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In order to compare different concentration modes' influence on the nano-silver particle size and morphology,we use three methods to refine nano-silver solution prepared in the lab as:1 centrifugal the solution directly,2 deposit the solution with acetone,3 centrifugal the solution with acetone added.Then test the solution processed with particle size distribution,UV-vis and SEM.The result shows that:the particle sizes of the nano-silver solutions enriched with the three methods are 162.5nm,163.5nm,164nm;the peak of the UV-vis absorption curve are 425nm, 426.5nm,427nm,we can see that different methods of enrichment have less influence on the nano-silver particles' size and morphology. Also the same conclusion can be drawn from SEM test.

In order to anticipate the color of dye ink more accurately, WENZHOU Mernuo Red-10 as an example, who was dissolved in different polarity solvent by magnetic stirring and ultrasonic agitation, the influence for properties of solvent on color of dye was researched with the coating method through contrasting sample papers. The influence for pH values of the solution and adding water to Red-10 solution on color of dye were also researched. It's shown that with the increased polarity of the solution,the absorption wavelength of Red-10 reduced gradually,light shade effect was caused. For the same solvent,with the pH values of the solvent increased,the absorption wavelength of Red-10 reduced gradually,light shade effect was caused.And all the factors affect the L,a,b values of the Red-10 dye's samples.

Cathepsins, a superfamily of hydrolytic enzymes produced and enclosed within lysosomes, function in immune response in vertebrates; however, their function within the innate immune system of invertebrates remains largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the immune functionality of cathepsin A (catA) in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), a commercially important and disease vulnerable aquaculture species. The full length catA cDNA (2200 bp) was cloned via PCR based upon an initial expressed sequence tag (EST) isolated from a hepatopancreatic cDNA library. The catA cDNA contained a 1398 bp open reading frame (ORF) that encoded a putative 465 amino acid (aa) protein. Comparisons with other reported vertebrate cathepsins sequences revealed percent identity range from 48 to 51%. CatA mRNA expression in E. sinensis was (a) tissue-specific, with the highest expression observed in gill and (b) responsive in hemocytes to a Vibrio anguillarum challenge, with peak exposure observed 12 h post-injection. Collectively, data demonstrate the successful isolation of catA from the Chinese mitten crab, and its involvement in the innate immune system of an invertebrate.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were dispersed in an aqueous solution containing water-soluble poly(ethylenimine), and used to prepare MWCNTs modified glassy carbon electrode (GC/MWCNTs). A scanning electron microscopy was employed for characterizing the surface morphology of the modified electrode. The electrochemical behaviors of coenzyme (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NADH) on GC/MWCNTs were studied by both cyclic voltammetry and amperometry, and it is found clearly that the high overpotential for the direct oxidation of NADH on bare GC electrode was largely decreased in the presence of MWCNTs. The GC/MWCNTs electrode exhibited excellent properties as a platform for the construction of electrochemical biosensors based on NAD-dependent dehydrogenases, and an alcohol biosensor was successfully developed by immobilizing alcohol dehydrogenase on GC/MWCNTs.

Apoptosis is a central regulatory feature of the immune system, and the most common form of death among immunological cells. However, the function of apoptosis, within the innate immune system of invertebrates, remains largely unknown. For this reason, we investigated the immune functionality of two apoptosis genes, caspase and nm23, in the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), which is a commercially important and disease vulnerable aquaculture species. The entire length caspase and nm23 cDNA genes were cloned using PCR, based on an initial expressed sequence tag (EST) isolated from a hepatopancreatic cDNA library. The caspase cDNA contained an 1119 bp open reading frame that encoded a putative 372 amino acid protein, while nm23 cDNA contained a 456 bp open reading frame that encoded a putative 151 amino acid protein. Comparison, with other reported invertebrate and vertebrate sequences, revealed the presence of conserved enzyme active sites that were common among caspase and nm23 superfamilies. In brief, caspase and nm23 mRNA expression in E. sinensis were (a) both detected in all tissues, including the hemocytes, heart, hepatopancreas, gill, stomach, muscle, intestine, brain and eyestalk, and (b) responsive in hemocytes, gill and hepatopancreas to a Vibrio anguillarum immuno-challenge all appeared sharp increase. Collectively, the data presented here demonstrate the successful isolation of caspase and nm23 apoptosis genes from the Chinese mitten crab, and their role in the innate immune system of an invertebrate.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as a multi-functional cytokine mediating both innate and adaptive immune responses, however, their function within the innate immune system of invertebrates remains largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the immune functionality of MIF in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), a commercially important and disease vulnerable aquaculture species. The full-length MIF cDNA (704 bp) was cloned via PCR based upon an initial expressed sequence tag (EST) isolated from a E. sinensis cDNA library. The MIF cDNA contained a 363 bp open reading frame (ORF) that encoded a putative 120 amino acid (aa) protein. Comparisons with other reported invertebrate and vertebrate MIF sequences revealed conserved enzyme active sites. MIF mRNA expression in E. sinensis was (a) tissue-specific, with the highest expression observed in hepatotpancreas, and (b) responsive in hemocytes, hepatopancreas and gill to a Vibrio anguillarum challenge, with peak exposure observed 8 h, 12 h and 12 h post-injection, respectively. Collectively, data demonstrate the successful isolation of MIF from the Chinese mitten crab, and its involvement in the innate immune system of an invertebrate.

