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Luminescent multidentate naphthalene-sulfonic moieties and non-toxic barium ions worked synergistically to fabricate scintillating barium-based metal–organic frameworks into latent applications of X-ray dosage detection with their merited intrinsic energy resolution.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of dietary dihydroquercetin (DHQ) supplementation on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Mice were given DHQ supplementation (3 g kg−1) throughout the study, starting 14 days prior to DSS treatment for 1 week followed by 2 days without DSS. The results showed that dietary DHQ supplementation restored DSS-induced disease activity index (DAI), colon length and histopathology scores of the colon tissue. Additionally, supplementation with DHQ reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and enhanced the level of IL-10 in the serum. qPCR results indicated that DHQ supplementation significantly downregulated IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and upregulated IL-10 gene mRNA expression. Western blot results proved that DHQ supplementation upregulated ZO-1 and occludin levels. Using amplicon sequencing technology, 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that DHQ supplementation increased the fecal Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Dubosiella, and decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes. Additionally, DHQ supplementation restored the decreased fecal acetic acid and butyric acid concentrations in DSS-induced colitis mice. Besides, Spearman's correlation analysis showed that Dubosiella was positively correlated with the butyric acid level and Bacteroidetes was positively correlated with the mRNA expression of IL-1β and IL-6. Both Lactobacillus and Dubosiella showed a negative correlation with the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and Dubosiella was positively correlated with IL-10. In summary, it was found that DHQ supplementation alleviated DSS-induced colitis which may be potentially associated with altered fecal microbiota communities in mice.

A series of carbazole substituted spiro[fluorene-9,9′-xanthene] (SFX) derivatives, namely SFX-2-Cz, SFX-2′-Cz, SFX-3′-Cz, SFX-2,7-DCz, SFX-2′,7′-DCz and SFX-3′,6′-DCz, were designed and prepared as hosts for phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes (PhOLEDs). All the target compounds exhibited excellent thermal stability, especially for the substitution onto the 3′,6′-position of SFX (SFX-3′,6′-DCz, up to 500 °C). The results of low temperature phosphorescence show that the triplet energy level (T1) will be reduced when the carbazole group is attached to the fluorene unit of SFX; however, the T1 is nearly intact when carbazoles were introduced into the xanthene moiety of SFX. In the following investigation of blue, green, and red PhOLEDs based on these SFX-carbazole hosts, all the host materials could realize effective energy transfer to dopant phosphors under electric field excitation. For the blue PhOLEDs, the SFX-3′,6′-DCz-based device reached the maximum current efficiency (CE) of 9.7 cd A−1, power efficiency (PE) of 6.4 lm W−1 and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 5.1% due to high T1. However, the SFX-2′-Cz-based green PhOLED and the SFX-2,7-DCz-based red PhOLED show better performance of 28.2 cd A−1, 24.7 lm W−1, 8.5% and 17.4 cd A−1, 15.6 lm W−1, 10.1%, respectively, attributable to their well-matched frontier molecular orbital energy levels with the corresponding phosphorescent dopants. This work provides a systematic scheme for the rational design of efficient SFX-based hosts by carbazolyl functionalization.

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders have been widely recognized as common adverse events after surgical intervention. Aging is one of the most important independent risk factors for worsened cognitive outcome, and this deterioration is linked to exacerbated microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation in the aged brain. Under pathological stimulation, microglia are capable of polarizing toward proinflammatory M1 and anti‐inflammatory M2 phenotypes. In the present study, we examined how aging affects microglial responses and neuroinflammation following peripheral surgery. Adult (2‐3 months) and aged (18 months old) male C57/BL6 mice were subjected to tibial fracture or sham surgery. Aged mice exhibited higher level of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in the hippocampus. The expression of synaptic protein synaptophysin (SYP) was also markedly reduced in the aged brain after the surgery. Both adult and aged mice showed significant increases in M1 microglial polarization (CD16/32). In contrast, tibial fracture surgery induced a decreased M2 microglial polarization (CD206, Ym1/2, Arg1) in aged brain but enhanced M2 microglial polarization in adult brain. Aged mice have upregulated voltage‐gated proton channel (Hv1) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunit expression compared with adult mice. The percentage of CD16/32‐positive M1 microglia colabeling with Hv1 was higher in aged mice after tibial fracture surgery. Thus, Hv1/NADPH oxidase upregulation in the aged brain may shift the dynamic equilibrium of microglial activation toward M1 polarization and exaggerate postoperative neuroinflammatory responses after peripheral surgical intervention.

Caffeic acid (CA) is one of the major phenolic acids of coffee with multiple biological activities. Our previous study found that 500 mg/kg of chlorogenic acid (CGA) had the potential capacity of alleviating colonic inflammation. Moreover, CGA can be degraded into caffeic acid (CA) by the gut microbiota in the colon. Therefore, we hypothesize that CA can exert protective effects on colonic inflammation. To test the hypothesis, 251 mg/kg CA was supplemented to DSS-induced colitis mice. The results showed that CA treatment recovered DSS-induced disease activity index (DAI), colon length, and histopathology scores of colon tissue. Additionally, CA treatment significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased the level of IL-10, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) in serum. qPCR results indicated that CA treatment dramatically downregulated mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α as well as upregulated SOD1, GPX1, GPX2, CAT, and IL-10. In addition, CA supplementation significantly increased mRNA expression of Nrf-2, HO-1, and NQO1, which showed its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities potentially by activating the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway. Moreover, CA supplementation prevented gut barrier damage by enhancing Occludin gene expression. Furthermore, CA supplementation altered the gut microbiome composition by decreasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Turicibacter, and enhancing the relative abundance of Alistipes and Dubosiella. Meanwhile, CA supplementation increases the abundance of Dubosiella and Akkermansia. In conclusion, CA supplementation could effectively alleviate DSS-induced colitis by improving the defense against oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Intestinal dysfunction of farm animals, such as intestinal inflammation and altered gut microbiota, is the critical problem affecting animal welfare, performance and farm profitability. China has prohibited the use of antibiotics to improve feed efficiency and growth performance for farm animals, including poultry, in 2020. With the advantages of maintaining gut homeostasis, enhancing digestion, and absorption and modulating gut microbiota, organic acids are regarded as promising antibiotic alternatives. Butyric and citric acids as presentative organic acids positively impact growth performance, welfare, and intestinal health of livestock mainly by reducing pathogenic bacteria and maintaining the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) pH. This review summarizes the discovery of butyric acid (BA), citric acid (CA) and their salt forms, molecular structure and properties, metabolism, biological functions and their applications in poultry nutrition. The research findings about BA, CA and their salts on rats, pigs and humans are also briefly reviewed. Therefore, this review will fill the knowledge gaps of the scientific community and may be of great interest for poultry nutritionists, researchers and feed manufacturers about these two weak organic acids and their effects on intestinal health and gut microbiota community, with the hope of providing safe, healthy and nutrient-rich poultry products to consumers.

Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a complicated and severe lung disease, which is often characterized by acute inflammation. Poliumoside (POL), acteoside (ACT) and forsythiaside B (FTB) are phenylethanoid glycosides (PGs) with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, which are extracted from Callicarpa kwangtungensis Chun (CK). The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of POL, ACT, and FTB against TNF-α-induced damage using an ALI cell model and explore their potential mechanisms.Methods and Results: MTT method was used to measure cell viability. Flow cytometry was used for detecting the apoptosis rate. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity was determined using fluorescence microscope. The expression of mRNA in apoptosis-related genes (Caspase 3, Caspase 8, and Caspase 9) were tested by qPCR. The effects of POL, ACT, FTB on the activities of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and the expression of their downstream genes were assessed by western blotting and RT-PCR in A549 cells. In the current study, POL, ACT, and FTB dose-dependently attenuated TNF-α-induced IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 production, cell apoptosis, the expression of apoptosis-related genes (Caspase 3, Caspase 8, and Caspase 9) and ROS activity. POL, ACT, and FTB not only increased in the mRNA levels of antioxidative enzymes NADPH quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), heme oxygenase (HO-1), but also decreased the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8. Furthermore, they upregulated the expression of Keap1 and enhanced the activation of Nrf2, while decreased the expression of phosphor-IκBα (p-IκBα) and nuclear p65. In addition, no significant changes were observed in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of POL, ACT, FTB following Nrf2 and NF-κB p65 knockdown.Conclusion: Our study revealed that POL, ACT, and FTB alleviated oxidative damage and lung inflammation of TNF-α-induced ALI cell model through regulating the Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways.

Two transition-metal coordination polymers {[Zn2(L)2(HCOO)2]}n (I) and {[Cd2(L)3(HCOO)] ∙ 2H2O}n(II) (L = 1,3-bis(4-(methoxycarbonyl)benzyl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium anion) have been synthesized via solvo-thermal method. Both of the coordination polymers I and II were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (CIF files CCDC nos. 1834629 (I) and 1834630 (II)), FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The results shown compound I is a two dimensional sql layer structure containing interlocking structure between the left and right helix chains, and compound II is rare three dimensional six-fold interpenetrating dia topology framework. Luminescence investigations revealed that both of compound I and II emitted blue light.

A visible-light-promoted electron-donor-acceptor (EDA) complex-initiated [5 + 1] annulation between biguanides and perfluoroalkyl halides for the construction of perfluoroalkyl- s-triazines has been developed. It was found that both visible light and dioxygen in the air are favorable for the reaction. A radical-polar crossover mechanism was proposed, in which sequential SET, radical combination, HF elimination, electrocyclization, and aromatization are involved.

We report straightforward access to two new anionic porous organic polymers (Si-POPs) based on hexacoordinate [SiO6]2– species and polyimine aromatic linkers which exhibit outstanding capabilities for removal of cationic dyes from contaminated industrial water. These multifunctional materials are stable under air and in water; they were synthesized via solvothermal chemistry exploiting Schiff base formation between tri(protocatechuic aldehyde)-silicate and 4,4′-diaminobiphenyl acid (for Si-POP-1) or 4,4′-diamino-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid (for Si-POP-2). Charge neutrality of the Si-POPs was achieved by [Et3NH]+ cations. The structures were determined by spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR and solid 13C-NMR spectroscopy), while SEM and TEM revealed a micrometer-scale solid sphere morphology for Si-POP-1 and hollow nanometer-sized tubes for Si-POP-2. BET specific surface area determination gave 376 and 234 m2 g−1 for Si-POP-1 and Si-POP-2, respectively. The unprecedented adsorption abilities of these materials for standard cationic dyes such as methylene blue (MB), malachite green (MG), and Basic Blue 7 (BB7) were revealed by studying the effects of system variables such as pH, contact time, temperature and mixed-dye solutions. At 25 °C, the maximum adsorption capacity of Si-POP-1 reached 300.3 mg g−1 for MB and 378.5 mg g−1 for MG, while the performance of Si-POP-2 at the same temperature was substantially higher (3516 mg g−1 for MB and 662 mg g−1 for MG). Furthermore, at 35 °C, the maximum adsorption of MB on Si-POP-2 reached 4098 mg g−1, surpassing the performance of previous adsorbents. It was found that both Si-POP-1 and Si-POP-2 exhibit charge and size-selective adsorption. Thermodynamics studies indicated that the adsorptions were spontaneous and endothermic. A minimal loss of adsorptive capacity of Si-POP-2 (less than 4%) was observed after four cycles, demonstrating an effective reuse of the regenerated POP in discarding MB from effluents. Importantly, this green protocol also allows recovery of the dye retained in the POP. These assets recommend these new hexacoordinate silicate-based adsorbents as viable materials for wastewater remediation by removal of organic dye pollutants affecting nature and public health.

Four new coordination polymers, namely [Co(3-bptzp)(HBTB)]·DMF (1), [Co(4-bptzp)(HBTB)]·EtOH (2), [Co3(4-bptzh)3/2(BTB)2(H2O)] (3), and [Cu4(4-bptzh)2(HBTB)4]·MeCN (4), were prepared by solvothermal reactions of metal(II) salts with 4,4′,4′′-benzene-1,3,5-triyltribenzoic acid (H3BTB) in the presence of different bis(pyridyl)bis(tetrazole) ligands [1,4-bis(5-(3-pyridyl)tetrazolyl)propane (3-bptzp), 1,4-bis(5-(4-pyridyl)tetrazolyl)propane (4-bptzp) and 1,4-bis(5-(4-pyridyl)tetrazolyl)hexane (4-bptzh)] and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 exhibit similar structures, which demonstrate 1D ladder-like chains. Complexes 3 and 4 display different 3D topology frameworks. The diverse architectures of the title complexes show that the spacer length of bis(pyridyl)bis(tetrazole) ligands and metal ions have significant impacts on the structures and the coordination modes of BTB ligands. Dye adsorption and electrochemical and magnetic properties of the title complexes have been investigated, and 3 performed the best among the tested complexes in terms of dye adsorption and electrochemical properties. Complexes 1, 2 and 3 show weak antiferromagnetic behaviors.

