Understanding the Activity Performance of Comets 38P/Stephan-Oterma,64P/Swift-Gehrels and C/2017 M4(ATLAS)through Broadband Photometric Observations

In this work,we report observations of three comets:38P/Stephan-Oterma,64P/Swift-Gehrels,and C/2017 M4(ATLAS),conducted with the Nanshan one-meter wide-field telescope in 2018 August and November,and 2019January.We extracted morphological features through image enhancement techniques and calculated the dust activity parameter,Afρ,along with dust mass loss rates and coma color indices using broadband photometric data.Our morphological analysis uncovered a spectrum of dust characteristics among the observed comets,ranging from a significant twisted structure in comet 38P/Stephan-Oterma’s coma to the regular coma envelope surrounding comet 64P/Swift-Gehrels.The Afρvalues varied between 148.8±0.3 cm for 64P/Swift-Gehrels and1118.5±6.2 cm for C/2017 M4(ATLAS)(measured within a reference aperture radius ofρ=6″),indicating a range from moderate to high activity levels.Dust mass loss rates were estimated from 328.1 kg s^(-1)for comet 64P/Swift-Gehrels to 1395.5 kg s^(-1)for comet C/2017 M4(ATLAS).The color indices of comets 38P/Stephan-Oterma and C/2017 M4(ATLAS)closely resemble the average colors of active short-period comets and active longperiod comets,respectively.In contrast,64P/Swift-Gehrels exhibits a significantly bluer hue than typical Jupiter family comets.

Simulating the Dynamics of Bimetallic Clusters Deposited onto a Surface Using Molecular Dynamics

This paper examines the interface development between a single crystalline Ag matrix and core-shell AgnCom nanoclusters that have been deposited with energies varying between 0.25 eV and 1.5 eV per atom using computer modeling techniques. Clusters undergo deformation as a result of the slowing down;they may also become epitaxial with the substrate and maintain their core-shell structure. A detailed analysis of the effects of the cluster-surface interaction is conducted over a realistic size and energy range, and a model is created to show how clusters accumulate. It is discovered that both the silver shells and the cobalt cluster cores exhibit limited epitaxy with the substrate, and that the contact produced is only a few atomic layers thick. The effect is higher for Ag shells than for Co cores, and it is not very energy dependent.

Anticancer therapeutic strategies for targeting mutant p53-Y220C

The tumor suppressor p53 is a transcription factor with a powerful antitumor activity that is controlled by its negative regulator murine double minute 2(MDM2,also termed HDM2 in humans)through a feedback mechanism.At the same time,TP53 is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancers.Mutant p53 proteins lose wild-type p53 tumor suppression functions but acquire new oncogenic properties,among which are deregulating cell proliferation,increasing chemoresistance,disrupting tissue architecture,and promoting migration,invasion and metastasis as well as several other pro-oncogenic activities.The oncogenic p53 mutation Y220C creates an extended surface crevice in the DNA-binding domain destabilizing p53 and causing its denaturation and aggregation.This cavity accommodates stabilizing small molecules that have therapeutic values.The development of suitable small-molecule stabilizers is one of the therapeutic strategies for reactivating the Y220C mutant protein.In this review,we summarize approaches that target p53-Y220C,including reactivating this mutation with small molecules that bind Y220C to the hydrophobic pocket and developing immunotherapies as the goal for the near future,which target tumor cells that express the p53-Y220C neoantigen.

Effect size in papers published by the Journal of Forestry Research:A missing treasure?

P values based on standard hypothesis testing are commonly reported in articles published by the Journal of Forestry Research(JFR).However,effect sizes are barely used and reported,even if they are of direct relevance to the primary questions of many of the published studies.The incorporation of effect sizes in studies published by JFR should be encouraged and promoted.Inclusion of effect sizes as a requirement in the journal guidelines will facilitate a major change in the way data are tested and interpreted,with the ultimate goal to exempt researchers from the custom of drawing conclusions merely based upon a dichotomous statistical result(P value).Such a policy can also lead to more informed decisions of whether identified effects are of practical relevance to the forestry.

