Increased Prevalence of Thyroid Nodules Across Nearly 10 Years in Shanghai, China

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether the prevalence of thyroid nodules (TNs) increased due to modern lifestyles or other factors, despite the advances in screening and diagnostic tools.

METHODS

This study included 3474 pairs of participants, who were matched by gender and age (±3 years) from two cross-sectional sampling surveys: (1) the program on the iodine nutritional status and related health status of residents in Shanghai in 2009; (2) the thyroid disease screening program for adults in Shanghai between 2017 and 2018. The prevalence of TNs and thyroid diseases in 2009 and 2017-2018 were compared, and the potential risk factors of TNs were detected.

RESULTS

The prevalence of TNs in 2009 was 28.9%: 22.5% in males and 34.5% in females. In 2017, this increased to 43.8%: 37.9% in males and 49.1% in females. The prevalence of TNs significantly increased from 2009 to 2017 (odds ratio, 1.486; 95% confidence interval, 1.238-1.786). In addition, female gender, thyroid disease history, and age were the main risk factors for TNs after adjusting for confounders in the logistic regression across the time period.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of TNs significantly increased across nearly 10 years in Shanghai.

Combination of Ephedra sinica stems and Terminalia chebula fruits produces new ephedrine derivatives in vivo that diminish the permeability to BBB while retaining airway dilation and hepatoprotective effects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The stems of Ephedra sinica and the fruits of Terminalia chebula are combined using in traditional Mongolian medicine formula "Gurigumu-7" for liver diseases. E. sinica stems contains ephedrine with broncho-dilatory activity. However, ephedrine can pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and excite the central nervous system (CNS) to cause insomnia and restlessness.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was to investigate the structures and bioactivities of new compounds formed in vivo after co-administration of E. sinica stems and T. chebula fruits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pharmacokinetic investigation was carried out in rats. A parallel artificial membrane permeability measurement system was used to determine BBB permeability. Ex vivo experiments using tracheal rings of guinea pig was performed to examine the tracheal relaxation effect. In vivo hepatoprotective tests were carried out in Tg (fabp10a: dsRed) liver transgenic zebrafish. The fluorescent probe, 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, was used to measure reactive oxygen species, and UHPLC-MS was used to determine glutathione concentrations after derivatization with N-ethylmaleimide.

RESULTS

New ephedrine derivatives (1 and 2) formed in vivo and reached their maximum serum concentrations at 0.5 h after administration of the two herbal drugs. Compounds 1 and 2 showed lower BBB permeability than ephedrine, suggesting that they have less adverse effects on the CNS. Compounds 1 and 2 relaxed the tracheal rings and had strong hepatoprotective effect on transgenic zebrafish with liver specific expression of RFP. Compounds 1 and 2 significantly reduced the level of reactive oxygen species while increasing that of glutathione in thioacetamide-treated zebrafish, which might be the hepatoprotective mechanism.

CONCLUSION

These results provided evidences that the chemical constituents in various herbal drugs in a medicinal formula can interact to generate new compounds with fewer side effects and increased or additive bioactivity.

[Investigation on population dynamics and Echinococcus infections in small rodents around human settlement in Yushu City, Qinghai Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the population dynamics and Echinococcus infections in small rodents around human settlement in Yushu City, Qinghai Province.

METHODS

Rodents were captured using the mouse trap method in pastures from Batang Township and Longbao Township of Yushu City, Qinghai Province on May, August and October, 2018. The body weight and snout-vent length of all captured rodents were measured, and the species was identified according to the rodent morphology. Genomic DNA was extracted from rodent liver specimens and lesion specimens, and the mitochondrial cox1 gene of Echinococcus was amplified using PCR assay for identification of parasite species. In addition, the tissue specimens positive for PCR assay were sampled for pathological examinations. The prevalence of Echinococcus infections was estimated in rodents, and a phylogenetic tree was created based on Echinococcus cox1 gene sequences.

RESULTS

A total of 285 small rodents were captured, including 143 Ochotona curzoniae (50.2%), 141 Lasiopodomys fuscus (49.5%), and 1 Neodon irene (0.3%), and there was a remarkable variation in habitat selection among these three rodent species. The number of L. fuscus correlated positively with vegetation coverage (r = 0.350, P = 0.264), with the greatest number seen in August, and the number of O. curzoniae negatively with vegetation coverage (r = -0.371, P = 0.235), with the highest number seen in August and the lowest number in May. The female/male ratios of O. curzoniae and voles were 1:0.96 and 0.82:1, respectively. The body weight (r = 0.519, P < 0.01) and snout-vent length (r = 0.578, P < 0.01) of O. curzoniae showed a tendency towards a rise with month, while the body weight (r = -0.401, P < 0.01) and snout-vent length (r = -0.570, P < 0.01) of voles presented a tendency towards a reduction with month. No Echinococcus infection was detected in voles, while 2.1% prevalence of E. shiquicus infection was seen in O. curzoniae. Phylogenetic analysis revealed consistent sequences of cox1 gene from E. shiquicus in Yushu City of Qinghai Province and Shiqu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province.

CONCLUSIONS

The small rodents around the human settlement in Yushu City of Qinghai Province mainly include O. curzoniae and L. fuscus, with the greatest numbers seen in May and August, respectively. Following the concerted efforts for echinococcosis control, the prevalence of Echinococcus infections is low in small rodents around the human settlement in Yushu City; however, there is still a risk of echinococcosis transmission.

Hydroxysafflor yellows alleviate thrombosis and acetaminophen-induced toxicity in vivo by enhancing blood circulation and poison excretion

BACKGROUND

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) from the flower of Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower) has been reported to have various pharmacological effects. However, little is known about the bioactivities of other chemical constituents in Safflower and the relationship between enhancement of blood circulation and hepatoprotection by HSYA.

