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A cyan RTP in aqueous solution was enhanced by supramolecular host–guest complexation of water-soluble halogen-substituted phthalic anhydride (PA) derivatives with cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]s).

Glioblastoma (GBM) is still a big clinic challenge because of its highly malignant, invasive, and lethal characteristics. After the treatment with conventional therapeutic paradigm of surgery combined with radiotherapy and...

Trihelix (TH) proteins are a family of plant-specific transcription factors that play a role in light response and are extensively involved in plant growth and development, as well as in various stress responses. However, the function of TH genes in Brassica napus (B. napus) remains unclear, as does the evolution and differentiation pattern of TH genes in Brassica plants. Here, we identified a total of 455 TH genes in seven species, including six Brassica species and Arabidopsis, which were grouped into five clades, GT-1, GT-2, GTγ, SH4, and SIP1, each with 69, 142, 44, 55, and 145 members, respectively. The types and distributions of motifs of the TH proteins and the structures of the TH genes are conserved in the same subgroup, and some variations in certain amino acid residues occur in B. napus when inheriting motifs from Brassica rapa (B. rapa) and Brassica oleracea (B. oleracea). Collinearity analysis revealed that the massive expansion of TH genes in tetraploid species was attributed to the hetero-tetraploidization of diploid ancestors and gene duplication events within the tetraploid species. Comparative analysis of the membership numbers of five subgroups in different species revealed that the GT-2 and SIP1 genes underwent significant expansion during evolution, possibly to support the better adaptation of plants to their environments. The differential expression of the BnaTH genes under five stresses indicates that the BnaTH genes are involved in plant responses to stresses such as drought, cold, and heat. The presence of different stress-responsive cis-elements in the upstream promoter region of the genes indicated that BnaTH genes have the potential to cope with variable environments. Meanwhile, qRT-PCR analyses also confirmed that five TH genes respond to different abiotic stresses. Our results provide information and candidates for further studies on the role of TH genes in stress resistance of B. napus.

International audience; The globular and monocationic guest molecule trimethyl-azaphosphatrane (AZAP, a protonated Verkade superbase) was shown to form a host:guest 1 : 1 complex with the cucurbit[10]uril (CB[10]) macrocycle in water. Molecular dynamics calculations showed that CB[10] adopts an 8-shape with AZAP occupying the majority of the internal space, CB[10] contracting around AZAP and leaving a significant part of the cavity unoccupied. This residual space was used to co-include planar and monocationic co-guest (CG) molecules, affording heteroternary CB[10]•AZAP•CG complexes potentially opening new perspectives in supramolecular chemistry.

International audience; A viologen–phenylene–imidazole (VPI) conjugate, previously shown to be singly complexed by CB[7] and doubly bound by CB[8], is herein shown to form antiparallel triple stacks in water with cucurbit[10]uril (CB[10]), pairwise complexing the guest trimer. The quinary host:guest 2:3 complex showed features assignable to charge-transfer interactions. Under reductive conditions, CB[10] could solubilize a VPI radical, even though CB[10] and reduced VPI are almost insoluble, thereby illustrating a possible new application for CB[10].

Repeated food scandals in China have prompted growing consumer consciousness on food safety and health. Organic food, considered to be of higher quality, is being increasingly demanded by Chinese consumers. This study examines preferences for organic labels to provide insight on the sustainable development of the Oolong tea industry. Research was conducted using the choice experiment (CE) method in Fujian and Guangdong Provinces. The results demonstrate that place of origin, organic label, and brand attributes are all significant factors affecting the purchase of Oolong. Also, people demonstrated significantly positive attitudes toward organic labels and preferred Oolong tea from Fujian Province to those from Guangdong Province and Taiwan. Increasing trust can enhance consumer preference and willingness to pay (WTP) for organic labels. Contrary to previous studies, people have a higher WTP for Chinese organic labels than Japanese and American ones. This is probably because respondents are more familiar with domestic Oolong tea and trust more in Chinese organic certification. This provides an opportunity for domestic producers to tailor their organic food labels and better satisfy consumer demands. These findings suggest that the Chinese government should take more responsibility for reducing food-related fraud and thus improve consumer trust regarding organic food.