Impact of Heat Treatments and Hole Density (p) on the Structural, Electrical, and Superconducting Properties of LnSrBaCu3O6+z (Ln = Eu, Sm, Nd) Compounds

In this study, we thoroughly examined the impact of heat treatments and hole count (p) on the properties of LnSrBaCu3O6+z (Ln = Eu, Sm, Nd) compounds. We focused on preparation, X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement, AC susceptibility, DC resistivity measurements, and heat treatment effects. Two heat treatment types were applied: oxygen annealing [O] and argon annealing followed by oxygen annealing [AO]. As the rare earth Ln’s ionic radius increased, certain parameters notably changed. Specifically, c parameter, surface area S, and volume V increased, while critical temperature Tc and holes (p) in the CuO2 plane decreased. The evolution of these parameters with rare earth Ln’s ionic radius in [AO] heat treatment is linear. Regardless of the treatment, the structure is orthorhombic for Ln = Eu, tetragonal for Ln = Nd, orthorhombic for Ln = Sm [AO], and pseudo-tetragonal for Sm [O]. The highest critical temperature is reached with Ln = Eu (Tc [AO] = 87.1 K). Notably, for each sample, Tc [AO] surpasses Tc [O]. Observed data stems from factors including rare earth ionic size, improved cationic and oxygen chain order, holes count p in Cu(2)O2 planes, and in-phase purity of [AO] samples. Our research strives to clearly demonstrate that the density of holes (p) within the copper plane stands as a determinant impacting the structural, electrical, and superconducting properties of these samples. Meanwhile, the other aforementioned parameters contribute to shaping this density (p).

Mapping and Petro-Structural Study of the Geological Formations of the Alépé Region (South-East of Côte d’Ivoire)

This study focuses on the petrographic and structural characteristics of the geological formations of the Alépé region in the Comoé basin. The petrographic characterization allows us to retain that the study area abounds in a variety of lithologies: amphibole metagranite, metadiorite, amphibolite and metagrauwacke. The lineament map attests that the study area was affected by polyphase tectonics (ductile and brittle), all these deformations have NW-SE to NNW-SSE;NW-ESE to NW-SE;ENE-OSW and NE-SW directions. Coupled geochemical data show that the protoliths of the studied rocks evolve between granites and gabbros that are weakly to moderately be altered. They would originate from continental crust and mantle and would be emplaced in collision contex.

Evidence of the Role of Carbon Vacancies in Nickel-Based Ohmic Contacts to n-Type Silicon Carbide

N-wells are created by P＋ ion implantation into Si-faced p-type 4H-SiC epilayer. Ti and Ni are deposited in sequence on the surface of the active regions. Ni2Si is identified as the dominant phase by X-ray diffraction （XRD） analysis after metallization annealing. An amorphous C film at the Ni2 Si/SiC interface is confirmed by an X-ray energy-dispersive spectrometer （XEDS）. The Ni2Si and amorphous C film are etched away selectively,followed by deposition of new metal films without annealing. Measurement of the current-voltage characteristics shows that the contacts are still ohmic after the Ni2 Si and amorphous C film are replaced by new metal films. The sheet resistance Rsh of the implanted layers decreases from 975 to 438f2/D, because carbon vacancies （Vc） appeared during annealing,which act as donors for electrons in SiC.

