Search

Precise control over the organic composition is crucial for tailoring the distinctive structures and properties of hybrid metal halides. However, this approach is seldom utilized to develop materials that exhibit stimuli‐responsive circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization of enantiomeric hybrid zinc bromides: biprotonated ((R/S)‐C12H16N2)ZnBr4 ((R/S‐LH2)ZnBr4) and monoprotonated ((R/S)‐C12H15N2)2ZnBr4 ((R/S‐LH1)2ZnBr4), derived from the chiral organic amine (R/S)‐2,3,4,9‐Tetrahydro‐1H‐carbazol‐3‐amine ((R/S)‐C12H14N2). These compounds showcase luminescent properties; the zero‐dimensional biprotonated form emits green light at 505 nm, while the monoprotonated form, with a pseudo‐layered structure, displays red luminescence at 599 and 649 nm. Remarkably, the reversible local protonation‐deprotonation behavior of the organic cations allows for exposure to polar solvents and heating to induce reversible structural and luminescent transformations between the two forms. Theoretical calculations reveal that the lower energy barrier associated with the deprotonation process within the pyrrole ring is responsible for the local protonation‐deprotonation behavior observed. These enantiomorphic hybrid zinc bromides also exhibit switchable circular dichroism (CD) and CPL properties. Furthermore, their chloride counterparts were successfully obtained by adjusting the halogen ions. Importantly, the unique stimuli‐responsive CPL characteristics position these hybrid zinc halides as promising candidates for applications in information storage, anti‐counterfeiting, and information encryption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimuli‐responsive circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials are ideal for information anti‐countering applications, but the best‐performing materials have not yet been identified. This work presents enantiomorphic hybrid antimony halides R‐(C5H12NO)2SbCl5 (1) and S‐(C5H12NO)2SbCl5 (2) showing mirror‐imaged CPL activity with a dissymmetry factor of 1.2×10−3. Interestingly, the DMF‐induced structural transformation is realized to obtain non‐emissive R‐(C5H12NO)2SbCl5 ⋅ DMF (3) and S‐(C5H12NO)2SbCl5 ⋅ DMF (4) upon exposure to DMF vapor. The transformation process is reversed upon heating. DFT calculations showed that the DMF‐induced‐quenched‐luminescence is attributed to the intersection of the ground and excited state curves on the configuration coordinates. Unexpectedly, the nanocrystals of the chiral antimony halides 1 and 2 were prepared and indicate the excellent solution process performance. The reversible PL and CPL switching gives the system applications in information technology, anti‐counterfeiting, encryption‐decryption, and logic gates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimuli‐responsive circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials are ideal for information anti‐countering applications, but the best‐performing materials have not yet been identified. This work presents enantiomorphic hybrid antimony halides R‐(C5H12NO)2SbCl5 (1) and S‐(C5H12NO)2SbCl5 (2) showing mirror‐imaged CPL activity with a dissymmetry factor of 1.2×10−3. Interestingly, the DMF‐induced structural transformation is realized to obtain non‐emissive R‐(C5H12NO)2SbCl5 ⋅ DMF (3) and S‐(C5H12NO)2SbCl5 ⋅ DMF (4) upon exposure to DMF vapor. The transformation process is reversed upon heating. DFT calculations showed that the DMF‐induced‐quenched‐luminescence is attributed to the intersection of the ground and excited state curves on the configuration coordinates. Unexpectedly, the nanocrystals of the chiral antimony halides 1 and 2 were prepared and indicate the excellent solution process performance. The reversible PL and CPL switching gives the system applications in information technology, anti‐counterfeiting, encryption‐decryption, and logic gates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the solvability of a nonconvex regular polynomial vector optimization problem on a nonempty closed set. We introduce regularity conditions for the polynomial vector optimization problem and study their properties and characterizations. Under the regularity conditions, we establish the nonemptiness and boundedness of the solution sets of the problem. As a by-product, we infer two Frank–Wolfe type theorems for the nonconvex polynomial vector optimization problem. Finally, we investigate the solution stability of the problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an ultraviolet completion model for pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone dark matter with a hidden U(1) gauge symmetry. Compared to previous studies, this setup is simpler, introducing less interactions. Dark matter scattering off nucleons is highly suppressed by the ultraviolet scale and direct detection constraints can be easily evaded. The kinetic mixing between the hidden U(1) and the U(1)Y gauge fields would lead to dark matter decays. We find that the current bound on the dark matter lifetime implies that the ultraviolet scale should be higher than 1010 GeV. The phenomenological constraints from the 125 GeV Higgs measurements, the dark matter relic density, and indirect detection of dark matter annihilation are also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • β-CD was modified with maleic anhydride to reduce its grafting hindrance. • The mass transfer resistence of BPA adsorption on PP-g-MAH-β-CD was explored. • A theoretical maximum saturated adsorption capacity of 169.06 mg/g was obtained. • PP-g-MAH-β-CD showed nearly unchanged BPA adsorption capacity in 15 cycles. A large amount of soluble beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was immobilized on polypropylene non-woven fabric (PP) by radiation and chemical grafting to obtain PP-g-MAH-β-CD, which can effectively adsorb bisphenol A (BPA) in water. A longer chemical chain was grafted by β-CD through the pre-modification, which effectively reduced the steric hindrance of further grafting reaction and made the grafting degree of β-CD on PP fabric higher. In