PURPOSE

The present research was to evaluate the antithrombotic and hepatoprotective activities of HSYA and C, examine their mechanisms of actions, including influence on the excretion velocity of acetaminophen, and the relationship between the antithrombotic, hepatoprotective, and other bioactivities.

METHODS

The hepatoprotective activities were examined by acetaminophen (APAP)-induced zebrafish toxicity and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse liver injury. The concentrations of APAP in zebrafish and APAP that was excreted to the culture media were quantified by UHPLC-MS. The anti-thrombosis effect of HSYA and C were examined by the phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced zebrafish thrombosis.

RESULTS

HSYA and HSYC showed robust protection on APAP-induced toxicity and PHZ-induced thrombosis. The hepatoprotective effects of HSYA and C were more potent than that of the positive control, acetylcysteine (61.7% and 58.0%, respectively, vs. 56.9% at 100 µM) and their antithrombosis effects were more robust than aspirin (95.1% and 86.2% vs. 52.7% at 100 µM). HSYA and C enhanced blood circulation, rescued APAP-treated zebrafish from morphological abnormalities, and mitigated APAP-induced toxicity in liver development in liver-specific RFP-expressing transgenic zebrafish. HSYC attenuated CCl4-induced mouse liver injury and regulated the levels of HIF-1α, iNOS, TNF-α, α-SMA, and NFκB in liver tissues. HSYA was also protective in a dual thrombotic and liver toxicity zebrafish model. By UHPLC-MS, HSYA accelerated the excretion of APAP.

CONCLUSION

HSYA and C are the bioactive constituents of Safflower that are responsible for the herbal drug's traditional use in promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis. Safflower and its chalcone constituents may protect from damage due to exogenous or disease-induced endogenous toxins by enhancing the excretion velocity of toxins.

[SWOT analysis of schistosomiasis elimination in Laos]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and challenges for schistosomiasis elimination in Laos, so as to propose the corresponding healthy policies and suggestions.

METHODS

A SWOT analysis was performed to analyze the strength, weakness, opportunity and threat for the schistosomiasis elimination program in Laos, and the corresponding policy suggestions were proposed.

RESULTS

The national schistosomiasis elimination program of Laos receives governmental emphases and great supports. A strategy based on mass drug administration was proposed and a sentinel site-bases surveillance system has been built for schistosomiasis elimination in Laos; however, there are several challenges for the national schistosomiasis elimination program in Laos, including insufficient financial supports, inadequate professional capability, weak schistosomiasis control awareness in community populations and difficulty in vector control.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent governmental leadership, increasing financial supports, strengthening professional team building and improving schistosomiasis control awareness in community populations are required to facilitate the progress towards schistosomiasis elimination in Laos.

[Mechanism of innate immunity and adaptive immunity in the development of allergic rhinitis]

The pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) has not well been clarified, and the imbalance of immune system is its important feature. Interaction between innate and adaptive immune cells and inflammatory mediators secreted by them triggers, maintains and aggravates AR. In this review, Toll-like receptor signaling pathways are used as a bridge to systematically analyze the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity in the development of AR.

Photochemical Etching of Carbonyl Groups from a Carbon Matrix: The (001) Diamond Surface

The surface of diamond is reported to undergo nonablative photochemical etching when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation which allows controlled single and partial layer removal of lattice layers. Oxygen termination of surface dangling bonds is known to be crucial for the etching process; however, the exact mechanism of carbon ejection remains unclear. We investigate the interaction of UV laser pulses with oxygen-terminated diamond surfaces using atomic-scale surface characterization combined with first-principles time-dependent density functional theory calculations. We present evidence for laser-induced desorption (LID) from carbonyl functional groups at the diamond {001} surface. The doubly bonded carbonyl group is photoexcited into a triply bonded CO-like state, including scission of the underlying C─C bonds. The carbon removal process in LID is atom by atom; therefore, this mechanism provides a novel "top-down" approach for creating nanostructures on the surface of diamond and other carbon-containing semiconductors.

[Comparison of the translucency and color masking effect of the zirconia ceramics made by milling and gel deposition]

OBJECTIVE

Three kinds of zirconia specimens were made respectively by milling of the prisintered blocks and by three dimensional (3D) gel deposition for in vitro evaluation of their optical translucency under three different thicknesses and their color masking effect on discolored teeth. The study aims for establishing the principle for guiding the materials selection in clinical practice.

METHODS

Ninety A2-colored zirconia disc specimens with diameter of 14 mm were prepared and were divided into three groups (n=30). (1) Group CZ, by milling of the presintered blanks; (2) Group NZW, by 3D gel deposition, without a color masking opaque inner layer; (3) Group NZY, by 3D gel deposition, with a color masking opaque inner layer. Furthermore, each group was divided into three sub-groups (n=10) according to the sample thickness, i.e., 0.6, 1.0 and 1.5 mm, respectively. The maxillary anterior teeth with severe discoloration, extracted owing to periodontal disease, were collected and embedded. By gentle gridding and polishing a plane, larger than 6 mm2×6 mm², was generated on the labial surface of each tooth. Chromatic values(CIE1976-L^*a^*b^*) of the zirconia samples in the nine sub-groups were measured by the spectrophotometer Crystaleye in front of the black or white background in a cassette, and the translucency parameter (TP) values were calculated for each sample. Thereafter the zirconia specimens were bonded onto the labial surface of the polished teeth for measuring the chromatic values, using the chromatic value of the medium 1/3 of the standardized Vita A2 as a control. The color aberration ΔE between each zirconia specimen and the control value was calculated, respectively. The results were statistically analyzed by One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni.

