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Objective: There is still an unmet need for a reliable and straightforward biomarker to diagnose and monitor cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). Fecal calprotectin (FC) has been reported as a biomarker for CMPA. Therefore, the meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the value of FC in the diagnosis and monitoring of CMPA. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up to April 2022 were searched for relevant studies. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using the forest plot. Heterogeneity was used to determine the fixed or random-effect model. Results: Twelve studies including 310 patients and 217 controls were available for the meta-analysis. The FC levels in children with CMPA were significantly higher than in healthy control (SMD = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.38–1.91). After elimination diet treatment, FC levels were reduced considerably with the pooled SMD of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.48–1.26). Conclusion: The results indicated that FC could be a simple and reliable biomarker for diagnosing CMPA, especially in non-IgE-mediated CMPA infants. Besides, calprotectin was also potential for predicting therapy response of CMPA.

Background: The ovarian reserve has been reported to be diminished in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, these results are still controversial. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is considered a reliable biomarker for the ovarian reserve. We thus performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the AMH levels and the effect of DMARDs on the ovarian reserve in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and 2 Chinese databases (CNKI and Wanfang database), up to September 2021, were searched for relevant studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined with the random-effects model. The heterogeneity was described by I2 statistic and p value from the Cochrane Q test. Results: Eight eligible studies (679 patients and 1,460 controls) were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with healthy control, the AMH levels in RA patients were significantly lower with the pooled SMD of −0.40 (95% CI: −0.66 to −0.14). However, in comparison of AMH with and without DMARD treatment, there was no significant difference with the pooled SMD of −0.1 (95% CI: −0.39 to 0.19). Conclusion: The results indicated that there was an increased risk of ovarian failure in RA patients and which is not related to DMARD treatment.

Background Large studies on female sexual function have been conducted globally. Nonetheless, whether the state of female sexual function in China is significantly different from that in the rest of the world is largely unknown. Aim In this study, we aimed to investigate the associated risk factors for sexual problems in women in Shanxi, China, by conducting a population-based cross-sectional epidemiological survey. Methods Using the Chinese version of the Female Sexual Function Index (CV-FSFI), we surveyed women aged 20-70 years to diagnose the sexual problems. We used multiple linear regression models to estimate the risk factors for sexual problems. Outcomes We used the CV-FSFI for investigating the female sexual function. Results Our results included 6720 women, of whom 1205 were the sexually inactive and 5515 were sexually active. The mean FSFI score for sexually active women was 25.38 ± 4.20 (99% CI 25.27-25.49). Negative numerical coefficients were found for model predictors of age (B = −0.134, P Clinical Implications It is important to pay attention to the sexual health of women and explore the factors influencing the sexual problems of women in China. Strengths and Limitations The present study is to our knowledge the first to evaluate the sexual function of women in Shanxi, China. Answers to questions asked in the CV-FSFI survey may be somewhat subjective, and thus additional tools and documentation are probably needed for accurate assessment. Conclusion Similarly to other worldwide studies, our study found that increasing age, postmenopausal status, chronic diseases, and gynecological diseases were risk factors for sexual problems, whereas high education levels and cesarean section childbirth were protective factors for sexual problems.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the allergen sensitization pattern among 4,203 children in the Shanxi region of China and to provide guidance for diagnosis and prevention of allergic diseases. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) results of 4,203 children aged 0–12 years from January to December in 2019. SIgE antibodies to 19 allergens in the serum sample were detected by enzyme ALLERGO-SORBENT testing. Results: In total, 49.70% (2,089/4,203) of children with allergic diseases were positive for sIgE, and the top 5 allergens were egg white 18.63% (783/4,203), artemisia 14.47% (608/4,203), milk 13.04% (548/4,203), ragweed 8.66% (364/4,203), and poplar/willow/elm 8.52% (358/4,203). Significant differences in the positive rate of food allergens and aeroallergens in different ages were found (p < 0.05). 50.98% (1,065/2,089) patients were sensitive to 2 or more allergens. The high sensitization rate in the >3-year group was significantly higher than the ≤3-year group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Egg white and artemisia are the most common allergens in children in northern China. This study provides allergic sensitization pattern of children and clinical epidemiological data in the region.

