The Combined Effects of an External Field and Novel Functional Groups on the Structural and Electronic Properties of TMDs/Ti3C2 Heterostructures: A First-Principles Study.

The stacking of Ti3C2 with transition metal dihalide (TMDs) materials is an effective strategy to improve the physical properties of a single material, and the tuning of the related properties of these TMDs/Ti3C2 heterostructures is also an important scientific problem. In this work, we systematically investigated the effects of an external field and novel functional groups (S, Se, Cl, Br) on the structural and electronic properties of TMDs/Ti3C2X2 heterostructures. The results revealed that the lattice parameters and interlayer distance of TMDs/Ti3C2 increased with the addition of functional groups. Both tensile and compressive strain obviously increased the interlayer distance of MoS2/Ti3C2X2 (X = S, Se, Cl, Br) and MoSe2/Ti3C2X2 (X = Se, Br). In contrast, the interlayer distance of MoSe2/Ti3C2X2 (X = S, Cl) decreased with increasing compressive strain. Furthermore, the conductivity of TMDs/Ti3C2 increased due to the addition of functional groups (Cl, Br). Strain caused the bandgap of TMDs to narrow, and effectively adjusted the electronic properties of TMDs/Ti3C2X2. At 9% compressive strain, the conductivity of MoSe2/Ti3C2Cl2 increased significantly. Meanwhile, for TMDs/Ti3C2X2, the conduction band edge (CBE) and valence band edge (VBE) at the M and K points changed linearly under an electric field. This study provides valuable insight into the combined effects of an external field and novel functional groups on the related properties of TMDs/Ti3C2X2.

Boosting Near-Infrared Luminescence of Lanthanide in Cs2 AgBiCl6 Double Perovskites via Breakdown of the Local Site Symmetry.

Currently, lanthanide (Ln3+ )-doped near-infrared (NIR)-emitting double perovskites (DPs) suffer from low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). Herein, we develop a new class of NIR-emitting DPs based on Ln3+ -doped Cs2 (Na/Ag)BiCl6 . Benefiting from the Na+ -induced breakdown of local site symmetry in the Cs2 AgBiCl6 DPs, effective NIR emissions of Ln3+ are realized through Bi3+ sensitization. Specifically, 7.3-fold and 362.9-fold enhanced NIR emissions of Yb3+ and Er3+ are achieved in Cs2 Ag0.2 Na0.8 BiCl6 DPs relative to those in Na-free Cs2 AgBiCl6 counterparts, respectively. The optimal absolute NIR PLQYs for Yb3+ and Er3+ in Cs2 Ag0.2 Na0.8 BiCl6 DPs are determined to be 19.0 % and 4.3 %, respectively. Raman spectroscopy and first-principles density functional theory calculations verify the sublattice distortion in Cs2 (Na/Ag)BiCl6 DPs via Na+ doping. These findings provide fundamental insights into the design of efficient NIR-emitting Ln3+ -doped DPs for versatile optoelectronic applications.

Protection against ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer by evodiamine via anti­inflammatory effects.