Solvothermal reactions of isonicotinic acid (HIN) with lanthanide nitrate and cuprous halide yielded seven three-dimensional (3D) 3d-4f heterometallic coordination polymers (HCPs). These HCPs are formulated as {[NH 2 (CH 3 ) 2 ] 2 LnCu 2 Br(IN) 6 ∙(DMA) 2 } n (Ln = Sm( 1 ), Eu( 2 ), Gd( 3 ), Tb( 4 ), Dy( 5 )) and [LnCu(IN) 4 ∙DMA] n (Ln = Er( 6 ), Yb( 7 )). Compounds 1 – 5 possess anionic three-dimensional pillared-layer frameworks with pcu topology, while compounds 6 – 7 show a rare 3d-4f dia -type two-fold interpenetrating framework with one dimensional square channels with side length of about 9.0 A along the a axis. Crystal structure analysis reveals that the structure diversity is attributed to the synergistic effect of lanthanide contraction and halide anions. In addition, the magnetic properties of 1 , 3 , 4 and 5 were investigated.

Oxidative stress, one of the most common biological dysfunctions, is usually associated with pathological conditions and multiple diseases in humans and animals. Chinese olive fruit (Canarium album L.) extracts (OE) are natural plant extracts rich in polyphenols (such as hydroxytyrosol, HT) and with antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-inflammatory potentials. This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant capacity of OE supplementation and its related molecular mechanism in mice. Mice (25.46 ± 1.65 g) were treated with 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) OE or saline solution for 4 weeks, and then the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of mice were examined. The results showed that OE supplement significantly increased the serum antioxidative enzyme activities of total antioxidant activity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase and decreased the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level, indicating that OE treatment enhanced the antioxidant capacity in mice. qPCR results showed that the transcriptional expression of antioxidant SOD1, CAT, Gpx1, and Gpx2 were significantly down-regulated in the small intestine (jejunum and ileum) after OE administration. Meanwhile, OE treatment significantly decreased the T-AOC and increased the MDA level in the small intestine. Furthermore, OE administration dramatically reduced the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β), which confirmed its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities with OE administration. Using amplicon sequencing technology, 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that OE supplement significantly increased the colonic Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, which also had a negative correlation with the serum MDA level and positively correlated with serum GSH-Px activity through Pearson correlation analysis. Besides that, Alloprevotella was negatively correlated with serum T-AOC. Colidextribacter was positively correlated with serum MDA and negatively correlated with serum T-AOC, SOD, and GSH-Px levels. In summary, this study showed that treatment with 100 mg/kg BW polyphenol-rich OE could alter colonic microbiota community, which was strongly associated with improved antioxidant capacity in mice.

The reliable, convenient and rapid detection methods for various environmental pollutants using fluorescent sensors had attracted great attention. Herein, we reported the assembly and characterizations of two new fluorescent 3D lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs), namely [Eu(PMBB)1.5(H2O)2] (Eu-MOF) and [Tb(PMBB)1.5(H2O)2] (Tb-MOF) (H2PMBB = 4,4′-((1,4-phenylenebis(methylene))bis(oxy))dibenzoic acid). The fluorescent sensing results reveal that the two MOFs exhibit effective sensitivity toward Fe3+, Cr2O72−, cefixime (CFX), nitrofurazone (NFZ), imidacloprid (IMI) and nitenpyram (NTP) in aqueous medium. Notably, the Tb-MOF is more sensitive toward MnO4− than Eu-MOF due to the enhanced fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) effect. This work provides the example for more effective designs to employ Ln-MOFs as fluorescent sensors for detection of environmental pollutants in aqueous solution.

Background As a prevalent type of cryptogenic fibrotic disease with high mortality, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) still lacks effective therapeutic drugs. The compounds extracted from buds and flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum Linné with supercritical-carbon dioxide fluid (CISCFE) has been confirmed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lung-protective effects. This paper aimed to clarify whether CISCFE could treat IPF induced by bleomycin (BLM) and elucidate the related mechanisms. Methods Rats (Sprague-Dawley, male) were separated into the following groups: normal, model, pirfenidone (50 mg/kg), CISCFE-L, −M, and -H (240, 360, and 480 mg/kg/d, i.g., respectively, for 4 weeks). Rats were given BLM (5 mg/kg) via intratracheal installation to establish the IPF model. A549 and MRC-5 cells were stimulated by Wnt-1 to establish a cell model and then treated with CISCFE. Haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson staining were employed to observe lesions in the lung tissues. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB) were performed to observe changes in genes and proteins connected with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Results CISCFE inhibited the proliferation of MRC-5 cells (IC50: 2.723 ± 0.488 μg/mL) and A549 cells (IC50: 2.235 ± 0.229 μg/mL). In rats, A549 cells, and MRC-5 cells, BLM and Wnt-1 obviously induced the protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin, type I collagen (collagen-I), and Nu-β-catenin. The mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and − 9 (MMP-9), two enzymes that degrade and reshape the extracellular matrix (ECM) were also increased while those of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) were decreased. However, CISCFE reversed the effects of BLM and Wnt-1 on the expression pattern of these proteins and genes. Conclusion These findings showed that CISCFE could inhibit IPF development by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and may serve as a treatment for IPF after further investigation.

Ammonia, an aerial pollutant in animal facilities, affects animal health. Recent studies showed that aerial ammonia negatively impacts meat quality but the mechanism remains unknown. To understand how ammonia drives its adverse effects on pig meat quality, 18 crossbred gilts were exposed to 0, 10 or 25 mg/m3 ammonia for 25 days. Ammonia exposure increased fat content in the Longissimus dorsi muscle, and meat color got lighter after 25 mg/m3 ammonia exposure. Analysis of MyHC isoforms showed an increased MyHC IIx but decreased MyHC I after ammonia exposure. Besides, muscular glutamine decreased significantly as aerial ammonia increased. Although hyperammonemia was reported to upregulate MSTN and inhibit downstream mTOR pathway, no changes have been found in the mRNA expression level of MSTN and protein expression level of mTOR signal pathway after ammonia exposure. RNA-Seq showed that 10 mg/m3 ammonia exposure altered genes related to myofiber development (MyoD1, MyoG), whereas 25 mg/m3 ammonia affected genes associated with fatty acid synthesis and &beta, oxidation (SCD, FADS1, FASN, ACADL). Collectively, our findings showed aerial ammonia exposure appears to regulate myofiber development and lipid metabolism in the skeletal muscle, which results in the negative impacts on meat quality in pigs.

A green protocol with catalyst-free photo-induced cyclization for the synthesis of a spiro-fused organic semiconductor molecule based on spiro[fluorene-9,9′-xanthene] (SFX) was developed. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the spiro-fused compound (DPCzSFX) have been characterized. The results showed that the molecular stability and the property of the charge injecting/transporting were improved due to the cyclization. And the broadening of the emission spectrum in film makes the sipro-fused compound possible for the application as a host in the white phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes. However, the same reaction for the spirobifluorene-based dipenylamine derivative did not occur under the same condition, which also highlights the importance of the oxygen heteroatom in the ring to the reaction of cyclization.