Aluminum-activated malate transporters (ALMTs) form an anion channel family that plays essential roles in diverse functions in plants. Arabidopsis ALMT12, also named QUAC1 (quick anion channel 1), regulates stomatal closure in response to environmental stimuli. However, the molecular basis of ALMT12/QUAC1 activity remains elusive. Here, we describe the cryo-EM structure of ALMT12/QUAC1 from Glycine max at 3.5-Å resolution. Gm ALMT12/QUAC1 is a symmetrical dimer, forming a single electropositive T-shaped pore across the membrane. The transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains are assembled into a twisted two-layer architecture, with their associated dimeric interfaces nearly perpendicular. Gm ALMT12/QUAC1-mediated currents display rapid kinetics of activation/deactivation and a bell-shaped voltage dependency, reminiscent of the rapid (R)–type anion currents. Our structural and functional analyses reveal a domain-twisting mechanism for malate-mediated activation. Together, our study uncovers the molecular basis for a previously uncharacterized class of anion channels and provides insights into the gating and modulation of the ALMT12/QUAC1 anion channel.

The seed of Carica papaya consists of a hard shell-like testa with inhibitors in vivo causing slow, erratic and asynchronous germination. In this work, plasma-activated water prepared by microsecond-pulsed plasma jets (μPAW) was applied to treat papaya seeds. The μPAW after plasma activation of 30 min was about 40 °C. The reactive species such as NO2, NO3, and H2O2 in the μPAW activated from deionized water were measured and correlated to the seed germination rate and the seedling growth performance. The μPAW-treated papaya seed achieved a higher germination rate of 90%, which is 26% higher than the control group using deionized water. Comparing the results with a hot water (40 °C) reference group showed that the reactive species in μPAW played primary roles in germination improvement, with little effect caused by the heat shock. The μPAW also sterilized the treated seeds, reducing the germination stress. The morphological change in the seeds was observed by SEM, showing an effect of physical etching after treatment promoting seed imbibition. The biochemical mechanism of the seed germination was deduced with reference to the evolution of surface chemistry, functional groups, and ABA content. The accelerated seed metabolism observed was corresponded to the chemical modification pathway. Besides, early seedlings developed from treated seeds were observed to be healthy, grow more leaves, and have better root structures. The content of MDA in the treated papaya seedlings decreased along with increased SOD and higher ion concentration. The μPAW that can be prepared at atmospheric pressure for bulk production offers a low-risk and cost-effective seed priming technology that may significantly increase the production of agricultural crops.

This study was to find the aptamers with high affinity and specificity binding to acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) NB4 cell line. These aptamers targeted NB4 cells were selected from a random single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) library of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (CELL‐SELEX). The binding rate of FITC‐ssDNA library and NB4 cells was monitored using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope. After cloned and sequenced, the structure, specificity, and affinity of these candidate aptamers were further analyzed. After a total of 19 rounds of selection, the ssDNA library was enriched and the BR (19.9%) of the 16th round was 12 times of the first round (1.6%). Three enriched aptamers were obtained from 21 positive clones of the 16th round, and the predicted secondary structures of these aptamers were mainly stem‐loop. The aptamer CX9 had the highest affinity, and the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) was 16.2 nM. The fluorescence intensity of CX9 binding to NB4 cells was stronger than HL60 and K562 cells under fluorescence microscopy. The study indicates that aptamer CX9 exhibits high affinity and specificity with NB4 cells and lay a foundation for the rapid diagnostic method to detect APL with fluorescence‐labeled aptamer., This study was to find these aptamers with high affinity and specificity binding to acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) NB4 cell line. The aptamers targeted NB4 cells were selected from a random single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) library of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (CELL‐SELEX). The binding rate of FITC‐ssDNA library and NB4 cells was monitored using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope. After cloned and sequenced, the structure, specificity, and affinity of these candidate aptamers were further analyzed. After 16 rounds of selection, the ssDNA library was enriched and the BR (19.9%) of the 16th round was 12 times of the first round (1.6%). Three enriched aptamers were obtained from 21 positive clones of the 16th round, and the predicted secondary structures of these aptamers were mainly stem‐loop. The aptamer CX9 had the highest affinity, and the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) was 16.2nM. The fluorescence intensity of CX9 binding to NB4 cells was stronger than HL60 and K562 cells under fluorescence microscopy. The study indicates that aptamer CX9 exhibits high affinity and specificity with NB4 cells and lay a foundation for the rapid diagnostic method to detect APL with fluorescence‐labeled aptamer.

