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A novel supramolecular self-assembly nanostructure of porous helical nanoribbons (PHNRs) was developed. PHNRs from oligoaniline derivatives were fabricated through the chemical oxidation of aniline in an i-propanol/water mixture as mediated by β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The role of β-CD was considered vital through the modulation of the addition time point of β-CD and the molar ratio of β-CD/aniline. In addition, at the early stage of polymerization, the host-guest complex between oligoaniline and β-CD was formed, which was involved in the initial supramolecular assembly process. However, with the reorganization of the oligoaniline assemblies during the polymerization time, the abscission of β-CD from the helical nanoribbons was observed, which eventually induced the formation of PHNRs. We believe the supramolecular host-modulated assembly strategy presented herein will be instructive for the fabrication of porous supramolecular nanostructures.

A new hexadecahedron assembled by core-shell CoS2 particles@N-doped carbon (CoS2 @NCH) is prepared successfully through the self-templating method. The CoS2 @NCH hybrid electrode delivers a high lithium-storage capacity of 778 mA h g-1 after 1000 cycles at a high current density of 1 A g-1 , which is the longest cycle lifespan among the reported CoS2 anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, the CoS2 @NCH hybrid electrode shows excellent rate capability with a discharge capacity of 220 mA h g-1 at an extremely high current density of 20 A g-1 , and a charge capacity of 649 mA h g-1 is restored upon returning the current density back to 2 A g-1 . The superior performance is attributed to the unique construction of CoS2 @NCH. The N-doped interconnected porous carbon shells form highly conductive skeletons for quick electron transfer and prevent the electrode from collapsing. Moreover, the porous characteristic of the materials plays a key role: as some effective channels, the mesopores on the porous carbon shells provide greater access for lithium, and the mesopores derived from the particle interspace enables the complete immersion of the electrodes in electrolyte, which alleviates the volume expansion and ensures the integrity of the electrode. In addition, the nanosized CoS2 particles, which shorten the ion-transport path and provide extra electroactive sites, also improve the reaction kinetics.

Overproduction of inflammatory mediators contributes to uncontrolled inflammation during endotoxin shock. Cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), an enzyme involved in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) biosynthesis, has potential anti-inflammatory activity in a variety of inflammatory diseases. Jumonji domain-containing protein 3 (JMJD3), a histone 3 Lys27 (H3K27) demethylase, has been implicated in macrophage activation, but its function in CSE-mediated anti-inflammatory activities remains unknown. In the present study CSE was found to be upregulated in macrophages and mouse lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge models. LPS stimulation also enhanced the activation of JMJD3 and decreased H3K27me3 levels. JMJD3 knockdown upregulated H3K27me3 levels and attenuated the LPS-mediated inflammatory response. CSE knockout amplified the inflammatory cascade by increasing JMJD3 expression in septic mice. Similarly, enhanced production of inflammatory mediators by macrophages was mitigated by CSE overexpression via inhibition of JMJD3 expression. This is the first report indicating that inflammation enhanced CSE/H2S system biosynthesis, that in turn attenuated the LPS-triggered inflammatory response by regulating JMJD3 expression. Thus, the CSE/H2S system represents an epigenetic-based modification mechanism to prevent uncontrolled inflammation.

Background/Aims: Sepsis is a severe and complicated syndrome that is characterized by dysregulation of host inflammatory responses and organ failure. Cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE)/ hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has potential anti-inflammatory activities in a variety of inflammatory diseases. NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4), a member of the NADPH oxidases, is the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and its expression is increased in sepsis, but its function in CSE-mediated anti-inflammatory activities remains unknown. Methods: Macrophages were either transfected with CSE, Nox4 siRNA or transduced with lentiviral vector encoding CSE or Nox4, and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The expression of inflammatory mediators and signaling pathway activation were measured by quantitative PCR (qPCR), ELISA, and immunoblotting. LPS-induced shock severity in WT, Nox4 knockdown and CSE knockout (CSE-/-) mice was assessed. Results: Here we showed that CSE and Nox4 were upregulated in macrophage and mouse in response to LPS. After LPS stimulation, the inflammatory responses were significantly ameliorated by lentiviral Nox4 shRNA knockdown, but were exacerbated by lentiviral overexpressing Nox4. Furthermore, Nox4 mediated inflammation through PI3K/Akt and p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signal pathway. Notably, CSE knockout served to amplify the inflammatory cascade by increasing Nox4-ROS signaling activation in septic mice and macrophage. Similarly, the enhanced production of inflammatory mediators by macrophages was reduced by CSE overexpression. Conclusion: Thus, we demonstrated that CSE/H2S attenuated LPS-induced sepsis against oxidative stress and inflammation damage probably largely through mediated Nox4 pathway.

