Bi3+ sensitized Y2WO6:Ln3+ (Ln=Dy, Eu, and Sm) phosphors for solar spectral conversion

The phosphors of Y2WO6:Bi3+, Ln3+ (Ln=Dy, Eu and Sm) were synthesized by solid-state reaction in this study. The crystal structure, photoluminescence properties and energy transfer mechanism were investigated. By introducing Bi3+ ions, the excitation band of the phosphors was broadened to be 250-380 nm, which could be absorbed by the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The overlap between excitation of W-O groups/Bi3+ and the emission of Ln3+ (Dy, Eu, and Sm) indicated that the probability of energy transfer from W-O groups and Bi3+ to Ln3+. The energy transfer efficiency from Bi3+ to Ln3+ (Ln=Dy, Eu and Sm) are calculated to be 16%, 20% and 58%. This work suggested that Y2WO6:Bi3+, Ln3+ (Ln=Dy, Eu and Sm) might be a promising ultraviolet-absorbing luminescent converter to enhance the photoelectrical conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Development of a novel adenovirus-alphavirus hybrid vector with RNA replicon features for malignant hematopoietic cell transduction

To improve the expression levels of transgenes in malignant hematopoietic cells, we developed a novel adenoviral-alphavirus hybrid vector Ad5/F11p-SFV-GFP that contains a Semliki Forest Virus (SFV) replicon and chimeric fibers of Ad5 and Ad11p. Ad5/F11p-SFV-GFP infected >95% of K562, U937 or Jurkat cells and 23.65% of HL-60 cells, and led to moderate Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP) transgene expression intensity. The infection efficiency of Ad5/F11p-SFV-GFP in primary human leukemia cells ranged from 9.34-89.63% (median, 28.58%) at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 100, compared with only 3.37-44.54% (median, 10.42%) in cells infected by Ad5/F11p-GFP. Importantly, Ad5/F11p-SFV-GFP led to a significantly higher transgene expression level in primary leukemia cells, as indicated by the relative fluorescence intensity, compared to cells infected with Ad5/F11p-GFP. The increased expression of EGFP in Ad5/F11p-SFV-GFP-infected cells was associated with the accumulation of abundant subgenomic mRNA. Additionally, infection of K562, U937 or Jurkat cells by Ad5/F11p-SFV-GFP was significantly inhibited by blocking CD46 receptor; however, other factors may affect the gene-transfer efficiency of Ad5/F11p-SFV-GFP in primary leukemia cells. In conclusion, we successfully developed a novel adenoviral-alphavirus hybrid vector with RNA replicon features, which represents a promising vector for gene modifications during the production of cell-based vaccines for leukemia patients.

New constraint on the existence of the μ+ → e+ γ decay

The analysis of a combined data set, totaling 3.6 × 10(14) stopped muons on target, in the search for the lepton flavor violating decay μ(+) → e(+)γ is presented. The data collected by the MEG experiment at the Paul Scherrer Institut show no excess of events compared to background expectations and yield a new upper limit on the branching ratio of this decay of 5.7 × 10(-13) (90% confidence level). This represents a four times more stringent limit than the previous world best limit set by MEG.

First Report of Fusarium oxysporum Causing Wilt of Dendrobium candidum in Zhejiang Province, China

