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The CO2-brine dissolution homogenizes the distribution of residual CO2 and reduces the leakage risk in the saline aquifer. As a key parameter to immobilize the free CO2, the dissolution rate of CO2-brine could be accelerated through mechanisms like diffusion and dispersion, which are affected by the subsurface condition, pore structure, and background hydrological flow. This study contributed the calculated dissolution rates of both gaseous and supercritical CO2 during brine imbibition at a pore-scale. The flow development and distribution in porous media during dynamic dissolution were imaged in two-dimensional visualization using X-ray microtomography. The fingerings branching and expansion resulted in greater dissolution rates of supercritical CO2 with high contact between phases, while the brine bypassed the clusters of gaseous CO2 with a slower dissolution and longer duration due to the isolated bubbles. The dissolution rate of supercritical CO2 was about two or three orders of magnitude greater than that of gaseous CO2, while the value distributions both spanned about four orders of magnitude. The dissolution rates of gaseous CO2 increased with porosity, but the relationship was the opposite for supercritical CO2. CO2 saturation and the Reynolds number were analyzed to characterize the different impacts on gaseous and supercritical CO2 at different dissolution periods.

This paper presents a topology-based solution for a low-skew rotary oscillator array (ROA) clock distribution network design. An ROA-brick structure is proposed that limits the traveling wave oscillation to only two uniform ring rotation directions in the ROA-brick: all the rings in clockwise (CW) direction or all the rings in counter CW direction. An ROA built from the ROA-bricks has the following advantages: 1) similar to the ROA-brick, only two uniform ring rotation directions are feasible in the ROA; 2) the same phase tapping points of all the rings in the ROA are identifiable; and 3) these same phase tapping points of the ROA are independent from the two possible rotation directions. It is mathematically proved that the ROA-brick is the only ROA structure, which can limit the ring rotation direction combinations so as to guarantee the generation of same phase clock signals. The proposed brick-based ROA clock generation and distribution networks are designed for ISPD 10 clock benchmarks demonstrating the gigahertz operation with the low-skew clock generation and distributions through HSPICE.

// Mu Yao 1, 2 , Chanlu Xie 1, 2, 3 , Mei-Yee Kiang 1, 2 , Ying Teng 1, 2 , David Harman 4 , Jessamy Tiffen 5, 6 , Qian Wang 5, 6 , Paul Sved 7 , Shisan Bao 8 , Paul Witting 8 , Jeff Holst 5, 6 , Qihan Dong 1, 2, 3 1 Department of Endocrinology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia 2 Central Clinical School and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia 3 School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Western Sydney, Parramatta, NSW 2751, Australia 4 Molecular Medicine Research Group, University of Western Sydney, Parramatta, NSW 2751, Australia 5 Origins of Cancer Laboratory, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia 6 Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia 7 Department of Urology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia 8 Department of Pathology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia Correspondence to: Qihan Dong, e-mail: q.dong@uws.edu.au Mu Yao, e-mail: mu.yao@sydney.edu.au Keywords: prostate cancer, phospholipase A2α, cell cycle re-entry, p27, Skp2 Received: May 15, 2015 Accepted: September 14, 2015 Published: September 24, 2015 ABSTRACT Cell cycle re-entry of quiescent cancer cells has been proposed to be involved in cancer progression and recurrence. Cytosolic phospholipase A 2 α (cPLA 2 α) is an enzyme that hydrolyzes membrane glycerophospholipids to release arachidonic acid and lysophospholipids that are implicated in cancer cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to determine the role of cPLA 2 α in cell cycle re-entry of quiescent prostate cancer cells. When PC-3 and LNCaP cells were rendered to a quiescent state, the active form of cPLA 2 α with a phosphorylation at Ser 505 was lower compared to their proliferating state. Conversely, the phospho-cPLA 2 α levels were resurgent during the induction of cell cycle re-entry. Pharmacological inhibition of cPLA 2 α with Efipladib upon induction of cell cycle re-entry inhibited the re-entry process, as manifested by refrained DNA synthesis, persistent high proportion of cells in G 0 /G 1 and low percentage of cells in S and G 2 /M phases, together with a stagnant recovery of Ki-67 expression. Simultaneously, Efipladib prohibited the emergence of Skp2 while maintained p27 at a high level in the nuclear compartment during cell cycle re-entry. Inhibition of cPLA 2 α also prevented an accumulation of cyclin D1/CDK4, cyclin E/CDK2, phospho-pRb, pre-replicative complex proteins CDC6, MCM7, ORC6 and DNA synthesis-related protein PCNA during induction of cell cycle re-entry. Moreover, a pre-treatment of the prostate cancer cells with Efipladib during induction of cell cycle re-entry subsequently compromised their tumorigenic capacity in vivo . Hence, cPLA 2 α plays an important role in cell cycle re-entry by quiescent prostate cancer cells.

A new strategy for a composite film based electrochemical sensor was developed in this work. A layer of conductive film of poly(p-aminobenzene sulfonic acid) (pABSA) was electropolymerized onto glassy carbon electrode surface and exhibited a high electrocatalytic active for paracetamol (PR) redox. The subsequent formation of a layer of molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) film on pABSA modified electrode endowed the sensor with plentiful imprinted cavities for PR specific adsorption. The advantages of the composite film made the prepared sensor display high sensitivity and good selectivity for PR detection and recognition. Under the optimal conditions, the sensor could recognize PR from its interferents. A linear ranging from 5.0×10−8 to 1.0×10−4 mol/L for PR detection was obtained with a detection limit of 4.3×10−8 mol/L. The sensor has been applied to analyze PR in tablets and human urine samples with satisfactory results. The simple, low cost, and efficient strategy reported here can be further used to prepare electrochemical sensors for other compounds recognition and detection.

