer coincide with the time law and space law of the classical Liesegang ring phenomena, respectively. The chitosan solution converts into a hydrogel accompanied by remarkable volume shrinkage due to hydrogen bonds reconstruction and electrostatic repulsion disappearance. The separated concentric multilayers can be formed due to the fluctuation of hydroxide ions concentration when the neutralization is interrupted by alternate soaking in NaOH solution and water. The major difference of the concentric multilayers in chitosan hydrogel from the classical Liesegang ring phenomena occurring in inorganic precipitation systems is that chitosan not only plays the role of reactant in chitosan hydrogel formation, but also acts as supporting reaction medium to control the diffusion behavior of hydroxide ions. The porosity and equilibrium swelling ratio of the chitosan xerogel are 63% and 1100%, respectively, which is feasible for drug uploading through diffusion or absorption. The isoniazid release kinetics are dominated by the diffusion-erosion model. The chitosan hydrogel with concentric multilayers structure loaded with isoniazid will have wide applications in treatment of bone tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was a case study of central Jianghan Plain targeting groundwater as well as river water from Han River, the tributary of Yangtze River. Organochlorine pesticide residues in different aquatic environments and water-soil interface were investigated. River water, groundwater, and soil samples were collected and analyzed. Endrin, Endosulfan2, o, p' -DDT and Endrin aldehyde were not detected in any water samples. The highest total concentrations were found in Han River water. The residue in the soil profile didn't follow the same trend in those three boreholes but depth from 10cm to 50cm should be the most active leaching path. Most of the targeted pesticides were not detected in those corresponding wells. Our field study indicated that highly toxic pesticides are still being used locally, and enforcement of regulations to manage pesticide production and application in the study area is urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even less than a decade since the discovery of TSLC1, overwhelming evidence demonstrates that the loss of TSLC1 expression by methylation-mediated epigenetic silencing or LOH is crucially implicated in various processes during tumorigenesis. Here, we summarize TSLC1 function, highlighting the concept that TSLC1 mediates the formation of tumor suppressor network via its multidomain structure and bridges extracellular adhesive activity with intracellular signaling. Next, we focus on the histopathology of TSLC1 in various cancers and the association with clinicopathological characteristics. On the basis of these, we propose that TSLC1 represents a promising biomarker for cancer diagnosis and a potential target for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A magnetic dye affinity adsorbent was prepared by coating the magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with chitosan (CS), which significantly decreased the non-specifically adsorbing protein. Following this, Reactive Red 120 (Red 120), chosen as a dye affinity ligand, was immobilized onto the chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles (CS-MNPs) to obtain the specific protein adsorption. The prepared functionalized adsorbents were characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, VSM, and elementary analysis. Factors influencing the adsorption of bromelain, e.g., initial protein concentration, medium pH, and ionic strength were investigated. The adsorption isotherm fitted the Freundlich model well. The regeneration experiment showed that the affinity superparamagnetic particles were suitable for bromelain adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers with negatively charged groups (-COOH, -OH or -PO4H2) were frequently adopted to induce or promote apatite deposition through electrostatic interaction. However, chitosan with positively charged groups (-NH2) was ignored, although it could bind most of metal ions through chelation. Based on the chelation properties of the amino group, a chitosan hydrogel obtained via physical cross-linking was used as template for ion assembly. Gradient structural bone-like apatite induced by chitosan hydrogel was achieved via ion assembly within a few hours under ambient conditions, in which amino groups of chitosan acted as anchors between chitosan and apatite nucleation. The phase and component of bone-like apatite were similar to apatite in rabbit ribs according to XRD patterns and FT-IR spectra. XRD results revealed that bone-like apatite was carbonated apatite and preferred growth orientation in the direction of c-axis. The profile of elements distribution in chitosan suggested that the content of calcium and phosphorous elements decreased with the increase of depth along the radius direction, which was accompanied by the formation of apatite-rich regions near the outer layer. When chitosan was dipped in calcium ions solution, Ca2+ ions bound amino groups of chitosan and formed chitosan/calcium ions complexes (CS-NH2...Ca2+). CS-NH2...Ca2+ subsequently attracted negatively-charged phosphate ions through electrostatic interaction. When ion assembly finished, Ca and P ions in the chitosan hydrogel converted into ACP with Ca/P ratio of 1.19. ACP converted into bone-like apatite with Ca/P ratio of 2.01 after alkali treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The prognosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) remains poor despite available antiviral treatment. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is currently considered to play a major role in promoting cerebrovascular complications which contribute to the high mortality and morbidity of HSE. We hypothesize that temporally knockdown MMP-9 expression in early phase of HSE might be an effective treatment strategy. Methods: The animal models of herpes simplex encephalitis were established by intracerebrally inoculated herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in mice. Mice were inoculated intracerebrally with MMP-9 targeting siRNA (MMP-9 siRNA). MMP-9 expression was assessed by RT-PCR and western blot analysis at 3 and 7 days after HSV-1 infected. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability was quantitated by Evans blue dye extravasations and brain water content. Immunohistochemistry method was adopted to analyse the expression of AQP4 protein. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was used to detect cytokines expression. Neurological score was quantified using an established neurological scale at 7 days after HSE. Results: Using synthetic small interfering RNA, we found a single intracerebral injection of siRNA targeting murine MMP-9 mRNA (MMP-9 siRNA) silenced MMP-9 expression and reduced it to normal level at day 7 post-infection. The improvement in neurological function and increased cumulative survival reflected the functional consequence of this therapy. MMP-9 knockdown mice also displayed less uptake of Evans blue and reduced brain water content compared with control siRNA-treated group. Also the HSV-1-induced upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines was significantly diminished in MMP-9 siRNA-treated mice. In addition, aquaporin-4 expression in perivascular decreased in MMP-9 siRNA-treated mice and might contribute to the protection of blood–brain barrier. Discussion: This compelling evidence suggests that MMP-9 is a key pathogenic factor within HSE, and local injection of synthetic siRNA in the brain could knock down MMP-9 expression in acute phase of HSE, reduce brain edema and improves mice neurological function and increase cumulative survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have analyzed the determinants of house value volatility at the level of individual houses. This paper uses two panels of the American Housing Survey covering 1974 to 2003 to test four hypotheses related to the determinants of house value volatility. The findings are that (1) house values at both ends of the quality distribution have greater variance than those with average quality levels, (2) the more atypical a house is, the greater the variance of house value, (3) the more highly "land leveraged" a house is, the greater the variance of its value, and (4) house values of minority households have greater variance than those of whites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ligand containing different coordination groups, 5-([1,10]phenanthroline-[4,5-f]imidazo-2-yl)-8-hydroxyquinoline (PhenI8Q) has been synthesized and two corresponding polymeric metal complexes Cu(II) (1) and Zn(II) (2) were prepared by coordination polymerization of the ligand with copper(II) and zinc(II) halides, respectively. The ligand was characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) and its corresponding polymeric metal complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by FT-IR, UV-Vis, elemental analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis, and conductivity measurements. The absorption spectra and luminescence of the ligand, 1, and 2 were investigated by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy at room temperature. Compared with the ligand, the fluorescence spectra of the polymeric metal complexes exhibit blue shifts in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution and bathochromic shifts in the solid state. Complexes 1 and 2 emit blue light with emission maximum (λf max) at 449 and 431 nm in DMSO solution and at 485 and 484 nm in the solid state, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental model for heart-mural coronary artery-myocardial bridge was established based on the theory of haemodynamics. The application of the model demonstrated that it can repeat to great extent the phenomenon of the myocardial bridge compressing the mural coronary artery, which results in abnormal haemodynamic characteristics. The results of simulation experiments are mostly consistent with clinical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Herpes simplex encephalitis remains one of the most devastating intracranial infections despite available antiviral treatment, with sequelae secondary to a persistent inflammatory response. Recently, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) have been found to act as cellular targets for antiviral drugs. However, the pharmacological effects of CDK inhibitors on glial cell function in herpes simplex encephalitis have not been elucidated. The aim of this work was to determine the influence of olomoucine on microglial activation during the inflammatory response after herpes simplex virus 1(HSV-1) infection. Methods: Microglial cells were treated with various concentrations of olomoucine after HSV-1 infection. The expression change of cyclin D1 and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) in microglia were detected by Western blot analysis. Flow cytometry was used to assess the apoptosis ratio of microglial cells among the groups of control, HSV-1 infected and olomoucine treated with or without zVAD-fmk. ELISA was adopted to analyse cytokines in the supernatant. We used semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to detect HSV glycoprotein D gene. Results: The following are the results of this work: (1) olomoucine reduced HSV-1-induced proliferation associated cyclin D1 expression; (2) olomoucine also induced microglial cells apoptosis early at 24 hours post-infection and inhibited the release of proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine, including tumor necrosis factor α and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1; and (3) olomoucine-induced apoptosis was caspase-dependent, and it also reduced the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1. Discussion: Our conclusion is that microglial cells are targets for olomoucine and that modulation of glial response and inflammation may be an appendant mechanism of CDK inhibitor-mediated neuroprotection in HSV-1 encephalitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BiFe1-xTaxO3 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1) nanopowders have been fabricated by a simple sol-gel method. Dielectric measurements at microwave frequencies (2-18 GHz) were made using a vector network analyser. Without tantalum, the BiFeO3 nanopowder presents a relaxation-like response with a characteristic frequency of 15 GHz, which can be associated with an overdamped process. The Ta-doped nanopowders, however, show resonant behaviour with resonant frequencies of 12.5 and 14.6 GHz. The intensity of the resonant peak near 14.6 GHz decreases with increasing Ta addition. This behaviour is associated with a damped resonance process. Room-temperature magnetic measurements indicate that the addition of Ta influences the magnetic properties of the BiFeO3 nanopowders, with BiFe0.95Ta0.05O3 having the strongest ferromagnetism with a saturation magnetisation Ms of about 0.05 µB/Fe. The origin of the enhanced ferromagnetism is possibly associated with the distortion of the oxygen octahedral by the Ta substitution or/and the statistical distribution of Fe3+ and Fe2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]