Two copper(II)/cobalt(II) coordination polymers formulated as [Co(3-bptzp)(1,4-BDC)(1,4-H2BDC)0.5] (1) and [Cu(3-bptzp)(1,4-BDC)] (2) have been hydrothermally synthesized by using a flexible bis(pyridyl-tetrazole) ligand (3-bptzp = 1,4-bis(5-(3-pyridyl)tetrazolyl)propane) and an aromatic dicarboxylic acid (1,4-H2BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid) as mixed ligands. Both complexes have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. There are two different types of 2D layered network in the structures of both complexes. In complex 1, the 2D layered network is formed by 1,4-BDC anions and neutral 1,4-H2BDC ligands, while the 3-bptzp ligands bridge the adjacent two Co(II) atoms to form a [Co2(3-bptzp)2] ring. In complex 2, adjacent Cu(II) atoms are bridged by 1,4-BDC anions to form a 1D [Cu(1,4-BDC)]n chain, and then adjacent 1D [Cu(1,4-BDC)]n chains are further linked together by the 3-bptzp ligands to generate a 2D layered network. The electrochemical behaviors and dye adsorption properties of both complexes have been studied. Two new coordination polymers constructed from a flexible bis(pyridyl-tetrazole) ligand have been hydrothermally synthesized. There exist two different types of 2D layered structures in the complexes 1 and 2. In addition, the electrochemical behaviors and dye adsorption properties of complexes 1–2 have been studied.

In this article, two novel three-dimensional (3D) Copper(II)-organic frameworks [Cu(PC)2]n·2DMF(1) and [Cu(PC)2]n·DMF (2) (HPC = 4-(2-(pyridin-4-yl)vinyl)benzoic acid) were obtained from the same reaction mixture but tuned by different solvothermal temperature, The product 1, which was obtained at 160 °C, is a rare fivefold interpenetrating lvt framework, whereas the product 2, obtained at 120 °C, exhibits a sevenfold interpenetrating dia framework. Their structures have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy (IR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The N2 adsorption isotherm revealed that the BET surface areas of 1 and 2 were 780 and 464 m2/g, respectively. Regrettably, no adsorption of CO2, CH4 or N2 was observed at 273 K.

Two positional isomers based on a spiro[fluorene-9,9′-xanthene] (SFX) core were synthesized by selectively appending bay-annulated indigo (BAI) units to the fluorene moiety or the xanthene moiety of SFX, respectively. Investigation of photophysical and electrochemical properties revealed that the two compounds were endowed with broad absorption, low LUMO level, and weak aggregation characteristics. The rational combination of planar BAI units with a three-dimensional SFX core makes them attractive n-type candidates for eco-friendly and sustainable organoelectronic devices.

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is an important source of phenolic acids with multiple health functions such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and free radical scavenging effects. This study aimed to investigate whether the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2)/HO-1 pathway played a role in CGA ameliorating DSS-induced colitis in mice. 500 mg/kg CGA (high chlorogenic acid, HCGA) and 250 mg/kg CGA (low chlorogenic acid, LCGA) supplementation could alleviate the symptoms of colitis and the related mechanisms. qPCR results indicated that HCGA treatment dramatically upregulated mRNA expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine, antioxidative enzymes, occluding, and Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway downstream targets. Western blot results proved that HCGA supplementation significantly upregulated HO-1 level. Besides, Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that the colon mRNA expression levels of antioxidative enzymes had a positive correlation with Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway downstream targets. Collectively, CGA supplementation could effectively ameliorate DSS-induced colitis by activating the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway to suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and promoting gut barrier.

Despite the exceptional optoelectronic characteristics of the emergent perovskite nanocrystals, the ionic nature greatly limits their stability, and thus restricts their potential applications. Here we have adapted a self-assembly strategy to access a rarely reported nanorod suprastructure that provide excellent encapsulation of perovskite nanocrystals by polymer-grafted graphene oxide layers. Polyacrylic acid-grafted graphene oxide (GO-g-PAA) was used as a surface ligand during the synthesis of the CsPbX3 perovskite nanocrystals (NCs), yielding particles (5–12 nm) with tunable halide compositions that were homogeneously embedded in the GO-g-PAA matrix. The resulting NC-GO-g-PAA exhibits a higher photoluminescence quantum yield than previously reported encapsulated NCs while maintaining an easily tunable bandgap, allowing for emission spanning the visible spectrum. The NC-GO-g-PAA hybrid further self-assembles into well-defined nanorods upon solvent treatment. The resulting nanorod morphology imparts extr...

An isotropic intense electromagnetic impulse (EMP) sensor has been designed, fabricated and measured using three Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) integrated optical waveguide electric field probes. Experiment results demonstrate that the sensor has flat response from 100 kHz to 1 GHz with a variation less than ±3 dB, and the sensor detected electric field waveform agrees well with the applied quasi-standard high altitude nuclear electromagnetic impulse (HNEMP). Besides, the sensor exhibits linear response from 2.2 kV/m to 56.8 kV/m, and the minimum detectable electric field in the time domain is approximately equal to 427.2 V/m.

Four spiro[fluorene-9,9′-xanthene] (SFX)-based hole transporting materials (HTMs) functionalized with four-armed arylamine moieties located at different positions are designed and synthesized. These compounds exhibit highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels of −4.9 to −5.1 eV and a hole mobility of 2.2 to 15 × 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1 after doping. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on a methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) active layer using one of these HTMs (mp-SFX-2PA) exhibit power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of up to 16.8%, which is higher than that of the control devices based on benchmark spiro-OMeTAD under the same conditions (15.5%). PSCs based on mp-SFX-2PA exhibit better stability (retain 90% of their initial PCEs after 2000 h storage in an ambient atmosphere) than the control devices based on spiro-OMeTAD (retain only 28% of their initial PCEs). mp-SFX-2PA based devices employing a mixed formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3)/methylammonium lead bromine (MAPbBr3) perovskite layer exhibit an improved PCE of 17.7%. The effects of arylamines and their location positions on device performance are discussed.

A series of organic–inorganic hybrid compounds, [{Cu(4,4′-bipy)1.5(H2O)2}2{H2As2Mo6O26}] (1), [{Cu (biim)2}2{HAs2Mo6O26}{Cu(biim)Cl}]·H2O (2), (H2bib)[{Cu(H2O)2(bib)}{H2As2Mo6O26}]·2H2O (3), [{(Hbix)Cu(bix)0.5}2{As2Mo6O26}]·2H2O (4), [{Cu(bmb)1.5(H2O)}2{H2As2Mo6O26}]·2H2O (5), 0 and [{Cu2(bth)4}{H2As2Mo6O26}]·H2O (6) (4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine; biim = biimidazole; bib = 1,4-bis(1-imidazolyl)benzene; bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene; bmb = 1,4-bis(benzimidazol-1-yl)benzene; bth = 1,6-bis(1,2,4-triazol-lyl)hexane), were hydro-thermally synthesized and structurally characterized via elemental analysis, TG, IR, XPS, XRD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures 1–6 are formed by metal–organic complexes and the [HxAs2Mo6O26](6−x)− cluster. Compounds 1–2 feature infinite 1D-chain structures. Compounds 3–5 form 2D-layer structures in which Cu cations are five-, six-coordinated with polyoxoanions and organic ligands. Notably, compound 6 introduces the POM system into a metal–organic framework (MOF) to form a unique POMOF {42·611·82}{42·64}{44·69·7·8} topological structure. The coordination modes of the [HxAs2Mo6O26](6−x)− cluster in compounds 2, 5 and 6 are reported for the first time. The photocatalytic properties of 1–6 are studied for the decomposition of methylene blue (MB) under UV light. In addition, all the compounds exhibit good electrocatalytic performances for the reduction of nitrite.

