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Stick–slip is a standard friction-induced self-excited vibration that usually occurs in the boundary or mixed lubrication regimes. Broadening of the hydrodynamic lubrication regime is conducive to suppressing stick–slip motion. In this paper, the load carrying capacity of a magnetic fluid (MF) film in the presence of a magnetic field is derived based on the modified Reynolds equation. An additional lifting force produced by MF under the magnet was applied between the tribopairs to achieve the full fluid lubrication. Thus, the stick–slip is expected to be inhibited in a lower speed scope. The effect of magnet thickness on the lifting force is investigated experimentally and theoretically. Special attention is given to the influence of the lifting force on the friction and the critical transition speed of the hydrodynamic lubrication regime. Results demonstrate that the lifting force increases with the increment of the magnet thickness. The presence of the additional lifting force expands the hydrodynamic lubrication and makes the critical transition speed move left, as shown by the friction transitions on the Stribeck curve. Therefore, stick–slip motion can be suppressed at a lower sliding speed. Such beneficial effects are more pronounced in thicker magnets. It can be confirmed that, so long as the lifting force is higher than the normal load, the friction will invariably operate in the full film lubrication and the stick-slip motion may be eliminated theoretically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the effect of using invisible appliances to correct Class II malocclusion on the temporomandibular joint. Methods Seventy patients with Class II malocclusion were selected and divided into an observation group (n = 35) and a control group (n = 35) using the envelope method. The observation group received invisible orthodontic treatment, while the control group received self-locking bracket orthodontic treatment. The changes in temporomandibular joint angles and gaps and so on between the two groups were observed. Results The changes before and after correction of the lower internal angle at the intersection of the long axis of the upper central incisor and the anterior skull base plane (U1-SN), angle between the long axis of the upper central incisor and the line connecting the nasal root point and the upper alveolar seating point (U1-NA) in the observation group were (11.05 ± 1.01) ° and (4.75 ± 0.76) °, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The changes in maxillary central incisors, maxillary lateral incisors, mandibular central incisors, and mandibular lateral incisors before and after treatment in the observation group were (0.51 ± 0.21) mm, (0.40 ± 0.15) mm, (0.40 ± 0.13) mm, and (0.20 ± 0.05) mm, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The changes in Plaque Index (PLI), Gingival Index (GI), and Exploration Depth (PD) before and after correction in the observation group were (0.44 ± 0.19) points, (0.41 ± 0.13) points, and (0.38 ± 0.10) mm, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Invisible appliances have good application value in correcting Class II malocclusion, which is beneficial for improving the temporomandibular joint of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of polymer sodium batteries requires cathode materials with stable interfaces to avoid poor interfacial contact and interfacial side reactions during cycling. Here, a co‐engineering strategy is deployed to tailor the cathode internal structure and improve the cathode interface stability through bonding interactions. Internally, the effect of low‐cost Fe substitution in the obtained Na0.67Mn2/3Fe1/3O2 cathode material renders favorable effects in several aspects. First, the increased lattice constant facilitates Na+ intercalation and thereby lowers the diffusion barrier of Na+ ions. Second, it increases the electronic conductivity, thereby improving the reaction reversibility. Third, the MnO bond length is shortened, which alleviates the Jahn‐Taylor effect and improves structural stability. In addition to these internal effects, the FeOB bond interactions due to Fe substitution promote the decomposition of the tris(trimethylsilane)borate additive and the formation of a dense and uniform cathode electrolyte interface film, leading to improved cycling stability. Owing to the co‐engineering of both internal structure and surface modification, the polymer solid‐state sodium battery with a stable interface exhibits a specific capacity of 85.2 mAh g‐1 after 800 cycles at 1 C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) have been implicated in neuropathological processes following ischemic stroke. However, the target proteins of SUMOylation and their contribution to neuronal injury remain to be elucidated. MLK3 (mixed-lineage kinase 3), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) family, is a critical regulator of neuronal lesions following cerebral ischemia. Here, we found that SUMOylation of MLK3 increases in both global and focal ischemic rodent models and primary neuronal models of oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). SUMO1 conjugation at the Lys401 site of MLK3 promoted its activation, stimulated its downstream p38/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) cascades, and led to cell apoptosis. The interaction of MLK3 with PIAS3, a SUMO ligase, was elevated following ischemia and reperfusion. The PINIT domain of PIAS3 was involved in direct interactions with MLK3. Overexpression of the PINIT domain of PIAS3 disrupted the MLK3-PIAS3 interaction, inhibited SUMOylation of MLK3, suppressed downstream signaling, and reduced cell apoptosis and neurite damage. In rodent ischemic models, the overexpression of the PINIT domain reduced brain lesions and alleviated deficits in learning, memory, and sensorimotor functions. Our findings demonstrate that brain ischemia-induced MLK3 SUMOylation by PIAS3 is a potential target against poststroke neuronal lesions and behavioral impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-excited oscillations that occur in the cryogenic helium tube system are seen as thermoacoustic instabilities. To increase the operation stability of the system and suppress the conversion of thermal energy into acoustic waves, one solution where an external sound source driven by a piston is applied to control oscillations in a helium tube system. In this work, a numerical study of minimizing self-excited oscillations is conducted. Oscillation frequency and amplitude of the coupling system of the helium tube system and the external sound source are acquired as functions of the piston speed and frequency. It is found that the suppression of pressure oscillations can be achieved when the driving frequency is far from the self-excited oscillation frequency of the cryogenic helium tube. Increasing the driving speed of the piston gives rise to the coupling oscillation amplitude, and the control strategy leads to 99.2% oscillation amplitude reduction. Moreover, the nonlinear dynamics behavior caused by the coupling of self-excited oscillations and the external sound source is revealed. Synchronization of frequency occurs when the system is coupled to the external sound source oscillating with different frequencies. Our findings could provide a guideline in minimizing self-excited oscillations in the cryogenic helium system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional studies of the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification have been limited by an inability to map individual m6A-modified sites in whole transcriptomes. To enable such studies, here, we introduce m6A-selective allyl chemical labeling and sequencing (m6A-SAC-seq), a method for quantitative, whole-transcriptome mapping of m6A at single-nucleotide resolution. The method requires only ~30 ng of poly(A) or rRNA-depleted RNA. We mapped m6A modification stoichiometries in RNA from cell lines and during in vitro monocytopoiesis from human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). We identified numerous cell-state-specific m6A sites whose methylation status was highly dynamic during cell differentiation. We observed changes of m6A stoichiometry as well as expression levels of transcripts encoding or regulated by key transcriptional factors (TFs) critical for HSPC differentiation. m6A-SAC-seq is a quantitative method to dissect the dynamics and functional roles of m6A sites in diverse biological processes using limited input RNA.m6A-SAC-seq uses chemical labeling to quantify m6A at single-base resolution in the mammalian transcriptome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: quantitative; RNA m6A; sequencing technology; single nucleotide EN quantitative RNA m6A sequencing technology single nucleotide 1 3 3 11/14/22 20221001 NES 221001 We recently reported m SP 6 sp A Selective Allyl Chemical labelling and sequencing (m SP 6 sp A-SAC-seq) to map whole-transcriptome RNA m SP 6 sp A at single-nucleotide resolution with stoichiometric information. To date, more than 150 chemical modifications have been found on RNA, including m SP 6 sp A, m SP 1 sp A, pseudo-uridine and m SP 5 sp C.1,2 These modifications regulate gene expression at a critical level of the "epitranscriptome". m SP 6 sp A is the most abundant internal mRNA and the most extensively studied modification to date. [Extracted from the article]

