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On the basis of the higher order perturbation formulas of g-factors for a 4d1 group in tetragonally compressed octahedra, the g-factors, optical absorption, local structure and their concentration dependences of pentavalent molybdenum in 40PbO-(10-x)Y2 O3 -50P2 O5 :xMoO3 (1 ≤ x ≤ 5 mol%) glass are uniformly investigated. The experimental optical absorption spectra and g factors for Mo5+ at various concentrations x are reasonably regenerated by using the reasonable exponential concentration functions of the cubic field parameter Dq, covalent factor N and relative tetragonal compression ratio ρ. The tetragonal compression ratio ρ due to the Jahn-Teller effect was found in the range of 3.8-4.2%. The decreasing trend of Dq and N and the increasing trend of ρ with concentration can be interpreted as the fact that the variations of MoO3 and Y2 O3 concentrations lead to the modulations of local structure and electron cloud distribution around Mo5+ , associated with the adjustment of the glass network. The concentration dependence of optical basicity is also analyzed for the above glass systems.

In the crystal engineering area, it is important to clearly demonstrating the relationship of structure and certain functionality. Herein, we present the study of the relationship of structure with phosphorescent nature for two new room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) coordination polymers (CPs). [Pb(FDA)(H2O)] (1) and [NH3(CH3)NH2(CH3)2][Pb4(FDA)5] (2), where H2FDA is 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, have been synthesized by solvothermal method using different solvents and Pb2+ sources and characterized by microanalysis, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric (TG), IR and UV–vis spectra. The Pb2+ ions adopt bicapped triangle prism coordination sphere in 1 and 2, which are connected together via FDA2− ligands into bilayer structure in 1 while pillared-layer framework in 2. The FDA2− ligands show different bridging modes in 1 and 2, leading to distinct coordination interactions between Pb2+ ion and FDA2− ligand in both CPs. Both 1 and 2 emit ligand-centered RTP due to the heavy atom of Pb2+ ion, with a lifetime and quantum yield of 0.62 ms and 14.9% in 1 versus 1.69 ms and 15.7% in 2. The emission peak shows significant redshift (79 nm) in 2 regarding 1, which arises from their distinction of coordination interactions between Pb2+ ion and FDA2− ligand in both CPs.

The design and synthesis of nitrogen-doped aromatic belts with conjugated structures still remain a challenge. Here, we report the first nitrogen-doped aromatic belt with a [6]cycloparaphenylene skeleton, which is conveniently synthesized from the easily available calix[3]carbazole. The aromatic belt has a rigid conjugated structure and deep cavity, and it can encapsulate one dichloromethane both in solution and in the solid state. Interestingly, the aromatic belt shows strong green fluorescence with a quantum yield of 0.39 and exhibits a narrow HOMO-LUMO energy gap of 2.02 eV. The belt-shaped conjugated structure composed of three carbazole subunits has specific optoelectronic properties that will promote wide applications in supramolecular chemistry and materials science.

An approach to the highly efficient synthesis of C(sp3)-bridged [6]cycloparaphenylenes (C[6]CPPs) from fluoren[3]arenes (F[3]As) was developed. Consequently, F[3]As as a new kind of macrocyclic arenes were synthesized. Followed by the demethylation, triflation and intramolecular aryl-aryl coupling reactions, C[6]CPPs were then conveniently obtained. Interestingly, C[6]CPPs could be selectively methylated to produce their fully outer-methyl-substituted derivatives. The crystal structures showed the hydroxyl-substituted F[3]As had bowl-shaped conformations, and the C[6]CPPs exhibited rigid belt-shaped structures with deep cavities. Moreover, C[6]CPPs exhibited high HOMO energies and narrow energy gaps. An unclosed belt was further obtained, and it not only showed a similar narrow energy gap to those of the aromatic belts, but also displayed strong fluorescence property, which can play a vital role in the design and synthesis of new aromatic belts.

The spin Hamiltonian parameters (SHPs, g factors and hyperfine structure constants) defect structure for LiMgPO4 doped with 0.1% Co2+ at 4.2 K are theoretically investigated from the perturbation formulas of the SHPs for a rhombically distorted octahedral 3d7 cluster. The impurity Co2+ on host Mg2+ site is found to suffer the larger axial relative compression ratio ρ (≈ 0.76%) and the planar angular variation Δφ (≈ 6.64°) related to the host oxygen octahedron due to size mismatch. The calculated SHPs based on the above defect structure show good agreement with the measured results. Present study can be helpful to the preparation and characterization for the local structures for transition-metal impurities in lithium-magnesium phosphate, which may is helpful to search for the phosphor materials with better dosimetric characteristics.

The local hydrogen distribution has significant influences on hydrogen embrittlement. In this work, mode-I fractures of (010)[100] pre-cracked α-Fe single crystal containing dissolved and absorbed hydrogen atoms are simulated by molecular dynamics and the time-stamped force-bias Monte Carlo methods. Statistics show that when located near the {112} plane, hydrogen atoms accelerate cleavage fracture and suppress the slip of {112} ; when located on the {110} plane, they promote martensite transformation and increase {110} slip. Most adsorbed hydrogen atoms are concentrated near the inside of the crack surface and suppress fracture early by stress relaxation; therein concentrates stresses inside the matrix, and causes microvoid-coalescence fracture.

HighlightsHedysarum polybotrys leaves have high levels of bioactive chemicals.H. polybotrys leaves have much stronger antioxidant activity than the root.The leaves may have a bright future if used as bioactive resources and antioxidants.The leaves should be a good material used in other fields with health and economic benefits.Abstract. Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz. is a valuable plant that is usually used in food and medicine. The dry roots are important materials for chemical and medicinal applications, only a few researchers were concerned about the above-ground part though they contain various chemicals and nutrients. In this work, the chemical components and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the leaves were analyzed and compared with those of the roots. The results showed that compared to the roots the leaves contained much higher levels of polyphenol (13.11%), flavonoids (15.68%), and protein (26.49%) than the root (0.94%, 1.39%, 18.52%); higher levels of some important minerals, especially Fe (106.00 mg/kg) and Mn (20.40 mg/kg) than the root (88.80 mg/kg, 7.64 mg/kg); higher ratios of some essential fatty acids (alpha-linoleic acid); in particular, exhibited much stronger DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging abilities and reducing power activities than HR. Therefore, the leaves contain various chemical components and much stronger antioxidant and broader antimicrobial activities than the roots, which indicates that they functioned as bioactive resources and antioxidants might have abundant health and economic benefits. The leaves and root extracts may have commercial potentials used by the food industry. Keywords: Antioxidant, Chemical components, Hedysarum polybotrys, Leaves.

