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Metal halide perovskite light‐emitting diode (PeLED) is the most promising candidate for next‐generation display technology. However, the development of the blue PeLEDs is far behind the expectations. Mixed‐halide perovskites demonstrate to be the most facile method to realize blue emission, which confronts serious spectra stability problem arising from the halide segregation. Here, a polymerizable passivator is introduced into the Cl/Br‐mixed perovskites, which can simultaneously cross‐link perovskite grains by interconnecting halides through hydrogen bonding, and transport the carriers through its π‐conjugated backbone. Consequently, this cross‐linked blue perovskite film demonstrates a significantly improved spectra stability under various external stimuli of high humidity, UV radiation, and electrical field, and the corresponding PeLED yields a decent external quantum efficiency of 12.0% at high brightness of 3390 cd m−2 with the emission at 478 nm. Notably, this work provides a unique cross‐link agent with in situ polymerizability to address the ion migration and phase segregation issues without sacrificing the conducting capacity in mixed‐halide perovskites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) is a distinctive member of the serine–threonine protein AGC kinase family and an effective kinase for cAMP signal transduction. In recent years, scuticociliate has caused a lot of losses in domestic fishery farming, therefore, we have carried out morphological and molecular biological studies. In this study, diseased guppies (Poecilia reticulata) were collected from an ornamental fish market, and scuticociliate Philaster apodigitiformis Miao et al., 2009 was isolated. In our prior transcriptome sequencing research, we discovered significant expression of the β-PKA gene in P. apodigitiformis during its infection process, leading us to speculate its involvement in pathogenesis. A complete sequence of the β-PKA gene was cloned, and quantified by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to analyse or to evaluate the functional characteristics of the β-PKA gene. Morphological identification and phylogenetic analysis based on small subunit rRNA sequence, infection experiments and haematoxylin–eosin staining method were also carried out, in order to study the pathological characteristics and infection mechanism of scuticociliate. The present results showed that: (1) our results revealed that β-PKA is a crucial gene involved in P. apodigitiformis infection in guppies, and the findings provide valuable insights for future studies on scuticociliatosis; (2) we characterized a complete gene, β-PKA , that is generally expressed in parasitic organisms during infection stage and (3) the present study indicates that PKA plays a critical role in scuticociliate when infection occurs by controlling essential steps such as cell growth, development and regulating the activity of the sensory body structures and the irritability system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Bi2O3 nanoparticles are prepared via an impregnation method and modified using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and PW12. XRD reveals that the prepared Bi2O3 corresponded to the monoclinic α-phase. SEM results reveal that the composite consists of a series of nanosheets with flower-like structures. In this study, malachite green (MG) is used as a simulated contaminant to test the degradation capability of the compound under sunlight, and the effect of PW12 doping on the photocatalytic properties of the sample is investigated. The results show that the degradation kinetic constant of 0.3 PW12/MWCNTs/Bi2O3 (0.8125 h−1) is about 3 times that of Bi2O3 (0.2767 h−1). The ternary complex containing 30% PW12 has a degradation rate of 95% in 2.5 h. h+ and · O 2 - were the major active species in the photocatalytic degradation of MG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetrahymenosis, caused by about 10 Tetrahymena species, is an emerging problem inflicting a significant economic loss on the aquaculture industry worldwide. However, in the order Tetrahymenida, there are many unresolved evolutionary relationships among taxa. Here we report 21 new sequences, including SSU‐rRNA, ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 rRNA and LSU‐rRNA, genes of 10 facultative parasitic Tetrahymena associated with tetrahymenosis, and conduct phylogenetic analyses based on each individual gene and a three‐gene concatenated dataset. The main findings are: (1) All the parasitic and facultative parasitic species cluster in borealis group. (2) With the addition of new sequences, Tetrahymena is still divided into three groups, namely the "borealis group", the "australis group," and the "paravorax group." (3) the cluster pattern of all the newly sequenced facultative parasitic Tetrahymena species shows that members of the "borealis" group may be more susceptible to parasitism. (4) phylogeny based on concatenated genes show that T. pyriformis, T. setosa, and T. leucophrys have close relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hierarchical metal–organic framework, H-mMOF-1 (representing hierarchical medi-MOF-1), was successfully synthesized by the coassembly of MOF starting reagents and a triblock copolymer surfactant F127. The obtained H-mMOF-1 retained its microporous structure but also exhibited mesopores with a size range from 3 to 10 nm. The mesopores were able to accommodate protein Cyt c with a loading capacity of 160 mg g−1. The surfactant-assisted synthesis of hierarchical MOFs provides promising applications for enzyme immobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedimentary pyrite is ubiquitous in coal measures and occurs with different crystal morphologies and geochemical characteristics that are typically employed to infer the bottom seawater microenvironment and diagenetic stages. In this study, representative pyrite with four distinct crystal morphologies were identified in Carboniferous coal gangue in North China. The crystal structure, microscopic morphology, in-situ sulfur isotope content, and distribution of pyrite crystals were comprehensively analyzed using polarizing microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry to better understand the diagenetic evolution of these Carboniferous rocks. The varying morphologies and δ34S values of pyrite closely correlate to the crystal growth pattern, sulfur source, and precipitation mechanism. Euhedral granular pyrite and framboidal pyrite have relatively small particle sizes and negative δ34S values (average − 6.59 ‰ and − 36.62 ‰) and are interpreted to have formed through the reduction of sulfate in a brackish lagoon from the syn -depositional stage to the early diagenetic stage. In contrast, massive pyrite and cell-filling pyrite exhibit slightly larger particle size and positive δ34S values (average + 9.39 ‰ and + 10.53 ‰), which suggest formation in the diagenetic stage under the action of microbial sulfate reduction. The geochemical characteristics recorded in the microscale pyrites indicate that the primary sulfur source is seawater sulfate where the wide range of pyrite sulfur isotope values reflects substrate depletion effects in an increasingly closed system. This research highlights the vital relationship between grain shape and the mechanism of sedimentary pyrite formation in the coal-forming environment. Thus, different pyrite mineralization processes in the world can be identified, and the environment of crystal growth understood by in-situ sulfur isotope analysis. • NanoSIMS was employed to detail the micro-geochemistry of sedimentary pyrite. • The mineralogical and geochemical connection of sedimentary pyrite was elucidated. • δ34S varies from negative to positive due to substrate depletion in a closing system. • The genetic models of pyrites with four crystal morphologies were successfully built. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LIM domain family genes play a crucial role in various tumors, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Immunotherapy is one of the most significant treatments for NSCLC, and its effectiveness largely depends on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Currently, the potential roles of LIM domain family genes in the TME of NSCLC remain elusive. We comprehensively evaluated the expression and mutation patterns of 47 LIM domain family genes in 1089 NSCLC samples. Using unsupervised clustering analysis, we classified patients with NSCLC into two distinct gene clusters, i.e., the LIM-high group and the LIM-low group. We further investigated the prognosis, TME cell infiltration characteristics, and immunotherapy in the two groups. The LIM-high and LIM-low groups had different biological processes and prognoses. Moreover, there were significant differences in TME characteristics between the LIM-high and LIM-low groups. Specifically, enhanced survival, immune cell activation, and high tumor purity were demonstrated in patients of the LIM-low group, implying an immune-inflamed phenotype. Moreover, the LIM-low group had higher immune cell proportion scores than the LIM-high group and was more responsive to immunotherapy than the LIM-low group. Additionally, we screened out LIM and senescent cell antigen-like domain 1 (LIMS1) as a hub gene of the LIM domain family via five different algorithms of plug-in cytoHubba and the weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Subsequently, proliferation, migration, and invasion assays demonstrated that LIMS1 acts as a pro-tumor gene that promotes the invasion and progression of NSCLC cell lines. This is the first study to reveal a novel LIM domain family gene-related molecular pattern associated with the TME phenotype, which would increase our understanding of the heterogeneity and plasticity of the TME in NSCLC. LIMS1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrite is common in coal gangue formed in a reduced environment and has a significant influence on the recycling utilization of coal gangue. Four types of pyrite with different structures and morphologies, namely octahedral pyrite framboid, pentagonal dodecahedral pyrite framboid, irregular grain pyrite, and euhedral octahedral crystalline pyrite, were selected from coal gangue to study their thermal behavior and phase transformation processes during heat treatments in different atmosphere via high-temperature XRD, TG-DSC, SEM-EDS, and XRF. The results show that pyrite in coal gangue can be decomposed into pyrrhotite when heated in an inert atmosphere. Pyrites with different morphologies and structures exhibit distinct thermal behavior. The higher S/Fe ratio promotes the better crystallinity of pyrite and thus lowers the phase transformation temperature from pyrite to pyrrhotite. The thermal decomposition temperature of the sulfur-rich and well crystalline pyrites was approximately 600 °C, and the transformation temperature of sulfur-deficit pyrites to pyrrhotite was approximately 640 °C. The S release rate from the former two pyrites was also slower than that from the latter two. The pyrites can be oxidized to nano-hematite when heated in an air atmosphere at above 400–500 °C, with the transformation proceeding in the sequence of pyrite–nano-microsphere magnetite–nano-microsphere hematite. The nano-hematite aggregates had a pseudomorph of the original pyrite crystals. This study has great significance for the high-level recycling utilization of coal gangue, such as iron removal and direct material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Profiling the vertical atmospheric structure for typhoons remains challenging. Here, the atmospheric dynamic and thermodynamic structures were investigated during the passage of Typhoon Sinlaku (2020) over Xisha Islands in the South China Sea for the period 28 July to 2 August 2020, mainly based on two-way rawinsonde and dropsonde measurements in combination with surface-based automatic weather station observations, disdrometer measurements, and Himawari-8 geostationary satellite images. The study period was divided to three stages: the formation stage of tropical depression (pre-TD), tropical depression (TD), and tropical storm (TS). The wind speed and local vertical wind shear reached the maximum value at 3 km above mean sea level (AMSL) before the typhoon approached the Xisha islands. Pseudo-equivalent potential temperature (θse) was found to decrease with the altitude below 2 km AMSL; temperature inversions occurred frequently within this altitude range, particularly during the TS stage. This seemed a typical capping inversion that indicated a downward motion above 2 km AMSL. The temperature increased slightly with the development of Typhoon Sinlaku (2020) at altitudes of 8–10 km AMSL. This indicated that our observations presumably captured the air mass warmed by the condensation, which was a good signature of an upper air in the tropical cyclone. In addition, wind speed (particularly in the lower stratosphere), specific humidity, and equivalent potential temperature escalated significantly when the tropical depression strengthened into Typhoon Sinlaku (2020), which indicated that the typhoon constantly obtained energy from the sea surface during its passage over the study region. The thermodynamic and dynamic structures of atmosphere advance our understanding of the inner structure of typhoons during the different evolutionary stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Osimertinib was consistent in providing both the best PFS and OS for NSCLC patients with brain metastases harboring EGFR positive mutations, followed by the 2nd generation EGFR-TKI, Afatinib. • Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy combination appears to be the most effective therapeutic strategy for NSCLC patients with brain metastases who had not been selected according to EGFR mutation. • The 3rd generation EGFR-TKI appears to be the safest treatment, whereas combination treatments appear to cause more adverse events in general, especially when combined anti-PD1 antibody with chemotherapy. To compare the efficacy and safety of treatment modalities across different populations with non-small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. A comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, the ClinicalTrials.gov, and major international conferences. The main outcomes of interest were progression-free survival, overall survival, and severe adverse events. Bayesian network meta-analytical techniques were implemented, to compare treatment modalities based on efficacy and safety profiles. The protocol for this study has been registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42020155330). 15 randomized controlled trials with a total of 1216 patients were analyzed. Network meta-analysis generated six comparisons both in EGFR positive and EGFR unselected populations. For patients harboring EGFR positive mutations, osimertinib appears to significantly increase progression-free survival, compared to 1st generation EGFR-TKI (HR 0.46, 95 %CI 0.38–0.55), 2nd generation EGFR-TKI (HR: 0.59, 95 %CI 0.34–0.99), conventional chemotherapy (HR 0.30, 95 %CI 0.14–0.66), radiotherapy (HR 0.20, 95 %CI 0.14–0.29), and radiotherapy plus 1st generation TKI (HR 0.21, 95 %CI 0.14–0.32). Osimertinib also appears to increase the likelihood of survival and prolong overall survival. For EGFR unselected patients, combined anti-PD1 monoclonal antibody with conventional chemotherapy appears superior to radiotherapy (HR: 0.20, 95 % CI 0.14–0.29), conventional chemotherapy (HR: 0.42, 95 %CI 0.28–0.68), radiotherapy plus conventional chemotherapy (HR: 0.59, 95 %CI 0.32–0.98), radiotherapy plus 1st generation TKI (HR:0.49, 95 %CI 0.25–0.96), and immune checkpoint inhibitors monotherapy (HR:0.44, 95 %CI 0.28–0.69). However, combination therapies are generally more toxic causing an increased number of severe adverse events, particularly when anti-PD1 monoclonal antibody is combined with conventional chemotherapy. Osimertinib appears to be the most effective and safest treatment in NSCLC patients with brain metastases, harboring EGFR positive mutations. The anti-PD1 monoclonal antibody and conventional chemotherapy combination increases survival for NSCLC patients with brain metastases who were not selected according to EGFR mutation, although this increased benefit positively correlates with an increased number of severe adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: After the occurrence of nitrate‐dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (AMO) in rumen fluid culture was proved, the