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Priming effect (PE) plays an important role in regulating terrestrial soil carbon (C) cycling, but the impact of different C addition modes on the PE in subtropical forest ecosystems with increasing nitrogen (N) deposition is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of C addition patterns (single or repeated C addition) on soil PE by adding激发效应(PE)在调控陆地土壤碳(C)循环中发挥着重要作用,但在氮(N)沉降日益严重的亚热带森林生态系统中,不同C添加模式对PE的影响尚不清楚。本研究通过添加

Purpose To investigate and identify first-trimester fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is related to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and other adverse pregnancy outcomes in Shenzhen population. Methods We used data of 48,444 pregnant women that had been retrospectively collected between 2017 and 2019. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluated the associations between first-trimester FPG and GDM and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and used to construct a nomogram model for predicting the risk of GDM. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by using ROC and calibration curves. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to determine the clinical usefulness of the first-trimester FPG by quantifying the net benefits at different threshold probabilities. Results The mean first-trimester FPG was 4.62 ± 0.42 mmol/L. A total of 6998 (14.4%) pregnancies developed GDM.489(1.01%) pregnancies developed polyhydramnios, the prevalence rates of gestational hypertensive disorder (GHD), cesarean section, primary cesarean section, preterm delivery before 37 weeks (PD) and dystocia was 1130 (2.33%), 20,426 (42.16%), 7237 (14.94%), 2386 (4.93%), and 1865 (3.85%), respectively. 4233 (8.74%) of the newborns were LGA, and the number of macrosomia was 2272 (4.69%), LBW was 1701 (3.51%) and 5084 (10.49%) newborns had admission to the ICU, which all showed significances between GDM and non-GDM groups (all P 1, all P P P Conclusions FPG in the first trimester was an independent risk factor for GDM which can be used as a screening test for identifying pregnancies at risk of GDM and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

A novel concept that conversion of chiral 2-substituted DMAP into its DMAP-N-oxide could significantly enhance the catalytic activity and still be used as an acyl transfer catalyst is presented. A new type of chiral 2-substituted DMAP-N-oxides, derived from l-prolinamides, has been rationally designed, facilely synthesized, and applied in the dynamic kinetic resolution of azlactones. Using simple MeOH as the nucleophile, various l-amino acid derivatives were produced in high yields (up to 98% yield) and enantioselectivities (up to 96% ee). Furthermore, α-deuterium labeled l-phenylalanine derivative was also obtained. Experiments and DFT calculations revealed that in 2-substituted DMAP-N-oxide, the oxygen atom acted as the nucleophilic site and the N-H bond functioned as the H-bond donor. High enantioselectivity of the reaction was governed by steric factors, and the addition of benzoic acid reduced the activation energy by participating in the construction of a H-bond bridge. The theoretical chemical study indicated that only when attack directions of the chiral catalyst were fully considered could the correct calculation results be obtained. This work paves the way for the utilization of the C2 position of the pyridine ring and the development of chiral 2-substituted DMAP-N-oxides as efficient acyl transfer catalysts.

Drought is a complex stress that limits plant growth and crop production worldwide. The mechanisms by which plants coordinately respond to distinct levels of water deficits (e.g., mild, moderate or severe drought) remain elusive. Here we demonstrate that the rice immune sensor XA21 promotes survival of rice seedlings during dehydration stress. XA21 expression increases deposition of lignin and cellulose in the xylem vessels and their surrounding cells. Inhibition of aquaporin water channels by mercuric chloride eliminates XA21-mediated dehydration survival, suggesting that XA21 enables plant survival during drought, probably by protecting xylem functionality. In contrast to prevailing observations of stress tolerance genes, XA21 is also capable of enhancing rice growth during moderate drought. Thus, XA21 acts as a mediator for stress protection and plant growth under water-limiting conditions.

A Cs2CO3-mediated [2 + 1] cycloaddition of benzofuran-derived azadienes (BDAs) with bromomalonate by using a dearomatization strategy has been developed. Through this process, BDAs serve as a potential 2-atom synthon in the construction of a range of functionalized spirocyclopropane derivatives, such as spirobenzofuran-2-cyclopropanes and spiroindane-2-cyclopropanes.

