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Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline antibiotic used in the clinical treatment of cancer, but its use is limited due to its cardiotoxic effects. Therefore, it is necessary to explore natural compounds that are effective in protecting against the cardiotoxicity caused by DOX. Neutral Morchella conica polysaccharides‐2 (NMCP‐2) is a natural polysaccharide with antioxidant activity that was isolated and purified from Morchella conica in our laboratory's previous study. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of NMCP‐2 on DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity and the potential underlying mechanisms. The model of DOX‐induced H9C2 cells and the model of DOX‐induced mice were used in this study. In in vitro studies of H9C2 myocardial cells, NMCP‐2 effectively increased the activity of H9C2 cells, reducing the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). In the mouse model of DOX‐induced chronic cardiotoxicity, NMCP‐2 significantly reduced the cardiac index, reduced the release of serum cardiac enzymes, and improved the pathology of murine myocardial tissues, thereby alleviating DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity. Further mechanism studies showed that pretreatment with NMCP‐2 counteracted the oxidative stress induced by DOX, as indicated by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) production decreased. In addition, we observed NMCP‐2 inhibited the activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and regulated the disordered expression of Bcl‐2 and Bax in the myocardial tissues of DOX‐treated mice. These findings indicated that NMCP‐2, a natural bioactive compound, could potentially be used as a food supplement to reduce the cardiotoxicity caused by DOX., NMCP‐2 polysaccharide is a natural polysaccharide with antioxidant activity that was isolated and purified from Morchella conica. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of NMCP‐2 on DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity and the potential underlying mechanisms. The results showed that NMCP‐2 exerts a definite effect on DOX‐induced myocardial injury. This effect may be associated with the inhibition of oxidative stress and subsequent mitochondria‐dependent apoptotic pathways. Therefore, NMCP‐2 as a natural bioactive compound can be a potential food supplement for reducing the cardiotoxicity caused by DOX.

Based on the theory of direct relation graph (DRG) and sensitivity analysis (SA), a reduced mechanism for diesel-CH4-H2 tri-fuel is constructed. The detailed mechanism of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which has 654 elements and 2827 elementary reactions, is used for mechanism reduction with DRG. Some small thresholds are used in the process of simplifying the detailed mechanism via DRG, and a skeletal mechanism of 266 elements is obtained. Based on the framework of the skeletal mechanism, the time-consuming approach of sensitivity analysis is used for further simplification, and the skeletal mechanism is reduced to 262 elements. Validation of the reduced mechanism is done via a comparison of ignition delay time and laminar flame speed from the calculation using the reduced mechanism and the detailed mechanism or experiment. The reduced mechanism shows good agreement with the detailed mechanism and with related experimental data.

Chemical investigation on the peels of the cultivated edible mushroom Wolfiporia cocos led to the identification of 13 diterpenes and 4 steroids, including two new abietane diterpenes (1 and 2) and one new pregnane steroid (14). Structures of new compounds were determined by analysis of NMR, MS, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. All compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity (K562 and HepG2), antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds 15, 17 showed strong cytotoxicity on K562 cells with the IC50 values of 5.4 and 7.5 μM, respectively. Compounds 4, 9 and 17 displayed medium antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MICs of 31.3, 48.5 and 12.5 μM, respectively. Compounds 1-10, 14 and 16 showed inhibitory activity on the NO (nitric oxide) release in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values at the range of 16.8–75.8 μM. This work confirms the potential of peels of W. cocos in the treatment of infection diseases.

We report the controlled synthesis and structures of two isomeric gold nanoclusters, whose compositions are determined to be Au23(C≡CBut)15 (denoted as Au23-1 and Au23-2) by single-crystal X-ray di...