Variation of the Mineral Elements in the Barks of Pinus armandii Infected by Cronartium ribicola

[ Objective] The difference of mineral element content in healthy bark of P. armandii and bark affected by C. nbicola were compared, which would provide theoretical foundation for exploring new ways to control the disease by artificial water and fertilizer. [ Method] Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer（ ICP-OES）was adopted to measure the variation of mineral elements content in bark after P. armandii was affected by C. nbicola. [Result] 45 mineral elements in the healthy bark and 46 mineral elements in affected bark caused by C. ribicola were detected. These mineral elements contained 14 kinds of mineral elements which were necessary for plant growth and 31 kinds of other mineral elements （32 kinds after affected disease）. The total content of mineral elements in affected bark of P. armandii decreased for 15.77%, in which necessary elements for plant growth decreased for 15.54% and other elements decreased for 17.07%. The content of Ca decreased the most, decrease rate was about 75%. The order of content was also changed, they were Na 〉 Ca 〉 B 〉 K 〉 Si 〉 Mg 〉 S 〉 P in healthy bark, and Na 〉 B 〉 K 〉 Ca 〉 Mg 〉 P 〉 Si 〉 S in affected bark. [ Conclusion] The results laid foundation for controlling C. ribicola through application of mineral elements.

Degradation induces changes in the soil C:N:P stoichiometry of alpine steppe on the Tibetan Plateau

Due to the Tibetan Plateau’s unique high altitude and low temperature climate conditions,the region’s alpine steppe ecosystem is highly fragile and is suffering from severe degradation under the stress of increasing population,overgrazing,and climate change.The soil stoichiometry,a crucial part of ecological stoichiometry,provides a fundamental approach for understanding ecosystem processes by examining the relative proportions and balance of the three elements.Understanding the impact of degradation on the soil stoichiometry is vital for conservation and management in the alpine steppe on the Tibetan Plateau.This study aims to examine the response of soil stoichiometry to degradation and explore the underlying biotic and abiotic mechanisms in the alpine steppe.We conducted a field survey in a sequent degraded alpine steppe with seven levels inNorthern Tibet.The plant species,aboveground biomass,and physical and chemical soil properties such as the moisture content,temperature,pH,compactness,total carbon(C),total nitrogen(N),and total phosphorus(P)were measured and recorded.The results showed that the contents of soil C/N,C/P,and N/P consistently decreased along intensifying degradation gradients.Using regression analysis and a structural equation model(SEM),we found that the C/N,C/P,and N/P ratios were positively affected by the soil compactness,soil moisture content and species richness of graminoids but negatively affected by soil pH and the proportion of aboveground biomass of forbs.The soil temperature had a negative effect on the C/N ratio but showed positive effect on the C/P and N/P ratios.The current study shows that degradation-induced changes in abiotic and biotic conditions such as soil warming and drying,which accelerated the soil organic carbon mineralization,as well as the increase in the proportion of forbs,whichwere difficult to decompose and input less organic carbon into soil,resulted in the decreases in soil C/N,C/P,and N/P contents to a great extent.Our results provide a sound basis for sustainable conservation and management of the alpine steppe.

Zeolite P synthesis based on fly ash and its removal of Cu(Ⅱ) and Ni(Ⅱ) ions

Zeolite P was synthesized through hydrothermal method based on a kind of Class C fly ash(FA). X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller(BET) were used to analyze and characterize the synthetic sample. The kinetics and thermodynamics of copper and nickel ions removed by the zeolite samples were experimentally explored in detail. The results of kinetic treatment showed the second-order exchange second-order saturation model(SESSM) can well describe the removal process of copper ions, while the first-order empirical kinetic model(FEKM) is the best kinetic model for nickel ions. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to fit the equilibrium concentration of Cu(Ⅱ) or Ni(Ⅱ) under certain conditions. Whether for copper or nickel ion, the Langmuir model is in good agreement with the experimental equilibrium concentration.The apparent theoretical removal capacities for Cu(Ⅱ) and Ni(Ⅱ) can reach to 138.1 mg·g^(-1) and 77.0 mg·g^(-1),respectively.

