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Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection is a severe threat to global public health because of its high morbidity and mortality among children and infants. Enteric glial cells (EGCs) are involved in host–bacteria communication. However, the mechanisms through which EGCs interact with ETEC remain unclear. We attempted to assess whether γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptor (GABABR) activation participated in EGC autophagy during Escherichia coli K88 (ETECK88) infection. Alterations in autophagy and EGC activity were observed in the intestines of the ETECK88-infected mice, and similar results were obtained from experiments in which the EGCs were directly infected with ETECK88. EGC pretreatment with specific autophagy agonists significantly decreased the inflammatory response and bacterial burden, whereas pretreatment with inhibitors had the opposite effect. Interestingly, in EGCs, GABABR activation notably increased Beclin 1 and LC3 levels and autophagosome and autolysosome numbers, thus promoting autophagy activation and enhancing antimicrobial responses against ETECK88 infection. Furthermore, GABABR defense was mediated via myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) signaling in EGCs, which was proven to be based on the inhibition or overexpression of MyD88. Notably, comparable results of GABABR activation in vivo were observed in response to ETECK88, implicating this as a defense mechanism that reinforced antibacterial activity to alleviate intestinal inflammation in mice. Our study revealed previously unappreciated roles for GABABR in linking EGC antibacterial autophagy to strengthen host defense against ETECK88 infection, thus identifying GABABR as an important target for the treatment of infective enteritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Using situational leadership theory, this study examined the innovation of social workers in community-level social work institutions under different leadership styles. Methods: We conducted an online survey experiment on the professional strengths of social workers in eight cities of mainland China from December 8–20, 2020. Results: Both ethical leadership and servant leadership are conducive to social workers' innovative behaviors. Our full model also suggests that organizational climate moderates the effects of leadership styles on innovative behaviors, with servant leadership having a greater impact than ethical leadership on social workers' innovative behavior in low-innovation climate environments, but ethical leadership has a greater impact than servant leadership on social workers' innovative behavior in high-innovation climate environments. Conclusion: Our study provides important strategies to fully stimulate the innovation effects of leadership based on the stage characteristics of social work innovation practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGBL) is a valuable herbal extract. The main active ingredients are flavonoids, terpene lactones, organic acids and proanthocyanidins. In recent years, there have been many reports on the detection of the above active ingredients. In this paper, the analysis methods of chemical components in EGBL were reviewed, such as ultraviolet spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance. The analysis methods of ginkgolic acids are also reviewed. Based on the current research progress, three suggestions are provided. Firstly, the quality marker research of EGBL needs to be strengthened. Secondly, more bioassay methods for EGBL quality control should be developed. Thirdly, it is necessary to strengthen the detection of proanthocyanidins in EGBL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Functional diversity is important to maintain ecosystem functioning. Species with different ecomorphological traits may display distinct functional roles in ecosystems. Accordingly, functionally extreme species are more important as they can exhibit specific strategies. However, little is known about the distribution patterns of functionally extreme species at a local scale and whether the prior extinction of extreme species can cause significant effects on functional diversity. In addition, no empirical studies have been conducted on the microhabitat determinants of extreme species to maintain the functional diversity. Results: This study collected 1470 tadpoles belonging to 6 families and 20 anuran species. These species were subsequently divided into 65 functional entities based on their developmental stages to incorporate intraspecific traits variability. As a result, we detected seven extreme functional entities, accounting for 10.7% of the total number of entities. Moreover, the prior extinction of extreme entities can lead to a significant decrease in functional diversity compared with the random extinction of entities. Microhabitat variables such as conductivity, water depth, and current velocity determined the distribution of extreme entities. Conclusion: Although the functionally extreme entities only represented a small proportion of the total number of tadpoles, they played irreplaceable roles in maintaining functional diversity. Their extinction may induce high functional vulnerability in tadpole communities. Therefore, anuran species with extreme tadpole traits need to be projected for amphibian conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butanol dehydrogenase (BDH) plays a significant role in the biosynthesis of butanol in bacteria by catalyzing butanal conversion to butanol at the expense of the NAD(P)H cofactor. BDH is an attractive enzyme for industrial application in butanol production; however, its molecular function remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, we found that Fusobacterium nucleatum YqdH (FnYqdH) converts aldehyde into alcohol by utilizing NAD(P)H, with broad substrate specificity toward aldehydes but not alcohols. An in vitro metal ion substitution experiment showed that FnYqdH has higher enzyme activity in the presence of Co2+. Crystal structures of FnYqdH, in its apo and complexed forms (with NAD and Co2+), were determined at 1.98 and 2.72 Å resolution, respectively. The crystal structure of apo- and cofactor-binding states of FnYqdH showed an open conformation between the nucleotide binding and catalytic domain. Key residues involved in the catalytic and cofactor-binding sites of FnYqdH were identified by mutagenesis and microscale thermophoresis assays. The structural conformation and preferred optimal metal ion of FnYqdH differed from that of TmBDH (homolog protein of FnYqdH). Overall, we proposed an alternative model for putative proton relay in FnYqdH, thereby providing better insight into the molecular function of BDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a lesion-associated obligate anaerobic pathogen of destructive periodontal disease; it is also implicated in the progression and severity of colorectal cancer. Four genes (FN0625, FN1055, FN1220, and FN1419) of F. nucleatum are involved in producing hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which plays an essential role against oxidative stress. The molecular functions of Fn1419 are known, but their mechanisms remain unclear. We determined the crystal structure of Fn1419 at 2.5 Å, showing the unique conformation of the PLP-binding site when compared with L-methionine γ-lyase (MGL) proteins. Inhibitor screening for Fn1419 with L-cysteine showed that two natural compounds, gallic acid and dihydromyricetin, selectively inhibit the H2S production of Fn1419. The chemicals of gallic acid, dihydromyricetin, and its analogs containing trihydroxybenzene, were potentially responsible for the enzyme-inhibiting activity on Fn1419. Molecular docking and mutational analyses suggested that Gly112, Pro159, Val337, and Arg373 are involved in gallic acid binding and positioned close to the substrate and pyridoxal-5′-phosphate-binding site. Gallic acid has little effect on the other H2S-producing enzymes (Fn1220 and Fn1055). Overall, we proposed a molecular mechanism underlying the action of Fn1419 from F. nucleatum and found a new lead compound for inhibitor development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Xiaochaihu capsule is composed of seven traditional Chinese medicines. The pharmacopoeia only focuses on the quantitative detection of baicalin, which cannot fully reflect the quality of the preparation. Some medium polar components were used to establish