White Dendrobium (Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl.) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that is used raw or processed for health care products in China (4). It is propagated by tissue-cultured seedlings largely because of its dramatic decrease in the wild from heavy market demand. In July 2011, a wilt disease was observed on 1-year-old seedlings in a cultivated field in Yueqing City, Zhejiang Province, China. Initial symptoms were one to several chlorotic leaves in a cluster of plants. As the disease progressed, leaves wilted before dropping. Vascular discoloration was not observed in infected stems. Individual plants wilted, bent, and rotted starting from the base and eventually all plants in a cluster wilted. Three strains isolated from stem tissues collected at different sites were grown on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and carnation leaf agar (CLA) under a 12-h alternating cycle of light and dark at a temperature of 25°C. Macroconidia were sparse, three-septate, slightly curved, and ranged from (21.1) 23.9 to 32.7 (36.9) × (2.8) 3.3 to 4.2 (4.8) μm. Microconidia were abundant, unicellular, oval to reniform, and ranged from (5.3) 6.0 to 8.2 (9.4) × (2.2) 2.5 to 3.3 (3.6) μm on PDA. Abundant chlamydospores formed after 3 weeks on CLA. Chlamydospores were single and sometimes in pairs, terminal and intercalary, rough walled, and measured (6.7) 7.6 to 10.2 (11.9) × (5.9) 6.8 to 8.8 (10.4) μm. Strains were identified as Fusarium oxysporum on the basis of morphological features (2). PCR amplification of genomic DNA using the primers ITS6 and ITS4 as well as ef1 and ef2 (translation elongation factor 1-α gene) generated sequences of approximately 500 bp and 670 bp, respectively. ITS sequences were submitted to the NCBI database (Accession Nos. JQ809654, JQ809655, and JQ809656), and were identical to the sequence for F. oxysporum, Accession No. HQ379654 (3). Three sequences of a portion of TEF-1α (Accession Nos. JQ809657, JQ809658, and JQ809659) had 99% similarity with an isolate of F. oxysporum isolate from chickpea (Accession No. HQ731057) (1), thus confirming the identity of the pathogen. The roots of five to seven transplanted seedlings of a cluster grown for 2 months in pasteurized potting media (primarily chipped pine bark) were inoculated with 15 ml of a 10⁷ conidia ml^-1 suspension of each isolate. There were 10 replicates for each isolate treatment. Sterile water was used as a negative control. Plants were grown in the greenhouse at 28 ± 2°C. Lateral roots turned brown 15 days after inoculation. Leaves started to turn yellow 1 month after inoculation and the plants began to wilt 2 months after inoculation. Noninoculated controls did not develop disease symptoms. The pathogenic isolates were reisolated from all diseased plants. Isolates have been deposited at the Biotechnology Institute, Zhejiang University (F_01, F_02 and F_03). To the best of our knowledge, this is first record of Fusarium wilt of D. candidum in China. References: (1) D. Jiménez-Fernández et al. Plant Dis. 95:860, 2011. (2) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, IA, 2006. (3) N. Rajmohan et al. Plant Pathol. 131:631, 2011. (4) J. Z. Zhang et al. Plant Pathol. 57:370, 2008.

Intranasal administration of TAT-haFGF(₁₄₋₁₅₄) attenuates disease progression in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Human acidic fibroblast growth factor (haFGF), a neurotrophin-like growth factor in the brain, plays important roles in the development, differentiation and regeneration of brain neurons, which makes it potential to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, haFGF(14-154) and TAT-haFGF(14-154) (haFGF(14-154) fused with the cell-penetrating peptide transactivator of transcription protein transduction domain (TAT-PTD)) were intranasally administrated for 5 weeks to investigate the effects on senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8 (SAMP8) mice (a mouse model of AD). Results showed that TAT-PTD could increase the concentration of haFGF in the brain significantly, and TAT-haFGF(14-154) was more effective than haFGF(14-154) in the same dosage (300 μg/kg). Importantly, TAT-haFGF(14-154) improved the learning and memory abilities of SAMP8 mice in the behavioral test, and promoted the function of cholinergic system by measuring the relevant biomarkers (acetylcholine (ACh) level, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities). TAT-haFGF(14-154) also significantly reduced β-amyloid protein(1-42) (Aβ(1-42)) deposits as well as the levels of Aβ soluble forms in the mice brains and prevented the neurons from apoptosis. Besides, the oxidative stress impairment in the brain and serum was also ameliorated. The results suggest that TAT-haFGF(14-154) could attenuate the disease progression of SAMP8 AD mice, and the mechanism is related to the regulation of neurons microenvironment including neurotransmitters, Aβ pathology and oxidative stress.

Robust Local Search for Solving RCPSP/max with Durational Uncertainty

Scheduling problems in manufacturing, logistics and project management have frequently been modeled using the framework of Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problems with minimum and maximum time lags (RCPSP/max). Due to the importance of these problems, providing scalable solution schedules for RCPSP/max problems is a topic of extensive research. However, all existing methods for solving RCPSP/max assume that durations of activities are known with certainty, an assumption that does not hold in real world scheduling problems where unexpected external events such as manpower availability, weather changes, etc. lead to delays or advances in completion of activities. Thus, in this paper, our focus is on providing a scalable method for solving RCPSP/max problems with durational uncertainty. To that end, we introduce the robust local search method consisting of three key ideas: (a) Introducing and studying the properties of two decision rule approximations used to compute start times of activities with respect to dynamic realizations of the durational uncertainty; (b) Deriving the expression for robust makespan of an execution strategy based on decision rule approximations; and (c) A robust local search mechanism to efficiently compute activity execution strategies that are robust against durational uncertainty. Furthermore, we also provide enhancements to local search that exploit temporal dependencies between activities. Our experimental results illustrate that robust local search is able to provide robust execution strategies efficiently.