Cathepsins, a superfamily of hydrolytic enzymes produced and enclosed within lysosomes, function in immune response in vertebrates; however, their function within the innate immune system of invertebrates remains largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the immune functionality of cathepsin L (catL) in Chinese mitten crab ( Eriocheir sinensis ), a commercially important and disease vulnerable aquaculture species. The full-length catL cDNA (1274 bp) was cloned via PCR based upon an initial expressed sequence tag (EST) isolated from a hepatopancreatic cDNA library. The catL cDNA contained a 978 bp open reading frame (ORF) that encoded a putative 325 amino acid (aa) protein. Comparisons with other reported invertebrate and vertebrate sequences revealed conserved gene structure and enzyme active sites common among papain-like cysteine proteases, and high percent identity among other invertebrate cathepsins. CatL mRNA expression in E. sinensis was (a) tissue-specific, with the highest expression observed in hepatotpancreas, gill, stomach, and hemocytes, and (b) responsive in hemocytes to a Vibrio anguillarum challenge, the catL expression level and enzyme activity both with peak exposure observed 8 h post-injection. Collectively, data demonstrate the successful isolation of catL from the Chinese mitten crab, and its involvement in the innate immune system of an invertebrate.

graphic user interface and digital products as a user interface for interactive operations, will undoubtedly become the key to improving the user experience. "Man-machine interface design" as a new and important subject, in a profound impact on computers, mobile phones, PDA, tablet touch device development, the rapid development of computer digital technology and new products are emerging also graphics interface of the far-reaching change.

Cathepsins, a superfamily of hydrolytic enzymes produced and enclosed within lysosomes, function in immune response in vertebrates; however, their function within the innate immune system of invertebrates remains largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the immune functionality of cathepsin C (catC) in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), a commercially important and disease vulnerable aquaculture species. The full-length catC cDNA (1481 bp) was cloned via PCR based upon an initial expressed sequence tag (EST) isolated from a hepatopancreatic cDNA library. The catC cDNA contained a 1284 bp open reading frame (ORF) that encoded a putative 427 amino acid (aa) protein. Comparisons with other reported invertebrate and vertebrate cathepsins sequences revealed high percent identity. CatC mRNA expression in E. sinensis was responsive in hemocytes to a Vibrio anguillarum challenge, with peak exposure observed 6 h post-injection. Collectively, data demonstrate the successful isolation of catC from the Chinese mitten crab, and its involvement in the innate immune system of an invertebrate.

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Labiatae) (SbG), one of the fifty fundamental herbs of Chinese herbology, has been reported to have anti-asthmatic, antifungal, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study was designed to determine the protective effects of the extract of SbG against the acrolein-induced oxidative stress in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The MTT reduction assay was employed to determine cell viability. The total cellular glutathione (GSH) level was detected using a colorimetric GSH assay kit. Cellular GSH production was conducted by detecting the mRNA expression levels of γ-glutamylcysteine ligase catalytic subunit and modifier subunit. Concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects of acrolein were observed while SbG could effectively protect the acrolein-induced oxidative damage. The protective mechanism was investigated, showing that the increased GSH content in the SbG-incubated HUVE cells was associated with the protective effects of SbG-treated cells. Further RT-PCR data confirmed the elevated mRNA expressions of GSH synthesis enzymes. The current study strongly indicated that SbG could be a potential antioxidant against oxidative stress in treating cardiovascular diseases.

In order to determine the minimal dietary zinc (Zn) requirements in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, we assessed the influence of dietary Zn levels on the weight gain, survival, fatty acid composition, expressions of fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) and metallothionein-1 (MT-1) transcripts at end of an 8-week feeding regime. Supplemental Zn (0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg kg−1 diet) was administered orally to crabs via the diet. The results indicate that dietary supplementation of 20 mg Zn kg−1 diet yielded the largest weight gain. While the hepatopancreatic concentrations of Zn increased progressively with the supplemental dosage, the hepatopancreas fatty acid composition was variable and dependent on supplementation. As the dietary Zn concentrations increased, 18:0 in crab hepatopancreas exhibited a downward trend, whereas 18:1 n-9, 18:3 n-3, 20:4 n-6 ( arachidonic acid,ARA) and 22:6 n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA) compositions exhibited a bell-curve response. The expressions of FABP and MT-1 transcripts were the highest in crabs receiving 20 or 40 mg Zn kg−1 diet corresponding to quantified levels of 27 or 44 mg Zn kg−1 diet. Taken together, these results suggest that dietary Zn deficiency may influence the synthesis and metabolism of fatty acids in the hepatopancreas of the mitten crab, an important aquaculture species.

The jib is an important component for the tower crane. The reliability of the tower crane jib has a direct impact on the safety production. In the current crane industry, the traditional allowable stress method is still the main method for designing tower crane jib. As a result, the reliability of the tower crane jib cannot be given quantitatively. In this paper, by using the probabilistic method, the reliability of a tower crane jib is worked out, and a design way based on the reliability for the tower crane jib is provided.

