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本工作通过溶剂热法制备了一种超稳定二维层状铜(I)富勒 烯配位聚合物材料. Cu-(η2-C60)配位作用和层间凹凸π⋅⋅⋅π相互作用 支撑C60分子排列形成倾斜六方面堆积((i-hfp))特点, 显著地改善了 材料的化学稳定性. 该材料表现出高性能可见光探测功能. 密度泛 函计算表明, 与六方紧密堆积和立方堆积的C60纳米材料类似, 其优 异的光探测功能主要来源于C60分子本身, 但是铜(I)的配位显著增 强了其对可见光的吸收效率, 改善了材料的可见光探测功能. 该工 作对于拓展富勒烯光电功能材料的种类具有重要意义.

Background A growing body of evidence suggests that stem cell-derived exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) could be a promising cardioprotective therapy in the context of hypoxic conditions. The present study aims to explore how miRNA-144 (miR-144), a miRNA contained in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes, exerts a cardioprotective effect on cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the context of hypoxic conditions and identify the underlying mechanisms. Methods MSCs were cultured using the whole bone marrow adherent method. MSC-derived exosomes were isolated using the total exosome isolation reagent and confirmed by nanoparticle trafficking analysis as well as western blotting using TSG101 and CD63 as markers. The hypoxic growth conditions for the H9C2 cells were established using the AnaeroPack method. Treatment conditions tested included H9C2 cells pre-incubated with exosomes, transfected with miR-144 mimics or inhibitor, or treated with the PTEN inhibitor SF1670, all under hypoxic growth conditions. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using 7-ADD and Annexin V together. The expression levels of the miRNAs were detected by real-time PCR, and the expression levels of AKT/p-AKT, Bcl-2, caspase-3, HIF-1α, PTEN, and Rac-1 were measured by both real-time PCR and western blotting. Results Exosomes were readily internalized by H9C2 cells after co-incubation for 12 h. Exosome-mediated protection of H9C2 cells from apoptosis was accompanied by increasing levels of p-AKT. MiR-144 was found to be highly enriched in MSC-derived exosomes. Transfection of cells with a miR-144 inhibitor weakened exosome-mediated protection from apoptosis. Furthermore, treatment of cells grown in hypoxic conditions with miR-144 mimics resulted in decreased PTEN expression, increased p-AKT expression, and prevented H9C2 cell apoptosis, whereas treatment with a miR-144 inhibitor resulted in increased PTEN expression, decreased p-AKT expression, and enhanced H9C2 cell apoptosis in hypoxic conditions. We also validated that PTEN was a target of miR-144 by using luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, cells treated with SF1670, a PTEN-specific inhibitor, resulted in increased p-AKT expression and decreased H9C2 cell apoptosis. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that MSC-derived exosomes inhibit cell apoptotic injury in hypoxic conditions by delivering miR-144 to cells, where it targets the PTEN/AKT pathway. MSC-derived exosomes could be a promising therapeutic vehicle to facilitate delivery of miRNA therapies to ameliorate ischemic conditions.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus was found to be associated with metabolic disorders, particularly abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism. Dietary food choices may have profound effects on blood lipids. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effects of peanuts and tree nuts intake on lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods: According to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines, we performed a systematic search of randomized controlled clinical trials and systematic reviews published in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane library, from inception through June 2021. Studies in populations with type 2 diabetes, which compare nuts or peanuts to a controlled-diet group were included. We used the mean difference with 95% CIs to present estimates for continuous outcomes from individual studies. In addition, we used the GRADEpro tool to evaluate the overall quality of evidence.Results: Sixteen studies involving 1,041 participants were eligible for this review. The results showed that peanuts and tree nuts supplementation did not induce significant changes in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (mean difference = −0.11; 95%CI: −0.25 – 0.03, p = 0.117) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (mean difference = 0.01; 95%CI: −0.01 – 0.04, p = 0.400) in patients with type 2 diabetics. In addition, we found that peanuts and tree nuts intake may cause a significantly reduction in total cholesterol (TC) (mean difference = −0.14; 95%CI: −0.26 – −0.02, p = 0.024) and triglyceride (TG) (mean difference = −0.10; 95%CI: −0.17 – −0.02, p = 0.010). In the subgroup analysis, a significantly greater reduction in TC was observed in studies which duration was p = 0.002). The quality of the body of evidence was “moderate” for TC and TG, the quality of evidence for LDL-C and HDL-C were “low.”Conclusion: Our findings suggest that consuming peanuts and tree nuts might be beneficial to lower TC concentration and TG concentration in type 2 diabetics subjects. Furthermore, peanuts and tree nuts supplementation could be considered as a part of a healthy lifestyle in the management of blood lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes. Given some limits observed in the current studies, more well-designed trials are still needed.