In recent years, significant increases in waste processing and material engineering have been seen by using advanced oxidation processes. The treatment results and energy yields of these processes are largely determined by the generation and retention of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, increasing the amount of ROS remains a key challenge because of the unavailability of performance- and energy-efficient techniques. In this study, plasma electrolysis, ultrasound, and plasma electrolysis combined with ultrasound were used to treat dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solutions, and the results showed that the two methods can synergistically convert filament discharge into spark discharge, and the conversion of the discharge mode can significantly increase the concentration of OH radicals and effectively improve the efficiency of DMSO degradation. We verified the rationality of the results by analyzing the mass transfer path of ROS based on the reaction coefficients and found that the ⋅OH radicals in aqueous solution were mainly derived from the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. These findings indicated that the synergistic action of plasma electrolysis and ultrasound can enhance the production of chemically reactive species, and provide new insights and guiding principles for the future translation of this combined strategy into real-life applications. Our results demonstrated that the synergistic strategy of ultrasound and plasma electrolysis is feasible in the switching mode and increasing the ROS, and may open new routes for materials engineering and pollutant degradation.

To evaluate the expression of translocator protein (TSPO) in brain tissue within 72 h after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in mice.Forty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into two groups, 17 in the Sham group and 27 in the SAH group. SAH mice model was performed by endovascular perforation as previously described with slight modifications. Sham group mice were performed by the same method but without piercing the blood vessels. Before and 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h after modeling, the two groups were scored with modified Garcia score for neurological function. At 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h after modeling, the mice were sacrificed. Sham group mice were sacrificed at 24 h after modeling. The expression of TSPO in brain tissue was evaluated by Western blot, positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) and immunofluorescence staining. Fluorescent double staining was used to assess the relationship of TSPO and microglia.The neurological function scores of the SAH group mice decreased with time and then increased. The expression of TSPO in the brain tissue increased first and then decreased with time, and there was a negative correlation between them (In the early brain injury after SAH, the expression of TSPO in brain is widely increased, and the expression level increases first and then decreases. TSPO could participate in the activation of microglia and regulate the occurrence and development of brain injury after SAH.

In this study we determined the frequency of the most prevalent human papillomavirus (HPV) types in China and evaluated the association between viral loads of different oncogenic HPV types and the severity of disease.We enrolled 15,518 women for this study and 3199 of them (20.61%) were identified as positive by a PCR assay, that can simultaneously quantify and genotype HPV.The viral loads of HPV 16, 31, 35, 52, 58, 39, and 56 were lower for women with normal cytology compared to those with disease progression; viral loads were not appreciable for HPV 33, 18, 45, 59, 68, 53, 66, and 51. The viral load of species 9 appeared significantly higher for women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/CIN 3 relative to women with normal/low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL)/CIN1 (P 0.001), and significantly lower compared to those with cervical cancer (P 0.001). The viral load of HPV species 6 was slightly higher for women with CIN2/CIN 3 compared to women with normal/LSIL/CIN1 (P = 0.002), and not significantly different from women with cervical cancer (P = 0.548). In addition, no statistically significant difference was found in HPV species 5 or species 7 (P = 0.898; P = 0.136).The HPV viral load-associated risk for developing into CIN and cervical cancer is likely to be species-dependent and primarily restricted to species 9 (types phylogenetically close to HPV16).

With the new driving force to stimulate the supply-side structural reform, it should develop the new facilities of collaborative sharing, cultivate new formats, strengthen to construct the service system of the small and medium-sized enterprises, improve the service functions, build a service platform, optimize service layout and expand service team step, and constantly improve the level and ability of the service system to promote the supply-side structural reforms and Chinese economic restructuring.