To study the outcomes following concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and subsequent radical surgery for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), analyze the relationship between imaging-diagnosed and postoperative-diagnosed lymph node (LN) involvement, and identify patients who would benefit from individualized pelvic lymphadenectomy. We retrospectively reviewed records of 410 patients who underwent CCRT followed by radical surgery for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stage Ib2-IIIb disease. Correlations of LN size on imaging before CCRT with pathological responses after CCRT, overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and complications were analyzed. During a median follow-up of 51.3 months, the respective 5-year OS and DMFS were 86.7% and 88.6%, respectively. Pathological primary tumor type, LN size on imaging before CCRT, and pathologic response after CCRT were independent prognostic factors for OS. Patients with a LN ≥0.8 cm had a significantly higher residual carcinoma rate versus those with LN

Biosynthesis and secretion of two different types of antifungal compound [phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) and pyoluteorin (Plt) in Pseudomonas sp. M18] contribute to its suppression of soil-borne root pathogens. To better understand the correlation between two antifungal agents in secondary metabolism, a DNA fragment covering partial pltC and pltD coding sequences was obtained by screening the genomic library of Pseudomonas sp. M18. A mutant, M18T, was then constructed by insertion of the aacC1 gene cassette (encoding gentamycin resistance). With the same methods, one PCA biosynthetic gene cluster was insertionally inactivated and a mutant M18Z1 was created. The mutant strain M18T produces no Plt and the same amount of PCA in comparison with the wild-type strain M18. The mutant M18Z1, however, produces less PCA but more Plt than the wild-type strain M18. According to the documented data on strain M18, it is suggested that production of PCA is not influenced by Plt yield, but Plt biosynthesis is influenced by an alteration of PCA production.

ConspectusConjugated polymers have been extensively studied for application in organic solar cells. In designing new polymers, particular attention has been given to tuning the absorption spectrum, molecular energy levels, crystallinity, and charge carrier mobility to enhance performance. As a result, the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of solar cells based on conjugated polymers as electron donor and fullerene derivatives as electron acceptor have exceeded 10% in single-junction and 11% in multijunction devices. Despite these efforts, it is notoriously difficult to establish thorough structure–property relationships that will be required to further optimize existing high-performance polymers to their intrinsic limits.In this Account, we highlight progress on the development and our understanding of diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) based conjugated polymers for polymer solar cells. The DPP moiety is strongly electron withdrawing and its polar nature enhances the tendency of DPP-based polymers to crystallize. As a result, DPP-based conjugated polymers often exhibit an advantageously broad and tunable optical absorption, up to 1000 nm, and high mobilities for holes and electrons, which can result in high photocurrents and good fill factors in solar cells. Here we focus on the structural modifications applied to DPP polymers and rationalize and explain the relationships between chemical structure and organic photovoltaic performance. The DPP polymers can be tuned via their aromatic substituents, their alkyl side chains, and the nature of the π-conjugated segment linking the units along the polymer chain. We show that these building blocks work together in determining the molecular conformation, the optical properties, the charge carrier mobility, and the solubility of the polymer. We identify the latter as a decisive parameter for DPP-based organic solar cells because it regulates the diameter of the semicrystalline DPP polymer fibers that form in the photovoltaic blends with fullerenes via solution processing. The width of these fibers and the photon energy loss, defined as the energy difference between optical band gap and open-circuit voltage, together govern to a large extent the quantum efficiency for charge generation in these blends and thereby the power conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic devices. Lowering the photon energy loss and maintaining a high quantum yield for charge generation is identified as a major pathway to enhance the performance of organic solar cells. This can be achieved by controlling the structural purity of the materials and further control over morphology formation. We hope that this Account contributes to improved design strategies of DPP polymers that are required to realize new breakthroughs in organic solar cell performance in the future.

In this paper, a compact omnidirectional circularly polarized (CP) cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is presented. The DRA is excited in its TM01δ mode by a probe located at the center, giving linearly polarized (LP) omnidirectional radiation patterns. Four interleaved strips serving as a wave polarizer are placed on the top of the DRA. By tuning the strips, the LP fields can be changed into CP fields. The idea was verified at ∼ 2.4 GHz for WLAN applications. The impedance bandwidth (|S11

Several studies have investigated the association between polymorphisms in protamine 1 and 2 genes and male infertility risk, with inconsistent results to date. This meta-analysis based on the 13 published case-control studies, including 7350 cases and 6167 controls, was performed to further establish the potential association between the 6 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs35576928, rs737008, rs35262993, rs2301365, rs1646022, rs2070923) in protamines 1 and 2 and male infertility. The -190C > A (rs2301365) polymorphism was identified as a risk factor for male infertility under all models. Interestingly, rs1646022 and rs737008 polymorphisms exerted protective effects against male sterility in Asian and population-based under some models. No associations between the remaining SNPs and male sterility were observed.