In this study, W-Ni 3 Al alloys with fine grain size and outstanding integrated mechanical properties were fabricated based on mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering (SPS), modified by adding a small amount of cobalt powder. It was found that the alloy was strengthened by the diffusion of Co and W elements into the Ni 3 Al lattice to form (Ni,Co) 3 (Al,W) solid solution during the sintering, where Al 2 O 3 particles in-situ formed at the interface between binder phase and tungsten grains, and therefore became obstacles to impeding the dislocation movement. Such obstacles would lead to restraints of dissolution-reprecipitation of tungsten grains, resulting in refined tungsten grains and strengthening effect in the sintered alloys. The synergistic effect of these two kinds of strengthening significantly improved the mechanical properties of W-Ni 3 Al alloy. As a result, the W-9Ni 3 Al-1Co alloy sintered at a low temperature of 1250 °C had the best room-temperature mechanical properties, and its bending strength, tensile strength and hardness were 1519.48 MPa, 783.24 MPa and 71.1 HRA, respectively. • W-Ni 3 Al-Co alloy with excellent mechanical properties was fabricated. • (Ni,Co) 3 (Al,W) solid solution was formed by atomic diffusion during SPS. • Al 2 O 3 phase was generated on the Ni 3 Al surface by in-situ oxidation. • Solid-solution and fine-grained strengthening enhanced alloy's mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification and EGFRvIII mutation drive glioblastoma (GBM) pathogenesis, but their regulation remains elusive. Here we characterized the EGFR/EGFRvIII "interactome" in GBM and identified thyroid receptor-interacting protein 13 (TRIP13), an AAA + ATPase, as an EGFR/EGFRvIII-associated protein independent of its ATPase activity. Functionally, TRIP13 augmented EGFR pathway activation and contributed to EGFR/EGFRvIII-driven GBM growth in GBM spheroids and orthotopic GBM xenograft models. Mechanistically, TRIP13 enhanced EGFR protein abundance in part by preventing Cbl-mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Reciprocally, TRIP13 was phosphorylated at tyrosine(Y) 56 by EGFRvIII and EGF-activated EGFR. Abrogating TRIP13 Y56 phosphorylation dramatically attenuated TRIP13 expression-enhanced EGFR signaling and GBM cell growth. Clinically, TRIP13 expression was upregulated in GBM specimens and associated with poor patient outcome. In GBM, TRIP13 localized to cell membrane and cytoplasma and exhibited oncogenic effects in vitro and in vivo, depending on EGFR signaling but not the TRIP13 ATPase activity. Collectively, our findings uncover that TRIP13 and EGFR form a feedforward loop to potentiate EGFR signaling in GBM growth and identify a previously unrecognized ATPase activity-independent mode of action of TRIP13 in GBM biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work demonstrated a significant hydrogen isotopes permeation resistance in nitride nano-multilayer coatings. Dense and homogeneous CrN/AlTiN nano-multilayer coatings with different period-thicknesses were fabricated as hydrogen isotopes permeation barriers (HIPB) to highlight the effect of interface on hydrogen isotopes permeation resistance. Deuterium permeation measurement found that the nano-multilayer coatings had much higher permeation reduction factors (PRF) than the corresponding monolayer coatings, and more importantly there was an interface-number-dependent deuterium permeation resistance where the nano-multilayer coating containing more interfaces had higher PRF. Interfaces in the nano-multilayer coatings play a key role in the significant improved deuterium permeation resistance which was explained from three aspects. Ceramic nano-multilayer coatings offer a promising alternative for the design and preparation of HIPB in the hydrogen related fields. Image 1 • Nano-multilayer coatings had higher PRF than corresponding monolayer coatings. • An interface-number-dependent deuterium permeation resistance was discovered. • Interfaces play a key role in the improved deuterium permeation resistance. • Ceramic nano-multilayer coatings offer a promising alternative for HIPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an innovative method of adopting a piping insert with an abrupt contraction or expansion structure has been proposed to eliminate undesirable thermally driven gas oscillations in cryogenic systems. In addition, the influences of the piping inserts' geometrical parameters and position on the performance of thermoacoustic oscillation in cryogenic systems have been investigated. A series of simulations has been conducted, and simulation bifurcation diagrams show that thermoacoustic oscillation can be completely stopped, which, in other words, is called the amplitude death (AD) phenomenon. When the pipeline inserts are equipped in the cold part, AD can be achieved regardless of the pipeline inserts' radius. When the pipeline inserts are located in the warm part, AD can be realized by the pipe inserts with an abrupt contraction. The identification of nonlinear characteristics of different state transitions with different insert geometries is further conducted by unfolding these original time series in an embedding space. The nonlinear change process of thermoacoustic oscillation is demonstrated in the phase space diagrams. As the insert radius increases, the system transforms from a periodic state to a quasi-periodic state and then from a quasi-periodic state to an AD state. This work will have practical impacts on the design of oscillation-free piping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Na 0.67Mn 2/3Fe 1/3O 2; crystal structural stability; polymer sodium batteries; stable interfaces; uniform CEI filmsPolymer Sodium BatteriesIn article number 2214904, Hong Jin Fan and co‐workers show that the polyhydroxylated organic molecular additive, trehalose, can suppress hydrogen evolution side‐reactions and zinc dendrite growth effectively in rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries by reconstructing hydrogen bond networks and reconfiguring the solvation structure of Zn2+..By Jun Pan; Lulu Hu; Yuchen Zhang; Tao Zhang; Nana Wang; Shixue Dou and Hong Jin FanReported by Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

Transcription initiates the formation of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) regions within the genome, delineating transcription bubbles, a highly dynamic genomic process. Kethoxal-assisted single-stranded DNA sequencing (KAS-seq) utilizing N3-kethoxal has emerged as a potent tool for mapping specific guanine positions in ssDNA on a genome-wide scale. However, the original KAS-seq method required the costly Accel-NGS Methyl-seq DNA library kit. This study introduces an optimized iteration of the KAS-seq technique, referred to as adapter-tagged KAS-seq (atKAS-seq), incorporating an adapter tagging strategy. This modification involves integrating sequencing adapters via complementary strand synthesis using random N9 tagging. Additionally, by harnessing the potential of ascorbic acid (ASC), recognized for inducing global epigenetic changes, we employed the atKAS-seq methodology to elucidate critical pathways influenced by short-term, high-dose ASC treatment. Our findings underscore that atKAS-seq enables rapid and precise analyses of transcription dynamics and enhancer activities concurrently. This method offers a streamlined, cost-efficient, and low-input approach, affirming its utility in probing intricate genomic regulatory mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoacoustic oscillations generally exist in combustion devices and cryogenic systems, causing system instability and other problems. The actual cryogenic system has complex pipe connections, however, there are few studies on the thermoacoustic oscillation of complex structures, which brings challenges to suppressing thermoacoustic instability. Therefore, this study focuses on the T-shaped helium tube existing in the actual cryogenic system and explores the oscillation characteristics of the complex cryogenic thermoacoustic system. With the change of branch position and length, mode transition phenomenon appears. We obtained the effects of the branch position and length on the amplitude and frequency of each mode and found that the self-excited oscillation in the T-shaped tube could be suppressed to some extent by choosing the proper length and position of the branch tube. Further research found that the first mode of the oscillating pressure in the main and branch tube was in-phase synchronized, and the second mode was antiphase synchronized. By linking the flow direction with the oscillation mode, it is found that the first mode corresponds to the first flow direction, and the second mode corresponds to the second or third flow direction. The finding is valuable for understanding thermoacoustic oscillations in T-tubes and provides a reference for controlling the self-excited oscillation of complex cryogenic systems. • The effects of two critical parameters on thermoacoustic oscillations of T-shaped cryogenic helium tubes are studied. • The mode transition phenomenon is found, and the mode variation