organisms that perform the denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidizing (DAMO) process in the rumen of dairy goat were investigated by establishing two enrichment culture systems, which were supplied with methane as the sole carbon source and NaNO3 or NaNO2 as the electron acceptor. Several Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU) belonging to Proteobacteria became dominant in the two enrichment systems. The identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which was isolated from the NaNO2 enrichment system, could individually perform a whole denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidizing process. Further in vitro rumen fermentation showed that supplementation with the isolated P. aeruginosa could reduce methane emissions, alleviate the nitrite accumulation and prevent the decrease in propionic acid product caused by nitrate supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Developing an efficient and economical indoor air purification system for catalytic decomposition of formaldehyde is of great significance. In this work, an indoor air conditioner capable of purifying formaldehyde was designed by directly integrating defective WO 3 /TiO 2 nanotube catalytic fin, with both thermal conductivity and gas-phase photoelectrocatalytic (GPEC) properties, onto the condenser component. The electrochemical treatment of the catalytic fin introduced a substantial number of oxygen vacancies, resulting in a significant increase in carrier concentration and mobility to the semi-metallic level. As a result, under illumination and a tiny voltage input of 1.0–2.5 V, effective photogenerated carrier separation occurred within the catalytic fins, enabling the air conditioner to achieve remarkable formaldehyde removal performance at a clean air delivery rate of 2.7 m3/h by replacing only 15 % of the original fins on the condenser. This technology integration avoids the extra space occupation and eliminates secondary pollution associated with the replacement of consumables or desorption of saturated adsorbents in traditional filtration or adsorption systems, and significantly improves catalytic efficiency without the need for significant modifications to air conditioning production lines or molds, making large-scale deployment feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present a new variable selection method for regression and classification purposes, particularly for microbiome analysis. Our method, called subsampling ranking forward selection (SuRF), is based on LASSO penalized regression, subsampling and forward-selection methods. SuRF offers major advantages over existing variable selection methods in terms of both sparsity of selected models and model inference. We provide an R package that can implement our method for generalized linear models. We apply our method to classification problems from microbiome data, using a novel agglomeration approach to deal with the special tree-like correlation structure of the variables. Existing methods arbitrarily choose a taxonomic level a priori before performing the analysis, whereas by combining SuRF with these aggregated variables, we are able to identify the key biomarkers at the appropriate taxonomic level, as suggested by the data. We present simulations in multiple sparse settings to demonstrate that our approach performs better than several other popularly used existing approaches in recovering the true variables. We apply SuRF to two microbiome datasets: one about prediction of pouchitis and another for identifying samples from two healthy individuals. We find that SuRF can provide a better or comparable prediction with other methods while controlling the false positive rate of variable selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and solar cells have attracted extensive attention as the most promising optoelectronic devices surpassing conventional opaque displays and photovoltaics. These transparent devices are particularly suitable for special applications including see‐through display and building‐integrated photovoltaics, for example, head‐mounted displays, navigation displays on car windshields, smart windows, roofing, skylights, and facades. This review systematically evaluates the pros and cons of representative transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) including transparent conductive oxides, ultrathin metal films, metal nanowires/meshes, conductive flexible polymers, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. A full‐scale overview of recent studies on transparent organic LEDs, quantum dot LEDs, perovskite LEDs, dye‐sensitized solar cells, organic solar cells, and perovskite solar cells using the above‐mentioned TCEs as top electrodes, is also provided, summarizing information on state‐of‐the‐art device performances. Finally, the key challenges in current transparent optoelectronic devices and a few potential proposals for developing highly efficient transparent devices are addressed in the last part. It is believed that, with the rapid development of novel optoelectronic materials and fabrication technologies, there will be a bright prospect for transparent optoelectronic devices and their related applications in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the plume of electric thrusters, which is the plasma flow, collides with a surface of spacecraft, a force is exerted on the surface, causing the spacecraft to be flipped or deorbited. The force is generated by the plasma–surface interactions, which can be described using the momentum accommodation coefficient (MAC). As far as we know, only the MAC where the plasma flow is assumed as the combination of singly charged ions, electrons, and neutral gases has been studied. However, the plasma flow of electric thrusters contains not only singly charged ions but also multiply charged ions. In addition, the plasma–surface interactions are usually accompanied by the charged-exchange (CEX), sputtering, and plasma sheath, all of which influence the momentum transfer. Therefore, in this study, the MAC in plasma–surface interactions is developed by quantifying the effect of the multiply charged ions, CEX, sputtering, and plasma sheath. The formulas of the normal momentum accommodation coefficient (NMAC) and tangential momentum accommodation coefficient are derived, respectively, and then, a measurement method of the MAC is proposed with the derived formulas. Moreover, a NMAC was measured when the plasma flow, which was jetted by an ion thruster with an acceleration voltage of 1000 V, impacted an immersed surface vertically, and the measured NMAC is approximated as 1.0. The effect degree and mechanism of the aforementioned factors on the MAC were discussed. Finally, the force exerted on the immersed surface was simulated using the measured NMAC, and the results are in good agreement with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of systemic therapies for unresectable malignant mesothelioma have reported conflicting results. It is crucial and urgent to find optimal treatment options for this malignancy, which currently has a poor prognosis. Databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and major international conferences were searched until February 29, 2024. The main outcomes of interest were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), and grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). We analyzed 16 RCTs with a total of 5018 patients. Among first-line therapies, nivolumab and ipilimumab significantly increased OS and resulted in fewer grade ≥3 TRAEs. Bevacizumab plus chemotherapy significantly increased PFS. Among salvage therapies, ramucirumab and chemotherapy was associated with the best OS and PFS, but resulted in more grade ≥3 TRAEs. Subgroup analysis by histologic types suggested that in first-line settings, bevacizumab and chemotherapy increase OS the most for epithelioid type, while the nivolumab plus ipilimumab treatment increases OS the most for non-epithelioid type. In salvage therapies, ramucirumab and chemotherapy increase OS for both epithelioid and non-epithelioid types. Nivolumab plus ipilimumab was associated with the best OS among first-line treatments. Ramucirumab and chemotherapy was associated with the best clinical outcomes in salvage settings. Treatment for malignant