A class of rotaxane is created, not by encapsulating a conventional linear thread, but rather by wrapping a large cucurbit[10]uril macrocycle about a three-dimensional, cylindrical, nanosized, self-assembled supramolecular helicate as the axle. The resulting pseudo-rotaxane is readily converted into a proper interlocked rotaxane by adding branch points to the helicate strands that form the surface of the cylinder (like branches and roots on a tree trunk). The supramolecular cylinder that forms the axle is itself a member of a unique and remarkable class of helicate metallo-drugs that bind Y-shaped DNA junction structures and induce cell death. While pseudo-rotaxanation does not modify the DNA-binding properties, proper, mechanically-interlocked rotaxanation transforms the DNA-binding and biological activity of the cylinder. The ability of the cylinder to de-thread from the rotaxane (and thus to bind DNA junction structures) is controlled by the extent of branching: fully-branched cylinders are locked inside the cucurbit[10]uril macrocycle, while cylinders with incomplete branch points can de-thread from the rotaxane in response to competitor guests. The number of branch points can thus afford kinetic control over the drug de-threading and release.

Aqueous room temperature phosphorescence (aRTP) from purely organic materials has been intriguing but challenging. In this article, we demonstrated that the red aRTP emission of 2Br-NDI, a water-soluble 4,9-dibromonaphthalene diimide derivative as a chloride salt, could be modulated by anion-π and intermolecular electronic coupling interactions in water. Specifically, the rarely reported stabilization of anion-π interactions in water between Cl

By arranging substrates in a “reaction ready” state through noncovalent interactions, supramolecular nanoreactors/catalysts show high selectivity and/or rate acceleration features. Herein, we report the host–guest complexation of 9-(10-)substituted anthracene derivatives (G1–G3) with cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n], n = 8, 10), and the photoreactions of these derivatives in the presence of CB[n] hosts. Both CB[10] and CB[8] showed no obvious effects on the photoreaction of 9,10-disubstituted derivative G1. For G2 and G3, CB[10] operated as either a nanoreactor or catalyst (10%) for the photodimerization of two compounds with high selectivity and high yield. However, although CB[8] formed a 1 : 2 complex with G2, as also observed with CB[10], the photosolvolysis product (9-anthracenemethanol) was obtained quantitatively after photoirradiation of the CB[8]·2G2 complex. This unexpected photosolvolysis was rationalized by a plausible catalytic cycle in which anthracene acts as a photoremovable protecting group (PPG) and the carbonium ion intermediate is stabilized by CB[8].

The fabrication of electrospun nanofibers comprising cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is reported. Various techniques such as SEM, FTIR, XRD, DSC and TG were utilized to characterize the morphology, composition and properties of the nanofibers. Uniform bead-free electrospun nanofibers were obtained from PCL/CB[7] mixed solutions and the average fiber diameter of the nanofibers increases with the increase of CB[7] content. The nanofibers are composed of a physical mixture of PCL and CB[7], and CB[7] itself is present in the PCL fiber matrix in an uncomplexed state. The static adsorption behavior of the PCL/CB[7] nanofibers towards methylene blue (MB) was also preliminary investigated. The results indicate that the adsorption of MB onto the nanofibrous membranes fits the second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model.

By arranging substrates in a “reaction ready” state through noncovalent interactions, supramolecular nanoreactors/catalysts show high selectivity and/or rate acceleration features. Herein, we report the host–guest complexation of 9-(10-)substituted anthracene derivatives (G1–G3) with cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n], n = 8, 10), and the photoreactions of these derivatives in the presence of CB[n] hosts. Both CB[10] and CB[8] showed no obvious effects on the photoreaction of 9,10-disubstituted derivative G1. For G2 and G3, CB[10] operated as either a nanoreactor or catalyst (10%) for the photodimerization of two compounds with high selectivity and high yield. However, although CB[8] formed a 1 : 2 complex with G2, as also observed with CB[10], the photosolvolysis product (9-anthracenemethanol) was obtained quantitatively after photoirradiation of the CB[8]·2G2 complex. This unexpected photosolvolysis was rationalized by a plausible catalytic cycle in which anthracene acts as a photoremovable protecting group (PPG) and the carbonium ion intermediate is stabilized by CB[8]., The photodimerization of 9-substituted anthracene derivative was tremendously promoted by a catalytic amount of cucurbit[10]uril (CB[10]) in water. While CB[8] exclusively induced the photosolvolysis of the anthracene derivative.

