Search

This paper deals with a forager–exploiter model with homogeneous Neumann boundary condition: u t = d 1 Δ u - ∇ · (χ (w) u ∇ w) + a 1 u - b 1 u θ 1 x ∈ Ω , t > 0 , v t = d 2 Δ v - ∇ · (ρ (u) v ∇ u) + a 2 v - b 2 v θ 2 x ∈ Ω , t > 0 , w t = d 3 Δ w - α (u + v) w - β w + r (x , t) x ∈ Ω , t > 0 , ∂ ν u = ∂ ν v = ∂ ν w = 0 x ∈ ∂ Ω , t > 0 , u (x , 0) = u 0 (x) ≥ 0 , v (x , 0) = v 0 (x) ≥ 0 w (x , 0) = w 0 (x) ≥ 0 x ∈ Ω , where Ω ⊂ R n (n ≥ 2) is a bounded domain, the constants a 1 , a 2 , b 1 , b 2 , θ 1 , θ 2 , α , β are positive. The nonnegative functions χ (w) , ρ (u) , r (x , t) satisfy χ (w) ∈ C 1 ([ 0 , ∞)) , ρ (u) ∈ C 1 ([ 0 , ∞)) and r (x , t) ∈ C 1 (Ω ¯ × [ 0 , ∞)) ∩ L ∞ (Ω × (0 , ∞)) , respectively. The nonnegative initial functions satisfy u 0 , w 0 ∈ W 2 , ∞ (Ω) , v 0 ∈ W 1 , ∞ (Ω) and ∂ ν u 0 = ∂ ν v 0 = ∂ ν w 0 = 0 . When n > 2 , θ 1 > 2 and θ 2 > n 2 + 1 , we prove that this problem possesses a global classical solution, which is uniformly bounded. This result improves the work of Wang (Nonlinear Anal 222: 112985, 2022), in which the global boundedness of solution is established for θ 1 > n 2 + 1 , θ 2 > n 2 + 1 , χ (w) ≡ χ and ρ (u) ≡ ρ and χ , ρ > 0 are two constants. Moreover, when n = 2 , either θ 1 = 2 and θ 2 > 2 or 1 < θ 1 < 2 , θ 2 > 2 and ∫ t t + 1 ∫ Ω | ∇ r (x , t) | 2 < ∞ for all t > 0 , this problem also possesses a global bounded classical solution. This result partially generalizes previously known ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution history of the Hegenshan Ocean is an important part of studying the evolution of the Xingmeng orogenic belt, but it is still controversial. Here we present an integrated study of petrology, zircon U–Pb geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd isotopes on a series of intrusive rocks from the Baiyinguole area, Xiwuqi, central Inner Mongolia, NE China. Chronological data indicate that the intrusive rocks can be divided into three stages: 326–317, 297–295, and 259–254 Ma. The 326–317-Ma gabbros and diorites belong to the calc-alkaline series, and are characterized by positive whole-rock εNd(t) values (+1.1–+6.7), relatively low La/Ba ratios (0.04–0.10), and high La/Nb ratios (1.82–3.18), indicating that the magma source is from a subduction-modified lithospheric mantle. These samples have arc features owing to the southward subduction of the Hegenshan oceanic crust. The 297–295-Ma granodiorites and monzogranites show positive εNd(t) values (+1.9–+2.4), low 87Sr/86Sri ratios (0.704185–0.705234), and young Nd two-stage model ages (TDM2), which is consistent with typical I-type granites. On various tectonic setting discrimination diagrams, the granodiorites and monzogranites are plotted in the syn-collisional field. The 259–254-Ma syenogranites have low abundances of mafic minerals, low contents of Zr/Hf (18.31–31.35) and Nb/Ta (6.80–11.80) values, high SiO2 (76.36–78.54 wt.%) content, A/CNK (1.08–1.76), and D.I. of 96.8–97.4 (average 97.1), and notable negative Eu anomalies (δEu* = 0.07–0.17) and weakly tetrad-effects in REE pattern, which is affinity to the characteristics of highly differentiated granites. Moreover, they have positive εNd(t) values (+2.0–+2.1) with scattered TDM2 of 730–1217 Ma and low Nb/U ratios. This study suggests that the syenogranites are formed in a post-collisional tectonic setting, which is related to the closure of the Hegenshan Ocean. In addition, based on a review of the pre-existing literature data, a model of southward ridge subduction is proposed to explain the tectonic evolution of the Hegenshan Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate a predatorâ€"prey system with nonlinear prey-taxis under Neumann boundary condition. For a class of chemotactic sensitive functions, we obtain the existence and boundedness of global classical solutions for initial boundary value problems in arbitrary dimensional space. In addition, we also study the local stability of the constant steady state solution, and obtain the global asymptotic stability of the steady state solution under different predation intensity by constructing appropriate Lyapunov functions. Furthermore, the steady state bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation and fold-Hopf Singularity are analysed in detail by using Lyapunovâ€"Schmidt reduction method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the characteristics of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) secreted by Mycobacterium gilvum SN12 (M.g. SN12) cultured on pyrene (Pyr) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). A heating method was used to extract EPSs from M.g. SN12, and the composition, emulsifying activity, and morphology of EPS extracts were investigated. Results showed that EPS extracts varied significantly with Pyr or BaP addition to the bacterial cultures. The concentration of proteins and carbohydrates, the main components of the EPS extracts, first increased and then decreased, with an increase in the concentration of Pyr (0–120 mg L−1) and BaP (0–120 mg L−1). A similar trend was observed for the emulsifying activity of the EPS extracts. EPSs extracted from all cultures exhibited a compact structure with a smooth surface, except for EPSs extracted from BaP-grown M.g. SN12, which revealed a more fragile and softer surface. These findings suggest that Pyr and BaP had different influences on the properties of isolated EPSs, providing insights into the mechanism underlying polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) biodegradation by some EPS-secreting bacteria. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the texture profile of EPS samples extracted from M.g. SN12 grown on PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hard-to-healing or nonhealing diabetic wounds caused by hyperglycemia, bacterial infection and chronic inflammation are becoming a challenge globally. In this study, a novel hydrogel for diabetic wound healing composed of methacrylic anhydride-modified gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel and mimicking neutrophil nanoparticles was originally created. The prepared GelMA hydrogel has good sprayability and film-formation ability under blue light illumination (wavelength = 435–480 nm). Nanoparticles mimicking neutrophils belong to a double enzyme system that are encapsulated in ZIF-8 nanoparticles, which can consume glucose to produce HClO, ensuring a decrease in the glucose concentration of the wound and growth inhibition in bacteria. The hydrogel also has excellent biocompatibility, which can promote the growth and proliferation of fibroblasts. More importantly, the hydrogel can accelerate wound healing in type I diabetic rats owing to the downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, and the wound with an area of 1 cm2 can be almost fully healed with no formation of the scar on the 21st day, as verified by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. All these combinations indicate its potential in diabetic wound treatment. • Bionic hydrogel can mimic the function of neutrophils. • The hydrogel promotes healing by a ZIF-8 loaded bionic bioenzyme cascade reaction. • The methacrylic anhydride-modified gelatin hydrogel is a blue light cross-linked sprayable hydrogel. • The hydrogel has anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic effects. • Bionic hydrogel can promote scar-free healing of diabetic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with a Lotka-Volterra model with nonlinear cross diffusion. The global existence of generalized solutions is established under some proper assumptions, and the nonexistence of nonconstant solutions is also investigated when diffusion rate is sufficiently large. At the same time, sufficient conditions ensuring the existence of non-constant solutions are obtained by using Leray-Schauder degree theory. Furthermore, steady-state bifurcation analysis is carried out in details by using Lyapunov-Schmidt reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the geochemical characteristics and implications of soil gas and geothermal fluids in the fault zone of Xiongan New Area (XNA). Spatial distribution analysis reveals high soil gas concentrations along the fault zone, prompting the establishment of measurement lines along specific fault segments, such as Niudong fault, with a vertical burial trend. The measured average Rn flux ranges from 71.44 to 335.35 mBq m−2s−1, while CO 2 flux ranges from 25.96 to 78.23 g m−2d−1. Furthermore, the average Rn and CO 2 concentration intensities range from 0.91 to 2.30 and 1.13 to 2.61, respectively, indicating significant degassing in the fault zone. Geothermal well samples are collected from the deep reservoir in XNA, displaying a predominance of Cl–Na composition. Analysis of the Na–K–Mg equilibrium diagram suggests that the chemical characteristics of deep geothermal water are a result of interactions with rocks and mixing with shallow cold water in XNA. Isotopic analysis indicates the atmospheric precipitation origin of the deep geothermal water with extensive lateral recharge from underground runoff, emphasizing strong water-rock interactions. Comparison with other tectonic units in the region reveals that the Niudong Fault Zone serves as a regional geothermal control structure, facilitating deep fluid convection. In the eastern part of XNA, the geochemical analysis reveals concentrated degassing and a relatively high proportion of mantle-derived sources near the Niudong Fault Zone. This observation suggests the fault zone serves as a primary conduit for deep gases and geothermal fluids. The findings of this research provide valuable scientific references for future urban planning, energy utilization, and geologic hazard monitoring in XNA. Continued monitoring efforts are crucial for understanding the nature of fault activity and