Water loss is a key factor in pericarp browning during storage and transportation of litchi and longan fruit. However, whether this water loss is of biological significance is unclear. The loss of water in different tissues during browning of the two fruit, and the relationship between water loss and seed vigor were investigated. The pericarp of both fruit lost 60% of water after 4 days at 20 °C without packaging, in contrast, water loss in the aril and seed was insignificant. Water loss led to browning, a denser and thinner pericarp, correlating with a decrease in permeability to water of the pericarp. The seeds maintained 40% water content and 80% of them germinated when kept in the intact fruit after 12 days. In contrast, bare seeds stored without package retained 20% water content and germinated less than 10%. Germination was negatively correlated with fruit decay index. Phenols extracted from the pericarp after browning inhibited the growth of Peronophythora litchii more than those extracted before browning. Pericarp browning triggered by water loss of the tissue after harvest maintains seed vigor by preventing of dehydration and infection of the seeds.

A three-layered cathode structure was designed to minimize the shuttle effect of polysulfides and improve active material utilization. The three-layered configuration was fabricated by directly dropping pure sulfur composite slurry into multifunctional dual-barrier layers consisting of a self-standing TiO2/C interlayer and a very thin acetylene black layer (0.35 mg cm–2). In consequence, a decent discharge capacity of 963 mA h g–1 was acquired after 100 cycles at 0.1 C. With cycling at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, and 2 C, the cells displayed excellent reversible capacities of 1203, 1145, 1035, 934, and 820 mA h g–1, respectively. Furthermore, the cells still delivered a satisfactory discharge capacity of 799 mA h g–1 after 300 cycles at 0.5 C. The light mass of the three-layered configuration guarantees that the energy density is effectively improved, considering the overall mass of the cathode. The energy density (603 W h kg–1 after 100 cycles) was at a high level compared with those of the reported ones. Therefor...

Radioactive 85Kr is a major gaseous fission product emitted into the air by the nuclear fuel reprocessing industry. Measuring atmospheric 85Kr has applications in environmental monitoring, atmospheric transport model validation and dating of environmental water samples, including groundwater, sea water and glacier ice. We present an ultra-sensitive method for fast analysis of atmospheric 85Kr at 10−5 parts per trillion level. This method is based on laser cooling and trapping and is capable of counting individual 85Kr atoms. Measurements at the 3% precision level can be made on krypton extracted from 1L STP of air with a turnaround time of 1.5 h. Moreover, we have realized a system for continuous air sampling over days to weeks. Based on this atom-counting technology and a portable air sample integrator we have realized atmospheric 85Kr baseline monitoring in Hefei, China, for over 20 months. The technological advances presented in this work lay the ground for a global atmospheric 85Kr monitoring network.

In this work, oxygen-deficient anatase TiO2 nanosheets (A-TiO2-x NSs) are proposed as a substrate to improve the electrochemical properties of sulfur electrodes for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. The A-TiO2-x NSs are prepared by partly reducing pristine TiO2 nanosheets (A-TiO2 NSs) in NaBH4 solution. With some oxygen vacancies on the surface of the TiO2 nanosheets, A-TiO2-x NSs not only promote electronic transfer, but also act as more effective polysulfide reservoirs to minimize the dissolution of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) than the A-TiO2 NSs control. Hence, upon utilization as modifiers for cathodes of Li-S batteries, the A-TiO2-x NSs-modified sulfur (A-TiO2-x NSs-S) cathode exhibits a higher reversible specific capacity and greater cycling performance and rate capability than the A-TiO2 NSs-modified one (A-TiO2 NSs-S). For example, A-TiO2-x NSs-S delivers an initial specific capacity of 1277.1 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C and maintains a stable Coulombic efficiency of approximately 99.2 % after the first five cycles; these values are higher than those of 997.3 mAh g-1 and around 96.7 %, respectively, for A-TiO2 NSs-S. The enhanced electrochemical properties of the A-TiO2-x NSs-S cathode can be ascribed mainly to the more effective adsorption of dissolvable and diffused LiPSs by the oxygen vacancies. Therefore, utilization of the structure of oxygen vacancies in Li-S batteries demonstrates great prospects for practical application.

Bimetallic transition-metal oxides, which exhibit superior electrochemical properties compared with pristine single-metal oxides, have recently become a topic of significant research interest for applications in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, we report a simple and scalable electrospinning method to synthesize porous CoTiO3 nanofibers as the precursor for nanostructured bimetallic transition-metal oxides formed electrochemically in situ. This strategy ensures uniform mixing and perfect contact between two constituent transition-metal oxides during the lithiation/delithiation process. Furthermore, CoTiO3 nanofibers based on ultrafine CoTiO3 nanocrystals are interconnected to form a nano/microstructured 3D network, which ensures the high stability of the in situ formed structure composed of bimetallic transition-metal oxides, and also fast ion/electron transfer and electrolyte penetration into the electrode. Electrochemical measurements revealed the excellent lithium storage (647 mAh g-1 at 0.1 Ag-1 ) and retention properties (600 mAh g-1 at 1 Ag-1 after 1200 cycles) of the CoO/TiO2 electrode. Moreover, the electrochemical reaction mechanism was explored by using ex situ X-ray photoelectric spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry tests, which confirmed the two-phase reaction processes in the electrodes. These results clearly validate the potential of CoTiO3 with a unique nano/microstructured morphology as the precursor for a bimetallic transition-metal oxide for use as the anode material for long-life LIBs.