addition, the adsorption mass transfer resistance of fabrics with different grafting degrees was calculated according to non-equilibrium thermodynamics to explore the effect of grafting degree on adsorption. The characterization results confirmed the successful preparation of PP-g-MAH-β-CD. The theoretical maximum saturated adsorption capacity of PP-g-MAH-β-CD was 146.55 mg/g. PP-g-MAH-β-CD was easy to recycle, and the adsorption capacity did not decrease significantly after 15 cycles of adsorption and desorption experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study a dark matter model constructed by extending the standard model with an inert SU(2)L sextuplet scalar of hypercharge 1/2. The sextuplet components are split by the quartic couplings between the sextuplet and the Higgs doublet after electroweak symmetry breaking, resulting in a dark sector with one triply charged, two doubly charged, two singly charged, and two neutral scalars. The lighter neutral scalar boson acts as a dark matter particle. We investigate the constraints on this model from the monojet + and soft-dilepton + jets + searches at the 13 TeV Large Hadron Collider, as well as from the current electroweak precision test. Furthermore, we estimate the projected sensitivities of a 100 TeV pp collider and of a future e+e− collider, and find that such future projects could probe TeV mass scales. Nonetheless, such mass scales only correspond to a subdominant component of the observed relic abundance if the dark matter particles solely originate from thermal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglial polarization modulation has been considered the potential therapeutic strategy for relieving cognitive impairment in sepsis survivors. Rosmarinic acid (RA), a water-soluble polyphenolic natural compound, processes a strong protective effect on various types of neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease, depression, and anxiety. However, its role and potential molecular mechanisms in sepsis-associated cognitive impairment remain unclear. To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effect of RA on sepsis-associated cognitive impairment and elucidate the potential mechanism of RA on regulating microglial polarization, we established a CLP-induced cognitive impairment model in mice and a lipopolysaccharide-induced microglia polarization cell model in BV-2. RACK1 siRNA was designed to identify the potential molecular mechanism of RACK1 on microglial polarization. The preventive and therapeutic effect of RA on cognitive impairment followed by PET-CT and behavioral tests including open-field test and tail suspension test. RACK1/HIF-1α pathway and microglial morphology in the hippocampus or BV-2 cells were measured. The results showed that RA significantly ameliorated the CLP-induced depressive and anxiety-like behaviors and promoted whole-brain glucose uptake in mice. Moreover, RA markedly improved CLP-induced hippocampal neuron loss and microglial activation by inhibiting microglial M1 polarization. Furthermore, experiments showed RACK1 was involved in the regulation of LPS-induced microglial M1 polarization via HIF-1α, and RA suppressed lipopolysaccharide or sepsis-associated microglial M1 polarization via RACK1/HIF-1α pathway (rescued the decrease of RACK1 and increase of HIF-1α). Taken together, RA could be a potential preventive and therapeutic medication in improving cognitive impairment through RACK1/HIF-1α pathway-regulated microglial polarization. [Display omitted] • Rosmarinic acid alleviates cognitive impairment and glycolytic metabolism abnormality in sepsis mice model. • Rosmarinic acid attenuates neuronal injury and microglial activation. • Rosmarinic acid regulates microglial polarization via RACK1/HIF-1α pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Both the gold and silver deposits were coevally formed in the Early Cretaceous. • Their initial ore-forming fluids were primarily of magmatic origin. • An abrupt change in conditions of the fluids was favorable for Au supersaturation. • Progressive precipitation in slowly cooling fluids plays key roles in Ag ore-forming. Numerous lode gold and silver deposits occurred in orogenic belts in China, although some were related to intrusions within anorogenic settings. Genesis of lode gold and silver deposits in the Tongbai-Dabie orogen remains equivocal. In this study, Rb–Sr dating, electron microprobe and LA-ICP-MS element analyses of sulfides, fluid inclusion microthermometry and H–O isotopic analyses were carried out to decipher the formation and fluids evolutions producing the super-large Yingdongpo gold and giant Poshan silver deposits. Sphalerite Rb–Sr dating yields isochron ages of 133.3 ± 3.0 Ma and 136.1 ± 1.8 Ma for the Yingdongpo and Poshan deposits, respectively, suggesting that both deposits formed coevally with Early Cretaceous granitic magmatism. H–O isotopic data indicate that the ore-forming fluids of both deposits were primarily of magmatic origin with meteoric water inputting. Their initial ore-forming fluids were CO 2 -rich, with high temperatures and intermediate salinities. At the Yingdongpo gold deposit, native gold and electrum coexist with polysulfides; invisible Au mostly occurs as nanoparticle inclusions in sulfides and is associated with As. At the Poshan silver deposit, Ag gradually increases in early to late generations of sphalerite, and is positively correlated with Pb. Silver minerals likely formed via exsolution from galena due to progressively decreasing temperatures. There are discrete processes of ore-forming fluids, with different mechanisms responsible for gold and silver mineralization. Au mineralization is related to an abrupt change of the physicochemical properties in fluids immiscibility at 190° to 265 °C; whereas Ag mineralization is favored by progressive deposition of sulfides in a slowly cooling hydrothermal system with temperatures from 317° to 88 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) activation has been shown to decrease infarct volume and enhance neuronal survival after brain ischemia-reperfusion (IR) in rodent models. The present study aims to investigate first the effect of Sig-1R activation on blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption during experimental stroke. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) for 15 min, and the worst BBB leakage was observed on the 7th day after brain IR. To confirm the BBB protective role of Sig-1R, mice were divided into five groups (sham group, BCCAO group, PRE084 group, BD1047 group, PRE084 and BD1047 group; 29–35 mice for each group), and treated with agonist PRE084 (1 mg/kg) and/or antagonist BD1047 (1 mg/kg) for 7 days intraperitoneally once a day after BCCAO. Interestingly, PRE084 administration significantly improved neurobehavioral performance as well as healing of neuron damage and white matter lesions. PRE084 also reduced the leakage of Evans blue and IgG and attenuated the disassembly of BBB structural proteins, while the neuroprotective and BBB protective functions of PRE084 were blocked by BD1047. Furthermore, in Sig-1R knockout (Sig-1R KO) mice, brain IR produced more serious IgG leakage and degradation of BBB structural proteins than in wild-type model mice. In addition, the protective effect of PRE084 against the BBB was lost in Sig-1R KO mice after brain IR. Finally, treatment with PRE084 significantly increased the expression of Sig-1R in brain microvascular endothelial cells of mice that were subjected to brain IR and increased translocation of Sig-1R to the cell plasmalemma. Thus, we identified a previously unexplored role of Sig-1R in alleviating BBB disruption in stroke processes and have demonstrated that reversing BBB rupture through Sig-1R activation may be another promising method for cerebral protection against IR injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To effectively and intuitively evaluate the “hardenability” during the design of new heat-treatable Al alloys, an experimental evaluation method by using cold-rolled thin sheets was proposed, which combined end-quenching with tensile test after aging, and eliminated the effect of different original structure of thick plate through-thickness. The “hardenability” of 2050 and 2195 Al-Li alloys was then intuitively characterized by their strength lowering as a function of distance away from the quenching end after T8-aging following end-quenching. As the distance is increased, the strength of the 2050 Al-Li alloy lowers more slowly than that of the 2195 Al-Li alloy, indicating a better “hardenability” of the 2050 Al-Li alloy. At the location with a certain distance away from the quenching end, in addition to the Cu-rich secondary phases at the grain boundary, lenticular-shaped Cu-containing secondary phases also form within grains during the end quenching process, which impede the precipitation of T1 (Al 2 CuLi) phase at the same local location during the following aging process. More importantly, the number of the intra-granular lenticular-shaped phases in the 2195 Al-Li alloy is much more than that in the 2050 Al-Li alloy, which contributes to a less “hardenability” of the 2195 Al-Li alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we devote ourselves to studying robust error bounds for a convex inequality system in the face of data uncertainty. Under the assumption that uncertain sets are convex compact, we present a sufficient condition for the existence of robust error bounds of the uncertain convex inequality system by means of the associated recession cone and recession functions. When the uncertain sets are only compact, we establish a necessary and sufficient condition for the uncertain convex inequality system to possess a robust error bound by the Ekeland variational principle. As an immediate application, we obtain robust error bounds for the uncertain convex polynomial inequality system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quench sensitivity and time-temperature-transformation (TTT) curves/time-temperature-property (TTP) curves of the 2060 Al-Cu-Li alloy with a 0.68 wt% Mg content was investigated by the quench-ending method and the interrupted quench technique. It was found that the quenching depth of the studied alloy was approximately 24 mm. The nose temperature in the TTP curves and the TTT curves were approximately 365 °C. The incubation period of the studied alloy corresponding to the curve tip temperature was approximately 0.3 s. The quenching sensitivity range was 260–440 °C. Moreover, the higher quench sensitivity of the studied alloy was ascertained to be related to a greater quantity of the Al-Cu phase containing Zn. The Al-Cu phase restrained the Cu, including the primary strengthened precipitation of the T1 phase and the θ' phases, in the subsequent ageing process. • The quenching depth of 2060 alloy containing 0.68 Mg was approximately 24 mm, less than that of the 2195 and 2050 alloys. • The lower hardenability of 2060 alloy was ascertained to be related to the greater quantity of the Al-Cu phase containing Zn. • The nasal tip temperature of 2060 alloy was approximately 365 °C. The incubation period was approximately 0.3 s • The precipitation of the Cu-rich Al-Cu phase restrained the Cu-containing precipitation, including the T1 and θ' phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious new worldwide public health crisis with significant morbidity and mortality, effective therapeutic treatments are urgently needed. Drug repurposing is an efficient and cost-effective strategy with minimum risk for identifying novel potential treatment options by repositioning therapies that were previously approved for other clinical outcomes. Here, we used an integrated network-based pharmacologic and transcriptomic approach to screen drug candidates novel for COVID-19 treatment. Network-based proximity scores were calculated to identify the drug–disease pharmacological effect between drug–target relationship modules and COVID-19 related genes. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was then performed to determine whether drug candidates influence the expression of COVID-19 related genes and examine the sensitivity of the repurposing drug treatment to peripheral immune cell types. Moreover, we used the complementary exposure model to recommend potential synergistic drug combinations. We identified 18 individual drug candidates including nicardipine, orantinib, tipifarnib and promethazine which have not previously been proposed as possible treatments for COVID-19. Additionally, 30 synergistic drug pairs were ultimately recommended including fostamatinib plus tretinoin and orantinib plus valproic acid. Differential expression genes of most repurposing drugs were enriched significantly in B cells. The findings may potentially accelerate the discovery and establishment of an effective therapeutic treatment plan for COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical properties, precipitate microstructures and textures of AA 2195 Al-Cu-Li alloy with different rolling schedules and subsequent artificial ageing heat treatment have been investigated. The highest ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and yield strength (YS) were obtained in a longitudinal direction of the hot-rolled alloy at 280 °C due to a higher number density of the T 1 phase and the increased volume fraction of the textures with rolling textures. In contrast, the second highest UTS and YS in the longitudinal direction and the highest UTS and YS in the transverse direction was clarified in the cold-rolled and hot-rolled alloys at 225 °C. This 'anomalous' anisotropy can be explained not only by a higher number density of the θ' phase within fine and equiaxed recrystallized grains but also by grain boundary precipitates at low-angle grain boundaries. Therefore, textures control was suggested to be a useful method to improve mechanical properties in addition to the conventional precipitation strengthening. • The highest volume fraction of rolling textures was present in hot-rolled at 225 °C. • The highest volume fraction is due to the suppressed formation of recrystalized grains by smaller driving force. • The highest strength in longitudinal of the hot-rolled at 280 °C, but lower in transverse lead 'normal' anisotropy. • The 'normal' anisotropy is explained by the texture because of the larger average Taylor factors in transverse. • The 'anomalous' anisotropy with lower UTS and YS in longitudinal was clarified in the cold- and hot-rolled at 225 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of precipitate microstructures of the Al-1.0wt%Cu-2.5wt%Li alloys with different micro-alloyed elements addition was investigated during ageing at 175 °C together with the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. It was found that the Al-Cu-Li alloy with Zn addition possesses not only higher yield strength but also improved intergranular corrosion resistance, compared with the alloy with Mg addition. The corresponding precipitate microstructures were greatly affected by Zn or Mg micro-alloyed element addition, for example, with Zn addition the δ′-Al 3 Li, T 1 -Al 2 CuLi and θ′-Al 2 Cu (and θ″) phases were formed within grains, whereas the coarse T B -Al 7 Cu 4 Li phase and the T 1 phases appeared at grain boundaries (GBs). In contrast, the Al-Cu-Li alloy with Mg addition possessed the δ′, T 1 and S′-Al 2 CuMg phases within grains, while the coarse Al Cu phase and T 1 phases were present at GBs. The alloy with combined Zn + Mg addition exhibited a duplex microstructure of the two alloys, resulting in lower mechanical strengths but the intermediate corrosion resistance. Therefore, the increased amount of Zn-containing coarsened T B phase at GBs was found to improve the corrosion resistance of the alloy with Zn addition, due to the smaller potential difference between the GB precipitates and the adjacent zones. • The Al-Cu-Li alloy with 0.74Zn addition possesses higher yield strength and improved intergranular corrosion resistance. • Zn addition alloy possessed higher strength and intergranular corrosion resistance comparing with only Mg addition. • Zn containingalloy, δ′-Al 3 Li, T 1 -Al 2 CuLi and θ′-Al 2 Cu (and θ′′) phases were formed in grains, coarse T B -Al 7 Cu 4 Li and T 1 phases at GBs. • The Mg containing alloy possessed δ′, T 1 and S′-Al 2 CuMg phases in grains, the coarse Al Cu phase and T 1 phases at GBs. • The alloy with combined Zn+Mg exhibited a duplex microstructure, causing lower strengths but intermediate corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion behavior of the 1445 aged alloy was studied by analysis of microstructure characteristics and grain structure characteristics achieved from TEM, STEM, and EBSD. Three corrosion modes including intergranular corrosion (IGC), sub-intergranular corrosion (SIGC), and sub-intragranular corrosion (SGC) were found in the aged samples. In contrast with the conventional Al-Cu-Li alloy, the increased corrosion resistance was derived from the lower chemical potential difference between δ′ phase in matrix and S′ phase at GBs. The grain stored energy can significantly affect the SGC especially under a specific grain orientation thus the corrosion resistance of deformed grains can be increased. • The corrosion behaviors of aged 1445 Al-Li alloy includes IGC, SIGC and SGC, not uniform to that of the normal Al-Li alloy. • The IGC is due to the T 1 phase on the high grain boundary. The SIGC is attributed to S′ phase on the low grain boundary. • The SGC is linked to copper-rich nanoparticles, located on dislocation bands of deformation with high grain stored energy. • In the zone of un-recrystallize grains, the corrosion appeared on the prioritization of the specific grain orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in order to obtain a better understanding of the combined fouling by biopolymers coexisting with inorganic particles from the aspects of fouling index, fouling layer structure and biopolymer−particle interactions. Calcium alginate was used as the model biopolymer and Fe 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 , kaolin, and SiO 2 were used as model inorganic particles. Results showed that the