law is obtained. • Choosing the proper branch position and length can suppress self-excited oscillation. • The asynchrony of oscillation pressure in the main and branch tube is reflected in the second mode. • The corresponding relationship between the oscillation mode and the flow direction is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactoferrin (LTF), a multifunctional glycoprotein of the transferrin family mainly found in exotic secretions in mammals, is an important defense molecule against not only microbial invasion but also tumors. It folds into two globular domains (N- and C-lobes) each containing an iron-binding site. The cationic antimicrobial peptide in N-lobe is known to exert anti-tumor effect via a non-receptor-mediated pathway. However, whether LTF C-lobe also contributes to its anti-tumor activity remains to be investigated. In this study, a human LTF fragment (amino acid residues 343–682) covering the C-lobe was expressed with a histidine tag inE. coliand the purified polypeptide refolded through a series of buffer changing procedure. The resultant recombinant protein caused significant growth arrest of breast carcinoma cells MDA-MB-231 in a dose- and time-dependent manner, evidently via induction of apoptosis of the cell. Our data suggest a positive role for the C-lobe of human LTF in controlling tumors in vitro. Recombinant human lactoferrin C-lobe exhibited significant inhibitory effect on the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells and morphological changes in a dose and time-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification. Ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins are involved in DNA demethylation through iteratively oxidizing 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC) and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC). Here we show that human TET1 and TET2 are more active on 5mC-DNA than 5hmC/5fC-DNA substrates. We determine the crystal structures of TET2-5hmC-DNA and TET2-5fC-DNA complexes at 1.80 Å and 1.97 Å resolution, respectively. The cytosine portion of 5hmC/5fC is specifically recognized by TET2 in a manner similar to that of 5mC in the TET2-5mC-DNA structure, and the pyrimidine base of 5mC/5hmC/5fC adopts an almost identical conformation within the catalytic cavity. However, the hydroxyl group of 5hmC and carbonyl group of 5fC face towards the opposite direction because the hydroxymethyl group of 5hmC and formyl group of 5fC adopt restrained conformations through forming hydrogen bonds with the 1-carboxylate of NOG and N4 exocyclic nitrogen of cytosine, respectively. Biochemical analyses indicate that the substrate preference of TET2 results from the different efficiencies of hydrogen abstraction in TET2-mediated oxidation. The restrained conformation of 5hmC and 5fC within the catalytic cavity may prevent their abstractable hydrogen(s) adopting a favourable orientation for hydrogen abstraction and thus result in low catalytic efficiency. Our studies demonstrate that the substrate preference of TET2 results from the intrinsic value of its substrates at their 5mC derivative groups and suggest that 5hmC is relatively stable and less prone to further oxidation by TET proteins. Therefore, TET proteins are evolutionarily tuned to be less reactive towards 5hmC and facilitate the generation of 5hmC as a potentially stable mark for regulatory functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing ceramic coating with high hydrogen isotopes permeation resistance is an urgent task in many fields such as fusion reactor systems, hydrogen storage/transportation, and fuel cell. In this work, a (TiVAlCrZr)O multi-component metal oxide glass (MCMOG) coating is developed as a new type of hydrogen isotopes permeation barrier (HIPB), and the diffusion behavior of deuterium in MCMOG is studied for the first time. Compared with the deuterium permeation reduction factor (DPRF) of 51 for amorphous alumina coating (at 587 °C in 0.65 µm), the 29 nm dense MCMOG coating has around 27 times enhancement with DPRF of 1420 at 550 °C. Based on first-principles calculations, we show that the significantly suppressed deuterium permeation in MCMOGs is attributed to the sluggish diffusion of deuterium arising from the highly rugged energy landscape, which is induced by the diversity of electronic band structures near the Fermi level. In addition, oxygen vacancies strongly affect PRF, where the PRF of the fully oxidized MCMOG layer (29 nm) is around 200 times compared to that of MCMOG with the same thickness containing oxygen vacancies. Therefore, dense MCMOG is a new promising HIPB material. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Minimizing self-excited thermoacoustic oscillations in cryogenic system is studied. • The dynamics of cryogenic thermoacoustic system subjected to acoustic forcing are investigated. • The phase relationships between self-excited and coupled waves are analyzed. • For small driving phase, the oscillation-free operation is achieved finally. Self-excited thermoacoustic oscillations usually occur in many practical systems such as rocket motors, gas turbines and cryogenic distribution systems. We study the dynamics of a self-excited cryogenic thermoacoustic system subjected to acoustic forcing. The effect of the driving phase on the amplitude of the coupled oscillation is analyzed and the results present two states. To provide a guide for the selection of driving signal, the dynamics of a self-excited cryogenic thermoacoustic system subjected to acoustic forcing are investigated. When ϕ = 30 ° , the radius of the limit cycle gradually shrinks, and self-oscillation amplitude is suppressed by 99.5%. For small driving phase, the self-oscillation can be suppressed, while for large driving phase, the phase portraits depict period-1 limit cycle oscillations. The results show that excessive driving phase has unfavorable effect on self-excited oscillation, and small drive phase can achieve oscillation suppression better. To reveal the coupling mechanism of externally forced oscillation and system self-excited oscillation, the phase relationships between self-excited oscillations and coupling pressure fluctuation waves in different periods are analyzed. Hence, the work indicates that under low-frequency disturbances, the system oscillation will have a phase delay, which will cause the hysteresis dissipation and restrain the system oscillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: TET proteins oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) on DNA and play important roles in various biological processes. Mutations of TET2 are frequently observed in myeloid malignance. Here, we present the crystal structure of human TET2 bound to methylated DNA at 2.02 Å resolution. The structure shows that two zinc fingers bring the Cys-rich and DSBH domains together to form a compact catalytic domain. The Cys-rich domain stabilizes the DNA above the DSBH core. TET2 specifically recognizes CpG dinucleotide and shows substrate preference for 5mC in a CpG context. 5mC is inserted into the catalytic cavity with the methyl group orientated to catalytic Fe(II) for reaction. The methyl group is not involved in TET2-DNA contacts so that the catalytic cavity allows TET2 to accommodate 5mC derivatives for further oxidation. Mutations of Fe(II)/NOG-chelating, DNA-interacting, and zinc-chelating residues are frequently observed in human cancers. Our studies provide a structural basis for understanding the mechanisms of TET-mediated 5mC oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hard carbon is expected to be a high-capacity anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, its Na+ storage performance, especially the low discharge capacity, remains a great challenge. Herein, the soft-hard carbon composite anodes with high degree of graphitization were synthesized via low-temperature pyrolysis (at only 900 °C) of Cobalt-catalyzed perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA-Co) and cotton, with subsequent removal of cobalt. The composite resulting from a 2:3 mass ratio of soft to hard carbon exhibits a good discharge capacity of 355.81 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 and an enhanced initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 81.41%. The enhanced electrochemical storage performance of cotton is attributed to the introduction of PTCDA-Co, which creates low-defect graphitic layer, hierarchical porous channels, and carbon shielding coating on hard carbon. [Display omitted] • Highly graphitized carbon composite anodes synthesized from cotton carbon and PTCDA-Co at 900 °C. • PCo-HC 2–3 shows 355.81 mAh/g discharge capacity at 50 mA g−1 with ICE 81.41%. • The Na+ storage mechanism in PCo-HC 2–3 is an adsorption-insertion/filling mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A solution to control thermoacoustic oscillations is proposed. • Dual temperature gradient is developed by the introduction of the adjustment tube. • The influence of parameters sensitive to the oscillation-free operation is revealed. • The phase relationship between acoustic waves is identified. Suppression of gas oscillation is essential to realize the stable operation of the cryogenic helium piping systems. In the current study, a structural solution, that is, a tube is connected