mesothelioma should be tailored based on different clinicopathological characteristics. [Display omitted] • First NMA to compare efficacy and safety of first-line and salvage therapies for unresectable malignant mesothelioma. • We included 16 RCTs for a total of 5018 patients affected by unresectable malignant mesothelioma. • Nivolumab plus ipilimumab treatment is associated with the best clinical outcomes in first-line settings. • Ramucirumab plus chemotherapy treatment is associated with the best OS and PFS in salvage settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kikuchi disease (KFD) is a rare and self-limiting benign disease which usually occurs in young women. The difference between our case and the previous case is that the initial symptom of this case is transient ischemic attack (TIA). A 46-year-old female patient presented at the clinic with a 2-week history of paroxysmal left limb weakness and fever. Imaging examinations showed the multiple lymph nodes in neck enlarged bilaterally. Finally, we arranged a lymph node biopsy for the patient. The resulted of lymph node biopsy showed the disorder of lymph node structures, widespread histiocytic infiltration and cell nucleus fragments, suggesting KFD. TIA as a complication of KFD has never been reported in the previous literature, which provided a new direction for diagnosis of TIA and suggested that KFD may be a rare cause of ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokeratin fraction 21–1 (CYFRA 21–1) has been widely studied as an important biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer for both diagnosis and prognosis. Many studies have also assessed the clinical applications of CYFRA 21–1 in head and neck cancer, but the diagnostic and prognostic values of CYFRA 21–1 are not yet fully established. This pooled analysis aims at evaluating the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic applications of CYFRA 21–1 in patients with head and neck cancer. A systematic retrieval of literatures was conducted without time or language restrictions by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Twenty studies were eligible for systematic review, of which 14 conformed for diagnostic analysis and 7 for prognostic analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CYFRA 21–1 analysis were 0.53 (95% CI: 0.39–0.67) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.93–0.99), respectively. A high level of CYFRA 21–1 was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival (HR 1.33, 95% CI: 1.13–1.56) and disease-free survival (HR 1.48; 95%CI: 1.10–1.97). Current evidence indicates that the level of CYFRA 21–1 in the serum could be used as an indicator for monitoring tumor status and evaluating its curative effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cavity structures on hypersonic vehicle surfaces alter aerodynamic heat flux and force (pressure) compared to flat surfaces. In this study, an investigation explores the aerodynamic effects of multiple cavities on rarefied hypersonic flows, utilizing the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method to assess the impact on hypersonic vehicle surfaces. While previous research predominantly concentrated on the implications of a single cavity, this study extends the investigation to multiple cavity configurations under rarefied flow conditions, which are less understood but critical due to the potential for significant impacts on vehicle performance and structural integrity. The research examines how variations in the number of cavities, as well as their geometric arrangement (distance and length-to-depth ratio), influence key aerodynamic parameters, including pressure, skin friction, and heat transfer coefficients. The study's findings reveal that in the rarefied hypersonic flow at Mach 25 at 70 km, each cavity independently influences the flow field and the aerodynamic surface properties, largely determined by its geometric characteristics, irrespective of adjacent cavity presence. The study underscores that the macroscopic aerodynamic force escalates with an increase in the number of cavities and their length-to-depth ratio, while it diminishes with inter-cavity distance. These insights are crucial to optimizing the design of hypersonic vehicles, contributing to improved performance and stability by managing aerodynamic forces more effectively. The comprehensive data and analyses provided support the development of more accurate models to predict and control the behavior of hypersonic vehicles with multiple cavities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, environmental DNA technology, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were employed to investigate the relationships between Tetrahymena pyriformis, bacteria, and guppies under varying temperature and pH conditions. The abundance of T. pyriformis in water, the relative abundance of bacterial species, and histopathological observations were studied. Results of this study showed that several bacteria were related to T. pyriformis, and environmental factors affected the interaction between bacteria and T. pyriformis. In the aquaculture system of ornamental fish, the interaction between bacterial microbiota and ciliate protozoa can prevent or promote disease outbreaks, and different physicochemical conditions will affect the relationships between them. We investigated the interaction between bacterial microbiota and the parasite Tetrahymena pyriformis when infecting Poecilia reticulata (guppy) under different physicochemical conditions. The abundance of T. pyriformis in water, the relative abundance of bacterial species, and histopathological observation were studied or monitored using environmental DNA (eDNA) extraction technology, the qPCR method, and 16s rRNA sequencing, respectively. The morphological identification and phylogenetic analysis of T. pyriformis were carried out. The infected guppy tissue was also stained by the hematoxylin and eosin methods. The results showed: (1) the bacterial communities of water samples were mainly composed of species assigned to Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, and Tabrizicola and Puniceicoccaceae were positively correlated with fish mortality, T. pyriformis abundance, and temperature. (2) Arcicella and Methyloversatilis universalis with different correlations between ciliates appeared in different treatment groups, the result of which proved that environmental factors affected the interaction between bacteria and T. pyriformis. (3) Lower temperatures and a higher pH were more beneficial for preventing disease outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The ug-C 3 N 4 nanosheets are prepared by intercalated hydrogen bond effect of NO 3 −. • The ug-C 3 N 4 nanosheets possess large specific surface area and more active sites. • The ug-C 3 N 4 nanosheets can significantly enhance photocatalytic activity. • Mechanism of photocatalytic HER over ug-C 3 N 4 nanosheets is proposed. Abstract Simultaneously exploration control of energy band, layer structure and vacancy defect of semiconductor photocatalysts for hydrogen (H 2) evolution is highly desirable. For this purpose, the ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride (ug-C 3 N 4) are prepared by intercalated hydrogen bond effect of NO 3 − for the first time reported. More importantly, the thickness, band gap energy, specific surface area and nitrogen vacancy intensity of ug-C 3 N 4 nanosheets can be controlled by the concentration of NO 3 − in the inserted layer. The method not only endow ug-C 3 N 4 nanosheets with super large specific surface area and nitrogen vacancy-rich that provide more active sites and speed up the photogenerated charge transfer, but also possess suitable conduction band position and thus more conducive to H 2 production. The photocatalytic performance of ug-C 3 N 4 for H 2 evolution (836.3 µmol h−1 g−1) and 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) decomposition (84%) is significantly enhanced by energy band, layer structure and vacancy defect optimization, which is over 4.0 and 1.75 times higher than the bulk g-C 3 N 4 powder. We firmly believe that the work emblems a significant step toward control engineering for energy conversion and environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thermostatic E × B