Although the composite of metal oxide and porous carbon has been confirmed as an effective material to chemically adsorb polysulfides, the low conductivity of the metal oxide results in the need for extra pathways for the diffusion of polysulfides from adsorption sites to redox-active sites. This process results in sluggish reaction kinetics and escaped polysulfides. In this work, a Gerber tree-like interlayer with multiple components was designed to fully mediate the electrochemical conversion of Li–S batteries and shorten the diffusion distance of polysulfides in the composite. The branches of the interlayer contained TiO2 and Co3O4 nanocrystals embedded into N-doped porous carbon, while the fruit was catalytic metal cobalt. The two co-existing chemical adsorbents ensure the restriction of polysulfides through S–Ti–O bonding and Lewis acid–base interaction. Moreover, the metal Co catalyzes the transformation of adsorbed polysulfides into low-order ones, which largely shortens the diffusion pathway, improving the reaction kinetics and preventing the migration of polysulfides. The cell with the interlayer exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance. After 100 cycles, a reversible capacity of 968 mA h g−1 was maintained at 0.1C with a stable capacity retention of 85%. Even at the current rate of 1C, the cell delivered a capacity of 684.5 mA h g−1 after 300 cycles.

Abnormal wound healing is likely to induce the formation of hypertrophic scars and keloids, which leads to dysfunction, deformity, and mental problem in the patients. Despite the advances in prevention and management of hypertrophic scar and keloids, the mechanism underlying scar and keloid formation has not been fully elucidated. Recent insights into the role of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in development, wound healing, stem cell regulation, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis have increased our understanding of the pathophysiology of hypertrophic scarring and keloids and suggested new therapeutic targets. This review summarizes recent progress in the elucidation of the role of EMT in physiologic wound healing and pathologic scar formation. This knowledge will facilitate an understanding of EMT roles in scar formation and shed new light on the modulation and potential treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Background: Hypertrophic scar (HS) is characterized by the increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis of myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts, the main effector cells for dermal fibrosis, develop from normal fibroblasts. Thus, the stimulation of myofibroblast apoptosis is a possible treatment for HS. We aimed to explore that whether over-activated myofibroblasts can be targeted for apoptosis by anticancer drug elesclomol. Methods: 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, flow cytometry, western blotting, collagen gel contraction and immunofluorescence assays were applied to demonstrate the proapoptotic effect of elesclomol in scar derived myofibroblasts and TGF-β1 induced myofibroblasts. The therapeutic potential of elesclomol was investigated by establishing rabbit ear hypertrophic scar models. Findings: Both 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and flow cytometry indicated that elesclomol targets myofibroblasts in vitro. Collagen gel contraction assay showed that elesclomol inhibited myofibroblast contractility. Flow cytometry and western blot analysis revealed that elesclomol resulted in excessive intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS), and caspase-3 and cytochrome c proteins. Moreover, compared with the control group, the elesclomol group had a significantly lower scar elevation index in vivo. Immunofluorescence assays for TUNEL and α-smooth muscle actin indicated that elesclomol treatment increased the number of apoptotic myofibroblasts. Interpretation: The above results indicate that elesclomol exerted a significant inhibitory effect on HS formation via targeted myofibroblast apoptosis associated with increased oxidative stress. Thus, elesclomol is a promising candidate drug for the treatment of myofibroblast-related diseases such as HS. Funding Statement: Funding for this study was provided by the Natural Science Foundation of China (81770876), Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (Grant BK20191141). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests with relevance to this study. Ethics Approval Statement: The study protocols were approved by the ethics committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University. The study purpose and the procedures involved were explained to the patients, who all consented in writing to the use of their resected tissue specimens in this study. The animal experiments were approved by the Experimental Animal Committee of Jiangnan University.

The synergistic design of cathode region was conducted to minimize the shuttle effect of polysulfides and decrease the loading of inactive components in order to acquire high-energy-density lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. The well-designed cathode region presented two special characteristics: one was the intertwined nanofibers interlayer based on ultrafine TiO2 nanocrystal uniformly embedded within N-doping porous carbon; the other was the lightweight and three-dimensional current collector of fibrous cellulose paper coated by reduced graphene oxide. In consequence, the decent reversible capacity of 874.8 mA h g–1 was acquired at 0.1 C with a capacity retention of 91.83% after 100 cycles. Besides, the satisfactory capacity of 670 mA h g–1 was delivered after 300 cycles at 1 C with the small decay rate of only 0.08%. Because of higher capacity and lower loading of inactive component in cathode region, the energy density of cell increased more than five times compared with unmodified cell. Moreover, to fur...