combined fouling differed greatly among the four types of inorganic particles. The differences were attributed particularly to the different adsorption capacities for calcium alginate by the particles with this capacity decreasing in the order of Fe 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 , kaolin and SiO 2 . Particle size measurement and electron microscopic observation indicated the formation of agglomerates between calcium alginate and those inorganic particles exhibiting strong adsorption capacity. A structure was proposed for the combined fouling layer comprised of a backbone cake layer of alginate−inorganic particle agglomerates with the pores partially filled with discontinuous calcium alginate gels. The filterability of the fouling layer was primarily determined by the abundance of the gels. The strength of physical interaction between calcium alginate and each type of inorganic particle was calculated from the respective surface energies and zeta potentials. Calculation results showed that the extent of physical interaction increased in the order of Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , kaolin and SiO 2 , with this order differing from that of adsorption capacity. Chemical interactions may also play an important role in the adsorption of alginate and the consequent combined fouling. High-resolution XPS scans revealed a slight shift of electron binding energies when alginate was adsorbed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatigue crack propagation (FCP) rates of the Al- x Cu-1.2Li-X (x =4.2, 4.5 wt%) alloys with various heat treatment states were systematically investigated and correlated crack growth mechanism was further elucidated. The finer recrystallized grains and more equivalent slip system numbers provided more beneficial conditions for crack deflection and bifurcation, leading to the decreased FCP rate in short-term natural-aged (ST-T4) MC alloy. Moreover, the crack tips hardly activated the slip system within the adjacent grains when their twist angle differences for four slip surfaces were >10°, and the crack tended to propagate along the grain boundaries. With increasing Cu content of T8-aged alloy, the number density and dimension of T 1 and θ′ precipitates are simultaneously increased, and the strengthening mechanism of T 1 precipitates transformed from shearing to by-passing. Thus, the crack tips required more energy for transgranular propagation, causing the tendency of propagation to the grain boundaries and increased FCP rate in T8-aged HC alloy. However, the high Cu content levels resulted in the preferential precipitation of Guinier-Preston (G.P) zones during T6 aging. The δ′ and θ′ precipitates are increased and the nucleation of by-passed T 1 precipitates is suppressed in T6-aged HC alloy, leading to a significantly decreased FCP rate compared to that of MC alloy. [Display omitted] • The relationship of the twist and tilt angles within the adjacent grains and crack bifurcation and propagation paths was explained. • The effect of texture on FCP behavior was intensively explained by introducing the equivalent slip system number. • The effect of the strengthening mechanism transition and precipitation behavior on the FCP rate was revealed. • The effect of Cu content on FCP rates in Al- x Cu-1.2Li-X alloys with various heat treatment states was firstly studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of lithium in hydrogen embrittlement (HE) and trapping of Al-Cu-Li alloys were investigated in experimental and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The tensile curves and fracture morphology show that the Li-contained samples are more sensitive to HE than the Li-free samples and the HE sensitivity increases with the aging time expansion. The Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) analyses reveal that the number density of T 1 (Al 2 CuLi) precipitates increases about 66.8% with aging process, suggesting that HE sensitivity is exacerbated by T 1 precipitates. In addition, the lithium in T 1 precipitates, solid solution matrix and solute segregation grain boundaries (GBs) always has a high affinity to hydrogen according to DFT calculations, where T 1 precipitates have the highest hydrogen trapping energy with 0.736 eV/H atom. Moreover, the influence of hydrogen on Al-Cu-Li alloys was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical corrosion analysis. These analyses indicate that hydrogen exists in the form of hydrogen atoms, which results in a reduction in corrosion potential (E corr) from −676.3 mV to −699.3 mV by approximately 20 mV and an increase in corrosion current density (i corr) from 2.1×10−6 A/cm2 to 10.8×10−6 A/cm2 by an order of magnitude. The accumulated hydrogen atoms eventually lead to corrosion pits and blisters on the surface of alloys. [Display omitted] • The Li-contained alloys are more sensitive than the Li-free alloys to hydrogen embrittlement (HE). • The hydrogen trapping energy of T 1 precipitates is higher than those of other in DFT calculations. • The trapped hydrogen atoms decrease the surface corrosion resistance and lead to the corrosion pits and cracks. • The interactions between hydrogen and lithium intensify the transformation of the ductile to brittle fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosmarinic acid (RA) dose-dependently ameliorates acetaminophen (APAP) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. However, whether RA hepatoprotective effect is by regulating RACK1 and its downstream signals is still unclear. This study explores the RA protective effect on APAP-induced ALI and its mechanism. Sixty Kunming mice 6–8 weeks old were randomly separated into six groups (n = 10) and pre-treated with normal saline, ammonium glycyrrhetate (AG) or RA (10, 20 or 40 mg/kg i.p./day) for two consecutive weeks. Then, APAP (300 mg/kg, i.g.) was administrated to induce ALI, except for the control. Serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and histopathology were used to authenticate RA effect. The liver RACK1 and TNF-α were measured by