The local structure, d-d transition band as well as spin Hamiltonian parameters (SHPs) are theoretically studied for the V4+ probe in 10Na2 O-30PbO-10Bi2 O3 -(50-x)SiO2 (NPBS) glass ceramics containing V2 O5 dopant with various concentration x (0 ≤ x ≤ 5 mol %) by using the perturbation formulas of the SHPs for tetragonally compressed octahedral 3d1 clusters. The first decreasing (or increasing) and then increasing (or decreasing) d-d transition band (= 10 Dq ) and hyperfine structure constants A// and A⊥ (or g factors g// and g⊥ ) with x can be suitably simulated with the similarly varying Fourier type concentration functions of cubic field parameter Dq , covalence factor N, core polarization constant κ and reduction factor H (or relative tetragonal compression ratio ρ), with the minima (or maxima) at the middle concentration x = 3 mol %, respectively. The above concentration variations of SHPs and the related quantities may originate from the modifications of local crystal-field strength, tetragonal compression and electron cloud distribution near the impurity V4+ with x, corresponding to the highest [V4+ ]/[V5+ ] ratio at 3 mol %. Present studies would be helpful to explore novel sodium lead bismuth silicate glass ceramics by modifying the concentration of V2 O5 dopant.

A new free radical/palladium cooperative catalyzed formylation of aryl halides with glyoxylic acid as the formyl source under oxygen conditions has been developed. Various aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes were produced in medium to good yields.

This letter reports a significantly amplified response towards organic and inorganic target gases induced by a small variation of humidity for an ionization sensor, which is based on silicon hybrid micro-nanostructures. By introducing Si nanowire arrays using metal-assisted chemical etching, a boosted dynamic range could be achieved with increasing relative humidity read from I-V characteristics. With dry air as carrier gas, the 5000-ppm ethanol vapor sample of 60% relative humidity showed almost two magnitude higher response and signal-to-noise ratio than those of dry ethanol vapor. This humidity amplification effect brought by micro-needle array -Si nanowires hierarchical structure renders the devices especially suitable for working under highly humid environments with optimal performance.

In this paper, poly-α-olefins (PAO) containing quaternary carbon centers were prepared by two-step oligomerization using a metallocene catalyst followed by a Ziegler–Natta catalyst. First, the 1-decene dimer was oligomerized with [t-BuN(Me)2C(η5-C5H4)]ZrCl2, and the effects of the oligomerization temperature, Al/Zr molar ratio, and catalyst loading on the oligomerization were investigated. In the second step, the obtained 1-decene dimers were copolymerized with 1-decene with TiCl4/Et2AlCl, and the effects of the catalysts, monomer/dimer ratio, and α-olefin species on the copolymerization were investigated. The composition and structure of the dimers and copolymerization products were characterized by gas chromatography (GC) and 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The results of GC and 13C NMR analyses indicated that the metallocene catalyzed the formation of the 1-decene oligomerization product, resulting in the branched olefin dimer being the major product, and the existence of quaternary carbons in the 1-decene/1-decene dimer copolymerization product could also be found. The polymerization mechanism for the formation of the quaternary carbon centers is proposed. The 1-decene/1-decene dimer copolymerization product containing quaternary carbon centers has a kinematic viscosity of 10.8 mm2/s at 100 °C, a viscosity index of 165, and a pour point of −52 °C; thus, the product with quaternary carbon centers has a better viscosity–temperature performance and low-temperature fluidity than those of the 1-decene oligomerization product and typical PAO products, but the kinematic viscosity is similar.

Although volatile organic compound samples can be detected by gas nanosensors in adsorption principles, extreme concentrations of target gases imply the excessive adsorption, which would lead to a long recovery time and even a shortened lifetime. Herein, we report the observations of the ionization current sensing behavior on the volatile organic compounds in an ionization gas sensor with silicon-based nanostructures. The micro ionization gas sensor consists of a pair of silicon microneedle array electrodes covered by nanolayer structures and a microdischarge gas gap. The dynamic response behaviors of the sensors to the exposure of ethanol, acetone, and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide have been carefully scrutinized. The sensor exhibits sound performances to the high-concentration volatile organic compounds with a fast-recovery property and could generate effective responses well at 36 V, namely, the safety operation voltages. It could be well understood by the Jesse effect where small proportion of impurities in gases could lead to an intensive increase in the overall ionization probability. Besides, the reproducibility, recovery time, sensitivity, and selectivity properties have been systematically characterized.

The local structures and spin Hamiltonian parameters (SHPs, g factors, and hyperfine structure constants) for the Cu(en)3 2+ and Ru(en)3 3+ clusters in ethylenediamine complexes are theoretically studied from perturbation formulae for tetragonally and trigonally elongated octahedral 3d9 and 4d5 clusters, respectively. Cu2+ centres I and II may experience the slight relative elongations ΔZ by about 0.005 and 0.007 Å in Zn(en)3(NO3)2 polycrystalline powder at 4.2 K and room temperature, respectively, along the C4 axis arising from the Jahn–Teller effect. For Ru(en)3 3+ cluster in the uniaxial [Rh(en)3Cl3]2NaCl ⋅ 6H2O single crystal doped with the single-crystal chloride salt [Ru(en)3]Cl3 ⋅ 4H2O, the local impurity–ligand bonding angle related to the C3 axis suffers a negative variation Δβ (≈−1.85°) with respect to the host βH in [Ru(en)3]Cl3 ⋅ 4H2O at 4 K. The features of SHPs and defect structures for the Cu(en)3 2+ and Ru(en)3 3+ clusters are also discussed in view of the different experimental temperatures.

