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Revealing the heterogeneity among tissues is the greatest advantage of single-cell-sequencing. Marker genes not only act as the key to correctly identify cell types, but also the bio-markers for cell-status under certain experimental imputations. Current analysis methods such as Seurat and Monocle employ algorithms which compares one cluster to all the rest and select markers according to statistical tests. This pattern brings redundant calculations and thus, results in low calculation efficiency, specificity and accuracy. To address these issues, we introduce starTracer, a novel algorithm designed to enhance the efficiency, specificity and accuracy of marker gene identification in single-cell RNA-seq data analysis. starTracer operates as an independent pipeline, which exhibits great flexibility by accepting multiple input file types. The primary output is a marker matrix, where genes are sorted by the potential to function as markers, with those exhibiting the greatest potential positioned at the top. The speed improvement ranges by 2 ~ 3 orders of magnitude compared to Seurat, as observed across three independent datasets with lower false positive rate as observed in a simulated testing dataset with ground-truth. It's worth noting that starTracer exhibits increasing speed improvement with larger data volumes. It also excels in identifying markers in smaller clusters. These advantages solidify starTracer as an important tool for single-cell RNA-seq data, merging robust accuracy with exceptional speed. A novel marker gene search algorithm for single cell/nucleus RNA-seq improves speed by 2-3 orders of magnitude, greatly enhances accuracy, and substantially reduces false positive rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although numerous studies have been carried out to examine the general trend of urban mobility during coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), there is not enough research on changes in pedestrian behavioural characteristics and crowd dynamics in public spaces. Understanding and monitoring such changes are critical for the better management and design of public open space in case of future outbreaks of infectious diseases. To fill this gap, pedestrian movements are tracked and analysed with deep learning-based video analytics based on anonymised video footage along a major promenade in Hong Kong before and during COVID-19. Specifically, comparisons were made on pedestrian-flow characteristics, pedestrian activities and social distancing. Then, this study examines the dynamics of pedestrian crowding under different scenarios, using agent-based simulation. Model results suggest that the public space was characterised by fewer visitors, a higher average walking speed, a higher percentage of people exercising and a lower percentage of people carrying out stationary activities during COVID-19. In addition, a higher level of voluntary social distancing was observed. Several hot spots for pedestrian crowding were also identified. Learning from the above, it is suggested that multifunctional public space should be designed; and data-driven visitor management systems should be established to prepare for different scenarios in future cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging in place enables seniors to live at home and in their familiar neighborhoods as long as their health conditions allow. To date, few efforts have been made to examine the linkage between the physical and social aspects of the neighborhood environment, the activity-travel patterns, and their overall effects on life satisfaction. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to the existing literature by examining the relationship between older people's person–environment fit, activity-travel patterns, sense of community, and life satisfaction. Seemingly unrelated regression was applied to analyze questionnaire survey data collected from six community centers for older people in Hong Kong. Using the geographical perspective, the sense of community is further divided into the people and place aspects, with the latter found to have a greater effect on overall life satisfaction. Subjective walkability both directly and indirectly influences life satisfaction. Satisfaction with public transport facilities, health care facilities, and greenery, parks, and promenades indirectly influences older people's life satisfaction through their sense of community. The percentage of out-of-home activity time spent in the common neighborhood has a strong positive relationship with the sense of community. The findings highlight the importance of high-quality pedestrian infrastructure and public transport facilities in planning for aging in place. After identifying the common neighborhoods, local governments can listen to older people's needs and make improvements on the infrastructure, services, and facilities in common neighborhoods, as well as the connectivity to these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • BDE209 is rapidly degraded by 95 % within 6 min under visible light (λ > 400 nm). • Selective C-Br bond activation is achieved via Br vacancies enriched bismuth oxybromide. • The selectivity of meta- debromination on Br vacancies is as high as 74%. • The homologous Br vacancy is more conducive to accommodate Br atom of BDE209 in atomic size and electronic structure. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have attracted increasing attention due to their biotoxicity and persistence. Herein, rapid degradation of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) was achieved on bromine vacancies enriched BiOBr (BOB-V Br) nanosheets, with a degradation rate for BDE209 under visible light irradiation (λ > 400 nm) exceeding 95 % within 6 min. The initial two minutes serve as an induction period, during which the Br vacancies were in-situ introduced into the BiOBr (BOB) nanosheets. By precisely controlling the duration of photoinduction, varying concentrations of Br vacancies were successfully generated on the surface of the BOB nanosheets. Consequently, an enhanced degradation rate of BDE209 was observed in direct correlation with the increased concentration of Br vacancies. BOB-V Br showed a remarkable selectivity of 74 % for meta- product (BDE207). This selectivity towards BDE207 surpasses that of other anionic vacancies, as oxygen, sulfur, and iodine vacancies. The in-situ generated Br vacancies help to accommodate the Br atom of BDE209 in atomic size and