Background: Polyhydramnios occurs frequently during pregnancy. Mutations in the MAGED2 gene can cause X-linked acute early-onset polyhydramnios with a severe but transient form of antenatal Bartter's syndrome.Case Presentation: Here, we report a new novel frameshift mutation c.733_734delCT (p. Leu245GlufsTer4) in the MAGED2 gene (NM_177433.1) that caused prenatal polyhydramnios, but did not cause polyuria after birth. Follow-up was conducted for 2 months, and the baby's growth and development were normal, without polyuria and renal impairment. In addition, we identified all individuals with MAGED2 mutations reported in the literature before March 2021.Conclusion: We report a new case with a novel variant of the MAGED2 gene that caused severe hydramnios but with a good result and summary clinical characteristics in a newborn with antenatal Bartter's syndrome caused by an MAGED2 mutation. Good prenatal diagnosis and genetic consultation can improve pregnancy monitoring and newborn management.

Excitatory toxicity(ET) is an important factor of neuropathic pain(NPP) induced by central sensitization(CS), and the association of pannexin-1(Panx1)-Src-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2 B(NMDAR-2 B) is an important new pathway for ET to initiate CS. The present study confirmed whether the central analgesic effect of Chuanxiong Rhizoma extract(CRE) was achieved through the synchronous regulation of the brain and spinal pathways of Panx1-Src-NMDAR-2 B. In this study, dynamic and simulta-neo-us microdialysis of the brain and spinal cord in vivo combined with behavioristics, high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)-fluorescence detection, microdialysis analysis(ISCUS~(flex)), ultrasensitive multifactorial electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, ELISA, and Western blot was employed to investigate the protein expression of NMDAR-2 B, Src, and Panx1, extracellular excitatory amino acids, cytokines, energy metabolites, and substance P in spinal dorsal horn(SDH) and anterior cingulate cortex(ACC) after CRE intervention with the rat model of spared sciatic nerve injury(SNI) as the experimental tool. Compared with the sham group, the SNI group exhibited diminished mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT)(Plt;0.01), increased cold spray scores(Plt;0.01), glutamate(Glu), D-serine(D-Ser), and glycine(Gly) in extracellular fluids of ACC, and Glu, D-Ser, interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and lactic acid(Lac) in extracellular fluids of SDH(Plt;0.05), dwindled tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)(Plt;0.05), and elevated protein levels of NMDAR-2 B, Src, and Panx1 in ACC(Plt;0.05). Compared with the SNI model rats, high-and medium-dose CRE(CRE-H/M) could potentiate the analgesic activity as revealed by the MWT test(Plt;0.05) and CRE-M enabled the decrease in cold spray scores(Plt;0.05). CRE-H/M could inhibit the levels of Glu, D-Ser and Gly in the extracellular fluids of ACC(Plt;0.05), and the levels of Glu in the extracellular fluids of SDH(Plt;0.05) in SNI rats. CRE-M significantly increased the levels of glucose(Gluc), Lac, interferon-gamma(IFN-γ), keratinocyte chemoattractant/human growth-regulated oncogenes(KC/GRO), and IL-4 in extracellular fluids of SDH in SNI rats(Plt;0.05). CRE-H/M/L could also inhibit the levels of NMDAR-2 B, Src and Panx1 in ACC and SDH in SNI rats(Plt;0.05). The central analgesic effect of CRE is presumedly related to the inhibited release of excitatory amino acid transmitters(Glu, D-Ser and Gly) in ACC and SDH of SNI rats, decreased protein expression of NMDAR-2 B, Src and Panx1 in the two regions, and the regulation of the Panx1-Src-NMDAR-2 B pathway in the spinal cord and brain. The above findings partially clarified the scientific basis of clinical analgesic effect of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.