Previously, we have shown that boehmenan, a natural product isolated from the dried stem of Caulis clematidis armandii, exhibits various biological activities. The current study investigated the effects of boehmenan on the growth of human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. Cell viability and 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) were assessed by CellTiter-Glo luminescent cell viability assay. Cell cycle arrest was measured by flow cytometry. Intracellular reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) collapse were analyzed by a fluorescence spectrophotometer. The activation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway was evaluated by Western blot. The results showed that boehmenan significantly inhibited the growth of A431 cells (IC50 = 1.6 µM) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. This compound also blocked cell cycle progression at G2/M phase and modulated mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins, as evidenced by upregulating p21, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase protein levels and by downregulating Bcl-2, pro-caspase-9 levels. In addition, boehmenan also markedly induced intracellular reactive oxygen species production and ΔΨm depolarization in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, boehmenan-attenuated epidermal growth factor mediated the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6)/S6 in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, our results suggest that boehmenan-mediated antiproliferative property in A431 cells was mediated partially by modulation of mitochondrial function and inhibition of STAT3 and p70S6 signal pathways.

The Stenus flammeus group is proposed and twelve new species of the group are described: Stenus corniculus sp. n., Stenus daicongchaoi sp. n., Stenus jiajinshanus sp. n., Stenus jindingianus sp. n., Stenus paraflammeus sp. n., Stenus pengzhongi sp. n., Stenus pseudoflammeus sp. n., Stenus punctidorsus sp. n., Stenus tuyueyei sp. n., Stenus xilingmontis sp. n., and Stenus zhoudeyaoi sp. n. from Sichuan Province, and Stenus dabashanus sp. n. from Shaanxi Province. Their diagnostic characters are illustrated and a key to species of the group is provided.

Background Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an effective molecular target for cancer treatment. Boehmenan, a lignan from the dried stems of Clematis armandii , exhibited the potent cytotoxic effects against many cancer cell lines in previous studies. However, the effects and underlying mechanism of boehmenan on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Purpose The present study was designed to determine the in vitro anti-cancer properties and underlying molecular mechanisms of boehmenan on A549 NSCLC cells. Study design/methods Cellular viability and chemoattractive properties of macrophages were investigated by using MTT and transwell migration assay, respectively. Mitochondrial membrane potential (Δ Ψ m ), apoptotic ratio, and cell cycle were measured by flow cytometry. Protein expression was visualized by Western blot using specific antibodies. Results Boehmenan concentration-dependently suppressed proliferation and induced G 1 phase arrest in A549 NSCLC cells, which were accompanied by reduction of migration, colony formation and increase of apoptosis in A549 cells. In addition, boehmenan treatment markedly modulated apoptosis-related protein (p53, p21, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved PARP) and cyclin D1 expression and induced Δ Ψ m collapse in a concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, boehmenan concentration-dependently inhibited EGF-induced activation of EGFR and its downstream signaling molecules, including MEK, Akt, ERK1/2, and STAT3. Conclusion Taken together, our results suggested that boehmenan-mediated anti-tumor property was mediated by modulation of mitochondria and EGFR signaling pathway in A549 NSCLC cells.

Background (7R, 8S)-9-Acetyl-dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (ADDA), a novel lignan compound isolated from Clematis armandii Franch (Ranunculaceae) stems, has been found to exert potential anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. Purpose To investigate the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of ADDA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation and migration of macrophages. Study design/methods Macrophages were stimulated with LPS in the presence or absence of ADDA. Expression of inflammatory mediators, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nitric oxide (NO) were measured by Western blot and commercial NO detection kit. Cellular viability and chemotactic properties of macrophages were investigated using MTT and transwell migration assays. The activation and expression of mitogen activated protein kinases, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), protein kinase B (Akt), Src, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) were analyzed by Western blot. Results Non-toxic concentrations (12.5–50 µM) of ADDA concentration-dependently inhibited expression/release of inflammatory mediators (COX-2, iNOS, and NO), suppressed Akt and c-jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK) phosphorylation, and NF-κB activation in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In addition, ADDA blocked LPS-mediated macrophage migration and this was associated with inhibition of LPS-induced Src and FAK phosphorylation as well as Src expression in a concentration dependent manner. Notably, the inhibitory effects of ADDA on iNOS, NO, and Src could be mimicked by a Src inhibitor PP2 or an iNOS inhibitor l -NMMA. Conclusion Our results suggested that ADDA attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages and cell migration, at least in part, through inhibition of NF-κB activation and modulation of iNOS/Src/FAK axis.

(7R,8S)-Dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (DDA), a lignan isolated from the dried stems of Clematis armandii, has been found to exert potential anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the effects and possible mechanisms of DDA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammatory response in murine BV2 microglia. Our results revealed that non-toxic concentrations (6.25-25 μM) of DDA markedly suppressed LPS-induced production of nitric oxide, expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, and release of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, DDA time- and concentration-dependently attenuated LPS-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK), but not protein kinase B, p38, or extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. Moreover, DDA significantly suppress LPS-mediated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation by inhibiting phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Collectively, our results demonstrated that DDA inhibited LPS-stimulated inflammatory response in BV2 cell, at least in part, through inhibition of NF-κB activation and modulation of JNK signaling.