RESULTS

(1) The optical transparency of the three kinds of zirconia disc specimens with the thickness of 0.6, 1.0 and 1.5 mm was 14.09, 12.31 and 10.45 for group CZ; 19.84, 16.54 and 12.44 for group NZW;14.81, 13.16 and 11.92 for group NZY. In each group, the degree of optical transparency of the specimens showed a clear tendency as in the sub-group 0.6 mm >1.0 mm >1.5 mm. The TP value of the specimens in the three groups with the same thickness showed a tendency of the group NZW >group NZY >group CZ. (2) After bonding onto the polished labial surface of the teeth, the color aberration ΔE of the specimens with the thickness of 0.6, 1.0 and 1.5 mm was calculated to be 10.77, 9.94 and 8.50 for group CZ; 6.84, 5.89 and 5.29 for group NZW; 4.16, 3.92 and 3.67 for group NZY. In each group, the color aberration of the specimens showed a clear tendency as in the sub-group 0.6 mm >1.0 mm >1.5 mm; the color aberration of the three groups with the same thickness was in the order of the group CZ >group NZW >group NZY.

CONCLUSION

In all the specimen groups with a fixed specimen thickness, the optical translucency of the specimen was the highest in group NZW made by 3D gel deposition, and the best color masking effect was obtained in specimens with a color masking opaque inner layer in group NZY, where a thickness of 0.6 mm was sufficient enough for obtaining the ideal color masking effect.

TDDFT Study of the Optical Excitation of Nucleic Acid Bases-C60 Complexes

The potential of C₆₀ as a nucleic acid base (NAB) optical sensor is theoretically explored. We investigate the adsorption of four NABs, namely, adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine, on C₆₀ in the gas phase. For the optimal NAB@C₆₀ adsorption configurations, obtained using a dispersion-corrected density functional, we calculate the vis-near-ultraviolet optical response using time-dependent density functional theory. While the isolated C₆₀ and NAB molecules do not exhibit visible optical excitation, we find that C₆₀/NAB conjugation gives rise to distinct spectral features in the visible range. These results suggest that C₆₀ conjugation can be applied for photodetection of individual NABs.

[The significance of peripheral blood natural killer cell surface CD107a, NKG2D and serum sMICA in patients with extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type]

The expression of CD_107a, NKG2D on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells and serum soluble major histocompatibility complex class Ⅰ chain-related A (sMICA) level in patients with extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKL) were detected.We found that CD_107a expression was reduced on the surface of NK cells, suggesting impaired NK cell activity in ENKL patients, which may result from decreased NKG2D expression.

Near-Perfect Spin Filtering and Negative Differential Resistance in an Fe(II)S Complex

Density functional theory and nonequilibrium Green's function calculations have been used to explore spin-resolved transport through the high-spin state of an iron(II)sulfur single molecular magnet. Our results show that this molecule exhibits near-perfect spin filtering, where the spin-filtering efficiency is above 99%, as well as significant negative differential resistance centered at a low bias voltage. The rise in the spin-up conductivity up to the bias voltage of 0.4 V is dominated by a conductive lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, and this is accompanied by a slight increase in the magnetic moment of the Fe atom. The subsequent drop in the spin-up conductivity is because the conductive channel moves to the highest occupied molecular orbital, which has a lower conductance contribution. This is accompanied by a drop in the magnetic moment of the Fe atom. These two exceptional properties, and the fact that the onset of negative differential resistance occurs at low bias voltage, suggests the potential of the molecule in nanoelectronic and nanospintronic applications.

Intrinsic Ferromagnetism in the Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor Co:TiO_{2}

Here we present a study of magnetism in Co_{0.05}Ti_{0.95}O_{2-δ} anatase films grown by pulsed laser deposition under a variety of oxygen partial pressures and deposition rates. Energy-dispersive spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy analyses indicate that a high deposition rate leads to a homogeneous microstructure, while a very low rate or postannealing results in cobalt clustering. Depth resolved low-energy muon spin rotation experiments show that films grown at a low oxygen partial pressure (≈10^{-6}  torr) with a uniform structure are fully magnetic, indicating intrinsic ferromagnetism. First principles calculations identify the beneficial role of low oxygen partial pressure in the realization of uniform carrier-mediated ferromagnetism. This work demonstrates that Co:TiO_{2} is an intrinsic diluted magnetic semiconductor.

[One case of laryngotracheal fungal disease]

Clinical manifestations: a female patient's hoarseness for more than 10 days. Video Laryngoscope: White toothpaste-like albuginea is visilable on the bilateral vocal cords and trachea about 2-3 ring. Pathology: Fungal bacterial mass.clinical diagnosis:Laryngeal fungal disease.

Large spin-filtering effect in Ti-doped defective zigzag graphene nanoribbon

Through first-principles calculations using the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism together with density functional theory, we study the conductance of double-vacancy zigzag graphene nanoribbons doped with four transition metal atoms Ti, V, Cr and Fe. We show that Ti doping induces large spin-filtering with an efficiency in excess of 90% for bias voltages below 0.5 V, while the other metal adatoms do not induce large spin filtering. This is despite the fact that the Ti dopant possesses small spin moment, while large moments reside on V, Cr and Fe dopants. Our analysis shows that the suppression of transmission in the spin-down channel in the Ti-doped graphene nanoribbon, thus the large spin filtering efficiency, is due to transmission anti-resonance arising from destructive quantum interference. These findings suggest that the decoration of graphene with titanium, and possibly other transition metals, can act as effective spin filters for nanospintronic applications.