A bacterial strain ZY1 capable of utilizing PCBs as its carbon source was isolated from the root nodules of Chinese milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus L.). The strain was identified as Mesorhizobium sp. according to its physiological-biochemical properties and the analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence. When the initial OD600 was 0.15, 62.7% of 15 mg L(-1) 3,3',4,4'-TCB in a liquid culture was degraded by Mesorhizobium sp. ZY1 within 10 days. Mesorhizobium sp. ZY1 also greatly increased the biotransformation of soil PCBs. Pot experiments indicated that the soil PCB concentrations of a single incubation of strain ZY1 (R) and a single planting of A. sinicus (P) decreased by 20.5% and 23.0%, respectively, and the concentration of PCBs in soil treated with A. sinicus and strain ZY1 decreased by 53.1%. We also observed that A. sinicus-Mesorhizobium sp. ZY1 treatment (PR) improved plant biomass and the concentration of PCBs in plants compared with a single A. sinicus planting treatment (P). The results suggest that the synergistic association between A. sinicus and PCBs-degrading Mesorhizobium sp. ZY1 can stimulate the phytoextraction of PCBs and the rhizosphere microflora to degrade PCBs, and might be a promising bioremediation strategy for PCB-contaminated soil.

The first step of photosynthesis is the absorption of light by antenna complexes. Recent studies of light-harvesting complexes using two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy have revealed interesting coherent oscillations. Some contributions to those coherences are assigned to electronic coherence and therefore have implications for theories of energy transfer. To assign these femtosecond data and to gain insight into the interplay among electronic and vibrational resonances, we need detailed information on vibrations and coherences in the excited electronic state compared to the ground electronic state. Here, we used broad-band transient absorption and femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopies to record ground- and excited-state coherences in four related photosynthetic proteins: PC577 from Hemiselmis pacifica CCMP706, PC612 from Hemiselmis virescens CCAC 1635 B, PC630 from Chroomonas CCAC 1627 B (marine), and PC645 from Chroomonas mesostigmatica CCMP269. Two of those proteins (PC630 and PC645) have strong electronic coupling while the other two proteins (PC577 and PC612) have weak electronic coupling between the chromophores. We report vibrational spectra for the ground and excited electronic states of these complexes as well as an analysis of coherent oscillations observed in the broad-band transient absorption data.

Peanut yield and quality are seriously compromised by continuous monoculturing in the red soil region of southern China. Monoculturing can cause soil degradation and an increase in soil-borne diseases. This research aimed to investigate the influence of long-term peanut monocropping and different fertilization treatments on peanut growth, soil physical and chemical properties and soil microbial community. A long-term fertilization experiment established in 1996 was utilized to examine the effect of various fertilization treatments including chemical and organic fertilizers treatments. Deep 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing highlighted changes in the abundance and structure of bacterial communities, especially of the pathogenic and beneficial bacterial communities in long term chemical fertilizer treatment in comparison to the organic manure treatment. Chemical fertilizer treatment causes a shift in bacterial community structure and decrease in diversity under the long-term monocropping in comparison to organic fertilizer. The abundance of the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum, a causative agent of peanut wilt, was found to be associated with a loss of community diversity and loss of the peanut yield. The organic fertilizers more effectively increase microbial diversity in the soil and changed the community structure. Long-term use of the chemical fertilizer leads to a decrease in microbial diversity of the soil and an increase in R. solanacearum with associated increase of peanut wilt. The potential decrease in diversity and competition between the bacterial community and the pathogen may be a contributing factor to increased disease during long-term chemical fertilizer use.

The improper disassembly of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-containing equipments such as capacitor and electrical transformer can lead to PCB pollution. To investigate the levels and patterns of PCBs in shallow groundwater in regions where PCB-containing equipment is disassembled, 19 shallow groundwater samples were collected from a recycling area for waste capacitors and electrical transformers in southeastern China. The I 21 pound PCBs in shallow groundwater had a large variation ranging from 6.22 to 97.3 ng L-1, with a mean of 31.6 ng L-1 and low chlorinated PCBs (3-5 chlorinated biphenyls) were predominant homologs in majority groundwater samples. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) toxic equivalents of 6 shallow groundwater samples with detectable dioxin-like PCBs varied greatly from 0.29 to 650 pg L-1, and all of them posing serious cancer risk (> 1 x 10(-6)) to children and adults. Much attention should be paid to the vertical migration of low chlorinated PCBs and the cancer risk of dioxin-like PCBs in the study area and similar e-waste recycling areas.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a high-molecular-weight phthalate ester (PAE) that has been widely used in the manufacture of polyvinylchloride and contributes to environmental pollution. The objectives of the present study were to isolate a DEHP degrader that can utilize DEHP as a carbon source and to investigate its capacity to biodegrade DEHP in both liquid culture and soil. A bacterial strain WJ4 was isolated from an intensively managed vegetable soil, which was contaminated with PAEs. The strain WJ4 was affiliated to the genus Rhodococcus and was able to remove DEHP from soil effectively. A period of only 7 d was required to degrade about 96.4% of DEHP (200 mg L −1 ) in the liquid culture, and more than 55% of DEHP (1.0 g kg −1 ) in the artificially contaminated soil was removed within 21 d. Furthermore, Rhodococcus sp. strain WJ4 had a strong ability to degrade DEHP without additional nutrients in liquid minimal medium culture and DEHP-contaminated soil and to degrade the homologue of DEHP in both liquid culture and soil. Strain WJ4 represents a novel tool for removing PAEs from contaminated soils and it may have great potential for application in the remediation of environmental pollution by PAEs.