resource distribution in the region. • The fault zone of Xiongan New Area exhibits significant degassing, with concentrations of Rn and CO 2 in soil gas showing wide ranges and being most concentrated along buried faults. • Geothermal water in XNA has a Cl–Na composition and exhibits slow runoff characteristics, with an atmospheric precipitation origin and extensive lateral recharge from underground runoff. • The Niudong Fault Zone serves as a regional geothermal control structure, facilitating deep fluid convection and potentially inducing changes in permeability leading to fault movements and earthquakes. • The high values of gas concentration intensity and flux in the RCF in the western part of XNA may be attributed to the intersection of the RCF and the XDF. • The geochemical characteristics of geothermal fluid in XNA can provide valuable insights into the geological processes and fluid dynamics within geothermal systems. The distribution of the geothermal field in XNA is indeed influenced by fault activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eastern Kunlun arc activities were interrupted by repeated continent–continent collision followed by ocean opening along the older suture zones previous created in the Neoproterozoic. The first report of the later Devonian‐early Carboniferous arc magmatism has played a vital role in constraining the evolution of the Eastern Kunlun Orogen. We undertook zircon U–Pb dating, Hf isotopic compositions, whole‐rock geochemical and Nd–Sr isotopic analyses of the Jianxiashan pluton in the western end of the Eastern Kunlun Range. The pluton is composed of tonalite, granodiorite, and monzogranites. Our new data suggest that the pluton formed during the late Devonian‐early Carboniferous with ages of 339–358 Ma. These rocks have high A/CNK = 1.06–1.30, with 1.11–3.80% of normative corundum and are characterized by negative Eu anomalies and strong depletion in Ba, Nb, and Sr elements. The zircon Hf isotopic analyses give predominantly negative εHf(t) values (−9.25 to −2.80), whereas the values of inherited zircons are various from −25.84 to +8.80. The U–Pb age and Hf isotopic data of these inherited zircons are similar to the widespread meta‐sediments of Kuhai Group basement. The peraluminous granitoids have negative εNd(t) values (−7.1 to −5.1) and relatively high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.71009). These isotopic compositions suggest that the Kuhai Group could possibly be the source rocks of these peraluminous granitoids. We suggest the tonalite and granodiorite are I‐S transition type, whereas the monzogranite is highly fractionated S‐type formed in a back‐arc extensional tectonic setting, which was possibly related to the northern subduction of the Paleo‐Kunlun oceanic lithosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb dating, geochemical data for the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous volcanic rocks in the Aksu River area, western end of the East Kunlun Orogen, with an aim to constrain the ages, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of volcanic rocks and to comprehend the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous tectonic evolution of the north branch of the Paleo‐Tethys Ocean. The Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous volcanic rocks are mostly composed of andesite and rhyolite. The new U–Pb ages show that the volcanic rocks formed in the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous with ages of ca. 364–343 Ma. The volcanic rocks are classified as calc‐alkaline series. All of the volcanic rocks are characterized by enrichment in large‐ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, U, Sr, and K) and light rare earth elements and depletion in some high‐field‐strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, P, and Ti). The andesite samples have relatively high La/Nb (1.66–3.63) but low La/Ba (0.05–0.23) ratios, indicating the mantle source could be depleted mantle, and it had been metasomatized before partial melting. The rhyolite samples have low Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf ratios and Cr, Ni, and Co contents, which indicate that the material source was mainly crust derived and has experienced fractional crystallization process. Combined with our zircon U–Pb dating, geochemical data and geological field investigation, the tectonic setting of the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous volcanic rocks is possibly related to the subduction process. Furthermore, the Paleo‐Tethys oceanic crust between the Bayan Har and East Kunlun‐Qaidam terrane northward subducted beneath the East Kunlun‐Qaidam terrane in the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous, and the north branch of the Paleo‐Tethys Ocean between the Bayan Har and East Kunlun‐Qaidam terrane opening event should be earlier than this time (~364 Ma). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structure from motion (SfM) recovers scene structures and camera poses based on feature matching, and faces challenges from ambiguous scenes. There are a large number of ambiguous scenes in real environment, which contain many duplicate structures and textures. The ambiguity leads to incorrect feature matches between images with similar appearance, and makes geometric misalignment in SfM. To address this problem, recent methods have focused on investigating the inconsistencies in feature topology among multi-view images. However, the feature topology is directly derived from 2D images. Thus, it is susceptible to feature occlusion caused by changes in perspective. Therefore, we propose a new method that disambiguates scenes using pose consistency rather than feature consistency. The pose consistency is conducted in 3D geometric space which is less sensitive to feature occlusion. Thus, the pose consistency is more robust than feature consistency. Our core motivation lies that the incorrect matches between ambiguous images will cause pose deviation from the global poses generated by correct matches. To detect this pose deviation, we first combine local and global information of the scene to generate the global reliable camera poses. The local information of each image is obtained by image clustering, and it strengthens the global information that is represented as the verified maximum spanning tree of clusters. Then, the global poses serve as the reference for further pose consistency verification. The global poses also enable us to perform both rotation and translation consistency verification for uncertain matches. During the pose consistency verification, the pose deviation calculated on image-level may be too small to be noticed. Thus, we propose to perform pose consistency verification at cluster-level instead of image-level to amplify the pose deviation. In the experiments, we compared our approach with several state-of-the-art methods, including COLMAP, Geodesic-SfM and TC-SfM, on both ambiguous and regular datasets. The results demonstrate that our approach achieves the best robustness, only our approach succeeds on all ambiguous image sequences (14/14). The quantitative evaluation results on image sequences with ground truth also show that our approach achieves the best accuracy (average RMSE of translation = 0.109, average RMSE of rotation = 0.827) among all methods. The source code of our approach is publicly available at https://github.com/gongyeted/MA-SfM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate a predator–prey system with stage structure for the predator under Neumann boundary condition, which has not only the taxis mechanism caused by the interaction between mature predator and prey, but also contains the taxis mechanism generated by the interaction between mature predator and immature predator. Regardless of the strength of the chemotactic coefficient, the existence and boundedness of global classical solutions are investigated for initial boundary value problems in two-dimensional space. In addition, appropriate Lyapunov functions are constructed to obtain the global asymptotic stability of the steady state solution under different predation intensity. In particular, it is interesting to observe that intra-specific competition keeps the species alive rather than dying out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xing'an-Mongolia orogenic belt places at the southeastern margin of the Central Asian orogenic belt, is important for unraveling the tectonic evolution of the accretionary orogens. The validity of existing models that account for the development and closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean critically depends on the assumed initial configuration and evolution process of the various microcontinents that were separated by the ophiolitic belts or suture zones, and deep faults. In this work, we present a newly discovered Dashizhai ophiolitic mélange belt in the Ulanhot region, and systematically investigate the occurrence through petrology and geochronology of this ophiolitic mélange. The Dashizhai ophiolitic mélange belt is a typical SSZ-type ophiolitic mélange, has a block-in-matrix structure, the blocks include ophiolitic ultramafic rock, volcanic rock, siliceous rock and gabbro in a matrix of deformed Early Permian slate. Our new geochronology data suggest that the Dashizhai ophiolitic mélange belt should form in the early Permian or younger and emplaced before the late Permian deposition. By focusing on the regional geologic history of the southeastern Xing'an-Mongolia orogenic belt, the Dashizhai ophiolitic mélange belt together with northeast-migrating Hehei fault zone were suggested as the tectonic boundary between the Xing'an and Songliao-Xilinhot blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We undertake zircon U-Pb dating, Hf isotopes, and geochemical analyses