the fingerprint of Xiaochaihu capsule, but there was no report on the strong polar components. Methods: A high performance liquid chromatography-corona charged aerosol detection technology was used to establish a fingerprint analysis method for Xiaochaihu capsules following an analytical quality by design approach. Definitive screening designed experiments were used to optimize the method parameters. A stepwise regression method was used to build quantitative models. The method operable design region was calculated using the experimental error simulation method. Plackett–Burman designed experiments were carried out to test robustness. Results: The contents of four components were simultaneously determined. There were seven common peaks in the fingerprint. The common peak area accounted for 91.72%. Both fingerprint and quantitative analysis methods were validated as applicable in the methodology study. The quantitative fingerprint analysis method for sugar components can fill the gap in the detection of strong polar components in the existing methods. It provides a new technology for the comprehensive overall evaluation of Xiaochaihu capsule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CircRNAs have been proven to play a pivotal role in cancer progression. The present study aims to explore the roles and related mechanisms of circSETD2 in breast cancer proliferation, migration and invasion. The expression of circSETD2 in BC was assessed by the GEO database and qRT--PCR. The biological function and underlying molecular mechanism of circSETD2 in BC were explored using in vitro and in vivo experiments, including CCK8, transwell, RIP, western blot, and xenograft mouse models. The expression of circSETD2 was downregulated in BC tumors, in accordance with the GEO database. Overexpression of circSETD2 significantly suppressed cell growth, cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, circSETD2 reduced the stabilization of YAP1 by competitively binding with HuR, resulting in inactivation of downstream targets such as CTGF, myc and Slug. Our work suggests that the novel signaling axis circSETD2/ HuR/YAP1 plays an important role in BC progression. The molecular mechanism underlying this signaling axis may provide a potential therapeutic target for BC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Data on the relationship between depression and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is scarce and conflicting. We, hereby, aimed to review evidence if prior depression increases the risk of GDM. Methods: PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to 11th September 2021 for English language studies reporting the relationship between depression and subsequent risk of GDM. Results: Ten studies were included. Meta-analysis of data from nine studies including 127,195 patients indicated that prior depression was associated with a significantly increased risk of GDM (OR: 1.29 95% CI: 1.10, 1.52). There was no change in the significance of the results on sensitivity analysis. On subgroup analysis based on study location, we noted that the association between depression and GDM was seen only in USA-based studies with the pooled analysis of non-USA studies indicating no such relationship. Similar conflicting results were noted on subgroup analysis based on diagnostic criteria for GDM and depression. Conclusion: Our study indicates that prior depression can lead to a 29% increased risk of GDM in pregnant females. Current evidence is derived from a limited number of studies with significant heterogeneity in the timing and diagnostic criteria for depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is one of the most common causes of stroke worldwide, and it is associated with a high risk of recurrent stroke with currently recommended treatments. We aimed to evaluate the effect of chronic remote ischaemic conditioning on prevention of ischaemic events in patients with symptomatic ICAS.Methods: The RICA trial is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled trial at 84 stroke centres in China. Patients aged 40-80 years with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack attributable to angiographically verified 50-99% stenosis of a major intracranial artery were randomly assigned (1:1), via an interactive web-based system by computer-generated randomisation code, to either remote ischaemic conditioning or sham remote ischaemic conditioning once daily for 12 months and voluntarily thereafter. All investigators and patients were masked to treatment allocation. The primary efficacy endpoint was the time to first occurrence of non-fatal or fatal ischaemic stroke, with survival analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Primary and safety analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population. The RICA trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02534545.Findings: Between Oct 28, 2015, and Feb 28, 2019, 3033 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to either remote ischaemic conditioning (n=1517; intervention group) or sham remote ischaemic conditioning (n=1516; sham group). Median follow-up was 3·5 years (IQR 2·7-4·4). A non-fatal or fatal ischaemic stroke occurred in 257 (16·9%) patients in the intervention group compared with 288 (19·0%) patients in sham group. There was no difference in the survival distribution for time to first occurrence of non-fatal or fatal ischaemic stroke (hazard ratio 0·87, 95% CI 0·74-1·03; p=0·12). In the intervention group, 79 (5·2%) patients died from any cause, and in the sham group, 84 (5·5%) patients died from any cause (hazard ratio 0·93, 95% CI 0·68-1·27; p=0·65). No intervention-related serious adverse events were observed.Interpretation: No evidence was found for a difference between remote ischaemic conditioning and sham remote ischaemic conditioning in lowering the risk of ischaemic stroke in patients with symptomatic ICAS. The benefit of remote ischaemic conditioning might have been diluted by poor compliance. Future studies of remote ischaemic conditioning in this population should address challenges in patients' compliance and assess longer term treatment.Funding: Ministry of Science and Technology China, Beijing Municipal Education Commission, Beijing Municipal Finance Bureau.Translation: For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: CD8+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in human's immune tolerance. The study was aimed to assess the influence of budesonide nasal spray on CD8+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs and to evaluate their cellular functions in neutrophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs). Methods: Fifteen patients with neutrophilic CRSwNPs were enrolled and received physiological saline or budesonide nasal spray treatment (Saline or Budesonide group) for 3 months. Nasal tissue samples were obtained from normal subjects or those patients and cultured in vitro. CD8+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs were separated from normal or NP tissues and also cultured in vitro. Then interleukin (IL)-10 and its mRNA were evaluated in the above cell cultures. The cells were applied into NP cultures. Finally, myeloperoxidase (MPO), interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were assessed in the tissue cultures. Results: CD8+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs decreased in NP tissues. Budesonide administration did not enhance the percentage of these cells in polypoid tissues. IL-10 and its mRNA were increased in the above cell cultures from NPs. However, there were no statistical differences between the two treatments in the IL-10 expression. Additionally, levels of MPO, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and TNF-α were totally elevated in NP tissue cultures and reduced after the administration of CD8+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs. However, there were no significant differences in concentrations of these mediators between these two groups of the CD8+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs treatment in vitro. Conclusion: The findings indicate that CD8+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs might regulate the neutrophilic inflammation, and budesonide nasal spray therapy could not ameliorate the inflammation in neutrophilic CRSwNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Phylogenetic structure can be used to understand various ecological patterns. The main objective of the present study was to understand