Effect of Shortening Day Length on Immune Function in Siberian Hamsters

In order to understand the effect of gradual changes in photoperiod on immune function, adult female Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) were randomly divided into the control group (12L:12D, Con, n = 11) and the shortening day length group (SD, n = 11), in which day length was reduced from 12:12 h to 8:16 h light-dark cycle at the pace of half an hour every week. Meanwhile the winter immunoenhancement hypothesis, which holds that animals’ immune function would be enhanced in winter or winter-like conditions, was tested. Gradual shortening day length had no effect on body mass and body composition including wet carcass mass, the subcutaneous, retroperitoneal, mesenteric and total body fat masses in Siberian hamsters. The masses of liver and small intestine with contents were higher in the SD group than in the Con group, however other organ masses such as brain, heart, kidney and so on did not differ between the two groups. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) response after 24 h of PHA injection was enhanced by the shortening photoperiod, which supported the winter immunoenhancement hypothesis. The masses of spleen and thymus, white blood cells, bacteria killing capacity indicative of innate immunity were not affected, which did not support this hypothesis. In summary, gradually decrease in day length increased cellular immunity, but had no effect on other immunological parameters in Siberian hamsters.

The GECAM Real-time Burst Alert System

Gravitational wave high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor(GECAM),consisting of two microsatellites,is designed to detect gamma-ray bursts associated with gravitational-wave events.Here,we introduce the real-time burst alert system of GECAM,with the adoption of the BeiDou-3 short message communication service.We present the post-trigger operations,the detailed ground-based analysis,and the performance of the system.In the first year of the in-flight operation,GECAM was triggered by 42 gamma-ray bursts.The GECAM real-time burst alert system has the ability to distribute the alert within~1 minute after being triggered,which enables timely follow-up observations.

A Localization Method of High Energy Transients for All-sky Gamma-ray Monitor

Fast and reliable localization of high-energy transients is crucial for characterizing the burst properties and guiding the follow-up observations.Localization based on the relative counts of different detectors has been widely used for all-sky gamma-ray monitors.There are two major methods for this count distribution localization:χ^(2)minimization method and the Bayesian method.Here we propose a modified Bayesian method that could take advantage of both the accuracy of the Bayesian method and the simplicity of the χ^(2)method.With comprehensive simulations,we find that our Bayesian method with Poisson likelihood is generally more applicable for various bursts than the χ^(2)method,especially for weak bursts.We further proposed a location-spectrum iteration approach based on the Bayesian inference,which could alleviate the problems caused by the spectral difference between the burst and location templates.Our method is very suitable for scenarios with limited computation resources or timesensitive applications,such as in-flight localization software,and low-latency localization for rapidly follow-up observations.

The Design of GECAM Scientific Ground Segment

The Gravitational wave burst high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor(GECAM)is a dedicated mission for monitoring high-energy transients.Here we report the design of the GECAM Scientific Ground Segment(GSGS)in terms of the scientific requirements,including the architecture,the external interfaces,the main function,and workflow.Judging from the analysis and verification results during the commissioning phase,the GSGS functions well and is able to monitor the status of the payloads,adjust the parameters,develop the scientific observation plans,generate the scientific data products,analyze the data,etc.Thus,the on-orbit operation and scientific researches of GECAM are guaranteed.

离子分离用电荷Janus结构单价选择性阳离子交换膜

单价选择性阳离子交换膜(M-CEMs)已被广泛应用于环境修复和能量收集等领域,例如,从卤水和海水中提取Na^(+)或Li^(+)。然而,由于膜结构和材料的限制,M-CEMs存在渗透选择性低的问题。在此,我们提出了一种简单的方法以构建具有电荷Janus结构的新型M-CEMs,该结构由荷正电的均苯三甲酸/聚乙烯亚胺选择层和荷负电的商业阳离子交换膜(CEM)组成。选择性电渗析(SED)分析结果表明,具有电荷Janus结构的M-CEMs可以有效抑制多孔阳离子交换膜中存在的阴离子迁移问题,因而使这种具有电荷Janus结构的M-CEMs具有较高的渗透选择性和总阳离子通量。与最先进的单价选择性阳离子交换膜的分离性能相比,具有电荷Janus结构的M-CEMs对于Na^(+)/Mg^(2+)的最高渗透选择性可以达到145.77,这超过了目前单价选择性阳离子交换膜性能的“上限”,且对于Li^(+)/Mg^(2+)也具有优异的渗透选择性(14.11),在离子分离领域具有巨大的应用潜力。这项研究可以为具有电荷Janus结构的M-CEMs的设计提供新的见解,并应用于不同的环境和能源领域。