Light is a important way in controlling vegetable pests. In this work, we examined the effects of blue light on利用灯光控制害虫是蔬菜害虫绿色防控的重要手段。本研究探讨了蓝光对黄瓜烟粉虱种群及黄瓜营养物质、次生代谢物、抗性相关酶的影响。结果表明: 在直接驱避试验条件下,蓝光对烟粉虱成虫有较强的驱避作用,光照强度越大、照射时间越长,对烟粉虱的驱避作用越强。在相同光强和光照时间下,直射光较透射光的驱避作用强。其中,1200 lx的蓝光直射烟粉虱5 min后,烟粉虱的虫口减退率为77.7%,比透射光高17.4%;1750 lx的蓝光直射2 min后,虫口减退率41.2%,比透射光高10.6%。盆栽条件下,蓝光照射对黄瓜叶片上的烟粉虱也有较好的驱避作用,100 lx蓝光照射5 h后,烟粉虱种群的校正虫口减退率达到88.5%。蓝光对烟粉虱的生长发育有一定的影响,随着蓝光照射时间的延长,烟粉虱发育历期延长。此外,蓝光照射显著提高了黄瓜叶片中可溶性糖、游离蛋白、总酚和类黄酮含量,降低了脯氨酸含量,与烟粉虱抗性相关的挥发物反式-β-法尼烯、反式-2-己烯醛、顺式-4-庚烯醛、反式β-罗勒烯、D-香芹酮、长叶烯和3-蒈烯含量,以及过氧化物酶、过氧化氢酶、超氧化物歧化酶和抗坏血酸过氧化物酶活性均显著提高。说明蓝光照射能直接驱离烟粉虱,并通过改变烟粉虱寄主蔬菜的代谢途径来提高寄主蔬菜对烟粉虱的抗性。其中100 lx的蓝光照射对田间烟粉虱有较好的控制作用。.

Background Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defects worldwide. Maternal obesity has been proposed as a risk factor for CHDs, but the results are controversial and inconclusive. Pregestational diabetes (PGDM) is well known as a risk factor for CHDs and is closely related to obesity. However, the effect of PGDM on the association between maternal obesity and CHDs has not been investigated.Objectives We aimed to explore the association between maternal obesity and CHDs and to further evaluate the mediation effect of PGDM on this association.Methods We involved 53708 mother-infant pairs with deliveries between 2017 and 2019 from the Birth Cohort in Shenzhen (BiCoS). Mothers were categorized into four groups: the underweight group (BMI < 18.5), normal weight group (18.5 ≤ BMI < 24), overweight group (24 ≤ BMI < 28) and obesity group (BMI ≥ 28). To evaluate the association between BMI and CHDs, we fit multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for maternal age, maternal education level, mode of conception, parity, GDM and offspring sex. Mediation analysis was used to confirm the mediation effect of PGDM on the association between maternal obesity and CHDs.Results The proportion of obese individuals in the BiCoS was 2.11%. Overall, 372 (0.69%) infants were diagnosed with CHDs. The prevalence of CHDs in underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese individuals was 0.64%, 0.68%, 0.72% and 1.24%, respectively. Maternal obesity was associated with an increased risk of CHDs (OR=1.97, 95% CI 1.14–3.41). The offspring of women with PGDM were 6.88 times (95% CI 4.11–11.53) more likely to have CHDs than the offspring of mothers without PGDM. The mediation effect of PGDM on the association between maternal obesity and CHDs was significant (OR=1.18, 95% CI 1.06–1.32). The estimated mediation proportion was 24.83%.Conclusion Our findings suggested that maternal obesity was associated with CHDs and that PGDM partially mediated the association between maternal obesity and CHDs.

A novel concept that conversion of chiral 2-substituted DMAP into its DMAP

A DMAP-N-oxide, featuring an α-amino acid as the chiral source, was developed, synthesized and applied in asymmetric Steglich rearrangement. A series of O-acylated azlactones afforded C-acylated azlactones possessing a quaternary stereocenter in high yields (up to 97 % yield) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97 % ee). Compared to the widespread use of pyridine nitrogen, which serves as the nucleophilic site in the asymmetric acyl transfer reaction, we discovered that chiral DMAP-N-oxides, in which the oxygen now acts as the nucleophilic site, are efficient acyl transfer catalysts. Our finding might open a new door for the development of chiral DMAP-N-oxides for asymmetric acyl transfer reactions.

The proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β plays critical roles in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. IL-1β signaling is tightly regulated to avoid excessive inflammatory response. In this study, we identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase membrane-associated RING-CH-type finger 3 (MARCH3) as a critical negative regulator of IL-1β–triggered signaling. Overexpression of MARCH3 inhibited IL-1β–triggered activation of NF-κB as well as expression of inflammatory genes, whereas MARCH3 deficiency had the opposite effects. MARCH3-deficient mice produced higher levels of serum inflammatory cytokines and were more sensitive to inflammatory death upon IL-1β injection or Listeria monocytogenes infection. Mechanistically, MARCH3 was associated with IL-1 receptor I (IL-1RI) and mediated its K48-linked polyubiquitination at K409 and lysosomal-dependent degradation. Furthermore, IL-1β stimulation triggered dephosphorylation of MARCH3 by CDC25A and activation of its E3 ligase activity. Our findings suggest that MARCH3-mediated IL-1RI degradation is an important mechanism for attenuating IL-1β–triggered inflammatory response.

In this study, a water stable metal-organic framework FIR-53 is applied as a single-crystal container for anion exchange. The exceptional chemical stability and low crystallographic symmetry of FIR-53 makes it possible to determine anionic guests. Through ion exchange and single-crystal to single-crystal (SC-SC) transformation, 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate (SG7, solvent green 7, ion form as SG73-) is introduced into the pores of FIR-53 to obtain SG7@FIR-53. Because of the spatial confinement and partition effect, SG7@FIR-53 shows the bright exciter emission of SG7 ions. Interestingly, the composite SG7@FIR-53 exhibits a sensitive fluorescence quenching response against Cr2O72- and MnO4- in aqueous solution. Especially, the detection limit toward MnO4- is as low as 0.12 ppb, which is the smallest value to date. Moreover, the prepared SG7@FIR-53 film also displays a broad response to nitro explosives in vapor/aqueous phase. Compared with the results of FIR-53, the range and sensitivity were greatly improved.

An efficient route to construct 2,5-disubstituted tetrazole hemiaminal silyl ethers via one-pot three-component hemiaminal silylation of 5-substituted tetrazoles, aldehydes, and silyl triflates was developed. Diverse 2,5-disubstituted tetrazole hemiaminal silyl ethers were obtained with 37 : 63–>99 : 1 regioisomeric ratios. The regioselectivities of this reaction were significantly affected by steric hindrance and the conjugation effects of substitutions on the 5-position of tetrazoles.

From the perspective of the chromophore, 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl)ethane (TPPE) with the π-electron-rich tetraphenylethylene (TPE) and aggregation induced emission feature is selected as functional ligand to construct the fluorescent metal–organic frameworks. Three luminescent MOFs (1–3) have been successfully synthesized. Through combining 4,4′,4″-nitrilotrisbenzoic acid (H3TNB) with electron-donor triphenylamine (TPA), the highly porous pillared-layer compound 1 [Zn3(TPPE)1/2(TNB)2](4DMA·7H2O) was synthesized; interestingly, this MOF sensor film realizes the fast detection for nitrobenzene compounds with a response time of less than 3 min as well as good recyclability. Compound 2 [Zn7(TPPE)2(SO42–)7](DMF·H2O) exhibits the clear “turn-off” quenching responses for Cr2O72– in aqueous phase with high selectivity and sensitivity. Meanwhile, the fluorescent properties of compound 3 [Zn2(TPPE)3/2(NO3–)(OH–)(H2O)](DMF·2H2O) were also investigated. Thus, these MOF materials could serve as the prom...

The theoretical tensile strength of Ni-based model superalloys was investigated by density functional theory calculations. The superalloy was modeled as a γ-Ni/γ′-Ni3Al multilayer, and the strengthening effect induced by alloying elements X (X = Re, Ru, Cr, Mo, W, or Ta) close to the γ/γ′ interface was investigated. Theoretical calculations show that the tensile strength of the model superalloy is ∼1 GPa higher than that of the γ′-Ni3Al phase, although the critical strain is ∼38% lower than that of the pure γ′-Ni3Al phase. Except for Ta, doping at the Al site of the γ-Ni/γ′-Ni3Al interface significantly increases the theoretical tensile strength (>7%) or critical strain (>10%) of the γ-Ni/γ′-Ni3Al multilayer. Local atomic disorder is observed in the Ni–Al sublayer of the γ′-Ni3Al block of the superalloy, wherein the Ni–Al atomic layer decomposes into an Al layer and a Ni layer when the strain exceeds a critical value. The charge density difference and partial density of states provide further insight into the changes of chemical bonds and charge redistribution during the tensile process. Charge transfer from Al to Ni in the γ′-Ni3Al precipitate of the superalloy could account for its higher tensile strength than the single γ′ phase. Moreover, covalent-like Ni–X bonds inhibit deformation of the system, resulting in tensile strengthening of doped γ-Ni/γ′-Ni3Al multilayers.