[To explore the effect of Humifuse Euphorbia Herb ( HEH) on alleviating insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic KK-Ay mice. Totally 40 KK-Ay mice fed with high-fat diet were divided into four groups: the metformin group, the model group, the HEH low-dose group and the HEH high-dose group, and orally administrated with metformin hydrochloride (250 mg x kg(-1)), distilled water, humifuse euphorbia herb 1 g x kg(-1) and 2 g x kg(-1). Besides, C57BL/6J mice with ordinary feed were taken as the normal control group and orally administrated with equal distilled water. The oral administration for the five groups lasted for eight weeks. Before and after the experiment, weight, fasting glucose and insulin tolerance were determined. The morphological changes in pancreas were observed through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining on pancreatic tissue sections. The serum insulin, TNF-α, IL-6, adiponectin (ADPN) and leptin (LEP) were detected by ELISA. The results showed that HEH could reduce weight and fasting glucose in KK-Ay mice, alleviate hyperinsulinemia, reduce blood glucose-time AUC, increase 30-min blood glucose decline rate, relieve insulin resistance, significantly ameliorate the pathomorphological changes in pancreas in each group, decrease serum TNF-α, IL-6 and leptin levels in KK-Ay mice and rise serum ADPN level. This study proved that humifuse euphorbia herb can ameliorate the insulin resistance in KK-Ay mice, and its mechanism may be related to the effect on inflammatory factors and adipocytokines.

Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) mediates innate immunity against pathogens in arthropods. Here, a novel Dscam from red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (CqDscam) was isolated. The CqDscam protein contains one signal peptide, ten immunoglobulin domains, six fibronectin type III domains, one transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail. CqDscam phylogenetically clustered with other invertebrate Dscams. Variable regions of CqDscam in N-terminal halves of Ig2 and Ig3 domains, complete Ig7 domain and TM domain can be reshuffled after transcription to produce a deluge of >37,620 potential alternative splice forms. CqDscam was detected in all tissues tested and abundantly expressed in immune system and nerve system. Upon lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and b-1, 3-glucans (Glu) challenged, the expression of CqDscam was up-regulated, while no response in expression occurred after injection with peptidoglycans (PG). Membrane-bound and secreted types of CqDscam were separated on the protein level, and were both extensively induced post LPS challenge. Membrane-bound CqDscam protein was not detected in the serum, but localized to the hemocyte surface by immuno-localization assay. In the antimicrobial assays, the recombinant LPS-induced isoform of CqDscam protein displayed bacterial binding and growth inhibitory activities, especially with Escherichia coli. These results suggested that CqDscam, as one of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), involved in innate immune recognition and defense mechanisms in C. quadricarinatus, possibly through alternative splicing.

C-type lectins (CTLs) exist widely in crustaceans. To date, thirteen CTLs have been reported in crustaceans, and play significant roles in pathogen recognition, encapsulation of hemocytes and antimicrobial activity in the innate immune response. Based on the initial expressed sequence tags (EST) of a hepatopancreatic cDNA library, a novel CTL, designated as EsLecB, with a 470 bp open reading frame encodes a polypeptide of 156 amino acids, including a signal peptide of 19 amino acid residues and one carbohydrate-recognition domain of 131 aa residues, was cloned from the crustacean Eriocheir sinensis. By qRT-PCR analysis, EsLecB was detected in all tested tissues, and showed highest expression in hemocytes, hepatopancreas and heart. The expression of EsLecB was up-regulated following injections of PAMPs or bacteria. The recombinant protein (rEsLecB) expressed in Escherichia coli had a calcium-independent but carbohydrate-dependent microbial-binding and microbial-agglutinating, microorganism growth inhibitory and hem-encapsulation activities. Moreover, the rEsLecB could stimulate the activation of prophenoloxidase in vitro. These results indicated that EsLecB, as an antibacterial pattern recognition receptor is involved in innate immunity, and may act as an upstream detector of the prophenoloxidase activating system, which can detect pathogen invasion in E. sinensis.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the result of complex gene-environment interactions. According to the World Health Organization, MDD is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and it is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. However, the definitive environmental mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of MDD remain elusive. The gut microbiome is an increasingly recognized environmental factor that can shape the brain through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. We show here that the absence of gut microbiota in germ-free (GF) mice resulted in decreased immobility time in the forced swimming test relative to conventionally raised healthy control mice. Moreover, from clinical sampling, the gut microbiotic compositions of MDD patients and healthy controls were significantly different with MDD patients characterized by significant changes in the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Fecal microbiota transplantation of GF mice with 'depression microbiota' derived from MDD patients resulted in depression-like behaviors compared with colonization with 'healthy microbiota' derived from healthy control individuals. Mice harboring 'depression microbiota' primarily exhibited disturbances of microbial genes and host metabolites involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. This study demonstrates that dysbiosis of the gut microbiome may have a causal role in the development of depressive-like behaviors, in a pathway that is mediated through the host's metabolism.

Transglutaminase (TGase) is critical for blood coagulation, a conserved immunological defense mechanism among invertebrates. Here, a 3248-bp (full-length) TGase cDNA in Eriocheir sinensis (EsTGase) was cloned, with a 2274-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 757 amino acid protein containing two transglut domains, one TGase/protease-like homolog domain and a KGD (Lys-Gly-Asp) motif. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that EsTGase appeared earlier in evolution compared with TGases of other crustaceans and mammals. EsTGase mRNA was mainly detected in hemocytes and up-regulated post-challenge with bacteria (Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus), suggesting an immune function for this gene. Moreover, the EsTGase activity in hemocytes challenged with V. parahaemolyticus and S. aureus was decreased significantly. RNA interference of EsTGase down-regulated expression of immune-related genes CrusEs2, EsLecG and Es-DWD1 with or without bacteria stimulation in vitro. Furthermore, absence of EsTGase led to higher bacterial counts in the hemocyte culture medium. Thus, EsTGase is an important component of the crab immune response and is involved in the regulation of certain immune-related genes, particularly those encoding anti-microbial peptides.