Evodiamine (Evo) is an alkaloid that can be extracted from the berry fruit Evodia rutaecarpa and has been reported to exert various pharmacological effects, such as antidiarrheal, antiemetic and antiulcer effects. In vivo, the potential effects of Evo were investigated in a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)­induced ulcerative colitis (UC) and in adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc)MinC/Gpt C57BL/6 mice with colorectal cancer (CRC), where the latter harbours a point­mutation in the Apc gene. Evo suppressed the degree of weight loss and colon shortening induced by DSS, decreased the disease activity index value and ameliorated the pathological alterations in the colon of mice with UC as examined via H&E staining of colon tissues. In addition, Evo decreased the number and size of colonic tumors in ApcMinC/Gpt mice. Proteomics (colon tissues), ELISA (colon tissues and serum) and western blotting (colon tissues) results revealed that Evo inhibited NF­κB to mediate the levels of various cytokines, including, in the DSS­induced UC model, IL­1ß, IL­2, IL­6, IL­8, TNF­α, IFN­Î³ (ELISA of colon tissues and serum), NF­κB, IKKα+ß, IκBα, S100a9, TLR4 and MyD88 (western blotting of colon tissues), and, in the colorectal cancer model, IL­1ß, IL­2, IL­6, IL­15, IL­17, IL­22, TNF­α (ELISA of colon tissues and serum), NF­κB, IKKα+ß, IκBα and S100a9 (western blotting of colon tissues), to achieve its anti­inflammatory and antitumor effects. In vitro, Evo also reduced the viability of the colon cancer cell line SW480, inhibited mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP detection), caused G2/M­phase arrest (cell cycle detection) and suppressed the translocation of phosphorylated­NF­κB from the cytoplasm into the nucleus (immunofluorescence of p­NF­κB). Theoretical evidence (MD simulations) suggest that Evo may bind to the ordered domain (α­helix) of NF­κB to influence this protein. The protein secondary structure changes were analyzed by the cpptraj module in Amber. In addition, these data provide experimental evidence that Evo may be an effective agent for treating UC and CRC.

Contribution to the knowledge of subterranean ground beetles from eastern Wuling Mountains, China (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae).

Two new genera and three new species of troglobitic trechine beetles are described and illustrated from the eastern part of Wuling Mountains: Xiangxius jiangi n. gen., n. sp. and Guizhaphaenopsodes solidior n. gen., n. sp. from the limestone cave Tangle Dong (Jishou, western Hunan Province); Sinotroglodytes hefengensis n. sp. from the limestone cave Qizimei Dong (Hefeng, southwestern Hubei Province). Xiangxius jiangi is a highly modified cave-adapted beetle with elongate body and appendages, recognized by its peculiar elytral shape and remarkable dorsal and marginal umbilicate pores of elytra. Guizhaphaenopsodes solidior is peculiar for its stout body, robust antennae and pigmented forebody, antennae and legs though it shares several generic important characteristics with the genus Guizhaphaenops Vigna Taglianti, 1997. Sinotroglodytes hefengensis has an elongated and parallel-sided head.

[Development of the virtual simulation experiments for Microbial Engineering and perspectives on its shared application].

Microbial Engineering is a practical and applied course, it is therefore an indispensable part of teaching to let the students practice in the production line of an enterprise. However, lack of internship resources has always been a bottleneck hampering the high-level internship training during teaching the Microbial Engineering course. A virtual production line developed based on information technology enables students to learn the theoretical knowledge of the complex production system. Moreover, it enables students to perform complex virtual operations, thereby improving students' practicing and innovation abilities. In order to let the virtual simulation experiments project play a great role in undergraduate teaching, this article summarizes the progress, characteristics, and value of the virtual simulation experiments for Microbial Engineering. In addition, the main challenges that limit its shared application are also discussed, with potential solutions prospected.

Isoforsythiaside Attenuates Alzheimer's Disease via Regulating Mitochondrial Function Through the PI3K/AKT Pathway.

Improving mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting apoptosis has always been regarded as a treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Isoforsythiaside (IFY), a phenylethanoid glycoside isolated from the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa, displays antioxidant activity. This study examined the neuroprotective effects of IFY and its underlying mechanisms. In the L-glutamate (L-Glu)-induced apoptosis of HT22 cells, IFY increased cell viability, inhibited mitochondrial apoptosis, and reduced the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), caspase-3, -8 and -9 after 3 h of pretreatment and 12-24 h of co-incubation. In the APPswe/PSEN1dE9 transgenic (APP/PS1) model, IFY reduced the anxiety of mice, improved their memory and cognitive ability, reduced the deposition of beta amyloid (Aß) plaques in the brain, restrained the phosphorylation of the tau protein to form neurofibrillary tangles, inhibited the level of 4-hydroxynonenal in the brain, and improved phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway-related mitochondrial apoptosis. In Aß1-42-induced U251 cells, IFY relieved the mitochondrial swelling, crest ruptures and increased their electron density after 3 h of pretreatment and 18-24 h of co-incubation. The improved cell viability and mitochondrial function after IFY incubation was blocked by the synthetic PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Taken together, these results suggest that IFY exerts a protective effect against AD by enhancing the expression levels of anti-apoptosis proteins and reducing the expression levels of pro-apoptosis proteins of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family members though activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Evaluate Air Pollution by Promethee Ranking in Yangtze River Delta of China.