In this work, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and eosine B (EB) were selected as a model protein and sonosensitizer, respectively. The sonodynamic damage to protein in the presence of EB and its mechanism were studied by means of absorption and fluorescence spectra. The results indicated that the synergistic effects of ultrasound and EB can efficiently damage the BSA molecules, and the damage of protein could be mainly due to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The damage degree of protein increased with the increase of ultrasonic time and EB concentration because of the increased quantities of ROS. Hydroxyl free radical (OH) was the major mediators of the ultrasound-inducing proteins damage in the presence of EB. In addition, the quantities of ROS from the diphenylcarbazide (DPCI)-EB solutions and the DPCI-fluorescein (FS) solutions with or without ROS scavengers were contrasted, respectively. The results show that FS mainly produce OH, but the quantities of ROS in the presence of FS were lower than those of EB, which indicates that the nitro and bromine substituent groups on the benzene ring of FS increase the quantity of ROS, but do not change the kinds of ROS.

Seed development is an important process of reproductive development and consists of embryo and endosperm development; both comprise several key processes. To determine and investigate the functions of the dynamic DNA methylome during seed development, we profiled the DNA methylation genome wide in a series of developmental stages of rice (Oryza sativa) embryo and endosperm by methylcytosine immunoprecipitation followed by Illumina sequencing. The results showed that embryo is hypermethylated predominantly around non-transposable element (TE) genes, short DNA-TEs, and short interspersed TEs compared with endosperm, and non-TE genes have the most diverse methylation status across seed development. In addition, lowly expressed genes are significantly enriched in hypermethylated genes, but not vice versa, confirming the crucial role of DNA methylation in suppressing gene transcription. Further analysis revealed the significantly decreased methylation at early developing stages (from 2 to 3 d after pollination), indicating a predominant role of demethylation during early endosperm development and that genes with a consistent negative correlation between DNA methylation change and expression change may be potentially directly regulated by DNA methylation. Interestingly, comparative analysis of the DNA methylation profiles revealed that both rice indica and japonica subspecies showed robust fluctuant profiles of DNA methylation levels in embryo and endosperm across seed development, with the highest methylation level at 6 d after pollination (2 d after pollination of endosperm in japonica as well), indicating that a complex and finely controlled methylation pattern is closely associated with seed development regulation. The systemic characterization of the dynamic DNA methylome in developing rice seeds will help us understand the effects and mechanism of epigenetic regulation in seed development.

Ultrasonic technique was employed to extract polysaccharides from pomegranate peel. The optimal conditions for ultrasonic extraction of pomegranate peel polysaccharide (PPP) were determined by response surface methodology. Box-Behnken design was applied to evaluate the effects of four independent variables (ratio of water to raw material, extraction time, extraction temperature, ultrasonic power) on the yield of PPP. The correlation analysis of mathematical-regression models indicated that quadratic polynomial model could be employed to optimize the ultrasonic extraction of PPP. The optimum extraction parameters were as follows: ratio of water to raw material, 24 ml/g; extraction time, 63 min; extraction temperature, 55°C; and ultrasonic power, 148 W. Under these conditions, the polysaccharide yield was 13.658 ± 0.133% for the pomegranate peel, which well matches with the predicted value.

By means of creep properties measurement and microstructure observation, an investigation was carried out to study the creep behaviors of the as-cast TiAl-Nb alloy at temperature near 910 oC. Results showed that the microstructure of as-cast TiAl-Nb alloy consisted of γ/α2 phases with the lamellar feature, and the boundaries with irregular serrated configuration consisted of single γ phase, and located in between the lamellar γ/α2 phases with different orientations. The as-cast TiAl-Nb alloy displayed a better creep resistance at high temperature and longer creep life. Compared to α2 -Ti3Al phase, the γ phase possessed a weaker strength, therefore, the crack was easily initiated along the boundaries at about 45° angles relative to the stress axis, and propagated along the boundaries parallel to the orientation of lamellar γ/α2 phases up to the occurrence of creep fracture. Thereinto, the tearing edges formed on the surface of the fracture being inclined with the lamellar γ/α2 phases are attributed to the α2-Ti3Al phase with better strength hindering the crack propagation during creep.