Geniposide is a bioactive iridoid glucoside derived from Gardenia jasminoides that has proven anti-inflammatory effects against acute lung injury. The aim of this study was to determine whether geniposide could protect pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury and to explore the participation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), which was previously reported to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine production in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In the present study, rat PASMCs were isolated and stimulated using LPS. The effect of geniposide on LPS-induced PASMC injury was then explored. Geniposide exerted anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-treated PASMCs, as demonstrated by the downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Furthermore, the α7nAChR agonist PNU282987 accentuated the protective effect of geniposide against LPS-induced injury in PASMCs by inhibiting toll-like receptor-4/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (TLR-4/MyD88) signaling and downregulating nuclear factor (NF)-κB expression. Conversely, methyllycaconitine, an inhibitor of α7nAChR, attenuated the effects of geniposide. These findings collectively suggested that in conjunction with geniposide, the activation of α7nAChR may contribute to further mitigating LPS-induced PASMC apoptosis and inflammation. In addition, the underlying mechanisms critically involve the NF-κB/MyD88 signaling axis. These results may provide novel insights into the treatment and management of lung diseases via geniposide administration.

A two-step solvothermal method was employed to synthesize the Graphene/Fe3O4/BaTiO3(GFT). X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectra are used to observe the microstructure and magnetic properties of GFT, and the nanoparticles of Fe3O4and BaTiO3were uniformly deposited on the surface of the graphene nanosheets. Then GFT filler and the silicone rubber were mixed to manufacture the electromagnetic shielding materials. The vector network analyzer was employed to evaluate the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the modified electromagnetic shielding materials. The influence of the mole ratio of the GFT constituents, the mass content of the filler on the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness was studied between 1 GHz and 20 GHz. It is shown that the GFT/silicone rubber has the best electromagnetic shielding effectiveness for 24:1:1 of graphene: Fe3O4: BaTiO3and 16 % GFT.

Two new coordination compounds, [Zn(pytzipa)2(H2O)4]·2H2O (1) and [Zn2(dtzpda)(H2O)5]·3H2O (2) have been synthesized by solvothermal reactions of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O with Hpytzipa or H4dtzpda, respectively (Hpytzipa = 5-(3-pyridyl)tetrazole-2-isoproponaic acid, H4dtzpda = 3,3-di(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)pentanedioic acid). The X-ray diffraction results reveal that compound 1 is a linear chain in which pytzipa acts as a bidentate ligand to bridge adjacent Zn2+ ions by the nitrogen atom of the pyridine ring and the oxygen atom of the carboxylate group. In compound 2, dtzpda4− acts as a hepta-dentate ligand to bridge adjacent Zn2+ ions by the nitrogen atoms of the tetrazole rings and the oxygen atoms of the carboxylate in a chelating mode. Furthermore, nanoparticles (NPs) of the two compounds were prepared by co-precipitation with PEG-5000 ( poly(ethyleneglycol-5000) ) . Both two NPs show considerable cytotoxicity towards HeLa cells but Hpytzipa and H4dtzpda are non-toxic in nature. The results show that coordination Zn(II) with Hpytzipa or H4dtzpda can improve the toxicity of the NPs significantly and the NPs of the compounds are potential candidates for treatment of cancer cells.

The application of an OSMAC approach on an endophytic fungus Emericella sp. XL 029 has yielded four novel polyketides, emericelactones A-D (1–4). The structures and stereochemistry of 1–4 were elucidated by NMR and MS data analyses, computational methods, as well as by comparison with known compounds. Compound 1 contained an unprecedented linear pentaene substructure ending in an oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane moiety, while compounds 2–4 are epimers possessing an unprecedented linear triene structures ending in two cyclic moieties of an oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane and a cyclopentan-1-one. Compounds 1–4 showed moderate antimicrobial activities against three agricultural pathogenic fungi (Verticillium dahliae Kleb, Rhizoctonia solani and Gibberella saubinetii) and two human pathogenic bacteria (Micrococcus lysodeikticus and Salmonella typhi) with MIC values of 25–50 μg/mL.

A new alkaloid, named (±)-preisomide (1), together with five known polyketides (2–6), were isolated from an endophytic fungus Preussia isomera in Panax notoginseng by using one strain-many compounds (OSMAC) strategy. Their structures were identified by extensive spectroscopic experiments and comparison with literature data. Structurally, compound 1 possessed a rare naturally occurring tetrahydro-2H-1,2-oxazin ring. Compound 6 displayed significant antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium, methicinllin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis with an MIC value of 25 μg/mL, as well as moderate antifungal activity against Gibberella saubinetii with an MIC value of 50 μg/mL.