The co-metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and the capacity of the fungus Trichoderma reesei FS10-C to bioremediate an aged polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-contaminated soil were investigated. The fungal isolate removed about 54% of B[a]P (20mg L-1) after 12days of incubation with glucose (10g L-1) supplementation as a co-metabolic substrate. Bioaugmented microcosms showed a 25% decrease in total PAH concentrations in soil after 28days, and the degradation percentages of 3-, 4-, and 5(+6)-ring PAHs were 36%, 35%, and 25%, respectively. In addition, bioaugmented microcosms exhibited higher dehydrogenase (DHA) and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (FDAH) activities and increased average well-color development (AWCD), Shannon-Weaver index (H), and Simpson index (D) significantly. Principal component analysis (PCA) also distinguished clear differentiation between treatments, indicating that bioaugmentation restored the microbiological function of the PAH-contaminated soil. The results suggest that bioaugmentation by T. reesei FS10-C might be a promising bioremediation strategy for aged PAH-contaminated soils.

A chlorothalonil (CTN)-degrading bacterial strain H4 was isolated in this study from a contaminated soil by continuous enrichment culture to identify its characteristics and to investigate its potential for remediation of CTN in contaminated soil. Based on the morphological, physiological and biochemical tests and 16S rDNA sequence analysis, the strain was identified as Stenotrophomonas sp. After liquid culture for 7 d, 82.2% of CTN was removed by strain H4. The isolate could degrade CTN over a broad range of temperatures and pH values, and the optimum conditions for H4 degradation were pH 7.0 and 30 °C. Reintroduction of the bacteria into artificially contaminated soil resulted in substantial removal of CTN (> 50%) after incubation for 14 d. Soil samples treated by H4 showed significant increases (P < 0.05) in soil dehydrogenase activity, soil polyphenol oxidase activity, average well-color development obtained by the Biolog Eco plateTM assay and Shannon-Weaver index, compared with the control. Strain H4 might be a promising candidate for application in the bioremediation of CTN-contaminated soils.

Background Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein, also known as aP2 or fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), plays an important role in inflammatory and metabolic responses in adipocytes and macrophages. Recent work has demonstrated that macrophage FABP4 integrates inflammatory and lipid metabolic responses, thereby contributing to the development of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. However, it is not known whether FABP4 in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells(HPAECs) modulates inflammation. Results Here, we demonstrate that FABP4 and inflammatory cytokines are upregulated in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated HPAECs. In addition, LPS increases the expression of molecules in the arachidonic acid(AA)–cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 signaling pathway in FABP4-expressing, but not FABP4-deficient, HPAECs. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that silencing FABP4 could decrease inflammatory cytokines, which were reported to be expressed via the AA–COX2 pathway, in HPAECs. In addition, silencing FABP4 could inhibit the expression of molecules in the AA–COX2 pathways. So we speculate silencing FABP4 could decrease the inflammatory response in HPAECs, which involves in the AA–COX2 signaling pathway. Our study suggests that FABP4 could be a potential biomarker and intervention point for the inflammation-related disease in HPAECs such as pulmonary thromboembolism.

Apart from the contaminant removal, the remediation of agricultural soil should also pay more attention to soil nutrient retention and biogeochemical cycling. This study aimed to evaluate changes of soil properties, potential nitrification rates (PNRs), and functional gene abundances and link their relationships after remediating co-contaminated agricultural soil with Medicago sativa L. (alfalfa) planting, alone or together with biochar application. Compared with the control (CK), alfalfa planting, alone or together with biochar application, could significantly increase soil organic matter (SOM) contents and discrepantly affect soil pH values. The PNRs of the amended treatments were significantly higher than that of the CK. Moreover, alfalfa plantings also enhanced the abundances of functional genes related to soil nitrification and denitrification, with the sole exception of nosZ gene. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that the PNRs were best described by the gene abundance ratios of AOB amoA/nifH and nirS gene abundances. Compared with the CK, alfalfa planting, alone or with biochar application, could restore nitrogen cycling in the co-contaminated agricultural soil and enhance the PNRs via decreasing contaminant bio-availabilities and increasing SOM contents and gene abundance ratios of AOB amoA/nifH.

A pot experiment was conducted to explore the phytoremediation of a diphenylarsinic acid (DPAA)-spiked soil using Pteris vittata associated with exogenous Phyllobacterium myrsinacearum RC6b. Removal of DPAA from the soil, soil enzyme activities, and the functional diversity of the soil microbial community were evaluated. DPAA concentrations in soil treated with the fern or the bacterium were 35–47% lower than that in the control and were lowest in soil treated with P. vittata and P. myrsinacearum together. The presence of the bacterium added in the soil significantly increased the plant growth and DPAA accumulation. In addition, the activities of dehydrogenase and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis and the average well-color development values increased by 41–91%, 37–78%, and 35–73%, respectively, in the treatments with P. vittata and/or P. myrsinacearum compared with the control, with the highest increase in the presence of P. vittata and P. myrsinacearum together. Both fern and bacterium alone greatly enhanced the removal of DPAA and the recovery of soil ecological function and these effects were further enhanced by P. vittata and P. myrsinacearum together. Our findings provide a new strategy for remediation of DPAA-contaminated soil by using a hyperaccumulator/microbial inoculant alternative to traditional physicochemical method or biological degradation.