In this investigation, a series of 6-phenylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives were synthesized. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of these compounds based on cellular assays led to the discovery of a number of compounds that showed potent activity against FLT3-dependent human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line MV4-11, but very weak or no activity against FLT3-independent human cervical cancer cell line Hela. FLT3 kinase inhibition assays were then performed on the three most active compounds. Among these compounds, 6-(4-(3-(5-(tert-butyl)isoxazol- 3-yl)ureido)phenyl)-N-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-3-carboxamide (19) exhibited the highest potency in both cellular (MV4-11, IC50: 0.002 μM) and enzymatic (FLT3, IC50: 0.022 μM) assays. Further in-depth in vitro anti-AML activity and mechanism of action studies were carried out on compound 19.

We present a new, facile and efficient method to prepare functional graphene (GN) hybrid nanomaterials using direct electrolytic exfoliation of graphite robs in hemin (HN) and single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) solution. During the exfoliation process, HN and SWCNT were simultaneously adsorbed on the surface of GN nanosheets through noncovalent π-π interaction, and then 3D GN-HN-SWCNT hybrid nanomaterials were formed. Due to the synergic effect among GN, HN, and SWCNT, these hybrid nanomaterials possessed excellent electrocatalysis properties and were used to construct novel electrochemical biosensor for H2O2 determination. The results displayed a wide linear range of 0.2 μM-0.4 mM and a low detection limit of 0.05 μM. Moreover, the developed sensor was successfully applied for real samples, such as beverages, and showed great promise in routine sensing applications.

Phosphino-phenolate neutral nickel catalysts 1-3/B(C6F5)(3), without the help of any organoaluminum compound, were found to be efficient catalytic systems for norbornene polymerization and its copolymerization with norbornene derivatives. The amount of B(C6F5)(3) required for achieving a high efficiency (3 equiv.) was markedly lower compared to previous reports, and high molecular weight polymers were obtained (>10(6) g mol(-1)). Efficient incorporation of polar monomers NBC, NBA, and NBM was also achieved in a controllable fashion, yielding high molecular weight copolymers. Catalysts 1-3 were highly active for ethylene polymerization as single component catalysts, with an activity of up to 10(7) g mol(Ni)(-1) h(-1), and catalyst 3 was more readily initiated at lower temperature. Catalysts 1-3 were also efficient in incorporating norbornene (up to 30%) into the polyethylene backbone. Bisligated phosphino-phenolate nickel complex 4 and salicylaldimine complex 5 were also studied for comparison, which further verified the unique performance of catalysts 1-3. Preliminary NMR analyses were conducted to explore the norbornene polymerization mechanism.

As a plant-beneficial rhizobacterium, Pseudomonas sp. M18 was isolated from the rhizosphere of watermelon in a Shanghai suburb. Two kinds of antifungal compounds, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid and pyoluteorin produced by Pseudomonas sp. M18, contribute to suppression of pathogenic fungi in agricultural soil. In order to examine how production of these antifungal agents is regulated, an rpoS gene with its flanking fragments was first cloned in strain M18. With the insertional inactivation of rpoS , the rpoS null mutant strain M18S was constructed, and it showed improved production of antifungal agents. In King’s medium B, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid reduced to nondetectable level, while pyoluteorin increased approximately 10-fold. In PPM medium, strain M18S produced less phenazine-1-carboxylic acid and much more pyoluteorin in comparison with wild-type strain M18. Complementation with the wild type ropS gene in trans restored wild-type phenotypes. Expression of the translational fusions phzA‘-’lacZ and pltA‘-’lacZ confirmed the effect of rpoS on phenazine-1-carboxylic acid and pyoluteorin biosynthetic operons. In in vitro plate assays, the mutant strain M18S inhibiting mycelial growth of Pythium aphanidermatum more than wild-type strain M18. Altogether, these results suggest that phenazine-1-carboxylic acid biosynthesis is positively regulated and pyoluteorin production negatively regulated by alternative sigma factor S in Pseudomonas sp. M18.

The E2F transcription factors play a critical role in coordinating transcription of specific genes essential for G1-S transition. In early G1, the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) becomes phosphorylated by cyclin-dependent kinases, disrupting pRB binding to E2F-1-3, allowing “free” E2F to regulate genes involved in proliferation. In the present study, we used a tetracycline E2F-1 inducible U2OS osteosarcoma cell line to investigate the effect of increasing levels of E2F-1 on the cytotoxicity of various chemotherapeutic drugs. Upon overexpression of E2F-1, there was no detectable change in cytotoxicity to doxorubicin, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, or etoposide. In contrast, overexpression of E2F-1 resulted in a marked increase in sensitivity to vinblastine and paclitaxel, drugs that are known to be more effective against cells in M phase. Therefore, we investigated the effect of E2F-1 overexpression on proteins regulating the G2-M transition and M phase, in particular cyclin B1 and cdc2 kinase. Cyclin B1 mRNA and protein levels increased within 24 hours of E2F1 induction together with an increase in associated cdc2 kinase activity. Overexpression of cyclin B1 also resulted in a specific increase in sensitivity to paclitaxel and an increase in the cellular growth rate. Knockdown of cyclin B1 using an RNA interference oligo resulted in a slower cellular growth rate and an increase in resistance to paclitaxel. These studies add support to recent reports that show E2F regulates genes involved in mitotic entry and exit and allow the suggestion that mitotic inhibitors may have selective effects in tumors that overexpress E2F-1. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(14): 7253-60)

The ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) protein, which is mutated in the inherited disease ataxia telangiectasia (AT), is a key activator of cell cycle checkpoint, initiating cell response to DNA damage and ensuring genomic stability. AT cells exhibit defects in all cellular responses to ionizing radiation and radiomimetic chemicals. Inactivation of ATM may therefore make cells fail to execute many responses to DNA damage and improve the cells' sensitivity to radiation. Recent developments in the use of small interference RNA molecules (siRNAs) to inhibit specific protein expression have highlighted the potential use of siRNA as a therapeutic agent. In this study, we have designed and exogenously delivered plasmids encoding siRNAs targeting ATM to human cervical carcinoma SiHa cells and generated a stable cell line, SiHa(ATM). SiHa(ATM) cells displayed minimal levels of ATM protein and showed a marked increase in sensitivity to radiation. Together, these data provide strong evidence for the potential use of siRNA as a novel radiation/chemotherapy-sensitizing agent.

The adsorption mechanism of particle on the surface of silicon wafer after polishing or grinding whose surface force field is very strong was discussed, and the removal method of particle was studied. Particle is deposited on the wafer surface by interactions, mainly including the Van der Waals forces and static forces. In order to suppress particles depositing on the wafer surface, it is essential that the wafer surface and the particles should have the same polarity of the zeta potential. According to colloid chemistry and lots of experiments, this can be achieved by adding surfactants. Nonionic complex surfactant was used as megasonic cleaning solution, and the adsorptive state of particle on Si wafers was effectively controlled. The efficiency and effect of megasonic particle removal is greatly improved. A perfect result is also obtained in wafer cleaning.

Ionic liquids (ILs) were for the first time found to be alternatively excellent media for the heterogeneously catalyzed hydrogenation of halonitrobenzenes to corresponding haloanilines over three type catalysts of Raney nickel, carbon-supported platinum and palladium. The ionic liquids give rise to higher selectivity and lower dehalogenation in the hydrogenating process compared with that observed in conventional organic solvents.

Effector functions and proliferation of T helper (Th) cells are influenced by cytokines in the environment. Th1 cells respond to a synergistic effect of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) to secrete interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). In contrast, Th2 cells respond to interleukin-4 (IL-4) to secrete IL-4, interleukin-13 (IL-13), interleukin-5 (IL-5), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). The authors were interested in identifying nonpeptide inhibitors of the Th1 response selective for the IL-12/IL-18-mediated secretion of IFN-gamma while leaving the IL-4-mediated Th2 cytokine secretion relatively intact. The authors established a screening protocol using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and identified the hydrazino anthranilate compound 1 as a potent inhibitor of IL-12/IL-18-mediated IFN-gamma secretion from CD3(+) cells with an IC(50) around 200 nM. The inhibitor was specific because it had virtually no effect on IL-4-mediated IL-13 release from the same population of cells. Further work established that compound 1 was a potent intracellular iron chelator that inhibited both IL-12/IL-18- and IL-4-mediated T cell proliferation. Iron chelation affects multiple cellular pathways in T cells. Thus, the IL-12/IL-18-mediated proliferation and IFN-gamma secretion are very sensitive to intracellular iron concentration. However, the IL-4-mediated IL-13 secretion does not correlate with proliferation and is partially resistant to potent iron chelation.

Effector functions and proliferation of T helper (Th) cells are influenced by cytokines in the environment. Th1 cells respond to a synergistic effect of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) to secrete interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). In contrast, Th2 cells respond to interleukin-4 (IL-4) to secrete IL-4, interleukin-13 (IL-13), interleukin-5 (IL-5), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). The authors were interested in identifying nonpeptide inhibitors of the Th1 response selective for the IL-12/IL-18-mediated secretion of IFN-gamma while leaving the IL-4-mediated Th2 cytokine secretion relatively intact. The authors established a screening protocol using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and identified the hydrazino anthranilate compound 1 as a potent inhibitor of IL-12/IL-18-mediated IFN-gamma secretion from CD3(+) cells with an IC(50) around 200 nM. The inhibitor was specific because it had virtually no effect on IL-4-mediated IL-13 release from the same population of cells. Further work established that compound 1 was a potent intracellular iron chelator that inhibited both IL-12/IL-18- and IL-4-mediated T cell proliferation. Iron chelation affects multiple cellular pathways in T cells. Thus, the IL-12/IL-18-mediated proliferation and IFN-gamma secretion are very sensitive to intracellular iron concentration. However, the IL-4-mediated IL-13 secretion does not correlate with proliferation and is partially resistant to potent iron chelation.