Building a Highly Stable Ultrathin Nanoporous Layer Assisted by Glucose for Desalination

Although nanoporous membranes are of great interest in desalination,it is still challenging to construct highly permeable nanoporous membranes with excellent rejections for an efficient desalination process.In this work,highly permeable nanoporous membranes were built from renewable resources,assisted by the versatile functions of glucose and dopamine,with coupling reactive groups via interfacial reaction with 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride(TMC).The small molecules(0.66 nm)of glucose,which have high hydrophilicity,can diffuse into the membrane for an effective reaction to ensure structural integration.Our novel ultrathin(~44 nm)nanofiltration(NF)membrane exhibits ultra-high Na_(2)SO_(4)flux and excellent rejection of Na_(2)SO_(4)(66.5 L·m^(-2)·h^(-1),97.3%)and MgSO4(63.0 L·m^(-2)·h^(-1),92.1%)under a pressure of 5 bar(1 bar=10^(5)Pa)which is much superior to the performance of natural-product NF membranes.The membrane demonstrates excellent long-term stability,as well as tremendous acid-base and alkali-base stability and high anti-pollution capacity.The designed membrane materials and architecture open a new door to biopolymer-based separation membranes beyond existing membrane materials.

Numerical simulations of partial elements excitation for hemispherical high-intensity focused ultrasound phased transducer

The hemispherical phased transducer maximizes the coverage of the skull and the ultrasonic energy per unit area of the skull is minimized,thereby reducing the risk of skull burns,but the transducer has a small focal area adjustment range,increasing the focal length of treatment is an urgent question for this type of transducer.In this paper,a three-dimensional high-intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU)transcranial propagation model is established based on the human head structure.The finite difference time domain(FDTD)is combined with the Westervelt acoustic wave nonlinear propagation equation and Penne's biological heat conduction equation for numerical simulation of the sound pressure field and temperature field.Forming a treatable focal area in a small-opening hemispherical transducer with a small amount of numerical simulation calculation focusing at a set position to determine the minimum partial excitation area ratio of focusing.And then,applying these preliminary results to a large-opening diameter hemispherical transducer and the temperature field formed by it or full excitation is studied.The results show that the focus area with the excitation area ratio of less than 22%moves forward to the transducer side when the excitation sound is formed.When the excitation area ratio is greater than or equal to 23%,it focuses at the set position.In the case of partial incentives,using 23%of the partial array,the adjustable range of the treatable focal area formed in the three-dimensional space is larger than that of the full excitation.

The Formation and Structure Evolution of Zechstein (Upper Permian) Salt in Northeast German Basin: A Review

The Zechstein (Upper Permian) salts are extensively distributed in the Northeast German Basin (NEGB). Their formation and movements have attracted great attention to discovering the accumulation and exploration of hydrocarbon sources, as well as the salt production. But the previous studies are validated in cases and a general view on these studies is scarce. By analyzing and integrating previous studies, the history and structure evolution of Zechstein salts were reviewed in this paper. Seven cycles of Zechstein salt (Na1, Na2, Na3, Na4, Na5, Na6, Na7) with distinct composition and thickness were deposited after a series of marine transgressions and regressions during the Upper Permian. The Na1 (300 m) locally developed in a lagoon environment. The thick Na2 (over 500 m) was widely deposited in the whole basin. The Na3, Na4, Na5, Na6 and Na7 decreased progressively in thickness and distribution. These salts should have been moved as a result of regional tectonics taking place from Triassic to Early Cenozoic, which changes the original distribution of salts, resulting in the formation of different salt structures (pillows and diapirs). Salt movement was more intensive in central and southern parts of the basin forming narrow and widely-distributed salt diapirs, while it was less intensive in the northern parts where salt pillows are the major structure. The salt meadow and saline springs are also present, which are attributed to the salinization of the groundwater. By this study, we review the history and structure development of the Zechstein salt in the NEGB by associating each individual study and figure out the common and regional characters of the salt in this region.