of the Houtoumiao pluton in the Xilinhot microcontinent (XLMC) in the central Inner Mongolia with an aim of determining their ages, petrogenesis, and sources, which are important for understanding the late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the Xing’an-Mongolia Orogenic Belt. The Houtoumiao pluton consists of medium-grained granodiorite, coarse- and medium-grained syenogranite. Mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) are common in the Houtoumiao pluton. Zircon U-Pb dating has yielded ages of 303 ± 2 and 301 ± 2 Ma for the granodiorite, 295 ± 2 Ma for the syenogranite, and 292 ± 1 Ma for the MMEs. The granodiorite and syenogranite have features of high-K high silica content, rich in Rb, U, and Th, but low content of HFSE, belong to calc-alkaline series. The P2O5 concentration decreases with the increasing SiO2 content, suggesting I-type affinity. The MMEs, which are characterized by low SiO2, relatively high and variable TiO2, Al2O3, FeOT, MgO, CaO, Ni, and Cr contents, also have much higher total rare earth element concentrations that the REE patterns are subparallel to those of the host rocks. Zircons from the host rocks have εHf(t) values from +3.91 to +7.73 and TDM2 values of 820-1067 Ma, suggesting that the granitoids were probably dominated by remelting of juvenile crust materials. The MMEs are of εHf(t) value ranging from +6.23 to +11.04 and TDM1 values from 490 to 693 Ma, suggesting that the primary magma probably was derived from partial melting of a depleted lithospheric mantle, the mafic mineral fractional crystallization and crustal contamination occurred during the magma evolution. Combined with previous studies on the contemporaneous magma-tectonic activities in the Uliastai Continental Margin and XLMC, we suggest that the Houtoumiao pluton formed in a post-orogenic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zircon U–Pb dating and whole‐rock geochemical analysis have been studied on the Late Jurassic volcanic rocks in the Hailisen area, Northeastern China, with the aim of constraining the tectonic evolution of the central‐southern Great Xing'an Range during the Late Jurassic. The volcanic rocks mainly consist of andesite from the Tamulangou Formation, and rhyolite and minor dacite from the Manketouebo Formation. The results of inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry Zircon U–Pb dating for two andesites and one dacite indicate that they formed in the Late Jurassic (161–150 Ma). The mafic rocks are characteristic of low TiO2 (1.01–1.04 wt.%) and P2O5 (0.23–0.31 wt.%) contents, and high Al2O3 (17.19–20.18 wt.%) and CaO (6.69–7.45 wt.%) contents, and belong to the low‐K tholeiitic series. These mafic rocks are also characterized by moderately enriched light rare earth element (LREE) patterns and high abundances of Th, U, Zr, and Hf but negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies. The felsic rocks are enriched in alkalis, Th, U, and LREEs; depleted in Ba, Sr, Nb, Ta, and Ti; and exhibit moderately LREE‐enriched patterns. These features indicate that the mafic volcanic rocks were likely formed by the partial melting of a lithospheric mantle that was metasomatized by subduction‐derived components, but the felsic rocks could derived by partial melting of a crustal source. The Tamulangou and Manketouebo formations have compositions of typical bimodal volcanism, an extensional environment, similar to a post‐orogenic setting, which might be related to the closure of Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical analyses for the Qianjinchang (QJC) pluton in the Xi Ujimqi, Northeast China, with an aim to determine their ages, petrogenesis, and sources. The QJC pluton consists of coarse/medium‐grained biotite monzogranite in the core and fine‐grained biotite granodiorite in the rim; those rocks intrude into quartz diorite but are intruded by minor intrusive phases, including small biotite syenogranite, diorite bodies, late diorite, granodiorite, granite, and pegmatite dykes. Our new laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb data indicate that the QJC composite pluton composed of 2 phases of magmatic activities, with the ages of 301~313 Ma for the quartz diorite, 283 ± 1 Ma for the biotite granodiorite, 280 ± 1 Ma for the biotite syenogranite, and 280 ± 2 Ma for the diorite dyke. Hf isotopic analyses for the quartz diorite sample show εHf (t) = 3.75 to 11.72, with 2‐stage Hf model age (TDM2) ranging 568–1,078 Ma. The biotite syenogranite sample also shows a depleted εHf (t) = 4.47 to 8.71, with TDM2 ranging 745–1,015 Ma, suggesting the major involvement of juvenile crustal components. The various εHf values of the QJC pluton indicate a hybrid magma source of juvenile material with old crustal component, and the TDM2 values increase from the Carboniferous to Permian, which suggests an increasing proportion of old continental material during this period. Petrological and geochemical characteristics of the biotite granodiorite and biotite monzogranite samples suggest that they are S‐type granites and derived from partial melting of the clay‐poor, plagioclase‐rich psammitic source, produced at low‐medium pressure. The biotite syenogranite sample belongs to alkaline and shoshonitic series and probably formed by a hybridization process between basaltic magma and old continental components. Combined with previous studies on the contemporaneous magma‐tectonic activities in the Xilinhot microcontinent, we suggest that the QJC pluton formed in a postcollisional setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tuolai Group dominates the Central Qilian Terrane, and there are different opinions on the age and tectonic attribute of the Tuolai Group. Based on large-scale geologic mapping and zircon dating, the Tuolai Group is divided into four parts: metamorphic supracrustal rocks, Neoproterozoic acid intrusive rocks, early–middle Ordovician acid intrusive rocks and middle Ordovician basic intrusive rocks. The metamorphic supracrustal rocks are the redefined Tuolai complex-group and include gneiss and schist assemblage by faulting contact. Zircon U–Pb LA-MC-ICP-MS dating was conducted on these samples of gneiss and migmatite from the gneiss assemblage, quartzite, two-mica schist and slate from the schist assemblage. The five detrital samples possess similar age spectra; have detrital zircon U–Pb main peak ages of 1.7 Ga with youngest U–Pb ages of ~1150 Ma. They are intruded by Neoproterozoic acid intrusive rocks. Therefore, the Tuolai Group belonging to late Mesoproterozoic and early Neoproterozoic. With this caveat in mind, we believe that U–Pb detrital zircon dating, together with the geologic constraints obtained from this study and early work in the neighboring regions. We suggest that the formation age of the entire crystalline basement rocks of metasedimentary sequence from the Central Qilian Terrane should be constrained between the Late Mesoproterozoic and the Late Neoproterozoic, but not the previous Paleoproterozoic. The basement of the Central Qilian Terrane contains the typical Grenville ages, which indicates the Centre Qilian Terrane have been experienced the Grenville orogeny event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We undertook zircon U-Pb dating and geochemical analyses of the Weitingchagan (WT) pluton in the Dong Ujimqi area, Northeast China, with an aim of determining their ages, petrogenesis and sources, which are important for understanding the Late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the Xing-Meng Orogenic Belt. The WT pluton consists of coarse- to medium-grained porphyritic granites in the core and medium- to fine-grained monzogranites in the rim, contains abundant microgranular enclaves and is intruded by small amounts of muscovite monzogranites. The results of LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating indicate that the WT composite pluton formed during the Late Carboniferous-Early Permian with the ages ranging from 289 Ma to 312 Ma. Petrological and geochemical characteristics of the WT pluton were derived from the partial melting of crustal materials, and the AFC process played an important role in the magmatic evolution. The porphyritic granites are I-type granite, and the monzogranites and muscovite monzogranites are highly fractionated I-type granite. Combined with previous studies on the contemporaneous magma-tectonic activities in the Uliastai Continental Margin, the study suggests that the WT pluton formed in an extensional environment, which may relate to the closure of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zircon U–Pb dating and whole-rock geochemical analysis have been performed on Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous intrusive rocks of the Ulanhot area, NE China, with the aim of constraining the tectonic evolution of the central and southern Da Xingan Range. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous magmatic events experienced four stages at: c. 155 Ma; c. 144 Ma; 135–130 Ma; and c. 126 Ma. The c. 155 Ma magmatic event consists of quartz diorite and granite-porphyryp with the geochemical characteristic of high Sr and Sr/Y or high A/CNK (1.38), implying the primary magma was derived from partial melting of a thickened lower crust which induced the closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. The c. 144 Ma magmatic event consists of quartz monzodiorite with the geochemical characteristics of alkaline series, and indicates the delamination of a thickened crust. The 135–130 Ma magmatic event consists of syenogranite and granite-porphyry with characteristics of both I-type and A-type granites, which induced both the subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific oceanic plate and the post-orogenic extension of the Mongol–Okhotsk Orogenic Belt. The c. 126 Ma magmatic event consisted of highly fractionated I-type biotite granite and alkaline series gabbro, marking the end of the Mongol–Okhotsk Orogen, and implying that the study area was controlled by the circum-Pacific tectonic system during this stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early Carboniferous gabbros and diorites are distributed in West Ujimqin, Inner Mongolia. The LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb ages of the gabbro and diorite samples are 321±2 Ma (MSWD=0.65) and 319.4±1.5 Ma (MSWD=0.42), respectively. In addition, new geochemistry data from three gabbro and three diorite samples are presented. All six samples show high AlO contents but low-TiO contents, belonging to tholeiitic and calc-alkali basalt series. All of the samples have similar chondrite normalized REE patterns characterized by moderate depletion in LREE similar to normal middle oceanic ridge basalt (MORB). The MORB and PM-normalized trace element patterns show the enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILE, e.g., Rb, Ba and Sr), depletion in high field strength elements (HFSE) and distinctly negative Nb and Ta anomalies similar to volcanic arc basalt. Furthermore, as shown in the correlation plots of La/Ba vs. La/Nb, Ba/La vs. Ce/Pb, Th/La vs. Ce/Pb, Nb/La vs. Ba/Rb, and Nb/Y vs. La/Yb, the magma source has undergone contamination and metasomatism from the subduction fluid. According to the Zr/Nb, La/Nb, and La/Ta ratios and the Nb/Y vs. Zr/Y and Sm/Yb vs. La/Sm diagrams, the magma was derived from shallow depleted lithospheric mantle and formed by moderate (5%-20%) partial melting of spinel lherzolites. Tectonic setting discrimination diagrams reveal that the gabbros and diorites display both characteristics of MORB and volcanic arc basalt, which is consistent with their geochemical characteristics. On the basis of the geo-chemical features of these samples, combined with regional geological data and many previous researches in the study area, the Early Carboniferous gabbros and diorites of West Ujimqin are suggested to be formed in an intensely extensional rift setting, and a limited immature ocean basin probably formed after subsequent development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dyslipidemia was present in most of the patients with coronary heart disease. Epidemiological evidence suggests that anthocyanin has some effects on the serum lipid. However, these results are controversial. This study aimed at collecting current clinical evidence and evaluating the effects of anthocyanin supplementation on total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in dialysis patients. Methods: The search included PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database (up to July 2015) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the association between anthocyanin and serum lipids. RevMan (version 5.2) was used for Meta-analysis. Meta-regression analysis, sensitivity analysis and Egger’s weighted regression tests were performed by using STATA software (version 12.0; StatCorp, College Station, TX, USA). Results: Six studies (seven arms) involving 586 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that anthocyanin supplementation has significant effects on TC [MD = -24.06, 95% CI(-45.58 to -2.64) mg/dL, I2 = 93%], TG [MD = -26.14, 95%CI(-40.20 to -3.08) mg/dL, I2 = 66%1], LDL-C [MD = -22.10, 95% CI (-34.36 to -9.85) mg/dL, I2 = 61%], and HDL-C(MD = 5.58, 95% CI (1.02 to 10.14) mg/dL;I2 = 90%). Conclusion: Anthocyanin supplementation significantly reduces serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels in patients with dyslipidemia, and increases HDL-C. Further rigorously designed RCTs with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the effectiveness of anthocyanin supplementation for dyslipidemia, especially hypo high density lipoprotein cholesterolemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide insights into the Early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the southern portion of the long-lived Central Asian Orogenic Belt, we have conducted major and trace element analyses and zircon U-Pb dating of granitoid samples from central Inner Mongolia. Our study area covers three pre-Mesozoic tectonic units from north to south: the Wenduermiao subduction-accretionary complex, the Bainaimiao magmatic belt, and the northern margin of the North China craton. Our new geochronological and geochemical data show the temporal and genetic relationships between the three tectonic units. Accordingly, we suggest that the Wenduermiao subduction-accretionary complex developed in the Middle Cambrian-Late Silurian (509-421 Ma), comprising of coeval oceanic crust, arc magmatism, and forearc deposits. The Bainaimiao continental arc was developed during the Late Cambrian to Early Silurian (501-437 Ma), which superposed on the basement with the affinity of the North China craton. The back-arc basin opened prior to Early Silurian and lasted to the Late Silurian, which is slightly younger than Bainaimiao island arc. The Wenduermiao Ocean, between the Wenduermiao subduction-accretionary complex and the Bainaimiao continental arc, existed in Early Paleozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Gold mineralization in the Daxiyingzi ore distract is associated with quartz veins hosted by volcanic rocks. • Fluid inclusion and stable isotope data suggest magmatic origin of the mineralizing fluids. • The mineralization is classified as epithermal-mesothermal gold deposit. • The gold mineralization took place during 149–158 Ma. The Daxiyingzi gold deposit is located in the Chifeng-Chaoyang gold ore concentration area, toward the northern margin of the North China Craton. The ore bodies of the Daxiyingzi gold deposit are mainly hosted in the Manitu volcanic rocks, which are intruded on by the Mesozoic granite porphyry. The ore formation consists of four main stages: magnetite-hematite (Ⅰ), quartz-metal sulfide (II), gold-bearing polymetallic sulfide-quartz (III), and pyrite-carbonate (IV). The homogenization temperatures of the fluid inclusion range from 189.5 to 310.0 °C, while the salinity ranges from 0.53 to 13.55 wt% NaCl equiv., corresponding to entrapment depths of 0.1–1.0 km below the paleowater table. The quartz from the stage II and III veins from Daxiyingzi have δD V-SMOW values range from −62.1 to −82.8‰, while the δ18O H2O values range from 0.46 to 1.26‰. The samples for galena, sphalerite, and pyrite from the Daxiyingzi veins have approximate S isotopic compositions, with δ34S values ranging from 3.5 to 3.9‰, 3.9 to 4.2‰ and 3.5 to 5.0‰, respectively. The S-H-O isotopic data suggest that the ore-forming fluid had originated from magmatic sources. The zircon U-Pb ages of the volcanic rocks and granite porphyry are ca. 157–158 and 149 Ma, respectively, which suggests that the gold mineralization took place from 149 to 158 Ma. The volcanic rocks are belong to the high-K calc-alkaline to alkaline series, while the granite porphyry is belongs to A-type granite, which suggests an extensional tectonic setting. Our new data indicates that the Daxiyingzi gold deposit is a typical epithermal-mesothermal deposit formed by a Late Jurassic magmatic-hydrothermal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the structures of three polysaccharides from Bupleurum chinense DC. (BCPRs), and evaluated their antioxidant and anti-aging properties. The HPGPC and ion chromatography analyses revealed that the molecular weights of the BCPRs ranged from 12.05 to 21.20 kDa, and were primarily composed of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, galactose, glucose and galacturonic acid. Methylation and NMR studies identified 10 PMAAs, establishing the various backbones of BCPRs 1–3. BCPR-3 demonstrated potent antioxidant activities, including DPPH, ABTS, hydroxy, and superoxide radicals scavenging in vitro. At concentrations between 125 and 500 μg/mL, BCPR-3 increased T-AOC, SOD and GSH-Px activities, while decreasing MDA levels in H 2 O 2 -induced SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, RNA-seq results indicated that BCPR-3 considerably downregulated the expression of 49 genes and upregulated five genes compared with the control group. KEGG analysis suggested that these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were predominantly involved in the TNF and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Furthermore, in vivo experiment with Drosophila melanogaster showed that BCPR-3 could extend the average lifespan of flies. In conclusion, polysaccharides from B. chinense exhibited potential antioxidant and anti-aging activities, which could be developed as new ingredients to combat oxidative stress damage and slow the aging process. [Display omitted] • Three acid polysaccharides were isolated from the roots of Bupleurum chinense DC. • BCPR-1, BCPR-2 and BCPR-3 possessed antioxidant activities. • BCPR-3 had a protective effect on SH-SY5Y cell injury induced by H 2 O 2. • BCPR-3 exerts antioxidant effect by regulating TNF and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. • BCPR-3 could relatively prolong the life span of Drosophila melanogaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the structures of three polysaccharides from Bupleurum chinense DC. (BCPRs), and evaluated their antioxidant and anti-aging properties. The HPGPC and ion chromatography analyses revealed that the molecular weights of the BCPRs ranged from 12.05 to 21.20 kDa, and were primarily composed of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, galactose, glucose and galacturonic acid. Methylation and NMR studies identified 10 PMAAs, establishing the various backbones of BCPRs 1–3. BCPR-3 demonstrated potent antioxidant activities, including DPPH, ABTS, hydroxy, and superoxide radicals scavenging in vitro. At concentrations