the elevational and seasonal amphibian phylogenetic structures in temperate montane streams. This study was conducted in 13 streams located in lowland and highland sites of Tianping mountain, China, in April, June, August, and October 2017, separately. We found that the elevational spatial patterns were not significantly different, but the seasonal temporal patterns differed significantly for amphibian phylogenetic structures, associated with the variation of microhabitat variables. Phylogenetic structure is a key facet of biodiversity, reflecting the evolutionary history of species, and thus can be used to understand various ecological patterns. Although amphibian phylogenetic structures have been tested across space and time separately, simultaneous quantifications are still needed. In the present study, amphibians in streams of Tianping mountain, China, were selected as the model to investigate their elevational spatial and seasonal temporal patterns of phylogenetic diversity. Specifically, 13 streams located in lowland and highland sites were sampled for amphibians and measured for microhabitat variables in April, June, August, and October 2017, separately. Four phylogenetic structural indices, including Faith's PD, standardized effect size (SES) of Faith's PD, mean pairwise phylogenetic distance index (MPD), and SES.MPD, were calculated. Our results revealed that amphibian phylogenetic patterns were not significantly different between lowland and highland sites, but differed significantly between four seasons, associated with distinct community assembly rules (phylogenetically overdispersed vs. phylogenetically clustered). Importantly, these patterns were strongly determined by microhabitat variables such as rock cover, water temperature, and water depth. Our results provide fundamental knowledge to better protect amphibian diversity. Both elevational and seasonal variations are important to understanding the general patterns of amphibian community assembly rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization-related human activities, such as population aggregation, rapid industrial expansion, and intensified traffic, are key factors that impact local polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emissions and their associated health risks. Consequently, regions with varying degrees of urbanization within a megacity may exhibit diverse spatiotemporal patterns in the presence and distribution of soil polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, resulting in different levels of ecological risks for local inhabitants following the same period of development. In this study, we measured the concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil samples collected from industrial district and rural district in Tianjin (China) in 2018, and compared with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon data in 2001 from a previous study to characterize these regional variations in occurrence, source, and human risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons induced by urbanization with time and space. The results indicate the 20-year rapid urbanization and industrialization has differentially affected the composition, distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils from different economic functional zones in Tianjin. Additionally, its impact on health risks in rural district appeared to be more significant than that in industrial district. • Urbanization had different effects on industrial and rural soil PAHs. • Regional socioeconomic patterns and residential behaviors influenced local PAH source profiles. • Risk regions and affected population were estimated quantitatively. • Urbanization-related impact on cancer risks in rural district seemed more notable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the steam distillation process of volatile oil from Angelicaesinensis Radix was optimized according to the concept of quality-by-design. A homemade glass volatile oil extractor was used to achieve better cooling of the volatile oil. First, the soaking time, distillation time, and liquid–material ratio were identified as potential critical process parameters by consulting the literature. Then, the three parameters were investigated by single factor experiments. The volatile oil yield increased with the extension in the distillation time, and first increased and then decreased with the increase in soaking time and liquid–material ratio. The results confirmed that soaking time, distillation time, and liquid–material ratio were all critical process parameters. The kinetics models of volatile oil distillation from Angelicaesinensis Radix were established. The diffusion model of spherical particle was found to be the best model and indicated that the major resistance of mass transfer was the diffusion of volatile oil from the inside to the surface of the medicinal herb. Furthermore, the Box–Behnken experimental design was used to study the relationship between the three parameters and volatile oil yield. A second-order polynomial model was established, with R2 exceeding 0.99. The design space of the volatile oil yield was calculated by a probability-based method. In the verification experiments, the average volatile oil yield reached 0.711%. The results showed that the model was accurate and the design space was reliable. In this study, 21 chemical constituents of volatile oil from Angelicaesinensis Radix were identified by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer(GC-MS), accounting for 99.4% of the total volatile oil. It was found that the content of Z-ligustilide was the highest, accounting for 85.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two high-efficiency radio-frequency (RF) rectifiers with extended input power range are proposed by taking the advantage of nonlinear impedance characteristics of diodes. Each rectifier consists of two subrectifiers that operates at high- and low-power levels, respectively. A nonlinear power division strategy is applied to the input power level without any power dividers or couplers. A λ/8 transmission line is introduced to compensate the imaginary part of diode impedance. A λ/4 transmission line is applied to reverse the diode impedance variation with respect to the input power. Two rectifiers operating at 2.45 GHz are fabricated and measured. Rectifier I shows a RF-dc power conversion efficiency exceeding 50% over an input power range of 23.3 dB (from 6.5 to 29.8 dBm), with maximum efficiency 74.5% at 27 dBm input power. Rectifier II shows an input power range exceeding 50% over 31 dB (−1 to 30 dBm) with maximum efficiency of 68.5% at 28 dBm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ground motion response in a moderately stiff soil in seismic events has been traditionally studied based on the actual field records which, however, have yet to offer consistent results regarding the amplification effect of the ground motion. In the present study, a centrifuge model of the moderately stiff soil field is designed to study the amplification effect of the ground motion in response to seismic loads. Four El Centro waves of different strengths are used as the input wave at the base under a gravitational field of 75 g. Ground motion data at different depths are collected via a number of sensors to study the acceleration peak, time history, and response spectrum of the ground motion. The measured amplitude and energy of seismic waves are found to gradually increase from the bottom to the surface during the propagation of seismic waves, and the peak acceleration at the surface is significantly magnified. The response spectrum analysis shows that the acceleration response spectrum gradually moves to the high-frequency direction from the base to the surface and the value of the response spectrum decreases with the increase of the depth in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational design of electrodes to broaden the working potential window is an attractive approach to improve the energy density of asymmetric supercapacitors. Herein, a simple non-solvent-induced phase separation method was used to construct a bionic "ant nest" three-dimensional hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) without any template, realizing a three-dimensional interlaced interconnection network structure similar to that of a natural ant nest, which adsorbs more ions through a larger accessible area and facilitates the bi-continuous transport of ions and electrons. Further, the aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor assembled with MnO 2 -modified HPC (HPC/MnO 2) as the positive electrode and nitrogen-doped HPC (NHPC) as the negative electrode has an energy density as high as 21 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 410 W kg−1, and as high as 17 Wh kg−1 even at a power density of 13 kW kg−1. The device exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance over a potential window of 0–1.6 V. • The bionic Ant-Nest 3D Hierarchical Porous Carbon structure is constructed by Nonsolvent Induce Phase Separation (NIPS). • The HPC structure features 3D well-interconnected hierarchical porosity and cross-linked conductive networks. • The designed NHPC and HPC/MnO 2 structures boost the electrons/ions transfer rate. • The asymmetric device presents extraordinary energy density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, general-purpose processors generally support 64-bit floating point operations. In large-scale and long-time scientific numerical calculation, the cumulative effect of rounding errors in floating-point operations may lead to unreliable numerical results. Therefore, to effectively control errors, designing high-precision, efficient and reliable floating-point numerical algorithms is very important. By using error-free transform and double-double format, this paper realizes a high-precision mathematics library based on SCILAB software platform. The evaluation of the polynomials in power basis, Bernstein form and Chebyshev basis is carried out on the Intel platform and the domestic FT processor platform. The results prove the validity of our proposed high-precision mathematics library. This library has independent intellectual property right and can run on the self-dependent and manageable domestic processor, which will support the national high technology research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most sharing economy business models implement win-win strategies to promote business viability on the one hand coupled with environmental and social sustainability on the other hand. To achieve this purpose, a lower cumulative consumption pattern is a critical benchmark for the effectiveness of such strategies in the sharing economy. In this paper, we define and model consumption patterns and behaviour changes from the perspective of perceived systemic risks (both scarcity and reciprocity risk) in the sharing economy and test our proposed model in the case of EVCARD, an electric vehicle (EV)-sharing system in Shanghai, China. Our analysis shows that the perceived scarcity risk of the EV-sharing significantly affects access-based consumption behaviour, collaborative consumption behaviour and substitutive behaviour intentions. We also show that the perceived reciprocity risk only has a significant effect on access-based consumption behaviour intentions. Moreover, the moderating effects of access variables are tested. We conclude that sharing businesses can achieve their win-win strategies by mitigating perceived systemic risks, influencing the consumer's desire and capability to substitute private ownership with access-based, collaborative consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neutrophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) occur predominantly in Asian subjects. Appropriate treatments for this endotype have not been elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of budesonide nasal spray on neutrophilic CRSwNP. Materials and Methods: Fifteen neutrophilic CRSwNP patients were included, and then they received budesonide nasal spray treatment for 3 months. Biopsies of nasal polyps (NPs) were obtained from these subjects. Their clinical indexes were scored using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-22, and Endoscopic Appearances (EAs). Histological analyses were used to assess numbers of neutrophils, goblet cells, and submucosal gland cells in NPs. Percentages of CD8+ T cells and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were evaluated using flow cytometry. Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC), MUC5B, myeloperoxidase (MPO), interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL)-1β and their mRNAs were also examined. After that, we cultured NP tissues in vitro and evaluated the abovementioned inflammatory parameters before and after the administration of budesonide. Results: Budesonide nasal spray did not improve clinical evaluations including VAS, SNOT-22, and EA scores. Numbers of neutrophils and goblet cells, the score of submucosal gland cells, percentages of CD8+ T cells and Tregs, MUC5AC, MUC5B, MPO, IFN-γ, and IL-1β and their mRNAs were not decreased in NPs after the budesonide treatment. Furthermore, the administration of budesonide into NP cultures also did not reduce their levels in comparison with those before the treatment. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that budesonide treatment may not alleviate the inflammatory condition in neutrophilic CRSwNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Newton-Kantorovich/Radau pseudospectral method is implemented in a homotopy scheme to solve the rigid spacecraft time-optimal three-axis reorientation problem. First, the reorientation differential equations associated with the current homotopic variable are linearized about the nominal (previous homotopic variable) solution. Then, the Radau pseudospectral method is used to solve the resulting linearized differential equations. By successively updating the nominal solution with the Newton-Kantorovich approach, the linearized solving procedure is iterated to achieve high-order precision. Because no numerical integration is needed and only linear algebraic equations are solved, the proposed method is computationally efficient. Finally, performance of the proposed method is illustrated through numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric cancer (GC) is characterized by unique genetic aberrations. Some of these mutations may be used to predict tumor prognosis or to guide patient therapy. Cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has been considered a promising alternative to biopsy to identify genome aberrations. However, no standardized methods to detect ctDNA variations in patients with GC are currently available. In the present study, the targeted sequencing of 545 genes was used to identify somatic alterations in tissues and matched plasma samples of nine patients with GC. Driver gene mutations were detected in matched tissues and plasma ctDNA. The mutated reads concordance rate of ctDNA in GC tissues with matched tissues was 45%. A true positive copy number gain of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 in plasma from patients with GC was identified. Furthermore, the ctDNA fraction in plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was positively correlated with metastasis lymph node number and with lactate dehydrogenase level. In conclusion, results from the present study suggested that targeted sequencing of plasma ctDNA may be considered a potential option for the clinical monitoring of GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 1D skin-core multilayer structure was fabricated by a facile template method. • Bicontinuous electron/ion transport during the charge/discharge process. • The large specific surface area and hollow hierarchical porous structure. • Adjusting active layers or sites can obviously improve the capacitive properties. • The maximum energy density of 8.77 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 0.25 kW kg−1. The fast transport of electrons and ions within electrodes is crucial to the final electrochemical properties. Herein, we have developed a unique ultra-long one-dimensional (1D) skin-core multilayer structure based on electrospun carbon nanofibers mainly through a facile Stöber method combined with resorcinol–formaldehyde resin, which not only achieves bicontinuous electron/ion transport during the charge/discharge process, but also provides large surface area for ion adsorption. Particularly, controlling the number of active layers as well as regulating the active sites in layer both can obviously improve capacitive properties. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of the desirable architecture, such the rational-designed skin-core structural carbon nanofibers as supercapacitor electrode can deliver a high specific capacitance up to 255 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, favorable rate capability with 89% capacitance retention of initial capacitance at 8 A g−1, and excellent cycling stability with nearly 93% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles at 2 A g−1. Furthermore, the as-assembled symmetric supercapacitor devices also present a maximum energy density of 8.77 Wh kg−1 at 0.25 kW kg−1 and a maximum power density of 3.70 kW kg−1 at 6.74 Wh kg−1. Such skin-core carbon nanofibers provide an effective strategy to design high-performance supercapacitor electrode for the next-generation energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipases are widely present in various plants, animals and microorganisms, constituting a large category of enzymes. They have the ability to catalyze the cleavage of ester bonds. The lipase CinB from Enterobacter asburiae (E. asburiae) is an acetyl esterase. The primary amino acid sequence suggests that the EaCinB protein belongs to the α/β-hydrolase (ABH) superfamily of the esterase/lipase superfamily. However, its molecular functions have not yet been determined. Here, we report the crystal structure of E. asburiae CinB at a 1.45 Å resolution. EaCinB contains a signal peptide, cap domain and catalytic domain. The active site of EaCinB contains the catalytic triad (Ser180-His307-Asp277) on the catalytic domain. The oxyanion hole is composed of Gly106 and Gly107 within the conserved sequence motif HGGG (amino acid residues 106–109). The substrate is accessible between the α1 and α2 helices or the α1 helix and catalytic domain. Narrow substrate pockets are formed by the α2 helix of the cap domain. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that EaCinB-W208H exhibits a higher catalytic ability than EaCinB-WT by approximately nine times. Our results provide insight into the molecular function of EaCinB. • EaCinB structure contains a signal peptide, cap domain and catalytic domain. • The active site of EaCinB contains the catalytic triad (Ser180-His307-Asp277). • The oxyanion hole is composed of Gly106 and Gly107. • Substrate-binding mode of EaCinB are proposed. • Site-directed mutagenesis showed that EaCinB-W208H exhibits a higher catalytic ability than EaCinB-WT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Siderophores acquire iron from hosts under iron-limiting conditions and play an essential role in the survival of microorganisms. Siderophore-interacting proteins (SIPs) from microbes release iron from the siderophore complex by reducing ferric iron to ferrous iron, but the molecular mechanism of iron reduction remains unclear. To better understand the molecular mechanism of SIPs, we herein report the crystal structure of Aeromonas hydrophila SIP (AhSIP) in complex with flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as a cofactor. AhSIP consists of an N-terminal FAD binding domain and a C-terminal NADH binding domain, which are connected by a linker region. AhSIP showed unique structural differences in the orientation of the cofactor binding lobes when compared with SIP homologs. This study identified a cluster of three basic residues (Lys48, His259 and Arg262) in AhSIP distributed around a potential substrate binding pocket. In addition, AhSIP, containing the NADH binding motif E(L)VL-X 3 -GE, belongs to the group I subfamily. Our results show the diverse cofactor and substrate binding sites of the SIP family. • Crystal structure determination of the Siderophore-interacting protein SIP-FAD complex from A. hydrophila. • AhSIP consist of N-terminal FAD binding domain and C-terminal NADH binding domain. • The potential substrate binding pocket of AhSIP and putative NADH binding sites are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Giant serpentine aneurysms (GSAs) are a subgroup of giant intracranial aneurysms, distinct from saccular and fusiform varieties, that are defined as partially thrombosed giant aneurysms with tortuous internal vascular channel. Clinicopathologic characteristics of middle cerebral artery GSAs have been rarely reported in the literature, with discussion of radiologic characteristics only. We clarify patient clinical and neuroradiologic features and discuss the mechanism of formation and progression. Case Description A 43-year-old woman presented with a GSA arising from the middle cerebral artery. There was a separate inflow and outflow channel of the aneurysm, with the outflow channel feeding the distal branches of the parent artery and supplying normal brain parenchyma. The GSA was treated successfully by aneurysmectomy and superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery bypass followed by proximal occlusion and vascular reconstruction. An aneurysm specimen was examined to correlate pathologic findings and morphologic characteristics. Result Pathologic results showed that thickness of the aneurysmal wall was typically increased and varied, and no internal elastic lamina or endothelial lining could be identified. The sac contained thrombi of various ages with recanalizing vessel formation and chronic inflammation infiltration. Intimal hyperplasia and neoangiogenesis in the wall and hyaline degeneration of the media were observed. Vessels coursing in their adventitia showed mucoid changes, which are responsible for the contrast enhancement of the aneurysmal rim on computed tomography scan. Conclusions GSAs are a specific pathologic entity with unique morphologic and pathologic characteristics that can affect intracranial blood vessels. The pathogenic mechanisms are unclear; this report suggests that GSAs may be associated with degeneration of the vascular wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional periodic diagram method is primarily used to solve ground motion coherence coefficients. However, in this method, power spectra need to be artificially smoothed, which will result in an abhorrent situation. To solve this key problem, this study uses the dynamic centrifuge model test results with a circular tunnel completed by Schofield Centre (University of Cambridge) as the basic data. The multidimensional autoregressive (AR) model is used to replace the periodic diagram method for computation, and its rationality is evaluated and verified from many perspectives. The difference between the results of the two methods under the condition of tunnel sites in multiple dimensions is discussed from the perspectives of the reconstruction effect, coherence coefficient, and the site amplification effect of records. The results are as follows: The multidimensional AR model can realize the accurate reconstruction of strong motion acceleration records. The coherence coefficient calculated by the AR model is generally smoother than that calculated by the periodic diagram method, which is conducive to fitting and inducing the parameters of empirical models in subsequent research. Under EQ1–EQ4, the ground motion amplification coefficient of each vibration mode first decreases and then increases from the base to the surface. The AR model is more effective than the periodic diagram method in reflecting the importance of the influence of higher-order modes on site amplification. • The coherence function and site amplification effect are calculated by autoregressive model. • The amplification effect in tunnel site with depth is revealed. • The advantages and disadvantages of autoregressive model and periodic diagram method are compared in different aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to examine the treatment effect on farm household productivity induced by the Sloping Land Conversion Program. Using large balanced household level data from five provinces during 1996-2010, this study shows that the SLCP significantly improved the productivity of participants during the first round of funding of the programme until 2008, while the effects decreased gradually in the second round with most years not showing significant differences. Moreover, it is found that there are heterogeneous effects on farm household productivity between the south and north, as well as between poor and rich regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How effective is psychoanalytic/psychodynamic distance training over the Internet? To assess this, we surveyed graduates of the 2-year and 4-year programs of the China America Psychoanalytic Alliance (CAPA). The main results of the 90 graduates' surveys showed that 77% of their work involves a psychoanalytic formulation of their cases as compared to other theoretical orientations. Graduates highly rated the effectiveness of their own psychoanalytic therapy over