In this work, the binding characteristics of methylene blue (MB) to human serum albumin (HSA) and the influence of Cu(2+) and Fe(3+) on the binding affinity of MB to HSA were investigated using fluorescence, absorption, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and molecular modelling. The results of competitive binding experiments using the site probes ketoprofen and ibuprofen as specific markers suggested that MB was located in site I within sub-domain IIA of HSA. The molecular modelling results agreed with the results of competitive site marker experiments and the results of CD spectra indicated that the interaction between MB and HSA caused the conformational changes in HSA. The binding affinity of MB to HSA was enhanced but to a different extent in the presence of Cu(2+) and Fe(3+), respectively, which indicated that the influence of different metal ions varied. Enhancement of the binding affinity of MB to HSA in the presence of Cu(2+) is due to the formation of Cu(2+)-HSA complex leading to the conformational changes in HSA, whereas in the presence of Fe(3+), enhancement of the binding affinity is due to the greater stability of the Fe(3+)-HSA-MB complex compared with the MB-HSA complex.

An efficient route to construct chiral acyclic purine nucleosides containing a hemiaminal ester moiety is reported via three-component dynamic kinetic resolution of purines, aldehydes, and acid anhydrides. The procedure provides diverse chiral acyclic purine nucleoside analogues in a regioselective manner with good yields (up to 93% yield) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 95% ee). Furthermore, the chiral (acyloxyalkyl)-5-fluorouracil could also be generated as a potential prodrug of 5-fluorouracil.

There is growing evidence that the lectin pathway is significantly associated with acute rejection. Rare studies associated both gene polymorphisms of MBL2 and FCN2 with acute rejection after kidney transplantation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the lectin gene profile and clinical risk factors such as PRA level on acute rejection in kidney transplant recipients.We prospectively analyzed 157 kidney transplant recipients with and without acute rejection. A total of 6 well-known functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene and 5 in the FCN2 gene of the recipients were determined by gene sequencing. MBL2 and FCN2 genotypic variants were analyzed for association with the incidence of acute rejection within the first year after kidney transplantation.After adjusting for variables of P0.2, we found the differences in the incidence of acute rejection were only according to panel-reactive antibodies (odds ratios (OR) = 6.468, 95% confidence intervals (CI)= 2.017-20.740, P = 0.002) and the HH genotypes of MBL2 promoter -550 (OR = 2.448, 95%CI = 1.026-5.839, P = 0.044).Panel-reactive antibodies and the HH genotypes of MBL2 promoter -550 have significant impacts on the risk of developing acute rejection after kidney transplantation.

[Cu(C9H6O5)(H2O)3], monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 21.678(13) Å, b = 9.071(6) Å, c = 13.786(9) Å, β = 122.738(7)°, V = 2280(2) Å3, Z = 8, R gt(F) = 0.0613, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1682, T = 296(2) K.

Objective To evaluate the practical value of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in transcatheter treatment in patients with patent ductus arterious (PDA) living in regions of different altitude. Methods Three hundred and fifty-three patients with PDA who had undergone TTE examination were divided into two groups, 115 patients in high altitude group (living in regions higher than 3600m) and 238 patients in low altitude group (living in regions lower than 800m). The pattern, diameter and length of PDA were determined by TTE (Vivid 7), and the therapeutic effect was assessed 3~5 days, and 3, 6 and 12 months after closure. Results Thirty patients were found to have other congenital heart diseases. Transcatheter closure was successful in 346 patients, and the success rate of operation was 98.0%. Compared with that before operation, the left ventricular diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were decreased significantly after closure (P