LIX1-like protein promotes liver cancer progression via miR-21-3p-mediated inhibition of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase

Limb and CNS expressed 1 like(LIX1L) is over-expressed in several types of tumors.However,the function of LIX1L in glucose metabolism and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) progression remains elusive.Here we report that LIX1L is over-expressed in human HCC tissues,which predicts unfavorable prognosis.LIX1L deficiency in vivo significantly attenuated liver cancer initiation in mice.Functional studies indicated that LIX1L overexpression elevated proliferation,migratory,invasive capacities of HCC cells in vitro,and promoted liver cancer growth and metastasis in vivo.LIX1L knockdown up-regulated fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase(FBP1) expression to reduce glucose consumption as well as lactate production.Mechanistically,LIX1L increased miR-21-3p expression,which targeted and suppressed FBP1,thereby promoting HCC growth and metastasis.MiR-21-3p inhibitor could abrogate LIX1L induced enhancement of cell migration,invasion,and glucose metabolism.Inhibition of miR-21-3p suppressed tumor growth in an orthotopic tumor model.Our results establish LIX1L as a critical driver of hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression,with implications for prognosis and treatment.

Inhibition mechanism of compound ethanol extracts from Wuweizi(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) on renal interstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy model mice

OBJECTIVE：To evaluate inhibition effect and mech- anism of compound ethanol extracts from Wuweizi （Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis）, Chuanxiong （Rhi- zoma Chuanxiong） and Muli （Cocha Ostreae） （FRC） on glomerular and tubular interstitial fibrosis in streptozocin （STZ）-induced diabetic nephropathy （ND） model mice. METHODS： Twenty-seven male C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into 3 groups： nondibetic （ND）, STZ-induced diabetic （D）, and STZ-induced diabetic that were treated with .5 g. kg1. daylof FRC by oral gavage （DFRc）, with 9 in each group. The protein ex- pressions of E-cadherin, a-smooth muscle actin （a-SMA）, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 （PAl-l） in renal tissues were investigated by Western blot- ting. The expressions of fibronectin （FN） and o-SMA were detected by immunohistochemical method. The morphological changes of renal tissues were observed under a microscope. RESULTS： Renal tissues in the DFRC group showed a lessened degree of fibrosis. Meanwhile, the expres- sions of FN, o-SMA and PAl-lwere significantly lower in the DrRc group than those in the D group （all P〈0.05）.CONCLUSION： FRC can ameliorate the DN in the C57BL/6 mice, and its mechanism may relate to in- hibition on the epithelial to mesenchymal transdif- ferentiation, endothelial-myofibroblast transition and PAl-1 expression.

Discovery of SPICE and carbon isotope stratigraphic correlation of the Cambrian Furongian Series in Tarim Craton, NW China

The Furongian Series of the Cambrian in the Tarim Craton(NW China)is mainly composed of crystalline dolostones,and is an important target for oil and gas exploration.The chronostratigraphic framework of the Furongian Series in the Tarim Craton has not yet been established due to the scarcity of fossils and the absence of the Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion(SPICE),which is the primary global carbon isotope excursion of the Furongian Series.In this study,the SPICE was discovered by examining the carbon isotopes of the representative drilling wells in the West Platform and East Basin.A positive carbon isotope anomaly withδ13C values ranging from 1.5‰to 1.9‰(PDB),were found in the middle of the Xiaqiulitag Formation of the three drilling wells in the West Platform,and a positive excursion withδ13C values up to 4.0‰(PDB),which is correlated with the SPICE,was found in the lower limestone of the Tuershaketag Formation in the East Basin.Based on the carbon isotopic data and chemostratigraphic correlation,the chronostratigraphic framework of the Furongian Series across different facies in the Tarim Craton is preliminarily established.The basal boundary of the Furongian Series was preliminarily defined by the occurrence of the SPICE.Aweak positive anomaly ofδ13C was observed at the base of the Penglaiba Formation of the three boreholes in the West Platform and the top of the Tuershaketag Formation of Tadong-2 well.We propose that the positive anomaly of the carbon isotope above the weak negative anomaly at the base of the Penglaiba Formation and the top of the Tuershaketag Formation can be used to define the Cambrian-Ordovician boundary in the Tarim Craton.