Baked adzuki beans are rich in tantalizing odor and nutritional components, such as protein, dietary fiber, vitamin B, and minerals. To analyze the final quality of baked beans, the acrylamide and volatile formation of adzuki beans were investigated under the conditions of microwave baking and drum roasting. The results indicate that the acrylamide formation in baked adzuki beans obeys the exponential growth function during the baking process, where a rapid increase in acrylamide content occurs at a critical temperature and low moisture content. The critical temperature that leads to a sudden increase in acrylamide content is 116.5 °C for the moisture content of 5.6% (w.b.) in microwave baking and 91.6 °C for the moisture content of 6.1% (w.b.) in drum roasting. The microwave-baked adzuki beans had a higher formation of the kinetics of acrylamide than that of drum-roasted beans due to the microwave volumetric heating mode. The acrylamide content in baked adzuki beans had a significant correlation with their color due to the Maillard reaction. A color difference of 11.1 and 3.6 may be introduced to evaluate the starting point of the increase in acrylamide content under microwave baking and drum roasting, respectively. Heating processes, including microwave baking and drum roasting, for adzuki beans generate characteristic volatile compounds such as furan, pyrazine, ketone, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, pyrroles, sulfocompound, phenols, and pyridine. Regarding flavor formation, beans baked via drum roasting showed better flavor quality than microwave-baked beans.

Chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure can cause intracellular Ca overload by stimulating calcium channel receptors and trigger apoptosis of neurons. NCX3 may play a cytoprotective role in intracellular Ca excretion. In this study, the effect of EtOH on NCX3 was analyzed by observing NCX3 expression in the hippocampus of chronic EtOH-exposed male C57BL/6 mice. Mice were divided into a control group, a 10% EtOH group, and a 20% EtOH group for 30, 60, and 90 days. Behavioral changes were observed using the Morris water maze. The protein and mRNA expressions of NCX3 and their distribution in the hippocampus were observed by western blotting, quantitative PCR, and immunohistochemistry staining. The results showed that EtOH exposure exerted a significant adverse effect on the spatial memory capacity of mice. Increased expression of calpain-1 and cleaved caspase-3 proteins indicated increased apoptosis. The expression of NCX3 in the hippocampus was downregulated after exposure to EtOH (except 10% EtOH for 30 days) and this inhibition was time and dose dependent with EtOH exposure. The level of p-Akt, which is an upstream regulation factor of NCX3, showed a trend similar to that of NCX3 protein. Chronic EtOH exposure reduced the expression of NCX3 in the hippocampus of male C57BL/6 mice, increasing intracellular calcium and apoptosis, resulting in spatial memory impairment in mice.

We report the total structure determination of a covalently bonded nanocluster polymer [Au7Ag9(dppf)3(CF3CO2)7BF4]n (1). This features a one-dimensional linear chain, consisting of unique molecular building blocks, Au7Ag8(dppf)3(CF3CO2)7 clusters, which are linked together by Ag–O bonds rather than Au–Au interactions or bidentate organic bridges as previously reported.

miR‐128‐3p is reported to involve in pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases, yet the role of miR‐128‐3p in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unknown. To investigate miR‐128‐3p in IBD, experimental colitis animal model was generated by 2,4,6‐Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid solution (TNBS). miR‐128‐3p agomir was used to overexpress miR‐128‐3p in rats. Histological assessment and myeloperoxidase activity were conducted to evaluate the TNBS‐induced colitis. Effect of miR‐128‐3p overexpression on levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, ICAM‐1, and MCP‐1 was tested by ELISA assay. The target of miR‐128‐3p was predicted and further confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The expressions of TRAF6, p‐NF‐κB, and NF‐κB were determined by western blot. The miR‐128‐3p level was significantly decreased in rats with TNBS‐induced colitis. miR‐128‐3p could alleviate TNBS‐induced colitis and inhibit production of inflammatory factors. We found TRAF6 was a direct target of miR‐128‐3p using bioinformatics and luciferase assay. By western blot, we discovered miR‐128‐3p activates NF‐κB by targeting TRAF6. Our data reveal a novel mechanism that a decreased miR‐128‐3p level in TNBS‐induced colitis could inhibit production of inflammatory factors, which activates NF‐κB signaling by targeting TRAF6. Our findings might provide a novel therapeutic target for drug design and development for IBD therapeutics.