Elevated circulating levels of ceramides (Cers) are associated with increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases, and Cers may play a causative role in metabolic dysfunction that precedes cardiac events, such as mortality as a result of coronary artery disease. Although the mechanisms involved are likely complex, these associations suggest that lowering circulating Cer levels could be protective against cardiovascular diseases. Conversely, dietary fibers, such as inulin, have been reported to promote cardiovascular and metabolic health. However, the mechanisms involved in these protective processes also are not well understood. We studied the effects of inulin on lipid metabolism with a model of atherosclerosis in LDL receptor-deficient mice using lipidomics and transcriptomics. Plasma and tissues were collected at 10 days and/or 12 weeks after feeding mice an atherogenic diet supplemented with inulin or cellulose (control). Compared with controls, inulin-fed mice displayed a decreased C16:0/C24:0 plasma Cer ratio and lower levels of circulating Cers associated with VLDL and LDL. Liver transcriptomic analysis revealed that Smpd3, a gene that encodes neutral SMase (NSMase), was downregulated by 2-fold in inulin-fed mice. Hepatic NSMase activity was 3-fold lower in inulin-fed mice than in controls. Furthermore, liver redox status and compositions of phosphatidylserine and FFA species, the major factors that determine NSMase activity, were also modified by inulin. Taken together, these results showed that, in mice, inulin can decrease plasma Cer levels through reductions in NSMase expression and activity, suggesting a mechanism by which fiber could reduce cardiometabolic disease risk.

Chiral pseudo[1]rotaxanes and [1]rotaxanes constructed from macrocyclic arenes still remain a big challenge mainly owing to the lack of such chiral macrocycles. In this work, a new system of chiral pseudo[1]rotaxanes formed by self-inclusion of helic[6]arene containing amide linked with the terminal tertiary amines was first discovered. Based on an atom-economic stopping strategy, a pair of chiral [1]rotaxanes were conveniently obtained in almost quantitative yields by blocking the pseudo[1]rotaxanes with monobenzyl bromide of tetraphenylethene. The structures of pseudo[1]rotaxanes and [1]rotaxanes were characterized by 2D NMR spectra in solution, combining with the DFT calculations. The photophysical properties further revealed the efficient chirality transfer of helic[6]arene to the tetraphenylethene moiety, compared to their unthreaded chiral isomers. The discovery of the chiral pseudo[1]rotaxanes allows for a wide and available synthesis of chiral [1]rotaxanes, and also opening a new avenue to the design of chiral supramolecular materials.

For accurate evaluation of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment effect, it is of great importance to effectively judge whether the sampled signal is the HIFU echo signal or the noise signal. In this paper, a judgment method based on an auto-regressive (AR) model and spectrum information entropy is proposed. In total, 188 groups of data are obtained while the HIFU source is on or off through experiments, and these sampled signals are judged by this method. The judgment results of this method are compared with empirical judgments. It is found that when the segment number for the power spectrum estimated by AR model is 14 to 17, the judgment results of this method have a higher consistency with empirical judgments, and Accuracy, Sensitivity and Specificity all have good values. Moreover, after comparing and analyzing this method with the classic power spectrum estimation method, it is found that the recognition rate of the two sampled signals of this method is higher than that of the classic power spectrum estimation method. Therefore, this method can effectively judge the different types of sampled signals.

The intriguing features of single-atom catalysts (SACs) could bring catalysis into a new paradigm, however, controllably synthesising SACs with desired SA loadings and coordination forms are challenging. Here, we report an adsorption-regulated approach to precisely control the synthesis of bimetallic Fe-Co SAs on carbon. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is utilised as an adsorption regulator to controllably impregnate Fe3+/Co2+ on BC and through carbonisation to anchor Fe-Co SAs on BC-derived carbon via bimetallic [(O-C2)3Fe-Co(O-C2)3] coordination with desired Fe/Co contents and atomic ratios. Under electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) conditions, [(O-C2)3Fe-Co(O-C2)3] is operando transformed to [(O-C2)3Fe-Co(O-C)C2] that promotes and sustains NRR performance. A superb ammonia yield of 574.8 ± 35.3 μg h-1 mgcat.-1 with an exceptional faradaic efficiency of 73.2 ± 4.6% are obtained from an electrocatalyst with the highest bimetallic Fe-Co site density. The exemplified synthetic approach would be of generically applicable to controllably anchor SAs on carbon that enables meaningfully investigate and rationally design SACs.

A molecularly imprinted biosensor for lysozyme based on the polymer nanoparticles self-assembled from water-soluble and electroactive poly (γ-glutamic acid) modified with 3-aminothiophene copolymer were prepared. The water-soluble copolymer made imprinting of lysozyme in aqueous solution possible and thus facilitated improvement of the activity of LYS. Subsequent electro-polymerization not only locked the recognition site between copolymer and lysozyme but also created a conductive polymer network, which can enhance the electron transfer rate and increase the conductivity of the film. The prepared molecularly imprinted biosensor exhibited a wide linear range from 1 × 10−10 to 1 × 10−5 mg mL−1, and satisfactory selectivity, stability, repeatability for lysozyme detection.

An extract of Dracocephalum moldevica (DML) was found to exert protective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI); however, the mechanisms underlying the observed actions of this plant-derived mixture remain to be determined. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the influence of DML on CIRI rat model induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The following parameters were measured: (1) viable neurons in the infarcted area using Nissl staining; and (2) immunohistochemistry and Western blot were employed to determine protein expression levels of p53, bcl-2 associated X protein (bax) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl-2), three biomarkers of apoptosis. MCAO significantly decreased the number of viable cortical pyramidal neurons in the infarcted area, while treatment with DML extract significantly elevated the number of viable neurons. MCAO was found to significantly elevate in gene expression levels of p53 and protein expression levels bax accompanied by diminished protein expression levels of bcl-2. Prior administration of DML extract produced marked reduction in gene expression levels of p53 and protein expression levels bax but increased in protein expression levels of bcl-2. Data suggested apoptosis was initiated in MCAO and that DML was effective in treating CIRI via an anti-apoptotic action as evidenced by inhibition of gene expression levels of p53 and protein expression levels of bax with concomitant elevation in protein expression levels of bcl-2. Our findings suggest that extract of DML may prove beneficial in treatment of cerebrovascular disorders.

Ginsenoside Rg1 (GsRg1), derived from the herb Ginseng, was found to exert protective effects in nerve injury; however, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be determined. Oxidant stress and apoptosis are known to be involved in sciatic nerve injury. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine whether GsRg1 was able to modify sciatic nerve injury in a rat model. The following parameters were measured: (1) number of spinal cord motoneurons by Nissl staining, (2) oxidation parameters including spinal cord malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) as well as (3) involvement of apoptosis by determining caspase-3 and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The number of spinal cord motoneurons was significantly reduced after sciatic nerve injury, while treatment with GsRg1 markedly elevated cell number. Sciatic nerve injury markedly increased spinal cord MDA content concomitant with reduced activities of SOD and GSH-Px. GsRg1 significantly decreased MDA content accompanied by elevated activities of SOD and GSH-Px. Further nerve injury significantly diminished protein expression levels of XIAP accompanied by elevated protein expression levels of caspase-3 in the spinal cord. GsRg1 markedly increased protein expression levels of XIAP, but significantly reduced protein expression levels of caspase-3. Data suggest that the protective effects of GsRg1 in sciatic nerve injury may be associated with reduced oxidative stress involving anti-apoptotic pathways.