A series of problems that are related to population, resources, environment, and ecology have emerged in recent years with the advancement of industrialization and urbanization in China. Especially, air pollution has become a severe trouble that directly endangers the health of residents. Accordingly, it is a need to make the assessment of air quality among cities, so that corresponding measures can be taken. For this purpose, ten major cities are selected as the research objects in Yangtze River Delta. Additionally, this study gathers and processes the data of five main air pollutants PM2.5, PM10, SO2, O3, and NO2, respectively. Furthermore, the maximizing deviation method is used to obtain the respective weight of these pollutants and the preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE) is introduced into the assessment of air quality among ten cities. As a result, the ranking of air quality in Ningbo, Wenzhou, Shanghai, and Shaoxing was at the fore from 2014 to 2017. Meanwhile, the performance of Ningbo has always kept the top two and Shaoxing's ranking has risen since 2015. In addition, the air quality of Changzhou, Suzhou and Hangzhou was at an average level in the past four years. Moreover, the performance of Nanjing, Wuxi, and Zhenjiang was terrible when compared to other cities. Some useful suggestions have been proposed to control air quality based on the ranking results.

CuCo2O4 nanoneedle array with high stability for high performance asymmetric supercapacitors.

Cycling performance is very important to device application. Herein, a facile and controllable approach is proposed to synthesize high stability CuCo2O4 nanoneedle array on a conductive substrate. The electrode presents excellent performances in a large specific capacitance up to 2.62 F cm-2 (1747 F g-1) at 1 mV s-1 and remarkable electrochemical stability, retaining 164% even over 70 000 cycles. In addition, the asymmetric supercapacitor assembled with the optimized CuCo2O4 nanoneedle array (cathode) and active carbon (anode), which exhibits superior specific capacity (146 F g-1), energy density (57 W h kg-1), and cycling stability (retention of 83.9% after 10 000 cycles). These outstanding performances are mainly ascribed to the ordered binder-free nanoneedle array architecture and holds great potential for the new-generation energy storage devices.

Studies on the anti-fatigue activities of Irpex lacteus polysaccharide-enriched extract in mouse model.

Irpex lacteus is a white rot basidiomycete proposed for a wide spectrum of biotechnological applications. However, few studies examined its effects on exercise performance and physical fatigue. The present study evaluated the potential beneficial effects of I. lacteus extract (ILE) on physical fatigue in mice. Anti-fatigue activities of ILE were evaluated in Kunming mice using the forced swim test, rotating rod and forced running test. Serum and liver biochemical parameters were determined by an autoanalyzer and commercially available kits. Seven-day ILE administration at doses of 0.04, 0.2 and 1.0g/kg failed to influence mouse horizontal and vertical movement indicating its safety on the central nervous system. Compared with normal mice, ILE significantly increased persistent period during rotating rod and swimming tests, and reduced shock times in forced running test. Additionally, ILE resulted in 23.4% and 64.5% increments on adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels in serum. Compared with normal mice, and 209.0% increment on adenosine triphosphate level in liver (up to 2.5 mmol/gHb) were noted in ILE-treated mice. Moreover, ILE increased the level of super oxide dismutase and reduced the level of malondialdehyde in the liver suggesting its antioxidant activity. Data obtained from western bolt suggests that ILE-improved endurance capacity is mainly acquired through activating 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). ILE enhanced the endurance capacity of mouse by an elevation of antioxidant at least partially associated with AMPK pathway. Our data highlight the potential of I. lacteus as an antioxidant in the treatment of fatigue-related diseases.