between 125 and 500 μg/mL, BCPR-3 increased T-AOC, SOD and GSH-Px activities, while decreasing MDA levels in H 2 O 2 -induced SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, RNA-seq results indicated that BCPR-3 considerably downregulated the expression of 49 genes and upregulated five genes compared with the control group. KEGG analysis suggested that these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were predominantly involved in the TNF and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Furthermore, in vivo experiment with Drosophila melanogaster showed that BCPR-3 could extend the average lifespan of flies. In conclusion, polysaccharides from B. chinense exhibited potential antioxidant and anti-aging activities, which could be developed as new ingredients to combat oxidative stress damage and slow the aging process. [Display omitted] • Three acid polysaccharides were isolated from the roots of Bupleurum chinense DC. • BCPR-1, BCPR-2 and BCPR-3 possessed antioxidant activities. • BCPR-3 had a protective effect on SH-SY5Y cell injury induced by H 2 O 2. • BCPR-3 exerts antioxidant effect by regulating TNF and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. • BCPR-3 could relatively prolong the life span of Drosophila melanogaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of augmented reality (AR), 3D reconstruction, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), and autonomous driving requires off-the-shelf camera calibration solutions that are adaptable to cameras of different configurations in different complex scenarios. To this end, we propose a generic, robust, and accurate camera calibration framework, called Meta-Calib, by using single or multiple novel designed ArUco-encoded meta-board(s), which is dedicated to estimate accurate camera intrinsic parameters and extrinsic transformations of different multi-camera configurations. The ArUco calibration board has been redesigned to facilitate learning-based robust detection and obtain higher precision control point coordinates, which is termed the meta-board. This completely replaces the widely-used chessboard based on the corner extraction scheme to greatly alleviate the impact of image distortion on control points, especially when it is located at the boundary area of the fish-eye camera. A robust two-stage deep learning detection strategy is applied to reliably localize the ArUco-encoded inner coding region of the meta-board followed by identifying two categories of circular shapes representing "0" and "1" encoded in the ArUco pattern for decoding and orientation determination. The center points of circular shapes on the meta-board in the distorted image taken under the perspective view can be approximated through elliptical fitting with contour edges. The deviation between the fitting center points and ground-truth can be greatly suppressed when the refined sub-pixel contour edges extracted on the original image are projected to the orthographic projection view based on the camera intrinsic parameters, distortion coefficients and the prior information of the meta-board. Based on this observation, we propose a systematic iterative refinement approach to achieve the high-precision intrinsic calibration of a camera. This process involves improving the estimation of camera intrinsic parameters and fitting the center control points of circular shapes on the meta-boards in an iterative manner. The progressive nature of our approach permits reliably calibrate large distortion camera models under the presence of noisy measurements, which ensures good convergence. In addition, we also propose a graph-based multi-camera extrinsic calibration method via the corrected control points to reliably estimate both the relative poses of the meta-boards and cameras in the multi-camera system. The proposed method is not constrained by the number of cameras and meta-boards used, which makes our strategy accessible even with inflexible computer vision experts. Furthermore, we have derived the mathematical form for computing the covariance of the extrinsic transformation, which makes it possible to evaluate the uncertainty of the calibration results. Extensive experiments on a large number of both real and synthetic datasets, including perspective, fish-eye, and multiple overlapping cameras, are performed to prove the effectiveness and robustness of the developed Meta-Calib calibration framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium-containing polysaccharides have potential as an organic selenium dietary supplement, owing to their low toxicity, few side effects, and easy absorption attributes. In this study, we isolated two novel homogeneous selenium-containing polysaccharides from Rosa laevigata Michx fruits (Se-RLFPs). Results from primary structural analysis revealed that Se-RLFPs were α – pyranose, and were both composed of rhamnose, xylose, glucose with an average molecular weight of 24 and 16 KDa, respectively. Selenium contents in Se-RLFP-I and Se-RLFP-II were 16.49 μg/g and 21.61 μg/g, respectively. Results from analysis of antioxidant and neuroprotective activity of the polysaccharides revealed that Se-RLFPs had a radical scavenging effect. Specifically, they effectively protected SH-SY5Y cells from H 2 O 2 -induced damage by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and suppressing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Western blots showed that the underlying mechanisms of action may be related to the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Taken together, these results suggested that Se-RLFPs have potential as a pharmaceutical agent for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) or as a selenium-complementary ingredient in functional foods. [Display omitted] • Two new homogeneous selenium-containing polysaccharides (Se-RLFP-I and Se-RLFP-II) were isolated from the fruits of R. laevigata. • Se-RLFP-I and Se-RLFP-II possessed considerable antioxidant activities. • Se-RLFP-I and Se-RLFP-II exhibited significant neuroprotective activities in an SH-SY5Y cells injury model. • Se-RLFP-II could activate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidases (EC 3. 5. 1. X) are versatile biocatalysts for synthesis of chiral carboxylic acids, α-amino acids and amides due to their hydrolytic and acyl transfer activity towards the C-N linkages. They have been extensively exploited and studied during the past years for their high specific activity and excellent enantioselectivity involved in various biotechnological applications in pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Additionally, they have attracted considerable attentions in biodegradation and bioremediation owing to environmental pressures. Motivated by industrial demands, crystallographic investigations and catalytic mechanisms of amidases based on structural biology have witnessed a dramatic promotion in the last two decades. The protein structures showed that different types of amidases have their typical stuctural elements, such as the conserved AS domains in signature amidases and the typical architecture of metal-associated active sites in acetamidase/formamidase family amidases. This review provides an overview of recent research advances in various amidases, with a focus on their structural basis of phylogenetics, substrate specificities and catalytic mechanisms as well as their biotechnological applications. As more crystal structures of amidases are determined, the structure/function relationships of these enzymes will also be further elucidated, which will facilitate molecular engineering and design of amidases to meet industrial requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to validate and prove the novel risk score models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML)-specific disease risk group (AML-DRG) and AML-Hematopoietic Cell Transplant-composite risk (AML-HCT-CR) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHCT). Among the 172 AML patients analysed, 48.3% (n = 83) were females. Median age was 31.5 years (range 14 to 62 years), two patients was more than 60 years old (1.2%). Median follow-up was 44 months (range 1 to 94 months). According to the AML-DRG model, 109, 49 and 14 patients were in low-, intermediate- and high-risk group, respectively. According to the AML-HCT-CR model, 108, 30, 20 and 14 patients were in low-, intermediate-, high- and very high-risk group, respectively. Our results showed that the AML-DRG and AML-HCT-CR models significantly predicted cumulative incidence of relapse (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). But AML-DRG model was not associated with NRM (p = 0.072). Univariate analysis showed that the AML-DRG model could better stratify AML patients into different risk groups compared to the AML-HCT-CR model. Multivariate analysis confirmed that prognostic impact of AML-DRG and AML-HCT-CR models on post-transplant OS was independent to age, sex, conditioning type, transplant modality, and stem cell source (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). AML-DRG and AML-HCT-CR models can be used to effectively predict post-transplant survival in patients with AML receiving AHCT. Compared to AML-HCT-CR score, the AML-DRG score allows better stratification and improved survival prediction of AML patients post-transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Inner Mongolia Plateau is located in the north of the Late Palaeozoic Hegenshan ophiolitic mélange belt, and its Mesozoic magmatism impacts our understanding of the tectonic evolution affected by the closing of the Mongol‐Okhotsk Ocean and Palaeo‐Pacific Ocean. Here, we present new U–Pb ages, whole‐rock geochemistry and Hf isotopes from the Late Mesozoic magmatic rocks in the Dalai area along the northeastern margin of the Inner Mongolia Plateau. The Late