Retinal neovascularization (NV) is the leading cause of blindness in the majority of ocular diseases. Several treatment approaches have been developed for retinal NV; of these methods, instillation of nanoparticles into the conjunctival sac has shown potential for retinal NV treatment because it does not cause physical damage and is easy to operate.In this study, honokiol-loaded chitosan/sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles (HKCS- NPs) were prepared for ophthalmic drug delivery systems. An inclusion complex of honokiol and sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin was used to incorporated insoluble honokiol into chitosan nanoparticles, which were prepared through ionotropic gelation.HK-CS-NPs featured a spherical surface with a narrow size distribution of polydispersity index less than 0.250, a mean size range of 373-523 nm, a positive surface charge of +19.9 to +24.2 mV, and an entrapment efficiency of 84.92%. In vitro release studies showed an initial burst release phase and a sustained release phase of nanoparticles. Moreover, in vivo study showed that HK-CS-NPs exhibited good ocular tolerability and could improve ophthalmic bioavailability of honokiol. In particular, the maximum concentration of honokiol after administration of HK-CS-NPs was enhanced by 1.65 times compared with that after instillation of the honokiol suspension alone.This study proposes HK-CS-NPs as a potential ophthalmic delivery system.

A highly diastereo- and enantioselective dearomative [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of 3-nitrobenzothiophenes and 3-nitrothieno[2,3-b]with 3-isothiocyanato oxindoles is developed. The reaction is catalyzed by the chiral Zn(OTf)2/bis(oxazoline, and is the second example of a catalytic asymmetric dearomative cycloaddition reaction of 3-nitrobenzothiophene derivatives. A range of complex heterocyclic compounds containing three contiguous stereocenters, one of which is spirocyclic center, can be obtained in quantitative yields with excellent stereoselectivities.

An efficient [4+1] cycloaddition of ortho-hydroxyphenylsubstituted para-quinone methides and sulfur ylides was achieved under the catalyst-free condition. With this developed protocol, a series of trans-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans were obtained in excellent yields (up to 99%) with high diastereoselectivities (>20:1 dr). The usefulness of the protocol was also demonstrated by the versatile conversions of the 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans into other functionalized benzofurans.

Ru(II) compounds are potential candidates for photodynamic therapy (PDT). In the present study, a Ru(II) compound based on 3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole (Hpypz) and 2,2′-bipyridine has been prepared and characterized. This compound can self-assemble to form nanoparticles (NPs) by nanoprecipitation in distilled water. These NPs with a mean size of 92 nm have good passive targeting by enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR). In vitro studies on HeLa cells show that these NPs have high phototoxicity and a low IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) of only 8 μg mL−1 (12 μM), but they also have negligible dark toxicity. Moreover, such NPs can inhibit the migration of HeLa cells, indicating their potential to interfere with the transfer of tumors in vivo. Furthermore, in vivo investigations on nude mice demonstrate that such NPs can effectively inhibit the growth of the tumor. After treatment for 10 cycles, an obvious decrease in the tumor volume can be observed and in addition, the main organs (heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney) suffer no damage, which indicates the high phototoxicity, low toxicity and excellent biocompatibility of these NPs.

The crystallization behavior of the initial mixture with the composition of Al2O3:4.0P2O5:3.0 diethylene-triamine(DETA):xHF:153H2O was investigated at 180 °C, where 0⩽x⩽3. If x⩽1.8, three-dimensional open-framework aluminophosphate AlPO-CJ31 was obtained. If 2⩽x⩽3, a chain-like aluminophosphate(1) was obtained. The crystallization process of both compounds was investigated by means of powder X-ray diffraction(XRD) and the concentrations of Al and P in the liquid product during the crystallization process were analysed by means of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy(ICP-AES). The evolution of the coordination state of Al, P and F during the crystallization was monitored with 27Al, 31P and 19F MAS NMR technique. The influence of the fluoride ions and the source of fluoride ions on the structure-directing effect of DETA was discussed. It was found that the fluoride ions changed the crystallization direction of the initial mixture, i.e., the structure-directing effect of DETA, via altering the distribution or micro-structure of the inorganic fragments.

A highly organocatalyzed asymmetric Michael addition reaction of pyrazoleamides to β-phthalimidonitroethene has been developed with a chiral bifunctional thiourea-tertiary amine as the catalyst. A wide range of γ-nitro β-amino amides were readily obtained in good to excellent yields with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities (up to 99% yield, 99% ee and >20:1 dr). The large scale experiment and transformation of the product have also been demonstrated.