Efficacy of tailored Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy based on antibiotic susceptibility and CYP2C19 genotype

The cure rates of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy using a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and antimicrobial agents such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole are mainly influenced by bacterial susceptibility to antimicrobial agents and the magnitude of the inhibition of acid secretion. Annual cure rates have gradually decreased because of the increased prevalence of H. pylori strains resistant to antimicrobial agents, especially to clarithromycin. Alternative regimens have therefore been developed incorporating different antimicrobial agents. Further, standard PPI therapy (twice-daily dosing) often fails to induce a long-term increase in intragastric pH > 4.0. Increasing the eradication rate requires more frequent and higher doses of PPIs. Therapeutic efficacy related to acid secretion is influenced by genetic factors such as variants of the genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes (e.g., cytochrome P450 2C19, CYP2C19), drug transporters (e.g., multidrug resistance protein-1; ABCB1), and inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin-1β). For example, quadruple daily administration of PPI therapy potently inhibits acid secretion within 24 h, irrespective of CYP2C19 genotype. Therefore, tailored H. pylori eradication regimens that address acid secretion and employ optimal antimicrobial agents based on results of antimicrobial agent-susceptibility testing may prove effective in attaining higher eradication rates.

Effects of a decade of organic fertilizer substitution on vegetable yield and soil phosphorus pools, phosphatase activities, and the microbial community in a greenhouse vegetable production system

Partial substitution of chemical fertilizers by organic amendments is adopted widely for promoting the availability of soil phosphorus(P)in agricultural production.However,few studies have comprehensively evaluated the effects of longterm organic substitution on soil P availability and microbial activity in greenhouse vegetable fields.A 10-year(2009–2019)field experiment was carried out to investigate the impacts of organic fertilizer substitution on soil P pools,phosphatase activities and the microbial community,and identify factors that regulate these soil P transformation characteristics.Four treatments included 100%chemical N fertilizer(4 CN),50%substitution of chemical N by manure(2 CN+2 MN),straw(2 CN+2 SN),and combined manure with straw(2 CN+1 MN+1 SN).Compared with the 4 CN treatment,organic substitution treatments increased celery and tomato yields by 6.9-13.8%and 8.6-18.1%,respectively,with the highest yields being in the 2 CN+1 MN+1 SN treatment.After 10 years of fertilization,organic substitution treatments reduced total P and inorganic P accumulation,increased the concentrations of available P,organic P,and microbial biomass P,and promoted phosphatase activities(alkaline and acid phosphomonoesterase,phosphodiesterase,and phytase)and microbial growth in comparison with the 4 CN treatment.Further,organic substitution treatments significantly increased soil C/P,and the partial least squares path model(PLS-PM)revealed that the soil C/P ratio directly and significantly affected phosphatase activities and the microbial biomass and positively influenced soil P pools and vegetable yield.Partial least squares(PLS)regression demonstrated that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi positively affected phosphatase activities.Our results suggest that organic fertilizer substitution can promote soil P transformation and availability.Combining manure with straw was more effective than applying these materials separately for developing sustainable P management practices.

Thermodynamics of Fe-P-C in Mn-Based Solutions

The solubilities of carbon in Mn based alloys containing P have been measured at 1 400 ℃ based on X C=0.271 9-0.094 0 X Fe -1.195 4 X P. By means of thermodynamic derivation and calculation, the relative activity coefficients and interactive parameters were derived.

High frequency of the c.3207C>A (p.H1069Q) mutation in ATP7B gene of Lithuanian patients with hepatic presentation of Wilson's disease