Background. Flow is characterized by the strong concentration in competitions, eliminating irrelevant thoughts and emotions, integrating all tasks, and continuing the competition smoothly even in challenging situations. The present study was into whether or not brief mindfulness training can improve athletes’ flow and further explore the mediating effect of resilience in the intervention. Methods. The 2 (experimental conditions) × 2 (time) mixed design was used in this study. Fifty-seven student-athletes were recruited and randomly assigned into either a brief mindfulness group (n = 29) or a control group (n = 28). Before and after the intervention, every participant completed a self-report measure including mindfulness, flow, and resilience. Results. Participants in the brief mindfulness group showed increased mindfulness, flow, and resilience (p<0.001) after brief mindfulness training; when putting resilience change (B = 0.30, 95% CI [0.031, 0.564]) into the equation, the direct (95% CI [3.156, 13.583]) and indirect (95% CI [0.470, 5.048]) effects of mindfulness training were both significant. Conclusion. It was concluded that brief mindfulness training could significantly improve athletes’ flow and resilience, and resilience partly mediated the effects of brief mindfulness training on flow.

Cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]s, n = 5–8, 10, 13–15) have been proven to be an interesting macrocyclic family with their distinctive molecular recognition properties and fascinating applications in fields such as catalysis, supramolecular materials, drug delivery and biological systems. With the biggest cavity in the CB[n]s family, CB[10] shows its unique molecular recognition properties that are rather distinctive from other CB[n]s. In this review, we summarize the progresses in CB[10]-based chemistry since CB[10] was first reported as CB[10]·CB[5] complex in 2001. Purification, molecular recognition and supramolecular assembly of CB[10] will be described and an outlook will be given for further exploration of CB[10]-based chemistry.

Motivated by the practical requirements for timetable evaluation in China and the fact that massive train record data are collected but remain largely underused, this study presents a data analytics approach for train timetable performance measures using automatic train supervision data. A data preparation process with data cleaning and matching methods is developed for further analysis. The data analysis consists of three components: a waiting time assessment method that uses visual headway mismatching degree to estimate the effect on waiting time; a process time estimation method that introduces spatiotemporal distribution and statistical techniques to mine the data and identify practical characteristics of dwell time and running time; and an arrival punctuality examination method which checks on-time arrival performance. The proposed data analytics approach is demonstrated through a case study of Shanghai Metro. Major findings on timetable performance, involving three aspects of timetable parameters, are presented. The relevant data analytics framework and findings have operational and planning implications for urban rail transit authorities and operators with regard to evaluating timetable parameters and improving the service quality.

Rainfall is one of the main factors that influence the stability of slopes. However, rainfall data have some common features, such as huge data volume and difficulties in direct use. Currently, measurements such as daily rainfall, total rainfall volume and rainfall intensity are widely used for rainfall data feature extraction, which weakens the comprehensive impact of rainfall on slope stability. A feature extraction method for rainfall data is proposed in this paper. Rainfall data is transformed into feature matrices, which have much smaller data volumes. These feature matrices contain lots of useful information and can be used directly in landslide analyses. Based on the statistics of each of the rainfall events, this article applies K-means to classify these events. By dividing rainfall volume into categories of evaporation, infiltration and runoff, feature extraction is conducted. To quantitatively analyze the comprehensive impact of rainfall on landslide stability, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is utilized to search for an array of weight coefficients for evaporation, infiltration and runoff under various rainfall types, which eventually leads to the feature extraction of rainfall data. This feature extraction method is applied to the rainfall data feature analysis of the Baishuihe landslide area. The rationality and validity of the method are verified by the results of landslide displacements predicted by Back-Propagation (BP) neural network. This study provides an effective rainfall data feature extraction method and a new direction for quantitative analysis of landslide monitoring data.