Herein, two Wells –Dawson-type arsenomolybdates, formulated as [Cu(pyr)2]6[As2Mo18O62] (1) and [Ag(pyr)2]6[As2Mo18O62] (2) (pyr = pyrazole), were hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopies, XPS, XRD, and TG analysis. The structural analysis indicated that compounds 1 and 2 were isomorphic. They are the first reported 3D honeycomb structures of Wells–Dawson-type arsenomolybdates. The [M(pyr)2] (M = Cu and Ag) connected with [As2Mo18O62]6− polyoxoanions to form the {812·123}{8}3 topological structure. The contributions of organic ligands, pH value, reaction temperature, and transition-metal (TM) to the construction of 3D networks were elucidated. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited fluorescence properties in the solid state at room temperature, highly efficient catalytic ability for the degradation of five organic dyes (MB, RhB, MO, AP, and CR) under UV irradiation, and obvious electrocatalytic activities for the reduction of H2O2. The mechanisms of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis have also been discussed in detail.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, irreversible interstitial lung disease, with no effective cure. Polydatin is a resveratrol glucoside with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties, which is used for treating health-related disorders such as cardiac disabilities, various types of carcinoma, hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of polydatin against bleomycin-induced IPF and the possible underlying mechanism. A549 cells were treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and polydatin to observe phenotypic transformation and the related gene expression was detected. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups and intratracheally infused with bleomycin to establish a pulmonary fibrosis model (the sham control group received saline). The rats were given pirfenidone (50 mg/kg), resveratrol (40 mg/kg) and polydatin (10, 40 and 160 mg/kg) for 28 days. The results demonstrated that polydatin had low toxicity to A549 cells and inhibited TGF-β1-induced phenotypic transformation as determined by MTS assay or observed using a light microscope. It also decreased the gene expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen I and increased the gene expression levels of epithelial cell cadherin in vitro and in vivo by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Furthermore, polydatin ameliorated the pathological damage and fiber production in lung tissues found by hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson trichrome staining. Polydatin administration markedly reduced the levels of hydroxyproline, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-13, myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde and promoted total superoxide dismutase activity in lung tissues as determined using ELISA kits or biochemical reagent kits. It inhibited TGF-β1 expression and phosphorylation of Smad 2 and 3 and ERK-1 and -2 in vivo as determined by western blot assays. These results suggest that polydatin protects against IPF via its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antifibrotic activities, and the mechanism may be associated with its regulatory effect on the TGF-β pathway.

A new family of bakelite-type anionic microporous organic polymers (MOPs) is described in this work, which was assembled by the condensation reaction between anionic unit tri(protocatechuic aldehyde)-silicate and phloroglucinol or resorcinol by reference to the synthetic method of bakelite. The new materials exhibit uniform and solid microspheres, remarkably high BET specific surface areas of 1846.5 and 2206.7 m2/g, and a narrow pore size distribution around 1 nm region. The adsorption capacities of MOP-1 and MOP-2 toward cationic Methylene blue (MB) and Malachite green (MG) run up to 712.2, 593.6, 233.8 and 324.7 mg/g at 25 °C, respectively, but little adsorption was found for the anionic dye Methyl Orange (MO) and large size cationic dye basic blue 7 (BB7), exhibiting charge and size- selectivity. The adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics were investigated and a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model was found to be suitable for the adsorption process of MB and MG on MOP-1 and MOP-2. The negative values of the Gibbs free energy and the positive values of enthalpy changes indicated that adsorptions were spontaneous and endothermic. Moreover, the absorbents MOP-1 and MOP-2 can be re-used at least four times in the adsorption of MB and MG with less than 5% loss of adsorption capacity. Overall, MOP-1 and MOP-2 were found to be inexpensive, feasible and efficient materials for removal dyes, presenting future prospects in research and applications in the purification of water contaminated by organic dyes.

Brucea javanica oil (BJO), one of the main products of Brucea javanica, has been widely used in treating different kinds of malignant tumors. Quassinoids are the major category of anticancer phytochemicals of B. javanica. However, current researches on the anti-cancer effect of BJO mainly focused on oleic acid and linoleic acid, the common major components of dietary edible oils, essential and characteristic components of B. javanica like quassinoids potentially involved remained unexplored. In the current investigation, we developed an efficient HPLC method to detect brusatol, a characteristic quassinoid, and comparatively scrutinized the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (anti-HCC) effect of BJO, brusatol-free BJO (BF-BJO), and brusatol-enriched BJO (BE-BJO) against hepatoma 22 (H22) in mice. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was utilized to identify the components in BJO. BE-BJO was extracted with 95 % ethanol. The anti-tumor effect of BJO, BF-BJO and BE-BJO was comparatively investigated, and the potential underlying mechanism was explored in H22 ascites tumor-bearing mice. The results indicated that BJO and BE-BJO significantly prolonged the survival time of H22 ascites tumor-bearing mice, while BF-BJO exhibited no obvious effect. BJO and BE-BJO exhibited pronounced anti-HCC activity by suppressing the growth of implanted hepatoma H22 in mice, including ascending weight, abdominal circumference, ascites volume and cancer cell viability, with a relatively wide margin of safety. BJO and BE-BJO significantly induced H22 cell apoptosis by upregulating the miRNA-29b gene level and p53 expression. Furthermore, BJO and BE-BJO treatment substantially downregulated Bcl-2 and mitochondrial Cytochrome C protein expression, and upregulated expression levels of Bax, Bad, cytosol Cytochrome C, caspase-3 (cleaved), caspase‑9 (cleaved), PARP and PARP (cleaved) to induce H22 cells apoptosis. Brusatol was detected in BJO and found to be one of its major active anti-HCC components, rather than fatty acids including oleic acid and linoleic acid. The anti-HCC effect of BJO and BE-BJO was intimately associated with the activation of miRNA-29b, p53-associated apoptosis and mitochondrial-related pathways. Our study gained novel insight into the material basis of BJO in the treatment of HCC, and laid a foundation for a novel specific standard for the quality evaluation of BJO and its commercial products in terms of its anti-cancer application.