Enhanced oscillatory rectification and negative differential resistance in pentamantane diamondoid-cumulene systems

We propose a new functionality for diamondoids in nanoelectronics. Based on the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism and density functional theory, we reveal that when attached to gold electrodes, the pentamantane-cumulene molecular junction exhibits large and oscillatory rectification and negative differential resistance (NDR) - depending on the number of carbon atoms in cumulene (Cn). When n is odd rectification is greatly enhanced where the rectification ratio can reach ∼180 and a large negative differential resistance peak current of ∼3 μA. This oscillatory behavior is well rationalised in terms of the occupancy of the carbon 2p states in Cn. Interestingly, different layers of C atoms in the pentamantane molecule have different contributions to transmission. The first and third layers of C atoms in pentamantane have a slight contribution to rectification, and the fifth and sixth layers have a stronger contribution to both rectification and NDR. Thus, our results suggest potential avenues for controlling their functions by chemically manipulating various parts of the diamondoid molecule, thus extending the applications of diamondoids in nanoscale integrated circuits.

Effect of hypoxia on tissue factor pathway inhibitor expression in breast cancer

ESSENTIALS: A hypoxic microenvironment is a common feature of tumors that may influence activation of coagulation. MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells and breast cancer tissue samples were used. The results showed transcriptional repression of tissue factor pathway inhibitor expression in hypoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α may be a target for the therapy of cancer-related coagulation and thrombosis.

BACKGROUND

Activation of coagulation is a common finding in patients with cancer, and is associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis. As a hypoxic microenvironment is a common feature of solid tumors, we investigated the role of hypoxia in the regulation of tissue factor (TF) pathway inhibitor (TFPI) expression in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the transcriptional regulation of TFPI by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α in breast cancer cells and their correlation in breast cancer tissues.

METHODS AND RESULTS

MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells were cultured in 1% oxygen or treated with cobalt chloride (CoCl2 ) to mimic hypoxia. Time-dependent and dose-dependent downregulation of TFPI mRNA (quantitative RT-PCR) and of free TFPI protein (ELISA) were observed in hypoxia. Western blotting showed parallel increases in the levels of HIF-1α protein and TF. HIF-1α inhibitor abolished or attenuated the hypoxia-induced downregulation of TFPI. Luciferase reporter assay showed that both hypoxia and HIF-1α overexpression caused strong repression of TFPI promoter activity. Subsequent chromatin immunoprecipitation and mutagenesis analysis demonstrated a functional hypoxia response element within the TFPI promoter, located at -1065 to -1060 relative to the transcriptional start point. In breast cancer tissue samples, gene expression analyses showed a positive correlation between the mRNA expression of TFPI and that of HIF-1α.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that HIF-1α is involved in the transcriptional regulation of the TFPI gene, and suggests that a hypoxic microenvironment inside a breast tumor may induce a procoagulant state in breast cancer patients.

Communication: Electrical rectification of C59N: The role of anchoring and doping sites

Based on the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism and density-functional theory, we investigate the onset of electrical rectification in a single C59N molecule in conjunction with gold electrodes. Our calculations reveal that rectification is dependent upon the anchoring of the Au atom on C59N; when the Au electrode is singly bonded to a C atom (labeled here as A), the system does not exhibit rectification, whereas when the electrode is connected to the C-C bridge site between two hexagonal rings (labeled here as B), transmission asymmetry is observed, where the rectification ratio reaches up to 2.62 at ±1 V depending on the N doping site relative to the anchoring site. Our analysis of the transmission mechanism shows that N doping of the B configuration causes rectification because more transmission channels are available for transmission in the B configuration than in the A configuration.

rbcS SRS4 promoter from Glycine max and its expression activity in transgenic tobacco

The regulatory region of the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase small subunit gene SRS4 from soybean (Glycine max) was cloned using TAIL-PCR and general PCR, and named the rbcS promoter. The promoter was fused with the GUS gene and introduced into Nicotiana tabacum via Agrobacterium-mediated leaf disk transformation. In 4-week-old transgenic tobacco plants, the highest GUS expression levels were observed in the leaves, GUS activity was 7.13- and 7.40-fold higher in leaves than in stems and roots, respectively. Moreover, GUS activity was stimulated by light. In conclusion, spatial and light regulation of the soybean rbcS promoter was observed in N. tabacum, thus illustrating a leaf-specific and light-induced promoter.

Effects of high-intensity treadmill training on timeliness and plasticity expression of irisin in mice

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of high-intensity aerobic exercise training on timeliness and plasticity expression of irisin in mice and change of FNDC5, ACCβ expression, and to explore possible ways to influence its mechanism of fatty acid metabolism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult male mice of specific pathogen-free grade [Kunming mice, (20 ± 2) g] are randomly divided into 4 groups. Wherein the first group is immediately after one-time exercise groups: including control group (CN group 1), 0.5 h exercise group (group 2), 1 h exercise group (group 3), 1.5 h exercise group (group 4) and 2 h exercise group (group 5), each for 10. The second group is rest after one-time 60 min exercise groups: including control group (CN group 1), rest 20 min groups (groups 2), rest 40 min group (group 3), rest 60 min group (groups 4), rest 80 min group (group 5), each for 10. Third group is immediately after long-term exercise groups: including the control group (CN group 1), 0.5 h exercise group (group 2), 1 h exercise group (group 3), 1.5 h exercise group (group 4) and 2 h exercise group (group 5), each for 10. The fourth group is rest after long-term 60 min exercise group: including control group (CN group 1), rest 20 min group (group 2), rest 40 min group (group 3), rest 60 min group (4 groups) and rest 80 min groups (5 groups), each for 10.

RESULTS

With the extension of a one-time high-intensity exercise time, the mouse FNDC5 protein, P-ACCβ / ACCβ ratio showed fluctuations, and opposite trends between the two, its turning points are 1.5 h; FNDC5 protein and P-ACCβ / ACCβ ratio with long-term exercise in mice at different time produce adaptability; the regulation of exercise induced irisin timeliness and plasticity reflected after a long-term exercise irisin expression in serum showed a steady decline in trend and return to normal levels, compared to a one-time exercise, expression of irisin is more stable.