to the main pipe as an adjustment accessory to control unfavourable gas oscillations. The model with dual temperature gradients is developed by introducing an adjustment tube. The effects of the parameter sensitive to the distribution of the dual temperature gradients on the thermoacoustic oscillation (TAO) characteristics are revealed. The results demonstrate that the asymmetry of the temperature distribution and a large frequency deviation makes it easier to achieve the oscillation-free operation of the system. At the initial start-up stage, the phase relationship between the acoustic waves is shown. As the cold length to warm length ratio decreases, the phase difference between sound waves increases, and the oscillation-free operation is accomplished when the cold length to warm length ratio is 0.11. Therefore, an approach of adjusting the length ratio in the adjustment tube can control thermoacoustic oscillations of cryogenic fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A low temperature process to prepare Al 2 O 3 /Fe-Al gradient hydrogen permeation barrier is proposed. • The mechanism for the different growth behavior of Al 2 O 3 in the polished and unpolished samples is also discussed. • The deuterium permeation reduction factor value of the Al2O3/Fe-Al coated 316 L in this work are ∼10,000 at 400 °C. Tritium permeation barrier (TPB) coating technology is one of the most effective methods to solve the problem of permeation and leakage of tritium through the structural materials to the coolant, environment, and other functional components in tritium breeder blanket modules (TBMs). Alumina coatings prepared by in-situ oxidation of aluminized steel shows a high permeation reduced factor (PRF) and self-healing ability. However, to eliminate the Al 5 Fe 2 phase in the aluminizing process, the stainless-steel substrate is often heat treated under high temperature conditions for a long time which leads to the degeneration of steel. In this work, a gradient alumina TPB coating was prepared on 316 L stainless steel by aluminizing process at low temperature. The influence of Al 5 Fe 2 on the formation of Al 2 O 3 is studied. The mechanism for the different growth behavior of Al 2 O 3 in the polished and unpolished samples is also discussed. Compared to the polished samples, the existence of porous Al 5 Fe 2 layer in unpolished sample changes the diffusion behavior of Al and leads to the formation of an un-continuous and rough Al 2 O 3 layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insufficient dynamic information on helium piping systems limits our ability to understand and identify thermoacoustic oscillation (TAO) phenomena in these systems. In this study, we investigate the associated oscillation behaviours and the effects of the temperature distribution steepness, S , and the inflection point position, x 0 , on the TAO characteristics through numerical simulations. The results indicate that x 0 has a greater impact on the oscillation behaviour and is a decisive factor for oscillation-free operation. It is found that oscillation-free operation can be achieved when x 0 = 0.9 m. To identify the nonlinear dynamic characteristics related to TAO, the original pressure time series are unfolded in phase portraits and Poincaré maps. In contrast to the period-1 and period-2 limit circle oscillations at other positions, the trajectory at x 0 = 0.9 m displays a transition from limit circles to a fixed point (zero amplitude), corresponding to a series of points including the point (0,0) in the Poincaré map. Therefore, an approach of adjusting the inflection point position can be used to control the state of the TAO, and the transition in the nonlinear dynamic characteristics can be identified, which can also provide guidelines for designers to mitigate unfavourable TAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, the relationship between microstructure and corrosion behavior of weathering steel (WS) was investigated. Meanwhile, a series of immersion tests in three solutions (S1: 3.5 wt.% NaCl, S2: 3.5 wt.% NaCl+0.052 wt.% NsHSO 3 , S3: 3.5 wt.% NaCl+0.907 wt.% NaHCO 3) and the characterization of rust after immersion were carried out. The presence of a high proportion of the random grain boundaries in WS facilitates the formation of rust in corrosive environment. Moreover, a small amount of HSO 3 - accelerates corrosion, while the acceleration effect of HCO 3 - occurs only at the beginning of immersion. This work would be valuable to bring insight into the effect of typical ions on corrosion behavior of WS. • A high fraction of random grain boundaries increase the corrosion sensitivity. • It is difficult to form rust under the combined effect of HSO 3 -and Cl-. • HCO 3 - initially accelerates corrosion compared with the solution containing Cl-. • Morphology and components of rust notably affect the corrosion behavior of steel. The microstructure and corrosion behavior of weathering steel in three solutions (S1 : 3.5 wt.% NaCl, S2 : 3.5 wt.% NaCl+0.052 wt.% NaHSO 3 , S3 : 3.5 wt.% NaCl+0.907 wt.% NaHCO 3) were investigated. A high proportion of random boundaries is responsible for strong corrosion sensitivity. The thickness of rust increases with immersion time and is in the order of S1 ＞ S3 ＞ S2. The rust formed in S1 and S2 solutions mainly consists of γ-FeOOH phase, but the latter is less protective. The rust formed in S1 solution is dense and thick resulting in its protection being similar to that in S3 solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cyclic constitutive of CP-Ti was developed based on the combined hardening model. • Local ratcheting at notch root of CP-Ti specimen was revealed by DIC technology. • Stress filed, local stress ratio, and local hysteresis curve were revealed by FE. • Cyclic characteristics at notch root were summarized though three stress regions. Damage and crack always origin from notch, and it is necessary to understand the local ratcheting and stress relaxation at notch root for commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti). Symmetric strain-controlled cyclic test for smooth CP-Ti specimen is conducted to determine the cyclic constitutive relationship based on the combined hardening model. Asymmetric force-controlled cyclic test combined with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technology is conducted to reveal local ratcheting strain distribution at notch root of CP-Ti specimen, while the distributions of stress, local stress ratio, and local hysteresis curve at notch root are obtained by finite element (FE) simulation. It is found that plastic zone, local ratcheting and stress relaxation at notch root area change significantly with cyclic load levels. In the low stress amplitude region with the mean nominal stress lower than 87 MPa, the small-scale yield occurs, and the notch root is in a state of plastic shakedown. With the mean nominal stress increasing to 96 MPa in the transition region, the notch root is in a state that exceeds the plastic shakedown limit but the continuous ratcheting progress is not found. In the high stress amplitude region with the mean nominal stress higher than 104 MPa, the plastic zone significantly expends, and the notch root is in a continuous ratcheting progress state, accompanied by stress relaxation. For a specific structural configuration, the local ratcheting at notch root is affected by both the load level and the cyclic deformation characteristics of the material. In the high stress amplitude region, the reverse yield occurs at the notch root during unloading, which promotes continuous ratcheting progress and stress redistribution, resulting in stress relaxation. The higher the load level, the larger the ratcheting strain rate, and the lower the stress relaxation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe the preparation of a chiral graphene oxides (GOs) by covalent attachment of D- or L-cysteine using a one-step hydrothermal method. The resulting chiral functionalized GOs shows circular dichroism with intensities similar to those produced by the cysteines. This indicates that the chirality of cysteines is well preserved in the chiral GOs. The material is reasonably stable at temperatures from 20 to 200 °C and at pH values from 0 to 14. A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with the chiral GOs and then tested for recognition capability for L- and D-tartrate (0.5 mM). The enantioselectivity of the chiral GOs appears to be the result of a synergistic effect where GO increases the conductivity and cysteine provides the chiral environment. The method is assumed to provide a useful general scheme for development of advanced carbonaceous materials with chiral recognition capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective was to investigate the efficacy of different doses of levothyroxine therapy among pregnant women exhibiting high-normal thyroid stimulating hormone levels and positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies throughout the first half of pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant women exhibiting high-normal thyroid stimulating hormone levels and thyroid peroxidase antibodies positivity throughout the initial half of pregnancy were selected from January 2021 to September 2023. Based on the different