Evaluate Typhoon Disasters in 21st Century Maritime Silk Road by Super-Efficiency DEA.

The Belt and Road Initiative involves many countries and areas. As the introducer, China plays a key role in the initiative. However, the coastal areas in China have frequently been hit by typhoons that lead to huge casualties and economic losses. In order to reduce damages caused by natural disasters, this paper selected the coastal regions of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road as the study areas, specifically Shanghai, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Fujian, and Hainan, to estimate the vulnerability to typhoon disasters based on the historical data about typhoon disasters and the super-efficiency data envelopment analysis (DEA) evaluation model. Although Shanghai is a low-vulnerable region, it needs to pay close attention to the risk of typhoon disasters due to the outstanding economic influence. In addition, it was found that the vulnerability to typhoons in Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Hainan showed a dramatic fluctuation from 2011 to 2016, and Zhejiang's vulnerability in 2013 was extremely high compared to other years. Meanwhile, Guangdong and Hainan are highly vulnerable areas, suffering from typhoon disasters heavily. Moreover, the vulnerability to typhoons for Fujian is relatively low.

Liposomal codelivery of an SN38 prodrug and a survivin siRNA for tumor therapy.

PURPOSE: A liposome-based siRNA-drug combination was evaluated as a potential therapeutic strategy to improve the curative effect. METHODS: A topoisomerase inhibitor SN38 prodrug was combined with a survivin siRNA through codelivery using transferrin (Tf)-L-SN38/P/siRNA. In this combination, SN38 was conjugated to the cell penetrating peptide TAT through a polyethylene glycol (PEG) linker to synthesize TAT-PEG-SN38. The amphiphilic TAT-PEG-SN38 was used as an ingredient of liposomes to improve the cellular uptake. Protamine was added to form an electrostatic complex with siRNA in the core of the liposomes. Tf was introduced to enable tumor cell targeting of liposomes (Tf-L-SN38/P/siRNA). RESULTS: Tf-L-SN38/P/siRNA exhibited a particle size of 148 nm and a ζ-potential of +7.8 mV. The cellular uptake and antitumor activity were dependent on Tf receptor targeting, TAT-PEG-SN38, and siRNA codelivery. Tf-L-SN38/P/siRNA was shown to be considerably more effective than liposomes carrying individual components. This combination induced potent tumor inhibition (76.8%) in HeLa cell xenograft tumor-bearing nude mice. CONCLUSION: These data indicated that Tf-L-SN38/P/siRNA was an effective system for codelivery of SN38 and a survivin siRNA and that its therapeutic potential deserved further evaluation.

Investigation of the antidepressant effects of exopolysaccharides obtained from Marasmius androsaceus fermentation in a mouse model.

Marasmius androsaceus, a well­known medical fungus, possesses antihypertensive, analgesic and antioxidant effects. Exopolysaccharide (EPS), produced by microorganism secretion, exerts various types of biological activities. The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant­like effect of the EPS produced during Marasmius androsaceus submerge fermentation (MEPS). Based on the assessment of acute toxicity and behavior, a forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), 5­hydroxytryptophan­induced head­twitch assessment and reserpine­induced hypothermia assessment were performed. The administration of MEPS for 7 days enhanced mouse locomotor and balance ability in the mice. Similar to the results following treatment with fluoxetine, which was used as positive control drug, MEPS significantly decreased the duration of immobility in the FST and TST, increased head twitches in the 5­HTP­induced head­twitch test and enhanced rectal temperature in resperpine­induced hypothermia. MEPS altered the abnormal concentrations of 5­hydroxytryptamine, 5­hydroxyindoleacetic acid, dopamine and norepinephrine in the hypothalamus in the resperine­induced mouse model. Additionally, an increase in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and a reduction in the level of dopamine transporter in the hypothalamus were noted following 7 days of MEPS administration. Taken together, the EPS produced during MEPS exhibited antidepressant­like effects, which may be associated with its regulation on the dopaminergic system. The results of the present study provide experimental evidence supporting the clinical use of MEPS as an effective agent against depression.

