Engineering tropane alkaloid production and glyphosate resistance by overexpressing AbCaM1 and G2-EPSPS in Atropa belladonna.

Atropa belladonna is an important industrial crop for producing anticholinergic tropane alkaloids (TAs). Using glyphosate as selection pressure, transgenic homozygous plants of A. belladonna are generated, in which a novel calmodulin gene (AbCaM1) and a reported EPSPS gene (G2-EPSPS) are co-overexpressed. AbCaM1 is highly expressed in secondary roots of A. belladonna and has calcium-binding activity. Three transgenic homozygous lines were generated and their glyphosate tolerance and TAs' production were evaluated in the field. Transgenic homozygous lines produced TAs at much higher levels than wild-type plants. In the leaves of T2GC02, T2GC05, and T2GC06, the hyoscyamine content was 8.95-, 10.61-, and 9.96 mg/g DW, the scopolamine content was 1.34-, 1.50- and 0.86 mg/g DW, respectively. Wild-type plants of A. belladonna produced hyoscyamine and scopolamine respectively at the levels of 2.45 mg/g DW and 0.30 mg/g DW in leaves. Gene expression analysis indicated that AbCaM1 significantly up-regulated seven key TA biosynthesis genes. Transgenic homozygous lines could tolerate a commercial recommended dose of glyphosate in the field. In summary, new varieties of A. belladonna not only produce pharmaceutical TAs at high levels but tolerate glyphosate, facilitating industrial production of TAs and weed management at a much lower cost.

Effect of microstructures on temperature and stress distributions of an irradiated alumina surface.

Three types of alumina surface irradiated by laser are simulated in this study to investigate stray light ablation. Results indicate that temperature fields of triangular and rectangular microstructures exhibit the "head effect," while overall still exhibit Gaussian distributions. For the stress, there is a notable difference between the microstructure surface and the ideal surface. The most stress concentration occurs at the corners on the microstructure surface termed as the "bottom effect." The maximum tensile stress of a triangular microstructure appears below the midline of the slope. The location of the maximum tensile stress on the triangle first shifts down and then up. The inflection point is 0.9 µm in height of the triangle.

Development of Atropa belladonna L. Plants with High-Yield Hyoscyamine and without Its Derivatives Using the CRISPR/Cas9 System.

Atropa belladonna L. is one of the most important herbal plants that produces hyoscyamine or atropine, and it also produces anisodamine and scopolamine. However, the in planta hyoscyamine content is very low, and it is difficult and expensive to independently separate hyoscyamine from the tropane alkaloids in A. belladonna. Therefore, it is vital to develop A. belladonna plants with high yields of hyoscyamine, and without anisodamine and scopolamine. In this study, we generated A. belladonna plants without anisodamine and scopolamine, via the CRISPR/Cas9-based disruption of hyoscyamine 6ß-hydroxylase (AbH6H), for the first time. Hyoscyamine production was significantly elevated, while neither anisodamine nor scopolamine were produced, in the A. belladonna plants with homozygous mutations in AbH6H. In summary, new varieties of A. belladonna with high yields of hyoscyamine and without anisodamine and scopolamine have great potential applicability in producing hyoscyamine at a low cost.

Bis{4,4'-[oxalylbis(aza-nedi-yl)]dipyridinium} octa-molybdate.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, (C(12)H(12)N(4)O(2))(2)[Mo(8)O(26)], the amino and pyridinium groups of the N(1),N(2)-di(pyridinium-4-yl)oxalamide cations are hydrogen bonded to the O atoms of the centrosymmetric isopolyoxometalate ß-[Mo(8)O(26)](4-) anions, forming a three-dimensional supra-molecular architecture.

Bis(µ-3,5-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine-κN:N)bis-[dichlorido-cobalt(II)].

In the centrosymmetric dinuclear compound, [Co(2)Cl(4)(C(4)H(8)N(4))(2)], the Co(II) atom is coordinated by N atoms from two 3,5-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine ligands and two Cl atoms in a distorted tetra-hedral geometry. A six-membered ring is formed by four N atoms from two ligands and the two Co(II) centers; the Co⋯Co distance is 3.756 (9) Å.

Di-µ-sulfato-κO:O'-bis-[diaqua-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline-κN,N)cobalt(II)] dihydrate.

In the centrosymmetric dinuclear title compound, [Co(2)(SO(4))(2)(C(13)H(8)N(4))(2)(H(2)O)(4)]·2H(2)O, the Co(II) atom is coord-in-ated by two N atoms from two 1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline ligands, two O atoms from two sulfate anions and two O atoms from water mol-ecules in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The Co⋯Co separation is 5.1167 (7) Å. The coordinated and uncoordinated water mol-ecules engage in N-H⋯O and O-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions.

Risk assessment of groundwater environmental contamination: a case study of a karst site for the construction of a fossil power plant.