Below a critical dimension of 100 nm, materials exhibit various new, interesting and superior qualities. These materials, known as nanomaterials, have attracted unprecedented scientific interest in the industry and technology sectors. In recent years, emerging nanomaterials such as graphene and black phosphorus have demonstrated potential to improve and revolutionize the field of chemical and biochemical sensing. In this thesis, the design and fabrication of nanosensors based on various analytical transduction techniques were introduced in key sensing applications. This thesis is organized into five (5) chapters. Chapter 1 provides the reader with a general introduction to the layered nanomaterials: graphene and black phosphorus. It also examines conventional transduction techniques applied in chemical and biochemical sensing of the organic molecules: nitro-substituted aromatic explosive compounds and deoxyribonucleic acid. In-depth discussion on previous work with relation to the structural, chemical, electrochemical and photophysical characteristics of the layered nanomaterials for the development of highly sensitive and selective detection platforms are included in subsequent Chapters 2 – 4. Finally, a summary and perspective of the work presented in this thesis are presented in Chapter 5. ​Doctor of Philosophy (SPMS)

// Zhong Zheng 1,* , Xiangyi He 2,* , Chanlu Xie 3,6 , Sheng Hua 3 , Jianfang Li 4 , Tingfeng Wang 5 , Mu Yao 3 , Soma Vignarajan 3 , Ying Teng 3 , Leila Hejazi 3,6 , Bingya Liu 4 and Qihan Dong 3,6 1 Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China 2 Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China 3 Central Clinical School and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney and Department of Endocrinology and Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia 4 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Neoplasms, Department of Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, and Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China 5 Department of General Surgery, Nanhui Central Hospital. Shanghai, China 6 School of Science and Health, The University of Western Sydney, Australia * These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence: Qihan Dong, email: // Bingya Liu, email: // Keywords : Cytosolic phospholipase A 2 α, AKT, Colorectal cancer, Efipladib Received : September 09, 2014 Accepted : October 28, 2014 Published : October 28, 2014 Abstract A constitutive activation of protein kinase B (AKT) in a hyper-phosphorylated status at Ser 473 is one of the hallmarks of anti-EGFR therapy-resistant colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to examine the role of cytosolic phospholipase A 2 α (cPLA 2 α) on AKT phosphorylation at Ser 473 and cell proliferation in CRC cells with mutation in phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). AKT phosphorylation at Ser 473 was resistant to EGF stimulation in CRC cell lines of DLD-1 ( PIK3CA E545K mutation) and HT-29 ( PIK3CA P499T mutation). Over-expression of cPLA 2 α by stable transfection increased basal and EGF-stimulated AKT phosphorylation and proliferation in DLD-1 cells. In contrast, silencing of cPLA 2 α with siRNA or inhibition with Efipladib decreased basal and EGF-stimulated AKT phosphorylation and proliferation in HT-29. Treating animals transplanted with DLD-1 with Efipladib (10 mg/kg, i.p. daily) over 14 days reduced xenograft growth by >90% with a concomitant decrease in AKT phosphorylation. In human CRC tissue, cPLA 2 α expression and phosphorylation were increased in 63% (77/120) compared with adjacent normal mucosa determined by immunohistochemistry. We conclude that cPLA 2 α is required for sustaining AKT phosphorylation at Ser 473 and cell proliferation in CRC cells with PI3K mutation, and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for treatment of CRC resistant to anti-EGFR therapy.

A field experiment was carried out for three years to examine the concentrations of NH 4 + -N, NO 3 − -N and dissolved total phosphorus (TP) in leachates and cumulative leaching losses in rice fields with straw retention under different rates of fertilizer N application. With straw retention, the percolation rate had a significant ( p −1 . NH 4 + -N and NO 3 − -N concentration in percolation increased with increasing of N fertilizer application rate. Compared to the control (without straw or fertilizer), the wheat straw incorporation with nil N fertilizer decreased the concentration of NH 4 + -N and NO 3 − -N but promoted TP concentration. Cumulative inorganic N (NH 4 + -N + NO 3 − -N) and P losses were about 14.4 and 0.53 kg ha −1 , accounting for 5.6% and 3.5% of N and P fertilizer applied. NH 4 + -N leaching losses accounted for 62–97% of the total leaching of inorganic N. Nitrogen leaching losses occurred mainly at the basal fertilizer application stage, accounting for 76.8% of total N leaching. Straw retention reduced the N leaching losses because the straw can enhance microbial N immobilization due to its high C:N ratio. However, the mechanism of straw incorporation impacts on N and P leaching requires more detailed study.

Problems associated with Organochlorine pesticide (OCP)-contaminated soils have received wide attention. To understand the anaerobic biodegradation process constraints, innovative mathematical analysis methods are effective. Response surface methodology (RSM) and Tenax TA extraction method combined with the first-three-compartment model were employed to systematically investigate the role of nitrate concentration and bioaccessibility enhancer (methyl-β-cyclodextrin, MCD) in the anaerobic biodegradation of OCPs in contaminated soil. The sole addition of either KNO3 or MCD could facilitate the anaerobic biodegradation of OCPs. The highest biodegradation for total OCPs, hexachlorocyclohexanes, endosulfans, and chlordanes were 71.6, 82.1, 68.3, and 55.6 %, respectively, when 20 mM KNO3 and 3.0 % (w/w) MCD were applied simultaneously. As predicted by RSM, the theoretical maximum biodegradation for total OCPs ranged from 60 to 80 % when 20 to 25 mM KNO3 and >2.5 % (w/w) MCD were applied simultaneously. Tenax TA extraction method demonstrated the enhancement of OCP bioaccessibility caused by MCD addition. Changes in the soil microbial activities also suggested the positive effects of adding suitable amounts of KNO3 as a cosubstrate to facilitate the anaerobic biodegradation of OCPs. The amount of KNO3 and MCD are crucial in influencing OCP biodegradation. RSM was demonstrated to be a powerful tool to estimate and predicting the optimal OCP biodegradation under KNO3 and MCD application simultaneously.