western blot. Compared with the APAP group, different dosages RA significantly decreased ALT (52.09 ± 7.98, 55.13 ± 10.19, 65.08 ± 27.61 U/L, p < 0.05), AST (114.78 ± 19.87, 115.29 ± 31.91, 101.78 ± 21.85 U/L, p < 0.05), MDA (2.37 ± 0.87, 2.13 ± 0.87, 1.86 ± 0.39 nmol/mg, p < 0.01) and increased SOD (306.178 ± 90.80, 459.21 ± 58.54, 444.01 ± 78.09 U/mg, p < 0.05). With increasing doses of RA, RACK1 and TNF-α expression decreased. Moreover, the RACK1 and TNF-α levels were positively correlated with MDA (r = 0.8453 and r = 0.9391, p < 0.01). Our findings support RA as a hepatoprotective agent to improve APAP-induced ALI and the antioxidant effect mediated through RACK1/TNF-α pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influences of grain thickness and T 1 precipitate on the strength anisotropy of extruded Al-4.0Cu-1.0Li-0.4Mg-0.4Ag-xZr alloys (x = 0, 0.1, and 0.14 wt%) were investigated. The alloys were subjected to different heat-treatment conditions to obtain distinct grain morphologies adjusted by different Zr content and to induce T 1 precipitate. The results demonstrated that grain morphology, particularly the grain thickness influenced by various Zr content, is the primary factor affecting strength anisotropy under different heat treatment conditions. In solution heat-treated alloys (SHT), reduced grain thickness, extended length of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs), and more uniformly distributed dislocations due to increasing Zr content led to a decrease in strength anisotropy. Conversely, in T6-aged alloys, the combined interaction between T 1 precipitate and substructures in thinner grains with more LAGBs may aggravate the degree of strength anisotropy. In addition, the T 1 precipitate further amplified the anisotropy induced by the Brass texture component also increasing strength anisotropy. The findings highlight the significance of grain thickness, LAGBs length, dislocation distribution, and the interaction between T 1 precipitate and these factors in influencing the strength anisotropy of Al-Li alloys. Moreover, after solution heat treatment, adding 0.1 wt% Zr in the alloy reinforced the intensity of β-fiber texture while adding 0.14 wt% Zr wakened the β-fiber texture intensity due to the particle-simulated recrystallization process. • Effects of grain thickness and T 1 precipitate on the strength anisotropy of extruded Al-Cu-Li-xZr alloys were discussed. • Mechanism of gran thickness on the strength anisotropy of solution heat-treated alloys was revealed. • Combined effect of grain thickness and T 1 precipitate on the strength anisotropy of T6-aged alloys was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure-mechanical properties connection and strengthening contribution of Al- x Cu-1.3Li-X (x = 3.8, 4.2, 4.5 wt%) alloy sheets subjected to various heat treatments were systematically investigated. After solid-solution treatment, the decreased schmid factor value was the main factor for higher strength of Alloy-3 (4.5 wt% Cu). The number density and diameter of T 1 precipitates simultaneously increased with rising the Cu content during T8 aging, leading to the highest strength (655.4 MPa) of T8-aged Alloy-3. However, the high Cu content level resulted in the preferential precipitation of Guinier-Preston (G.P) zones during T6 aging at 165 °C. The θ' precipitates were therefore significantly increased and the nucleation of T 1 precipitates was suppressed in T6-aged Alloy-3, causing the reduced strength compared to that of T6-aged Alloy-2 (4.2 wt% Cu). Furthermore, the experimental yield strength was successfully predicted by invoking the modified precipitate strengthening model, in which the θ' precipitate-dislocation interaction was by-passing mechanism, whereas the shearable and by-passed T 1 precipitates coexisted for all alloys. The strengthening transition from by-passing to shearing occurred in T 1 precipitates with a thickness <1.9 nm or diameter <65 nm, and was particularly associated with the decrease in thickness of T 1 precipitates. • The precipitation strengthening model was modified, and the yield strength and separated precipitate strengthening contribution were successfully predicted. • The connection between the T 1 precipitates strengthening mechanism transition and detailed morphological parameters was firstly revealed in Al- x Cu-1.3Li-X alloys. • The contributions to yield strength from solid solution strengthening, grain boundary strengthening and texture were calculated. • The variation of strength sequence in Al- x Cu-1.3Li-X alloys with various heat treatments was explained in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A robust, simple, reliable and multiple-targeted colorimetric immunoassay platform. • Detection of CVD protein biomarkers in serum with high specificity. • Dual signal amplification based on gold deposition for colorimetric immunoassay. Multiplexed detection of increased CRP and IL-6 levels in serum could warn the risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in clinical diagnosis. Herein, we report a robust, simple, reliable and multiple-targeted colorimetric immunoassay platform for the detection of CVD protein biomarkers in serum with high specificity. With dual signal amplification involving in AuNPs probes via ssDNA hybridization and AuNPs initiated gold deposition, this colorimetric immunoassay achieves a limit of detection (LOD) of 326 pg/mL for CRP and a LOD of 8 pg/mL for IL-6 simultaneously. In addition, this assay exhibited high specificity and selectivity when challenged with different interfering proteins. Clinical feasibility is evaluated by utilizing this assay in clinical serum samples of CVD patients and the experimental results show a good consistency with ELSIA kit. Importantly, this immunoassay shows several advantages such as simple operation, less time-consuming, multiplex, reliability and no requirement of labelled reagents and expensive equipment, which demonstrates its potential utility in clinical diagnostics for CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of Zr addition