probe is designed to protect the probe body from the thermal effect of the plasma plume that has a significant influence on the resolution of the probe for high-power electric thrusters. An active cooling system, which consists of a cooling panel and carbon fiber felts combined with a recycling system of liquid coolants or an open-type system of gas coolants, is employed to realize the protection of the probe. The threshold for the design parameters for the active cooling system is estimated by deriving the energy transfer of the plasma plume–probe body interaction and the energy taken away by the coolants, and the design details are explained. The diagnostics of the LIPS-300 ion thruster with a power of 3 kW and a screen-grid voltage of 1450 V was implemented by the designed thermostatic E × B probe. The measured spectra illustrate that the thermostatic E × B probe can distinguish the fractions of Xe+ ions and Xe2+ ions without areas of overlap. In addition, the temperature of the probe body was less than 306 K in the beam region of the plasma plume during the 200-min-long continuous test. A thermostatic E × B probe is useful for enhancing the viability and versatility of equipment and for reducing uneconomical and complex test procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thermostatic E × B probe is designed to protect the probe body from the thermal effect of the plasma plume that has a significant influence on the resolution of the probe for high-power electric thrusters. An active cooling system, which consists of a cooling panel and carbon fiber felts combined with a recycling system of liquid coolants or an open-type system of gas coolants, is employed to realize the protection of the probe. The threshold for the design parameters for the active cooling system is estimated by deriving the energy transfer of the plasma plume–probe body interaction and the energy taken away by the coolants, and the design details are explained. The diagnostics of the LIPS-300 ion thruster with a power of 3 kW and a screen-grid voltage of 1450 V was implemented by the designed thermostatic E × B probe. The measured spectra illustrate that the thermostatic E × B probe can distinguish the fractions of Xe+ ions and Xe2+ ions without areas of overlap. In addition, the temperature of the probe body was less than 306 K in the beam region of the plasma plume during the 200-min-long continuous test. A thermostatic E × B probe is useful for enhancing the viability and versatility of equipment and for reducing uneconomical and complex test procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5 TG-DSC curves for the pyrite in coal gangue under N2 atmosphere Publisher's Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. In the original publication of the article, the second picture in Figure 5 was incorrectly published with text "WP-1" instead of ATB-1. [Extracted from the article]

Studies proved that addition of nitrate in rumen could lead to reduction of methane emission. The mechanism of this function was involved in the competition effect of nitrate on hydrogen consumption and the inhibitory effect of generated nitrite on methanogen proliferation. The present study investigated an alternative mechanism that denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidizing (DAMO) bacteria, DAMO archaea and anammox bacteria may co-exist in rumen, therefore, more methane can be oxidized when addition of nitrate. Ruminal batch culture model was used to test the effects of addition of 5 mM NaNO, 4 mM NHCl, or both into the culture substrate on methane production, fermentation patterns, and population of methanogens, NC10 and anaerobic methanotrophic-2d (ANME-2d). Our results showed that NC10 in the ruminal culture was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) when using NC10 special primer sets, and addition of nitrate reduced methane production and the relative proportions of methanogen, whereas increased the relative proportion of NC10. A combined addition of ammonia salt and nitrate did not show further inhibitory effect on methane production but accelerated nitrate removal. We did not detect DAMO archaea in ruminal culture by real-time PCR when using ANME-2d special primer sets. The present study may encourage researchers to pay more attention to methane oxidation performed by anaerobic methanotroph when studying the strategies of inhibiting ruminal methane emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a family of multifunctional phase II enzymes that are involved in the detoxification of exogenous and endogenous compounds. In this study, a full-length cDNA of Mu-class GST ( PmMuGST) was isolated from the hepatopancreas of Penaeus monodon using rapid amplification of cDNA ends method. The full length cDNA of PmMuGST is 867 bp, contains an open read frame of 660 bp, and encodes a polypeptide of 219 amino acids with a molecular mass of 25.61 kDa and pI of 6.15. Sequence analysis indicated that the predicted protein sequence of PmMuGST was very similar to (86 %) that of Litopenaeus vannamei. A conserved domain of GST_N_Mu_like (PSSM: cd03075) and GST_C_family_superfamily_like (PSSM: cl02776) was indentified in PmMuGST. Real time quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicated that PmMuGST was present in all of the tested tissues. PmMuGST transcripts both in the hepatopancreas and in the muscle were significantly induced after 14 days of treatment with a low dosage of AFB1 (50 μg/kg) exposure and were significantly inhibited after 42 and 56 days of a high dosage of AFB1 (1000, 2500 μg/kg AFB1) exposure. Taken together, the Mu-class GST from P. monodon was inducible and was involved in the response to AFB1 exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autohydrolysis pretreatment with different severity factors was performed on poplar chips prior to chemi-thermomechanical pulping (CTMP) in order to investigate the change in pH value and its effect on the autohydrolysis pretreatment. The results showed that the dissolution amount of acetic acid increased with raising the severity factor of the pretreatment and declining the size of poplar chips, respectively. Besides, a logarithmic relationship between the amount of acetic acid released in the autohydrolysis liquor (AHL) and pH value of the AHL was observed. The amounts of glucose and xylose (including those in the form of monomers, oligomers, and polysaccharides) as well as furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) also depended on the pH value of the AHL to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel carbazole-substituted naphthopyran, 3,3-bis-(4-carbazolylphenyl)-[3H]-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran (CzNP) was designed and synthesized. The new compound exhibited normal photochromism in dichloromethane solution and the UV irradiation did not influence its fluorescence. On the contrary, the fluorescence of CzNP in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was intensively enhanced to 29 times after 60 min of the UV irradiation and this enhanced fluorescence can be quenched by addition of triethylamine (TEA). The study of enhanced extent of fluorescence of CzNP in solvents with different polarities and in mixed solvents demonstrated that the enhanced fluorescence is dependent on the polarity of solvents. The larger the polarity of solvent was, the stronger was the fluorescence of CzNP. CzNP also exhibited piezochromic performance and the pressure led to the cleavage of the C–O bond of pyran ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A well-designed naphthopyran derivative bearing a rhodamine 6G unit as a chemosensor has been synthesized successfully and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. The naphthopyran-rhodamine 6G dyad (R6GNP) exhibits excellent photochromism with reversible color change upon alternating ultraviolet irradiation and thermal bleaching. The as-prepared R6GNP as fluorescent sensor is sensitive to common trivalent metal ions, such as Fe 3+ , Cr 3+ , Ga 3+ , In 3+ and Al 3+ . Furthermore, the optical and colorimetric sensing properties of R6GNP for Cu 2+ ions were investigated by the naked eye and UV–vis absorption spectra. Upon the addition of Cu 2+ , there was no obvious color change of the solution. Interestingly, upon UV irradiation with light