Minimally modified low-density lipoprotein (mmLDL) is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the role of mmLDL in the endothelium-dependent relaxation of mouse mesenteric arteries. A sensitive myograph system was employed to examine the endothelial function of mesenteric arteries. mRNA and protein expression levels were determined using real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The ultramicrostructure of mesenteric vascular beds was investigated using a transmission electron microscope. The results showed that mmLDL significantly impaired the acetylcholine-induced (3 × 10−10 to 1 × 10−4M) endothelium-dependent relaxation of mouse mesenteric arteries with markedly reduced pIC50 (p < 0.05) and Rmax values (p < 0.001). In addition, mmLDL increased the levels of superoxide production and nitrotyrosine concentration and impaired the endothelial microstructure with decreased KCa3.1 and KCa2.3 expression. In conclusion, mmLDL increases superoxide and nitrotyrosine levels, damages endothelial microstructure with decreased KCa3.1 and KCa2.3 expression, and ultimately attenuates relaxation mediated by nitric oxide- and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor.

Three kinds of turbines (Vestas V-47:660 kW, Enercon E−40:600 kW, Vestas V-66:1.75 MW) were installed on three selected sites (Mailiao, Jhongtun, Chunfong) as wind power plants for electricity generation on an island. However, such power plants including turbines in establishment and operation during entire life cycle are bound to consume energy and produce carbon emission, causing environmental problems. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of three wind power plants on the environment during their entire life cycle. This paper made the calculations of carbon emissions of three wind power plants, and compared and discussed the occupied shares of each primary energy input in manufacture, construction, operation and disposal phases using the methods of mathematics and materials input-output life cycle assessment. The results show that the CO2 emission factor of three systems was on average 3.9 g/kWh for the whole life cycle. The average CO2 emission intensity of all raw materials was 1.35 kg/kg. The occupied share of CO2 emissions in manufacturing, construction, and decommissioning phases was 44%, 16%, and 40% respectively. The primary energy input intensity was on average 0.0625 MJ/kWh of three systems for whole life cycle. The average energy input intensity of three systems was 21.48 MJ/kg. The combined CO2 emission intensity of all steel materials was 1.98 kg/kg. The demands for materials and energy inputs, and carbon emissions are positively related to the rated power value of a wind turbine. Wind power has a priority to produce clean energy, and can significantly decrease CO2 emissions.

Recent rapid development in homogeneous gold catalysis affords an alternative and particularly thriving strategy for the generation of gold carbenes through gold-catalyzed oxidation/amination/cycloaddition of alkynes, while it avoids the employment of hazardous and potentially explosive diazo compounds as starting materials for carbene generation. In addition to facile and secure operation, gold carbenes generated in this strategy display good chemoselectivity distinct from other metal carbenes produced from the related diazo approach. N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) gold is a special metal complex that can be used as ancillary ligands, which provides enhanced stability and can also act as an efficient chiral directing group. In this review, we will present an overview of these recent advances in alkyne oxidation/amination/cycloaddition by highlighting their specificity and applicability, aiming to facilitate progress in this very exciting area of research.

The current HIV-1 epidemic in China is featured by diverse subtypes and continual emergence of new recombinant viruses. This study identified a novel unique recombinant form (URF), JL16013, among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jilin, China. The JL16013 virus was different from all known subtypes and set up a distinct branch on the phylogenetic tree. This virus had a CRF01_AE backbone with two subtype B' fragments and one CRF65_cpx fragment inserted into gag, pol, env, and nef regions, suggesting that this novel URF might have originated from the CRF01_AE, subtype B', and CRF65_cpx viruses that were cocirculating in Jilin province. This was the first report of the CRF01_AE/B'/CRF65_cpx recombinant in China. Identification of this URF indicated the severity and complexity of the HIV-1 epidemic among MSM in Jilin province. Timely surveillance of new HIV-1 infections and new recombinants among the MSM population is urgently required.

This study reported a new HIV-1 circulating recombinant form CRF65_cpx virus isolated from a man who have sex with men (MSM) in Jilin, China. The near full-length genome of this virus was composed of 14 mosaic gene fragments derived from CRF01_AE, subtype B' (Thai B) and subtype C, highly similar to the CRF65_cpx viruses recently identified in Yunnan and Anhui of China. Phylogenetic tree analysis suggested that this CRF65_cpx strain was not generated among MSM in Jilin, but originated in southern regions of China and spread to Jilin by MSM population. The emergence of CRF65_cpx in Jilin indicated HIV-1 epidemic in this area was more and more complicated and the MSM population has become the important source for generation of new recombinant viruses. Real-time surveillance of new HIV-1 infections among MSM population is quite required.