We investigated phytotoxicity in seven plant species exposed to a range of concentrations (0-500 mg center dot kg(-1) soil) of di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) or bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), two representative phthalate esters (PAEs) nominated by USEPA as priority pollutants and known environmental estrogens. We studied seed germination, root elongation, seedling growth, biomass (fresh weight, FW) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of shoots and roots of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), oat (Avena sativa) and onion (Allium cepa L.), together with monitoring of plant pigment content (chlorophyll a, b and carotinoids) in alfalfa, radish and onion shoots. Root elongation, seedling growth and biomass of the test species were generally inhibited by DnBP but not by DEHP, indicating a lower level of phytotoxicity of DEHP than of DnBP. MDA contents of four species were promoted by PAE exposure, but not in alfalfa, ryegrass or onion shoots, indicating lower sensitivity of these three species to PAE pollutants. Plant pigment contents were clearly affected under the stress of both pollutants, implying the potential damage to the photosynthetic system of test plants, mainly by decreasing the content of chlorophyll a and b. Results of DnBP and DEHP phytotoxicity to the primary growth of test plants has provided information for the assessment of their environmental risk in the soil and also forms a basis for the further analysis of their toxic effects over the whole growth period of different plant species.

Single phytotoxicity of two representative phthalate esters (PAEs), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), was tested in mung bean ( Vigna radiata) seedlings germinated for 72 h in soils spiked with varying concentrations (0-500 mg kg(-1) soil) of DnBP or DEHP. PAEs added at up to 500 mg kg(-1) soil exerted no significant effect on germination but both pollutants significantly inhibited root elongation (P < 0.01), DEHP inhibited, shoot elongation (P < 0.01) and DnBP depressed biomass on a fresh weight basis (P < 0.05). Seedling shoot and root malondialdehyde (MDA) contents tended to be stimulated by DnBP but inhibited by DEHP. However, increases in superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities, as well as glutathione (GSH) content, were induced at higher concentrations (e.g., 20 mg kg(-1)) of both compounds. Accumulation of proline in both roots and shoots and the storage compounds, such as free amino acids and total soluble sugars, in whole plant was induced under the stress exerted by both PAEs. The general responses of mung bean seedlings indicated higher toxicity of DnBP than DEHP on primary growth, during which root elongation was a more responsive index. MDA and GSH were more sensitive parameters in the roots than in the shoots and they might be recommended as physiologically sensitive parameters to assess the toxicity of PAE compounds in soils in future long-term studies.

In this paper, we propose a green radio resource allocation (GRRA) scheme for LTE-advanced downlink systems with coordinated multi-point (CoMP) transmission to support multimedia traffic. The GRRA scheme defines a green radio utility function, which is composed of the required transmission power, assigned modulation order, and the number of coordinated transmission nodes. By maximizing this utility function, the GRRA scheme can effectively save transmission power, enhance spectrum efficiency, and guarantee quality-of-service requirements. The simulation results show that when the traffic load intensity is greater than 0.7, the GRRA scheme can save transmission power by more than 33.9 and 40.1 %, as compared with the conventional adaptive radio resource allocation (ARRA) scheme (Tsai et al. in IEEE Trans Wireless Commun 7(5):1734---1743, 2008) with CoMP and the utility-based radio resource allocation (URRA) scheme (Katoozian et al. in IEEE Trans Wireless Commun 8(1):66---71, 2009) with CoMP, respectively. Besides, it enhances the system throughput by approximately 5.5 % and improves Jain's fairness index for best effort users by more than 155 % over these two ARRA and URRA schemes.

The effectiveness of anaerobic bioremediation systems for PAH-contaminated soil may be constrained by low contaminants bioaccessibility due to limited aqueous solubility and lack of suitable electron acceptors. Information on what is the rate-limiting factor in bioremediation process is of vital importance in the decision in what measures can be taken to assist the biodegradation efficacy. In the present study, four different microcosms were set to study the effect of methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MCD) and nitrate addition (N) on PAHs biodegradation under anaerobic conditions in a red paddy soil. Meanwhile, sequential Tenax extraction combined with a first-three-compartment model was employed to evaluate the rate-limiting factors in MCD enhanced anaerobic biodegradation of PAHs. Microcosms with both 1% (w/w) MCD and 20 mM N addition produced maximum biodegradation of total PAHs of up to 61.7%. It appears rate-limiting factors vary with microcosms: low activity of degrading microorganisms is the vital rate-limiting factor for control and MCD addition treatments (CK and M treatments); and lack of bioaccessible PAHs is the main rate-limiting factor for nitrate addition treatments (N and MN treatments). These results have practical implications for site risk assessment and cleanup strategies. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

APF harmonic detection is the study of the most important parts of the core , quickly and accurately detect the harmonic current is able to quickly output harmonic compensation circuit current of the premise. Delay compensation system is based on the increase in the method specified time compensation angle , which can accurately detect the harmonic current at the same time , the low-pass filter to minimize the time delay generated by MATLAB simulation, the use of delay compensation system active Filter harmonic Detection and Compensation excellent performance, while ensuring high precision detection and compensation while ensuring at the same time , and fully complete filter real-time functionality .

A novel molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) based thermo-sensitive electrochemical sensor was fabricated by an electropolymerization method using N-isopropylacryamide and theophylline as the monomer and the template molecule, respectively. The [Fe(CN)6]3−/[Fe(CN)6]4− was used as an electrochemical probe to investigate the electrochemical behavior of the prepared sensor. The influence factors including electropolymerization cycles, the utilization of cross-linkers, and the extraction solution were investigated in detail. The sensor exhibited excellent thermo-sensitive behavior to environmental temperature stimuli and displayed a good recognition capacity for template molecules from its analogues. This approach may allow the application of this type of intelligent electrochemical sensor for stimulus-responsive recognition of template molecules.