Radix Astragali has been an important traditional Chinese herbal medicine for over 2000 years. It is derived from two plant species, namely, Astragalus mongholicus [Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao] and Astragalus membranaceus [Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge.] (Leguminosae ), according to the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. In this study, the genetic diversity and genetic relationships of Radix Astragali in China were analyzed by Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 25 highly polymorphic ISSR primers were selected to amplify 95 Radix Astragali samples. Among 273 DNA bands amplified, 213 are polymorphic (percentage of polymorphic bands: 78%). The average value of the amplified bands was 10.9 for each primer, and the number varied from 4 to 20. The genetic diversity of the 95 Radix Astragali samples was analyzed by using POPGENE 1.32 software. The Nei’s genetic diversity index (h) and Shannon’s information index (I ) were 0.3590 and 0.5308, respectively, which indicated the abundant genetic diversity of Radix Astragali . The level of genetic diversity in A. membranaceus (h: 0.3109, I : 0.4657) was slightly lower than that in A. mongholicus (h: 0.3364, I : 0.4969). Considering the average genetic similarity coefficient by NTSYS analysis to cluster the A. membranaceus of nine habitats and A. mongholicus of five habitats, Radix Astragali samples were clustered into two groups according to place of origin. This clustering is different from traditional clustering, which divides groups according to species. Results obtained from this study will provide a theoretical basis for the molecular study on germplasm resources of Radix Astragali .

Most 1,4,5,8-naphthalenediimide (NDI) derivatives, especially those with mild π-acidity cannot achieve photoinduced electron-transfer (PET). Here we report our investigations on the binding interactions of a NDI diammonium dichloride salt (NDI·Cl2) with cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n], n = 8, 10) and the formation process of a NDI radical anion upon photoexcitation of the NDI derivative in the presence of CB[n] (n = 8, 10). As a comparison, the influence of CB[7] on the PET process was also evaluated. The results show that the NDI core can be partially or fully encapsulated in CB[8] or CB[10] to form inclusion complexes at molar ratios of 1 : 1 (CB[8]·NDI2+) or 1 : 2 (CB[10]·2NDI2+). In the presence of the host, quick formation of the NDI radical anion was observed with respect to no radical anion formation without the host. According to the spectral results, interesting CB[8]-promoted charge-transfer interactions between the NDI radical anion and NDI2+ are assumed during UV irradiation. Moreover, from the UV/Vis and EPR spectra, the observation of intense signals of the NDI radical anion in the presence of CB[10], could presumably be related to a much better stabilized NDI radical anion encapsulated in CB[10].

Methods to improve the bioactive component content of cultivated licorice have become the bottleneck of industrial licorice extraction for pharmaceutical use. To evaluate the effects of genotype, environment and their interaction on major bioactive components, we analyzed the five bioactive components: liquiritin (LQ), liquiritigenin (LQG), glycyrrhizin (GL), isoliquiritin (ILQ) and isoliquiritigenin (ILQG) of four diverse licorice varieties grown in four distinct environments in northern China during 2010-11. Analysis of variance showed that environmental and genotypic effects were significant (p

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate into effects of molybdenum (Mo) on the secondary metabolic process of glycyrrhizic acid (GA). One-year-old seedlings were grown in pots with washed vermiculite and sand. Hoagland nutrition solution was irrigated with four concentrations: 0, 0.52, 5.2 and 10.4 mg L −1 . The accumulations of GA and its biosynthetic precursors ( β -amyrin and squalene) and then expression of the key synthase ( β -amyrin synthase, β -AS) were studied on 35, 70 and 105 d. In the early stage, that was on the 35 and 70 d, the contents of squalene and GA, and the expression of β - AS gene under 0.52 and 5.2 mg L −1 Mo treatments were significantly higher than that under 0 and 10.4 mg L −1 Mo. There was a contrary result of β -amyrin. However, the content of squalene under 0 mg L −1 Mo was the highest on 105 d. Thus, it suggested an appropriate concentration of Mo could promote the accumulation of GA, by affecting the biosynthetic process of GA at a certain time. Practically, the time and amount of application of Mo on Glycyrrhiza uralensis should be the noted.

Network operation perplex train delay and passenger flow delay which are the two typical representations of delays. Several train diagram models were set up to analyze train delay propagation characteristics and passenger flow affect. The most prominent characteristics is network dynamic property, and main factors are utilization of carrying capacity, distribution of delay and location of delay. Therefore computer simulation is applied for a case study of Shanghai Metro’s Line 2 to find the influence law of these factors. Firstly, the simulation results help summarize several challenges of delay propagation for Urban Rail Transit (URT) Organization. Secondly, it is found that Operation Reliability is an important indicator of Urban Rail Transit Organization. The mutual effect between delay propagation and carrying capacity has been mainly reflected in actual URT Organization. Lastly, this paper provides URT with strategies to deal with these influence relation.