of 360 nm, changes can be observed by the naked eye. The colorless solution gradually turned pink as induced by photoirradiation at room temperature. Compared to other fluorophore-photochrome dyes, R6GNP possesses distinctive multi-selective ability for metal ions and shows potential applications in fluorescent molecular probe, photoprinting and UV strength measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pretreatmentof biomass is expected to improve the pulp propertiesand facilitate the main components in the raw materials to be betterused. In this work, the refining energy consumption and propertiesof the poplar chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP) from different autohydrolysispretreatment intensities of wood chips were investigated, and thepulp bleaching ability was also studied. The results showed that theCTMP with autohydrolysis pretreatment at a severity factor of 3.47could have a 26% energy reduction in pressurized refining, a 60% energysaving in PFI refining, and 44% and 46% increases in tensile and tearindices, respectively. Autohydrolysis pretreatment prior to pulpingcould result in CTMP with a higher water retention value, higher finescontent, better strength properties, lower shives content, and lowerbulk and ISO brightness after PFI refining. The brightness of CTMPcan be improved by alkaline peroxide bleaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ironpyrite (FeS2) nanostructures are of considerableinterest for photovoltaic applications due to improved material qualitycompared to their bulk counterpart. As an abundant and nontoxic semiconductor,FeS2nanomaterials offer great opportunities for low-costand green photovoltaic technology. This paper describes the fabricationof FeS2nanowire arrays via sulfurization of iron oxidenanotubes at relatively low temperatures. A facile synthesis of orderediron oxide nanotubes was achieved through anodization of iron foils.Characterization of the iron sulfide nanowires indicates that pyritestructures were formed. A prototype FeS2nanowire photoconductordemonstrates very high responsivity (>3.0 A/W). The presented methodcan be further explored to fabricate various FeS2nanostructures,such as nanoparticles, nanoflowers, and nanoplates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution-processed white organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs) have drawn great attention both in the academic and industrial research communities due to the potential application in low-cost, large-area, solid-state lightings. Issues related to the device efficiencies are largely hampering progress in this field. Alongside the development of new materials and novel device architectures, distinct progress has been made for such white devices. In particular, the all-phosphorescent light-emitting strategy has been intensively developed in recent years, mainly focusing on a hostguest, doping-system-based, single-active-layer structure and a solution-processed, multilayer device structure. Novel approaches, including white single polymers and excimer-/exciplex-based white devices, have also appeared as a promising choice and received great attention. As a prerequisite, the issue of the morphology of the emissive layer is also important and has an influence on the optoelectronic behavior of the device. Herein, major advances in solution-processed WOLEDs based on polymers, dendrimers, or solution-processed small molecules are summarized. Special attention is focused on the main progress in high-efficiency, solution-processed WOLEDs with the key strategies mentioned above and the morphology issue in these systems. The remaining challenges in pursuing the development of reliable and energy-saving lighting devices are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Phase separation in solution-processed OLEDs is restrained by adjusting processing solvent. [•] The solution-processed emissive layer is denser than the vacuum-evaporated counterpart. [•] Efficient solution-processed blue OLEDs with halogen-free solvent are achieved with power efficiency of 15.6lm/W. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Pyrite would be transformed into nano-hematite via nano-magnetite and jarosite at high temperature in air. • Nano-magnetite as an intermediate was formed in a weak reducing–weak oxidizing environment. • The nano-hematite possessed the nanospheric pseudomorph of magnetite in morphology. • SO 2 was released twice during the phase transformation reaction. Pyrite is a common and important mineral in coal and coal gangue, and its thermal transformation behavior and products during combustion have an essential impact on the environment, coal combustion technology, and recycling utilization of coal ash and coal gangue. Two samples of coal gangue containing high pyrite content were studied using XRD, TG-MS, SEM-EDS, and TEM to reveal pyrite's thermal transformation behavior and products during coal gangue combustion. The results showed that pyrite was transformed into hematite nanospheres during coal gangue combustion in air and released SO 2 gas in the process. The transformation proceeds in the sequence of pyrite (0 ∼ 400 °C) – nano-microspheric magnetite and jarosite (400 ∼ 500 °C) – nano-microspheric hematite (500 ∼ 1000 °C). Nano-hematite possessed the morphology of a nanospheric pseudomorph of magnetite. Nano-magnetite and jarosite as intermediates were transitional and unstable and formed in a weakly reducing–weakly oxidizing environment. The formation and thermal decomposition of jarosite was associated with the release of structural water from kaolinite dehydroxylation. During the phase transition reaction, SO 2 was released twice: the first release was related to the formation of magnetite and jarosite, while the second release was related to the thermal decomposition of jarosite. Temperature was the main factor affecting the nanocrystallization of hematite, whose crystallinity improved with an increase in temperature. This research portrays a new thermal phase transformation mechanism of pyrite in coal gangue, which can provide a theoretical basis for the recycling of coal gangue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T cell responses to enteric bacteria are important in inflammatory bowel disease. I2, encoded by the pfiT gene of Pseudomonas fluorescens, is a T-cell superantigen associated with human Crohn's disease. Here we report the crystal structure of pfiT at 1.7Å resolution and provide a functional analysis of the interaction of pfiT and its homolog, PA2885, with human class II MHC. Both pfiT and PA2885 bound to mammalian cells and stimulated the proliferation of human lymphocytes. This binding was greatly inhibited by anti-class II MHC HLA-DR antibodies, and to a lesser extent, by anti HLA-DQ and DP antibodies, indicating that the binding was class II MHC-specific. GST-pfiT efficiently precipitated both endogenous and in vitro purified recombinant HLA-DR1 molecules, indicating that pfiT directly interacted with HLA-DR1. Competition studies revealed that pfiT and the superantigen Mycoplasma arthritidis mitogen (MAM) competed for binding to HLA-DR, indicating that their binding sites overlap. Structural analyses established that pfiT belongs to the TetR-family of DNA-binding transcription regulators. The distinct structure of pfiT indicates that it represents a new family of T cell superantigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The morphology of fluorescent polyfluorene (PF) derivatives has strong effects on their electroluminescent (EL) performance. Herein, the influence of processing solvents on the morphology of PF-based white emissive polymer and its correlation to the EL behavior is studied. It is found that the PF copolymer films prepared from chlorobenzene:toluene (CB:TOL) solvent mixtures show stronger tendency to form crystalline α phase PF upon thermal annealing than those prepared from pure TOL or CB solvents. The evaporation rate difference in solvent mixtures can assist in the formation of crystal nucleus and enhance the crystallinity of PF backbone after thermal annealing. The results also reveal that the solvent mixture-processed fluorescent PF-based white emissive polymer not only shows more efficient blue emission, but also more balanced electron and hole transport. Accordingly, both the white