CONCLUSIONS

With the high-intensity exercise a one-time extension of time, the mouse FNDC5 proteins, P-ACCβ / ACCβ ratio showed fluctuations, and both changes in the opposite trend, its turning points are 1.5 h; the long-term exercise can produce FNDC5 proteins, P-ACCβ / ACCβ ratios adaptable, more stable expression of the irisin curve after long-term exercise compared to a one-time exercise.

Sensing sulfur-containing gases using titanium and tin decorated zigzag graphene nanoribbons from first-principles

Atom implantation in graphene or graphene nanoribbons offers a rich opportunity to tune the material structure and functional properties. In this study, zigzag graphene nanoribbons with Ti or Sn adatoms stabilised on a double carbon vacancy site are theoretically studied to investigate their sensitivity to sulfur-containing gases (H2S and SO2). Due to the abundance of oxygen in the atmosphere, we also consider the sensitivity of the structures in the presence of oxygen. Density functional theory calculations are performed to determine the adsorption geometry and energetics, and nonequilibrium Green's function method is employed to compute the current-voltage characteristics of the considered systems. Our results demonstrate the sensitivity of both Ti- and Sn-doped systems to H2S, and the mild sensitivity of Ti-doped sensor systems to SO2. The Ti-doped sensor structure exhibits sensitivity to H2S with or without oxidation, while oxidation of the Sn-doped sensor structure reduces its ability to adsorb H2S and SO2 molecules. Interestingly, oxygen dissociates on the Ti-doped sensor structure, but it does not affect the sensor's response to the H2S gas species. Oxidation prevents the dissociation of the H-S bond when H2S adsorbs on the Ti-doped structure, thus enhancing its reusability for this gas species. Our study suggests the potential of Ti- and Sn-doped graphene in selective gas sensing, irrespective of the sensing performance of the bulk oxides.

First Report of Bean common mosaic virus Infecting Mungbean (Vigna radiata) in China

Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) is a member of the genus Potyvirus and one of the numerous viruses that can infect Phaseolus vulgaris. In May of 2013, we planted more than 100 varieties of mungbean in fields and a greenhouse of Nanjing. Mungbean (Vigna radiata (Linn.) Wilczek.) with leaves displaying mosaic and shrinkage typical of viral infection was observed in a greenhouse and a field in Nanjing. About 60% of the varieties can be infected. The symptoms in some sources from Southeast Asian countries and wild germplasm are heavier, while the symptoms are lighter on the local varieties. It can be transmitted to mungbean via aphid or mechanical inoculation, or by seeds. The infected leaves were collected for electron micrograph analysis. Pinwheel inclusion and filamentous virus particles were observed, indicating a Potyvirus infection. To confirm the presence of Potyvirus infection, total RNA was extracted from plants from the greenhouse and field, and RT-PCR was performed using universal Potyvirus primers (Sprimer (+) 5'-GGXAAYAAYAGYGGXCAZCC-3'; X=A, G, C or T, Y=T or C, Z=A or G); M4T (5'-GTTTTCCCAGTCACGAC(T)-3'), which amplify a region of the 3' fragment of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of potyviruses (1). The 596-bp sequence was found to be 95% identical to the BCMV isolate HB (GenBank Accession No. KC478389.1). To confirm the presence of BCMV, three leaf samples were randomly collected and all were determined to be positive when subjected to ELISA using BCMV-specific antibodies. The virus infecting mungbean was identified as BCMV and the strain was named BCMV-JAAS (KJ866945). Using gene-specific primers (BCMV-cp-F: 5'-CAAAAGGACAAGGATTGAGGA, BCMV-cp-R: 3'-ACAACAAACATTGCCGTAGC) for the reported coat protein gene in BCMV, a 1,080-bp gene fragment was amplified from the total RNA of the isolate, and subsequent sequence analysis indicated that an 862-bp region contained the complete cp gene that encodes a 228 amino acid protein. The nucleotide sequences of the cp gene from the isolate shared 96% homology with the reported BCMV-HB. The phylogenetic trees based on the CP gene show that BCMV-JAAS (KJ866945) was most closely related to other Chinese BCMV isolates (KF439722.1 and AJ132145.1) followed by Azuki mosaic virus (AB012663.1) and Peanut stripe virus (U34972.1). These results indicate that the virus associated with the mosaic disease in mungbean is an isolate of BCMV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of BCMV infecting mungbean in China. BCMV affects a wide range of legume crops and can spread rapidly, causing serious harm. The discovery could effectively control BCMV and characterize the prevalent BCMV strains. Research utilizing whole-genome sequencing of the mungbean isolate is continuing and is currently being expanded to characterize the genetic diversity of the virus, assisting in the study of the evolution of the virus. Reference: (1) J. Chen and J. P. Chen. Chin. J. Virol. 18:372, 2002.

Density-functional prediction of a surface magnetic phase in SrTiO(3)/LaAlO(3) heterostructures induced by Al vacancies

Based on first-principles density functional calculations we propose a novel Al vacancy induced ferromagnetism occurring at the LaAlO(3) surface of SrTiO(3)/LaAlO(3) bilayers. Magnetism at cation vacancies away from the surface is quenched due to charge compensation. Magnetic surface Al vacancies are stabilized due to the built-in electric field inside the LaAlO(3) region that raises the energy of the defect level, making charge compensation unfavorable. Surface Al vacancies prefer to form clusters and exhibit two-dimensional ferromagnetic alignment mediated by a long-range magnetic interaction. These results are discussed in light of recent experimental observations.