The concentrations of six priority phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in intensively managed suburban vegetable soils in Nanjing, east China, were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The total PAE concentrations in the soils ranged widely from 0.15 to 9.68 mg kg(-1) with a median value of 1.70 mg kg(-1), and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) were the most abundant phthalate esters. Soil PAR concentrations depended on the mode of use of plastic film in which PAEs were incorporated as plasticizing agents and both the plastic film and poultry manure appeared to be important sources of soil PAEs. Vegetables in rotation with flooded rice led to lower concentrations of PAEs in soil. The results indicate that agricultural plastic film can be an important source of soil PAE contamination and further research is required to fully elucidate the mechanisms of PAE contamination of intensive agricultural soils with different use modes of use of plastic film. Crown Copyright (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were removed by low-temperature plasma technique (dielectric barrier discharge) from heavily polluted soil and their intermediate products were analyzed. The removal rate ranged from 40.1 to 84.6% by different treatments, and they were also influenced significantly (P < 0.01) by soil particle-size, electric power, gas flow rate and reaction time. The optimal reaction conditions of PCB removal from the soil were obtained experimentally when soil particle-size, electrical power, flow rate and reaction time were 5–10 mm, 21 w, 120 mL·min−1 and 90 min, respectively. However, decreasing electrical power, flow rate and reaction time to 18 w, 60 mL·min−1 and 60 min respectively were also acceptable in view of the cost of remediation. This technique was characterized by the additional advantage of thorough oxidation of PCBs in the soil, with no formation of intermediate products after reaction. The technique therefore shows some promise for application in the remediation of soils contaminated with persistent organic pollutants in brown field sites in urban areas.

Constitutive phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) is a common feature of cancer caused by genetic alteration in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene and is associated with poor prognosis. This study determined the role of cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α) in AKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and androgen receptor (AR) signaling in PTEN-null/mutated prostate cancer cells. Doxycycline (Dox)-induced expression of cPLA2α led to an increase in pAKT, pGSK3β and cyclin D1 levels in LNCaP cells that possess a PTEN frame-shift mutation. In contrast, silencing cPLA2α expression with siRNA decreased pAKT, pGSK3β and cyclin D1 levels in both PC-3 (PTEN deletion) and LNCaP cells. Silencing of cPLA2α decreased pERK and AR protein levels. The inhibitory effect of cPLA2α siRNA on pAKT and AR protein levels was reduced by the addition of arachidonic acid (AA), whereas the stimulatory effect of AA on pAKT, pERK and AR levels was decreased by an inhibitor of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid production. Pharmacological blockade of cPLA2α with Efipladib reduced pAKT and AR levels with a concomitant inhibition of PC-3 and LNCaP cell proliferation. These results demonstrate an important role for cPLA2α in sustaining AKT, ERK and AR signaling in PTEN-null/mutated prostate cancer cells and provide a potential molecular target for treating prostate cancer.

Scar inhibition of dermal equivalent is one of the key issues for treatment of full thickness skin defects. To yield a bioactive RNAi functionalized matrix for skin regeneration with inhibited scarring, collagen-chitosan/silicone membrane bilayer dermal equivalent (BDE) was combined with trimetylchitosan (TMC)/siRNA complexes which could induce suppression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) pathway. The RNAi-BDE functioned as a reservoir for the incorporated TMC/siRNA complexes, enabling a prolonged siRNA release. The seeded fibroblasts in the RNAi-BDE showed good viability, internalized the TMC/siRNA complexes effectively and suppressed TGF-β1 expression constantly until 14 d. Application of the RNAi-BDE on the full-thickness skin defects of pig backs confirmed the in vivo inhibition of TGF-β1 expression by immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting during 30 d post surgery. The levels of other scar-related factors such as collagen type I, collagen type III and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were also down-regulated. In combination with the ultra-thin skin graft transplantation for 73 d, the regenerated skin by RNAi-BDE had an extremely similar structure to that of the normal one. Our study reflects the latest paradigm of tissue engineering by incorporating the emerging biomolecule siRNA. The 3-D scaffolding materials for siRNA delivery may have general implications in generation of bioactive matrix as well.

Land use in east China tends to change from paddy rice to vegetables or other high-value cash crops, resulting in high input rates of organic manures and increased risk of contamination with both heavy metals (HMs) and antibiotics. This investigation was conducted to determine the accumulation, distribution and risks of HMs and tetracyclines (TCs) in surface soils and profiles receiving different amounts of farmyard manure. Soil samples collected from suburbs of Hangzhou city, Zhejiang province were introduced to represent three types of land use change from paddy rice to asparagus production, vineyards and field mustard cultivation, and divided into two portions, one of which was air-dried and sieved through 2-, 0.3- and 0.149-mm nylon mesh for determination of pH and heavy metals. The other portion was frozen at -20 A degrees C, freeze-dried and sieved through a 0.3-mm nylon mesh for tetracyline determination. HM and TC concentrations in surface soils of 14-year-old mustard fields were the highest with total Cu, Zn, Cd and aTCs of 50.5, 196, 1.03 mg kg(-1) and 22.9 mu g kg(-1), respectively, on average. The total Cu sequence was field mustard > vineyards > asparagus when duration of land use change was considered; oxytetracycline (OTC) and doxycycline were dominant in soils used for asparagus production; OTC was dominant in vineyards and chlortetracycline (CTC) was dominant in mustard soils. There were positive pollution relationships among Cu, Zn and aTCs, especially between Cu and Zn or Cu and aTCs. Repeated and excessive application of manures from intensive farming systems may produce combined contamination with HMs and TCs which were found in the top 20 cm of the arable soil profiles and also extended to 20-40 cm depth. Increasing manure application rate and cultivation time led to continuing increases in residue concentrations and movement down the soil profile.