Jurassic rock types include medium‐fine‐grained phenocryst‐bearing and porphyritic monzogranites as well as medium‐fine‐grained monzogranites with the precise age range of 167.7–159.8 Ma. The Early Cretaceous rock types consist of fine‐grained biotite monzogranite and medium‐fine‐grained biotite monzogranite with the precise age range of 140.9–130.7 Ma. The geochemistry data show that the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous rocks are peraluminous granites and high‐K calc‐alkaline series and can be classified as A‐type granite. These granites are enriched in large‐ionlithophile elements such as Rb, Th and U, depleted in the high‐field‐strength elements such as Nb, Sr, P, and Ti. Rare earth elements have high total concentrations and present the light rare earth elements enriched with the heavy rare earth elements depleted. Zircon Hf isotopes show that εHf(t) ranges from +8.0 to +15.9 from the Late Jurassic rocks and +6.9 to +13.5 from the Early Cretaceous rocks. Our new results reveal that the Late Jurassic and the Early Cretaceous magmas were derived from partial melting of the younger lower crust, and the Early Cretaceous rocks are more strongly contaminated than the Jurassic intrusions. The Late Jurassic rocks in the Dalai area were formed from a post‐collisional setting related to the closure of the Mongol‐Okhotsk Ocean in the Early‐Middle Jurassic. The Early Cretaceous intrusions were formed from a transition setting from post‐collision to syn‐collision associated with the superposition of the Mongol‐Okhotsk Ocean and the Palaeo‐Pacific Ocean tectonic domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Considering the medicinal and edible properties of Physalis pubescens L. fruit, the plant has a long history of cultivation in China. In the current study, a novel polysaccharide (PPL‐1) was successfully obtained from P. pubescens fruits using multi‐column techniques. The chemical characterisation of the polysaccharide was achieved by acid hydrolysis, determination of weight average molecular mass, thermogravimetric and Smith degradation analyses, in addition to ultraviolet, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, one‐ and two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. According to the structural analyses, PPL‐1 consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, fructose, mannose and glucose with a relative molar ratio of 0.39:0.12:0.02:0.03:0.44. The average molecular weight of PPL‐1 was 7.3 kDa and it was mainly composed of (1 → 3) and (1 → 6) linkages. PPL‐1 exhibited not only scavenging effects on 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) free radicals but also hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress in SH‐SY5Y cells effectively by decreasing malondialdehyde content and increasing total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jiazishan porphyry-type molybdenum deposit is located in the eastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China. Mineralization occurs mainly as veins, lenses, and layers within the host porphyry. To better understand the link between mineralization and host igneous rocks, we studied samples from underground workings and report new SHRIMP II zircon U–Pb and Re–Os molybdenite ages, and geochemical data from both the molybdenites and the porphyry granites. Seven molybdenite samples yield a Re–Os isochron weighted mean age of 135.4 ± 2.1 Ma, whereas the porphyry granite samples yield crystallization ages of 139 ± 1.5 Ma (Jiazishan deposit) and 133 ± 1 Ma (Taolaituo deposit). The U–Pb and Re–Os ages are similar, suggesting that the mineralization is genetically related to Early Cretaceous porphyry emplacement. Re contents of the molybdenite range from 21.74 ppm to 52.08 ppm, with an average of 35.92 ppm, whereas δ34 S values of the sulphide vary from 1.3‰ to 4.2‰. The ores have206Pb/204Pb,207Pb/204Pb, and208Pb/204Pb ratios of 18.178–18.385, 15.503–15.613, and 37.979–38.382, respectively. We also obtained a weighted mean U–Pb zircon age of 294.2 ± 2.1 Ma for the oldest granite in Jiazishan area. All granites are A-type granites. These observations indicate that the molybdenites and the porphyry granites were derived from a mixed source involving young accretionary materials and enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle. A synthesis of geochronological and geological data reveals that porphyry emplacement and Mo mineralization in the Jiazishan deposit occurred contemporaneously with Early Cretaceous tectonothermal events associated with lithospheric thinning, which was caused by delamination and subsequent upwelling of the asthenosphere associated with intra-continental extension in Northeast China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoproterozoic magma events in the Bayan Obo rift belt have remained poorly constrained and as a result, the Late Paleoproterozoic-Mesoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the rift belt has remained unclear. By a multiple-facetted regional geological investigation of this belt, we have resolved the stratigraphic sequence and geochronology of the Bayan Obo Group and made new discoveries including a three-stage mantle-derived magmatic sequence. Zircon and baddeleyite dating of Xiaonanshan hornblende pyroxenite emplaced into the Bayan Obo Group yields 207Pb/206Pb ages of ca. 1.34 and 1.33 Ga. The geochronological, geochemistry, Hf isotopic analyses place an important constraint on ages of the Late Paleoproterozoic-Mesoproterozoic strata and the evolution of the rift belt. Our field observations and U-Pb dating results suggest that mineralization is genetically related to Mesoproterozoic magmatism in North China Craton, i.e., 1.33–1.34 Ga. The δ34SV-CDT values of sulphide from the ore-bearing ultra-/mafic samples are about 6.2‰, whereas the 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb values vary in the ranges of 17.598–18.115, 15.496–15.501, and 37.478–37.952, respectively. The Late Paleozoic mafic gabbro and acidic granite porphyry intrusions are possible to bimodal magmatic event related to the extensional tectonic setting of the Central Asia in this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot water extraction and chromatographic purification methods were used to extract and purify two polysaccharides (RAPS-1 and RAPS-2) from the roots of alfalfa. Subsequently, RAPS-2 was modified using the HNO 3 /Na 2 SeO 3 method to obtain Se-RAPS-2. The structural features, antioxidant and in vitro anti-tumor activities of the three polysaccharides were evaluated. The structural analysis revealed that RAPS-1 (Mw = 10.0 kDa) was composed of rhamnose, xylose, arabinose, galacturonic acid, mannose and glucose, whereas RAPS-2 (Mw = 15.8 kDa) consisted of rhamnose, xylose, galacturonic acid, mannose, glucose and galactose. RAPS-1 contained 1 → 2, 1 → 4, 1 → 3, and 1 → 6 or 1 → glycosidic bonds; however, while RAPS-2 lacked 1 → 4 glycosidic linkages. The molecular weight of Se-RAPS-2 was 11.0 kDa less than that of RAPS-2. The results of activities demonstrated that Se-RAPS-2 displayed superior antioxidant activity and inhibitory effect in HepG2 cells than RAPS-1 and RAPS-2. • Two new polysaccharides were purified from roots of alfalfa. • The polysaccharide of alfalfa roots was selenylated for the first time. • Selenylated polysaccharide possesses superior antioxidant and anti-tumor activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered as one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. However, the effective therapies remain limited. Polydatin, a main effective component of the Chinese herb Polygonum cuspidatum, has multiple antitumor activities; however, whether Polydatin has anti-CRC activity is not fully understood. Materials and Methods: CRC cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured after treatment of Polydatin using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometer assay. The expression of miR-382 and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) were determined in CRC cell lines by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to determine the target of miR-382. Moreover, loss-of-functional experiments were used to identify the effect of Polydatin on miR-382. Finally, tumor xenograft experiments were conducted to determine the effect of Polydatin in vivo.Results: As a result, Polydatin effectively inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis in CRC cell lines. PD-L1 was confirmed as a direct target of miR-382. Furthermore, Polydatin could suppress the expression of PD-L1 by upregulating miR-382. Moreover, Polydatin inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of CRC cells by regulating miR-382 and suppressing CRC tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion: Polydatin inhibits CRC cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis by regulating miR-382/PD-L1 axis. Polydatin could be a potential compound to synthesize novel antitumor drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present new zircon U–Pb ages, geochemical data on the Late Palaeozoic volcanic rocks of the Suji and Dahongshan formations, which are exposed in the Plate Marginal Orogenic Belt along the northern margin of the North China Craton. Our aim is to constrain the petrogenesis, tectonic setting of volcanic rocks, and to address the late stage tectonic evolution of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. Lithologically, the Suji and Dahongshan formations present the main rock association with basaltic andesite, andesite, dacite, rhyolite, and tuff. New zircon U–Pb dating results suggest that the volcanic rocks formed during 280–261 Ma and 277–267 Ma, respectively. Geochemically, these volcanic rocks belong to the low‐K tholeiitic to high‐K calc‐alkaline series and are characterized by highly enriched light rare earth