On the roles of graphene oxide doping for enhanced supercurrent in MgB2 based superconductors

Due to their graphene-like properties after oxygen reduction, incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) sheets into correlated-electron materials offers a new pathway for tailoring their properties. Fabricating GO nanocomposites with polycrystalline MgB2 superconductors leads to an order of magnitude enhancement of the supercurrent at 5 K/8 T and 20 K/4 T. Herein, we introduce a novel experimental approach to overcome the formidable challenge of performing quantitative microscopy and microanalysis of such composites, so as to unveil how GO doping influences the structure and hence the material properties. Atom probe microscopy and electron microscopy were used to directly image the GO within the MgB2, and we combined these data with computational simulations to derive the property-enhancing mechanisms. Our results reveal synergetic effects of GO, namely, via localized atomic (carbon and oxygen) doping as well as texturing of the crystals, which provide both inter- and intra-granular flux pinning. This study opens up new insights into how low-dimensional nanostructures can be integrated into composites to modify the overall properties, using a methodology amenable to a wide range of applications.

Graphene based dots and antidots: a comparative study from first principles

Graphene based quantum dots and antidots are two nanostructures of primary importance for their fundamental physics and technological applications, particularly in the emerging field of graphene-based nanoelectronics and nanospintronics. Herein, based on first principles density functional theory calculations, we report a comparative study on the electronic structure of these two structurally complementary entities, where the bandgap opening, edge magnetism and the role of hydrogenation are investigated. Our results show the diversity of electronic structures of various dots and antidots, whose properties are sensitive to the edge detailed geometry (including size and shape and edge type). Hydrogen passivation plays an essential roal in affecting the related properties, in particular, it leads to larger bandgap values and suppress the edge magnetism. The frontier orbital analysis is employed to rationalize and compare the complicated nature of dots and antidots. Based on the specific geometrical consideration and the total energy competition of the ground antiferromagnetic and the ferromagnetic states, some magnetic structures (the unpassivated 42-atom-antidot and 54-atom-dot) are proposed to be useful as magnetic switches.

The fluxes of CO2 from grazed and fenced temperate steppe during two drought years on the Inner Mongolia Plateau, China

The CO(2) flux was measured by the eddy covariance method on a temperate Leymus chinensis steppe over a period of 17 months spanning two consecutive growing seasons. The amount of precipitation was nearly normal, but it was low in the early and high in the late growing period in 2006. In the 2007 growing season, the amount of precipitation was about 45% less than the multi-year average and more evenly distributed. Comparisons were made between a moderately grazed site and a 28-year-old fenced site. The maximum instantaneous CO(2) release and uptake rates were 0.12 (May) and -0.11mg CO(2)m(-2)s(-1) (July) at the fenced site, and 0.11 and -0.16mg CO(2)m(-2)s(-1) (both in July) at the grazed site. In both growing seasons, the grazed site always had a higher daily uptake rate or lower release rate than the fenced site. The grazed site was a CO(2) sink during the growing season of 2007 and a CO(2) source in the growing season of 2006, whereas the fenced site was a CO(2) source in both seasons. Lower precipitation decreased CO(2) loss during the growing season more in the grazed site than in the fenced site, mainly because of depression of total ecosystem respiration (R(e)) in the former and stimulation in the latter. During the dormant season (from October to April), the fenced and grazed sites released 60.0 and 32.4g of C per m(2), respectively. Path analysis showed that temperature had the greatest effect on daily variation of ecosystem CO(2) exchange during the growing seasons at the two study sites. The results suggest that decrease of precipitation and/or increase of temperature will likely promote C loss from L. chinensis steppes, whether fenced or grazed, and that a grazed site is more sensitive.

HSPB8 is methylated in hematopoietic malignancies and overexpression of HSPB8 exhibits antileukemia effect

HSPB8 has been shown to be involved in regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, and it has also been found to have divergent properties in solid tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and function of HSPB8 in hematopoietic malignancies. Expression and induced expression of HSPB8 was evaluated in hematopoietic tumor cell lines and bone marrow samples from patients with leukemia. Methylation status was investigated by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. The role of HSPB8 in hematopoietic malignancies was addressed by reintroducing HSPB8 expression into the K562 (leukemia) and Namalwa (lymphoma) cell lines. Expression of HSPB8 was absent in hematopoietic tumor cell lines and primary patient and normal volunteer samples. Promoter DNA methylation of HSPB8 was observed in these cells. HSPB8 expression could be restored after demethylation treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. Overexpression of HSPB8 reduced colony formation of both K562 and Namalwa cell lines, inhibited the cell growth of Namalwa in vitro, and suppressed tumor formation of K562 cells in vivo. The present study demonstrates that HSPB8 is silenced by DNA methylation in hematopoietic malignant and normal cells and its expression can be induced by treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. Overexpression of HSPB8 may have an antitumor activity in chronic myelogenous leukemia and lymphoma.

Influence of single-walled carbon nanotubes on microbial availability of phenanthrene in sediment

Increasing production and use of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) will inevitably lead to release of these nanoparticles to aquatic ecosystems. Similar to black carbon (BC) particles, SWCNT have a high affinity for hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) and therefore the presence of SWCNT in sediment may lead to altered bioavailability of HOCs. We compared SWCNT with biochar and charcoal on their effect on the microbial degradability of 0.05 mg kg(-1) (14)C-phenanthrene (PHE) by Mycobacterium vanbaalenii PYR-1 in two sediments with different organic carbon (OC) contents. When the amendment rate of SWCNT or BC was 1 mg g(-1), PHE mineralization was inhibited much more significantly by SWCNT than by either biochar or charcoal. After 360 h of incubation, the mineralized fraction of PHE in the presence of SWCNT was 59.5% of the non-amended control in the sediment with low OC content, and only 42.4% in the other sediment with a higher OC content. Analysis of the freely dissolved concentration (C (free)) using disposable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fibers showed that SWCNT decreased C (free) by 85-95%, apparently due to preferential sorption of PHE to SWCNT particles that had a much larger specific surface area and pore volume than biochar or charcoal. However, pre-interaction of SWCNT with dissolved organic matter (peptone, tannic acid, and humic acid) led to attachment of polar functional groups and reduced surface area on SWCNT, resulting in decreased PHE sorption and an alleviated effect on PHE biodegradation in the order of peptone > tannic acid > humic acid.