doses of levothyroxine, the pregnant women were categorized into the nonintervention group (G0, 122 women), 25 µg levothyroxine intervention group (G25, 69 women), and 50 µg levothyroxine intervention group (G50, 58 women). Serum parameters, gastrointestinal symptoms, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared after the intervention among the three groups. Results: After the intervention, in the G25 and G50 groups, the thyroid stimulating hormone, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein levels were notably less in contrast to those in the G0 group (P < 0.05). The rates of abdominal distension and SIBO in the G25 and G50 groups were notably lower in contrast to the G0 group (P = 0.043 and 0.040, respectively). The G50 group had a lower rate of spontaneous abortion and premature membrane rupture than the G0 group (P = 0.01 and 0.015, respectively). Before 11+ 2 weeks of gestation and at thyroid peroxidase antibodies levels ≥ 117 IU/mL, in contrast to the G0 group, the G50 group experienced a decreased rate of spontaneous abortion (P = 0.008). The G50 group had significantly higher newborn weight than the G0 group (P = 0.014), as well as a notably longer newborn length than the G0 and G25 groups (P = 0.005). Conclusions: For pregnant women with high-normal thyroid stimulating hormone levels and thyroid peroxidase antibodies positive during the first half of pregnancy, supplementation with 50 µg levothyroxine was more effective in improving their blood lipid status and gastrointestinal symptoms, reducing the incidence of SIBO and premature rupture of membranes, and before 11+2 weeks, TPOAb ≥ 117 IU/mL proved more beneficial in mitigating the risk of spontaneous abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactoferrin (LTF), an important first line defense molecule against infection, is a common target for humoral autoimmune reactions in humans. Since LTF is a multifunctional protein capable of activating innate immune cells via various surface receptors, we hypothesized that LTF-containing immune complexes (ICs) (LTF-ICs), likely formed in patients with high titer anti-LTF autoantibodies, could possess unique monocyte/macrophage-activating properties compared with other ICs. ELISA analysis on serum samples from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (n = 80) and healthy controls (n = 35) for anti-LTF autoantibodies confirmed a positive correlation between circulating LTF-specific IgG and RA. ICs between human LTF and LTF-specific IgG purified from patient sera or immunized rabbits and mice, but not control ICs, LTF or Abs alone, elicited strong production of TNF-α and IL-1β by freshly fractionated human peripheral blood monocytes and monocytes-derived macrophages. Furthermore, LTF-ICs utilized both membrane-anchored CD14 and CD32a (FcγRIIa) to trigger monocyte activation in an internalization-, Toll-like receptor (TLR)4- and TLR9-dependent manner, and also that LTF-IC-induced cytokine production was blocked by specific inhibitors of caspase-1, NF-κB and MAPK. These results uncover a possible pathway for LTF-ICs perpetuating local inflammation and contributing to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases by triggering activation of infiltrating monocytes or tissue macrophages in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic pressure amplifier tubes (APAT) have shown excellent performance in thermoacoustic engine (TAE) systems when coupled with loads. Nonetheless, the oscillatory mode transition caused by the introduction of APAT and loads can significantly influence system performance. In order to investigate the effect of APAT dimensions and load impedances on the mode transition and system performance, the TAE system coupled with APAT and load was numerically solved by CFD software. Combined with the nonlinear dynamic methods, three oscillatory states are found in the coupled system: low frequency limit cycle oscillation, quasi-periodic oscillation, and high frequency limit cycle oscillation. The parameter selection scheme favoring the excitation of high frequency modes is also given. There are the optimal APAT length, diameter, position and acoustic resistance, to allow the load to obtain the maximum acoustic power. Comparing the system performance under different oscillatory modes, it is found that the existence of high frequency modes is helpful to take full advantage of the APAT's acoustic pressure amplification effect. Furthermore, the correspondence between the oscillatory modes, the pressure distributions and the stream directions are identified. Based on this, the principle of APAT's acoustic pressure amplification under different modes is explained, and the change tendency of high frequency and low frequency with APAT length and position is predicted reasonably. We believe that this work will provide a reference for the design and optimisation of the couple between TAE and load. • Varying APAT dimensions and load impedance triggers mode transitions in TAE system. • Performance is better in high frequency mode than that in low frequency. • Show the correspondence between different physical fields. • The amplification effect of APAT is determined by the acoustic field distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The PID temperature control method is applied in the cryostat with consideration of heat capacity hysteresis. • The response of temperature oscillation under different PID modes is analyzed. • The proper PID coefficients are given to satisfy the temperature stability of the cryostats. • The temperature time series are unfolded in phase portraits and Poincaré maps to analyze the temperature fluctuation characteristics. A fast response active temperature control method and ultra-high temperature stability in a cryostat are essential for the low-temperature primary gas thermometry. In this paper, numerical analysis models of the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) active temperature control method on a cryocooler-based cryostat's performance with different coefficients are constructed. Furthermore, the heat capacity hysteresis is also considered to reduce temperature fluctuation further. The response of temperature oscillations under different PID modes is analyzed and compared to address the difficulty in accurately regulating the temperature oscillations. The system can quickly respond to the required temperature by predicting and optimizing the control coefficients. The flange temperature fluctuations are reduced by magnitude. We unfolded the temperature time series in phase portraits and Poincaré maps to identify the temperature fluctuation characteristics with different regulation coefficients. Numerical research in this paper realizes a faster response to disturbances with better temperature stability according to the dynamic characteristics of temperature fluctuation in the sample chamber. The pre-calculation of the control coefficient makes the heating power fluctuate in a small range, preventing overshoot and effectively reducing the percussion to the experimental equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf chlorophyll content is an important indicator of the physiological and ecological functions of plants. Accurate estimation of leaf chlorophyll content is necessary to understand energy, carbon, and water exchange between plants and the atmosphere. The leaf chlorophyll content index (CCI) of 109 Moso bamboo samples (19 for training data, 19 for validation data, and 71 for extrapolation data) was measured from December 2019 to May 2021, while their corresponding red–green–blue (RGB) images were acquired using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform. A method for estimating leaf CCI based on constructing relationships between field leaf CCI measurements and UAV RGB images was evaluated. The results showed that a modified excess blue minus excess red index and 1.4 × H-S in the hue–saturation–value (HSV) color space were the most suitable variables for estimating the leaf CCI of Moso bamboo. No noticeable difference in accuracy between the linear regression model and backpropagation neural network (BPNN) model was found. Both models performed well in estimating leaf CCI, with an R2 > 0.85 and relative root mean square error (RMSEr) < 15.0% for the validation data. Both models failed to accurately estimate leaf CCI during the leaf-changing period (April to May in off-year), with the problems being overestimation in low leaf CCI and underestimation in high leaf CCI values. At a flight height of 120 m and illumination between 369 and 546 W/m2, the CCI for an independent sample dataset was accurately estimated by the models, with an R2 of 0.83 and RMSEr of 13.78%. Flight height and solar intensity played a role in increasing the generality of the models. This study provides a feasible and straightforward method to estimate the leaf CCI of Moso bamboo based on UAV RGB images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent paper by Fattahi et al. (Int J Adv Manuf Technol 65:787-802, ), a mathematical model is presented for a two-stage assembly scheduling problem containing a hybrid flow shop and an assembly stage. Some constraints in the model are not valid. This note shows that some new constraints are proposed for the mathematical model. An example is proposed to present and prove this new model by executing mathematical software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: NLRP3 (NOD‐, LRR‐ and pyrin domain‐containing protein 3)‐induced pyroptosis is involved in the development of a variety of autoimmune diseases, but its role in IgG4‐related sialadenitis (IgG4‐RS) is unclear. Methods: Salivary gland tissues from 19 patients with IgG4‐RS were designated the experimental group, and peritumoral tissues from 20 patients with benign salivary gland tumours were designated the control group. The cell morphology and fibrosis in the IgG4‐RS samples were observed by haematoxylin‐eosin (H&E) and Masson trichrome (MT) staining. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to determine pyroptosis‐related proteins (NLRP3, ASC (apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD), Caspase‐1, GSDMD (gasdermin family members, including digestive dermatin D), interleukin 1β (IL‐1β), and interleukin 18 (IL‐18)) expression levels. Results: Increased lymphoid follicle proliferation, germinal centre plasma cell infiltration, and irregular fibrosis were observed in the experimental group compared with the control group. The NLRP3, ASC, Caspase‐1, GSDMD, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 levels were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This study suggested that pyroptosis‐related proteins might be involved in IgG4‐RS pathogenesis. However, the specific cellular pathway involved and whether multiple cell death pathways contribute to the occurrence of IgG4‐RS still need to be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixing vane grids (MVGs) are an integral part of nuclear reactor fuel assembly, and significantly impact the flow and heat transfer characteristics of the coolant in a rod bundle channel. To investigate the effect of mixing vanes on subcooled flow boiling in the rod bundle channel, a multiphase flow model based on Eulerian was proposed, and was verified by comparing with the experimental data. In addition, the effects of different components in the MVG, deflection angles, and arrangements (of mixing vanes) on the axial distribution of thermal-hydraulic parameters of subcooled boiling in a 3 × 3 rod bundle channel were studied. Compared to other components, mixing vanes exhibited a stronger and more lasting influence on the generation of lateral disturbance, which resulted in a substantial decrease in the values of wall superheat and near-wall void fraction. It was found that with an increase in deflection angle of mixing vanes, the corresponding convective heat transfer increased; however, on exceeding 30°, this tendency decreased significantly. Furthermore, compared to circle-type and series-type arrangement, cross-type arrangement indicated more persistent ability to produce lateral disturbance. • Complex numerical model of 3 × 3 rod bundle with mixing vane grid (MVG) was established. • Thermal-hydraulic parameters of subcooled flow boiling were analyzed. • Effects of different components in the MVG were quantitatively compared. • Optimal deflection angle and arrangement of mixing vanes were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Effective anti‐fibrotic therapeutic solutions are unavailable so far. The heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) exerts deleterious effects in some fibrotic diseases. S‐nitrosylation (SNO) of HSP90 affects its own function. However, little is known about its role in pathological stress. Here, we investigated the effect of SNO‐HSP90 on cardiac fibrosis. Experimental Approach SNO‐HSP90 level was measured by biotin‐switch. SNO sites were identified through mass spectrometry. S‐nitrosylation site‐mutated plasmids or adeno‐associated virus, gene deletion, and pharmacological antagonists were used to identify the contribution of SNO‐HSP90 to myocardial fibrosis. Key Results: SNO‐HSP90 level was positively correlated with fibrosis marker expression in hearts from patients and significantly higher in fibrotic hearts from spontaneously hypertensive rats and mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction, as well as in angiotensin II‐ or isoprenaline‐treated neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts. S‐nitrosylated site of HSP90 at cysteine 589 was identified. Inhibition of SNO‐HSP90 by Cys589 mutation reduced fibrosis in angiotensin II‐ or isoprenaline‐treated cardiac fibroblasts. Administration of recombinant adeno‐associated virus of Cys589 mutation improved heart function and alleviated fibrosis in transverse aortic constriction mice. Mechanistically, SNO‐HSP90 stimulated binding of TGFβ receptor 2 to HSP90, in response to fibrotic stimuli, followed by increased phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of SMAD3. Additionally, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) deficiency or the iNOS inhibitor, 1400W, reduced SNO‐HSP90 levels and activation of the TGFβ/SMAD3 signalling pathway. Conclusions and Implications: Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of SNO‐HSP90 mitigates fibrosis through blocking the TGFβ/SMAD3 signalling pathway, providing a potential therapy for cardiac remodelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling has been commonly associated with tumorigenesis especially colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, an MST4‐pβ‐cateninThr40 signaling axis essential for intestinal stem cell (ISC) homeostasis and CRC development is uncovered. In response to Wnt3a stimulation, the kinase MST4 directly phosphorylates β‐catenin at Thr40 to block its Ser33 phosphorylation by GSK3β. Thus, MST4 mediates an active process that prevents β‐catenin from binding to and being degraded by β‐TrCP, leading to accumulation and full activation of β‐catenin. Depletion of MST4 causes loss of ISCs and inhibits CRC growth. Mice bearing either MST4T178E mutation with constitutive kinase activity or β‐cateninT40D mutation mimicking MST4‐mediated phosphorylation show overly increased ISCs/CSCs and exacerbates CRC. Furthermore, the MST4‐pβ‐cateninThr40 axis is upregulated and correlated with poor prognosis of human CRC. Collectively, this work establishes a previously undefined machinery for β‐catenin activation, and further reveals its function in stem cell and tumor biology, opening new opportunities for targeted therapy of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac hypertrophy is an important prepathology of, and will ultimately lead to, heart failure. However, the mechanisms underlying pathological cardiac hypertrophy remain largely unknown. This study aims to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of HINT1 (histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1) in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.Methods: HINT1 was downregulated in human hypertrophic heart samples compared with nonhypertrophic samples by mass spectrometry analysis. Hint1 knockout mice were challenged with transverse aortic constriction surgery. Cardiac-specific overexpression of HINT1 mice by intravenous injection of adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-encoding Hint1 under the cTnT (cardiac troponin T) promoter were subjected to transverse aortic construction. Unbiased transcriptional analyses were used to identify the downstream targets of HINT1. AAV9 bearing shRNA against Hoxa5 (homeobox A5) was administrated to investigate whether the effects of HINT1 on cardiac hypertrophy were HOXA5-dependent. RNA sequencing analysis was performed to recapitulate possible changes in transcriptome profile.Coimmunoprecipitation assays and cellular fractionation analyses were conducted to examine the mechanism by which HINT1 regulates the expression of HOXA5.Results: The reduction of HINT1 expression was observed in the hearts of hypertrophic patients and pressure overloaded-induced hypertrophic mice, respectively. In Hint1-deficient mice, cardiac hypertrophy deteriorated after transverse aortic construction. Conversely, cardiac-specific overexpression of HINT1 alleviated cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction. Unbiased profiler polymerase chain reaction array showed HOXA5 is 1 target for HINT1, and the cardioprotective role of HINT1 was abolished by HOXA5 knockdown in vivo. Hoxa5 was identified to affect hypertrophy through the TGF-β (transforming growth factor β) signal pathway. Mechanically, HINT1 inhibited PKCβ1 (protein kinase C β type 1) membrane translocation and phosphorylation via direct interaction, attenuating the MEK/ERK/YY1 (mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase/yin yang 1) signal pathway, downregulating HOXA5 expression, and eventually attenuating cardiac hypertrophy.Conclusions: HINT1 protects against cardiac hypertrophy through suppressing HOXA5 expression. These findings indicate that HINT1 may be a potential target for therapeutic interventions in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bulk nanostructured ceramic was prepared by embedding CNTs in YSZ-MgO nanocrystals. • He ion irradiation response of CNT-reinforced ceramic at 500 °C was studied. • Management of defects/He atoms via constructed ternary nanostructures was realized. • High ability in keeping microstructure stability and resisting radiation hardening. Developing long-lifetime bulk-form ceramic-based materials with