Novel ferromagnetic nanoparticle composited PACls and their coagulation characteristics

Effects of magnetic nanoparticles on inorganic coagulants and their coagulation performances were studied in the present work. The Fe(3)O(4)-SiO(2) core-shell particle (FSCSP) and superfine iron (SI), were compounded with polyaluminium chloride of basicity 2.0 (PACl2.0), providing magnetic PACl2.0s (MPACl2.0s). The physiochemical properties of ferromagnetic nanoparticles were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the BET method and a zeta potentiometric analyzer. The Al species distributions of the MPACl2.0s and PACl2.0 were examined by liquid (27)Al NMR. Jar tests were employed to evaluate the coagulation performances. Floc properties were assessed by use of the electromotive microscope (EM) and small angle laser light scattering (SALLS). The results showed that modified layers of nanoparticles mitigated agglomeration. FSCSP had a larger specific area and pore volume than SI. The addition of ferromagnetic nanoparticles obviously increased the content of Al(un). MPACl2.0s performed better than PACl2.0 in turbidity removal and DOC removal when dosed less than 0.06 mmol/L as Al. Generally, PACl2.0 + FSCSP (50 mg/L) performed best. Large, loose and weak flocs were produced by MPACl2.0s, which were preferred for the magnetic powder recycling. A plausible structure, Al species-nanoparticles cluster, contributing to the unique properties of MPACl2.0 flocs, was proposed.

New limit on the lepton-flavor-violating decay μ+→e+γ

We present a new result based on an analysis of the data collected by the MEG detector at the Paul Scherrer Institut in 2009 and 2010, in search of the lepton-flavor-violating decay μ(+)e(+)γ. The likelihood analysis of the combined data sample, which corresponds to a total of 1.8×10(14) muon decays, gives a 90% C.L. upper limit of 2.4×10(-12) on the branching ratio of the μ(+)→e(+)γ decay, constituting the most stringent limit on the existence of this decay to date.

Dual inhibition of SRC and Aurora kinases induces postmitotic attachment defects and cell death

Increased activity of SRC family kinases promotes tumor invasion and metastasis, and overexpression of the mitotic regulator Aurora kinase A (AURKA) drives tumor aneuploidy and chromosomal instability. These functions nominate SRC and AURKA as valuable therapeutic targets for cancer, and inhibitors for SRC and Aurora kinases are now being used in the clinic. In this study, we demonstrate potent synergy between multiple inhibitors of Aurora and SRC kinases in ovarian and colorectal cancer cell lines, but not in normal ovarian epithelial cell lines. Combination of Aurora and SRC inhibitors selectively killed cells that have undergone a preceding aberrant mitosis, and was associated with a postmitotic reattachment defect, and selective removal of aneuploid cell populations. Combined inhibition of Aurora kinase and SRC potentiated dasatinib-dependent loss of activated (Y(416)-phosphorylated) SRC. SRC and AURKA share a common interaction partner, NEDD9, which serves as a scaffolding protein with activities in cell attachment and mitotic control, suggesting SRC and AURKA might interact directly. In vitro, we observed physical interaction and mutual cross-phosphorylation between SRC and AURKA that enhanced SRC kinase activity. Together, these findings suggest that combination of SRC and Aurora-targeting inhibitors in the clinic may be a productive strategy.

A red-emitting Ca8MgLa(PO4)7:Ce3+,Mn2+ phosphor for UV-based white LEDs application

Ca(8)MgLa(PO(4))(7):Ce(3+),Mn(2+) phosphors have been prepared by a conventional solid state reaction under a weak reductive atmosphere. The crystal structure and photoluminescent properties were investigated. It was found that the red emission at 640nm originated from the (4)T(1)((4)G)→(6)A(1)((6)S) transition of Mn(2+) increases dramatically by a factor of 6.4 with the optimum Ce(3+) co-doping. The energy transfer from Ce(3+) to Mn(2+) was proposed to be resonance-type via an electric dipole-dipole mechanism and the energy transfer efficiency was also calculated by the relative emission intensity. With the broadband ultraviolet (UV) absorption of Ce(3+) and the suitable color coordinates, Ca(8)MgLa(PO(4))(7):Ce(3+),Mn(2+) phosphors might be a promising candidate as red phosphors in the field of UV-based white light-emitting diodes.

