Tracking the changes of dissolved organic matter throughout the city water supply system with optical indices.

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is important in determining the drinking water treatment and the supplied water quality. However, a comprehensive DOM study for the whole water supply system is lacking and the potential effects of secondary water supply are largely unknown. This was studied using dissolved organic carbon (DOC), absorption spectroscopy, and fluorescence excitation-emission matrices-parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC). Four fluorescent components were identified, including humic-like C1-C2, tryptophan-like C3, and tyrosine-like C4. In the drinking water treatment plants, the advanced treatment using ozone and biological activated carbon (O3-BAC) was more effective in removing DOC than the conventional process, with the removals of C1 and C3 improved by 17.7%-25.1% and 19.2%-27.0%. The absorption coefficient and C1-C4 correlated significantly with DOC in water treatments, suggesting that absorption and fluorescence could effectively track the changes in bulk DOM. DOM generally remained stable in each drinking water distribution system, suggesting the importance of the treated water quality in determining that of the corresponding network. The optical indices changed notably between distribution networks of different treatment plants, which enabled the identification of changing water sources. A comparison of DOM in the direct and secondary water supplies suggested limited impacts of secondary water supply, although the changes in organic carbon and absorption indices were detected in some locations. These results have implications for better understanding the changes of DOM in the whole water supply system to help ensure the supplied water quality.

Detection of wheat toxigenic Aspergillus flavus based on nano-composite colorimetric sensing technology.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are an important indicator for fungal-infected wheat identification. This work proposes a novel approach for toxigenic Aspergillus flavus infected wheat identification through characteristic VOCs analyzed by nano-composite colorimetric sensors. Nanoparticles of poly styrene-co-acrylic acid (PSA), porous silica nanoparticles (PSN), and metal-organic framework (MOF) were combined with boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) to fabricate nano-composite colorimetric sensors. The combination mechanisms for nanoparticles and the information extracted from nano-colorimetric sensors by digital images were analyzed in the current work. Furthermore, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) were used comparatively to analyze the data from images, and toxigenic Aspergillus flavus infected wheat samples could be 100.00% correctly identified when using the optimal KNN model. This research contributes to the practical analysis of VOCs and the detection of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus infected wheat.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed Dual C-H Functionalization and C-O/C-N Annulations of Monoamide Fumarates.

Pyrano[4,3-c]pyridine-diones, which are the key skeleton of bioactive compounds and functional materials, are usually prepared via a multistep synthesis using expensive substrates. This work demonstrates that Rh(III)-catalyzed dual C(sp2)-H functionalization and C-O/C-N annulation of monoamide fumarates can produce pyrano[4,3-c]pyridine-1,5(6H)-diones in high yield (up to 82%) in a single step. The substrates of monoamide fumarates and acetylenes are structurally simple, readily available, and inexpensive. The additive AgSbF6 effectively raised the yields. On account of easier dehydrogenation of OH in the COOH group than NH in the amide group in the reaction, the process first undergoes C-O annulation and then is succeeded by C-N annulation.

Screening and Characterization of Shark-Derived VNARs against SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD Protein.

The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is the major target for antibody therapeutics. Shark-derived variable domains of new antigen receptors (VNARs) are the smallest antibody fragments with flexible paratopes that can recognize protein motifs inaccessible to classical antibodies. This study reported four VNARs binders (JM-2, JM-5, JM-17, and JM-18) isolated from Chiloscyllium plagiosum immunized with SARS-CoV-2 RBD. Biolayer interferometry showed that the VNARs bound to the RBD with an affinity KD ranging from 38.5 to 2720 nM, and their Fc fusions had over ten times improved affinity. Gel filtration chromatography revealed that JM-2-Fc, JM-5-Fc, and JM-18-Fc could form stable complexes with RBD in solution. In addition, five bi-paratopic VNARs, named JM-2-5, JM-2-17, JM-2-18, JM-5-18, and JM-17-18, were constructed by fusing two VNARs targeting distinct RBD epitopes based on epitope grouping results. All these bi-paratopic VNARs except for JM-5-18 showed higher RBD binding affinities than its component VNARs, and their Fc fusions exhibited further enhanced binding affinities, with JM-2-5-Fc, JM-2-17-Fc, JM-2-18-Fc, and JM-5-18-Fc having KD values lower than 1 pM. Among these Fc fusions of bi-paratopic VNARs, JM-2-5-Fc, JM-2-17-Fc, and JM-2-18-Fc could block the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) binding to the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 wildtype, Delta, Omicron, and SARS-CoV, with inhibition rates of 48.9~84.3%. Therefore, these high-affinity VNAR binders showed promise as detectors and therapeutics of COVID-19.

[SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies and nanobodies: a review].

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), with strong contagiousness, high susceptibility and long incubation period. cell entry by SARS-CoV-2 requires the binding between the receptor-binding domain of the viral spike protein and the cellular angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Here, we briefly reviewed the mechanisms underlying the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2, and summarized the latest research progress on SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies and nanobodies, so as to better understand the development process and drug research direction of COVID-19. This review may facilitate understanding the development of neutralizing antibody drugs for emerging infectious diseases, especially for COVID-19.

Simulation and Non-Invasive Testing of Vinegar Storage Time by Olfaction Visualization System and Volatile Organic Compounds Analysis.

An olfactory visualization system conducts a qualitative or quantitative analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by utilizing the sensor array made of color sensitive dyes. The reaction chamber is important to the sensor array's sufficient and even exposure to VOCs. In the current work, a reaction chamber with an arc baffle embedded in the front of the air inlet for drainage effect was designed. The velocity of field and particle distribution of flow field in the reaction chamber was simulated by COMSOL Multiphysics. Through repeated simulation, the chamber achieved optimal result when the baffle curvature was 3.1 and the vertical distance between the baffle front end and the air inlet was 1.6 cm. Under the new reaction chamber, principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were employed to identify vinegar samples with different storage time through analyzing their VOCs. The LDA model achieved optimal performance when 8 principal components (PCs) were used, and the recognition rate was 95% in both training and prediction sets. The new reaction chamber could improve the stability and precision of an olfactory visualization system for VOCs analysis, and achieve the accurate differentiation and rapid discrimination of Zhenjiang vinegar with different storage time.

The Relationship Between Business Environment and Single Champion Enterprise Entrepreneurship.

What kind of business environment can produce high single champion enterprise entrepreneurship is a new issue for discussion in research on entrepreneurship. Based on institutional configuration theory and the fcQCA method, the present paper analyses the relationship between the business environment and single champion enterprise entrepreneurship from the perspective of configuration. This paper studies the role of the business environment in 80 case cities all over the country in promoting high single champion enterprise entrepreneurship and discusses three business environment configurations concerning high single champion enterprise entrepreneurship and two configurations concerning non-high single champion enterprise entrepreneurship. Three typical business environment element configurations can promote high single champion enterprise entrepreneurship, namely, the market innovation type dominated by multiple resources, the financial service-driven type assisted by resources, and the market-driven type led by financial services, which reflects the significance of financial services and the market environment.

Direct and indirect Z-scheme heterostructure-coupled photosystem enabling cooperation of CO2 reduction and H2O oxidation.

The stoichiometric photocatalytic reaction of CO2 with H2O is one of the great challenges in photocatalysis. Here, we construct a Cu2O-Pt/SiC/IrOx composite by a controlled photodeposition and then an artificial photosynthetic system with Nafion membrane as diaphragm separating reduction and oxidation half-reactions. The artificial system exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance for CO2 reduction to HCOOH and H2O oxidation to O2 under visible light irradiation. The yields of HCOOH and O2 meet almost stoichiometric ratio and are as high as 896.7 and 440.7 µmol g-1 h-1, respectively. The high efficiencies of CO2 reduction and H2O oxidation in the artificial system are attributed to both the direct Z-scheme electronic structure of Cu2O-Pt/SiC/IrOx and the indirect Z-scheme spatially separated reduction and oxidation units, which greatly prolong lifetime of photogenerated electrons and holes and prevent the backward reaction of products. This work provides an effective and feasible strategy to increase the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis.