Three layered aluminophosphates(UiO-15, APDAP12-150 and APDAP-150) with same topology were crystallized from an initial mixture with a molar composition of Al2O3:1.5P2O5:5.5R:227H2O, where R is ethylene-diamine, 1,2-diaminopropane or 1,3-diaminopropane, respectively. The crystallization processes of UiO-15, APDAP12-150 and APDAP-150 were investigated using solid-state NMR in combination with XRD and other characterization techniques. The evolution of the coordination states of Al and P in the solid products was monitored, and the possible starting points of crystallization(core units) of UiO-15, APDAP12-150 and APDAP-150 were obtained and analyzed. The formation of a trimer as well as a hexamer of aluminophosphate, a monomer of PO4 and a nonamer containing two three-membered rings is critical for the start of crystallization of UiO-15. The formation of a hexamer and a pentamer is critical for the start of crystallization of APDAP12-150. The formation of an AlO6 monomer and a pentamer containing a three-membered ring is critical for the start of crystallization of APDAP-150. The crystal water played a co-structure-directing role in the formation of APDAP-150.

Four new prenylxanthones (1–4) together with five known compounds (5–9) were isolated from the solid-substrate fermentation culture of Emericella sp. XL029 associated with the leaves of Panax notoginseng. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison of NMR data to those of known compounds. The anti-agricultural pathogenic fungal and antibacterial activities of all isolated compounds were evaluated against eight agricultural pathogenic fungi and nine human pathogenic bacteria. The anti-agricultural pathogenic fungal assay indicated that compounds 1, 2, 4, 8 and 9 displayed significant activity against Drechslera maydis with MIC value of 25 μg mL−1. Moreover, compound 1 also exhibited significant activity against other three fungi including Rhizoctonia cerealis, Fusarium oxysporum and Physalospora piricola, and compounds 4 and 9 against Rhizoctonia cerealis with MIC value of 25 μg mL−1. Compound 5 only demonstrated significant activity against Physalospora piricola with MIC value of 25 μg mL−1. Further antibacterial activity tests revealed that compounds 1–9 showed significant antibacterial activity against all tested Gram-positive (except for drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria with MIC values ranging from 12.5 to 50 μg mL−1. While only compounds 1, 4 and 9 displayed moderate activity against drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus with MIC value of 50 μg mL−1.

Organocatalytic asymmetric dearomatization of 3-nitroindoles and 3-nitrobenzothiophenes by reaction with ethyl 4-mercapto-2-butenoate has been developed. A range of chiral tetrahydrothiopheneindolines and tetrahydrothiophenebenzothiophenes bearing three contiguous stereocenters are obtained in high yields with good diastereoselectivities and excellent enantioselectivities. This is the first example of thiol-triggered catalytic asymmetric dearomatization of 3-nitroindoles and 3-nitrobenzothiophenes.

Drought directly affects sugarcane production. Plant growth-promoting bacteria have gained attention as growth promoters of plants under abiotic stresses. The present study focused on genome assessment of the plant-beneficial endophyte Streptomyces chartreusis WZS021 and its vital role in sugarcane plants under drought stress. Based on in vitro plant growth-promoting trait analyses, WZS021 had multiple abilities, including tolerance to drought and production of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic deaminase, siderophores, and indole acetic acid. We confirmed root colonization of sugarcane transplants by WZS021 by a sterile sand assay and scanning electron microscopy. Plants inoculated with strain WZS021 had a positive influence on the root parameters such as length and biomass when compared to the control plants. A comparative study of the responses of two sugarcane varieties (ROC22 and B8) to different levels of drought stress in the presence or absence of WZS021 was conducted by assessing the plant chemistry. The expression of antioxidants in sugarcane leaves varied with water stress level. WZS021 inoculation improved the contents of chlorophyll, proline, and phytohormones, revealing some potential for the mechanisms by which this strain improves drought tolerance in sugarcane plants. We identified several genes that might be involved in the plant growth- and drought tolerance-promoting effects of this strain.

For the first time, a catalytic asymmetric Henry reaction of 1H-pyrrole-2,3-diones was achieved with a chiral bifunctional amine-thiourea as a catalyst possessing multiple hydrogen-bond donors. With this developed method, a range of 3-hydroxy-3-nitromethyl-1H-pyrrol-2(3H)-ones bearing quaternary stereocenters were obtained in acceptable yield (up to 75%) and enantioselectivity (up to 73% ee).