A modified version of Cas9 with a fusion of the hormone-binding domain of the estrogen receptor allows reversible control of Cas9 activity with high efficiency at multiple loci with 4-hydroxytamoxifen treatment. CRISPR–Cas9 has emerged as a powerful technology that enables ready modification of the mammalian genome. The ability to modulate Cas9 activity can reduce off-target cleavage and facilitate precise genome engineering. Here we report the development of a Cas9 variant whose activity can be switched on and off in human cells with 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-HT) by fusing the Cas9 enzyme with the hormone-binding domain of the estrogen receptor (ERT2). The final optimized variant, termed iCas, showed low endonuclease activity without 4-HT but high editing efficiency at multiple loci with the chemical. We also tuned the duration and concentration of 4-HT treatment to reduce off-target genome modification. Additionally, we benchmarked iCas against other chemical-inducible methods and found that it had the fastest on rate and that its activity could be toggled on and off repeatedly. Collectively, these results highlight the utility of iCas for rapid and reversible control of genome-editing function.

Four novel heterobimetallic Pd/Ln coordination polymers, [LnPd(BPDC)5/2(H2O)·4H2O]n (Ln = Nd (1), Sm (2), Eu (3) and Dy (4); H2BPDC = 2,2′-bipyridine-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by X-ray crystallography, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) spectroscopy, elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy (IR). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that compounds 1–4 are isomorphous, having a 2D layer structure with a triclinic crystal system. The new Pd/Ln coordination polymers displayed impressively high activity in Heck and Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions under eco-friendly, aqueous conditions.

Spiro[fluorene-9,9′-xanthene] (SFX) bipolar hosts bearing one, two and three quinolyl substituents, namely SFX-bPy, SFX-DbPy and SFX-TbPy, were designed and synthesized for phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes (PhOLEDs). The successive substitution of quinoline at 2′, 2 and 7′ positions of SFX results in reduced LUMO energy levels while leaving the HOMO energy levels nearly intact. The impact of quinoline substitution in these SFX-based hosts on PhOLED performance was investigated in detail through green and red model devices. For the green emitting devices, the device based on SFX-bPy host showed better performance (23.6 cd A−1, 23.4 lm W−1, 6.3%) due to high triplet energy level (T1) and balanced carriers-transporting ability. In contrast, for the red PhOLED devices, the device hosted by SFX-DbPy displayed higher performance (15.8 cd A−1, 16.0 lm W−1, 9.1%), attributable to the well matched T1 and separated frontier molecular orbitals. This work thus sheds light on the rational design of SFX-based bipolar hosts for more efficient PhOLEDs.

Two series of Ln–MnII heterometallic coordination polymers (HCPs), [Ln8Mn3(µ3-OH)8(IN)14Cl6(H2O)16]n(OH)2n·5nDMF·8nH2O {Ln = Gd (1); Ln = Dy (2)} and [Ln2Mn(IN)6Cl2(H2O)4]n·2nDMF {Ln = Gd (3); Ln = Dy (4), IN = isonicotinic cation}, were synthesized by using fractional crystallization and structurally characterized. Polymers 1 and 2 are isostructural and form a 2D double layer of [Ln4(µ3-OH)4] cubane and Mn(IN)4Cl2 units, whereas 3 and 4 are isomorphic and form a four-connected cds-type 3D framework assembled from paddle-wheel binuclear Ln2(COO)4 units and planar Mn(IN)4Cl2 units. Polymers 1–4 exhibited large magnetic entropy changes of 42.0, 16.7, 31.5, and 16.6 J kg–1 K–1, respectively (ΔH = 7 T). In addition, compounds 2 and 4 displayed field-induced slow magnetic relaxation behavior.

A facile and efficient method for preparation of α-oxygenated ketones has been developed via the reaction of terminal aryl alkynes with various iodobenzene dicarboxylates. When bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodobenzene (PIFA) was used, α-hydroxy ketones were obtained in high to excellent yields. The hypervalent iodine(III) reagents can function as an electrophile, transferrable O-nucleophile, and an excellent leaving group. The protocol represents a direct, atom-efficient and metal-free conversion of alkynes into α-oxygenated ketones under mild conditions.

Ambient ammonia exposure has been known to perturb lipid metabolism in farm animals, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The current study was conducted to investigate how ambient ammonia exposure influences lipid metabolism in the pig model. Twelve pigs were randomly divided into two groups, either exposed to 0 or 35 mg/m3 atmospheric ammonia for 25 days. Serum ammonia remained unchanged (p > 0.05), but increased serum urea concentration was found (p < 0.05) after ammonia exposure. Ammonia exposure also caused an increased C18:0, C18:2n6c, C18:3n6, C18:3n3, C20:0, C20:2, C20:3n6, C20:3n3, C22:0 concentrations and fat content in the longissimus dorsi muscle (p < 0.05), and also serum total triglyceride (p = 0.0294) and ApoB (p = 0.0061) contents. Analysis of serum free amino acids profile revealed that concentrations of ornithine, tyrosine, asparagine, histidine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, glutamine and valine were significantly increased in the pigs exposed to 35 mg/m3 ammonia (p < 0.05). RNA-Seq analysis showed that genes encoding enzymes involved in lipid synthesis (FASN, SCD and FADS1) and uptake (LDLR) were up-regulated, whereas genes related to lipolysis (PNPLA4, ANGPTL4 and CEL), transport (CPT1A, CPT1B and CPT2) and β-oxidation (ACADL, ACADVL, UCP2 and UCP3) were down-regulated. Furthermore, exposure to 35 mg/m3 atmospheric ammonia increased expression of mTOR (p = 0.0377) and its downstream P70S6K (p = 0.0139) and p-P70S6K (p = 0.0431), but decreased AMPK (p < 0.0001) and p-AMPK (p = 0.0071) in the longissimus dorsi muscle. In conclusion, high concentration of atmospheric ammonia exposure greatly interferes with amino acid metabolism, resulting in increased BCAAs and aromatic amino acids. The increased BCAAs production can up-regulate lipid synthesis and down-regulate β-oxidation by activating mTOR signaling and inhibiting AMPK signaling.

