Sulfur isotope fractionation during incorporation of sulfur nucleophiles into organic compounds

34S enrichment is shown to occur during sulfurization reactions and for the first time conclusively attributed to an isotope equilibrium effect rather than selective addition of 34S enriched nucleophiles

Spatial and Temporal Variability of Sea Surface Temperature in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea over the Past 141 Years

The Yellow Sea and East China Sea (YES) are marginal seas in the northwest Pacific. There is in fact a smaller sea, the Bohai Sea, to the north of the Yellow Sea. For most discussions in the chapter, we shall treat the Bohai Sea as part of the Yellow Sea. The YES is one of the mostly intensively utilized sea in the world, for example, heavy fishery and marine aquaculture. The use of the YES is closely related to its climate variability, though it is not well-know because until now there has been a lack of adequate observational data. To know the climatology of sea surface temperature (SST, all the acronyms used in the chapter are listed in Table 1) in the YES and their relationship with regional and global climate have both scientific and social importance.https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/modern_climatology/1007/thumbnail.jp

Methyl Chloride from Direct Methane Partial Oxidation: A High-Temperature Shilov-Like Catalytic System

The intention of this study is to demonstrate and evaluate the scientific and economic feasibility of using special solvents to improve the thermal stability of Pt-catalyst in the Shilov system, such that a high reaction temperature could be achieved. The higher conversion rate (near 100%) of methyl chloride from partial oxidation of methane under the high temperature ({approx} 200 C) without significant Pt0 precipitation has been achieved. High concentration of the Cl- ion has been identified as the key for the stabilization of the Pt-catalysts. H/D exchange measurements indicated that the over oxidation will occur at the elevated temperature, developments of the effective product separation processes will be necessary in order to rationalize the industry-visible CH4 to CH3Cl conversion

Population genetic structure and demographic history of small yellow croaker, Larimichthys polyactis (Bleeker, 1877), from coastal waters of China

Small yellow croaker, Larimichthys polyactis (Bleeker, 1877), a commercially important benthopelagic fish, is widely distributed in the Bohai, Yellow and East China Seas. To evaluate the population genetic structure and demographic history of L. polyactis, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) control region (798 to 801 bp) in 127 individuals sampled from seven localities throughout its distribution region in China. A total of 136 polymorphic sites were detected, which defined 125 haplotypes. High haplotype diversity (1.000 ± 0.013 to 1.000 ± 0.034) and moderate nucleotide diversity (0.0112 ± 0.0061 to 0.0141 ± 0.0075) were detected in the species. The neighbor-joining tree of haplotypes was assigned into two closely related clades, but did not appear to have any geographic genealogic structure. Hierarchical molecular variance analysis (AMOVA), pair wise FST comparisons and the nearest-neighbor statistic (Snn) showed no significant genetic differences among populations in the Bohai, Yellow and East China Seas. The demographic history of L. polyactis was examined by using neutrality tests and mismatch distribution analysis, which revealed that the species had undergone a Pleistocene population expansion. The results based on the complete mtDNA control region sequences analysis indicate that within its distribution range, L. polyactis constituted a panmictic mtDNA gene pool. Factors such as dispersal capacity, ocean currents and insufficient evolution time could be responsible for the lack of population genetic differentiation in L. polyactis.Keywords: Larimichthys polyactis, mitochondrial control region, population genetic structure, demographi

Neuroprotective effects of etanercept on diabetic retinopathy via regulation of the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway

Purpose: To study the influence of etanercept on diabetic retinopathy in rats via tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Methods: Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal, model and etanercept groups. The expression of Caspase-3 was determined by immunohistochemistry, while the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of TNF-α and NF-κB were determined by Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Besides, the contents of TNF-α and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while cell apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Results: Immunohistochemical studies showed that the mean optical density of tissues positive for caspase-3 in both the model and etanercept groups were significantly higher than in the normal group (p < 0.05), while the mean optical density in the etanercept group was significantly lower than that in the model group (p < 0.05). The protein expression levels of TNF-α and NF-κB in the etanercept group were significantly lower than those in the model group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, mRNA expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB declined in the etanercept group (p < 0.05); in addition, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels in the etanercept group were lower than in the model group (p < 0.05). Cell apoptosis in the etanercept group was also lower than in the model group. Conclusion: Etanercept suppresses TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway thereby repressing inflammation and cell apoptosis in diabetic retinopathy rats. Therefore, etenercept’s neuroprotective effect may potentially be useful in developing a suitable therapy for diabetic neuropathy

A B7-CD28 Family-Based Signature Demonstrates Significantly Different Prognosis and Immunological Characteristics in Diffuse Gliomas

The B7-CD28 gene family plays a crucial role in modulating immune functions and has served as potential targets for immunotherapeutic strategies. Therefore, we systematically analyzed B7-CD28 family gene expression profiles and constructed a B7-CD28 family-based prognostic signature to predict survival and immune host status in diffuse gliomas. The TCGA dataset was used as a training cohort, and three CGGA datasets (mRNAseq_325, mRNAseq_693 and mRNA-array) were employed as validation cohorts to intensify the findings that we have revealed in TCGA dataset. Ultimately, we developed a B7-CD28 family-based signature that consisted of CD276, CD274, PDCD1LG2 and CD80 using LASSO Cox analysis. This gene signature was validated to have significant prognostic value, and could be used as a biomarker to distinguish pathological grade and IDH mutation status in diffuse glioma. Additionally, we found that the gene signature was significantly related to intensity of immune response and immune cell population, as well as several other important immune checkpoint genes, holding a great potential to be a predictive immune marker for immunotherapy and tumor microenvironment. Finally, a B7-CD28 family-based nomogram was established to predict patient life expectancy contributing to facilitate personalizing therapy for tumor sufferers. In summary, this is the first mathematical model based on this gene family with the aim of providing novel insights into immunotherapy for diffuse glioma

Using Ionic Liquids in Selective Hydrocarbon Conversion Processes

This is the Final Report of the five-year project Using Ionic Liquids in Selective Hydrocarbon Conversion Processes (DE-FC36-04GO14276, July 1, 2004- June 30, 2009), in which we present our major accomplishments with detailed descriptions of our experimental and theoretical efforts. Upon the successful conduction of this project, we have followed our proposed breakdown work structure completing most of the technical tasks. Finally, we have developed and demonstrated several optimized homogenously catalytic methane conversion systems involving applications of novel ionic liquids, which present much more superior performance than the Catalytica system (the best-to-date system) in terms of three times higher reaction rates and longer catalysts lifetime and much stronger resistance to water deactivation. We have developed in-depth mechanistic understandings on the complicated chemistry involved in homogenously catalytic methane oxidation as well as developed the unique yet effective experimental protocols (reactors, analytical tools and screening methodologies) for achieving a highly efficient yet economically feasible and environmentally friendly catalytic methane conversion system. The most important findings have been published, patented as well as reported to DOE in this Final Report and our 20 Quarterly Reports

Management strategies of marine food resources under multiple stressors with particular reference of the Yellow Sea large marine ecosystem

In this study two main management strategies are discussed: one is to develop resource conservation-based capture fisheries, and the other is to develop environmentally friendly aquaculture. During the resource recovery period, the development of environmentally friendly aquaculture should be encouraged, especially in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, which is adaptive, efficient and sustainable. For future development and better understanding the ecosystem, it is necessary to further strengthen basic research