Cerebral infarction occurs as a consequence of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GbE) is composed predominantly of active ingredients such as flavonoids and terpene lactones and often used to treat cerebrovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying the use of this herbal extract to treat cerebrovascular-mediated damage are not known. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of administration GbE to ameliorate the observed consequences of CIRI. The following parameters were measured: (1) behavioral score (2) infarct area (3) the content of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and (4) interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression levels in the infarcted brain tissue. Data demonstrated that treatment with GbE to CIRI rats resulted in significant reduction in cerebral-infarcted area associated with improvement in behavioral score. GbE was found to decrease serum MDA levels concomitant with elevated activity levels of SOD and GSH-PX. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis showed that GbE significantly lowered the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the infarcted brain tissue. Data suggest that GbE may be therapeutically effective in improving behavioral score in CIRI rats through reduction of oxidative stress and anti-inflammation in the cerebral infarction region.

Cocrystallization may alter material physicochemical properties; thus, the strategy of forming a cocrystal is generally used to improve the material performance for practical applications. In this study, two transition-metal complex cocrystals [Zn(bpy)3]H0.5BDC·H1.5BDC·0.5bpy·3H2O (1) and [Cu2(BDC)(bpy)4]BDC·bpy·2H2O (2) have been achieved using a hydrothermal reaction, where bpy and H2BDC represent 2,2'-bipyridine and benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, respectively. Cocrystals were characterized by microanalysis, infrared spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy. Cocrystal 1 contains five components and crystallizes in a monoclinic space group P21/n. The H0.5BDC1.5-, H1.5BDC0.5-, and H2O molecules construct three-dimensional H-bonding organic framework; the [Zn(bpy)3]2+ coordination cations and uncoordinated bpy molecules reside in channels, where two coordinated bpy ligands in [Zn(bpy)3]2+ and one uncoordinated bpy adopt sandwich-type alignment via π···π stacking interactions. Cocrystal 2 with four components crystallizes in a triclinic space group P-1 to form alternating layers; the binuclear [Cu2(bpy)4(BDC)]2+ cations and uncoordinated bpy molecules build the cationic layers, and the BDC2- species with disordered lattice water molecules form the anionic layers. Cocrystal 1 shows intense photoluminescence at an ambient condition with a quantum yield of 14.96% and decay time of 0.48 ns, attributed to the π* → π electron transition within phenyl/pyridyl rings, and 2 exhibits magnetic behavior of an almost isolated spin system with rather weak antiferromagnetic coupling in the [Cu2(bpy)4(BDC)]2+ cation.

Two new Pb2+-based coordination polymers (CPs), [Pb2(HBTC)2(DMF)] (1) and [Pb(HPTC)] (2), have been synthesized under solvothermal condition; herein, H3BTC and H3PTC represent 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid and 2,4,6-pyridine tricarboxylic acid, respectively. Both 1 and 2 were characterized by microanalysis, infrared spectra (IR), thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) techniques. Single-crystal structural analysis indicates that 1 and 2 show different coordination sphere around Pb2+ ions and distinct coordination frameworks. The I1O2 type three-dimensional (3D) nonporous metal–organic framework forms in 1, where the Pb2+ ion shows holo-directed coordination geometry, while the I0O2 type two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymeric layered structure forms in 2, where Pb2+ ion shows a hemidirected coordination sphere and the 6s2 lone electron pair in Pb2+ ion is stereochemically active. The two CPs emit intense and long-lasting greenish phosphorescence in air at room temper...

The influence of moist environments on the aging performance of silicone rubber (SR) used for outdoor insulation was investigated by a salt-fog test. High-temperature vulcanized (HTV) SRs with different alumina trihydrate (ATH) filler contents were adopted as the test specimens. For the test of a single water droplet, the vibration and elongation of the water droplet caused a flashover, and the flashover voltage decreased with increasing ATH content. In the first cycle of the salt-fog test, the leakage current increased with increasing ATH content. The relatively higher hydrophobicity of the specimen with a low ATH content than the specimen with a high ATH content had an inhibitory effect on the initial leakage current development. In the last cycle of the salt-fog test, the heat from dry band arc discharge became the dominant factor affecting the surface aging after the loss of hydrophobicity, and the specimen with a higher ATH content inversely had a better inhibitory effect on leakage current development. According to the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis results, when the energized SR was exposed to a moist environment, the heat from dry band arc discharge and the hydrolysis reaction caused a change in the binding state between Si and O, which is considered the mechanism responsible for material degradation. During this process, the higher content of ATH had a remarkable effect on alleviating surface aging.

Astilbin (AST), a dihydro-flavonol glycoside, is a major bioactive ingredient in Astilbe thunbergii , Engelhardia roxburghiana , Smilax corbularia and Erythroxylum gonocladum , and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and neuroprotective effects, suggesting potential therapeutic value in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). We explored the neuroprotective effects of AST in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease mice. Mice were administered with MPTP (30 mg/kg, i.p) daily for 5 days, to establish a subacute Parkinson's disease model, followed by daily treatment with AST or saline for 7 days. Pole and traction tests showed that AST ameliorated the impaired motor functions in MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mice. High performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that AST treatment prevented MPTP-induced decreases in striatal dopamine levels. Immunofluorescence assays showed that AST reduced the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the substantia nigra. Western blot analyses revealed that AST suppressed α-synuclein overexpression and activated PI3K/Akt in the striatum following MPTP treatment. AST also prevented the MPTP-induced reduction in total superoxide dismutase and glutathione activity in the striatum. AST exerts neuroprotective effects on MPTP-induced PD mice by suppressing gliosis, α-synuclein overexpression and oxidative stress, suggesting that AST could serve as a therapeutic drug to ameliorate PD.

The spin Hamiltonian parameters (g factors, hyperfine structure constants and zero-field splittings D and E) and local structures for Mn2+ and Ni2+ in [Zn(en)3](NO3)2 single crystal are theoretical...