videoconferencing (VCON). Graduates' ratings of treatment with their patients over VCON positively correlated with years of psychoanalytic education, number of days a week in own treatment, years doing psychoanalytic treatment, and degree working with a psychoanalytic orientation. Graduates thought that therapist variables (skillfulness, warmth, empathy, and wisdom) were much more important in the effectiveness of their treatment than whether the treatment was in-person or with VCON, or the presence of cultural differences with their therapist. The graduates' ratings of how they are practicing psychoanalytic treatment were highly correlated with how their own therapists practiced psychoanalytic psychotherapy, as measured by the psychodynamic/interpersonal process items on the Comparative Psychotherapy Process Scale (CPPS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black-bone fowl are different from ordinary broilers in appearance and are considered to have rich nutritional properties. However, the metabolism of therapeutic drugs in black-bone fowl remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the tissue residue depletion kinetics of trimethoprim and sulfachloropyridazine in Yugan black-bone fowl, after daily oral administrations for 5 days at 4 mg/kg bw/day trimethoprim and 20 mg/kg bw/day sulfachloropyridazine, and to calculate the withdrawal times. After consecutive oral administrations, the tissues (liver, kidney, muscle and skin/fat) were collected at each of the following time points (0.16, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 20, 30 and 40 days). A newly-devised LC-MS/MS method was used to analyse the concentrations of trimethoprim and sulfachlorpyridazine in target tissues. The results showed that sulfachloropyridazine was rapidly metabolised in broilers, and there was no residue in all tissues 3 days post-administration. The concentration of trimethoprim in black-bone fowl skin/fat is the highest, and its metabolism rate is low. After 40 days, the concentration of trimethoprim in skin/fat is still as high as 140.1 ± 58.0 μg/kg, exceeding the maximum residue limit. In order to protect consumers' health, it is suggested that the withdrawal time of TMP in Yugan black-bone fowl is 69 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that are involved in translational regulation of the messenger RNA molecules. Sequence variations in the genes encoding miRNAs could influence their biogenesis and function. MiR-15b plays an important role in cellular proliferation, apoptosis and the cell cycle. Here, we report the identification of a C58T mutation in porcine pre-miR-15b. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we determined that this mutation blocks the transition from pri-miRNA to pre-miRNA, alters the strand selection between miR-15b-5p and miR-15b-3p, and obstructs biogenesis of the downstream miR-16-1. These results serve to highlight the importance of miRNA mutations and their impacts on miRNA biogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an emerging body of research focusing on the positive and negative effects of sacrifice on relationship quality, but few of them have investigated the effects of the inequity of sacrifice. In the light of social exchange theory and equity theory, this study examines the roles inequity of sacrifice plays in marital satisfaction in China. Based on the questionnaires completed by 115 Chinese young couples, we find that wives' perceived inequity of sacrifice, rather than husbands' perceived inequity or the actual inequity of sacrifice, is predictive to both spouses' marital satisfaction. In addition, wives' perceived overbenefit positively predicts, while underbenefit negatively predicts both spouses' marital satisfaction, which means when wives perceive their husbands' sacrifice more than themselves, both of them have higher satisfaction. In accordance with social exchange theory but not equity theory, our findings highlight the important and subtle roles perceived inequity of sacrifice behaviours plays in the marriages of Chinese young couples. Practitioner points The importance of perceived inequity implies that clients' perceptions should be paid more attention than the content of their stories, The strong predictive power of wives' but not husbands' perceived inequity suggests we should keep gender difference in mind when working with couples, especially young couples, Young couples may care about their own advantages more than the equity of their relationship, which should be accommodated in clinical work [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many plant pathogen secretory proteins are known to be elicitors or pathogenic factors, which play an important role in the host-pathogen interaction process. Bioinformatics approaches make possible the large scale prediction and analysis of secretory proteins from the Puccinia helianthi transcriptome. The internet-based software SignalP v4.1, TargetP v1.01, Big-PI predictor, TMHMM v2.0 and ProtComp v9.0 were utilized to predict the signal peptides and the signal peptide-dependent secreted proteins among the 35,286 ORFs of the P. helianthi transcriptome. Results: 908 ORFs (accounting for 2.6% of the total proteins) were identified as putative secretory proteins containing signal peptides. The length of the majority of proteins ranged from 51 to 300 amino acids (aa), while the signal peptides were from 18 to 20 aa long. Signal peptidase I (SpI) cleavage sites were found in 463 of these putative secretory signal peptides. 55 proteins contained the lipoprotein signal peptide recognition site of signal peptidase II (SpII). Out of 908 secretory proteins, 581 (63.8%) have functions related to signal recognition and transduction, metabolism, transport and catabolism. Additionally, 143 putative secretory proteins were categorized into 27 functional groups based on Gene Ontology terms, including 14 groups in biological process, seven in cellular component, and six in molecular function. Gene ontology analysis of the secretory proteins revealed an enrichment of hydrolase activity. Pathway associations were established for 82 (9.0%) secretory proteins. A number of cell wall degrading enzymes and three homologous proteins specific to Phytophthora sojae effectors were also identified, which may be involved in the pathogenicity of the sunflower rust pathogen. Conclusions: This investigation proposes a new approach for identifying elicitors and pathogenic factors. The eventual identification and characterization of 908 extracellularly secreted proteins will advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of interactions between sunflower and rust pathogen and will enhance our ability to intervene in disease states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultra-sensitive and selective turn off-on fluorescence detection of heparin based on the energy transfer in the BSA-stabilized gold nanoclusters/amino-functionalized graphene oxide (BSA-AuNCs/NH 2 -GO) hybrids was successfully realized. The BSA-AuNCs containing amounts of carboxyl groups could be absorbed on the surface of NH 2 -GO through the electrostatic interaction, which resulted in the fluorescence quenching of BSA-AuNCs with high efficiency. However, heparin, possessing high density of negative charge, could compete with BSA-AuNCs to bind NH 2 -GO and block the energy transfer from BSA-AuNCs to NH 2 -GO. The fluorescence recovery of BSA-AuNCs was closely related to the amount of heparin and there was a good linear relationship between fluorescence recovery of BSA-AuNCs and heparin over the range of 100 ng/mL to 30 μg/mL with a detection limit of 40 ng/mL. What's more, the fluorescence assay was successfully applied for heparin sensing in human serums and intracellular imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A numerical simulation analysis was performed for three air pollution episodes in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region during March 2012 using the third-generation air quality modeling system Models-3/CMAQ. The results demonstrated that particulate matter was the primary pollutant for all three pollution episodes and was accompanied by relatively low visibility in the first two episodes. Weather maps indicate that the first two episodes occurred under the influence of warm, wet southerly air flow systems that led to high humidity throughout the region. The liquid phase reaction of gaseous pollutants resulted in the generation of fine secondary particles, which were