AIM： To investigate the prevalence of the ATP7B gene mutation in patients with hepatic presentation of Wilson＇s disease （WD） in Lithuania. METHODS： Eleven unrelated Lithuanian families, including 13 WD patients were tested. Clinically WD diagnosis was established in accordance to the Leipzig scoring system. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole venous blood using a salt precipitation method. Firstly, the semi-nested polymerase chain reaction （PCR） technique was used to detect the c.3207C〉A （p.H1069Q） mutation. Patients not homozygous for the c.3207C〉A （p.H1069Q） mutation were further analyzed. The 21 exons of the WD gene were amplified in a thermal cycler （Biometra T3 Thermocycler, G0ttingen, Germany）. Direct sequencing of the amplified PCR products was performed by cycle sequencing using fluorescent dye terminators in an automatic sequencer （Applied Biosystems, Darmstadt, Germany）. RESULTS： Total of 13 WD patients （mean age 26.4 years; range 17-40; male/female 3/10） presented with hepatic disorders and 16 their first degree relatives （including 12 siblings） were studied. Some of WD patients, in addition to hepatic symptoms, have had extrahepatic disorders （hemolytic anemia 3; Fanconi syndrome 1; neurophsychiatric and behavioural disorder 2）. Liver biopsy specimens were available in all of 13 WD patients （8 had cirrhosis; 1-chronic hepatitis; 3-acute liver failure, 1-1iver steatosis）. Twelve of 13 （92.3%） WD patients had the c.3207C〉A （p.HI069Q） mutation, 6 of them in both chromosomes, 6 were presented as compound heterozygotes with additional c.3472-82delGGTTTAACCAT, c.3402delC, c.3121C〉T （p.RI041W） or unknown mutations. For one patient with liver cirrhosis and psychiatric disorder （Leipzig score 6）, no mutations were found. Out of 16 first degree WD relatives, 11 （68.7%） were heterozygous for the c.3207C〉A （p.H1069Q） mutation. Two patients with fulminant WD died from acute liver failure and ii are in full remission under peniciilamine or zinc acetate treatment. Three women with WD successfully delivered healthy babies. CONCLUSION： The c.3207C〉A （p.HI069Q） missense mutation is the most characteristic mutation for Lithuanian patients with WD. Even 92.3% of WD patients with hepatic presentation of the disease are homozygous or compound heterozygotes for the p.H1069Q mutation.

Variation of Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Sediments of Shrimp Culture Ponds and Its Relationship with the Contents of C,N and P

Nine enclosures (5 m x 5 m) were built in a Fenneropenaeus chinensis culture pond of Rushan Gulf in April, 2001. The probiotics and BIO ENERGIZER solution were applied for disparate treatments. Variations of alkaline phosphatase ac- tivity (APA) and its relationship with the contents of C, N and P in sediments were studied. Results show that APA of sedi- ments increases from 3.096 nmolg-1min-1 to 5.407 nmol g-1min-1 in culture period; the bacteria biomass is not the only factor to determine APA; the contents of total P and total organic carbon have a significant positive correlation with APA, while that of total nitrogen has a negative correlation. In addition, the contents of inorganic P and organic P are not regular with APA. By comparison, TOC shows a more significant coherence with APA, meaning that organic pollution in sediments af- fects APA remarkably.

Cloning and characterization of a novel gene (C17orf25) from the deletion region on chromosome 17p13.3 in hepatocelular carcinoma

Using a combination of hybridization of PAC to a cDNA library and RACE technique, we isolated a novel cDNA, designated as C17orf25 (Chromosome 17 open rea(ling frame 25, previously named it HC71A), from the deletion region on chromosome 17p13.3. The cDNA encodes a protein of 313 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 34.8 kDa. C17orf25 is divided into 10 exons and 9 introns, spanning 23 kb of genomic DNA. Northern blot analysis showed that the mRNA expression of C17orf25 was decreased in hepatocellular carcinoma samples as compared to adjacent noncancerous liver tissues from the same patients. The transfection of C17or25 into the hepatocellular carcinoma cell SMMC7721 and overexpression could inhibit the cell growth. The above results indicate that C17orf25 is a novel human gene, and the cloning and preliminary characterization of C17orf25 is a prerequisite for further functional analysis of this novel gene in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Emerging therapeutic options for the management of hepatitis C infection

Until recently the traditional treatment for hepatitis C infection included pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy.The sustained virological response(SVR)seen with this combination is poor and requires lengthy treatment to achieve.Additionally,significant side effects and numerous contraindications prevented many patients from being successfully treated with this therapy.In 2011,two new protease inhibitors,telaprevir and boceprevir,were approved for use with pegylated interferon and ribavirin in the United States by the United States Food and Drug Administration.These agents have significantly improved SVR rates;however significant problems with toxicity remain including severe skin rash and neutropenia.There are a wide range of compounds in late stage development for the future treatment of hepatitis C that exploit many different mechanisms of viral inhibition.Some of these compounds include additional protease inhibitors,like telaprevir and boceprevir,as well as inhibitors of other nonstructural proteins in the viral genome such as NS5A and NS5B,and compounds that target host proteins within the virus.Some of these agents are being developed for oral administration once daily and various combinations are being assessed for use without the need for pegylated interferon and ribavirin.This paper reviews agents in late phase development that may be commercially available within 1-2 years.