on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of extruded Al-Cu-Li-Mn alloy were investigated during heat treatment processing. The recrystallization and grain growth were profoundly inhibited in solid solution-treated (SST) Al-Cu-Li-Mn-Zr alloy (Zr-containing), and massive substructures were retained, which were attributed to the higher Zener pinning pressure provided by Al 3 Zr dispersoids. But, complete recrystallization and considerable grain growth occurred in SST Al-Cu-Li-Mn alloy (Zr-free). Besides, the deformation textures containing Brass and S components were predominant in Zr-containing alloy, which contributed to a higher average Talyor factor (M) value. The higher strength behavior in SST Zr-containing alloy mainly originated from the extra Al 3 Zr dispersoids apart from the higher M value and dislocation density. The higher dislocation density and Al 3 Zr dispersoids in Zr-containing alloy promoted the precipitation of T1 phases and narrowed the width of precipitate-free zones (PFZs). Compared with Zr-free alloy, the enhanced combination of good strength and ductility shown in T6-aged Zr-containing alloy was mostly due to the higher T1 phase density and M value, higher dislocation density, and extra Al 3 Zr dispersoids. • Effects of Zr addition on microstructures and mechanical properties of extruded Al-Cu-Li-Mn alloy were discussed in depth. • The influence mechanism of dispersoids on the recrystallization behavior of extruded Al-Cu-Li-Mn-xZr alloys was revealed. • The strength improvement of Zr-containing alloy under different heat-treatment conditions was confirmed. • The higher strength behavior of Zr-containing alloy has been discussed through different strengthening mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical properties of Al Li alloy joints are closely related to the composition of the welding consumables. The present study aims to improve the mechanical properties of 2195 Al Li alloy joints by adjusting the filler wire composition. The 2195 Al Li alloy filler wire (same composition welding, SCW) and a self-designed filler wire (dissimilar composition welding, DCW) are used for the TIG welding of 2195 Al Li alloy sheets in this study. The results reveal that increasing Cu concentration in the filler wire leads to more eutectic formation in the DCW weld, and the possible solidification crack can be healed in time by the liquid metal in the final solidification stage; significant grain refining in the DCW weld is caused by adding Ti and Zr into the filler wire, the refined grains enable the joint to tolerate more plastic deformation and reduce the continuity of the eutectics along the grain boundaries. The positive effects of filler wire composition adjustment on the joint mechanical properties are verified by the mechanical tests. The plastic deformation is concentrated in the weld, and the weld elongation of the DCW joint is much higher than the SCW joint. In addition, the solidification crack can be observed in the SCW joint but not in the DCW joint. These findings can guide the design of subsequent filler wires matched to 2195 Al Li alloy. • The microstructure evolution mechanism of the grain refinement and solidification crack controlling was revealed. • The influence of Cu concentration in the filler wire on the solidification crack formation in the weld was discussed. • The effect of adding Ti and Zr in the filler wire on the mechanical properties of the joint was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical property anisotropy is one of the critical factors of limiting extensive application of the Al-Li alloy, which is mainly influenced by the textures, grain morphology and distribution of the aging precipitates. Through the plastic deformation process, the anisotropy can be weakened by regulating the grain structure. In this work, the final temperature-controlled rolling and cold rolling were carried out to investigate the grain structure variation and its effect on the mechanical property anisotropy of the spray-formed 2195 Al-Li alloy. The results show that the yield strength is improved but the anisotropy in the mechanical properties deteriorates as the final rolling temperature is elevated from 200 ℃ to 300 ℃. This is owed to the fibrous structures and a great number of deformation textures formed in the continuous static recrystallization process. Compared with the samples through final temperature-controlled rolling, the aged sample through cold rolling possesses higher yield strength and relatively weaker anisotropy due to the fine equiaxed grain structure. In addition, intense Brass and S textures existing in the plates are proven that can result in the heterogeneous distribution of the T 1 phase and the anisotropic equivalent slip system number values along the longitudinal and transverse directions, which both contribute to the strong anisotropy. To facilitate the analysis of the effect of the textures on the mechanical properties and anisotropy, the equivalent Schmid factor and slip system number were also calculated and discussed. This study looks forward to providing reliable theoretical support for the practical application of spray-formed Al-Li alloys. • The recrystallization behaviours have been discussed via different rolling schedules. • The equivalent Schmid factor was calculated and utilized to discuss the effect of texture on the yield strength. • The Schmid factor on different {111} planes was determined and explain the cause of the anisotropy in yield strength. • A novel calculation of ESSN was introduced to analysis the connection between the texture and elongation anisotropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The influences of Cu content on microstructure evolutions and fatigue crack propagation behaviors of Al-Cu-Li alloys were firstly investigated. • The influences of secondary particle and recrystallized grain structure on the crack initiation has been discussed. • The relationship between crystal orientation and crack path deflection and its influences on the fatigue crack propagation has been