The syntheses and properties of two bimetallic nanoclusters [Au4 Ag23 (C≡CtBu)10 (dppf)4 Cl7 ](PF6 )2 and [Au5 Ag24 (C≡CC6 H4 -p-tBu)16 (dppf)4 Cl4 ](PF6 )3 are reported. The Au atoms distributed in both the cores and the surface motifs are clearly determined. The two nanoclusters show distinctly different geometric structures and electronic properties, which are attributed to the subtle changes in the surface alkynyl structures.

The enantioselective photoredox reaction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and tertiary/secondary α-silylamines was enabled by a readily available single NiII–DBFOX catalyst under visible light conditions., The enantioselective photoredox reaction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and tertiary/secondary α-silylamines was enabled by a readily available single NiII–DBFOX catalyst (DBFOX = 4,6-bis((R)-4-phenyl-4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)dibenzo[b,d]furan) under visible light conditions. The non-precious chiral catalyst is involved in the photochemical process to initiate single electron transfer and at the same time provides a well-organized chiral environment for the subsequent radical transformations. Good to excellent enantioselectivities (80–99% ee) were obtained for the formation of chiral γ-amino carboxylic acid derivatives and γ-lactams.

Two new luminescent Zn(II) metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been solvothermally synthesized from a p-conjugated carbazole-containing pyridine ligand in the presence of auxiliary ligands. Both MOFs were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray powder diffraction. Both MOFs show strong luminescence and their luminescence could be quenched by a series of nitroaromatic explosives. Importantly, they exhibit very highly sensitive and selective detection of picric acid compared to other nitroaromatic explosives. Synopsis Two new luminescent Zn(II) metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been solvothermally synthesized from a p-conjugated carbazole-containing pyridine ligand in the presence of auxiliary ligands. Both MOFs show strong luminescence and their luminescence could be quenched by a series of nitroaromatic explosives. Importantly, they exhibit very highly sensitive and selective detection of picric acid compared to other nitroaromatic explosives.

Background Disruption of alveolar endothelial barrier caused by inflammation drives the progression of septic acute lung injury (ALI). Pravastatin, an inhibitor of HMG Co-A reductase, has potent anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, we aim to explore the beneficial role of pravastatin in sepsis‐induced ALI and its related mechanisms. Methods A septic ALI model was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice. The pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The pathological changes in lung tissues were examined by HE staining. The pulmonary microvascular permeability was determined by lung wet-to-dry (W/D) weight ratio and Evans blue staining. The total protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was detected by BCA assay. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were assessed by qRT-PCR and ELISA. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and TUNEL. Western blotting was performed for detection of target protein levels. The expression of VE-Cadherin in lung tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Results Pravastatin improved survival rate, attenuated lung pathological changes and reduced pulmonary microvascular permeability in septic mice. In addition, pravastatin restrained sepsis-induced inflammatory response and apoptosis in the lung tissues and PMVECs. Moreover, pravastatin up-regulated the levels of junction proteins ZO-1, JAM-C, and VE-Cadherin. Finally, pravastatin suppressed inflammation, apoptosis and enhanced the expression of junction proteins via regulating Cav-1/eNOS signaling pathway in LPS-exposed PMVECs. Conclusion Pravastatin ameliorates sepsis-induced ALI through improving alveolar endothelial barrier disruption via modulating Cav-1/eNOS pathway, which may be an effective candidate for treating septic ALI.

Translational and rotational motion of solid matter is normally driven by external physical forces. Here we report that under oxygen atmosphere inside an environmental transmission electron microscope, catalytic palladium nanoparticles underwent a self-propelled, peristalsis-like locomotion on a supporting substrate at a relatively low temperature. Surprisingly, the particles maintained crystalline interior and even conserved their initial crystal orientations during the dramatic liquid-like motion. Such “peristaltic” crystal migration with shape oscillation is found to be mediated by profuse surface diffusion, under chemical driving forces from palladium-catalyzed gaseous oxidation of a carbonaceous layer. These findings open a new avenue of efficient heterogeneous catalysis, and reveal emergent behavior that can arise out of an energy-metabolizing nano-system.