The Modification of Diphenyl Sulfide to Pd/C Catalyst and Its Application in Selective Hydrogenation of p-Chloronitrobenzene

In this study, diphenyl sulfide(Ph2S) was employed to prepare a series of Ph2S-modified Pd/C catalysts(Pd–Ph2S/C). Catalyst characterization carried out by Brunner–Emmet–Teller(BET), energy dispersive spectrometer(EDS), X-ray diffraction(XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) and CO chemisorption uptake measurements suggested a chemical interaction between Ph2 S and Pd. The ligand was preferably absorbed on the active site of Pd metal but after increasing the amount of Ph2 S, the adsorption of Ph2 S on Pd metal tended to be saturated and the excess of Ph2 S partially adsorbed on the activated carbon. A part of Pd atoms without adsorbing any Ph2 S still existed, even for the saturated Pd–Ph2S/C catalyst. The Pd–Ph2S/C catalysts exhibited a good selectivity of p-chloroaniline(p-CAN) in the hydrogenation of p-chloronitrobenzene(p-CNB). However,the chemisorption between Ph2 S and Pd was not so strong that part of Ph2 S was leached from Pd–Ph2S/C catalyst during the hydrogenation, which caused the decline of the selectivity of p-CAN over the used Pd–Ph2S/C catalyst.Resulfidation of the used Pd–Ph2S/C catalyst was effective to resume its stability, and the regenerated Pd–Ph2S/C catalyst could be reused for at least ten runs with a stable catalytic performance.

Mitochondrial pathway of the lysine demethylase 5C inhibitor CPI-455 in the Eca-109 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line

BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor of the digestive tract that is difficult to diagnose early.CPI-455 has been reported to inhibit various cancers,but its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is unknown.AIM To investigate the effects and mechanism of the lysine demethylase 5C inhibitor,CPI-455,on ESCC cells.METHODS A methyl tetrazolium assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of CPI-455 on the proliferation of Eca-109 cells.Apoptosis,reactive oxygen species(ROS),and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed by flow cytometry.Laser confocal scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe changes in Eca-109 cell morphology.The protein expression of P53,Bax,lysinespecific demethylase 5C(KDM5C),cleaved Caspase-9,and cleaved Caspase-3 were assayed by western blotting.RESULTS Compared with the control group,CPI-455 significantly inhibited Eca-109 cell proliferation.Gemcitabine inhibited Eca-109 cell proliferation in a concentrationand time-dependent manner.CPI-455 caused extensive alteration of the mitochondria,which appeared to have become atrophied.The cell membrane was weakly stained and the cytoplasmic structures were indistinct and disorganized,with serious cavitation when viewed by transmission electron microscopy.The flow cytometry and western blot results showed that,compared with the control group,the mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased and depolarized in Eca-109 cells treated with CPI-455.CPI-455 significantly upregulated the ROS content,P53,Bax,Caspase-9,and Caspase-3 protein expression in Eca-109 cells,whereas KDM5C expression was downregulated.CONCLUSION CPI-455 inhibited Eca-109 cell proliferation via mitochondrial apoptosis by regulating the expression of related genes.

3.0T 31P MR spectroscopy in assessment of response to antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C

AIM: To investigate the utility of phosphorus-31 (31P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) as a noninvasive test for assessment of response to interferon and ribavirin treatment in patients with different severities of hepatitis C virus infection.