Hydrophilic modification of poly(aryl sulfone) membrane materials toward highly-efficient environmental remediation

Poly(aryl sulfone)as a typical membrane material has been widely used due to excellent mechanical,chemical and thermal stability.However,the inherent hydrophobicity of poly(aryl sulfone)based membranes bears with the fouling issue during applications,which makes the membrane tending to adsorb contaminants on the surface so as to result in decreased separation performance and lifetime.In this critical review,we give a comprehensive overview on characterizations of hydrophilic membrane and diverse hydrophilic modification approaches of poly(aryl sulfone)membranes,predominantly including bulky,blending and surface modification technology.The discussions on the different modification methods have been provided in-depth.Besides,focusing on modification methods and performance of modified membranes,the related mechanisms for the performance enhancement are discussed too.At last,the perspectives are provided to guide the future directions to develop novel technology to manipulate the hydrophilicity of poly(aryl sulfone)membranes toward diverse practical and multifunctional applications.

Mitochondrial uncoupler triclosan induces vasorelaxation of rat arteries

Our previous studies found that mitochondrial uncouplers induced vasodilation. Triclosan, the broad spectrum antibacterial agent, is the active ingredient in soaps and toothpastes. It was reported that triclosan induced mitochondrial uncoupling, so we aim to investigate the effects of triclosan on vascular function of rat mesenteric arteries and aorta. The isometric tension of rat mesenteric artery and thoracic aorta was recorded by multi-wire myograph system. The cytosolic [Ca^(2+)]_i, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(mitoROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential of smooth muscle cells(A10 cells) were measured using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Triclosan treatment relaxed phenylephrine(PE)-and high K^(+)(KPSS)-induced constriction, and pre-treatment with triclosan inhibited PE-and KPSS-induced constriction of rat mesenteric arteries. In rat thoracic aorta, triclosan also relaxed PE-and KPSS-induced constriction. Triclosan induces vasorelaxation without involving KATPchannel activation in smooth muscle cells of arteries.Triclosan treatment increased cytosolic [Ca^(2+)]_i, mitochondrial ROS production and depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential in A10 cells. In conclusion, triclosan induces mitochondrial uncoupling in vascular smooth muscle cells and relaxes the constricted rat mesenteric arteries and aorta of rats. The present results suggest that triclosan would indicate vasodilation effect if absorbed excessively in vivo.

The fabrication strategies and enhanced performances of metal-organic frameworks and carbon dots composites: State of the art review

Metal-organic frameworks(MOFs) with large specific surface area, considerable pore volume, controllable structure, and high concentration of active metal sites have been applied widely in researches like catalysis and sensing. However, potential applications of MOFs in both photocatalysis and luminescence sensors are facing major challenges arising from their severe charge recombination, low utilization of solar energy, low quantum yield, limited charge transfer between the metal ions/clusters and the ligand.Recent studies revealed that rational introduction of carbon dots(CDs) with excellent optical properties,unique quantum confinement and high conductivity can greatly enhance the functions of MOFs. In this paper, typical synthesis methods of these CD-MOF composites as well as their potential applications in photocatalysis and sensing are reviewed with emphasis. Representative examples of these CD-MOF composites are discussed, and key features and advantages of CD-MOF composites that will facilitate future applications are highlighted.

Synthesis of an ordered porous carbon with the dual nitrogen-doped interfaces and its ORR catalysis performance

Both nitrogen-doping feature and pore structure are critical factors for developing nitrogen-doped carbons based catalysts with a high performance toward oxygen reduction reaction(ORR).Herein,a simple one-step CVD of acetylene and acetonitrile vapor method using silanized SBA-15 as a template has been developed to synthesize an ordered porous carbon(OPC) with dual nitrogen-doped interfaces.The optimized sample as prepared with the CVD of 4 h at 750℃ contains two types of ordered mesopores that one type is the ordered cylindrical pores inheriting from the pores of SBA-15 and has a pore width of4.0~5.0 nm,the other type is the ordered quasi-hexagonal pores with a width of 3.0~4.0 nm produced by etching the pore walls of SBA-15.These two types of pores whose pore walls are built by the nitrogen doped carbon layers resulted by the CVD and thus it actually makes the dual nitrogen-doped interfaced OPC(DN-OPC).Meanwhile,DN-OPC contains a few of micropores and a large SSA of 1430 m~2/g.This dualordered pores and dual nitrogen-doped interfaces cannot only facilitate mass transport but also utilize the active sites of DN-OPC for ORR.Therefore,as metal-free ORR catalyst,DN-OPC exhibits a good activity close to commercial Pt/C catalyst,and an excellent durability and methanol tolerance.