MOFs (Metal–Organic Frameworks) have emerged as novel photocatalysts for water reduction but are frequently plagued by their instability when exposed to moist and strongly acidic or alkaline reaction environments. Herein we employed a volatile Fe-based MOF in alkaline solution as precursor to evolve into a magnetic carbonaceous photocatalyst in situ, which demonstrated highly efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution (∼125 μmol H2 produced within 6 h using 5 mg of MOF precursor) with a quantum efficiency of 1.8% even in the absence of noble metal cocatalyst, indicative of a possible photocatalytic system containing only earth-abundant elements for long-term conversion of solar light into hydrogen energy. The catalyst exhibited an apparent stoichiometric formula of FeO3.3C0.2H1.0 and was determined to be essentially a carbon–metal oxides/oxyhydroxides composite. Laser photolysis and electrochemical measurements were performed to visualize the fundamental multistep electron transfer processes during water reduction, which opens a strategy for the rational design of MOF-derived catalysts to dramatically increase H2 evolution efficiency.

The asymmetric Neber reaction of 3-O-sulfonyl ketoxime, in situ generated from isatin ketoxime and sulfonyl chloride, for the synthesis of chiral spirocyclic oxindole compounds is reported. With the developed protocol, a range of chiral spirooxindole 2H-azirines could be obtained in good to excellent yields and up to a 92 : 8 enantiomeric ratio by using (DHQD)2PHAL as the catalyst. This methodology is the only example of the catalytic asymmetric construction of spirooxindole 2H-azirine compounds.

An organocatalyzed direct asymmetric vinylogous Michael addition reaction of α,β-unsaturated γ-butyrolactam to 2-enoylpyridines has been developed with a chiral bifunctional amine-squaramide as the catalyst. This approach provides easy access to a series of optically active α,β-unsaturated γ-substituted butyrolactams in high yields (up to 99%) with excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >99:1) and enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee).

A base-mediated Neber reaction of enaminopyrazolones, which are the tautomers of 4-acyloxime-2-pyrazolin-5-ones, with sulfonyl chlorides was achieved. With this developed approach, a range of spiro-fused 2H-azirine-pyrazolones were obtained in good yields under mild conditions. A preliminary trial of a catalytic asymmetric version of the Neber reaction was conducted and gave promising enantioselectivity.

Enantioselective Michael/cyclization cascade reactions of 3-hydroxyoxindoles/3-aminooxindoles with α,β-unsaturated acyl phosphonates by using a cinchonine derived squaramide as the catalyst were developed. A broad range of spirocyclic oxindole-γ-lactones/lactams could be obtained in moderate to excellent yields (up to 98%) with good to excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities (up to >99:1 dr and 97% ee) under mild conditions. This work represents the first example about the α,β-unsaturated acyl phosphonates for the asymmetric construction of spirocyclic oxindoles.

The azide anion is a short bridging ligand that has been used extensively to construct magnetic coordination polymers, and fundamental magneto-structural correlations have been substantiated by theoretical calculations. The copper(II) coordination polymer poly[bis(μ-azido-κ2N1:N1)(μ4-homophthalato-κ4O:O′:O′′:O′′′)bis(pyridine-κN)dicopper(II)], [Cu2(C9H6O4)(N3)2(C5H5N)2]n, was synthesized from homophthalic acid (2-carboxyphenylacetic acid), pyridine and azide (N3−) by a hydrothermal reaction. Single-crystal structure analysis indicated that it features a one-dimensional chain structure which is comprised of (μ1,1-N3−)(μ-syn–syn-COO−)2- and (μ1,1-N3−)2-bridged tetranuclear CuIIunits. Magnetic measurements revealed that the compound exhibits dominant antiferromagnetic behaviour.

To prepare lipophilic α-zirconium phosphate with high grafting ratio and thermal stability (OZrP-HT) and explore its potential application in thermal-plastic polymers, a novel method was developed by surface lipophilicity enhancement strategy. The commercial α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) was pre-intercalated by n-propylamine (PA) and grafted by silane coupling agents. Then the pre-intercalated PA was removed by heat-treatment, and the obtained OZrP-HT was utilized to fabricate the phosphorous-containing polyester (P- co -PET)/OZrP-HT nanocomposites by melt-blending method. The prepared OZrP-HT and P- co -PET/OZrP-HT nanocomposites were characterized by Wide Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), etc. The results show that OZrP-HT with high grafting ratio (13.78 wt%) and thermal stability ( T onset =368 °C) was successfully prepared via this novel method and was uniformly intercalated by P- co -PET molecular chains. OZrP-HT had no significant effect on the fiber processability of P- co -PET polymer, and flame retardant properties of (P- co -PET)/OZrP-HT nanocomposites were improved. This method may be suitable for organic modification of general inorganic layered compounds and could extend the potential applications in thermo-plastic polymers.