Sericin(SS), as an abundant and renewable resource in nature, has been proven to be a good adsorbent for metal ions or organic dyes removal. In this study, glutaraldehyde vapor cross-linked sericin-based electrospun fiber adsorbent was developed for the removal of methylene blue(MB) from wastewater. To overcome the problem of decreasing adsorption capacity by excessive functional group cross-linking, MB-imprinted sericin/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) electrospun fiber adsorbent was prepared. Biocompatible PVA was added to the electrospinning solution to improve the spinnability and mechanical property. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), and so forth were used to confirm their structures and composition. The adsorption performance toward the template molecule MB, including pH effect, adsorption isotherm, adsorption kinetics, adsorption selectivity, and reusability, was investigated. By comparison with non-imprinted sericin/PVA electrospun fibers, MB-imprinted sericin/PVA electrospun fiber adsorbent showed an enhanced and selective adsorption capacity toward MB with a good regeneration and recycling ability. The adsorption test suggests that the resulting MB-imprinted sericin/PVA electrospun fibers are promising adsorbents for MB removal from aqueous system.

The carboxyl terminated poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) prepolymers were prepared via polycondensation of L-lactic acid and 1,6-adipic acid (end capping agent) under the catalyst of stannous octoate. The effects of synthetic condition, such as reaction temperature, amount of catalyst, content of the end capping agent, etc, on the molecular weight of PLLA were discussed. Fourier transform infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance were used to characterize the PLLA prepolymers. The results indicated that the polycondensation was performed under an optimum reaction condition as following: the amount of the catalyst was 500 ppm based on the mass of lactic acid, the amount of the end capping agent was 1% (the molar amount of the lactic acid), and the polymerization temperature was 170 °C. The viscosity-average molecular weight of the product reached 2.826×104 at this polymerization temperature and the yield was 73.34%.

Solvothermal reactions of V-shaped ligand 1,1′-(oxybis(1,4-phenylene))-bis(1H-1,2,4-triazole) (OPBT) with deprotonated phthalic acid (H2PA) or (1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid (H2BDA) in the presence of transition metal nitrates in N,N-dimethylformamide/water (DMF/H2O) solvent system yielded five new complexes: [Cu5(μ3-OH)2(OPBT)2(PA)4]n (1), [Cd2(OPBT)(PA)2]n (2), {[Zn(OPBT)(PA)]·H2O}n (3), [Cd(μ2-H2O)(OPBT)(BDA)]n (4), and [Co(OPBT)2(BDA)]n (5). Complexes 1 and 2 show two-dimensional (2D) layers based on one-dimensional (1D) infinite rod second building units (SBUs) of pentanuclear Cu(II) or tetranuclear Cd(II) clusters with OPBT ligands, which are further formed into three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular frameworks by interlayer hydrogen bonding or π···π stacking interactions, respectively. Complex 3 displays a 1D chain, which is further extended into a 3D supramolecular structure through C–H···π and hydrogen bonding interactions. Complex 4 features a 2D layer with the sql topology, which is furt...

Thermal stabilization is an important process in carbon fibers’ production, during which the polyacrylonitrile fibers are heated from 180 °C to 280 °C in air. In this study, the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, small angle X-ray Scattering(SAXS) and mechanical tensile tests. A new rule was suggested by the results of structural characterization for the cyclization, dehydrogenation and oxidation reactions that were observed to be drastic from 200 °C to 220 °C, from 220 °C to 250 °C, and in the later period of the thermal stabilization reactions, respectively. The sizes, shapes and distributions of the sealed micropores were obtained from the SAXS data. The breaking elongation was significantly affected by the drastic cyclization and dehydrogenation reactions. The breaking force was affected considerably by the bigger micropores, especially from 220 °C to 250 °C, owing to the drastic dehydrogenation reactions.