In this paper, surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors containing porous graphene/PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) molecularly imprinted sensitive membrane for DMMP gas detection were investigated. A 433 MHz ST-cut quartz SAW resonator was used to convert gas concentration changes into frequency shifts by the sensors. The porous graphene/PVDF film was fabricated on the sensor’s surface by using the tape-casting method. DMMP molecules were adsorbed on the porous structure sensing film prepared by the 2-step method to achieve the specific recognition effect. The sensitivity of the sensor could reach −1.407 kHz·ppm−1. The response time and recovery time of the SAW sensor with porous graphene/PVDF sensing membrane were about 4.5 s and 5.8 s at the concentration of 10 ppm, respectively. The sensor has good anti-interference ability to most gases in the air.

Kidneys are one of the targets for SARS-CoV-2, it is reported that up to 36% of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection would develop into acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI is associated with high mortality in the clinical setting and contributes to the transition of AKI to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Up to date, the underlying mechanisms are obscure and there is no effective and specific treatment for COVID-19-induced AKI. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms and interactions between Quercetin and SARS-CoV-2 targets proteins by using network pharmacology and molecular docking. The renal protective effects of Quercetin on COVID-19-induced AKI may be associated with the blockade of the activation of inflammatory, cell apoptosis-related signaling pathways. Quercetin may also serve as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor by binding with the active sites of SARS-CoV-2 main protease 3CL and ACE2, therefore suppressing the functions of the proteins to cut the viral life cycle. In conclusion, Quercetin may be a novel therapeutic agent for COVID-19-induced AKI. Inhibition of inflammatory, cell apoptosis-related signaling pathways may be the critical mechanisms by which Quercetin protects kidney from SARS-CoV-2 injury.

In this work, we conducted a high-throughput atomistic simulation of the interstitial solid solutions of hydrogen in a-Fe. The elastic constants and moduli were calculated. Through statistical analysis of structures and results, the influences of the microscopic distribution of hydrogen on the elastic moduli, as well as hydrogen-induced hardening and softening, are discussed. We found that even though the uniformly distributed hydrogen caused slight softening in a-Fe, the distribution of hydrogen at different adjacent positions significantly affected the elastic moduli. For example, hydrogen increased the Young&rsquo, s modulus and shear modulus at the 5th and 10th nearest neighbors, resulting in hardening, but decreased the bulk modulus at the 7th nearest neighbor, making the material easier to compress. These phenomena are related to the distribution densities of the positions that hydrogen atoms can occupy on the two major slip families, {110} and {112}, at different nearest neighbors distinguished by distances.

The immune system of a host functions critically in shaping the composition of the microbiota, and some microbes are involved in regulating host endocrine system and development. However, whether the immune system acts on endocrine and development by shaping the composition of the microbiota remains unclear, and few molecular players or microbes involved in this process have been identified. In the current study, we found that RNA interference of a C-type lectin (HaCTL3) in the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera suppresses ecdysone and juvenile hormone signaling, thus reducing larval body size and delaying pupation. Depletion of HaCTL3 also results in an increased abundance of Enterocuccus mundtii in the hemolymph, which may escape from the gut. Furthermore, HaCTL3 and its controlled antimicrobial peptides (attacin, lebocin, and gloverin) are involved in the clearance of E. mundtii from the hemolymph via phagocytosis or direct bactericidal activity. Injection of E. mundtii into larval hemocoel mimics HaCTL3-depleted phenotypes and suppresses ecdysone and juvenile hormone signaling. Taken together, we conclude that HaCTL3 maintains normal larval growth and development of H. armigera via suppressing the abundance of E. mundtii in the hemolymph. Our results provide the first evidence of an immune system acting on an endocrine system to modulate development via shaping the composition of microbiota in insect hemolymph. Thus, this study will deepen our understanding of the interaction between immunity and development., Author summary Considering that a large number of hemocytes and multiple soluble effectors are present in insect hemolymph, it is conventionally believed that healthy insect hemolymph is a hostile environment for bacteria and is, therefore, sterile. However, increasing evidences disprove this opinion, although the interactive mechanism between hemolymph microbiota and insect host, as well as the function of hemolymph microbiota, remain unclear. C-type lectin (CTL), as pattern recognition receptor (PRR), plays important roles in defending against various pathogens. Here we found that various bacteria colonized the hemolymph of the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera. We first reported that an H. armigera CTL (HaCTL3) was involved in modulating larval growth and development. Further study indicated that HaCTL3-mediated homeostasis of Enterocuccus mundtii in the hemolymph is critical for normal larval growth and development. Our study demonstrated that this PRR modulated insect development through shaping hemolymph microbiota, which may represent a novel mechanism of immune system regulation during insect development.

The application of nanoparticles (NPs) to soils, as either fertilizers or fungicides (e.g., CuO NPs), has been proposed to improve the sustainability of agriculture. The observed effects could result directly from the NP-plant interactions or indirectly through effects on the soil microbiome. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of CuO NPs on the changes in the bacterial community structure and nitrogen-cycling-associated functions in a high pH soil and to correlate these changes with nitrate accumulation, soil parameter changes, and plant growth over 28 days. Triticum aestivum seedlings were exposed to 50 mg/kg CuO NPs, 50 mg/kg CuSO4, or 0.5 mg/kg CuSO4 in a standard soil (Lufa 2.1 soil, pH adjusted to 7.6). While Cu treatments reduced nitrate accumulation in the bulk soil, the effects were opposite in the rhizosphere (the soil influenced by root exudates). While nitrate accumulation in bulk soil negatively correlated with total Cu concentration, part of the nitrate concentration in the rhizosphere was explained by root uptake during plant growth, the rest being modulated by Cu treatments. The abundance of genes involved in the nitrogen cycle in the rhizosphere soil correlated with the ionic copper concentration. The increased nitrate concentration in the rhizosphere correlated with an increase of the gene abundance related to the nitrogen fixation and a decrease of denitrification gene abundance. Microbial diversity in bulk or rhizosphere soil under the different treatments alone could not explain these variations, while differences in the assemblages of bacteria associated with these functional gene abundances gave good insights. This study highlights the complexity of microbial N-related function in the rhizosphere and the need to characterize the rhizosphere soil, plant growth and root activity, NP (bio)transformations, along with microbial networks, to understand the impact of agrochemicals (here CuO NPs) on soil fertility.