Oxygen vacancy modulation of two-dimensional γ-Ga2O3 nanosheets as efficient catalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Controlling the creation of oxygen vacancies can effectively regulate the optical and electronic properties of metal oxide nanomaterials. Over the past several decades, numerous metal oxides with oxygen vacancies have been developed. However, an investigation about oxygen vacancies leading to the formation of nanosheets with different thicknesses has not been available up to now. Here, we report the oxygen vacancy modulated formation of γ-Ga2O3 nanosheets and demonstrate that the thickness of the nanosheets is not the decisive factor in the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction of ultrathin 2D nanosheets. Detailed structural characterization indicated that γ-Ga2O3 prepared at 160 °C (γ-160) with a morphology of ultrathin nanosheets possesses the highest oxygen vacancy concentration and an optimal thickness of the nanosheets. The enhanced photocatalytic performance could be determined from the synergistic effects between the ultrathin 2D structure and the O-vacancies confined in the ultrathin nanosheets. This work provides an efficient strategy to regulate the formation of nanosheets at the atomic scale and enrich the study on the effect of oxygen vacancies in the photocatalytic water splitting reaction.

Phase Transition of Two-Dimensional ß-Ga2O3 Nanosheets from Ultrathin γ-Ga2O3 Nanosheets and Their Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Activities.

Monoclinic ß-Ga2O3 nanosheets hold great potential applications in electronic, optical, and photocatalytic fields. In this study, two-dimensional ß-Ga2O3 nanosheets were successfully fabricated through a simple crystalline phase transition from the as-prepared ultrathin γ-Ga2O3 nanosheets. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction under UV light irradiation was achieved on the two kinds of photocatalysts. However, ß-Ga2O3 with a higher crystallinity shows a lower photocatalytic activity in comparison with γ-Ga2O3. The average apparent quantum yield is calculated to be 0.29% for ß-Ga2O3 nanosheets and 1.82% for γ-Ga2O3. More efficient separation and transfer rates of photogenerated carriers and larger specific areas were found in γ-Ga2O3. On the basis of the analysis of the structures of γ-Ga2O3 and ß-Ga2O3, it is proposed that the disordered or defective structure contributes to the improvement of photocatalytic activity to some extent. Therefore, it is significant to develop the photocatalyst with a stable structure and a certain number of defects at the same time.

In situ construction of a heterojunction over the surface of a sandwich structure semiconductor for highly efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light irradiation.

Developing a heterostructure on the surface of a "sandwich" structure semiconductor is essential for full utilization of its heterojunction function and hence for designing efficient solar energy conversion systems. Here, we show that 2D-2D MoS2/MnSb2S4 heterostructure composites are designed for the first time and successfully synthesized by a simple in situ calcination pathway. Under visible light irradiation, the ca. 3.3 wt% MoS2/MnSb2S4 samples exhibited the highest activity for H2 evolution, which was 7.7 times higher than that of the pristine MnSb2S4 monolayer. The outstanding photocatalytic performance was attributed to the MoS2 nanosheets intimately growing on the surface [SbS]+ layers of monolayer MnSb2S4 nanosheets with the [SbS]+-[MnS2]2--[SbS]+ sandwich substructure to form the 2D-2D MoS2/MnSb2S4 heterojunction structure. More importantly, we prove that this specific heterojunction structure can lead to more weakening of the constraint of the valence electrons in the composited photocatalysts, which can promote the transfer of photogenerated electrons from MnSb2S4 to MoS2. The present study provides a new design strategy for the construction of a heterostructure to improve the photocatalytic H2 production activity highly efficiently.

Synergistic combinations of five single drugs from Centella asiatica for neuronal differentiation.