elements, K, Rb, Ba; depleted Nb, Ta, Ti; and highly negative Eu anomalies, very similar to that of the continental arc magmatism. These data, together with geological field investigations, suggest that the Early Permian volcanic rocks from Suji and Dahongshan formations were related to southward flat subduction of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean beneath the northern margin of the North China Craton. Therefore, these volcanic rocks were interpreted as Andean‐style continental margin arc magmatism. This also indicates that the final collision between the North China Craton and the Siberian Craton did not occur until the Early Permian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Two new polysaccharides were purified from stem of P. alkekengi. • Hydrolyzed monosaccharides were identified by HPLC with a refractive index detector. • Surface characteristics of two polysaccharides are different. • Two purified polysaccharides showed some different antioxidant properties. • Purified polysaccharides possess potential Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Abstract Physalis alkekengi L. (P. alkekengi) is an important medicinal plant in China. In this study, two polysaccharides (SPAP-1 and SPAP-2) were isolated from the stem of P. alkekengi using hot water extraction method. The extract was further purified by DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-200 chromatography. The chemical characteristics, surface features and thermal stability of SPAP-1 and SPAP-2 were evaluated. For the first time, high-performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detection and amino column (without sample derivatization) was performed to analyze the monosaccharide composition of polysaccharides obtained from the stem of P. alkekengi. As a result, SPAP-1 (Mw = 9.1 kDa) consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, galacturonic acid, mannose, and glucose in the ratio of 1.0:1.5:1.9:29.1:1.03, while SPAP-2 (Mw = 13.5 kDa) comprised of rhamnose, xylose, arabinose, mannose and glucose in the ratio of 31.8:14.8:1.0:6.5:22.6. Additionally, the antioxidant effects of SPAP-1 and SPAP-2 were evaluated by ferric reducing power, 2,2′-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate acid) (ABTS) and 2.2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. The results showed that the purified polysaccharides exerted significant scavenging activities. Subsequently, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects in vitro of the polysaccharides were investigated, which showed that, SPAP-1 and SPAP-2 showed moderate acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Thus, the polysaccharide content in P. alkekengi stem as promising source of natural products possess good antioxidant activities and may exert beneficial effects on cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sedimentary record in the Late Palaeoproterozoic‐Neoproterozoic Bayan Obo rift belt can provide critical insight into tectonic evolution of Columbia and the North China Craton. In this study, we present new U–Pb geochronology, Hf isotopic analyses from the Bayan Obo Group, the Mesoproterozoic kimberlite, and gabbro to constrain the depositional age and potential provenance information of the Bayan Obo Group. We show that the Dulahala‐Jianshan, Bilute, and Baiyinbaolage formations were deposited at ca. 1.81–1.7 Ga, ca. 1.58–1.35 Ga, and ca. 1.25–1.0 Ga, respectively. Our data suggest the following potential provenance for sediments within the Bayan Obo Group: (a) The Khondalite Belt, Yinshan Block, and crystalline basement complex of the North China Craton to the south were the most potential provenance of the Dulahala and Jianshan formations during the initial deposition of Bayan Obo Group; (b) The Yinshan Block, and crystalline basement complex of the North China Craton, and local intermediate‐acid igneous rocks were the most potential provenance of the Bilute Formation; and (c) the local gabbro and volcanic rocks were the most potential provenance of the Baiyinbaolage Formation. Based on regional geologic constraints and the sedimentary history, we propose that the Northern Marginal Rift System probably represented several distinct rifting events. Furthermore, the Bayan Obo and Huade rift belts were active more recently than 1.0 Ga, which suggests that these rift systems were not only related to the rifting of the Columbia supercontinent. We propose that the Bayan Obo rift belt also records the rifting related to the breakup of Rodinia with the deposition of Qingbaikou System (Tonian) strata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical profile of wood vinegar (WV) was studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and 48 organic compounds were identified, including phenols which accounted for 2.0%. Antioxidant compounds were isolated from WV by an activity-guided isolation method for further investigation. The dichloromethane extract from WV exhibited the highest total phenolic content and demonstrated more potent antioxidant activity than the other extracts. Then, the phenols were enriched by pH gradient extraction method from the dichloromethane extract. Seven phenols were isolated from the WV using a sequence of column chromatographic purification steps over silica gel and C18 column, followed by semi-preparative HPLC and their structures were identified by 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. All the compounds showed potent antioxidant activities in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. This study demonstrates that phenols isolated from WV have the potential to be used as antioxidant agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a wide support that the Inner Mongolia Palaeo-uplift on the northern margin of the North China Craton has undergone an uplifting history. However, when and how did the uplift occurred keeps controversial. Extensive field-based structural, metamorphic, geochemical, geochronological and geophysical investigations on the Inner Mongolia Palaeo-uplift, which suggested that the Inner Mongolia Palaeo-uplift was an uplifted region since the Early Precambrian or range from Late Carboniferous-Early Jurassic. The geochemical characteristics of the Late Paleozoic to Early Mesozoic intrusive rocks indicated that the Inner Mongolia Palaeo-uplift was an Andean-type continental margin that is the extensional tectonic setting. To address the spatial and temporal development of the Inner Mongolia Palaeo-uplift, we have carried out provenance analysis of Permian sedimentary rocks which collected from the Panyangshan basin along the northern margin of the North China Craton. The QFL diagram revealed a dissected arc-recycled orogenic tectonic setting. Moreover, the framework grains are abundant with feldspar (36-50%), indicating the short transport distance and unstable tectonic setting. Detrital zircon U-Pb analysis ascertained possible provenance information: the Precambrian basement (~2490 and ~1840 Ma) and continental arc magmatic action (~279 and ~295 Ma) along the northern margin of the North China Craton. The projection in rose diagrams of the mean palaeocurrent direction, revealing the SSW and SSE palaeoflow direction, also shows the provenance of the Panyangshan basin sources mainly from the Inner Mongolia Palaeo-uplift. The andesite overlying the Naobaogou Formation has yielded U-Pb age of 277.3 ± 1.4 Ma. The additional dioritic porphyry dike intruded the Naobaogou and Laowopu Formations, which has an emplacement age of 236 ± 1 Ma. The above data identify that the basin formed ranges from Early Permian to Middle Triassic (277-236 Ma). Accordingly, the Inner Mongolia Palaeo-uplift also was developed in the Early Permian to Middle Triassic (277-236 Ma), related to the final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. Furthermore, we advocate that the tectonic setting of Inner Mongolia Palaeo-uplift probably belonged to the plate marginal orogenic belt during Early Permian-Middle Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porphyritic olivine kimberlitic breccia, discovered in the Dörbed Banner of Inner Mongolia, Western China, is referred to as Longtou Shan Kimberlite in our study. This kimberlite occurs as a pipe in the Halahuogete Formation of Bayan Obo Group. Zircon U–Pb ages of Longtou Shan Kimberlite reveals a Mesoproterozoic age of ~1,552 Ma, constraining the deposition age of Halahuogete Formation to the Mesoproterozoic. Compared with Mesoproterozoic kimberlite of the ancient landmass, it can be inferred that the North China Craton is a member of the Ur ancient continent of the Columbia supercontinent. Furthermore, according to the tectonic background of the Bayan Obo Group, we raise this possibility that “Bayan Obo Aulacogen” should be renamed the “Bayan Obo Continental Rift.