Background. Vitamin D can play a vital role in autoimmune diseases. Epidemiologic evidence demonstrates vitamin D deficiency excited in adult patients with vitiligo. Objectives. To investigate 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in children with vitiligo and explore possible relevant factors. Methods. A total of 114 patients and 100 controls were included in our case-control study. We analyzed the required data collected by the questionnaire and examination to reveal the correlation with 25(OH)D levels. Results. The mean serum 25(OH)D levels in patients and controls were 43.62 ± 19.23 and 67.87 ± 19.45 nmol/L, respectively. The rate of deficient in patients and controls are 14.9% and 2%, respectively. There was significant difference between the 2 groups. Significant differences also existed on different ages comparing serum vitamin D levels of patients with controls ( P < .001). Age was an independent factor affecting 25(OH)D level ( P = .032). Two (1.8%) and 4 (3.5%) of children with vitiligo have comorbid autoimmune diseases and family history, respectively. There was no correlation between sex, duration of disease, type of vitiligo, skin lesion location, stage, family history, and comorbid autoimmune diseases with 25(OH)D levels. Conclusion. Serum vitamin D level was associated with onset vitiligo children. More sunshine and vitamin D fortified foods are necessary among children with age. The rates of children vitiligo with family history has decreased in China.

Objectives The expression of SOX2 protein has been reported to be correlated with colorectal cancers. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of SOX2 with clinical features and prognosis in colorectal cancer. Methods The relevant studies up to March 2019 were searched in Two English databases(PubMed and EMBASE)and two Chinese databases (CNKI and Wanfang database). Pooled ORs or HRs were used to assess the strength of the association between SOX2 and clinical parameters. Results 14 studies involving 2077 colorectal cancer patients were included in the meta-analysis. Our results revealed there were no associations between SOX2 and gender and age. However, significant positive associations were observed for N categories (OR = 3.02, 95 %CI = 2.11–4.31), advanced stage (OR = 2.85, 95 %CI = 2.00–4.07), poor differentiation (OR = 1.90, 95 %CI = 1.38–2.64), distant metastasis (OR = 4.66, 95 %CI = 2.77–7.85) and poor OS (HR = 1.49, 95 %CI = 1.09–2.03). Conclusion The results indicated that SOX2 protein may serve as a novel prognostic factor for patients with colorectal cancer.

Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is an attractive technology solution in waste heat recovery. There is about 60% energy of fuel as waste heat is discharged to atmosphere in the diesel engine. The 15kw ORC plant had been developed using the diesel engine waste heat, which including the jacket coolant and exhaust gas. The working fluid is the R245fa, the plate type heat exchangers were used as the condenser and evaporator in the ORC systems, the twine screw expander as the working machine. The performance of condenser and evaporator had been simulated and developed using the distributed parameters calculations methods according to the effective-NTU. The ORC system and engine can stable run for a long time without frequently control acting. The ORC systems can bring 15.4 kW electric energy in the stable condition. The efficiency based on the first law of thermodynamics is 7.7%; completely generating efficiency is 6.8%.

The paper elaborates theories on industrial clusters and sums up the advantages of automobile industry development in Wuhan: convenient transportation, large scope of radiation, rich technological and intellectual resources, as well as solid foundation of relevant industries. The paper analysis existing problems of automobile industry cluster in Wuhan, such as poor market competitiveness of core enterprises, obvious weak links in the industry chain, lack of technical innovation ability, and proposes some recommendations in the purpose of promotion the competitive advantages of Wuhan automobile industrial cluster.