Direct observation of local potassium variation and its correlation to electronic inhomogeneity in (Ba(1-x)K(x))Fe2As2 pnictide

Local fluctuations in the distribution of dopant atoms are thought to cause the nanoscale electronic disorder or phase separation in pnictide superconductors. Atom probe tomography has enabled the first direct observations of dopant species clustering in a K-doped 122-phase pnictide. First-principles calculations suggest the coexistence of static magnetism and superconductivity on a lattice parameter length scale over a wide range of dopant concentrations. Our results provide evidence for a mixed scenario of phase coexistence and phase separation, depending on local dopant atom distributions.

Renormalization of bulk magnetic electron states at high binding energies

The quasiparticle dynamics of electrons in a magnetically ordered state is investigated by high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission of Ni(110) at 10 K. The self-energy is extracted for high binding energies reaching up to 500 meV, using a Gutzwiller calculation as a reference frame for correlated quasiparticles. Significant deviations exist in the 300 meV range, as identified on magnetic bulk bands for the first time. The discrepancy is strikingly well described by a self-energy model assuming interactions with spin excitations. Implications relating to different electron-electron correlation regimes are discussed.

Magnetic metastability in tetrahedrally bonded magnetic III-nitride semiconductors

Results of density-functional calculations for isolated transition metal (TM = V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni on cation sites) doped GaN demonstrate a novel magnetic metastability in dilute magnetic semiconductors. In addition to the expected high spin ground states (4muB/Mn and 5muB/Fe), there are also metastable low spin states (0muB/Mn and 1muB/Fe)--a phenomenon that can be explained in simple terms on the basis of the ligand field theory. The transition between the high spin and low spin states corresponds to an intraionic transfer of two electrons between the t2 and e orbitals, accompanied by a spin-flip process. The results suggest that TM-doped wideband semiconductors (such as GaN and AlN) may present a new type of light-induced spin-crossover material.

Role of embedded clustering in dilute magnetic semiconductors: Cr doped GaN

Results of extensive density-functional studies provide direct evidence that Cr atoms in Cr:GaN have a strong tendency to form embedded clusters, occupying Ga sites. Significantly, for larger than 2-Cr-atom clusters, states containing antiferromagnetic coupling with net spin in the range 0.06-1.47 muB/Cr are favored. We propose a picture where various configurations coexist and the statistical distribution and associated magnetism will depend sensitively on the growth details. Such a view may elucidate many puzzling observations related to the structural and magnetic properties of III-N and other dilute semiconductors.

Half-metallicity and efficient spin injection in AlN/GaN:Cr (0001) heterostructure

First-principles investigations of the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of Cr-doped AlN/GaN (0001) heterostructures reveal the possibility of efficient spin injection from a ferromagnetic GaN:Cr electrode through an AlN tunnel barrier. We demonstrate that Cr atoms segregate into the GaN region and that these interfaces retain their half-metallic behavior leading to a complete, i.e., 100%, spin polarization of the conduction electrons. This property makes the wide band-gap nitrides doped with Cr to be excellent candidates for high-efficiency magnetoelectronic devices.

Kink in the dispersion of layered strontium ruthenates

We present detailed energy dispersions near the Fermi level along the high symmetry line GammaX on the monolayer and bilayer strontium ruthenates Sr2RuO4 and Sr3Ru2O7, determined by high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. A kink in the dispersion is clearly shown for the both ruthenates. The energy position of the kink and the slope in the low-energy part near the Fermi level are almost identical between them, whereas the dispersion in the high-energy part varies, like the behavior of the kink for the cuprate superconductors.

Axoglial interaction via the notch receptor in oligodendrocyte differentiation

INTRODUCTION

Increasing evidence has revealed that the Notch signalling pathway is one of the pivotal systems that mediate oligodendrocyte development. The Notch receptor is a type I transmembrane molecule that represents a novel cellular signalling paradigm, namely, regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP).

METHOD

The typical Notch ligands, such as Delta, Serrate/Jagged and Lag2 (DSL), promote the formation of oligodendocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and maintain them in an uncommitted stage, thus retarding oligodendrocyte appearance in the central nervous system (CNS).

RESULTS

In contrast, our recent studies have revealed that F3/contactin, a GPI-linked neural adhesion molecule, interacts with Notch and speeds up the generation and maturation of oligodendrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the distinct, albeit somewhat overlapping expression patterns of F3 and DSL in the CNS, the Notch receptor appears to function ligand-dependently during oligodendrocyte development. This multipotentiality may well designate the Notch receptor as one of the therapeutic targets that one can manoeuvre to treat demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, that is characterised by chronic myelin degeneration.

Changes in the contents of glycogen and lactate in the brain and blood during hypoxic preconditioning

Mice were randomly divided into groups H4 (hypoxic preconditioning group with repetitive hypoxic exposures for four runs), H(1) (hypoxic control group with exposure to hypoxia for one run) and H(0) (normal control group with no exposure to hypoxia). Glycogen content of whole brain of group H4 was found to be significantly higher than that of groups H(1) and H(0). The glycogen content in telencephalon, diencephalon and pons of group H4 was markedly higher than that in the corresponding areas of groups H(1) and H(0). Glycogen content of whole brain in group H(1) was markedly lower than that in group H(0), whereas no significant difference was seen in these brain subregions between groups H(1) and H(0). Brain lactate contents of groups H4 and H(1) did not show significant difference, though they were significantly higher than that of group H(0). Blood lactate content of group H4 was significantly lower than those of groups H(1) and H(0). The results above indicate that the concomitant increase of glycogen and decrease of lactate in the brain are due to the participation of aerobic metabolism during hypoxic preconditioning or the formation of tolerance to hypoxia.