discussed in detail. The fatigue crack propagation (FCP) behaviors of Al-Cu-Li cold-rolled sheets with different Cu contents were assessed systematically. The increase of Cu contents significantly reduces the threshold value of fatigue crack growth as secondary particles induce the initiation of microcracks, and provides more opportunities for crack deflection due to finer recrystallized grains. Moreover, Brass-orientated grains with low Schmid factor force the crack to change the direction of propagation, which prevents further crack propagation. Compared to Goss-orientated grains with small tilt and twist angle, cracks prone to deflect at its boundaries with large tilt angles difference between the adjacent grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quadruplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method was developed to detect four Vibrio species, including Vibrio ichthyoenteri, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio scophthalmi, and Vibrio vulnificus, simultaneously. Four sets of species-specific primers were designed with different restriction sites contained in the inner primers. The quadruplex LAMP method could distinguish four Vibrio species via the subsequent restriction enzyme analysis. The sensitivity of the quadruplex LAMP method were 10-10 times higher than the sensitivity of conventional PCR. V. scophthalmi, V. vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus and V. ichthyoenteri could be detected in the different tissues of the infected fish by the quadruplex LAMP method simply and conveniently through using SYBR Green I to facilitate visual inspection of the LAMP products. The method we developed in this study could be a simple and convenient diagnostic tool for field detection of Vibrio infection in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diterpenoids extracted from Euphorbia kansui S.L. Liou ex S.B.Ho, Euphorbia fischeriana Steud. have good antitumor effects. Jolkinolide B has anti-breast cancer effect, but it is unclear whether it has different therapeutic effects between luminal A subtype and luminal B subtype breast cancer. This study investigated the Jolkinolide B has different therapeutic, important targets and pathways effects between luminal A subtype and luminal B subtype breast cancer. We used bioinformatics to predict the biological process and molecular mechanism of Jolkinolide B in treating two types of breast cancer. Then, in vitro, cultured MCF-7 cells and BT-474 cells were divided into control group, PI3K inhibitor + control group, Jolkinolide B group and PI3K inhibitor + Jolkinolide B group. The CCK-8 assay, Flow cytometric analysis and Transwell cell migration assay was used to detect the cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration in each group, respectively. ELISA was used to measure the content of Akt and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) in cell lysis buffer. Compared to luminal A breast cancer, Jolkinolide B had more targets, proliferation, migration processes and KEGG pathways when treating luminal B subtype breast cancer. Jolkinolide B significantly prolonged the survival time of luminal B subtype breast cancer patients. Compared to the control group, the cell proliferation absorbance value (A value) and migration number of the two kinds of breast cancer cells in the Jolkinolide B group were decreased (P < 0.01, n = 6), and the number of apoptotic cells was increased (P < 0.01, n = 6). Compared to the Jolkinolide B group, the A value and migration number of the two types of breast cancer cells were significantly decreased in the PI3K inhibitor + Jolkinolide B group (P < 0.01, n = 6), and the number of apoptotic cells was significantly increased (P < 0.01, n = 6). In addition, compared to MCF-7 cells, the A value and migration number of BT-474 cells stimulated with Jolkinolide B were significantly decreased (P < 0.01, n = 6), and the number of apoptotic cells was significantly increased (P < 0.01, n = 6). Akt and p-Akt protein levels in the two breast cancer cell lines in the Jolkinolide B group were all decreased (P < 0.01, n = 6), especially in BT-474 cells stimulated by Jolkinolide B. Jolkinolide B regulates the luminal A and luminal B subtypes of breast cancer through PI3K-Akt, EGFR and other pathways. Jolkinolide B has more significant therapeutic effect on luminal B subtype breast cancer. In vitro, experiments verified that Jolkinolide B significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration activity of BT-474 breast cancer cells by downregulating the PI3K-Akt pathway. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TTP and TTT diagrams of 2050 Al-Li alloy have been established. • The microstructure evolutions during interrupted quenching have been in-depth investigated. • The effects of microstructure evolution on tensile properties under different cooling rates has been investigated using cold-rolled thin sheets. The quench sensitivity of 2050 Al-Cu-Li alloy was determined by the time-temperature-transformation (TTT) curves and time-temperature-property (TTP) curves based on conductivity and hardness. Additionally, a novel end quenching test was used to investigate the quench sensitivity of cold-rolled sheets with a thickness of 2 mm which cannot be tested by conventional methods. The microstructure evolution during interrupted quenching (IQ) treatment and end quenching test was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The precipitation and coarsening of Cu-rich phases during quenching are the main factors affecting the quench sensitivity of the alloy. Meanwhile, these Cu-rich phases lead to the uneven distribution of precipitates (T 1 and θ′), which results in the decreased tensile properties. The influence of precipitate free zones (PFZs) on elongation during end quenching test was clarified and the high quench sensitive temperature zone was found to be 260 ~440 °C. This work can help to optimize the quenching process and improve the mechanical properties of the 2050 Al-Cu-Li alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]