identified as the primary source of pollution in the first two episodes. The third pollution episode occurred during a warming period following a cold front. Relative humidity was lower during this episode, and coarse particles were the major pollution contributor. Results of process analysis indicated that emissions sources, horizontal transport and vertical transport were the primary factors affecting pollutant concentrations within the near-surface layer during all three episodes, while aerosol processes, cloud processes, horizontal transport and vertical transport had greater influence at approximately 900 m above ground. Cloud processes had a greater impact during the first two pollution episodes because of the higher relative humidity. In addition, by comparing pollution processes from different cities (Guangzhou and Zhongshan), the study revealed that the first two pollution episodes were the result of local emissions within the PRD region and transport between surrounding cities, while the third episode exhibited prominent regional pollution characteristics and was the result of regional pollutant transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to achieve the simple, easily repeated, and large scale preparation of fluorescent CDs, a new solid-state synthesis (SSS) approach was developed by calcining the mixture of fullerenes (C 60 ) and solid sodium hydroxide. The cage of fullerenes could be opened and the hydroxyl and carboxyl were successfully introduced in the presence of sodium hydroxide under high temperature. The as-prepared surface carboxylated CDs possess many good properties, such as high water solubility, good photostability, salt tolerance, and nontoxicity. Especially, the fluorescence of CDs could be highly quenched by Fe 3+ because of the strong interaction of hydroxyl or carboxyl on the as-obtained CDs with Fe 3+ , which realized a sensitive detection of Fe 3+ in the linear range of 0.02–0.6 μmol/L. What is more, we further applied the obtained CDs into the intracellular imaging of Fe 3+ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A visual physiological temperature sensor was successfully developed with newly hydrothermally prepared fluorescent silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) at room temperature using gelatin as the protective and reducing agent. The as-prepared gelatin-stabilized AgNCs was water-soluble, uniform and exhibited a narrow distribution with an average size of 1.16 nm, showing a maximum emission band at 552 nm (2.45 eV) when excited at 445 nm (2.79 eV). The large Stokes shift of 110 nm of the gelatin-stabilized AgNCs makes it actually applicable with very low background and light scattering interferences. It was found that the as-prepared gelatin-stabilized AgNCs is temperature-sensitive over the range from 5 °C to 45 °C, and thus a visual physiological temperature sensor could be developed with the gelatin–AgNCs as under the irradiation of visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through addressing the motivations behind rural households’ livelihood diversification, this paper examines the effect of the Sloping Land Conversion Program (SLCP) on livelihood diversification using a longitudinal household survey data set spanning the overall implementation of the SLCP. Our results show that the SLCP works as a valid external policy intervention to increase rural livelihood diversification. In addition, the findings demonstrate that the implementation of the SLCP has had heterogeneous effects on livelihood diversification across different rural income groups. The lower income group was more affected by the program in terms of income diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FeO magnetic nanoparticles coated with a TiO film (FeO@TiO nanoparticles) have been synthesized by use of a modified Stöber method and used for removal of inorganic arsenic ions from aqueous solution. The high saturation magnetization of FeO@TiO nanoparticles (45.56 emu g) facilitates their separation from aqueous solutions by use of a moderate magnetic field. The ζ-potential of FeO@TiO nanoparticles was approximately 5.8. Sorption data were in good agreement with a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with faster adsorption of As(III) (3.24 × 10 μg g min) than As(V) (2.56 × 10 μg g min). Adsorption isotherms were a good fit to the Freundlich isotherm model; adsorption capacity was 13.1 and 10.5 mg g for As(III) and As(V), respectively. The effects on adsorption of such environmental conditions as pH, coexisting phosphate and sulfate ions, and humic acid were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3-D CuS materials have attracted attention due to their unique catalytic properties. These materials are generally synthesized by the template method; however, this process is time-consuming, complex, and results in low catalytic activity. In this paper, we describe a new method for the synthesis of monodisperse and highly homogeneous CuS caved superstructures with a variety of shapes and sizes. Our synthesis was accomplished in 2.5 h by a simple direct solvothermal reaction of CuSO4 with sulfur powder under normal pressure, and achieved by the reduction of acetaldehyde produced from ethylene glycol (EG) during the heating process. We show that the size and morphology of CuS products can be tuned by adjusting the molar ratios of reactants, reaction temperature and preheating temperature. The CuS caved superstructures prepared were highly catalytic, as shown by examining the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in the absence of light through the oxidation of hydroxide radicals produced from H2O2 in the catalytic reaction. This shows that the CuS catalyst prepared by our novel method has efficient catalytic activity, making it a cost-effective and convenient method for the treatment of dye-contaminated wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk is an excellent natural material and has been used for a variety of applications. Modification of the pristine silk is usually needed depending on the intended purpose. The technical treatments involved in the modification not only should be easy, rapid, environmentally friendly, and cheap but should also retain the features of the pristine silk. Herein, we demonstrate that luminescent silk and fabric can be produced through nanotechnology. The surface of the natural silk fiber is chemically coated with luminescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) composed of tens to hundreds of Au atoms through a redox reaction between the protein-based silk and an Au salt precursor. The luminescent silk coated with AuNCs (called golden silk) possesses good optical properties, including a relatively long wavelength emission, high quantum yields, a long fluorescent lifetime, and photostability. Moreover, golden silk prepared this way has better mechanical properties than pristine silk, is better able to inhibit UV, and has lower toxicity in vitro . This work not only provides an effective strategy for in situ preparation of luminescent metal nanoclusters on a solid substrate but also paves the way for large-scale and industrialized production of novel silk-based materials or fabrics through nanotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methoxylated (MeO-) and hydroxylated (OH-) polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in marine environments have been of increasing concern due to their potential ecological toxicities and worldwide occurrence. However, few reports have been referred to their occurrence and distributions in marine sediments despite large numbers of studies on marine organisms have been reported. In the present paper, nine MeO-BDEs, ten OH-BDEs and three phytoplankton biomarkers (PBs) of brassicasterol, dinosterol and alkenones have been measured in surface sediments from the East China Sea. 6-MeO-BDE47, 2′-MeO-BDE68 and 6-OH-BDE47 were predominant congeners, ranging from 5.2 to 599.5pgg−1dw, 5.2 to 562.4pgg−1dw, and 11.4 to 129.1pgg−1dw, respectively. Their spatial patterns all presented a seaward increasing trend and higher levels of these compounds were mainly concentrated in the outer shelf influenced by the Kuroshio Current. The patterns further prove that these ortho-substituted MeO-BDEs and OH-BDEs in marine sediments are natural compounds. Furthermore, alkenones also presented a seaward increasing trend. Statistical analysis shows that there are significant correlations between MeO-BDEs, OH-BDEs and alkenones, impling