Thermophilic digestion usually has higher specific gas output and faster reaction rate, the temperature fluctuations of purified terephthalate (PTA) manufacturing wastewater from 45 °C to 90 °C makes PTA wastewater very suitable and favorable for thermophilic treatment. However, the startup way of thermophilic digester is very critical as unsuitable startup ways may lead to inefficiency of the system. In this study, the experimental temperatures were set at 37 °C, 43 °C and 52 °C respectively by step increase strategy in order to culture thermophilic microbial organisms involved in anaerobic TA degradation. The performance and microbial community profiles of PTA wastewater treatment system were investigated under different operational temperatures using 454-pyrosequencing approach. During the step temperature increase process, 37 °C was proved to be the most favorable operational temperature with a highest COD removal of 96.10(±1.58)%, but with undergoing 43 °C, COD removal decreased to 90.42(±2.65)%, and 52 °C seemed to be the worst as it achieved only 70.08(±5.46)% COD reduction. Step-wise temperature increase is tested not very appropriate to culture thermophilic microorganism for TA degradation as prospective. Furthermore, during startup stage, the predominant bacteria family shifted from Syntrophorhabdaceae (belonging to δ-proteobacteria) at 37 °C to Comamonadaceae (belonging to β-proteobacteria) at 43 °C and OPB95 (belonging to OP8) at 52 °C. For archaeal community, hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanobacteriaceae was predominant at all three temperatures, and it was proved to be most abundant at 37 °C compared with the other two temperatures.

Chitin deacetylases (CDAs, EC 3.5.1.41) catalyze the N-deacetylation of chitin to produce chitosan, which is essential for insect survival. Hence, CDAs are promising targets for the development of novel insecticidal drugs. In this study, the putative Group I chitin deacetylase genes HpCDA1, HpCDA2-1 and HpCDA2-2 were identified from Holotrichia parallela. Conserved domain database search identified a chitin-binding peritrophin-A domain (ChBD), a low-density lipoprotein receptor class A domain (LDLa), and a putative CDA-like catalytic domain. RT-qPCR analysis showed that the Group I HpCDAs were expressed in various tissues and predominant in the integument. The developmental expression patterns from the first-instar to third-instar larvae showed that HpCDAs were highly expressed on the first day and gradually declined after molting. The functional characteristics of the Group I CDAs in cuticle organization were examined using RNA interference (RNAi) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. Administration of double-stranded HpCDA (dsHpCDA) through larval injection could suppress the expression levels of HpCDA1 and HpCDA2, thus resulting in abnormal or lethal phenotypes. TEM analysis revealed that RNAi of either HpCDA1 or HpCDA2 remarkably affected the cuticle integrity, as evidenced by cuticle disorganization and chitin laminae disruption, suggesting the crucial role of CDAs in chitin modification. These experimental results demonstrate the important contribution of putative key genes involved in chitin metabolism, and provide a foundation for developing new strategies to control H. parallela.

Using reticular chemistry allowed the design and construction of four novel Zn(II)/Cd(II) coordination polymers, {[Zn(BTPA)(TPA)]·H2O}n (1), {[Zn(TTPA)(TPA)]·H2O}n (2), {[Cd2(TTPA)2(TPA)2(DMF)]·2H2O}n (3), and {[Cd(TTPBDA)(TPA)]0.5·DMF·H2O}n (4). They were successfully synthesized from bi-, tri-, and tetratopic phenylamine derivatives (BTPA = bis(4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)amine, TTPA = tris(4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)amine, TTPBDA = N4,N4,N4′,N4′-tetrakis(4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)-(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine) incorporating a linear terephthalic acid (H2TPA) ligand and Zn(II)/Cd(II) nitrate salts. These transparent crystals present gradually increasing dimensionality and complexity upon extension of the denticity of the phenylamine organic building blocks, as clearly supported by single-crystal X-ray analysis, infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. Complex 1 shows two-dimensional (2D) threefold-interpenetrating layers (2D + 2D...