To identify alternatives of nerve growth factor, which could promote NF68 protein expression and contribute toward neuronal differentiation, five compounds namely: asiatic acid, madecassic, madecassoside, quercetin, and isoquercetin, obtained from Centella asiatica, were examined for their neuronal differentiation effects on PC12 cells. C. asiatica has been applied as an effective herbal medicine for the treatment of various diseases, including depression. According to a statistical design of experiments, both single compound and compound combinations were evaluated. A further statistical analysis indicated quantitative interactions between these five single compounds and led to the identification of the optimal drug combinations. Asiatic acid and madecassic appeared to show profound synergistic effects on neurofilaments expression in vitro. The optimized drug combinations were significantly more potent than single drugs and further investigation suggested that the optimal drug combination could be an analogue of nerve growth factor and could represent a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

The neXtProt knowledgebase on human proteins: 2017 update.

The neXtProt human protein knowledgebase (https://www.nextprot.org) continues to add new content and tools, with a focus on proteomics and genetic variation data. neXtProt now has proteomics data for over 85% of the human proteins, as well as new tools tailored to the proteomics community.Moreover, the neXtProt release 2016-08-25 includes over 8000 phenotypic observations for over 4000 variations in a number of genes involved in hereditary cancers and channelopathies. These changes are presented in the current neXtProt update. All of the neXtProt data are available via our user interface and FTP site. We also provide an API access and a SPARQL endpoint for more technical applications.

Identification of Centella asiatica's Effective Ingredients for Inducing the Neuronal Differentiation.

Centella asiatica, commonly known as Gotu kola, has been widely used as a traditional herb for decades. Yet, the study on which compounds or compound combinations actually lead to its brain benefits remains scarce. To study the neuroprotection effects of Centella asiatica, neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells was applied. In our pilot study, we isolated 45 Centella asiatica fractions and tested their abilities for inducing neuronal differentiation on PC12 cells. The most effective fraction showed robust induction in neurite outgrowth and neurofilament expression. LC-MS fingerprint analysis of this fraction revealed asiatic acid and madecassic acid as the dominant components. A further investigation on the pure combination of these two compounds indicated that the combination of these two compounds extensively promoted nerve differentiation in vitro. Application of PD98059, a protein MEK inhibitor, attenuated combination-induced neurofilament expression, indicating the combination-induced nerve differentiation through activation of MEK signaling pathway. Our results support the use of combination of asiatic acid and madecassic acid as an effective mean to intervene neurodegenerative diseases in which neurotrophin deficiency is involved.

Curcumin in Treating Breast Cancer: A Review.

Breast cancer is among the most common malignant tumors. It is the second leading cause of cancer mortality among women in the United States. Curcumin, an active derivative from turmeric, has been reported to have anticancer and chemoprevention effects on breast cancer. Curcumin exerts its anticancer effect through a complicated molecular signaling network, involving proliferation, estrogen receptor (ER), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) pathways. Experimental evidence has shown that curcumin also regulates apoptosis and cell phase-related genes and microRNA in breast cancer cells. Herein, we review the recent research efforts in understanding the molecular targets and anticancer mechanisms of curcumin in breast cancer.

A Long-Lived Mononuclear Cyclopentadienyl Ruthenium Complex Grafted onto Anatase TiO2 for Efficient CO2 Photoreduction.

This work shows a novel artificial donor-catalyst-acceptor triad photosystem based on a mononuclear C5 H5 -RuH complex oxo-bridged TiO2 hybrid for efficient CO2 photoreduction. An impressive quantum efficiency of 0.56 % for CH4 under visible-light irradiation was achieved over the triad photocatalyst, in which TiO2 and C5 H5 -RuH serve as the electron collector and CO2 -reduction site and the photon-harvester and water-oxidation site, respectively. The fast electron injection from the excited Ru(2+) cation to TiO2 in ca. 0.5 ps and the slow backward charge recombination in half-life of ca. 9.8 µs result in a long-lived D(+) -C-A(-) charge-separated state responsible for the solar-fuel production.

Preparation of phenyl-functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica microspheres for the fast separation and selective enrichment of phenyl-containing peptides.