This paper presents a demonstration of an integrated risk assessment and site investigation for groundwater contamination through a case study, in which the geologic and hydrogeological feature of the site and the blueprint of the fossil power plant (FPP) were closely analyzed. Predictions for groundwater contamination in case of accidents were performed by groundwater modeling system (GMS) and modular three-dimensional multispecies transport model (MT3DMS). Results indicate that the studied site area presents a semi-isolated hydrogeological unit with multiplicity in stratum lithology, the main aquifers at the site are consisted of the filled karst development layer with a thickness between 6.0 and 40.0 m. The poor permeability of the vadose zone at the FPP significantly restricted the infiltration of contaminants through the vadose zone to the subsurface. The limited influence of rarely isotropic porous karstified carbonate rocks on the groundwater flow system premised the simulate scenarios of plume migration. Analysis of the present groundwater chemistry manifested that that the groundwater at the site and the local area are of the HCO3-Ca, HCO3, and SO4-Ca types. A few of the water samples were contaminated by coliform bacteria and ammonia nitrogen as a result of the local cultivation. Prediction results indicate that the impact of normal construction and operation processes on the groundwater environment is negligible. However, groundwater may be partly contaminated within a certain period in the area of leakage from the diesel tanks, the industrial wastewater pool, and the cooling tower water tank in case of accidents. On a positive note, none of the plumes would reach the local sensitive areas for groundwater using. Finally, an anti-seepage scheme and a monitoring program are proposed to safeguard the groundwater protection. The integrated method of the site investigation and risk assessment used in this case study can facilitate the protection of groundwater for the construction of large-scale industrial project.

Synthesis, Anti-inflammatory Activities and Mechanisms of 3,5- dihydroxycinnamic Acid Derivatives.

BACKGROUND: 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid and its derivatives exhibit numerous biologic activities. Such activities have not previously been reported for 3,5-dihydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. In this study, ten derivatives of 3,5- dihydroxycinnamic acid were synthesized and their anti-inflammatory activities were tested in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate-induced mouse ear edema. Molecular biological studies have shed lights on their anti-inflammatory mechanism. METHODS: Anti-inflammatory activities of ten new synthesized derivatives of 3,5-dihydroxycinnamic acid were tested in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate-induced mouse ear edema, and their anti-inflammatory mechanism was studied by ELISA, real-time RT-PCR, MPO assay and AA-induced mouse ear edema. RESULTS: Compound 7 showed a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and the inhibition rate was 65.6% at a dose of 1.6mg/ear. This compound acted by reducing mRNA and protein synthesis of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukins 1ß and 6, and also by decreasing the levels of activated neutrophil infiltrates. Furthermore, compound 7 significantly suppressed arachidonic acid-induced edema as well. Cell-based assays showed that compound 7 inhibited the production of cyclooxygenase- 2-catalyzed prostaglandin E2 from lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW 264.7 cells, and also inhibited 5-lipoxygenase production from A23187-treated RBL-1 cells, and consequently reduced leukotriene B4 production. CONCLUSION: This investigation revealed that some of the derivatives of 3,5-dihydroxycinnamic acid exhibit a more pronounced anti-inflammatory effect than 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid. Therefore, 3,5-dihydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, especially compound 7, represent potential value for antiinflammatory drug development.

Synthesis, structural characterization and anion-sensing studies of metal(II) complexes based on 3,3',4,4'-oxydiphthalate and N-donor ligands.

Using a multicarboxylate ligand, 3,3',4,4'-oxydiphthalic acid (H(4)ODPA), and N-donor ligands, five metal(II)-ODPA complexes formulated as Cu(4)(ODPA)(2)(L1)(4)(H(2)O)(10)·2H(2)O (L1 = 4-(2-(pyridin-4-yl)vinyl)pyridine) (1), Co(H(2)ODPA) (L1)(H(2)O) (2), Zn(2)(ODPA)(2)(H(2)PIP)(2)·H(2)O (PIP = 1,3-bis(4-piperidinyl)propane) (3), Mn(2)(ODPA)(phen)(H(2)O)(2) (phen = phenanthroline) (4) and Cu(2)(H(2)ODPA)(2)(phen)(4)·H(2)O (5) have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 shows a three dimensional (3D) framework with an unprecedented (4.6(4).8)(2)(4(2).6(4)) topology generated by the polycatenation of 2D layers. Complex 2 exhibits a uninodal 4-connected 3D architecture with 6(5)8-cds topology. Complex 3 shows a uninodal 2D layer with 4(4)-sql topology. Complex 4 has a binodal (4,6)-connected non-interpenetrated 3D architecture with (3.4(3).5.6)(3(2).4(3).5(4).6(4).7(2)) topology. Complex 5 is a mononuclear Cu(II) complex. Complexes 1 and 5 can irreversibly and reversibly detect SCN(-), Cl(-), Br(-) and I(-) in water, respectively. Complexes 2-4 are not feasible candidates for colorimetric detection of anions in aqueous solution. The metal(II) species and the structure of the metal complex play important roles in the colorimetric detection.