Enhanced red light emission from LaBSiO5:Eu3+,R3+ (R=Bi or Sm) phosphors

Polycrystalline LaBSiO5:Eu3+,R3+ (R=Bi or Sm) phosphors have been synthesized by a facile sol-gel method. The phosphors have been characterized by thermogravimetric analysis/different scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer and fluorescence measurements. It was found that the emission intensity of LaBSiO5:Eu phosphors increases clearly and reaches a maximum at 30 mol% with increasing of Eu3+ concentration. The incorporation of Bi3+ ions and/or Sm3+ ions have greatly enhanced the emission intensity of Eu3+ upon excitation with 391 nm light. The possible sensitization mechanisms of Sm3+ and/or Bi3+ on Eu3+ emission intensity have been investigated and discussed. The high brightness and short luminescence decay times make it promising red-emitting candidates for white light-emitting diodes.

Recent advances in the molecular and functional characterization of acid/base and electrolyte transporters in the basolateral membranes of gastric and duodenal epithelial cells

All segments of the gastrointestinal tract are comprised of an elaborately folded epithelium that expresses a variety of cell types and performs multiple secretory and absorptive functions. While the apical membrane expresses the electrolyte transporters that secrete or absorb electrolytes and water, basolateral transporters regulate the secretory or absorptive rates. During gastric acid formation, Cl⁻/HCO₃⁻ and Na(+) /H(+) exchange and other transporters secure Cl⁻ re-supply as well as pH and volume regulation. Gastric surface cells utilize ion transporters to secrete HCO₃⁻, maintain pH(i) during a luminal acid load and repair damaged surface areas during the process of epithelial restitution. Na(+)/H(+) exchange and Na(+)/HCO₃⁻ cotransport serve basolateral acid/base import for gastroduodenal HCO₃⁻ secretion. The gastric and duodenal epithelium also absorbs salt and water. Recent molecular information on novel ion transporters expressed in the gastric and duodenal epithelium has exploded; however, a function has not been found yet for all transporters. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the molecular identity and cellular function of basolateral ion transporters in the gastric and duodenal epithelium.

White light generation in Eu- and Mn-codoped Ca(7)Mg(2)P(6)O(24) phosphor for white light-emitting diodes

Polycrystalline Ca(7)Mg(2)P(6)O(24):Eu(2+),Mn(2+) phosphors were prepared by a solid-state reaction under a weak reductive atmosphere. The phosphors have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and fluorescence measurements. The results show that the obtained phosphors are of single-phase rhombohedral Ca(7)Mg(2)P(6)O(24). Upon excitation of 355nm ultraviolet (UV) light, two intense broad bands have clearly been observed due to the allowed 5d-4f transition of Eu(2+) and the forbidden (4)T(1)-(6)A(1) transition of Mn(2+), respectively. A white light has been obtained from Ca(7)Mg(2)P(6)O(24):0.035Eu(2+),0.5Mn(2+) phosphor with CIE chromaticity coordinates of (x=0.32, y=0.29) and color temperature of 6175K. These results suggest that Ca(7)Mg(2)P(6)O(24):Eu(2+),Mn(2+) phosphors could be a promising candidate for UV-converting white light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

S-nitrosothiols as selective antithrombotic agents - possible mechanisms

S-nitrosothiols have a number of potential clinical applications, among which their use as antithrombotic agents has been emphasized. This is largely because of their well-documented platelet inhibitory effects, which show a degree of platelet selectivity, although the mechanism of this remains undefined. Recent progress in understanding how nitric oxide (NO)-related signalling is delivered into cells from stable S-nitrosothiol compounds has revealed a variety of pathways, in particular denitrosation by enzymes located at the cell surface, and transport of intact S-nitrosocysteine via the amino acid transporter system-L (L-AT). Differences in the role of these pathways in platelets and vascular cells may in part explain the reported platelet-selective action. In addition, emerging evidence that S-nitrosothiols regulate key targets on the exofacial surfaces of cells involved in the thrombotic process (for example, protein disulphide isomerase, integrins and tissue factor) suggests novel antithrombotic actions, which may not even require transmembrane delivery of NO.