Mermithid nematodes, such as Ovomermis sinensis, are used as biological control agents against many insect pests, including cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). However, given the host's robust immune system, the infection rate of O. sinensis is low, thus restricting its widespread use. To understand the host defense mechanisms against mermithid nematodes, we identified and characterized a protein involved in the recognition of O. sinensis, the potential O. sinensis-binding protein C-type lectin 1 (HaCTL1a and/or HaCTL1b), which was eluted from the surface of O. sinensis after incubation with H. armigera plasma. HaCTL1b is homologous to the previously reported HaCTL1a protein. HaCTL1 was predominantly expressed in hemocytes and was induced by the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone through ecdysone receptor (HaEcR) or ultraspiracle (HaUSP), or both. Binding assays confirmed the interactions of the HaCTL1 proteins with O. sinensis but not with Romanomermis wuchangensis, a parasitic nematode of mosquito. Moreover, the HaCTL1 proteins were secreted into the hemocoel and promoted hemocyte-mediated encapsulation and phagocytosis. A knockdown of HaEcR and/or HaUSP resulted in compromised encapsulation and phagocytosis. Thus, HaCTL1 appears to modulate cellular immunity in the defense against parasitic nematodes, and the 20-hydroxyecdysone-HaEcR-HaUSP complex is involved in regulating the process.

Water scarcity is the main limiting factor in agricultural crop production in arid and semi-arid areas in northern China. Humic acid could improve the plant resistance to mitigate the abiotic drought damages, which is a potential strategy to improve the crop production in these regions. An experiment to investigate the effect of water soluble humic acid on plant growth, photosynthesis characteristics and fresh tuber yield of potato under different water deficits was carried out under greenhouse conditions in 2014 and 2015. Treatments included foliar application of fresh water (FW), humic acid diluted with water 500 times (HA) and control (CK), and the water deficits included 45%, 60% and 75% of the field water holding capacity. The HA treatment showed highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) effect on dry biomass, root/shoot ratio and photosynthesis parameters, improved the dry biomass above ground (DM-AG) by 14.12–36.63%, 11.62–36.26% and 7.85–20.85% over the whole growing season at water deficits of 45%, 60% and 75% of the field water holding capacity respectively in 2014 and 2015; decreased the root/shoot (R/S) ratio in the early growing season and increased the R/S ratio in the later growing season; showed an improved effect on leaf soil plant analysis development (SPAD), photosynthesis rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Gs) and decreased transpiration rate (Tr) and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) compared with the control. HA usually showed a better effect on photosynthesis parameters in 60% of the field water holding capacity than 45% and 75% except on Pn. Compared with control, HA increased fresh tuber yield by 34.47–63.48%, 35.95–37.28% and 23.37–27.15% at 45%, 60% and 75% of the field water holding capacity respectively. HA enhanced the potato plant growth, and improved photosynthesis parameters and fresh tuber yield under different water deficits under green house conditions, and represents an opportunity to improve crop production and sustainability of agriculture in arid and semiarid regions.

BACKGROUND This study was performed to investigate the effect of local injection of asperosaponin VI (ASA VI) on the orthodontic tooth movement in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 64 healthy female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and divided into 2 groups randomly: the ASA VI group and the control group. For the ASA VI group, 10 mg/kg ASA VI solution was injected into buccal submucoperiosteal of bilaterally first maxillary molars, and the same volume of normal saline was given to the control group. The orthodontic force was applied to the maxillary first molars. All rats were sacrificed on days 3, 7, or 14. Tooth movement effects on the periodontium were analyzed through hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and immunohistochemistry analysis. Tooth movement measurements and alveolar bone volumetric changes were analyzed using a micro-computed tomography (CT) scan. Molecular changes were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. RESULTS The ASA VI group presented with a significant increase of tooth movement, osteoclast number, and the expression of osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF) compared with the control group. ASA VI also induced a significant decrease in bone volume and density and an increase in trabecular spacing and RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand) expression at the compression side. Furthermore, ASA VI stimulated bone formation on the tension side by enhancing OCN (osteocalcin) expression and RUNX2 (runt-related transcription factor 2) expression, increasing bone volume and density and decreasing in trabecular spacing. CONCLUSIONS Injection of ASA VI may accelerate tooth movement via increasing the activity of osteoclasts, stimulating bone resorption at the compression side. Furthermore, ASA VI has a positive effect on bone formation at the tension side.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been reported to participate in fracture healing, whereas the mechanism is still unclear. Since osteoblast migration is important for fracture healing, investigating effects of BDNF on osteoblasts migration may help to reveal its mechanism. Here, MC3T3-E1 cells were used in vitro while closed femur fracture mice were applied in vivo. Cells migration was assessed with Transwell assay. The protein expression was analysed by immunoblotting. X-ray and Micro-CT were performed at different time after fracture. Our results showed that BDNF promoted MC3T3-E1 cells migration, integrin β1 expression and ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation. K252a, a specific inhibitor for TrkB, suppressed BDNF-induced migration, integrin β1 expression and activation of ERK1/2 and AKT. PD98059 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor) and LY294002 (an AKT inhibitor) both inhibited BDNF-induced migration and integrin β1 expression while integrin β1 blocking antibody only suppressed cell migration. X-ray and Micro-CT analyses showed that the adenoviral carried integrin β1 shRNA group had slower fracture healing at 7 and 21 days, but not 35 days compared to the control group. Thus, we proposed that BDNF stimulated MC3T3-E1 cells migration by up-regulating integrin β1 via TrkB mediated ERK1/2 and AKT signalling, and this may help to enhance the fracture healing.

Significance Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a model for RNA-mediated disease in microsatellite expansion disorders. DM1 is caused by CTG expansions (CTGexp) and expression of CUGexp RNAs that sequester muscleblind-like (MBNL) proteins, while also triggering hyperphosphorylation of CUGBP1/ETR3-like factor 1 (CELF1). These proteins regulate developmental transitions in RNA processing, so DM1 is characterized by retention of fetal RNA processing patterns in adults. Although current evidence indicates that CELF1 is a specific antagonist of MBNL activity, this study reveals that another protein, HNRNPA1, is also downregulated during normal development but upregulated in DM1, where it also induces fetal splicing shifts. Thus, DM1 disease results from an imbalance in the expression of multiple RNA processing factors important for both proliferation and differentiation., Studies on myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) have led to the RNA-mediated disease model for hereditary disorders caused by noncoding microsatellite expansions. This model proposes that DM1 disease manifestations are caused by a reversion to fetal RNA processing patterns in adult tissues due to the expression of toxic CUG RNA expansions (CUGexp) leading to decreased muscleblind-like, but increased CUGBP1/ETR3-like factor 1 (CELF1), alternative splicing activities. Here, we test this model in vivo, using the mouse HSALR poly(CUG) model for DM1 and recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated transduction of specific splicing factors. Surprisingly, systemic overexpression of HNRNPA1, not previously linked to DM1, also shifted DM1-relevant splicing targets to fetal isoforms, resulting in more severe muscle weakness/myopathy as early as 4 to 6 wk posttransduction, whereas rAAV controls were unaffected. Overexpression of HNRNPA1 promotes fetal exon inclusion of representative DM1-relevant splicing targets in differentiated myoblasts, and HITS-CLIP of rAAV-mycHnrnpa1-injected muscle revealed direct interactions of HNRNPA1 with these targets in vivo. Similar to CELF1, HNRNPA1 protein levels decrease during postnatal development, but are elevated in both regenerating mouse muscle and DM1 skeletal muscle. Our studies suggest that CUGexp RNA triggers abnormal expression of multiple nuclear RNA binding proteins, including CELF1 and HNRNPA1, that antagonize MBNL activity to promote fetal splicing patterns.