high irradiation resistance is crucial for advanced nuclear systems. Here, we incorporated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and magnesia (MgO) nanocrystals to fabricate bulk YSZ-MgO-CNT nanocomposites with abundant ternary nanostructures by spark plasma sintering. To understand the role of tailored ternary nanostructure on irradiation, we investigated the microstructure and mechanical properties evolutions of the YSZ-MgO-CNT nanocomposites irradiated by multi-energy He+ ions at high temperature to different fluences. Compared with the single-phase YSZ and ultrafine-grained YSZ-MgO composites, the YSZ-MgO-CNT nanocomposites possessed higher ability to manage irradiation-induced He bubbles/defects via the defect-interface interactions of proposed "loading-unloading" and "loading-transporting-unloading" mechanisms for controlling the dynamical behaviors of He atoms/defects in the CNT-doped ternary nanostructures, thereby presenting more stable microstructure and better performance in resisting irradiation hardening. This work provides insight into the design of advanced inert matrix nuclear fuel and new nuclear waste management materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a prevalent RNA modification that plays a key role in regulating eukaryotic cellular mRNA functions. RNA m6A modification is regulated by two groups of cellular proteins, writers and erasers that add or remove m6A, respectively. HIV-1 RNA contains m6A modifications that modulate viral infection and gene expression in CD4+ T cells. However, it remains unclear whether m6A modifications of HIV-1 RNA modulate innate immune responses in myeloid cells that are important for antiviral immunity. Here we show that m6A modification of HIV-1 RNA suppresses the expression of antiviral cytokine type-I interferon (IFN-I) in differentiated human monocytic cells and primary monocyte-derived macrophages. Transfection of differentiated monocytic U937 cells with HIV-1 RNA fragments containing a single m6A-modification significantly reduced IFN-I mRNA expression relative to their unmodified RNA counterparts. We generated HIV-1 with altered m6A levels of RNA by manipulating the expression of the m6A erasers (FTO and ALKBH5) or pharmacological inhibition of m6A addition in virus-producing cells, or by treating HIV-1 RNA with recombinant FTO in vitro. HIV-1 RNA transfection or viral infection of differentiated U937 cells and primary macrophages demonstrated that HIV-1 RNA with decreased m6A levels enhanced IFN-I expression, whereas HIV-1 RNA with increased m6A modifications had opposite effects. Our mechanistic studies indicated that m6A of HIV-1 RNA escaped retinoic acid-induced gene I (RIG-I)-mediated RNA sensing and activation of the transcription factors IRF3 and IRF7 that drive IFN-I gene expression. Together, these findings suggest that m6A modifications of HIV-1 RNA evade innate immune sensing in myeloid cells. Author summary: HIV-1 is known as a weak inducer of antiviral cytokines including IFN-I, but it is unclear how HIV-1 evades innate immunity. Different types of RNA modifications including m6A within the HIV-1 genome modulate viral replication; however, the role of m6A modifications of HIV-1 RNA in regulating innate immune responses remains elusive. Myeloid cells including macrophages are HIV-1 target cells and critical for generating antiviral immunity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of m6A modifications of HIV-1 RNA in regulating innate immune responses in myeloid cells. We found that m6A-modified HIV-1 RNA suppresses IFN-I expression in differentiated monocytic cells and primary macrophages. Our data suggest that the cellular protein RIG-I contributes to innate sensing of m6A-defective HIV-1 RNA in differentiated monocytic cells. Our findings provide new insights into the functions and mechanisms of m6A modifications of HIV-1 RNA in regulating innate immune sensing and responses in myeloid cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bashang long-tail chickens are an indigenous breed with dual purpose in China (meat and eggs) but have low egg laying performance. To improve the low egg laying performance, a genome-wide analysis of mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) from Bashang long-tail chickens and Hy-Line brown layers was performed. A total of 16,354 mRNAs and 8691 lncRNAs were obtained from ovarian follicles. Between the breeds, 160 mRNAs and 550 lncRNAs were found to be significantly differentially expressed. Integrated network analysis suggested some differentially expressed genes were involved in ovarian follicular development through oocyte meiosis, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, and cell cycle. The impact of lncRNAs on cis and trans target genes, indicating some lncRNAs may play important roles in ovarian follicular development. The current results provided a catalog of chicken ovarian follicular lncRNAs and genes for further study to understand their roles in regulation of egg laying performance. • A genome-wide analysis of lncRNAs and mRNAs in chicken ovarian follicles was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) and polymorphisms of folate metabolism-related genes.Design: A case-control study.Setting: Urban university-based hospital.Patient(s): Two-hundred and eighteen women with URPL and 264 healthy controls.Intervention(s): None.Main Outcome Measure(s): Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction examination of sequences of the C677T and A1298C loci of the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene.Result(s): The frequency of the T allele at the MTHFR C677T locus in the URPL group was statistically significantly higher compared with the control group (odds ratio [OR] 1.324; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.014-1.729), and the presence of the CC+CT genotype was statistically significantly reduced in the URPL group (OR 0.678; 95% CI, 0.471-0.974). The frequency of the C allele at the MTHFR A1298C locus in the URPL group was statistically significantly higher than that in the control group (OR 1.557; 95% CI, 1.066-2.275), and the presence of the CC+AC genotype was statistically significantly elevated in the URPL group (OR 1.740; 95% CI, 1.137-2.661). The frequency of MTHFR 677CT/1298AC compound genotypes in the URPL group was 6.589-fold higher compared with the control group. Most patients in the URPL group carried two mutant genes (69.3%), and the percentage of patients with two mutant genes was statistically significantly higher than in the control group (OR 4.996; 95% CI, 1.650-15.129).Conclusion(s): The MTHFR 1298AC genotype and composite heterozygote genotype (677CT/1298AC) are risk factors for URPL. The risk of URPL is highest in women carrying two mutations of A1298C and C677T locus in MTHFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen and oxygen produced by water splitting under solar energy are ideal future energy sources. At present, obtaining the efficient, stable and inexpensive photocatalyst for photocatalytic overall water splitting is still a huge challenge. Cobalt phosphate (Co 3 PO 4 , CoPi) possesses proper band positions for water splitting. However, the fast recombination of photogenerated electron and hole pairs for CoPi restricts its application. Herein, strongly coupling Co 3 PO 4 -carbon dots (CoPi-CDs) composite was constructed as an effective strategy to depress the fast recombination behavior of photogenerated electron and hole pairs. CoPi-CDs show superior photocatalytic water splitting activity than that of single CoPi. When the concentration of CDs in the composite is 0.002 g CDs /g catalyst , the hydrogen production rate was obtained for approximately 0.592 μmol h −1 , as well as the oxygen evolution rate about 0.258 μmol h −1 (with 2:1 stoichiometry), which are both nearly 33 times than that of pristine CoPi. This enhanced photocatalytic activity of CoPi-CDs should ascribe to the efficient coupling effect between CoPi and CDs, which allows fast electron transfer at the interface of CoPi and CDs and thus effectively boosts the photocatalytic water splitting. The strongly coupling nanocomposites should be inspiring for further nanocomposite building for photocatalytic overall water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Isolates with chromosomally located bla CTX-M-14b form into a clade in China. • The qnrS1 gene transferred from a plasmid to the chromosome. • Being located on the chromosome causes stable existence of resistance genes. Highly fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella enterica serotype Kentucky has become widespread in recent years, largely associated with the spread of sequence type 198 (ST198), which often leads to multidrug resistance. Research on the genomic epidemiology of Salmonella Kentucky in China is currently uncommon. In this study, we analysed the genomic epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance characteristics of Salmonella Kentucky ST198 collected from foodborne disease surveillance in Shenzhen, China, during 2010–2021, using whole-genome sequencing and antibiotic susceptibility testing. In addition, 158 global Salmonella Kentucky ST198 genomes were included for comparison. Among 8559 Salmonella isolates, 43 Salmonella Kentucky ST198 isolates were detected during 