the potential of coccolithophorids for producing these natural compounds and their global distribution, especially in open oceans. Comparison between TOC and the ratio of 6-MeO-BDE47/6-OH-BDE47 suggests that TOC should be a potential controlling factor of the conversion between MeO-BDE and OH-BDE pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial organic matter (TOM) indicators could serve as proxies in studying the environmental behavior of organic pollutants because they are transported into the shelf seas along with the TOM. In this study, comparisons between polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and TOM indicators of ∑ C 27 + C 29 + C 31 n -alkanes, as well as branched and isoprenoid tetraether (BIT) index, were performed to examine the regional sources of PCBs in the East China Sea. The results indicated that sedimentary PCBs in the mud area southwest of the Cheju Island, coastal area north of the 29°N, and coastal area south of the 29°N were mainly from atmospheric deposition, riverine input of the Yangtze River, and local coastal sources via atmospheric deposition, respectively. The broad resemblance of the spatial patterns of non-definitive indicators of PCB dechlorination, hypoxia, and ∑ ladderane lipids suggested that deep dechlorination mainly occurred at the coastal areas and center shelf southwest of Cheju Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-soluble fluorescent silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) with almost seven and nine silver atoms and a quantum yield (QY) of 5.38 ± 0.25% were successfully prepared via one-pot hydrothermal synthesis using polymethacrylic acid sodium salt (PMAA-Na) as a template. The as-prepared PMAA–AgNCs displayed a mono-distribution, they were uniform in size and the color of the fluorescence, emitting at 579 nm, was orange when excited at 502 nm. What is more, we found that the as-prepared PMAA–AgNCs could be quenched by sulfides based on the formation of a metal–ligand bond Ag–S, and thus sulfides could be sensitively detected by spectrofluorometry. As proof of concept, thiourea (TU) and other sulfides including cysteine (Cys), glutathione (GSH) and dl-methionine could be detected. For example, the color of the orange fluorescent AgNCs solutions darkened upon the addition of TU and the fluorescence of PMAA–AgNCs was quenched. The detection limit for TU was 6.10 μM in the linear range from 8.57 μM to 2.29 mM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, the interaction and vulnerability of tourism and climate change have recently been in focus. This study examines how carbon dioxide emissions respond to changes in the tourism development. Panel data from 2000 to 2017 for 70 countries are analyzed using spatial econometric method to investigate the spatial spillover effect of tourism development on environmental pollution. The direct, indirect, and overall impact of tourism on environmental pollution are estimated after the selection of the most appropriate GNS method. The findings reveal that tourism has a positive direct effect and a negative indirect effect; both are significant at the 1 % level. The negative indirect effect of tourism is greater than its direct positive effect, implying an overall significantly negative impact. Further, the outcome of financial development and carbon emissions have an inverted U-shaped and U-shaped relationship in direct and indirect impacts. Population density, trade openness and economic growth significantly influence on environmental pollution through spatial spill over. In addition, education expenditure and infrastructure play a significant moderating role in the relationship among tourism development and environmental pollution. The results have important policy implications as they establish an inverted-U-shaped relationship among tourism and environmental pollution and indicate that while a country's emissions initially rise with the tourism industry's growth, they begin declining after a limit. • Identifying the spatial spillover effect of tourism development on environmental pollution. • The outcome of financial development and carbon emissions have an inverted U-shaped and U-shaped relationship in direct and indirect impacts. • Establishing an inverted-U-shaped relationship among tourism and environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic characteristics and ground motion of saturated marine sediments in the sea area play an important role in the assessment of seismic safety and risk in geotechnical and marine engineering. Current engineering practices usually adopt a simplified approach by neglecting the effect of the overlying seawater. In the present study a centrifuge experiment is conducted to simulate the response of the ground motion of saturated marine sediments to explore the effect of the overlying water cover. Two models, one without the overlying water and the other under the overlying water are subjected to different base inputs. Their acceleration time histories, peak values and the response acceleration spectra are examined. The results of the acceleration time histories show that the seismic waveforms in the model with the overlying water are denser than those without overlying water. Overall the acceleration response spectra of the two models are considerably different and the differences are especially substantial under the base inputs of moderately high to high acceleration. • Centrifuge model tests are performed to simulate seismic response of marine sediments in sea areas. • Acceleration time histories and the response spectra are examined. • Peak accelerations at the ground surface and across the soil depth are investigated. • Influence of overlying water in the sediments' seismic response is identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in the surface sediments of 20 locations in the East China Sea (ECS). The ∑PBDEs (sum of 13 PBDE congeners, without brominated diphenyl ether 209 (BDE209) ranged from 2.6 to 49 pg g (dry weight) with an average of 21 pg g, which fell at the low end of the global range. The spatial distribution presented an offshore decreasing trend towards the outer shelf and along the coastline, suggesting a direct influence of the inputs by the Yangtze River. The ∑PBDE concentrations were influenced by the total organic carbon of the sediment, as demonstrated by their similar spatial distributions. The ∑C + C + C n-alkanes concentrations and sand % reported in the literature for sediments in the ECS presented similar spatial distributions as ∑PBDEs, which suggests that a considerable part of ∑PBDEs may come from the Yangtze River and that grain size plays an important role in PBDE accumulation. The three dominant congeners were BDE28 (19.8 %), BDE47 (26.4 %), and BDE99 (16.8 %). The present study compared the congener patterns of the sedimentary PBDEs with those of commercial products. The results indicated the possible use of penta-BDE in the Yangtze River Basin in a wide range or the fractionation and transformation of PBDE congeners during their long-range transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption behavior and mechanism of methyl blue (MB) on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were investigated in this work. The adsorption capacity of MB on the ZnO nanoparticles reached 10.70 ± 0.80 mmol/g, which was the highest among today’s adsorbents for removing MB. The adsorption process was independent of pH and temperature in the experimental range. The adsorption kinetics was elucidated by the pseudo-second-order model and exhibited 2-stage intra-particle diffusion model. The adsorption isotherm fitted well with the Temkin model. The calculated parameter from Temkin model indicated the adsorption process was spontaneous with a uniform distribution of binding energies. The mechanism studies by XPS analysis confirmed that ionic bonding between Zn 2+ in Zn(OH) + and sulfonic groups of MB was the major interaction between MB and ZnO nanoparticles. The adsorption for MB by ZnO nanoparticles was selective. This work indicates that ZnO nanoparticles are promising adsorbents for removal of MB from waste water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Fe2O3 nanoparticles show high dispersivity on Al decorated mesoporous silica. [•] The prepared adsorbent obtains ordered 2D mesoporous structure. [•] The prepared adsorbent shows synergistic adsorption capacity for As(V). [•] The adsorbent maintains a desirable life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]