基于亚纳米孔道微调制备用于高效分子筛分的超薄耐酸膜

分离膜被广泛应用于分子分离等领域,但由于膜本身通量与筛分性能之间此消彼长的“trade-off”效应,传统分离膜的效率受到极大限制.本文报道了以多酚作为限速的亲核试剂,与二异氰酸酯进行界面缩合,制备得到了孔径均匀且选择层厚度仅为10 nm的超薄聚氨酯复合膜,并通过实验和密度泛函理论(DFT)模拟计算进行了验证.制备的新型聚氨酯复合纳滤膜在通量提高的同时显著增强了对各种染料和重金属离子的筛分性能,成功突破了传统聚合物分离膜的“trade-off”瓶颈问题.此外合成聚氨酯复合膜的高度交联结构使其能够在强酸条件下稳定运行500 h以上,在环境修复和资源回收利用等领域具有巨大的应用潜力.

Hyperbenzones A and B,two 1,2-seco and rearranged polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols from Hypericum beanii

Two novel seco-polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols(PPAPs),hyperbenzones A(1)and B(2),were isolated from the roots of Hypericum beanii,together with one known biosynthetic congener 3.Compound 1 incorporates a 6/5/5 ring system with an unprecedented spiro[bicyclo[3.3.0]octane-3,1'-cyclohexane]-2,2'-dione motif.The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by a combination of high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy(HRESIMS),nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopic analyses,gage-independent atomic orbital(GIAO)NMR chemical shift calculation with DP4+analyses,electronic circular dichroism(ECD)calculation,and X-ray diffraction analysis.A 1,2-seco retroClaisen rearrangement from a bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane PPAP precursor and following chemodivergent radical cascade cyclizations are proposed as the key steps in the biosynthetic pathway to yield compounds 1 and2.Biological investigations indicated that compounds 1 and 3 could decrease intracellular lipid accumulation in a palmitic acid-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)cell model.

Chlospicenes A and B,cyclopropane cracked lindenane sesquiterpenoid dimers with anti-nonalcoholic steatohepatitis activity from Chloranthus henryi

Guided by MS/MS molecular networks strategy,chlospicenes A and B(1 and 2),the first example of cyclopropane moiety cracked lindenane sesquiterpene Michael addition dimers,along with their biogenetic analogues(3 and 4),were targetedly discovered from the roots of Chloranthus henryi.Their structures including absolute configurations were characterized by NMR,ECD and X-ray diffraction analysis.The plausible biogenic pathway speculation indicated that cyclopropylcarbinyl rearrangement may dominate the key crack of cyclopropane moiety.In addition,compounds 1 and 2 showed significant anti-nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)activity in free fatty acid(FFA)-induced HepG2 cells by decreasing intracellular lipid accumulation.

Review of human–robot coordination control for rehabilitation based on motor function evaluation

As a wearable and intelligent system, a lower limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robot can provide auxiliary rehabilitation training for patients with lower limb walking impairment/loss and address the existing problem of insufficient medical resources. One of the main elements of such a human–robot coupling system is a control system to ensure human–robot coordination. This review aims to summarise the development of human–robot coordination control and the associated research achievements and provide insight into the research challenges in promoting innovative design in such control systems. The patients’ functional disorders and clinical rehabilitation needs regarding lower limbs are analysed in detail, forming the basis for the human–robot coordination of lower limb rehabilitation robots. Then, human–robot coordination is discussed in terms of three aspects: modelling, perception and control. Based on the reviewed research, the demand for robotic rehabilitation, modelling for human–robot coupling systems with new structures and assessment methods with different etiologies based on multi-mode sensors are discussed in detail, suggesting development directions of human–robot coordination and providing a reference for relevant research.

LIX1-like protein drives hepatic stellate cell activation to promote liver fibrosis by regulation of chemokine mRNA stability

Dear Editor,Hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)play a key role in the fibrotic response,thus inactivating activated HSC could be a potential therapy for fibrosis.^(1,2) CCL20 expressed by HSCs and macrophages,may serve as a mediator of in flammation and fibrosis.^(3) LIX1L is a putative RNA-binding protein(RBP)that may play an important role in post-transcriptional gene regulation.^(4) However,the biological function of LIX1L in liver fibrosis remains unclear,we therefore aimed to characterize its functions in HSC activation and liver fibrosis.