To determine the mechanisms underlying the anti-depressant effects of Kaixin Jieyu Decoction (开心解郁汤, KJD) by investigating the effects of KJD on behavior, monoamine neurotransmitter levels, and serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtype expression in the brain in a rat model of depression. The rat depression model was established using chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Forty-eight Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, depression model (CUMS), CUMS+KJD (7.7 g/kg−1·d−1 of crude drug), and CUMS+fluoxetine (2.4 mg/kg−1·d−1) groups (n=12 in each group), and the treatments lasted for 21 days. We regularly evaluated body weight, sucrose consumption, and horizontal and vertical activity scores in open-field tests. The content of the monoamine neurotransmitters 5-HT, norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) and the DA metabolite homovanillic acid in the cerebral cortex, and 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor mRNA in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus, were determined respectively by high-performance liquid chromatography-coularray electrochemical detector and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Compared with the control group, CUMS rats showed a variety of depression-like behavioral changes, including a significant reduction in body weight, sucrose consumption, and horizontal and vertical activity scores in open-field tests (P

This article takes non-on-board high frequency charger of pure electric vehicle for research subject, based on the overall structure design, aimed at the deficiency of constant current and constant voltage charging, put forward constant current first, constant voltage afterclose-loop control charging tactics, and analyses charging principle and process in deep, has a certain amount of theoretical research and practical application value.

In order to promote combination on work and study, according to teaching requirements on "coke production technology", the teachers with teaching team at coal and chemical led the students with first class on teaching reforming on coal and chemical to carry on designing and making with coke oven model. Model making was a proven design method and integrated design process with profound meaning [. Model making practices was devoted into the teaching process, greatly stimulated the students enthusiasm, cultivated the career ability, social skills and methodical competence on students.Teaching effect is obvious [ .

The Chinese compound Kaixin Jieyu Fang can be used to treat vascular depression; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study established a rat model of chronic cerebral ischemia-caused white matter damage by ligation of the bilateral common carotid arteries. Rats received daily intragastric administration of a suspension of Kaixin Jieyu Fang powder. After 3, 7 and 21 days of treatment, the degree of white matter damage in the cerebral ischemia rat model was alleviated, Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expression in brain tissue increased, and Bax protein and mRNA expression decreased. These results indicate that Kaixin Jieyu Fang can alleviate cerebral white matter damage, and the underlying mechanism is associated with regulation of Bcl-2/Bax protein and mRNA expression, which is one of possible mechanism behind the protective effect of Kaixin Jieyu Fang against vascular depression.

The bus system has the characteristics of "information sharing", the traditional automotive electrical troubleshooting techniques are difficult to competent vehicle bus system fault diagnosis. As a diagnostic method worked out in practice, chart comparison method can identify the reasons for the failure of the vehicle bus system quickly and accurately, has a certain value. By real vehicle bus system failure case, this article describes how to use the chart comparison method.

This paper estimates the electrical energy loss on high-temperature plasma processing waste printed circuit boards. Using three plasma torch powers in big output power (60W) and a plasma torch power in relatively small output power (30W), after 4.5 hours of high-temperature plasma incineration, 43 kilograms of waste printed circuit boards was successively fused at high temperature plasma incinerator. After calculating, the total electrical energy loss for four powers was about 1,070 kilowatts hours during sample incineration.

We report on the characteristics of argon inductively coupled plasma (ICP) for the ITER neutral beam injection system. In argon ICP, it was found by using Langmuir probe that the radial distribution of electronic density (Ne) was uniform while the radial distributions of both electron temperature (kTe ) and electric potential (VP) were non-uniform. The former depend on two factors: the variation of Ne was small, and the value of Ne was very large. The latter is owing to the generation and disappearance of the negative ions in the ICP, where the additional dynamic processes produce the instability. In addition, both kTe and VP profiles were very similar at the cylinder height H=14 cm, which proves the plasma sheath theory to some extent. Finally, both kTe and VP began flatter with the reduction of the cylinder height, which is owing to the decrease of the negative ions in the ICP.

Density functional theory (DFT) and coupled cluster theory (CCSD(T)) calculations are carried out to investigate the electronic and structural properties of a series of bimetallic oxide clusters MW 2 O 9 - / 0 (M = V, Nb, Ta). Generalized Koopmans’ theorem is applied to predict the vertical detachment energies (VDEs) and simulate the photoelectron spectra (PES). Theoretical calculations at the B3LYP level yield singlet and doublet ground states for the bimetallic anionic and neutral clusters, respectively. All the clusters present the six-membered ring structures with different symmetries, except that the TaW 2 O 9 - cluster shows a chained style with a penta-coordinated tantalum atom. Spin density analyses reveal oxygen radical species in all neutral clusters, consistent with their structural characteristics. Moreover, additional calculations are performed to study the oxidation reaction of CO molecule with the W 3 O 9 + cation and the isoelectronic VW2O9 cluster, and results indicate that the introduction of vanadium at tungsten site can efficiently improve the oxidation reactivity.