Based on the owned displacement monitoring data and displacement evolution of landslide, the total displacement can be divided into trend term displacement, which is controlled by its own geological conditions and periodic term displacement affected by external factors. Then the displacement prediction model of landslide can be established by time series analysis. Double moving average method is used to separate the trend term displacement and periodic term displacement of landslide. On this basis, roll GM (1,1) grey model is used to forecast the rend term displacement ; and autoregressive AR (p) model is used to forecast the periodic term displacement. Total displacement is obtained by adding the calculated predictive displacement value of each sub-stack. Taking baishuihe landslide in the Three Gorges reservoir area for example ,it is shown that the result could better reflect the development trend of landslide ,based on the comparative analysis of the measured and predicted displacement-time curves. The results demonstrate that the established landslide displacement prediction model is feasible and effective in the landslide displacement prediction. Keywords-Landslide; Displacement prediction; Roll GM(1,1) Grey Model; Autoregressive AR(p) Model

Methods to improve the bioactive component content of cultivated licorice have become the bottleneck of industrial licorice extraction for pharmaceutical use. To evaluate the effects of genotype, environment and their interaction on major bioactive components, we analyzed the five bioactive components: liquiritin (LQ), liquiritigenin (LQG), glycyrrhizin (GL), isoliquiritin (ILQ) and isoliquiritigenin (ILQG) of four diverse licorice varieties grown in four distinct environments in northern China during 2010-11. Analysis of variance showed that environmental and genotypic effects were significant (P0.01) for all five bioactive components. Additionally, their interaction was significant (P0.05) for GL in the 2-year study period. LQ and ILQ were mainly affected by genetic factors and have great potential for genetic improvement, whereas LQG and ILQG were mainly affected by environmental factors. GL was similarly affected by environmental and genetic factors. Biplot of the principal component analysis showed that for quality breeding, G2 (WNT-1) and G3 (JX-1) are two relatively preferable genotypes, and E2 (Chifeng) location is suitable for accumulation of the bioactive components of these two genotypes. Stepwise regression analysis showed that sunshine and rainfall are the dominant environmental factors for licorice bioactive component accumulation; increased duration of sunshine is advantageous to GL accumulation whereas declining rainfall is conducive to LQG and ILQG accumulation. These results provide a theoretical basis for initiating licorice breeding programs with increased bioactive components and improved quality.

Between 2006 and 2009, seven strains of infectious bronchitis (IB) virus (IBV) were isolated from vaccinated chicken flocks on different chicken farms in China. The pathogenic characters of seven IBV strains were assessed. Each of the seven strains was infective to the test chickens and could induce an immune response. The results from chicken embryo cross-neutralization assays showed that these strains were antigenically distinct from classic IBV strains of H120, M41, Conn, and Gray. Compared to H120 vaccine strain, point mutation, short insertion, and deletion occurred at many positions in the S1 protein of the seven strains. Five of the seven strains had the motif (HRRRR), which was identical to that of the epidemic IBV strains in China. Two new motifs (HRLRR and RRIRR) emerged in the isolated strains. The homology of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the S1 gene among the seven isolates was 81.7%-99.7% and 79.0%-99.4%, respectively. These seven strains were also genetically different from the vaccine strains and non-China IBV strains but closely related to large numbers of Chinese strains. The seven isolates and 36 reference IBV strains were clustered into six distinct groups (I-VI). The seven strains were categorized into groups I, II, and III, forming a big phylogenetic branch, which is closely related to Chinese IBVs, whereas the vaccine strains belonging to group VI are genetically distant from groups I, II, and III. The results from this study indicate that different IBV strains cocirculate in the chicken population in China.

OBJECTIVE The main aim of the research was to evaluate genetic variability and interrelationships of mainly quantitative traits in 2-year population, and provide a basis for high-yield breeding of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. METHOD Four genotype G. uralensis population were transplanting in four different environment using complete randomized block design with three replication, and the 10 quantitative traits, including plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), tiller number (TN), taproot length (TRL), root length (RL), root diameter (RD), diameter of 20 cm below the root head (D20), taperingness (TR), lateral root number (LRN) and root fresh weight (RFW) were measured in field. RESULT The difference among population for all evaluated traits were significant (P