2010–2021. The global Salmonella Kentucky ST198 evolutionary tree was divided into five clades, with Shenzhen isolates distributed in clades 198.1, 198.2-1 and 198.2-2, mainly clustered with Chinese strains. Strains in clade 198.2 dominated in Shenzhen and all of them showed multidrug resistance. Nine strains showed high resistance to ceftriaxone, which was associated with bla CTX-M-14b in clade 198.2-1, which was demonstrated to be located on the chromosome. Fifteen strains showed high resistance to ciprofloxacin, which was associated with carriage of qnrS1 in clade 198.2-2. qnrS1 was first located on an IncHI2 plasmid and then transferred into the chromosome. Here we report the genomic and antimicrobial resistance characterisation of Salmonella Kentucky ST198 in Shenzhen. Of particular concern, we identified for the first time a clade 198.2-1 isolate carrying bla CTX-M-14b as well as chromosomally located qnrS1 in clade 198.2-2 of Salmonella Kentucky ST198 in China, highlighting the necessity of surveillance of clade 198.2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most aggressive of all solid tumors for which no effective therapies are currently available. Oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has shown the potential to induce oncolytic cell death in a variety of cancer cells of diverse origins. However, whether oncolytic NDV displays antitumor effects in ATC remains to be investigated. We have previously shown that the oncolytic NDV strain FMW (NDV/FMW) induces oncolytic cell death in several cancer types. In the present study, we investigated the oncolytic effects of NDV/FMW in ATC.Methods: In this study, a recombinant NDV expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) was generated using an NDV reverse genetics system. The resulting virus was named after rFMW/GFP and the GFP expression in infected cells was demonstrated by direct fluorescence and immunoblotting. Viral replication was evaluated by end-point dilution assay in DF-1 cell lines. Oncolytic effects were examined by biochemical and morphological experiments in cultural ATC cells and in mouse models.Results: rFMW/GFP replicated robustly in ATC cells as did its parent virus (NDV/FMW) while the expression of GFP protein was detected in lungs and spleen of mice intravenously injected with rFMW/GFP. We further showed that rFMW/GFP infection substantially increased early and late apoptosis in the ATC cell lines, THJ-16 T and THJ-29 T and increased caspase-3 processing and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage in ATC cells as assessed by immunoblotting. In addition, rFMW/GFP induced lyses of spheroids derived from ATC cells in three-dimensional (3D) cultures. We further demonstrated that rFMW/GFP infection resulted in the activation of p38 MAPK signaling, but not Erk1/2 or JNK, in THJ-16 T and THJ-29 T cells. Notably, inhibition of p38 MAPK activity by SB203580 decreased rFMW/GFP-induced cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP in THJ-16 T and THJ-29 T cells. Finally, both rFMW/GFP and its parent virus inhibited tumor growth in mice bearing THJ-16 T derived tumors.Conclusion: Taken together, these data indicate that both the recombinant reporter virus rFMW/GFP and its parent virus NDV/FMW, display oncolytic activities in ATC cells in vitro and in vivo and suggest that oncolytic NDV may have potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for ATC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a promising energy conversion system, which has been studied a lot in recent years. However, owing to the high overpotential and sluggish kinetics of the OER, an efficient electrocatalyst is necessary to lower the overpotential and accelerate the reaction. In this paper, we report a cobalt phosphide (CoP)/carbon dots (CDs) composite as an electrocatalyst for the OER for the first time. A facile two-step method was used to synthesize the CoP/CDs composite and the concentration of CDs in the composite was further regulated. The experimental results show that when the amount of CDs in the composite is 6 mg (28.79 wt%C), the obtained CoP/CDs composite exhibits optimal electrocatalytic activity (with an overpotential of 400 mV in 1 M KOH at a current density of 10 mA cm−2) and high stability towards the OER. The good electrocatalytic activity of the composite is attributed to the small size of CoP and CDs and rapid electron transfer of CDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma facing materials (PFMs) face one of the most serious challenges in fusion reactors, including unprecedented harsh environment such as 14.1 MeV neutron and transmutation gas irradiation at high temperature. Tungsten (W) is considered to be one of the most promising PFM, however, virtually insolubility of helium (He) in W causes new material issues such as He bubbles and W “fuzz” microstructure. In our previous studies, we presented a new strategy using nanochannel structure designed in the W film to increase the releasing of He atoms and thus to minimize the He nucleation and “fuzz” formation behavior. In this work, we report the further study on the diffusion of He atoms in the nanochannel W films irradiated at a high temperature of 600 °C. More specifically, the temperature influences on the formation and growth of He bubbles, the lattice swelling, and the mechanical properties of the nanochannel W films were investigated. Compared with the bulk W, the nanochannel W films possessed smaller bubble size and lower bubble areal density, indicating that noticeable amounts of He atoms have been released out along the nanochannels during the high temperature irradiations. Thus, with lower He concentration in the nanochannel W films, the formation of the bubble superlattice is delayed, which suppresses the lattice swelling and reduces hardening. These aspects indicate the nanochannel W films have better radiation resistance even at high temperature irradiations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance radiation tolerance materials are crucial for the success of future advanced nuclear reactors. In this paper, we present a further investigation that the “vein-like” nanochannel films can enhance radiation tolerance under ion irradiation at high temperature and post-irradiation annealing. The chromium nitride (CrN) nanochannel films with different nanochannel densities and the compact CrN film are chosen as a model system for these studies. Microstructural evolution of these films were investigated using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Elastic Recoil Detection (ERD) and Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXRD). Under the high fluence He + ion irradiation at 500 °C, small He bubbles with low bubble densities are observed in the irradiated nanochannel CrN films, while the aligned large He bubbles, blistering and texture reconstruction are found in the irradiated compact CrN film. For the heavy Ar 2+ ion irradiation at 500 °C, the microstructure of the nanochannel CrN RT film is more stable than that of the compact CrN film due to the effective releasing of defects via the nanochannel structure. Under the He + ion irradiation and subsequent annealing, compared with the compact film, the nanochannel films have excellent performance for the suppression of He bubble growth and possess the strong microstructural stability. Basing on the analysis on the sizes and number densities of bubbles as well as the concentrations of He retained in the nanochannel CrN films and the compact CrN film under different experimental conditions, potential mechanism for the enhanced radiation tolerance are discussed. Nanochannels play a crucial role on the release of He/defects under ion irradiation. We conclude that the tailored “vein-like” nanochannel structure may be used as advanced radiation tolerance materials for future nuclear reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilization of high density small sinks, such as voids, to collect and store helium atoms inside might be a potential new strategy for designing nanostructured materials with high radiation resistance to swelling and embrittlement. To understand the role of pre-existing nanovoids on irradiation, we investigated the evolutions of micro-structure and mechanical properties of the YSZ/Al 2 O 3 multilayered nanofilms irradiated by He + ions to different fluences. Compared to the Al 2 O 3 monolithic film and the single crystal bulk YSZ, smaller He bubbles were found in the Al 2 O 3 layers of the YSZ/Al 2 O 3 multilayered nanofilms with pre-existing nanovoids after He + ion irradiation. The growth of He bubbles was restricted inside the Al 2 O 3 layers to avoid the formation of large bubbles. In contrast to the radiation-induced hardening in traditional materials, radiation-induced softening is observed in the YSZ/Al 2 O 3 multilayered nanofilms with pre-existing nanovoids irradiated to high fluences. In addition, the hardness to Young's modulus (H/E) ratio of the YSZ/Al 2 O 3 multilayered nanofilms increases in response to irradiation, which suggests a potential improvement in the wear resistance of the irradiated YSZ/Al 2 O 3 multilayered nanofilms. A defect “loading-unloading” effect at the interfaces was proposed to explain the enhanced radiation tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]