To fabricate a hydrophobic pharmaceutical formulation with the use of montmorillonite (MMT), the strong polarity and structural properties of montmorillonite were modified by via simple and convenient wet ball-milling method using the nonionic surfactant, octyl phenyl polyoxyethylene ether, as the modifier, to improve the MMT's affinity to hydrophobic organic drug, ibuprofen. The resultant organo-montmorillonite (OPP-MMT) was characterized by the means of scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analyzer, BET-specific surface area measurements, drug adsorption and in vitro release experiments, and in vitro cell viability assay. Experimental results showed that octyl phenyl polyoxyethylene ether was successfully inserted into the interlayer of the raw Na-MMT during the wet ball-milling process. The adsorption and intercalation modification of octyl phenyl polyoxyethylene ether destroyed the rigid structure of Na-MMT, enlarged the interlayer spacing of Na-MMT, and enhanced its specific surface area, pore volume and mean mesopore size, which made it be more conducive to the loading of hydrophobic organic drugs. The adsorption analysis of OPP-MMT on ibuprofen showed that the affinity of OPP-MMT to hydrophobic drugs was better than that of Na-MMT, which was beneficial to the loading of ibuprofen. Moreover, the good affinity of OPP-MMT to hydrophobic drug allowed it to exhibit good controlled release properties for the drug delivery.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a chronic neurological disorder that is a refractory disease. Baicalein possesses various pharmacological activities, including neuroprotection in neurodegenerative disease. However, whether baicalein is protective in the treatment of TLE is not determined. Therefore, the present study investigated the role of baicalein in the treatment of TLE. Baicalein was injected intraperitoneally to TLE rats for two weeks after the onset of spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS). Rats were observed for the occurrence of SRS, and cognitive and hippocampus injuries were evaluated. Oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines were measured. Corticosterone and its receptor, actin-associated protein F-actin and cofilin-1 were investigated in the brains of epileptic rats. Baicalein significantly improved cognition and reduced hippocampus damage and mossy fibre sprouting in TLE rats without obvious SRS suppression. Baicalein produced excellent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in TLE rats. Baicalein restored the disruption of the glucocorticoid signal pathway and actin-associated protein in TLE rats. These results suggest that the neuroprotective effects of baicalein on cognition and the hippocampus are associated with the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation and the regulation of the glucocorticoid pathway and actin-associated protein in TLE rats. This evidence supports the use of baicalein as an adjuvant agent for epilepsy treatment.

Asymmetric photoredox catalysis offers exciting opportunities to develop new synthetic approaches to chiral molecules through novel reaction pathways. Employing the first-row transition metal complexes as the chiral photoredox catalysts remains, however, a formidable challenge, although these complexes are economic, environmentally friendly, and often exhibit special reactivities. We report in this Article the development of one class of highly efficient asymmetric/photoredox bifunctional catalysts based on the copper(II) bisoxazoline complexes (CuII–BOX) for the light-induced enantioselective alkylation of imines. The reactions proceed under very mild conditions and without a need for any other photosensitizer. The simple catalytic system and readily tunable chiral ligands enable a significantly high level of enantioselectivity for the formation of chiral amine products bearing a tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenter (36 examples, up to 98% ee). Overall, the CuII–BOX catalysts initiate the radical generat...

This paper presents the vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data of acetonitrile–water system containing ionic liquids (ILs) at atmospheric pressure (101.3 kPa). Since ionic liquids dissociate into anions and cations, the VLE data for the acetonitrile + water + ILs systems are correlated by salt effect models, Furter model and improved Furter model. The overall average relative deviation of Furter model and improved Furter model is 5.43% and 4.68%, respectively. Thus the salt effect models are applicable for the correlation of IL containing systems. The salting-out effect theory can be used to explain the change of relative volatility of acetonitrile–water system.