Near infrared spectroscopic (NIRS) analysis of drug-loading rate and particle size of risperidone microspheres by improved chemometric model.

Microspheres have been developed as drug carriers in controlled drug delivery systems for years. In our present study, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is applied to analyze the particle size and drug loading rate in risperidone poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres. Various batches of risperidone PLGA microspheres were designed and prepared successfully. The particle size and drug-loading rate of all the samples were determined by a laser diffraction particle size analyzer and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. Monte Carlo algorithm combined with partial least squares (MCPLS) method was applied to identify the outliers and choose the numbers of calibration set. Furthermore, a series of preprocessing methods were performed to remove signal noise in NIR spectra. Moving window PLS and radical basis function neural network (RBFNN) methods were employed to establish calibration model. Our data demonstrated that PLS-developed model was only suitable for drug loading analysis in risperidone PLGA microspheres. Comparatively, RBFNN-based predictive models possess better fitting quality, predictive effect, and stability for both drug loading rate and particle size analysis. The correlation coefficients of calibration set (Rc(2)) were 0.935 and 0.880, respectively. The performance of optimum RBFNN models was confirmed by independent verification test with 15 samples. Collectively, our method is successfully performed to monitor drug-loading rate and particle size during risperidone PLGA microspheres preparation.

Evolution by selection, recombination, and gene duplication in MHC class I genes of two Rhacophoridae species.

BACKGROUND: Comparison of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes across vertebrate species can reveal molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of adaptive immunity-related proteins. As the first terrestrial tetrapods, amphibians deserve special attention because of their exposure to probably increased spectrum of microorganisms compared with ancestral aquatic fishes. Knowledge regarding the evolutionary patterns and mechanisms associated with amphibian MHC genes remains limited. The goal of the present study was to isolate MHC class I genes from two Rhacophoridae species (Rhacophorus omeimontis and Polypedates megacephalus) and examine their evolution. RESULTS: We identified 27 MHC class I alleles spanning the region from exon 2 to 4 in 38 tree frogs. The available evidence suggests that these 27 sequences all belong to classical MHC class I (MHC Ia) genes. Although several anuran species only display one MHC class Ia locus, at least two or three loci were observed in P. megacephalus and R. omeimontis, indicating that the number of MHC class Ia loci varies among anuran species. Recombination events, which mainly involve the entire exons, played an important role in shaping the genetic diversity of the 27 MHC class Ia alleles. In addition, signals of positive selection were found in Rhacophoridae MHC class Ia genes. Amino acid sites strongly suggested by program to be under positive selection basically accorded with the putative antigen binding sites deduced from crystal structure of human HLA. Phylogenetic relationships among MHC class I alleles revealed the presence of trans-species polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS: In the two Rhacophoridae species (1) there are two or three MHC class Ia loci; (2) recombination mainly occurs between the entire exons of MHC class Ia genes; (3) balancing selection, gene duplication and recombination all contribute to the diversity of MHC class Ia genes. These findings broaden our knowledge on the evolution of amphibian MHC systems.

Development of novel microsatellite markers in the Omei treefrog (Rhacophorus omeimontis).

Eleven novel microsatellite markers were developed and characterized for the Omei treefrog (Rhacophorus omeimontis) using the fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats method. Polymorphism of each locus was tested in 24 individuals from two wild populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 15, the average observed and expected heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.250 to 0.839 and from 0.562 to 0.914, respectively. Two of the 11 microsatellite loci showed significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Two locus pairs showed significant linkage disequilibrium. Neither evidence of scoring error due to stuttering nor evidence of large allele dropout was found at all of the 11 loci, but evidence of null alleles was indicated at two loci because of general excess of homozygotes for most allele size classes. These polymorphic loci will be useful markers in studying mate choice of the Omei treefrog.