In this study, we investigated the effect of caffeine overexposure on corneal innervation in the early chicken embryo. Caffeine administration restricted corneal innervation by affecting trigeminal nerve development. Immunohistochemistry for phospho-Histone3 (pHIS3) and C-caspase3 revealed that cell survival was repressed by caffeine administration. Whole-mount in situ hybridization against semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and neuropilin-1 (Nrp1) showed that both caffeine and 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH, a free radical generator) administration upregulates the expression of both Sema3A and Nrp1. Next, we demonstrated that lens ablation in the developing chicken embryos significantly affected NF-labeled periocular nerve fascicles and innervation to the central eye region. Subsequently, we used a neuroblastoma cell line to investigate in vitro whether or not Sema3A-Nrp1 signaling exerts a key role on the caffeine-suppressed neuron survival. Knocking-down Sema3A through transfection with Sema3A-siRNA dramatically decreased the responsiveness of cells to caffeine administration, as well as cell apoptosis. We suggest that Sema3A-Nrp1 signaling regulates Trp53 and Cdkn1a through Slit2-Robo1 and Ephb2. Taken together, we speculate here that caffeine-enhanced reactive oxygen species upregulates Sema3A-Nrp1 expression in the lens and periocular tissues, resulting in corneal cell apoptosis, accompanied by its chemorepellent role on the invasion of the developing cornea by trigeminal sensory fibers.

An array of heterobimetallic Pd/Ln MOFs (1-4) with Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy as preferred metal nodes and 1,1'-di(p-carboxybenzyl)-2,2'-diimidazole (H2L) as a fairly suitable bifunctional organic linker have been synthesized, fully characterized and tested as catalysts in cross-coupling reactions. These robust MOFs, ensuring a uniform distribution of Pd, showed excellent stability in air and high catalytic activity in Suzuki-Miyaura reactions conducted in neat water, neat ethanol as well as water-ethanol mixture. Depending on the solvent, complex 1 could be effectively recycled 4-8 times without significant loss of catalytic activity. Importantly, this complex was found to be pH responsive in a reversible way, enabling convenient recovery from acidic aqueous solutions, indicating good recyclability as well as environment-friendly separation of the metal residues after the reaction.

Propofol is a short-acting intravenous anesthetic agent with potential neuroprotective effect. In this study, we aim to investigate whether delayed propofol treatment is protective against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory responses in microglial cells. Cultured BV2 microglial cells were exposed to propofol at various time points after initiation of LPS stimulation. Nitrite production and cell viability were assessed after stimulation with LPS for 24 h. The effect of propofol on mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was analyzed using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) 6 h after LPS stimulation. The production of TNF-α and reactive oxygen species was also studied. Propofol applied 0-4 h after the initiation of LPS dose-dependently inhibits nitric oxide production. Propofol application also decreased LPS-induced Cox-2, IL-6, iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β mRNA expression and induced significant protein kinase B (PKB) phosphorylation in BV2 cells. Treatment with phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/PKB inhibitor wortmannin decreased PKB phosphorylation induced by propofol, and abolished the inhibitory effect of propofol on LPS-stimulated NO, reactive oxygen species and TNF-α production. Our results suggest that delayed propofol treatment can reduce LPS-induced activation of microglial cells. These effects may be mediated by activation of the PI3K/PKB pathway.

High levels of ammonia have adverse effects on growth performance and meat production of broilers, and breast meat growth and yield are critically important in the broiler industry. To date, studies focusing on the negative relationship of atmospheric ammonia and breast development are limited, and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, ammonia levels of 50 ppm were found to lower slaughter rate and broiler breast meat yield significantly (P

Commercial grade-70 tire cord steel was microalloyed with V and N to explore the possibility of substituting V for C and the effect of V and N on cementite dissolution during cold drawing process. Tensile strength, elongation and torsion laps of cold-drawn wires were determined. Microstructures of secondary phases were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Saturation magnetization was measured by using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) to evaluate cementite dissolution during cold drawing process. Experimental results showed that with the increase of V content, tensile strength increased, elongation slightly decreased, and the torsion laps of the cold-drawn wires decreased. Results also showed that with the increase of N content, a peak (increasing first and then decreasing) appeared in the tensile strength graph, and an increase of elongation and a decrease of torsion laps of the cold-drawn wires occured. N is soluble in ferrite when its content is low. The increase in the content of N to 82 × 10 −6 will result in the precipitation of the V-containing secondary phases. Also, cementite tended to be stable during cold drawing process with the increase of V and N contents. Grade-80 tire cord steel can be replaced by grade-70 tire cord steel microalloyed with 0.086 mass% V.

This study investigated the effects of silage additives on the anaerobic digestion performance of hybrid penisetum to produce methane. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of adding lactic acid bacteria (0, 1.0×105, 1.5×105, 2.0×105 cfu.g-1) and cellulase (0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 g.t-1) during ensilage for 45 days on biogas production of hybrid penisetum. The silage additives lactic acid bacteria (1.0×105cfu.g-1, 2.0×105cfu.g-1) and cellulase (0.03g.t-1) had a positive effect on the anaerobic fermentation performance of hybrid penisetum silage. The hybrid penisetum amended with 0.03 g.t-1 of cellulase showed the best biochemical methane potentials, with a methane yield of 218.15lN kg-1 ODMadded. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that type and concentration of additives influence biogas production by silage.

Hydrothermal reaction of rare earth oxides with 1H-benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylic acid (H3bidc) and MnSO4·H2O afforded a series of new three-dimensional (3D) coordination polymers, namely, [Ln2Mn(Hbidc)2(SO4)2·8H2O]n (Ln = Sm (1), Eu (2), Tb (3), Dy (4) and Ho (5)) and [Gd2Mn(Hbidc)2(SO4)2·7H2O]n (6). Their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that coordination polymers 1–6 have similar 3D frameworks fabricated through Hbidc2− and SO42− bridging dinuclear lanthanide secondary building units. Moreover, the photoluminescence of complexes 1–4 and magnetism of complexes 4 and 6 have been investigated, 4 exhibits remarkably slow magnetic relaxation behavior with the energy barrier ΔE/kB = 83.3 K.

To suppress concentration quenching and to improve charge-carrier injection/transport in the emission layer (EML) of phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PhOLEDs), a facial homoleptic iridium(III) complex emitter with amorphous characteristics was designed and prepared in one step from a multifunctional spiro ligand containing spiro[fluorene-9,9′-xanthene] (SFX) unit. Single-crystal X-ray analysis of the resulting fac-Ir(SFXpy)3 complex revealed an enlarged Ir···Ir distance and negligible intermolecular π–π interactions between the spiro ligands. The emitter exhibits yellow emission and almost equal energy levels compared to the commercial phosphor iridium(III) bis(4-phenylthieno[3,2-c]pyridinato-N,C2′)acetylacetonate (PO-01). Dry-processed devices using a common host, 4,4′-bis(N-carbazolyl)-1,1′-biphenyl, and the fac-Ir(SFXpy)3 emitter at a doping concentration of 15 wt % exhibited a peak performance of 46.2 cd A–1, 36.3 lm W–1, and 12.1% for the current efficiency (CE), power efficiency (PE), a...