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinesin family member 2A (KIF2A) serves a vital role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the biological effect of KIF2A on the malignant progression of HCC remains unclear. Therefore, the present study was conducted to systematically determine the biological role of KIF2A in HCC and to better understand the molecular mechanism. The differences of KIF2A expression in HHL-5 normal human hepatocytes and the HCC cell lines Li-7, Huh7 and MHCC97 were assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting analysis. Moreover, viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells were assessed by performing CCK-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining, wound healing and Transwell assays. Additionally, the tube formation assay was performed to evaluate angiogenesis of HUVECs incubated with the conditioned media of HCC cells in vitro. The interaction between KIF2A and Notch1 was analyzed through co-immunoprecipitation assay. KIF2A was revealed to be highly expressed in HCC cells. KIF2A knockdown suppressed HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and impaired in vitro angiogenesis. Furthermore, it was revealed that KIF2A interacted with Notch1 and positively regulated Notch1 expression. The suppressive effects of KIF2A knockdown on HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and in vitro angiogenesis were partially reversed by Notch1 overexpression. Overall, KIF2A may act as an oncogene in HCC via activation of the Notch1 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Statistical methods of PAHs ambient background estimation in urban soils were proposed and attempted. • Taken Macau as an example, the ambient background concentrations of PAHs in soils were estimated and interpreted. • A mass-balanced regression model with respect to urbanization duration was applied to compare with the results from the statistical techniques. The estimation of the ambient background levels of urban soil is critical for the identification of contamination events in urban environmental management. However, the establishment of appropriate methods, especially for contaminants stemming mainly from external sources, e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is appealing but controversial. Macau Special Administrative Region of China has one of the highest population densities worldwide. It has a distinct economic structure with a small proportion of heavy industry, providing a typical example of the ambient background estimation of urban soils. The methods on the ambient background estimation of PAHs were elaborated. The ambient backgrounds of the sum of 16 priority PAHs in Macau soils were 393±687, 200±687, 214±440 and 350±456 ng/g according to the mean±2 times standard deviations (σ), Lepeltier, iterative 2σ, and calculated distribution methods, respectively. There were certain differences in the results among the methods due to the different calculation principles. A mass-balanced regression model with respect to urbanization duration was further employed to derive the ambient backgrounds. The model's parameters were determined to interpret the simulation results. The results were generally in accord with those of the statistical techniques. The uncertainty analysis by bootstrap resampling was also applied to test the credibility of the ambient background estimation. The estimation models proposed could be employed for most regions or areas with little or low diffuse pollution sources. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt is traditionally called the Xing’an Mongolia Orogenic Belt (XMOB). Ordovician intrusive rocks exposed in the XMOB, from north to south, are the Abaga-East Ujimqin Qi-Duobaoshan belt, the Sonid Zuoqi-West Ujimqin Qi belt, and the Damaoqi-Baimaimiao-Tulinkai belt, respectively. Zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical data are presented for the intrusive rocks in East Ujimqin Qi and West Ujimqin Qi, Inner Mongolia. The intrusive rocks from East Ujimqin Qi consist of gabbro, diorite, and granodiorite. LA-MC-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb ages range 446 to 461 Ma. Geochemical data suggest that the gabbros and diorites from East Ujimqin are a tholeiitic series, both of arc-related and N-MORB (mid-ocean ridge basalt) signature, indicating a back-arc basin setting. The granodiorites have a shoshonitic series and arc-related signature. Rare earth element (REE) patterns and trace element characteristics suggest gabbros, diorites, and granodiorites are petrogenetically correlated. These intrusive rocks from East Ujimqin Qi have high light REE, Th, and U concentrations, suggesting the effect of middle–upper continental crustal contamination. Major oxides display positive or negative correlations, with increasing MgO or SiO2,indicating that fractional crystallization occurred during magma evolution. Geochemical data of diorite from West Ujimqin Qi indicate a tholeiitic series, arc-related signature. Zircon U–Pb dating yielded an age of 441.8 ± 1.5 Ma. Integrated with the regionally exposed Mid–Late Ordovician plutons and metasedimentary strata, we concluded that the northward subduction of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean (PAO) that occurred beneath the southern margin of the South Mongolian Micro-continent along the Sonid Zuoqi-Xilinhot gave rise to early Palaeozoic igneous rocks from the Abaga–East Ujimqin Qi–Duobaoshan and the Sonid Zuoqi–West Ujimqin Qi belts. Southward subduction beneath the North China Craton generated the Damaoqi–Baimaimiao–Tulinkai belt. The results support the bidirectional subduction model of the PAO in the early Palaeozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

D-Ribose is a five-carbon sugar and generally used as an energy source to improve athletic performance and the ability. The culture conditions for maximum D-ribose production performance from cheap raw material corn starch hydrolysate were improved by using one-factor-at-a-time experiments and a three-level Box-Behnken factorial design. The optimal fermentation parameters were obtained as 36°C culture temperature, 10% inoculum volume, and 7.0 initial pH. The mathematical model was then developed to show the effect of each medium composition and their interactions on the production of D-ribose and estimated that the optimized D-ribose production performance with the concentration of 62.13 g/L, yield of 0.40 g/g, and volumetric productivity of 0.86 g/L·h could be obtained when the medium compositions were set as 157 g/L glucose, 21 g/L corn steep liquor, 3.2 g/L (NH4)2SO4, 1 g/L yeast extract, 0.05 g/L MnSO4·H2O, and 20 g/L CaCO3. These findings indicated the D-ribose production performance was significantly improved compared to that under original conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid motorization has made vehicles become one of the major sources of air pollution and poses substantial risk to human health. Accurate estimation of spatiotemporal variation and driving factors of vehicle emissions will be valuable for pollution control and public health protection. Here, taking polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as an example, a dynamic vehicle emission model (DVEM) was developed to assess vehicle emissions. The inventories of vehicle emissions from 2002 to 2017 were estimated under different emission standards and vehicle kilometers traveled for all types of vehicles in China. Vehicle PAHs emissions peaked 1586.85 tonne (t) in 2012 and declined by 36% in the follow-up five years because the vehicle growth has been offset by the upgraded emissions standards. There were remarkable variations among different provinces in China. The vehicle emissions are higher in eastern coastal provinces like Guangdong, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, while lower in the western provinces except Xinjiang. Motorcycles (44.1%) and light duty vehicles (17.8%) were the main contributors to PAHs emissions. The higher urbanization within a region, the larger its vehicle emission density. Urban road density may be linked with the number of on-road vehicles, which is the real driving factor of emissions. Therefore, integrated management should be taken by government to reduce the impacts of vehicle PAHs emissions. [Display omitted] • Major PAHs emissions were from LDV and Motorcycles. • Vehicle PAHs emission peaked in 2012 and declined in the follow-up five years. • Vehicle PAHs emissions in eastern China are significantly higher than the west. • Urban road density is the most important driving factor for vehicle emissions. • Integrated management should be strengthened to reduce vehicle PAHs emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Late Cenozoic sediments sampled by the WW-01 drillhole in the Wuwei basin were depoisted since ca. 11.15 Ma. • The northeastern Tibetan Plateau experienced rapid uplift at 8.25 and 2.58 Ma. • The aridification in NW China was controlled by the tectonic uplift at ca. 8.25 Ma. Basin deposits of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau provide an ideal record for understanding the uplift of the plateau and the history of aridification in NW China. In this study, we present sedimentology, magnetostratigraphy, and paleoenvironmental indexes from the drill core WW-01 in the Wuwei Basin in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau to reconstruct a long depositional–paleoenvironmental history spanning from ca. 11.15 Ma to the present. Firstly, ages of the Fengle Formation, Guoyuan Formation, and Quaternary sediments are precisely defined through the magnetostratigraphy study of the drill core WW-01. Our results show that the upper age limit of Fengle Formation is 8.25 Ma, Guoyuan Fromation ranges from 8.25 to 2.58 Ma, and the Quaternary sediments span the interval from 2.58 Ma to the present. Secondly, detailed analysis of the sedimentology of the drill core reveals that marked changes in sedimentary environment and accumulation rate occurred at ca. 8.25 and 2.58 Ma, respectively. Our results, combined with regional research, indicate that the initial uplift of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau started at ca. 8.25 Ma and that the latest phase of rapid uplift occurred at ca. 2.58 Ma. In addition, the changes of grain size and magnetic susceptibility in the sediments of the drill core combined with knowledge of the regional paleoenvironment evolution show that NW China underwent gradual aridification from the late Miocene (ca. 8.25 Ma), which is consistent with global cooling at that time. However, tectonic uplift of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau may have been the primary driving force of the aridification between ca. 8.25 and 7.14 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]