electronic structure, thus facilitating the activation of the C-Br bond and achieving rapid BDE209 debromination. This work provides a new insight for the treatment of organic halogenated pollutants by photocatalysts with homologous halogen vacancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Podocan, a small leucine-rich repeat protein, is expressed in HIV-associated nephropathy, the cardiovascular system, and smooth muscle. Studies have linked PODN and PODNL to cancers such as osteosarcoma, glioma, and stomach cancer. Research has primarily focused on podocan's role in renal podocytes, injured smooth muscle cells, and various tumor cells. Bioinformatics studies have examined the role of PODN as a biomarker in tumors. Our research summarizes the modulatory role of podocan in smooth muscle and tumor proliferation through its suppression of cell proliferation and promotion of cell differentiation via various signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, and Akt/mTOR. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of PODN's involvement in smooth muscle, cardiovascular system, and tumors by integrating current and past research. This review aims to enhance understanding and inform in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of various diseases. [Display omitted] • This work comprehensively reviewed the role of Podocan in cell proliferation and differentiation of the past two decades. • Podocan inhibits cell proliferation and promotes cell differentiation through signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β and Akt/mTOR. • This article also summarized bioinformatics studies about PODN in various tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of triple‐phase bone scanning and the temporal impact of prosthesis implantation on the diagnostic efficacy of triple‐phase bone scanning for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Methods: Patients who were admitted to our hospital for joint pain and dysfunction after total joint arthroplasty between 2014 and 2020 were retrospectively included. Triple‐phase bone scanning was performed, and the blood pool images were evaluated to obtain the semi‐quantitative criteria. The patients were then grouped into six groups according to the time interval from index primary arthroplasty to triple‐phase bone scanning. We examined whether there were significant differences in sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy between the groups. Results: Overall, 66 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 74 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were analyzed. No significant differences were observed between visual analysis and semi‐quantitative measurement in terms of sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy. For patients with a time interval from prosthesis implantation to bone scanning of >1 year, visual analysis had a higher PPV (100%) in patients who underwent THA and the use of semi‐quantitative criteria had a higher NPV (85.7%) in patients who underwent TKA. Conclusion: The semi‐quantitative criteria showed no advantages in the diagnosis of PJI. In addition, triple‐phase bone scanning demonstrated good clinical diagnostic efficacy when the time interval from prosthesis implantation to bone scanning was >1 year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modular space deployable antenna has the advantages of extensibility, adaptability, and versatility, which is an ideal structure to meet the development trend of large aperture, high precision, and light weight for the deployable antenna in the future. To date, there are few reports on the temperature response of a modular deployable antenna in the thermal alternating environment in orbit. The aim of this study is at investigating the influence of a modular deployable antenna support structure on the surface accuracy and stability under the space thermal alternating environment. For this purpose, the thermal-structure analysis of the deployable antenna support structure was carried out by ANSYS APDL finite-element software. Using the transient temperature field obtained by thermal analysis as the boundary condition, the coupling law of stress development and thermal deformation of the support chord and cable caused by the antenna structure constraint position and other parameters is analyzed. In a uniform thermal field, the thermal stress of cables in the central module of the structure is the highest and that of the chord components in the same-circle modules is essentially the same. The thermally stress of the upper chords increases progressively toward the outer module, whereas that of cables decreases in the same direction. The thermal deformation at the upper-layer centroid of the structure can reach about 15 mm, so the influence on the accuracy of the antenna cannot be ignored. When the splicing vertical rod of adjacent modules in the outermost of the support structure is taken as the constraint connecting with the extension arm, the thermal deformation of the structure is minimum. The heat-insulating composite coating should be adopted on the surface of the antenna structure to reduce the thermal deformation and improve the adaptability. The thermal-structural analysis model proposed in this study could accurately estimate the behaviour of thermal deformation for the modular space deployable antenna, but the further coupling condition of the nonuniform temperature field could still be conducted. The results can provide a reference for the basic theory and engineering application of thermal-structural analysis for extralarge-aperture modular deployable antennas in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemolysis (F) and biofilm formation (G) of T1, T2 and repaired T2 isolates is shown. n = 8/group. (B) Analysis of biofilm formation and biofilm antibiotic resistance by CLSM for Case 1 T1 versus T2 isolates and LAC versus LAC agr isogenic strains. In the present study, we show that the development of I Staphylococcus aureus i device-associated infection involves mutations in the quorum-sensing system Agr that increase biofilm formation and thereby bacterial resistance to antibiotics. [Extracted from the article]