Human sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacylase, and is implicated in human diseases including cancer. Selective small-molecule inhibitors for SIRT2 are sought as chemical tools and potential therapeutics. Here we report the X-ray crystal structure guided structure-activity relationship studies of new N-(3-(phenoxymethyl)phenyl)acetamide derivatives with SIRT2, which led to the identification of potent, selective SIRT2 inhibitors. Crystallographic analyses reveal that the new inhibitors act via inducing the formation of an enlarged hydrophobic pocket and particularly mimicking the interactions made by myristoylated-lysine substrates. The most potent inhibitor 24a could dose-dependently elevate the acetylation level of α-tubulin in the non-small cell lung cancer H441 cells, which have a high expression level of SIRT2 as determinated by Western blotting analyses. Further cellular assays reveal that 24a restrains cell growth mainly through inhibiting cellular proliferation rather than inducing apoptosis. Moreover, 24a could suppress the migration and invasion of H441 cells. These results provide an excellent basis for further development of new potent, selective, and cell active SIRT2 inhibitors as chemical tools and potential therapeutics for SIRT2-driven non-small cell lung cancers.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune-mediated disease with the characteristics of progressive joint destruction, deformity, and disability. Epigenetic changes have been implicated in the development of some autoimmune disorders, resulting in an alteration of gene transcription. Here, we investigated how Jumonji C family of histone demethylases (JMJD3) regulated the proliferation and activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), which are involved in RA joint destruction and pathologic process. The JMJD3 expression and proliferation markers in RA-FLS were higher than those in healthy-FLS and were upregulated in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced FLS. Elevated JMJD3 promoted the proliferation and migration of FLS. Treatment with JMJD3 small interfering RNA or inhibitor glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) J4 led to decreased proliferation and migration of FLS. Interestingly, induction of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a major player of the cell-cycle regulation, was correlated with trimethylated lysine 27 in histone H3 loss around the gene promoters. The knockdown of JMJD3 abolished PCNA expression in PDGF-induced FLS and further inhibited cell proliferation and migration, suggesting that JMJD3/PCNA played a crucial role in aspects of FLS proliferation and migration. In vivo, the ability of GSK J4 to hinder collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1 mice was evaluated. We found that GSK J4 markedly attenuated the severity of arthritis in CIA mice. The therapeutic effects were associated with ameliorated joint swelling and reduced bone erosion and destruction. This study revealed how JMJD3 integrated with epigenetic processes to regulate RA-FLS proliferation and invasion. These data suggested that JMJD3 might contribute to rheumatoid synovial hyperplasia and have the potential as a novel therapeutic target for RA.-Jia, W., Wu, W., Yang, D., Xiao, C., Su, Z., Huang, Z., Li, Z., Qin, M., Huang, M., Liu, S., Long, F., Mao, J., Liu, X., Zhu, Y. Z. Histone demethylase JMJD3 regulates fibroblast-like synoviocyte-mediated proliferation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

A new hexadecahedron assembled by core-shell CoS

The risk of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients is mainly associated with endothelial dysfunction. Reduced number of EPCs and impaired function of EPCs in diabetes result in imbalance of endothelial homeostasis and dysfunction of vessels. In patients with diabetes mellitus, plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were elevated, while the expression and activity of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) were reduced. In the present study, we investigated the role of the DDAH2/ADMA pathway in the senescence of EPCs in type 2 diabetic patients and cultured EPCs treated with high glucose. The results showed that the percentage of senescent EPCs increased while the expression of DDAH2 decreased concomitantly with an increase in the plasma levels of ADMA in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Similar results were seen in cultured EPCs treated with high glucose. Exogenous application of ADMA accelerated the senescence of EPCs in a dose-dependent manner, and overexpression of DDAH2 inhibited high glucose-induced EPCs senescence. In addition, it has also been reported that DDAH/ADMA pathway is regulated by silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) in endothelial cell. In the present study, we found decreased expression of SIRT1 both in T2DM patients and EPCs pretreated with high glucose. And resveratrol (activating SIRT1) inhibited high glucose-induced EPCs senescence by upregulating the expression of DDAH2 and decreasing the levels of ADMA. Taken together, we concluded that DDAH2/ADMA is involved in the accelerated senescence of EPCs in diabetes, which is associated with the activation of SIRT1.

This study focuses on the smoothly blending problem of two cylinders whose axes are non-coplanar at the clipping planes which are perpendicular to the axes. Based on the condition that the axes were smoothly blended, we presented the necessary and sufficient conditions of the existence of the blending surface with the cylindrical helicoids tube constructed. And when those conditions were met, we presented the specific blending examples.

Under the acidic condition, 6-gingerol (C17H26O4) reacted with hydroxylamine to generate 6-gingerol oxime (C17H27NO4). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction with CuKα radiation (λ = 1.54184 Å) revealed the crystal belongs to the orthorhombic system, the space ground is P212121 with a = 5.24240(10), b = 25.7792(4), c = 25.9824(5) Å, V = 3511.39(11) Å3, Z = 8, Mr = 309.40, Dc = 1.171mg/mm3, μ = 0.669mm-1, S = 1.035, F(000) = 1344.0, the final wR2 was 0.1132 (all data) and R1 was 0.0412 [I>2σ (I)]. Two molecules compose one monomeric unit in the crystal. And the hydrogen bonds construct the dimer and the integral crystal spacial structure. The antioxidant activity of the 6-gingerol oxime was tested by the scavenging effect on DPPH radical and potassium ferricyanide reducing power test while Vitamin C was regarded as the comparison. The IC50 of the oxime for the scavenging effect on DPPH was 0.0471 g/L which was less strong than Vitamin C. The reducing power of Vitamin C was about three times powerful than the 6-gingerol oxime.