Assessment of site conditions for disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes: a case study in southern China.

Near surface disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes (LILW) requires evaluating the field conditions of the candidate site. However, assessment of the site conditions may be challenging due to the limited prior knowledge of some remote sites, and various multi-disciplinary data requirements at any given site. These situations arise in China as in the rest of the industrialized world, particularly since a regional strategy for LILW disposal has been implemented to protect humans and the environment. This paper presents a demonstration of the site assessment process through a case study focusing mainly on the geologic, hydrogeologic and geochemical characteristics of the candidate site. A joint on-site and laboratory investigation, supplemented by numerical modeling, was implemented in this assessment. Results indicate that no fault is present in the site area, although there are some minor joints and fractures, primarily showing a north-south trend. Most of the joints are filled with quartz deposits and would thus function hydraulically as impervious barriers. Investigation of local hydrologic boundaries has shown that the candidate site represents an essentially isolated hydrogeologic unit, and that little or no groundwater flow occurs across its boundaries on the north or east, or across the hilly areas to the south. Groundwater in the site area is recharged by precipitation and discharges primarily by evapo-transpiration and surface flow through a narrow outlet to the west. Groundwater flows slowly from the hilly area to the foot of the hills and discharges mainly into the inner brooks and marshes. Some groundwater circulates in deeper granite in a slower manner. The vadose zone in the site was investigated specially for their significant capability for restraining the transport of radionuclides. Results indicate that the vadose zone is up to 38m in thickness and is made up of alluvial clay soils and very highly weathered granite. The vadose zone has low saturated hydraulic conductivities on the order of 10(-5)cm/s and in this respect is well-suited for the disposal of LILW. The saturated formations are primarily made up of silt and moderately-to-slightly weathered granite, which exhibit even lower hydraulic conductivities, on the order of 10(-6)cm/s, also favorable for restraining the transport of radionuclides. Chemical analyses indicate that the groundwaters at the site are of the HCO(3)-Na · Ca and HCO(3) · SO(4)-Na · Ca types and are weakly corrosive to concrete and steel. Geochemical analyses indicate that the rock and soil materials (particularly weathered granite) at the site contain very small fractions of colloidal particles and exhibit low Cation Exchange Capacities (CEC), and would therefore have limited capacity for sorption of radionuclides. Groundwater flow and solute transport models of the candidate site have been developed using MODFLOW and MT3DMS, incorporating the data obtained during the assessment program. Calibration was based on the available measured groundwater level fluctuations and tracer concentrations from in situ dispersion tests. The longitudinal dispersion coefficient as determined in calibration is equal to 5.0 × 10(-3) m(2)/d. Numerical sensitivity analyses indicate that the hydraulic conductivity and the longitudinal dispersion coefficient are the key parameters controlling the transport of radionuclides, while the numerical model is not sensitive to changes in the effective porosity and the specific yield. Preliminary predictions have been performed with the calibrated model both for the natural setting of the site and the graded site in which the valleys of the site are backfilled with low permeable materials. Results indicate that the proposed site grading increases the safety of the site for disposal of LILW by reducing both the groundwater level and the hydraulic gradient and that radionuclide transport would not likely be a problem or cause groundwater contamination. Although there are some problems remaining to be addressed in future work, the conclusion of the assessment is that the conditions at this site are appropriate for LILW disposal. This study provides an example of the procedures necessary in an assessment of site conditions relevant to the safe disposal of LILW. Such an assessment is crucial to the site selection process and to subsequent environmental impact assessment.

Reversible color changes of metal(II)-N(1),N(3)-di(pyridin-4-yl)isophthalamide complexes via desolvation and solvation.

Four metal(ii)-N(1),N(3)-di(pyridin-4-yl)isophthalamide (L) complexes formulated as [Cu(L)(2)Cl(2)]·5.5H(2)O (1), [Ni(L)(2)Cl(2)]·5.5H(2)O (2), [Co(L)(m-BDC)]·DMF (3) (m-BDC = 1, 3-benzenedicarboxylic dianion) and [Cd(2)(L)(2)(m-BDC)(2)]·DMF·0.2H(2)O (4) have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffractions. Complexes 1 and 2 are isomorphous, both of them exhibit chain-like frameworks, in which ligand L shows a cis-conformation. Complex 3 displays a three dimensional architecture constructed by ligand L with intermediate-conformation linking different chains. Complex 4 shows a corrugated two dimensional layer in which ligand L with trans-conformation and m-BDC act as bridging groups linking different Cd(ii) centers. The four complexes all possess stable host frameworks, and complexes 1-3 show reversible color changes via desolvation and solvation.