Non-vanishing electromagnetic properties of neutrinos have been predicted by many theories beyond the Standard Model, and an enhanced neutrino magnetic moment can have profound implications for fundamental physics. The XENON1T experiment recently detected an excess of electron recoil events in the 1â€"7 keV energy range, which can be compatible with solar neutrino magnetic moment interaction at a most probable value of μν = 2.1 Ă— 10âˆ'11 ÎĽ B. However, tritium backgrounds or solar axion interaction in this energy window are equally plausible causes. Upcoming multi-tonne noble liquid detectors will test these scenarios more in depth, but will continue to face similar ambiguity. We report a unique capability of future large liquid scintillator detectors to help resolve the potential neutrino magnetic moment scenario. With O (100) ktonâ‹...year exposure of liquid scintillator to solar neutrinos, a sensitivity of μν < 10âˆ'11 ÎĽ B can be reached at an energy threshold greater than 40 keV, where no tritium or solar axion events but only neutrino magnetic moment signal is still present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae has become a cause of nosocomial infections and posed challenges on treatments. • LPS synthesis defects due to a frameshift mutation of the lpcA gene render strains resistant to phages. • Slow growth of phage-resistant strains may be due to down-regulation of biosynthesis and energy metabolism. • Altered morphology of phage-resistant strains may be associated with the frameshift mutation of lpcA. • The frameshift mutation of lpcA and altered gene expression may reduce antibiotic resistance and virulence. Phage therapy has shown great promise in the treatment of bacterial infections. However, the effectiveness of phage therapy is compromised by the inevitable emergence of phage-resistant strains. In this study, a phage-resistant carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain SWKP1711R, derived from parental carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strain SWKP1711 was identified. The mechanism of bacteriophage resistance in SWKP1711R was investigated and the molecular determinants causing altered growth characteristics, antibiotic resistance, and virulence of SWKP1711R were tested. Compared to SWKP1711, SWKP1711R showed slower growth, smaller colonies, filamentous cells visible under the microscope, reduced production of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) and lipopolysaccharide, and reduced resistance to various antibiotics accompanied by reduced virulence. Adsorption experiments showed that phage vB_kpnM_17-11 lost the ability to adsorb onto SWKP1711R, and the adsorption receptor was identified to be bacterial surface polysaccharides. Genetic variation analysis revealed that, compared to the parental strain, SWKP1711R had only one thymine deletion at position 78 of the open reading frame of the lpcA gene, resulting in a frameshift mutation that caused alteration of the bacterial surface polysaccharide and inhibition of phage adsorption, ultimately leading to phage resistance. Transcriptome analysis and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR revealed that genes encoding lipopolysaccharide synthesis, ompK 35, bla TEM-1 , and type II and Hha-TomB toxin-antitoxin systems, were all downregulated in SWKP1711R. Taken together, the evidence presented here indicates that the phenotypic alterations and phage resistance displayed by the mutant may be related to the frameshift mutation of lpcA and altered gene expression. While evolution of phage resistance remains an issue, our study suggests that the reduced antibiotic resistance and virulence of phage-resistant strain derivatives might be beneficial in alleviating the burden caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metal-free C8–H functionalization of quinoline N-oxides with ynamides is unveiled for the first time by the intramolecular Friedel–Crafts-type reaction of quinolyl enolonium intermediates generated from Brønsted acid-catalyzed addition of quinoline N-oxides to ynamides. Various quinoline N-oxides and terminal ynamides prove to be suitable substrates for this method. A one-pot protocol was then developed for the metal-free direct C8–H functionalization of quinolines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Perioperative topical tranexamic acid as antifibrinolytic agent is often used for total joint replacement to reduce bleeding currently. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common isolates from perioperative infection of prosthetic joint. The influence of topical application with tranexamic acid on the incidence of acute prosthetic joint infection of Staphylococcus aureus has not been clarified. Methods. Mouse model of Staphylococcus aureus knee prosthesis infection was constructed. Tranexamic acid was intra-articular injected during the perioperative period. CFU counting from tissue and implant sample was evaluated 3 days and 7 days after inoculating of Staphylococcus aureus. Bacterial growth curve, biofilm formation, aggregation, and plasmin inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus were tested with tranexamic acid added to the synovial culture medium. Results. There were no significant differences of CFU counting from tissue and implant samples in knee prosthesis infection after a single local injection of tranexamic acid at the postoperative 3 or 7 days. The amount of bacterial colonization on the surface of implant increased after 3 days' continuous local injection of tranexamic acid. Tranexamic acid has no effect on bacterial growth at the concentration (10 mg/ml) of clinical application, but it can inhibit bacterial aggregation and mildly inhibit biofilm formation. Plasmin can significantly inhibit biofilm formation which can be revised by adding tranexamic acid. Conclusion. Although continuous local injection of tranexamic acid can promote the biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus on the surface of articular implant, it has clinical safety for using one single local injection of tranexamic acid during the perioperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), there has been a proliferation of urban studies using big data. Yet, another type of urban research innovations that involve interdisciplinary thinking and methods remains underdeveloped. This paper represents an attempt to adopt a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) toolbox developed in Computer Science for the analysis of eye movement patterns in Psychology to answer urban mobility questions in Geography. The main idea is that both people's eye movements and travel behavior follow the stop-travel-stop pattern, which can be summarized using HMM. Methodological challenges were addressed by adjusting the HMM to analyze territory-wide travel survey data in Hong