This study aimed to that waste circuit boards in batches were incinerated by thermal plasma. Firstly, the working principle of plasma incinerator and the exhaust gas treatment main process were introduced, then, the experimental results was analyzed and discussed. Due to the thermal plasma processing waste incineration furnace has high temperature (1200 0C above), all the organic ingredients in waste circuit boards, including dioxin, can be decomposed completely in a few milliseconds, no showing the secondary pollution and no producing furans and other carcinogens. In addition, after main exhaust gas (CO, NO) concentration change with time was carefully tracked, it was found that a large amount of CO gas was produced and NO gas concentration was within national safety limits during experiment. Although 44.4 kg sample was incinerated, more than 1 kg of small pieces of metal like Copper was obtained from the cooling molten slag. Finally, it was obvious that the volume and weight of molten slag was far less than the ones of sample. The experimental result has important practical significance for protecting the environment, obtaining more CO gas resource and retrieving a variety of rare metals (such as Gold, Copper, Silver, Platinum, etc.).

In this paper, some discarded circuit boards in the plasma incinerator were incinerated by the converging - extended anode channel plasma torch, whose work principle and composition was described, and two experimental results were described, finally, the percentage of four major exhaust gas (CO, NO, SO2, O2) was reported, showing a good prospect on treating electronic waste with using the plasma torch.

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are carried out to investigate the electronic and structural properties of a series of bimetallic oxygen-rich clusters, MM′O7 − (M, M′ = V, Nb, Ta). Generalized Koopmans’ theorem is applied to predict the vertical detachment energies (VDEs) and simulate the photoelectron spectra (PES). Theoretical calculations at the B3LYP level yield dibridged structures with doublet state (C s, 2A′′) as ground states for the anionic clusters. Intriguingly, an O2 unit is found to be bonded to the metal atom which is inclined to donate electrons in the MM′O7 − (M, M′ = V, Nb, Ta) species. The extremely high binding energies, above 5.50 eV, are due to oxygen 2p-based orbitals and suggest that these clusters are strong oxidizers. Chemical bonding analyses reveal superoxide in the oxygen-rich clusters, in excellent consistence with their structural characteristics.

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are employed to investigate the structural and electronic properties of bare tritungsten clusters (W3, W3(-), W3(2-)) and tritungsten oxide clusters W3Ox(-/0) (x = 1, 2). Generalized Koopmans' theorem is applied to predict the vertical detachment energies and simulate the photoelectron spectra (PES) for W3Ox(-) (x = 0-2) clusters. Extensive DFT calculations are performed in search of the lowest energy structures for both the anions and the neutrals. The bare tritungsten clusters are predicted to be triangular structures with D3h ((3)A1'), C2v ((2)A1) and D3h ((1)A1') symmetry for W3, W3(-) and W3(2-), respectively. For W3O(-) and W3O clusters, the oxygen atom occupies the terminal site, while the next added oxygen atom is found to be a bridging one in both W3O2(-) and W3O2 clusters. Molecular orbital analyses are carried out to elucidate the chemical bonding of these clusters and provide insights into the sequential oxidation from W3(-) to W3O2(-). Partial σ- and δ-aromaticity are revealed in the neutral W3 (D3h, (3)A1'), while the anion W3(2-) (D3h, (1)A1') possesses only δ-aromaticity.