The combined nitritation–anammox process has recently been studied extensively from an engineering perspective. However, the importance of microbial communities of this process was generally underestimated. In this study, a lab-scale nitritation–anammox sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was established and the microbial community structure was further characterized, in order to provide the comprehensive insight into the key microbial groups in one-stage nitritation–anammox system. In general, a total nitrogen removal rate of 0.18 g N g −1 VSS d −1 was obtained after 180 days when the nitrogen loading rate was 0.5 kg N m −3 d −1 (hydraulic retention time of 1 d). Flexible flocs and compact granules were both found in the system, and this morphological differences were basically caused by the different microbial compositions, that is, flocs mainly consisted of filamentous bacteria and granules dominated by anammox bacteria. Results from high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that Proteobacteria , Chloroflexi and Planctomycetes were selected and established a stable foothold in the community over the startup period, probably driven by the availability of substrate in the influent. Apart from nitrifiers of the Proteobacteria and anammox bacteria of the Planctomycetes , members of Chloroflexi constitute a large portion (>25%), which indicate that heterotrophs ( Chloroflexi ) survived by soluble microbial products (SMP) of autotrophs should not be neglected in the autotrophic system. This study could be useful for better understanding of one-stage nitritation–anammox system, especially for the interaction between autotrophs and heterotrophs in the system.

Six new cobalt(ii) metal-organic frameworks, {[Co1.5(TTPA)(BTC)(H2O)]2·13H2O}n (1), [Co(TTPA)(PA)]n (2), {[Co(TTPA)(BDA)0.5(NO3)]·3H2O}n (3), {[Co2(TTPA)3(OBA)2(H2O)3]·2CH3CN·4H2O}n (4), {[Co(TTPA)(AIP)(H2O)]·2H2O}n (5), and {[Co(TTPA)(MIP)(H2O)]·2H2O}n (6), have been prepared by the self-assembly of a tris(4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)amine (TTPA) ligand with different aromatic carboxylate auxiliary ligands (H3BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, H2PA = phthalic acid, H2BDA = (1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid, H2OBA = 4,4'-oxydibenzoic acid, H2AIP = 5-aminoisophthalic acid, H2MIP = 5-methylisophthalic acid) and cobalt salts. Their structures have been characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, single crystal X-ray analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is an unusual 4-nodal (3,3,4,8)-connected three-dimensional (3D) new topological net with the point symbol of (4·6·8)4(4(4)·6(7)·8(15)·10(2))(6(2)·8(4)). Complex 2 has a 2-fold interpenetrating 3D dia framework. Complex 3 displays a rare binodal (3,4)-connected 4-fold interpenetrating 3D architecture with a fsc-3,4-C2/c topology with the point symbol of (4·6·8)(4·6(2)·8(3)). Complex 4 shows two distinct two-dimensional (2D) layers with hcb topologies, which are further packed into a 3D structure by O-HO hydrogen bonding interactions. Both complexes 5 and 6 feature similar 2D sheets with sql topologies, which can be further packed into a 3D structure by O-HO hydrogen bonding interactions. Moreover, the thermal stability and UV-visible spectra of these complexes are also discussed in detail. Meanwhile, the variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurement of complex 1 reveals antiferromagnetic interactions between Co(ii) ions.

Human transferrin (hTF) belongs to the iron-binding glycoprotein family. It plays an important role in iron transport throughout the body. Transgenic mice are a good model to study how to produce functional hTF on a large-scale. We have improved the expression of hTF and investigated its regulatory mechanism in transgenic mice. Three expression constructs were prepared in which hTF expression was controlled by different regulatory cassettes of rabbit transferrin (rTF). hTF was secreted into serum of transgenic mice when its expression was controlled by the rTF promoter and enhancer, whereas the rTF enhancer in tandem with the rTF promoter repressed hTF secretion into milk. A significant inverse relationship between methylation of the rTF promoter and hTF expression was observed in liver, heart, mammary gland, and muscle of transgenic mice. The highest concentration of hTF was 700 μg/ml in milk.