Qinghai Lake plays an important role in the study of climate change in the western China and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau uplift processes and environmental effects. This study focused on the hydrogeochemistry of different waters (river, lake, groundwater, and precipitation) around and within Qinghai Lake. We analyzed major chemical elements and stable isotopes to examine water-rock interactions and the hydrogeochemical evolution of lake. The geochemical characteristics of river, groundwater, and precipitation have direct effects on the chemical composition of lake. The hydrochemical type of the river was HCO3-Ca·Na or HCO3-Na·Ca; groundwater was HCO3-Na·Ca, Cl·HCO3-Na·Ca, or HCO3-Ca·Na; and lake was Cl-Na, which was different from Erhai (Cl·HCO3-Na). The different geological settings and amount of river and groundwater input between the Buha and Shaliu subcatchments led to fluctuation in the major chemical ions present in the Buha River. The supply to river and groundwater is different in the various areas and manifests as overlap in the ion concentrations in river and groundwater. The relationship of major ions showed that sulfate reduction, ion exchange, carbonate and silicate rock weathering, dissolution, and evaporation occurred in the evolution of the groundwater, river, and lake in the Qinghai Lake catchment. The evolution of Qinghai Lake may be towards poor calcium and potassium enrichment as well as the removal of carbonate and increasing chloride. The salinity of Qinghai Lake is likely to become much higher if the amount of river and groundwater input decreases or the climate continues to dry in the future.

AgBr crystals containing impurity Rh2+ with and without a next nearest neighbor silver vacancy (VAg) in the [001] axis are theoretically studied. The defect structures, bandgap, Mulliken charge, density of states, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra are analysed for two distinct (i.e. tetragonally elongated and compressed) centres by using density functional theory calculations. The results demonstrate that the structural, photoelectric and spectroscopic properties of AgBr are significantly changed after Rh substitution. The covalency of Rh-Br bonds in the two centres is stronger than that of pure AgBr according to the larger magnitudes of the overlap population. Compared to pure AgBr, Rh doping also results in significantly enhanced red shifts of absorption bands in the UV-Vis region and some new d-d transitions in the visible and near-infrared regions. Meanwhile, the bandgap of Rh-doped AgBr is about 10 % narrower than that of pure AgBr. As a result, the visible light activity may be enhanced in AgBr:Rh systems. Rh dopants can induce the magnetic moments of about 1.73 μB for both centres. Therefore, transition-metal Rh dopants may effectively modulate the electronic, optical and magnetic properties of AgBr.

Four Ni(II) reduced Schiff base complexes, {[Ni(L1)(HCOO)(H2O)](H2O)} (1), {[Ni(L2)(H2O)3](OAc)} (2), {[Ni(L3)(H2O)3](OAc)} (3) and {[Ni(L4)(HCOO)](H2O)} (4), have been synthesized by the reaction of N-(4-pyridylmethyl)- l -amino acid derivatives and Ni(OAc)2·4H2O under hydrothermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals all of the four Ni(II) centers in these complexes adopt a six-coordinated octahedral geometry, with complexes 1–3 uniformly crystallizing in the monoclinic P21 space group and 4 in the P212121 space group. A detailed structural study indicates the synergistic effects of the counteranions and steric hindrance of the substituents of the amino ligands lead to the formation of two different dimensionalities of the four compounds, with complexes 1 and 4 featuring 2D layer structures while complexes 2 and 3 exhibiting 1D chain structures. The resulting 3D supramolecular networks are formed by strong hydrogen bonding (O H⋯O and N H⋯O) interactions between the ligands and the guest molecules. The thermal stability, infrared spectra and luminescence properties of these compounds have also been investigated.

An organic-organic self-assembly hydrothermal synthesis strategy coupled with carbonization is reported to fabricate nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon microspheres (N-OMCMs) from m -aminophenol-formaldehyde resin. The obtained N-OMCMs possess high-surface-area ordered mesoporous structure, moderate nitrogen content and micrometer-sized sphere-like morphology. And the N-OMCMs exhibit a large specific capacitance up to 288 F g −1 , excellent rate performance (222 F g −1 at 20 A g −1 ) and long-term stability.

Namibia is one of the driest countries in southern Africa. Groundwater has played an important role in the development of Namibia. However, like those at some other places in Namibia, groundwater is unsuitable for drinking in parts of the Northwest of Namibia because of its poor quality. It is significant to assess groundwater quality and understand the hydrogeochemical processes for the management and utilization of groundwater resource in this water-short region. In this paper, we report the investigation and assessment of groundwater quality and associated hydrogeochemical processes in the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin and Kaokoveld region, northwestern Namibia. A total of 24 samples were collected for chemistry and stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes analysis. The groundwater quality was evaluated by single factor index method. Hydrochemical and isotopic (δD and δ18O) data were used to study the hydrogeochemical processes of groundwater in the areas. The results show that most of the groundwater that originated from precipitation was unacceptable in appearance and tastes, but may be safe for human consumption. The salinity and concentrations of As, U and F− in some of groundwater samples exceeded of the WHO standards. The salinity increase of the groundwater is primarily due to minerals dissolution rather than evaporation. A number of the samples located in the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin and Kaokoveld region are low in TDS. The salinity of them mainly derives from the dissolution of carbonate. Some of the samples located in the west of the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin and Kaokoveld region have medium TDS. The salinity of them originates mainly from the dissolution of carbonate and the oxidation of pyrite. The highest Fe concentration in these samples is up to 13 mg/L. The samples located to the east of Etosha Pan have high TDS. Halite and carbonate dissolution with strong cation exchange are the major source of the high salinity. The low Ca2 + concentrations in groundwater and rich fluorine sediments in Cuvelai-Etosha Basin favor the formation of high F− groundwater. The weak alkaline environment and high HCO3− contents are significant to the higher As and U contents. Insight from this study may be helpful to enhance the understanding of distributions and transfers of major ions and trace elements in groundwater and to improve the management and utilization of groundwater resources in the region and other similar areas.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an abrupt loss of kidney function and severe AKI needs renal replacement therapeutic strategy and has high mortality. RA-XII is a natural cyclopeptide, isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Rubia yunnanensis, exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. The present study aimed to explore the effects of RA-XII on LPS-induced ACI and the underlying molecular mechanism in TCMK-1 cells in vitro. The results indicated that RA-XII delayed the animal death caused by LPS in mice. The kidney histological changes were markedly attenuated by RA-XII. RA-XII also reduced the serum uric acid, creatinine, BUN and renal 8-OHdG. In addition, RA-XII suppressed LPS-induced oxidative stress in kidney, as evidenced by the up-regulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and the down-regulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Additionally, RA-XII enhanced heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expressions in renal tissue sections. Further, RA-XII reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and IL-18, in renal, which was linked to the inhibition of inhibitor of alpha/nuclear factor kappa B (IκBα/NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathways. The in vitro study illustrated that the anti-inflammatory effects of RA-XII were partially reversed following Nrf2 and HO-1 inhibition. Together, these findings strongly suggested that RA-XII is a potential agent against acute kidney injury.