Soft, thin, skin-integrated electronics, i.e. epidermal electronics, has become a hotspot in biomedical engineering and drawn great attention for their applications in health monitoring, disease diagnosis and therapies. However, soft powering system is still a challenge for epidermal electronics, since the thickness and weight of the existing flexible energy harvesting and storage devices are very hard to meet the requirements of epidermal electronics. Here we present a stretchable and flexible self-powering epidermal electronic device based on rubbery piezoelectric composites formed by a ternary blend of PDMS, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and graphene. The mixed PZT rubber is soft, ultra-thin and light weight and intrinsically stretchable. By combining soft PDMS substrate and advanced mechanics designed interdigital electrodes/interconnects, a stretchable and skin-integrated device for tactile sensing is realized. The soft device can not only accurately measure a board range of force from 2.84 kPa to 11.72 kPa but also exhibit great flexibility that can maintain stable performance under various mechanical deformations, such as bending, stretching and twisting. On-skin demonstration tests reveal that this self-powering device can clearly distinguish the differences among mechanical stimulations such as touching, poking, tapping and hitting. Furthermore, the self-powering nature of these devices allows energy to be harvested from daily body actives, for instance, hard touching by hand can lighten up to 15 light-emitting diodes.

Two novel sesquiterpenoids with an unprecedented tricyclo[4,4,2,1]hendecane scaffold, namely emericellins A (1) and B (2) representing a new skeleton, were isolated from the liquid cultures of an endophytic fungus Emericella sp. XL 029 associated with the leaves of Panax notoginseng. Their structures and relative configurations were characterized by extensive spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1–2 displayed moderate activities against three fungal strains (Verticillium dahliae Kleb, Helminthosporium maydis, and Botryosphaeria dothidea) and three bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli) with MIC values of 25–50 μg/mL.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) regulates various biological processes, including invasion, proliferation and apoptosis. E-prostanoid 3 (Ep3) is a PGE2 receptor, and the functional role of Ep3 in the progression of NSCLC remains unresolved. The present study investigated the effects of Ep3 in A549 cells and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results revealed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of Ep3 were significantly upregulated in NSCLC tissues and A549 cells. Pharmacological inhibition of Ep3 or RNA interference against Ep3 attenuated the cell viability, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis in A549 cells. Ep3 deficiency also decreased the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, phosphorylated (p)-Smad2 and p-Smad3. The transfection of TGF-β overexpression plasmids reversed the effects of Ep3 deficiency on the cell viability and apoptosis in A549 cells. Finally, an in vivo experiment revealed that Ep3-siRNA transfection strongly reduced the tumor growth and tumor volume. The Ep3-siRNA transfection also inhibited tumor metastasis via suppression of the expression of metastasis-associated proteins. Taken together, these findings indicate that inhibition of Ep3 attenuates the viability and migration, and promotes the apoptosis of NSCLC through suppression of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Targeting of the Ep3/TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway may be a novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of NSCLC.

An organocatalyzed asymmetric Mannich reaction of pyrazoleamides and cyclic trifluoromethyl ketimines with a chiral bifunctional amine-squaramide as the catalyst was developed. A wide range of trifluoromethyl dihydroquinazolinone derivatives bearing adjacent quaternary and tertiary stereogenic centers were readily obtained in good to excellent yields (up to 99%) with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee and >20 : 1 dr). The large scale experiment and transformation of the product have also been demonstrated.

The retina has an intrinsic circadian clock, but the importance of this clock for vision is unknown. Zebrafish offer many advantages for studying vertebrate vision and circadian rhythm. Here, we explored the role of zebrafish per2, a light-regulated gene, in visual behavior and the underlying mechanisms. We observed that per2 mutant zebrafish larvae showed decreased contrast sensitivity and visual acuity by optokinetic response assays. By using visual motor response assay, we observed normal OFF responses but abnormal ON responses in mutant zebrafish larvae. Immunofluorescence showed that mutants had a normal morphology of cone photoreceptor cells and retinal organization. However, electron microscopy showed that per2 mutants displayed abnormal and decreased photoreceptor ribbon synapses with arciform density, which resulted in retinal ON pathway defect. We also examined the expression of three cone opsins by quantitative real-time PCR, and the expression of long-wave-sensitive opsin (opn1lw) and short-wave-sensitive opsin (opn1sw) was significantly reduced of genotype in mutant zebrafish larvae. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses also showed a down-regulation of the clock genes cry1ba and bmal1b in the adult eye of per2 mutant zebrafish. This study identified a mechanism by which a clock gene affects visual function and defined important roles of per2 in retinal information processing.

Three new 3,4,6-trisubstituted α-pyrone derivatives, namely 6-(2′R-hydroxy-3′E,5′E-diene-1′-heptyl)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one (1), 6-(2′S-hydroxy-5′E-ene-1′-heptyl)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one (2), and 6-(2′S-hydroxy-1′-heptyl)-4 -hydroxy-3-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one (3), together with one known compound trichodermic acid (4), were isolated from the solid-substrate fermentation culture of Penicillium ochrochloronthe associated the roots of Taxus media. Compounds 1–4 displayed the antimicrobial activity selectively against tested fungal and bacterial strains with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 12.5 to 100 μg/ml. Furthermore, we found that only compound 4 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against five human cancer cells (A549, LN229, MGC, LOVO, and MDA231) with IC50 values of 51.45, 23.43, 39.16, 46.97, and 42.85 μg/ml, respectively.