To explore the effects and anti-depression mechanisms of Kaixin Jieyu Decoction (, KJD).The rat vascular depression (VD) model was established by ligation of bilateral common carotid arteries (LBCCA) combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham, VD model, VD + high-dose KJD [15.4 g/(kg·d) of crude drug], VD + medium-dose KJD [7.7 g/(kg·d) of crude drug], and VD + fluoxetine [2.4 mg/(kg·d)] groups (n=8 in each group), and the treatments lasted for 21 days. Changes of behavior and hippocampus pathology were observed. The level of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) protein and mRNA in hippocampus was detected respectively by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction.Compared with the sham group, rats in model group showed a variety of behavioral obstacles, including a significant reduction in sucrose consumption percentage, horizontal and vertical activity scores in open-field tests (P0.05 or P0.01), pathological damage like neuronal degeneration, necrosis, and a significant decrease of GFAP protein and mRNA in hippocampus (P0.01); compared with the model group, rats in the high-dose KJD group, medium-dose KJD group and fluoxetine group obtained notable higher behavioral scores, and pathological injury lessened in hippocampus with a increased expression of GFAP protein and mRNA P0.05 or P0.01); compared with the medium-dose KJD group and fluoxetine group, GFAP mRNA in high-dose KJD group expressed higer (P0.05).LBCCA combined with CUMS may cause depression-like behavioral changes resulting in the VD model of rats whose depression state can be ameliorated by KJD, and the mechanism of cerebral protection is related possibly with promoting expression of GFAP in hippocampus.

Density functional theory (DFT) and coupled cluster theory (CCSD(T)) calculations are carried out to investigate the electronic and structural properties of a series of bimetallic oxide clusters MW2O9(-/0) (M=V, Nb, Ta). Generalized Koopmans' theorem is applied to predict the vertical detachment energies (VDEs) and simulate the photoelectron spectra (PES). Theoretical calculations at the B3LYP level yield singlet and doublet ground states for the bimetallic anionic and neutral clusters, respectively. All the clusters present the six-membered ring structures with different symmetries, except that the TaW2O9(-) cluster shows a chained style with a penta-coordinated tantalum atom. Spin density analyses reveal oxygen radical species in all neutral clusters, consistent with their structural characteristics. Moreover, additional calculations are performed to study the oxidation reaction of CO molecule with the W3O9(+) cation and the isoelectronic VW2O9 cluster, and results indicate that the introduction of vanadium at tungsten site can efficiently improve the oxidation reactivity.

To determine the mechanisms underlying the anti-depressant effects of Kaixin Jieyu Decoction (, KJD) by investigating the effects of KJD on behavior, monoamine neurotransmitter levels, and serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtype expression in the brain in a rat model of depression.The rat depression model was established using chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Forty-eight Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, depression model (CUMS), CUMS+KJD (7.7 g/kg(-1)·d(-1) of crude drug), and CUMS+fluoxetine (2.4 mg/kg(-1)·d(-1)) groups (n=12 in each group), and the treatments lasted for 21 days. We regularly evaluated body weight, sucrose consumption, and horizontal and vertical activity scores in open-field tests. The content of the monoamine neurotransmitters 5-HT, norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) and the DA metabolite homovanillic acid in the cerebral cortex, and 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor mRNA in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus, were determined respectively by high-performance liquid chromatography-coularray electrochemical detector and real-time polymerase chain reaction.Compared with the control group, CUMS rats showed a variety of depression-like behavioral changes, including a significant reduction in body weight, sucrose consumption, and horizontal and vertical activity scores in open-field tests (P0.05 or P0.01), and a significant decrease in 5-HT and NE levels and 5-HT2A receptor mRNA expression. In contrast, they showed a significant increase in 5-HT1A receptor mRNA expression in the cerebral cortex. In the hippocampus, 5-HT1A receptor mRNA expression was lower whereas 5-HT2A receptor mRNA expression was higher than in the control group (P0.05 or P0.01). Treatment with KJD or fluoxetine partially attenuated these changes (P0.05 or P0.01).KJD could normalize the levels of 5-HT and NE and adjust the balance of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor expression in rat cerebrum, and this may be one of mechanisms of antidepressant effects of KJD.