Growth-blocking peptide (GBP) is an insect cytokine that stimulates plasmatocyte adhesion, thereby playing a critical role in encapsulation reaction. It has been previously demonstrated that GBP-binding protein (GBPB) is released upon oenocytoid lysis in response to GBP and is responsible for subsequent clearance of GBP from hemolymph. However, current knowledge about GBPB is limited and the mechanism by which insects increase GBPB levels to inactivate GBP remains largely unexplored. Here, we have identified one GBP precursor (HaGBP precursor) gene and two GBPB (namely HaGBPB1 and HaGBPB2) genes from the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera. The HaGBP precursor was found to be predominantly expressed in fat body, whereas HaGBPB1 and HaGBPB2 were mainly expressed in hemocytes. Immunological analyses indicated that both HaGBPB1 and HaGBPB2 are released from hemocytes into the plasma during the wandering stage. Additionally, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) treatment or bead challenge could promote the release of HaGBPB1 and HaGBPB2 at least partly from oenocytoids into the plasma. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the N-terminus of HaGBPB1 is responsible for binding to HaGBP and suppresses HaGBP-induced plasmatocyte spreading and encapsulation. Overall, this study helps to enrich our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying 20E mediated regulation of plasmatocyte adhesion and encapsulation via GBP-GBPB interaction.

Four new coordination polymers based on N-(4-pyridylmethyl)- l -threonine (HL), {[Zn(L)(HCOO)](H2O)}n (1), {[Cd(L)(HCOO)](H2O)}n (2), {[Zn(L)(H2O)2](ClO4)(H2O)}n (3), and {[Cd(L)(H2O)2](ClO4)(H2O)}n (4) have been prepared and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Coordination polymers 1–4 crystallize in the uniform space group orthorhombic P212121. Coordination polymers 1 and 2 display two-dimensional lattice frameworks, while 3 and 4 are one-dimensional chain motifs. Interestingly, formate anions can easily coordinate to metal ions in coordination polymers 1 and 2, while perchlorate anions lead to lower dimension of the coordination assemblies in coordination polymers 3 and 4 with the lattice counter ions. And hydrogen bonding interactions play important roles for the formation and stabilization of these three-dimensional supramolecular networks. Furthermore, the thermal stability, and photoluminescence properties have been investigated.

Two Schiff-base compounds, 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(benzoylhydrazone) (abbr. DAPBH) and 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(benzenesulfonylhydrazide) (abbr. DAPBSH), have been synthesized and characterized. The compound DAPBH reacted with zinc(II) and copper(II) nitrates to give the corresponding complexes 1 and 2; the reaction of DAPBSH with zinc(II) acetate and copper(II) nitrate produced complexes 3 and 4. Single crystal structural analysis revealed that 1 contains novel heptacoordinated zinc(II) species and the copper(II) ion in the crystal structure of 2 shows a rare heptacoordinated pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. Complexes 1 and 3 emit intense luminescence in solution, and a solvent dependent luminescent feature is observed for 1. In the solid state, complex 3 emits weak luminescence under 365 nm excitation from an ultraviolet lamp. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that there are antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the neighboring spins in 2 and 4.

Realizing the pore structure regulation in biomass porous carbon electrodes has played a key role in improving the performance of supercapacitors. In this work, a facile strategy was proposed to regulate the pore structure by enriching mesoporous prepolymers in the waste wood with intrinsically uncontrollable morphology. As a result, the volume of mesopores effectively increased from 0.11 to 0.48 cm3 g−1, and the range for pore size was also expanded to 2-12 nm, which facilitated the fast ion migration of aqueous electrolytes. Under the premises of the similar carbon loading the obtained wooden porous carbon displayed excellent specific capacitance of 323 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, which was superior to that of carbon electrode sourced directly from waste wood and most other biomass carbons. Meanwhile, the symmetric supercapacitors assembled by the P-MC exhibited a good energy density of 9.62 Wh/kg at a power density of 47.2 W/kg and outstanding cycling stability (98.2% capacitance retention after 10000 charge/discharge cycles at 2 A g−1) in 6 M KOH electrolytes. This work proved a new strategy to value-added utilization for waste wood, which expanded its application in supercapacitors, and turned the waste into treasures.

The defect structures and spin Hamiltonian parameters (SHPs) for V4+ in lead halo borate (xPbX2–(30 − x)PbO–68B2O3, X = F, Cl, Br and x = 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mol%) glass composites containing 2 mol% of V2O5 dopant are theoretically studied by applying the perturbation formulas of the SHPs for tetragonally compressed octahedral 3d1 clusters. The experimental SHPs are suitably reproduced by the optimal covalency factor N, relative tetragonal compression ratio ρ, core polarization constant κ and reduction factor H at various x, which are simulated with the corresponding Fourier type content functions. The distinct deviations of these quantities from the relevant simulated Fourier type content functions at 5 mol% of PbCl2 and PbBr2 are reasonably explained from the modifications of compactness and electronic cloud redistributions around V4+ at this content. This is supported by the previous analysis on the content variations of ionic conductivity of the systems.