Kong, China. By using the adjusted toolbox to identify the activity-travel patterns of working adults in Hong Kong, two distinctive groups of balanced (38.4%) and work-oriented (61.6%) lifestyles were identified. With some notable exceptions, working adults living in the urban core were having a more work-oriented lifestyle. Those with a balanced lifestyle were having a relatively compact zone of non-work activities around their homes but a relatively long commuting distance. Furthermore, working females tend to spend more time at home than their counterparts, regardless of their marital status and lifestyle. Overall, this interdisciplinary research demonstrates an attempt to integrate spatial, temporal, and sequential information for understanding people's behavior in urban mobility research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have investigated how older people's daily activities and characteristics of the surrounding urban environment affect their emotions and daily satisfaction. This study fills the research gap by using a paper-based survey and a smartphone ecological momentary assessment (EMA) application (with GPS tracking and pop-up surveys about activities) to study older people's well-being in Hong Kong. Three hundred and two older adults completed the paper survey and forty-two of them further completed a six- to seven-day EMA survey. Based on a total of 1,530 activity episodes, generalized estimating equation models were developed to examine the relationship between older people's socioeconomic background, activity participation, urban environment characteristics, and their feelings of happiness and calmness. Results show that older people's daily life satisfaction is affected by the emotions they experienced throughout the day. In particular, a higher level of happiness was associated with socializing, leisure, and recreation activities taking place outside of the immediate neighborhood, and calmness was best achieved during passive relaxation and resting activities within the residential neighborhood. Furthermore, characteristics of the environment at activity locations are statistically significant in explaining momentary well-being. The findings support the planning for age-friendly cities and communities through encouraging older people to engage in activities outside their residential neighborhoods and designing activity locations with more leisure facilities, lower road density, and higher exposure to water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under climate change, cities around the world would be faced with increasingly frequent, intense, and prolonged heatwave events. Currently, not enough research has looked into the temperature-metro ridership relationship in the scenario of extreme hot weather. Moreover, a geographical perspective, particularly on the characteristics of the built environment surrounding the metro stations, is still lacking in existing studies. To fill these research gaps, this study uses one year of hourly metro ridership and temperature records to examine the general relation between temperature and metro ridership. It also further investigates the metro ridership change during a week-long heatwave event in Shenzhen in 2016. Multivariate regressions were built for the overall scenario and separately for the weekday, weekend, peak hours, and off-peak scenarios. The results provide evidence for the non-linear relationship between the rise in temperature and the increase in metro ridership. The findings also suggest a general decline in metro ridership both on weekdays and the weekend during the heatwave, with more remarkable change observed on the weekend and off-peak hours on weekdays. Urban environment characteristics around metro stations, such as the number of companies, population density, amount of tree canopy, as well as the betweenness-centrality of stations, are found to be associated with the magnitude of change in metro ridership during the heatwave. The findings of this study offer some implications for the planning, design, and operation of metro systems in the future. • Examine the temperature-metro ridership and metro ridership change during a specific heatwave event. • Metro ridership declines more on the weekend than on weekdays during the heatwave event. • Urban environment characteristics around metro stations affect metro ridership change during the heatwave event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not enough studies have examined how specific design features of public open space, such as movable site features, are associated with people's physical activity level or playfulness. To fill this gap, this study uses deep learning-based methods to extract visitors' movement trajectories (n = 18,592) from a time-lapse video of a promenade in Hong Kong. The trajectories are classified into different groups based on a set of movement indicators. Multinomial logistic regression is used to examine the relationship between trajectory types and the level of interaction with different site features. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is also used to compare the average amount of physical activity among different trajectory types. The results show that interaction with semi-fixed or movable site features is associated with higher odds of people having "playful" trajectories than other types of trajectories. People with "sporty" trajectories and "playful" trajectories on average have the highest amount of physical activity. • People in public open space can be grouped by their movement trajectories. • Semi-fixed or movable site features are associated with active and playful use of space. • Playful trajectory is associated with higher amount of physical activity in comparison to other trajectory types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic and fluorine-containing oil and water resistant packaging materials have been gradually replaced by non-toxic and harmless bio-based materials because of their hazard to environment and human health. In this study, chitosan/carnauba wax emulsions (CS/CWs) were firstly prepared by one-step and used as oil and water resistant coating for cellulose-based food packaging paper. The impacts of emulsion components on stability of the emulsions and barrier performance of the coated paper were investigated. The results showed that the viscosity, particle size and polydispersity index of the emulsions were greatly dependent on the concentration of CS and CW, and the coated paper had the best comprehensive