We investigated the structures and bonding of two series of early transition-metal oxide clusters, M(2)O(n)(-) and M(2)O(n) (M = Nb, Ta; n = 5-7) using photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and density-functional theory (DFT). The stoichiometric M(2)O(5) clusters are found to be closed shell with large HOMO-LUMO gaps, and their electron affinities (EAs) are measured to be 3.33 and 3.71 eV for M = Nb and Ta, respectively; whereas EAs for the oxygen-rich clusters are found to be much higher: 5.35, 5.25, 5.28, and 5.15 eV for Nb(2)O(6), Nb(2)O(7), Ta(2)O(6), and Ta(2)O(7), respectively. Structural searches at the B3LYP level yield triplet and doublet ground states for the oxygen-rich neutral and anionic clusters, respectively. Spin density analyses reveal oxygen radical, diradical, and superoxide characters in the oxygen-rich clusters. The M(2)O(7)(-) and M(2)O(7) clusters, which can be viewed to be formed by M(2)O(5)(-/0) + O(2), are utilized as molecular models to understand dioxygen activation on M(2)O(5)(-) and M(2)O(5) clusters. The O(2) adsorption energies on the stoichiometric M(2)O(5) neutrals are shown to be surprisingly high (1.3-1.9 eV), suggesting strong capabilities to activate O(2) by structural defects in Nb and Ta oxides. The PES data also provides valuable benchmarks for various density functionals (B3LYP, BP86, and PW91) for the Nb and Ta oxides.

To investigate whether apelin-13 induced THP-1 monocytes (MCs) adhesion to ECV304 human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via 14-3-3 signaling transduction pathway and the potential novel physiological function and signaling transduction pathway of apelin-APJ, HUVECs ECV304 were cultured in DMEM and MCs THP-1 were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium. Monocyte adhesion and the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and 14-3-3 were measured with monocyte adhesion assay and western blot analysis. Data showed that apelin-13 increased adhesion of MCs to HUVECs in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, which reached their peaks at 1 mM and 12 h, respectively. Similarly, apelin-13 induced the expression of HUVECs adhesion molecule, VCAM-1, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, reached their peaks at 1 microM and 12 h, respectively. Apelin-13 induced the expression of 14-3-3 in a concentration- and timedependent manner, which reached their peaks at 1 mM and 5 min, respectively. Furthermore, the potent 14-3-3 inhibitor difopein significantly reduced the expression of 14-3-3 and VCAM-1 in apelin-13 stimulated HUVECs, and difopein significantly inhibited the effect of apelin-13 on induction of MCs adhesion to HUVECs. These data suggested that 14-3-3 mediated the induction of adhesion of MCs to HUVECs by Apelin-13.

The diamond thin films were deposited on silicon substrates under invariable conditions of process pressure, substrate temperature negative direct-current (dc) bias of substrate and microwave power while the rations of methane (CH4) to hydrogen (H2) changing from 3% to 5% and 9% using electron-cyclotron-resonance microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition technique (ECRCVD). In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) have been used to study the plasma species absorbed on the substrate surfaces as well as the species above the substrates surfaces both before and during the nucleation and film growth. It is demonstrated that these techniques can provide useful information on the early stages of diamond growth. When correlated with film properties measured by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the results from FTIR indicate that the absorption of the graphitic and diamond phases are related to the ratio of CH4 to H2 and can be identified at the early stages of film growth.

Highly oriented VO2 thin films were deposited on sapphire substrate and [C8H17O]8 PcNi thin films were spin-coated onto VO2 thin films. The microstructure of VO2 thin films was studied with XRD. The phase transition was observed and the change in the optical properties of the PcNi/VO2 multilayer-films were investigated with infrared spectrometer. It was found that the mid-infrared transmittance of the complex films in the wavelength range 1.5 to 5.5 mm raised with PcNi coating. The thermochromism of PcNi/VO2 films did not changed compared with VO2 films and the transition temperature was the same as that of VO2. It can be anticipated that the optical limiting property of PcNi/VO2 films will be superior to that of VO2 thin films or PcNi thin films.

A ceramic-lined steel pipe was fabricated using a self-propagating high-temperature synthesis gravitational-thermite process. Some rare-earth oxides and glass powders were added to the aluminothermite. The experimental results showed that the ceramic liner consisted of three phases: corundum (Al2O3), glass, and iron particles. Neither hercynite (FeO·Al2O3) nor iron ions existed in the liner of the composite pipe.