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) pollution in agricultural soils caused by widely employed plastic products is becoming more and more widespread in China. PAEs polluted soil can lead to phytotoxicity in higher plants and potential health risks to human being. We evaluated the individual toxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), two representative PAEs, to sown rape (Brassica chinensis L.) seeds within 72 h (as germination stage) and seedlings after germination for 14 days by monitoring responses and trends of different biological parameters. No significant effects of six concentrations of PAE ranging from 0 (not treated/NT) to 500 mg kg(-1) on germination rate in soil were observed. However, root length, shoot length, and biomass (fresh weight) were inhibited by both pollutants (except root length and biomass under DEHP). Stimulatory effects of both target pollutants on malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SODase) activity, ascorbate peroxidase (APXase) content, and polyphenoloxidase (PPOase) activity in shoots and roots (SODase activity in shoots excluded) were in the same trend with the promotion of proline (Pro) but differed with acetylcholinesterase activity (except in shoots under DnBP) for analyzed samples treated for 72 h and 14 days. Responses of representative storage compounds free amino acids (FAA) and total soluble sugar (TSS) under both PAEs were raised. Sensitivity of APXase and Pro in roots demonstrates their possibility in estimation of PAE phytotoxicity and the higher toxicity of DnBP, which has also been approved by the morphological photos of seedlings at day 14. Higher sensitivity of the roots was also observed. The recommended soil allowable concentration is 5 mg DnBP kg(-1) soil for the development of rape. We still need to know the phytotoxicity of DEHP at whole seedling stage for both the growing and development; on the other hand, soil criteria for PAE compounds are urgently required in China.

A field experiment was conducted to study the phytoremediation of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) by legume (alfalfa, Medicago sativa L.)-grass (perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne L. and tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea) intercropping in contaminated agricultural soil at one of the largest e-waste recycling sites in China. Two compounds, DEHP and DnBP, were present in the soil and in the shoots of the test plants at much higher concentrations than the other target PAEs studied. Over 80% of 'total' (i.e., all six) PAEs were removed from the soil across all treatments by the end of the experiment. Alfalfa in monoculture removed over 90% of PAEs and alfalfa in the intercrop of the three plant species contained the highest shoot concentration of total PAEs of about 4.7 mg kg(-1) DW (dry weight). Calculation of phytoextraction efficiency indicated that the most effective plant combinations in eliminating soil PAEs were the three-species intercrop (1.78%) and the alfalfa monocrop (1.41%). Phytoremediation with alfalfa was effective in both monoculture and intercropping. High bioconcentration factors (BCFs) indicated the occurrence of significant extraction of PAEs by plants from soil, suggesting that phytoremediation may have potential for the removal of PAEs from contaminated soils.

The accumulation of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in soil and plants in agricultural land near an electronic waste recycling site in east China has become a great threat to the neighboring environmental quality and human health. Soil and plant samples collected from land under different utilization, including fallow plots, vegetable plots, plots with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as green manure, fallow plots under long-term flooding and fallow plots under alternating wet and dry periods, together with plant samples from relative plots were analyzed for six PAE compounds nominated as prior pollutants by USEPA. In the determined samples, the concentrations of six target PAE pollutants ranged from 0.31-2.39 mg/kg in soil to 1.81-5.77 mg/kg in various plants (dry weight/DW), and their bioconcentration factors (BCFs) ranged from 5.8 to 17.9. Health risk assessments were conducted on target PAEs, known as typical environmental estrogen analogs, based on their accumulation in the edible parts of vegetables. Preliminary risk assessment to human health from soil and daily vegetable intake indicated that DEHP may present a high-exposure risk on all ages of the population in the area by soil ingestion or vegetable consumption. The potential damage that the target PAE compounds may pose to human health should be taken into account in further comprehensive risk assessments in e-waste recycling sites areas. Moreover, alfalfa removed substantial amounts of PAEs from the soil, and its use can be considered a good strategy for in situ remediation of PAEs.

In the last few years, in order to solve the problems of traditional delivery mode in construction industry, such as over budget, project delay and so on, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) as an effective solution has become a hot spot in China and abroad. IPD with special implementation of process has many advantages compared with the traditional delivery mode. In this paper, the modeling strategy of BIM in IPD project is proposed, and the application of BIM in all stages of IPD on basis of engineering project is analyzed. The study provides foundation for the further collaboration application of IPD with BIM.

Harmonic detection is one of the most important core part of Active Power Filter,which can quickly and accurately detect the harmonic current that is the premise of circuit to quickly output harmonic compensation current,therefore the pros and cons of the detection method,a direct impact on the effect of harmonic compensation.Time compensation method is to add a specific time compensation angle based on the method of instantaneous reactive power compensation,so that it can accurately detect the harmonic currents at the same time,minimize the low-pass filter time delay.By MATLAB simulation,the results show high detection accuracy.And to ensure detection and compensation,while fully to improve the real-time function of the filter.

E-Kanban management is an effective tool to achieve lean and just-in-time(JIT) production. Based on the analysis of the traditional Kanban and the advantages of E-Kanban, types and function of E-Kanban in construction industry are proposed. The framework of E-Kanban management in steel structure engineering of an international expo center which covers decision layer, business layer and technical support layer is built in this paper. The E-Kanban management system and the models of E-Kanban in steel structure engineering are designed on basis of this framework. The system focuses on function and application of Transmit E-Kanban, produce E-Kanban, temporary E-Kanban and feedback E-Kanban. The research of this paper provides the theory and practice foundation for the application of E-Kanban in construction industry.

Agrochemical applications may have side effects on soil biochemical properties related to soil nitrogen (N) mineralization and thus affect N cycling. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and fungicide iprodione on soil neutral protease (NPR), alkaline protease (APR), chitinase (CHI), and their functional genes (nprA, aprA, and chiA) related to soil N mineralization. The following four treatments were included: blank control (CK), single DMPP application (DAA), weekly iprodione applications (IPR), and the combined applications of DMPP and iprodione (DI). Compared with the CK treatment, DMPP application significantly inhibited the CHI activity in the first 14 days of incubation, and iprodione applications, particularly when applied alone, decreased the NPR, APR, and CHI activities. Relative to the IPR treatment, extra DMPP application had the potential to alleviate the inhibitory effects of iprodione on the activities of these enzymes. DMPP application significantly increased aprA gene abundances after 14 days of incubation. However, repeated iprodione applications, alone or with the DMPP, decreased nprA and chiA gene abundances. Relative to the CK treatment, DMPP application generated negligible effects on the positive/negative correlations between soil enzyme activities and the corresponding functional gene abundances. However, the positive correlation between the CHI activity and chiA gene abundance was changed to negative correlation by repeated iprodione applications, alone or together with the DMPP. Our results demonstrated that agrochemical applications, particularly repeated fungicide applications, can have inadvertent effects on enzyme activities and functional gene abundances associated with soil N mineralization.