performance in water and oil resistance when the concentration of CS was 3 % and the amount of CW was 90 % of the total solid content (CS3/CW90). The particle size of CS3/CW90 was in the range of 0.5–0.7 μm, and the Cobb60 value, water contact angle and the kit ratings of paper coated with CS3/CW90 achieved 7.5 g/m2, 130.9° and 12/12, respectively, and the coated paper also exhibited excellent thermal stability and high antibacterial rate of 99.1 %, demonstrating its great potential for application in multi-functional food packaging. • Water and oil resistant coatings were prepared by one-step method. • Chitosan was used as oil resistant agent as well as emulsifier to prepare a stable emulsion. • Carnauba wax assists the improvement of water resistance and heat resistance. • Excellent water, oil and heat resistance as well as antibacterial properties were obtained for paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the bioactivity of titanium and its alloys, dense and uniform apatite coatings were prepared on Ti6Al4V titanium substrates using microwave assisted aqueous chemical method. The influence of the pretreatment to the titanium substrates and the Ca/P molar ratio of the microwave solution on the coating deposition and morphology, as well as the bioactivity of the coated samples were studied. Results showed that during the microwave process, alkali treatment followed by heat treatment to the titanium substrates would promote the rapid deposition of hydroxyapatite to form coating. And the morphologies of the apatite coatings could be adjusted by the Ca/P molar ratio of the microwave solution. After immersion test in simulated body fluid (SBF), the coated titanium alloy exhibits a good bioactivity by inducing the formation of apatite depositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry behavior monitoring is an important basis for the poultry disease warning. Manual monitoring is mostly used nowadays. In this work, the automatic monitoring system for assisting manual monitoring was examined. Sophisticated data mining techniques were used to leverage the data collected by RFID devices. Specifically, (1) weighing sensors and wireless networks of Multiple RFID-tag-collector groups were used to monitor the poultry behavior; (2) RFID tags were putted on individual poultry so that the moving time of the poultry between two RFID-tag-collectors could be recorded. Thus, the characteristic functions of poultry behaviors such as speed, ability to snatch food and resting time could be extracted based on the distance between two RFID-tag-collectors and the relevant time parameters; (3) the sick, normal, active and other poultry groups were categorized by using the K-means method which utilizing the behavior characteristics and poultry weight data in data mining. The results demonstrated that accurate classifications could be obtained according to the poultry characteristics, and the clustering results matched with the results obtained by manual method to identify the poultry groups. Consequently, the technique in this paper has great potential for large-scale poultry disease warning and poultry classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Triosephosphate isomerase 1 (TPI1), as a widely involved glycolytic enzyme, plays a significant role in glucose metabolism and is highly expressed in various tumors. However, its role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains incompletely understood. Methods: Through bioinformatic analysis, we identified a positive association between high expression of TPI1 and metastasis in LUAD. Western blot, RT‐qPCR, wound healing assays and transwell experiments, were employed to investigate potential mechanisms. Results: In this study, bioinformatic analysis showed that high expression of TPI1 was associated with poor prognosis in LUAD patients. We examined the expression of TPI1 in 29 paired LUAD tissues and found that TPI1 expression was higher in LUAD tissues than in paired adjacent noncancerous tissues. Meanwhile, overexpression of TPI1 promoted the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in LUAD cells, while silencing TPI1 weakened the EMT process. Furthermore, TPI1 was shown to regulate EMT through the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Conclusion: TPI1 promotes LUAD metastasis by activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The repair of large-area irregular bone defects is one of the complex problems in orthopedic clinical treatment. The bone repair scaffolds currently studied include electrospun membrane, hydrogel, bone cement, 3D printed bone tissue scaffolds, etc., among which 3D printed polymer-based scaffolds Bone scaffolds are the most promising for clinical applications. This is because 3D printing is modeled based on the im-aging results of actual bone defects so that the printed scaffolds can perfectly fit the bone defect, and the printed components can be adjusted to promote Osteogenesis. This review introduces a variety of 3D printing technologies and bone healing processes, reviews previous studies on the characteristics of commonly used natural or synthetic polymers, and clinical applications of 3D printed bone tissue scaffolds, analyzes and elaborates the characteristics of ideal bone tissue scaffolds, from t he progress of 3D printing bone tissue scaffolds were summarized in many aspects. The challenges and potential prospects in this direction were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to delineate the cell heterogeneity in the bone-implant interface and investigate the fibroblast responses to implant-associated S. aureus infection. Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing of human periprosthetic tissues from patients with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI, n = 3) and patients with aseptic loosening (AL, n = 2) was performed. Cell type identities and gene expression profiles were analyzed to depict the single-cell landscape in the periprosthetic environment. In addition, 11 publicly available human scRNA-seq datasets were downloaded from GSE datasets and integrated with the in-house sequencing data to identify disease-specific fibroblast subtypes. Furthermore, fibroblast pseudotime trajectory analysis and Single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering (SCENIC) analysis were combined to identify transcription regulators responsible for fibroblast differentiation. Immunofluorescence was performed on the sequenced samples to validate the protein expression of the differentially expressed transcription regulators. Results: Eight major cell types were identified in the human bone-implant interface by analyzing 36,466 cells. Meta-analysis of fibroblasts scRNA-seq data found fibroblasts in the bone-implant interface express a high level of CTHRC1. We also found fibroblasts could differentiate into pro-inflammatory and matrix-producing phenotypes, each primarily presented in the PJI and AL groups, respectively. Furthermore, NPAS2 and TFEC which are activated in PJI samples were suggested to induce pro-inflammatory polarization in fibroblasts, whereas HMX1, SOX5, SOX9, ZIC1, ETS2, and FOXO1 are matrix-producing regulators. Meanwhile, we conducted a CMap analysis and identified forskolin as a potential regulator for fibroblast differentiation toward matrix-producing phenotypes. Conclusions: In this study, we discovered the existence of CTHRC1+ fibroblast in the bone-implant interface. Moreover, we revealed a bipolar mode of fibroblast differentiation and put forward the hypothesis that infection could modulate fibroblast toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype through NPAS2 and TFEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Instant fried noodle with a cross-linked resistant starch (CLRS4) had dense structure. • Denser structure led to harder texture of the CLRS4-enriched instant fried noodles. • The CLRS4 was resistant to thermal processing in high moisture systems. • The CLRS4 ghost granules reduced accessibility of enzymes and then digestibility. The objective of this study was to understand the microstructure, textural properties, and in-vitro starch digestibility of instant fried noodle enriched with cross-linked phosphorylated type 4 resistant wheat starch (CLWRS4). Pasting viscosity results showed that CLWRS4 granule had low swelling and high resistance to rupture during high-temperature steaming and frying. Scanning electron microscopic images showed that instant fried noodles prepared using wheat flours containing 20% and 40% CLWRS4 exhibited denser structure and lower porosity than their respective counterparts. The CLWRS4-enriched instant fried noodles had higher cooking resistance, harder texture of cooked noodles at 40% CLWRS4 level, and longer cooking time than their respective counterparts. The starch digestibility of uncooked/cooked instant fried noodles enriched with 20% and 40% CLWRS4 (82.5%/87.3% and 74.7%/78.8%, respectively) was lower than that of their respective counterparts (92.4%/94.6% and 94.5%/96.1%, respectively). Light microscopic images showed that the wheat starch granules were gelatinzed and broken into pieces, while the CLWRS4 granule remained as granular ghost shapes. The result suggested that low swelling ability of CLWRS4 remained after steaming and frying, which limited the accessibility of digestive enzymes and then reduced the starch digestibility of instant fried noodles. The study provides useful information for developing instant fried noodles with reduced starch digestibility by incorporating CLWRS4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heteroresistance is a poorly understood mechanism of resistance which refers to a phenomenon where there are different subpopulations of seemingly isogenic bacteria which exhibit a range of susceptibilities to a particular antibiotic. In the current study, we identified a multidrug-resistant, carbapenemase-positive K. pneumoniae strain SWMUF35 which was classified as susceptible to amikacin and resistant to meropenem by clinical diagnostics yet harbored different subpopulations of phenotypically resistant cells, and has the ability to form biofilm. Population analysis profile (PAP) indicated that SWMUF35 showed heteroresistance towards amikacin and meropenem which was considered as co-heteroresistant K. pneumoniae strain. In vitro experiments such as dual PAP, dual Times-killing assays and checkerboard assay showed that antibiotic combination therapy (amikacin combined with meropenem) can effectively combat SWMUF35. Importantly, using an in vivo mouse model of peritonitis, we found that amikacin or meropenem monotherapy was unable to rescue mice infected with SWMUF35. Antibiotic combination therapy could be a rational strategy to use clinically approved antibiotics when monotherapy would fail. Furthermore, our data warn that antibiotic susceptibility testing results may be unreliable due to undetected heteroresistance which can lead to treatment failure and the detection of this phenotype is a prerequisite for a proper choice of antibiotic to support a successful treatment outcome. • Carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae has become a cause of nosocomial infections and posed challenges on treatments. • Heteroresistance could lead to treatment failure and is difficult to detect by methods employed by clinical laboratories. • Amikacin is often combined with carbapenems against multi-drug resistant K. pneumoniae. • Reports of amikacin and meropenem heteroresistant K. pneumoniae in China has not been previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A metal‐free C(sp3)−S bond cleavage of β‐alkylthio carbonyl compounds in the presence of Selectfluor is described. This novel strategy realizes the C−S bond cleavage and subsequent C−O bond formation, providing a facile and efficient method to construct different important β‐alkoxy carbonyl compounds with moderate to good yields and good functional groups tolerance. Moreover, our mechanistic studies also prove that two different mechanisms including the oxidant and thionium ion intermediate pathway may exist in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Selective C-Br bond activation of BDE209 is achieved via iodine vacancies enriched bismuth iodide homojunction. • The selectivity of meta - debromination on iodide vacancies is as high as 72%. • C-Br bond activation by O...Br halogen bond with oxygen atoms next to iodine vacancies. • The larger iodine vacancy is more conducive to accommodate the bromine atom than oxygen and sulfur vacancies. The activation of carbon-halogen bonds is of great significance to realize the breakdown of halogenated contaminants. Herein, a series of iodine vacancies enriched BiOI 1-x photocatalysts prepared by simple temperature regulation were successfully applied in photocatalytic debromination of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) under irradiation (λ > 360 nm). The obtained BiOI-450℃ composed of Bi 7 O 9 I 3 /Bi 5 O 7 I homojunction with iodine vacancies exhibited the best