emission purity and the light-emitting efficiency of the light-emitting diodes based on PF-based white emissive polymer are greatly enhanced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Metastases within liver or the brain are the most common causes of mortality from lung cancer (LC). Predicting liver or brain metastases before having evidence from imaging of the tumors is challenging but important for early patient intervention. According to mounting evidence, exosomes circulating within blood may facilitate cancer spread by transporting certain proteins for target cells. Methods: Using liquid chromatography–MS/MS, we investigated the plasma exosomes' proteomic profiles derived from 42 metastatic LC patients [16 solitary liver metastasis (LM), together with 26 solitary brain metastasis (BM)] and 25 local advanced (LA) lung cancer cases without metastasis, together with five healthy controls (HC), assessing the LM and BM pathogenesis and find potential novel organ-designated proteomic biomarkers. Using ELISA assay, we verified the expression levels of three plasma exosomal protein biomarkers in 110 LC patients, including 40 solitary LM, 32 solitary BM and 38 LA, and 25 HC. Results: In total, 143 and 120 differentially expressed exosome-based proteins (DEEPs) were found to be dysregulated in LM and BM of lung cancer (LM-DEEPs, BM-DEEPs), compared for LA lung cancer samples, respectively. The bioinformatics analyses indicated the heterogeneity and homogeneity in LM-DEEPs and BM-DEEPs. They were primarily engaged within proteomic triggering cascade, ECM-receptor interaction, and the collagen-containing extracellular matrix. Regarding heterogeneity, LM-DEEPs primarily consisted of proteoglycans, lipoprotein, integrin, and heat shock protein, whereas the BM-DEEPs consisted of calcium-dependent/S100 proteins. Furthermore, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-plasma-stemming exosome proteomics showed heterogeneity, which helped to explain some of the differences between SCLC and NSCLC's metastatic features. We also found that SELL and MUC5B could be used as diagnostic markers of BM, while APOH, CD81, and CCT5 could help diagnose LM in LC patients. Additionally, we demonstrated in a validation cohort that MUC5B and SELL could serve as biomarkers for diagnosing BM, and APOH could be a novel potential diagnostic biomarker of LM. Conclusion: We presented the comprehensive and comparative plasma-stemming exosomes' proteomic profiles from cases of LC who had isolated liver and brain metastases for the first time. We also suggested several possible biomarkers and pathogenic pathways that might be a great starting point for future research on LC metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vildagliptin (VLG), a drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, is nonfluorescent in aqueous solution. This property makes it difficult to determine by direct fluorometric methods. We proposed a new competitive method for fluorometric detection of VLG using CB[7]–BER (cucurbit[7]uril = CB[7], BER = berberine) as a fluorescent probe. The method showed a good calibration curve within the concentration range 0.00213–1.820 μg/mL with an excellent correlation coefficient (r2 > 0.999). The detection limit is 0.64 ng/mL for CB[7]–BER fluorescent probe. Moreover, the method was successfully applied for the determination of VLG in pharmaceutical tablets and artificial urine. To our knowledge, this is the first example of determining VLG using a fluorescent probe method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osimertinib is the first‐line treatment for patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, but the treatment options after drug resistance are limited. Previous studies have suggested that EGFR is in an immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). However, the evolution of TIME after osimertinib resistance and whether this resistance can be overcome by targeting TIME needs to be further investigated. Methods: The remodeling process and mechanism of TIME during the treatment with osimertinib were studied. Results: The proportion of EGFRL858R+T790M mutant tumor immune infiltrating cells was extremely low. Osimertinib treatment transiently triggered inflammatory cells, but several immunosuppressive cells infiltrated after drug resistance and formed a myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (MDSC)‐enriched TIME. The programmed cell death protein‐1 monoclonal antibody was not able to reverse the MDSC‐enriched TIME. Further analysis revealed that the activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways recruited a large number of MDSCs via cytokines. Finally, MDSC secreted high levels of interleukin‐10 and arginase‐1 and created an immunosuppressive TIME. Conclusions: Thus, our findings lay the foundation for the evolution of TIME in osimertinib treatment, establish the mechanism of immunosuppressive TIME after osimertinib resistance, and propose potential solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The flavivirus methyltransferase (MTase) sequentially methylates the N-7 and 2′-O positions of the viral RNA cap (GpppA-RNA→m7GpppA-RNA→m7GpppAm-RNA), using S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) as a methyl donor. We report here the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of novel nucleoside analogs. Two of these compounds can effectively and competitively inhibit the WNV MTase with IC50 values in micromolar range and, more importantly, do not inhibit human MTase. The compounds can also suppress the WNV replication in cell culture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We investigate the electroluminescent performance of single-layer polymer light-emitting diodes with the emissive layer comprised of poly(N-vinyl carbazole) (PVK): electron-transporting molecules (ETMs):iridium(III) [bis(4,6-difluorophenyl)-pyridinato-N,C2]-picolinate (FIrpic) trinary components. A series of ETMs with comparable energy levels is tentatively utilized to modulate the morphology. The morphology of the emissive layer is studied using the transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy in combination with the interfacial energy calculation between these components, with purpose to understand the multi-component miscibility and morphological properties of these emissive layers. It is found that the multi-component miscibility has dramatic influence on the morphology of the multi-component emissive layer and the final electroluminescent performance of the devices. The results reveal that the aggregation of ETMs mainly results in an increase of driving voltages, while the aggregation of FIrpic emitters would lead to the reduction in the luminous efficiencies as a result of their self-quenching effects. The PVK:1,3-bis[(p-tert-butyl)phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoyl]benzene (OXD-7): FIrpic blend demonstrates a more uniform morphology resulting in an optimal luminous efficiency of 15cdA−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We demonstrate high response organic ultraviolet photodetectors utilizing 1,3,5-tris(3-methylphenyl-phenylamino)-triphenylamine (m-MTDATA) and 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BPhen), which act as electron donor (D) and acceptor (A), respectively. The optimized device exhibits a peak photocurrent of 2.46mA/cm2 at −12V under an illumination of 365nm ultraviolet light irradiation with an intensity of 2.82mW/cm2, corresponding to a response of 872mA/W. The high response is attributed to large energy offset, efficient electron transfer from m-MTDATA to BPhen and high charge carrier mobilities of D and A. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mycoplasma arthritidis-derived mitogen (MAM) is a superantigen that can activate large fractions of T cells bearing particular Vβ elements of T cell receptor. Here, we report the crystal structure of a MAM mutant K201A in apo form (unliganded) at 2.8-Å resolutions. We also partially refined the crystal structures of the MAM wild type and another MAM mutant L50A in apo forms at low resolutions. Unexpectedly, the structures of these apo MAM molecules display a three-dimensional domain-swapped dimer. The entire C-terminal domains of these MAM molecules are involved in the domain swapping. Functional analyses demonstrated that the K201A and L50A mutants do not show altered ability to bind to their host receptors and that they stimulate the activation of T cells as efficiently as does the wild type. Structural comparisons indicated that the “reconstituted” MAM monomer from the domain-swapped dimer displays large differences at the hinge regions from the MAMwt molecule in the receptor-bound form. Further comparison indicated that MAM has a flexible N-terminal loop, implying that conformational changes could occur upon receptor binding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• High-speed impact dynamics and temperature changes are measured experimentally. • Theoretical models of drop and surface temperature changes (Δ T d and Δ T s ) are given. • Impact outcomes significantly affect the temperature variations. • Δ T d scaling laws are found for non-Leidenfrost drops: Δ T d ∼ t 3 / 2 first and then ∼ t. • Negligible temperature changes for Leidenfrost droplets due to a vapor layer. [Display omitted] Drop impact on heated surfaces plays a vital role in numerous applications, such as spraying, cooling, and combustion. In addition to impact dynamics, we investigate both droplet and surface temperature changes using a high-speed infrared (IR) camera and thermocouples when a Milli-Q water droplet impacts on a heated surface under various Weber numbers (1.6 ≤ W e ≤ 129 , which compares the drop kinetic to surface energy) and initial surface temperature (100 ∘ C ≤ T s i ≤ 445 ∘ C). Theoretical models of droplet and surface temperature changes are deduced using the energy conservation principle. Both theoretical and experimental results show that temperature variations are dramatically influenced by impact dynamics, which shows spreading, spreading/splashing atomization, or complete rebound depending on W e and T s i. For non-Leidenfrost droplets, the experimental results show that the mean droplet temperature change (Δ T d) is increased with increasing W e and T s i and scales with Δ T d ∼ t 3 / 2 and Δ T d ∼ t in the initial spreading and later-time sticking stages, respectively. The experimental results of solid surface temperature change, Δ T s c ≡ Δ T s (z = 0) , show that Δ T s c alters sharply with W e for W e < 30 , whereas insignificantly for W e > 30 with an identical T s i. Under the same W e , Δ T s c increases first for 100 ∘ C ≲ T s i ≲ 300 ∘ C and then reduces when 300 ∘ C ≲ T s i ≲ 445 ∘ C because of enhanced atomization at elevated temperatures. Finally, a negligible Δ T d and a nearly constant Δ T s c (≲ 4 ∘ C) are observed for Leidenfrost droplets due to the formation of an insulating vapor layer formed underneath the bouncing droplet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are widely used in many fields, such as industrial production, medical studies, and environmental monitoring, they are vulnerable to various security problems. This study proposes a WSN node access authentication protocol based on trusted connection architecture to prevent easy node capture and various malicious attacks as well as to address the limited energy and computing power and different levels of node credibility in WSNs. First, each node of a WSN is configured using a trusted platform module to ensure complete key generation and safe storage, and thus provides security for the access protocol. Second, an alarm mechanism is introduced to avoid cluster node issues, such as not forwarding data, forwarding part of the data, and forwarding wrong data. This mechanism enhances the troubleshooting capability. Finally, during node access, bidirectional node identity authentication, platform identity authentication, and platform integrity verification are performed to achieve trusted node access. Our protocol is formally verified using Syverson-Van Oorschot (SVO) logic. The security features are applied to analyze the protocol, and back-end analysis modules such as On-the-fly Model-Checker (OFMC) and Constraint Logic based Attack Searcher (CL-AtSe) of the Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications (AVISPA) tool are used to test the protocol. The theoretical analysis and test results show that the established security target of the protocol can resist network attacks in real application scenarios. In addition, the implementation efficiency of the protocol is sufficiently analyzed and evaluated. The results show that the protocol has high execution efficiency. In particular, the protocol is suitable for WSNs with high security requirements and limited computing power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To understand the initial reactions of granite in a CO2-saturated hydrothermal system, experiments were conducted using a batch-type autoclave over a temperature range of 100–350°C at up to 250bar and numerical computations of phase equilibria based on the experimental results were carried out. The experiments showed that the dissolution of granite and the deposition of secondary minerals were encouraged by the addition of CO2. Solution chemistry and examination of the granite’s surface texture suggested that its initial dissolution is characterized by the release of Na and Ca (from the dissolution of plagioclase) and that initial precipitation occurs by deposition of some secondary minerals on to plagioclase and/or biotite in the CO2-saturated system. However, the effect of CO2 was small at 350°C owing to the low activity of H2CO3. According to EDX analysis and numerical phase equilibrium calculations, the secondary minerals formed might be kaolinite, muscovite, smectite and calcite. That is, the granite as a whole might have the potential to take-up dissolved CO2. The results suggest that the alteration of granite under CO2-saturated hydrothermal conditions has the potential to capture CO2 when it is injected at moderate temperatures (150–250°C) into granite-hosted rock masses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gastrulation shapes the early embryos by forming three germ layers, ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. In vertebrates, this process requires massive cell rearrangement including convergence and extension (CE) movements that involve narrowing and lengthening of embryonic tissues as well as cell elongation. Such polarization and movements require precise reorganization and regulation of the cytoskeleton network and cell adhesion. Rho small GTPases are key regulators for dynamic actin cytoskeleton. However, the signaling mechanisms underlying their functions in CE remain to be further elucidated. We have cloned the zebrafish Danio rerio rhoA and by capitalizing on the specific functional knockdown using morpholinos against rhoA and the availability of CE mutants defective in Wnt signaling, we showed that rhoA morphants were reminiscent to noncanonical wnt mutants with serious disruption in CE movements. Injection of rhoA mRNA effectively rescued such defects in wnt5 and wnt11 mutants. Furthermore, CE defects in rhoA knockdown or wnt mutants can be suppressed through functional bypass after ectopic expression of the two mammalian Rho effectors, the Rho kinase and Diaphanous (mDia). These results provide the first evidence that the RhoA in vivo acts downstream of Wnt5 and Wnt11 to effect, without affecting cell fates, on the CE movements in zebrafish embryos. Significantly, it elicits such effect via both effectors, Rho kinase and Dia. These findings also support the versatility of the zebrafish as a model to further investigate the roles of various classes of small GTPases in regulating cell dynamics in vivo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The phase equilibria, the thermodynamic data and the phase diagram of the Eu–Sn (europium–tin) system have been critically assessed by means of CALculation of PHAse Diagram (CALPHAD) technique. The solution phases (liquid and bcc) are modeled with the Redlich–Kister equation, and the intermetallic compounds (Eu2Sn, Eu5Sn3, EuSn, Eu3Sn5 and EuSn3) are treated as stoichiometric compounds. The terminal bct and diamond phases are considered as phases of pure element Sn since the very small solubility of Eu in Sn. A set of self-consistent thermodynamic parameters of the Eu–Sn system was obtained. The calculations agree well with the respective experimental data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]