The aim of this study was to examine the expression of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) in 21 fresh tumor samples from patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STS) and 11 human soft tissue sarcoma cell lines, and to determine if loss of expression of this enzyme was correlated with increased sensitivity to L-alanosine and/or 6-methylmercaptopurine. We used a polyclonal antibody to measure the expression of MTAP in soft tissue sarcoma cell lines and in fresh tumor samples. Transfection of the HT-1080 cell line with a plasmid containing the cDNA for the MTAP gene was also performed to generate cell lines for in vitro and in vivo comparative sensitivity studies. MTAP was not expressed in 8 of 21 fresh STS tumors. The expression of MTAP was also not detectable in 3 of the 11 soft tissue sarcoma cell lines (HT-1080, HS42, and M-9110). These three cell lines were more sensitive to L-alanosine, a potent inhibitor of de novo AMP synthesis, and to an inhibitor of de novo purine nucleotide synthesis, 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside (MMPR). The IC 50 values for L-alanosine and MMPR were >20-fold lower in MTAP-deficient cells than in MTAP-positive cells. Restoration of MTAP into HT-1080 MTAP-deficient cells also led to decreased sensitivity to L-alanosine and MMPR. An in vivo study using HT-1080 cell tumors with and without MTAP expression confirmed that tumors lacking MTAP were more sensitive to L-alanosine than tumors expressing MTAP. These results provide the basis for selective therapy using inhibitors of de novo purine nucleotide synthesis such as L-alanosine or MMPR to treat patients with STS lacking this enzyme.

In order to adapt need of market economy development,to shorten the product development cycle,improve the ability to manufacture complex parts,rapid prototyping manufacturing technology to become a new direction in the development of the manufacturing industry,many colleges and universities have carried out the rapid prototyping manufacturing research, mechanism, material professional college students will become the main force to promote technology applications.Will therefore rapid prototyping machines used in teaching training segment, to standardize the experimental behavior of the students, played an important role in the overall quality of training of students and improve ability.

Nanomagnet logic (NML) devices have been proposed as one of the best candidates for the next generation of integrated circuits thanks to its substantial advantages of nonvolatility, radiation hardening and potentially low power. In this article, errors of nanomagnetic interconnect wire subjected to magnet edge imperfections have been evaluated for the purpose of reliable logic propagation. The missing corner defects of nanomagnet in the wire are modeled with a triangle, and the interconnect fabricated with various magnetic materials is thoroughly investigated by micromagnetic simulations under different corner defect amplitudes and device spacings. The results show that as the defect amplitude increases, the success rate of logic propagation in the interconnect decreases. More results show that from the interconnect wire fabricated with materials, iron demonstrates the best defect tolerance ability among three representative and frequently used NML materials, also logic transmission errors can be mitigated by adjusting spacing between nanomagnets. These findings can provide key technical guides for designing reliable interconnects.

In order to improve the performance of electric vehicle, some battery life tests have been carried out to acquire the relevant conclusions about battery internal resistance during charging and discharging and establish the resistance equivalent model for the real-time identification, all of which above are set up as the evaluation index of state of charge (SOC). The results demonstrated that internal resistance can reduce the inaccuracies of SOC estimation and car mileage.

Based on the 38,899 pieces of H1N1 virus protein sequences from 1902 to 2013 in the world, the 1805 H1N1 virus sequences with HA and NA protein are selected according to viruses occurred at the same time and place. A new representation of feature vector for protein sequences is proposed by the physicochemical properties of amino acids and coarse graining theories. The 20 kinds of amino acids are divided into 4 classes and connected with each other to construct 16-dimensional feature vectors to represent HA and NA protein sequence, respectively. The whole protein sequence is represented by a 32-dimensional feature vector, which combines the feature vectors of HA and NA protein sequences, and the optimal cluster of the H1N1 influenza virus is obtained by the structural clustering. The relationship between HA and NA protein structures and the outbreak of H1N1 virus protein sequences is analyzed by selecting the representative elements and constructing evolutionary tree. The results show that the new representation of feature vector for protein sequences is reasonable, and large amount of data confirms that HA and NA protein sequences play a direct and important role in the outbreak of H1N1 influenza virus.

To test the hypothesis that cardiac functional reserve is reduced in animals with severe atherosclerosis, Yucatan minipigs were fed a high-cholesterol diet (Chol) for 8 months. Half of them was made diabetic, an additional risk factor for atherosclerosis, with streptozotocin (STZ). Another group of age-matched minipigs were fed a normal diet as controls. At the end of the treatment period, animals were instrumented for the measurement of cardiovascular hemodynamic parameters under isoflurane anesthesia. Cardiac functional reserve was measured by the magnitude of the inotropic response to isoproterenol stress. Hyperlipidemic minipigs developed severe atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta, coronary and iliac artery, accompanied by an increase in the aortic stiffness indexed by increases in pulse wave velocity and augmentation index. These vascular changes were more severe in STZ-induced insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The isoproterenol-induced increase in left ventricular contractility (dP/dt) and relaxation (-dP/dt) and, consequently, cardiac output were also significantly reduced in both the Chol groups with or without STZ, compared to control group. Thus, cardiac functional reserve measured by isoproterenol-stimulated responses was reduced in atherosclerotic minipigs, which was further diminished in diabetes.