Nitrite and nitrosyl compounds in food preservation

Nitrite is consumed in the diet, through vegetables and drinking water. It is also added to meat products as a preservative. The potential risks of this practice are balanced against the unique protective effect against toxin-forming bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum. The chemistry of nitrite, and compounds derived from it, in food systems and bacterial cells are complex. It is known that the bactericidal species is not nitrite itself, but a compound or compounds derived from it during food preparation. Of a range of nitrosyl compounds tested, the anion of Roussin's black salt [Fe4S3(NO)7]- was the most inhibitory to C. sporogenes. This compound is active against both anaerobic and aerobic food-spoilage bacteria, while some other compounds are selective, indicating multiple sites of action. There are numerous possible targets for inhibition in the bacterial cells, including respiratory chains, iron-sulfur proteins and other metalloproteins, membranes and the genetic apparatus.

Alteration of oxygen consumption and energy metabolism during repetitive exposure of mice to hypoxia

Changes in oxygen consumption, body temperature and energy metabolism were studied while mice were repeatedly exposed to a sealed environment. The average tolerance limits of environmental oxygen level (vol%) and the average oxygen consumption rates (ml/g x min) were exponentially decreased and the average body rectal temperatures (degrees C) were linearly declined while the average tolerable times (min) to hypoxia were linearly increased as animals were repeatedly exposed to hypoxia for 5 runs. The average survival times (min) in sealed environments after administration of normal saline, iodoacetic acid, malonic acid, potassium cyanide, and potassium cyanide plus iodoacetic acid in group exposed repeatedly to hypoxia for three runs were, respectively, 3.1, 3.9, 1.4, 2.6, and 2.8 times those of the control groups that had corresponding administration of the different chemicals, but no exposure to hypoxia. The results indicate that progressive increase in hypoxia tolerance is related to progressively lower rate of oxygen consumption and heat production, and the lowered energy requirement during repetitive exposure to hypoxia is achieved mainly via pathways of the respiratory chain and glycolysis.

Characterization of the bactericidal effects of sodium nitroprusside and other pentacyanonitrosyl complexes on the food spoilage bacterium Clostridium sporogenes

The potent bactericidal activity of sodium nitroprusside (SNP; Na2[Fe(CN)5(NO)]) towards Clostridium sporogenes has been investigated. SNP inhibited cell growth in the concentration range of 10 to 40 microM. Concentrations above 80 microM caused irreversible loss of cell viability and cell lysis. Inhibition of cell growth was similar in complex and in defined media. SNP was found to be unreactive towards individual components of the defined medium, with the exception of cysteine. The chemical characteristics responsible for the potency of SNP were investigated by synthesizing analogs of SNP in which the Fe was replaced by different metals. The inhibitory potency of the pentacyanonitrosyl complexes decreased in the order Fe > Cr > V, which correlates with N-O stretching frequency (vNO). In contrast, the Ru complex which had a vNO comparable to that of Fe was a poor inhibitor. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that SNP was rapidly reduced to the paramagnetic Fe(I) compound [Fe(CN)4(NO)](2-) on contact with cells. Analysis of fractions from SNP-treated cells showed 90% oxidation of thiols in the cell walls compared with those in control cells. The toxicity of SNP involves S-nitrosation and reduction, the lack of toxicity of the Ru analog being consistent with the fact that it has poor reactivity towards thiols. When C. sporogenes cells were exposed to sublethal concentrations of SNP and viewed under the electron microscope, they showed blisters on the surface. These results point to the cell wall surface as a primary point of attack of the nitrosyl complex.

[Studies on the time domain and power spectrum of high frequency ECG in normal mice]

The features of time domain and power spectrum of high frequency electrocardiogram (HF-ECG) were studied in normal Kunming mice using a microprocessor ECG system. The results were as follows (mean +/- SD): (1) P-R interval was 34.9 +/- 4.7 ms (n = 58), about one third of the cardiac cycle. (2) The duration and peak-to-peak amplitude of QRS complex were 9.2 +/- 1.2 ms and 1.456 +/- 0.480 mV (n = 74) respectively. (3) The duration and amplitude of T wave were 10.2 +/- 3.2 ms and 0.336 +/- 0.115 mV, respectively (n = 58). (4) Q-T interval was 19.4 +/- 3.2 ms (n = 58), about one fifth of the cardiac cycle. (5) The total number of notches and slurs of leads II of 73 mice were 3 and 26 respectively. (6) The relative power content of each frequency range was: 0-80 Hz: 45.48 +/- 15.32%; 80-200 Hz: 43.97 +/- 9.95%; 200-300 Hz: 8.89 +/- 7.83%; 300-1000 Hz: 1.66 +/- 2.74%; 80-1000 Hz: 54.52 +/- 15.32%.

[Control of growth and expression of protooncogenes in regenerating liver]

There are many humoral factors involved in the control of growth in regenerating liver. The complete hepatocyte mitogens such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), hepatic stimulator substance (HSS) can strongly stimulate hepatocyte DNA synthesis and mitosis. The hepatocyte growth inhibitors such as transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1), however, do not stimulate DNA synthesis, but inhibit EGF mitogenesis. In addition, the comitogens such as norepinephrine and insulin are necessary to regulate the growth of regenerating liver. It has become clear that the hepatocyte proliferation and protooncogenes are linked closely. Some protooncogenes can express specifically as markers in the different phases of the cell cycle and in hepatocytes that enter the cell cycle (G0 to G1 transit) and continue to progress.