NAC proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that play essential roles in plant development and various abiotic stress responses. A comprehensive analysis of maize NAC genes was performed in this study. A total of 157 non-redundant maize NAC genes including seven membrane-bound members were identified and found to be unevenly distributed on 10 maize chromosomes. Motif composition analysis indicated that the maize NAC proteins share three relatively conserved motifs in the NAC domain within the N-terminal region. Phylogenetic analysis of 157 maize NAC proteins accompanied by 117 NAC proteins from Arabidopsis and 151 from rice were presented. The NAC proteins evaluated were divided into two large groups including 18 subgroups. Gene duplication analysis indicated that gene loss occurred during maize evolution. Seven NAC members that belong to the same clade of maize NAC domain genes were isolated, and overlapping expression patterns were observed under various abiotic stresses, including low temperature, high salinity and dehydration, and phytohormone abscisic acid treatments. This suggested that NAC members function as stress-responsive transcription factors in ABA-dependent signaling pathways. Relatively higher expression levels of these selected maize NAC genes were detected in roots. The stress responsive NAC genes may have applications in molecular breeding to improve crop stress tolerance.

The capacity fading of LiCoO2-based lithium ion batteries during storage was studied. The discharging capacity fading is attributed to the decreasing in the charging capacity at the constant current stage. After 300 cycles, the ratio of the charging capacity of batteries at the constant current stage to the total charging capacity decreases from 87.2 to 71.2%. The bounce-back voltage is closely related to the internal resistance when the battery is discharged to the cut-off voltage of 3.0 V. Batteries were disassembled in the fully discharged state, and then a assembled again in order to deeply understand the causes of the capacity fading of the cathode and anode. The results shows that the SEI film thickness increasing, breaking or repairing process at the anode could be responsible for the high bounce-back voltage, the increase of the internal resistance and the capacity fading during storage.

A new coumarin, 4,6-dihydroxy-7-formyl-3-methylcoumarin (1), and an α-pyrone derivative, 6-[(7S,8R)-8-propyloxiran-1-yl]-4-methoxy-pyran-2-one (2), together with four known α-pyrone derivatives (3-6), were isolated from the broth extract of the plant endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis versicolor. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and by comparison of the chemical shift values with those of related known compounds.

A method for the enantioselective construction of hydrocarbazole skeletons through dearomative [4 + 2] annulation of 3-nitroindoles with Nazarov reagents is reported. The reactions use multiple hydrogen-bonding bifunctional thiourea as catalyst and are highly diastereo- and enantioselective (up to >20:1 dr and >99% ee). The protocol was demonstrated by preparative-scale experiment and the versatile conversion of the products. The multiple hydrogen-bonding in the catalyst plays a pivotal role in the reactivity and stereoselectivity.

Background Percutaneous coronary intervention has been widely used in the treatment of ischemic heart disease, but vascular restenosis is a main limitation of percutaneous coronary intervention. Our previous work reported that caveolin‐1 had a key functional role in intimal hyperplasia, whereas whether Cavin‐1 (another important caveolae‐related protein) was involved is still unknown. Therefore, we will investigate the effect of Cavin‐1 on neointimal formation. Methods and Results Balloon injury markedly reduced Cavin‐1 protein and enhanced ubiquitin protein expression accompanied with neointimal hyperplasia in injured carotid arteries, whereas Cavin‐1 mRNA had no change. In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells ( VSMC s), Cavin‐1 was downregulated after inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide, which was distinctly prevented by pretreatment with proteasome inhibitor MG 132 but not by lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine, suggesting that proteasomal degradation resulted in Cavin‐1 downregulation. Knockdown of Cavin‐1 by local injection of Cavin‐1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) into balloon‐injured carotid arteries in vivo promoted neointimal formation. In addition, inhibition or overexpression of Cavin‐1 in cultured VSMC s in vitro prompted or suppressed VSMC proliferation and migration via increasing or decreasing extracellular signal‐regulated kinase phosphorylation and matrix‐degrading metalloproteinases‐9 activity, respectively. However, under basic conditions, the effect of Cavin‐1 on VSMC migration was stronger than on proliferation. Moreover, our results indicated that Cavin‐1 regulated caveolin‐1 expression via lysosomal degradation pathway. Conclusions Our study revealed the role and the mechanisms of Cavin‐1 downregulation in neointimal formation by promoting VSMC proliferation, migration, and synchronously enhancing caveolin‐1 lysosomal degradation. Cavin‐1 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of postinjury vascular remodeling.