(2S,3S,4S,5R,6R)-6-(4-((4-guanidinobutoxy)carbonyl)-2,6-dihydroxyphenoxy)-3,4,5-trihydroxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-carboxylic acid (ZYZ-488) was discovered as a novel inhibitor of apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1). In present work, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay confirms the direct binding between ZYZ-488 and Apaf-1 and this interaction was found to be able to block the recruitment of procaspase-9 by Apaf-1. This study also shows that the treatment of MI (myocardial infarction) mice with this novel Apaf-1 inhibitor remarkably reduces the infarct size, improves cardiac functions, and attenuates the histopathology changes caused by MI. Meanwhile, here it is shown that ZYZ-488 decreases myocardial enzyme release, inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and suppresses the activation of the downstream cascade of caspases. Moreover, in silico prediction validated the drug-like properties of ZYZ-488. In conclusion, our findings present the first piece of evidence indicating the interaction between Apaf-1 and procaspase-9 as a novel therapeutic target in myocardial infarction and suggesting ZYZ-488 as a promising therapeutic option for myocardial infarction disease.

Bimetallic transition-metal oxides, which exhibit superior electrochemical properties compared with pristine single-metal oxides, have recently become a topic of significant research interest for applications in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, we report a simple and scalable electrospinning method to synthesize porous CoTiO

Optimizing Hadoop with the parameter tuning is an effective way to greatly improve the performance, but it usually costs too much time to identify the optimal parameters configuration because there are many parameters. Users are always blindly adjust too many parameters and are sometimes confused about which one could be changed at a higher-priority. To make optimization easier, classifying the parameter based on different applications will be helpful. In this paper, we will introduce a method that can classify these parameters in order that users can optimize performance more quickly and effectively for different applications.

A novel method is proposed by constructing the intersecting line of two tapered surfaces to smooth blending non-coplanar axes. Necessary and sufficient conditions for smooth blending two non-coplanar cylindrical surfaces are achieved. Specific example is also provided.

In this paper, a three-dimension model for the vanadium redox flow battery was established to simulate its mass transfer. The distribution of VO2+and VO2+ in positive electrode area, the distribution of V2+ and V3+ in the negative electrode area, and the influences of flow velocity, temperature and the electrolyte concentration on the mass transfer are analyzed. The results show that the mass fraction of VO2+ and V2+ decrease while those of VO2+and V3+increase along the channel direction; the species concentration under the ridge is lower than that under the flow channel. The flow velocity of electrolyte affects the mass distribution at the entrance of the cell, and hardly affects the electrochemical reaction rate; Increase of the temperature accelerates the electrochemical reaction rate; the electrolyte concentration affects both of the mass distribution and the number of ions. The study has great significance both on the optimization of vanadium redox flow battery and its application.

The Chibaisong magmatic Cu–Ni sulphide deposit is located in Tonghua City, Jilin Province, in the eastern part of the northern margin of the North China Craton. The geological characteristics of the deposit have been investigated, and pyrrhotite Re–Os isotope dating has been utilized to constrain the age. Five pyrrhotite samples separated from the Chibaisong Cu–Ni sulphide deposit yielded a Re–Os isotopic isochron age of 2237 ± 62 Ma (mean squared weighted deviation = 1.13, n = 5), indicating that the only Palaeoproterozoic magmatic Cu–Ni sulphide deposit in China is the Chibaisong Cu–Ni sulphide deposit. The geodynamic setting during ore formation was related to the Liaoning–Jilin Palaeoproterozoic rift split. The Re–Os isotope analyses showed an initial 187Os/188Os ratio of 0.778 ± 0.033, and (187Os/188Os)i and γOs(t) values ranged from 0.7531 to 0.8013 (average 0.7734) and from 574 to 617 (average 592), respectively, indicating that abundant crustal material (5–10%) was mixed with the Cu–Ni sulphide or...

This paper studies the smoothly blending problem of two elliptic cylinders whose axes are non-coplanar at sections where they are perpendicular to axes. Based on conditions of smoothly blending axes, we acquire necessary and sufficient conditions of existing blending surface by constructed elliptic cylindrical helicoid tube. And when we meet those conditions, the specific blending examples will be provided.

A large number of oilfield produced water is produced during the developing of oilfield，the optimal way to process these oilfield produced water is to reinject it into strata. This paper firstly analyzes the characteristics of oilfield produced water, then focuses on introducing the research and application process of both traditional and new treatment technologies of produced water , and finally brings forward some expectation about the application and development direction of the oilfield produced water treatment processes.