photocatalytic capacity to debromine BDE209. The removal of the first bromine atom from BDE209 on BiOI-450℃ displayed strong position selectivity that meta-debromination is superior to para -debromination, with essentially no ortho -debromination products formed. The selectivity of meta -debromination on iodine vacancies is as high as 72 %, which is higher than the selectivity on oxygen vacancies and sulfur vacancies. The larger space of iodine vacancy is more conducive to accommodating the bromine atom, therefore stabilizing the meta- bromine atomic adsorption configuration of BDE209 and promoting the C-Br bond activation by O...Br halogen bond with the support of surrounding oxygen atoms. This work will provide a feasible strategy for efficient dehalogenation of halogenated persistent organic pollutants based on halogenated bond activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts are the key to the large-scale production of green hydrogen by water electrolysis. Since there is no problem of iron leaking, the durability of pure nickel-based catalyst is more promising. However, it is challenging to achieve comparable performance with pure nickel-based materials as seen in NiFe-based catalysts. In this work, a controllable, large-sized NiMoO 4 ·xH 2 O monocrystal (α L -NiMoO 4 ·xH 2 O) was synthesized by reducing the dissociation (α) value of the reactants and gradually releasing MoO 4 2− by adjusting the pH of the molybdate solution to 4.5. α L -NiMoO 4 ·xH 2 O undergoes a complete reconstruction (CR) process to transform into nanocrystalline-amorphous NiOOH (NCA -NiOOH) with excellent OER performance. The NCA -NiOOH electrode requires only 185 mV and 280 mV overpotentials to achieve OER current densities of 10 mA cm−2 and 1.0 A cm−2, setting a new benchmark for the OER performance of pure Ni-based anodes. The NCA -NiOOH showed no signs of activity decline during bulk electrolysis at 1.0 A cm−2 for 3000 h. Anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEM-WEs) assembled with the NCA -NiOOH showed outstanding performance (1.57 V @ 1.0 A cm−2 at 80 °C) and impressive stability (230 h @ 1.0 A cm−2 at room temperature). This work not only developed a pure nickel benchmark OER catalyst for alkaline water electrolysis but also guided the rational design and controlled growth of precatalysts for CR. [Display omitted] • The growth of NiMoO 4 ·xH 2 O precatalysts is controlled by regulating MoO 42− dissociation. • Large NiMoO 4 ·xH 2 O monocrystals undergo complete reconstruction into NCA -NiOOH. • NCA -NiOOH stabilizes for 3000 h at 1000 mA cm−2 at 280 mV overpotential. • NCA -NiOOH can reach 1000 mA cm−2 in AEM-WEs with only 1.57 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Failure of membrane distillation (MD) due to pore wetting by amphiphilic molecules has recently received growing interests because it is a critical challenge to overcome for MD to be applicable for treating unconventional feed water. Recent MD studies using feed solutions containing surfactants have elucidated fundamental mechanism of wetting and generated practical solutions for wetting mitigation. However, what remains unclear is the impact of surfactant species on pore wetting kinetics. Based on a recently developed kinetic model for surfactant-induced pore wetting in MD, we hypothesize that the surface excess concentration of a surfactant is the most important surfactant property in affecting the pore wetting kinetics. In this study, we performed controlled MD wetting experiments using seven different types of surfactants and measured their respective breakthrough time as a quantitative metric for wetting kinetics. Our experiments reveal a good linear correlation between the surface excess concentration and breakthrough time for most but one tested surfactant. When surface excess concentration and diffusion coefficient are both considered, the model-simulated breakthrough time matches the experimentally measurement remarkably well for all tested surfactants. Highlights • Kinetics of surfactant-induced wetting in MD is controlled by surfactant transport. • Surface excess concentration strongly influences the wetting kinetics. • Diffusion coefficient may play a noticeable role in wetting kinetics in limited scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the corrosion resistance and bioactivity of AZ31 magnesium alloy, a crack-free magnesium phytic acid/apatite composite coating was synthesized on AZ31 substrate via chemical conversion deposition and followed a rapid microwave assisted treatment. The influences of pH values of the microwave solution on the morphology, composition and corrosion resistance properties of the composite coating were investigated. An apatite coating with bilayer structure was completely covered the magnesium phytic acid conversion coating after microwave radiation in the solution of pH 6.5, which reached the thickness of ~7.0 μm. During the electrochemical and immersion tests in simulated body fluid (SBF), the samples with composite coating exhibited a remarkably improved corrosion resistance, slower degradation rate and rapid inducing of Ca-P apatite deposition, suggesting that the composite coating could provide a long-time protection for substrates and promote the bioactivity of AZ31 magnesium alloys. Moreover, after 5 days of incubation, the composite coating showed non-cytotoxicity, good osteoblast adhesion and proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin has gained significant attention in wastewater treatment due to its abundant resources and good adsorbability. In this work, magnetic lignin micro-nano spheres (Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -LNS) was prepared using alkali lignin as the raw material, and was used as the adsorbent and catalyst to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to build an inhomogeneous catalytic oxidation system (Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -LNS/PMS). The system was then used to remove the stubborn acid blue 9 (AB9) dye in wastewater, and the effects of pH, catalyst dosage, PMS dosage of the system on the removal percentage of AB9 dye and the corresponding degradation mechanism were explored. The results showed that Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -LNS/PMS system had good removal efficiency for AB9 in wastewater, and AB9 dye was completely oxidized and finally degraded into CO 2 and H 2 O. The maximum removal percentage of AB9 was observed when the pH and temperature of the system were 6.0 and 313 K, and the