Determining the effects of the critical structure of forests on soil and water conservation aids in understanding forest functions and scientific decision-making in management practices. Quadratic polynomial regression models were established for five pure tree ( Pinus massoniana Lamb) plots between vegetation fractional coverage (VFC) and soil/water conservation effects (SCE/WCE) for 144 erosive rainfall events from 2007 to 2010 in Hetian Town, Changting County, Fujian Province, a typical water-eroded area in southern China. The SCE/WCE corresponds to the ratios of soil loss/runoff depth of each tree plot to those of the control plot under each rainfall event. The results show that increasing VFC exhibits descending (DS), descending–ascending (DA), ascending–descending (AD), and ascending (AS) trends in the VFC–SCE and VFC–WCE curves, which indicate positive or negative effects of plot trees on soil and water conservation. In general, the effects on soil conservation on the plots were more notable than those on water conservation, and most of the SCE and WCE values reflect the positive effect of trees on soil and water conservation. Most determination coefficients of both the VFC–SCE and VFC–WCE models exceeded 0.6, and varied with the year and the effect. The positive effects of the pure trees occurred mainly during rainfall events with relatively higher rainfall depth, stronger intensity, and shorter duration, whereas the negative effects occurred mainly during rainfall events with lower rainfall depth, weaker intensity, and longer duration. The transition effects DA and AD appeared largely during rainfall events with moderate rainfall depth, intensity, and duration. The critical VFCs for soil and water conservation during rainfall events were 0.4 and 0.5, respectively, which provided a reference for the evaluation and planning of forest reconstruction in this and similar water-eroded areas.

Assessing the inter-annual variation of regional grassland productivity is imperative to meet the local requirements of grassland adaptive management at regional- or landscape- scale. For the semiarid grassland of Inner Mongolia, the improved CASA model, a kind of light-energy-efficiency model, was used to simulate the Net Primary Productivity (NPP) of the regional grassland. And this study further calculated the Standard Deviation (SD) and Coefficient of Variation (CV) of the regional NPP. Both of SD and CV were used to reflect the fluctuations of regional NPP in the study area among years. Approximately 1/3 of the regional NPP over the years were dramatically changed, frequently up to large amplitude by an average rate of 1 times or more.

The effects of planting transgenic soybean on the yield, quality and other agronomic traits were determined. No marked differences on yield were found between the succeeding crops planted on field where transgenic soybean were planted in the previously year and those planted on field where non-transgenic control soybean were planted in the last year. In parallel with this similarity, dry mass accumulation of wheat and maize showed no differences for those crops growing on the two different fields. The height, spike length and the gluten content of wheat planted on the two different fields were also investigated and no difference was found. In addition, the sugar content of beet was not affected by planting them on field where transgenic soybean was previously planted.

Starting with the standard complex medium HL-5C, the influence of different medium components on the growth behavior of Dictyostelium discoideum was investigated. For this purpose, each component was individually deleted from the complex medium HL-5C, and the overall concentration of all components as well as the kinds and concentrations of carbon source were varied. The effects of the supplementation with major components of synthetic medium like vitamins, trace metals, inorganic salts were also investigated. When glucose being the carbon source was deleted from the standard HL-5C medium, the maximal cell density then had a drastic drop. Deletion of yeast extract also caused lower maximal cell density. Of all the carbohydrates investigated only maltose and glucose led to higher final cell concentration. Adding inorganic salts such as CaCl2 and MgCl2 to HL-5C medium significantly improved the cell growth, whereas addition of vitamins or trace metals had little effect on cell growth. A semi-empirical model is employed to simulate the cell growth.

Trypsin‐catalyzed, kinetically controlled synthesis of a precursor, dipeptide of thymopentin (TP‐5), Bz–Arg‐Lys–OH (or–OEt) in organic solvents was studied. Bz–Arg–OEt was used as the acyl donor and Lys–OH and Lys–OEt were used as the nucleophiles. Ethanol was selected as the organic solvent from ethanol, methanol, acetonitrile, and ethyl acetate tested under the experimental conditions. As expected, Lys–OEt is not a suitable nucleophile in trypsin‐catalyzed reaction, due to its competition with the protective Arg–OEt as acyl donor for the active site of trypsin, while Lys–OH does not have this problem. The optimal reaction condition for the synthesis of Bz–Arg‐Lys–OH was set up as 20% Tris‐HCl buffer, pH 8.0, 35°C for 6 h with the yield of 52.5%, or for 18–24 h with the yield of about 60%.