Two new alkylated furan derivatives, 5-(undeca-3′,5′,7′-trien-1′-yl)furan-2-ol (1) and 5-(undeca-3′,5′,7′-trien-1′-yl)furan-2-carbonate (2), were isolated from the crude extract of the plant endophytic fungus Emericella sp. XL029 associated with the leaves of Panax notoginseng. The anti-agricultural pathogenic fungal assay indicated that compound 1 displayed significant activity against all tested fungi with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values from 25 to 3.1 μg/mL, while compound 2 displayed activity against all tested fungi except for Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum with MIC values from 50 to 12.5 μg/mL. Furthermore, compounds 1–2 also exhibited significant inhibitory activity against eight of thirteen tested bacteria with MIC values ranging from 50 to 6.3 μg/mL.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of death around the world. Its genetic mechanism was intensively investigated in the past decades with findings of a number of canonical oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes such as APC, KRAS, and TP53. Recent genome-wide association and sequencing studies have identified a series of promising oncogenes including IDH1, IDH2, DNMT3A, and MYD88 in hematologic malignancies. However, whether these genes are involved in CRC remains unknown. In this study, we screened the hotspot mutations of these four genes in 305 CRC samples from Han Chinese by direct sequencing. mRNA expression levels of these genes were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) in paired cancerous and paracancerous tissues. Association analyses between mRNA expression levels and different cancerous stages were performed. Except for one patient harboring IDH1 mutation p.I99M, we identified no previously reported hotspot mutations in colorectal cancer tissues. mRNA expression levels of IDH1, DNMT3A, and MYD88, but not IDH2, were significantly decreased in the cancerous tissues comparing with the paired paracancerous normal tissues. Taken together, the hotspot mutations of IDH1, IDH2, DNMT3A, and MYD88 gene were absent in CRC. Aberrant mRNA expression of IDH1, DNMT3A, and MYD88 gene might be actively involved in the development of CRC.

An ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydroxide ([Bmim]OH) was grafted on silica gel by post-grafting method. Such grafted ionic liquids (GILs) which were verified by means of FTIR, element analysis N2adsorption-desorption and TG could be used as highly effective heterogeneous catalysts toward propylene carbonate synthesis through cycloaddition of carbon dioxide with propylene oxide under solventless and mild conditions.

In a wetted-wall column of pilot-scale sulphur dioxide removal efficiencies were measured at 20°C and atmospheric pressure with aqueous ammonia solutions as the scrubbing liquid for different sulphur dioxide inlet concentration in the range of 1000-3000 mg/m3. A mathematical model with the effects of a chemical enhancement factor and sulfite concentration in the liquid phase developed to interpret laboratory experiments was adapted and the calculated values were in reasonable agreement with the experimental values. It appears that this model can provide good predictions of the absorption performances of industrial columns and be helpful to design scrubbers for SO2 abatement with aqueous ammonia solutions.

Since Menggulin reservoir fully been developed in1990, profile control technique is widely used for improving water swept volume. After multiple rounds and large-scales of polymer flooding by materials mixed with sol-gel and Yellow River clay, the formation damage such as depth blockage and stemming become more and more serious.According to statistics, in 2012 there are respectively 10 and 11 water injection wells happened with back flow of profile control agent and wells pressure higher than fracture pressure that without injection. The original reservoir permeability is good, and individual well production has the capacity of 40 to 50m3/d. Yet recently several oil wells almost have fewer even no liquid output due to the blockage and stemming. Estimated by a typical well group,the speed of sol-gel drive increased from 10 m/year to 50~60 m/year, and average water injection pressure were up to 16MPa which almost double original pressure while the only 2MPa pressure corresponding to oil wells. Hence, it show that the severe depth blockage of the formation exactly exit in Menggulin reservoir.

Heterogeneity, Permeability ratio, Selective water plugging agent, Oil-soluble resin Abstract. In view of high heterogeneity and complicated oil-water relation of fault block oil reservoirs, conventional technology of water plugging and profile controlling cannot well adapt to it. An oil-in-water emulsion for selective water plugging was designed by using emulsified heavy oil for reference and the aim was to improve the injection ability and plugging strength. The single core flooding results indicated that its breakthrough pressure gradient >26MPa/m,water plugging rate >97% after water flooding for 100 pore-volume. The parallels core flooding results indicated that it has good water flooding endurance than emulsified heavy oil, and can be used to the selective water plugging and profile controlling of heavy heterogeneous layers with the permeability ratio is no less than 7. Field application is successful.