Bluish-green color emitting Ba2Si3O8:Eu2+ ceramic phosphors for white light-emitting diodes

This paper reports on the structural and optical properties of Eu(2+) activated Ba(2)Si(3)O(8) ceramic phosphors synthesized by a sol-gel method. The ceramic phosphors have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and fluorescence measurements. The structural characterization results suggest that the as-prepared phosphors are of single phase monoclinic Ba(2)Si(3)O(8) with rod-like morphology. A broad excitation band ranging from 300 to 410 nm matches well with the ultraviolet (UV) radiation of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Upon 380 nm UV light excitation, these phosphors emit bluish-green emission centered at 500 nm with color coordination (x=0.25, y=0.40). All the obtained results indicate that the Ba(2)Si(3)O(8):Eu(2+) ceramic phosphors are promising bluish-green candidates for the phosphor-converted white LEDs.

Warm white light from Y4MgSi3O13:Bi3+, Eu3+ nanophosphor for white light-emitting diodes

Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13):Bi(3+), Eu(3+) nanophosphors have been prepared by a facile sol-gel method. The products have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence measurements. The results show that the nanophosphors are of single phase hexagonal Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13) with size-distribution of 50-90 nm in diameter. White-light emission has been obtained from Bi(3+) and Eu(3+) co-doped Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13) nanophosphors upon excitation of 350 nm ultraviolet light. It is noted that Bi(3+) ions can occupy two different Y(3+) sites and generate different emissions from the (3)p(1) --> (1)s(0) transition. Warm white light has been obtained from Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13):Bi(3+), Eu(3+) nanophosphors according to Commission International de I'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates and color temperature (T(c)) with appropriately adjusted contents of Bi(3+) and Eu(3+). The results indicate that Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13):0.08Bi(3+), 0.04Eu(3+) (x = 0.31, y = 0.31, T(c) = 6907 K) are potential nanophosphors for white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) applications.

Quantum effects in a weakly frustrated s=1/2 two-dimensional heisenberg antiferromagnet in an applied magnetic field

We have studied the two-dimensional S=1/2 square-lattice antiferromagnet Cu(pz)_{2}(ClO4)_{2} (where pz denotes pyrazine), using neutron inelastic scattering and series expansion calculations. We show that the presence of antiferromagnetic next-nearest-neighbor interactions enhances quantum fluctuations associated with resonating valence bonds. Intermediate magnetic fields lead to a selective tuning of resonating valence bonds and a spectacular inversion of the zone-boundary dispersion, providing novel insight into 2D antiferromagnetism in the quantum limit.

Enlarged extracellular space of aquaporin-4-deficient mice does not enhance diffusion of Alexa Fluor 488 or dextran polymers

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) water channels expressed on glia have been implicated in maintaining the volume of extracellular space (ECS). A previous diffusion study employing small cation tetramethylammonium and a real-time iontophoretic (RTI) method demonstrated an increase of about 25% in the ECS volume fraction (alpha) in the neocortex of AQP4(-/-) mice compared to AQP4(+/+) mice but no change in the hindrance imposed to diffusing molecules (tortuosity lambda). In contrast, other diffusion studies employing large molecules (dextran polymers) and a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) method measured a decrease of about 10%-20% in lambda in the neocortex of AQP4(-/-) mice. These conflicting findings on lambda would imply that large molecules diffuse more readily in the enlarged ECS of AQP4(-/-) mice than in wild type but small molecules do not. To test this hypothesis, we used integrative optical imaging (IOI) to measure tortuosity with a small Alexa Fluor 488 (molecular weight [MW] 547, lambda(AF)) and two large dextran polymers (MW 3000, lambda(dex3) and MW 75,000, lambda(dex75)) in the in vitro neocortex of AQP4(+/+) and AQP4(-/-) mice. We found that lambda(AF)=1.59, lambda(dex3)=1.76 and lambda(dex75)=2.30 obtained in AQP4(-/-) mice were not significantly different from lambda(AF)=1.61, lambda(dex3)=1.76, and lambda(dex75)=2.33 in AQP4(+/+) mice. These IOI results demonstrate that lambda measured with small and large molecules each remain unchanged in the enlarged ECS of AQP4(-/-) mice compared to values in AQP4(+/+) mice. Further analysis suggests that the FRAP method yields diffusion parameters not directly comparable with those obtained by IOI or RTI methods. Our findings have implications for the role of glial AQP4 in maintaining the ECS structure.