Greenhouse vegetable production (GVP) has become an important source of public vegetable consumption and farmers' income in China. However, various pollutants can be accumulated in GVP soils due to the high cropping index, large agricultural input, and closed environment. Ecological toxicity caused by excessive pollutants' accumulation can then lead to serious health risks. This paper was aimed to systematically review the current status of soil environmental quality, analyze their impact factors, and consequently to propose integrated management strategies for GVP systems. Results indicated a decrease in soil pH, soil salinization, and nutrients imbalance in GVP soils. Fungicides, remaining nutrients, antibiotics, heavy metals, and phthalate esters were main pollutants accumulating in GVP soils comparing to surrounding open field soils. Degradation of soil ecological function, accumulation of major pollutants in vegetables, deterioration of neighboring water bodies, and potential human health risks has occurred due to the changes of soil properties and accumulation of pollutants such as heavy metals and fungicides in soils. Four dominant factors were identified leading to the above-mentioned issues including heavy application of agricultural inputs, outmoded planting styles with poor environmental protection awareness, old-fashion regulations, unreasonable standards, and ineffective supervisory management. To guarantee a sustainable GVP development, several strategies were suggested to protect and improve soil environmental quality. Implementation of various strategies not only requires the concerted efforts among different stakeholders, but also the whole lifecycle assessment throughout the GVP processes as well as effective enforcement of policies, laws, and regulations.

Detection of nitroaromatic explosives is of paramount importance from security point of view. Graphene sheets obtained from the electrochemical anodic exfoliation of graphite foil in different electrolytes (LiClO4 and Na2SO4) were compared and tested as electrode material for the electrochemical detection of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in seawater. Voltammetry analysis demonstrated the superior electrochemical performance of graphene produced in LiClO4, resulting in higher sensitivity and linearity for the explosives detection and lower limit of detection (LOD) compared to the graphene obtained in Na2SO4. We attribute this to the presence of oxygen functionalities onto the graphene material obtained in LiClO4 which enable charge electrostatic interactions with the –NO2 groups of the analyte, in addition to π-π stacking interactions with the aromatic moiety. Research findings obtained from this study would assist in the development of portable devices for the on-site detection of nitroaromatic explosives.

This study compared the demographics, clinical characteristics, and antidepressant prescription patterns between Asian patients aged 50 years and older attending psychiatric hospitals and those attending general hospitals.In total, 955 patients (604 in general hospitals, 351 in psychiatric hospitals) aged 50 years or older treated with antidepressants in 10 Asian countries and territories were examined. Patients' demographics, clinical features, and prescriptions of psychotropic drugs were recorded using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure.Binary logistic regression revealed that high income and diagnosis of schizophrenia were independently associated with psychiatric hospital treatment, whereas outpatient care, diagnosis of anxiety disorders, and multiple major medical conditions were independently associated with general hospital treatment. In addition, tetracyclic and noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants were more likely to be prescribed in general hospitals.Older adults treated with antidepressants showed different demographic and clinical features between general hospitals and psychiatric hospitals in Asia.

Broad-spectrum fungicide chlorothalonil (CTN) is successively applied into intensive agriculture soil. However, the impacts of successive CTN applications on soil nitrification and related microorganisms remain poorly understood. A microcosm study was conducted to reveal the effects of successive CTN applications on soil nitrification and functional genes involved in soil nitrogen (N) cycling. The CTN at the dosages of 5 mg kg−1 dry soil (RD) and 25 mg kg−1 dry soil (5RD) was successively applied into the test soil at 7-day intervals which resulted in the accumulations of CTN residues. After 28 days of incubation, CTN residues in the RD and 5RD treatments were 3.14 and 69.7 mg kg−1 dry soil respectively. Net nitrification rates in the RD and 5RD treatments were lower than that obtained from the blank control (CK). Real-time PCR analysis revealed that AOA and AOB amoA gene abundances were significantly decreased by CTN applications. Moreover, CTN applications also discrepantly decreased the abundances of functional genes involved in soil denitrification, with the exception of nosZ gene. Principal component analysis further supported the observation that successive CTN applications could result in enhanced ecological toxicity.

It is of great importance to study the CO

The present study investigated the impact of sulfonated graphene (SG) on the growth of maize seedlings at a concentration range of 0-500mgL-1. Stress-related parameters including reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular Ca2+, antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, membrane leakage, cell death and root morphology were examined to reveal the potential mechanisms. The results indicate that SG induced a hormesis effect on plant height, i.e., low-concentration (50mgL-1) stimulation and high-concentration (500mgL-1) inhibition. The hormesis effect of SG on plant height was directly correlated with ROS levels in roots. A low concentration (50mgL-1) of SG promoted ROS scavenging, alleviated oxidative stress, enhanced the soluble protein (SP) content, and decreased intracellular Ca2+ and cell death in the roots. At a higher concentration (500mgL-1), SG stimulated the generation of ROS in the roots, decreased SP content in the leaves, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, intracellular Ca2+, electrolyte leakage and cell death in the roots, and increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in both roots and leaves. Different changes were observed for root morphology at SG concentrations of 50 and 500mgL-1, and a larger amount of SG was deposited onto the root surface at a concentration of 500mgL-1 compared with 50mgL-1.