Alport syndrome (AS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous, progressive nephropathy caused by mutations in COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5, which encode type IV collagen. The large sizes of these genes and the absence of mutation hot spots have complicated mutational analysis by routine polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approaches. Here, in order to design a rapid and effective method for the genetic diagnosis of AS, we developed a strategy by utilizing targeted capture associated with next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 simultaneously in 20 AS patients. All the coding exons and flanking sequences of COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 from the probands were captured followed by HiSeq 2500 sequencing. Candidate mutations were validated by classic Sanger sequencing and quantitative (q)PCR. Sixteen patients (16/20, 75%) showed X-linked inheritance, and four patients (4/20, 20%) showed autosomal recessive inheritance. None of the individuals had autosomal-dominant AS. Fifteen novel mutations, 6 known mutations, and 2 novel fragment deletions were detected by targeted capture and NGS. Of these novel mutations, 12, 3, and 2 mutations were detected in COL4A5, COL4A4, and COL4A3, respectively. A comparison of the clinical manifestations caused by different types of mutations in COL4A5 suggested that nonsense mutations and glycine substitution by an acidic amino acid are more severe than the other missense mutations. Pathogenic mutations were detected in 20 patients. These novel mutations can expand the genotypic spectrum of AS. Our results demonstrated that targeted capture and NGS technology are effective in the genetic diagnosis of AS.

The fluoride-sensing mechanism of a reported salicylaldehyde-based sensor (J. Photochem. Photobiol. B 2014, 138, 75) has been investigated by the TDDFT method. The present theoretical study indicates that there is an excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) process from the phenolic O-H moiety to the neighbor N atom in the sensor. The added fluoride anion could capture the proton in the O-H moiety and the corresponding phenolic anion is formed, which could inhibit the ESPT process. The experimental UV/Vis and fluorescence spectra are well reproduced by the calculated vertical excitation energies. Frontier molecular orbital analysis indicates that the local excited state of phenolic anion is responsible for its enhanced fluorescence. Due to this reason, the sensor can be used to sense fluoride anion by monitoring the fluorescent change.

The enhanced H2 production from maize straw had been achieved through the two-stage process of integrating H2 fermentation and microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) in the present work. Several key parameters affecting hydrolysis of maize straw through subcritical H2O were optimized by orthogonal design for saccharification of maize straw followed by H2 production through H2 fermentation. The maximum reducing sugar (RS) content of maize straw reached 469.7 mg/g-TS under the optimal hydrolysis condition with subcritical H2O combining with dilute HCl of 0.3 % at 230 °C. The maximum H2 yield, H2 production rate, and H2 content was 115.1 mL/g-TVS, 2.6 mL/g-TVS/h, and 48.9 % by H2 fermentation, respectively. In addition, the effluent from H2 fermentation was used as feedstock of MECs for additional H2 production. The maximum H2 yield of 1060 mL/g-COD appeared at an applied voltage of 0.8 V, and total COD removal reached about 35 %. The overall H2 yield from maize straw reached 318.5 mL/g-TVS through two-stage processes. The structural characterization of maize straw was also carefully investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra.

Background Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are important dioxygenases in cellular organisms. LOXs contribute to plant developmental processes and environmental responses. However, a systematic and comprehensive analysis has not been focused on the LOX gene family in poplar. Therefore, in the present study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the LOX gene family in poplar. Results Using bioinformatics methods, we identified a total of 20 LOX genes. These LOX genes were clustered into two subfamilies. The gene structure and motif composition of each subfamily were relatively conserved. These genes are distributed unevenly across nine chromosomes. The PtLOX gene family appears to have expanded due to high tandem and low segmental duplication events. Microarray analysis showed that a number of PtLOX genes have different expression pattern across disparate tissues and under various stress treatments. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was further performed to confirm the responses to MeJA treatment of the 20 poplar LOX genes. The results show that the PtLOX genes are regulated by MeJA (Methyl jasmonate) treatment. Conclusions This study provides a systematic analysis of LOX genes in poplar. The gene family analysis reported here will be useful for conducting future functional genomics studies to uncover the roles of LOX genes in poplar growth and development.

To investigate the expression and significance of follistatin, activin A and bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) in normal brain tissues of rats and the brain tissues with hypoxic and ischemicgin.Sixty conception SD rats were divided into normal and model group (with 30 for each). According to the development of fetal rats in each group, they were randomly divided into six subgroups (embryonic stage 8. 5 d, 13 d, 18 d (E8.5,E13,E18), and after the birth 3 d, 7 d and 30 d (P3,P7,P30), five fetal or young rats in each subgroup. Hypoxic-ischemic brain model was established. Expressions and origins of follistatin, activin A and BMP-4 with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage were determined by immunohistochemical and RT-PCR methods.In normal group, follistatin and activin A protein expressed at a very low level and gradually decreased with the period of fetal development when evaluated with immunohistochemical and RT-PCR methods; almost no expression of BMP-4 was detected in embryonic but a little bit of expression at 30 d after the birth. In hypoxic-ischemic brain damage group, the expression of follistatin, activin A and BMP-4 was significantly higher than those in normal group (P0.01).The expression of Follistatin, activin A and BMP-4 are related to developmental time, the expression of follistatin, activin A and BMP-4 is highly increased after cerebral ischemia and hypoxia injury. This implies that the main function of follistatin is as the inhibitor of activin A instead of the ligland of BMP-4 to regulate neural development.