Peptide enrichment before mass spectrometry analysis is essential for large-scale peptidomic studies, but challenges still remain. Herein, magnetic mesoporous silica microspheres with phenyl group modified interior pore walls were prepared by a facile sol-gel coating strategy, and were successfully applied for selective enrichment of phenyl-containing peptides in complex biological samples. The newly prepared nanomaterials possessed abundant silanol groups in the exterior surface and numerous phenyl groups in the interior pore walls, as well as a large surface area (592.6 m2 /g), large pore volume (0.33 cm3 /g), uniform mesopores (3.8 nm), strong magnetic response (29.3 emu/g), and good dispersibility in aqueous solution. As a result of the unique structural properties and size-exclusion effect, the core-shell phenyl-functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica microspheres exhibited excellent performance in fast separation and selective enrichment of phenyl-containing peptides, and the adsorption capacity for bradykinin reached 22.55 mg/g. In addition, selective enrichment of phenyl-containing peptides from complex samples that are consist of peptides, large proteins, and human serum were achieved by using the as-prepared microspheres, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection and electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis. These results demonstrated the as-prepared microspheres would be a potential candidate for endogenous phenyl-containing peptides enrichment and biomarkers discovery in peptidome analysis.

Globo-H ceramide shed from cancer cells triggers translin-associated factor X-dependent angiogenesis.

Tumor angiogenesis is a critical element of cancer progression, and strategies for its selective blockade are still sought. Here, we examine the angiogenic effects of Globo-H ceramide (GHCer), the most prevalent glycolipid in a majority of epithelial cancers and one that acts as an immune checkpoint. Here, we report that GHCer becomes incorporated into endothelial cells through the absorption of microvesicles shed from tumor cells. In endothelial cells, GHCer addition induces migration, tube formation, and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo. Breast cancer cells expressing high levels of GHCer displayed relatively greater tumorigenicity and angiogenesis compared with cells expressing low levels of Globo-H. Clincally, GHCer(+) breast cancer specimens contained higher vessel density than GHCer(-) breast cancer specimens. Mechanistic investigations linked the angiogenic effects of GHCer to its endocytosis and binding to TRAX, with consequent release of PLCß1 from TRAX to trigger Ca(2+) mobilization. Together, our findings highlight the importance of GHC as a target for cancer therapy by providing new information on its key role in tumor angiogenesis.

Short and long-term impact of lipectomy on expression profile of hepatic anabolic genes in rats: a high fat and high cholesterol diet-induced obese model.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the molecular basis of the short and long-term effects of an immediate shortage of energy storage caused by lipectomy on expression profile of genes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in high fat and high cholesterol diet-induced obese rats. METHODS: The hepatic mRNA levels of enzymes, regulator and transcription factors involved in glucose and lipid metabolism were analyzed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) ten days and eight weeks after lipectomy in obese rats. Body and liver weights and serum biochemical parameters, adiponectin, leptin and insulin were determined. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed on the food intake between the lipectomized and sham-operated groups during the experimental period. Ten days after the operation, the lipectomized animals showed significant higher triacylglycerol, glucose and insulin levels, a lower adiponectin concentration than the sham-operated rats, along with significant higher hepatic mRNA levels of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) and the enzymes involved in lipogenesis, sterol biosynthesis and gluconeogenesis. The results of immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis also confirmed increased levels of lipogenic enzymes in the liver of lipectomized versus sham-operated animals. The lipectomized group had a significantly lower adiponectin/leptin ratio that was positively correlated to the level of LDL (r = 0.823, P<0.05) and negatively to glucose and insulin (r = -0.821 and -0.892 respectively, P<0.05). Eight weeks after the operation, the lipectomized animals revealed significant higher body and liver weights, weight gain, liver to body weight ratio, hepatic triacylglycerol and serum insulin level. CONCLUSIONS: In response to lipectomy a short term enhancement of the expression of hepatic anabolic genes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism was triggered that might eventually lead to the final extra weight gain. These metabolic changes could be the results of reduced circulating adiponectin that further influences the functions of insulin and hepatic HNF4α.