Fatty acid binding protein 3 (H-FABP, FABP3) has been significantly associated with intramuscular fat (IMF) content in pigs, which is positively correlated with palatability of pork. However, its underlying function is not fully elucidated. We have investigated the effects of overexpression of the FABP3 gene on differentiation and adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in the fat Banna mini-pig inbred line (fBMIL). Eukaryotic vectors that expressed the FABP3 protein were constructed, and stably established in the 3T3-L1 preadipocytes cell line. Cells were induced in a standard differentiation cocktail. Morphological changes and the degree of adipogenesis were measured by Oil Red O staining assay and triacylglycerol content measurement, respectively. mRNA expression levels of triacylglycerol metabolism-related genes were measured by qPCR. FABP3 significantly promoted differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells and enhanced triacylglycerol levels (P < 0.05). mRNA of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (422/aP2) and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) gene increased markedly (P < 0.05). In conclusion, expression of the FABP3 gene enhances adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes primarily by upregulating lipogenic PPARγ, 422/aP2 and GPDH genes.

Two coordination polymers, [Co(L1)(IPA] n (1) and {[Ag(L2)(HMIPA)]·H2O} n (2) (H2IPA = isophthalic acid, L1 = 1,2-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, H2MIPA = 5-methylisophthalic acid, L2 = 1,6-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)hexane, have been synthesized and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In 1, six-coordinated cobalt centers are bridged by L1 and IPA2− ligands to generate a (4,4) two-dimensional layer. However, complex 2 features a 1D chain structure, which is further extended by O–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions into a 2D supramolecular layer with (63) topology. The fluorescence and thermal gravimetric analysis of both complexes were also explored. Furthermore, the complexes 1 and 2 exhibit remarkable catalytic properties for the degradation of methyl orange dyes in a Fenton-like process.

Four 3d–4d heterometallic coordination polymers, [Ag2M(HTzDC)2·3H2O]n(M = Co(1), Ni(2), Zn(3) and {[(CH3)2NH2][AgCu5(TzDC)4·6H2O]·6H2O]}n(4) (H3TzDC = 1,2,3-triazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions using one-step approach and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, power X-ray diffraction and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that complexes 1–3 are isostructural, the three dimensional frameworks is composed of Ag ions and transition metals which linked by TzDC ligands; the complex 4 exhibits a three-dimensional architecture constructed by planar {AgCu4N12} units. The magnetic properties of compounds 1–2 and 4 were investigated.

Two fulleropyrrolidine derivatives, Th-C60 and PFTh-C60, as the acceptors are synthesized to investigate the substituent effects on the device performance in bilayer organic solar cells (OSCs). The devices with a configuration of ITO/MoO 3 /CuPc/acceptor/BPhen/Ag are optimized by varying the thickness of MoO 3 as the anode buffer layer. Th-C60 based devices have a slightly larger open-circuit voltage ( V oc ) of 0.47 V than the counterpart C60 of ∼0.46 V and PFTh-C60 of ∼0.44 V with the same device structures. Th-C60-based devices exhibited a highest V oc of about 0.49 V when the thickness of MoO 3 is 4 nm. In contrast, the bulky phenylfluorenyl moieties (PFMs) of PFTh-C60 deteriorated the device performance with regard to the precursor Th-C60 . The maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of Th-C60 based device reaches 0.79% with a short-circuit current density ( J sc ) of 2.65 mA/cm 2 , V oc of 0.49 V, and fill factor ( FF ) of 60.5%. The results indicate that there are dramatically different structure–performance relationships and molecular design principles between organic bilayer- and bulk-heterojunction solar cells.

The effects of bioavailability and metabolic transformation on the biological activities of daidzein are relatively unknown. The effects of daidzein, dihydrodaidzein, and equol at physiologically relevant concentrations on the production of leukotriene B4 and F2-isoprostanes, and myeloperoxidase enzyme activity in freshly isolated human neutrophils were examined. Equol, at physiological concentrations, inhibited leukotriene B4 production (IC50-200 nmol/L) in human neutrophils significantly more than daidzein and dihydrodaidzein (IC50 values >1000 nmol/L). Daidzein, dihydrodaidzein, and equol did not affect the enzymatic hydrolysis of leukotriene A4 to leukotriene B4, suggesting that they exerted their inhibitory effects on the 5-lipoxygenase activity. Daidzein (IC50 = 600 nmol/L) protected against free radical peroxidation of arachidonic acid significantly more than did equol and dihydrodaidzein (IC50 values >1000 nmol/L). Equol also showed significantly greater inhibition of myeloperoxidase activity (IC50 = 450 nmol/L) when compared to daidzein and dihydrodaidzein. Equol accumulated within the human neutrophils at significantly higher concentrations than daidzein and dihydrodaidzein after incubation with the three compounds at physiologically relevant concentrations. Neutrophils were able to accumulate intracellular daidzein, dihydrodaidzein, and equol up to a concentration of ∼600 nmol/L. Our results provide in vitro evidence that the biological activities of daidzein are profoundly influenced by bioavailability and metabolic transformation.

In order to fulfill future emission standards for middle and heavy-duty vehicles like state Ⅳ and Ⅴ, advanced measures on exhaust gas and engine functionality are required. Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology is the unique technology currently which can improve the emission and reduce fuel consumption simultaneously. Firstly the reductants and its chemical reactions, SCR system configurations and its working principle and urea dosing control strategy are introduced. Then tests are conducted on a diesel engine with SCR system at bench. The results of ESC cycle show that NOx emission is decreased by more than 67% with the open-loop control strategy. Additionally, the urea and fuel consumption and ammonia leakage have been compared and analyzed respectively, the experiment data indicates that the urea water solution consumption ratio is only 5.7% of fuel for this SCR system, while its average ammonia slip is below 5 ppm.

The toughness of cyanate ester resin (CE) matrix is improved significantly with addition of hydroxyl-terminated liquid butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber (HTBN). The impact strength increased from 4.4 KJ/m2 (pure CE) to 13.3 KJ/m2 (CE/HTBN, HTBN 10 wt %). The curing behavior of the system is studied by differential scanning calorimetric and Fourier transform infrared spectroscope. The results showed that hydroxyl groups on the HTBN chains have slight activation effect to CE curing reaction at the beginning of the cure process. The toughening mechanism is mainly caused by the flexibilizing effects of the homogeneously dispersed HTBN molecules in the CE matrix. The toughening mechanism was demonstrated from the aspect of free volume using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. With addition of HTBN, the mean free-volume size of the composite is smaller than pure CE. The decrease in the mean free-volume size of the system is mainly related to the partition effects of the finely dispersed HTBN molecules to the free-volume holes of CE matrix. A dramatic increase in the interfacial area occurs in this highly miscible system. Good interfacial adhesion is also reflected from the higher I2 of the composite. Therefore, more positrons annihilation in their free state occurs in the composites containing HTBN than pure CE. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010