At present, most oilfields in our country has entered the mid-late development, water-flooding technology is widely accepted, multi-layer hybrid mining and multi-layer hybrid conveying process. If no compatibility between injected water and formation water or different horizon produced water is poor, it can form various types of oil field scale.Scale reservoir caused by congestion, not only can bring damage to reservoir, also can give bring different degree of corrosion of equipment and pipeline, reduce the heat transfer rate of equipment and pipeline. The scale formation, fouling hazards, scaling trend prediction and antiscale technology in oilfield produced water are introduced. It as the basis of the theory of compatibility experiments has a certain realistic guiding significance in mixed mining, mixed transportation and reinjection process.

On the basis of researching virtual reality training system at home and abroad, in view of the oilfield staff training needs, we design the training system framework of the oilfield staff simulation based on virtual reality technology. Give the composition of the system framework and the main functions of the modules. Using the simulation technology, we can draw the craft process. Let the employees do man-machine interactive operation in a virtual reality scene. Then according to the quality of operation, operation steps and the alarm-condition appears in the operation, the training system give a score. Through this kind of training methods, it improves the safety skills of the oilfield staff and capability of dealing with accidents.

Paper illustrates the background of boutique open video class in China. According to the prepared works of the photographers and the subjects before we taped of the boutique open video classes in the teaching field of China, it researches the techniques which are used in recording video and later editing. It mainly discusses the problems, such as one third composition methods, cutting-body principle, lens push-pull shooting technologies and the photography technology problems and so on. It also studies the forming strategy of the online open classes initiated by foreign distinguished universities.

Monoclonal antibodies have become a part of daily preparation technologies in many laboratories. Attempts have been made to apply monoclonal antibodies to open a new train of thought for clinical treatments of autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, cancer, and other immune-associated diseases. This paper is a prospective review to anticipate that monoclonal antibody application in the treatment of myocarditis, an inflammatory disease of the heart, could be a novel approach in the future. In order to better understand the current state of the art in monoclonal antibody techniques and advance applications in myocarditis, we, through a significant amount of literature research both domestic and abroad, developed a systematic elaboration of monoclonal antibodies, pathogenesis of myocarditis, and application of monoclonal antibodies in myocarditis. This paper presents review of the literature of some therapeutic aspects of monoclonal antibodies in myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy to demonstrate the advance of monoclonal antibody application in myocarditis and a strong anticipation that monoclonal antibody application may supply an effective therapeutic approach to relieve the severity of myocarditis in the future. Under conventional therapy, myocarditis is typically associated with congestive heart failure as a progressive outcome, indicating the need for alternative therapeutic strategies to improve long-term results. Reviewing some therapeutic aspects of monoclonal antibodies in myocarditis, we recently found that monoclonal antibodies with high purity and strong specificity can accurately act on target and achieve definite progress in the treatment of viral myocarditis in rat model and may meet the need above. However, several issues remain. The technology on how to make a higher homologous and weak immunogenic humanized or human source antibody and the treatment mechanism of monoclonal antibodies may provide solutions for these open issues. If we are to further stimulate progress in the area of clinical decision support, we must continue to develop and refine our understanding and use of monoclonal antibodies in myocarditis.

Pear-shaped needle is a special tool to processing microporous on the spinneret, which is critical to the quality of the spinneret. Existing processing methods of pear-shaped needle has many disadvantages, this paper put forward a method to processing pear-shaped needle with hone grinding, and validated it by experiment.

The paper illustrates the background of boutique open video class in China, and the differences between the boutique open video class and the boutique shared class. It also discusses the domestic study of the strategy of forming the online open courses initiated by foreign distinguished universities in recent years. By the comparison of the strategy used at home and abroad in terms of equipment, shooting techniques, and multimedia technology utilization, it draws the revelation of producing boutique video open classes.

The microporous on spinneret has the characteristics of high precision, small pore size and large quantity. Spinneret microporous finishing operation is mainly used for removing the burr formed on the spinneret silk surface after micropores drilling and punching. The burrs seriously affect the quality of the spinning fibers. Micropore spinneret finishing plays a vital role in improving the quality of processing micropore. This paper introduces a system consisting of the spinneret micropore fine machine,then focuses on fine machine positioning system and proposes a high-precision positioning method of the microporous.

In this paper,we conducted circular cone turning cutting force measurement test by using orthogonal test method and YDCD piezoelectric unidirectional turning dynamometer,then analyzed the orthogonal test results with the intuitive analysis method. A BP neural network model between the cutting speed,feed rate,cutting depth and the main cutting force is established by using Matlab neural network toolbox and then to be verified. The verification results show that the BP neural network circular cone turning cutting force prediction model has very high prediction accuracy.

The paper takes the cold working die steel Cr12 for specimen material,carries out the plunge milling test on Cr12 and the plunge milling force has been measured by YDX - Ⅲ 9702 piezoelectric milling dynamometer. The tool deformations are analyzed both in plunge milling and side milling on the same size milling force. Test and analysis show that the axial milling force significantly greater than the other two directions and the tool deformation in plunge milling less than the tool deformation in the side milling.