removal percentage of AB9 achieved 100 % when the optimal dosage of Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -LNS and PMS were 3.44 g/L and 53.15 mM, respectively. In addition, Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -LNS had good stability and reusability. This work provides a promising approach for abatement of dyeing wastewater pollution and a new direction for high-value utilization of alkali lignin. • Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -LNS was made from alkali lignin, which is an industrial by-product and could promote the recycle of resource. • Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -LNS was prepared to activate PMS to degrade AB9, which is a new method to enhance the oxidation properties of PMS. • The Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -LNS/PMS system had excellent removal efficiency on AB9, and AB9 could eventually degrade into H 2 O and CO 2. • The Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -LNS could be recycled as catalyst and present good reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized pathologically by abnormal aggregation of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) in the brain and clinically by fine movement deficits at the early stage, but the roles of α-Syn and associated neural circuits and neuromodulator bases in the development of fine movement deficits in PD are poorly understood, in part due to the lack of appropriate behavioral testing paradigms and PD models without motor confounding effects. Here, we coupled two unique behavioral paradigms with two PD models to reveal the following: (i) Focally injecting α-Syn fibrils into the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) and the transgenic expression of A53T-α-Syn in the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN, PITX3-IRES2-tTA/tetO-A53T mice) selectively impaired forelimb fine movements induced by the single-pellet reaching task. (ii) Injecting α-Syn fibers into the SN suppressed the coordination of cranial and forelimb fine movements induced by the sunflower seed opening test. (iii) Treatments with the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) antagonist KW6002 reversed the impairment of forelimb and cranial fine movements induced by α-Syn aggregates in the SN. These findings established a causal role of α-Syn in the SNc-DLS dopaminergic pathway in the development of forelimb and cranial fine movement deficits and suggest a novel therapeutic strategy to improve fine movements in PD by A2AR antagonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Norad-Pum2-Mff axis regulates mitochondrial dynamics in cerebral ischemia–reperfusion. • Pum2 overexpression reduces mitochondrial fragmentation and neuronal injury. • Norad-Pum2-Mff axis is a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke. Stroke remains a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, with mitochondrial dysfunction closely linked to ischemic injury. This study explores the Norad–Pum2–Mff axis as a key regulator of mitochondrial function following ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. Using an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model, Mff protein levels were significantly elevated post-OGD/R, while mRNA levels remained unchanged, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation. Pumilio2 (Pum2), an RNA-binding protein, was shown to inhibit Mff translation, while Norad, a long non-coding RNA, sequestered Pum2, alleviating this inhibition. We observed decreased Pum2 levels and binding capacity to Mff mRNA, alongside increased Norad levels and binding to Pum2 in neurons after OGD/R. Overexpression of Pum2 in neurons reduced Mff levels, mitigated mitochondrial fragmentation, and alleviated neuronal injury. In a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R), Pum2 overexpression further improved mitochondrial morphology, reduced infarct volume, and enhanced neurobehavioral recovery. These findings suggest that targeting the Norad–Pum2–Mff axis could provide a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke by restoring mitochondrial function and reducing neuronal damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Flat-topped Vortex (FTV) beam has shown remarkable utility in a diverse range of industrial procedures, primarily attributed to its central intensity plateau. Nevertheless, the substantial potential of the FTV beam in particle trapping and manipulation has been largely underappreciated. In this work, we conducted the first study on the focusing properties and dynamic characteristics of the Flat-topped double vortex (FTDV) beam under different polarization for the absorption of Rayleigh particles. Through superimposing linearly two FTV beams with equal but opposite topological charges, the FTDV beam emerged naturally. Moreover, a comprehensive numerical analysis was subsequently performed to decode the interactions between the focusing field of the FTDV beam and Rayleigh particles. The analysis demonstrated that the focusing field of FTDV beam can perform multi-particle capture and effectively manipulate particles by modulating the topological charge | m | , the flatness order n , and the polarization state of the FTDV. Furthermore, a comparison between the focusing field of FTDV beam with that of vector vortex (VV) beam revealed that the FTDV beam was capable to generate spin angular momentum (SAM) density and spin torque at least an order of magnitude higher. These findings highlight the superior capabilities of FTDV beam in optical manipulation, and provide essential theoretical support for its utilization in particle capture and management. • The focusing and dynamic characteristics of FTDV beam are investigated for the first time. • The tightly focused FTDV beam can generate a larger SAM density and spin torque. • The mechanical state of the trapped particles can be effectively regulated by controlling the topological charge.|m|, the flatness order n, and the polarization state of the FTDV beam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camellia oleifera Abel (COA) is a kind of oil plant widely planted in China and East Asia. It has a large annual production and consumption, making it a promising feedstock for biofuel conversion. The hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of COA and the hydrothermal co-liquefaction (HTCL) of COA and Spirulina platensis (SP) were investigated. The bio-oil yield of COA HTL reached 21 wt% under 320 °C, 30 min. The main components in bio-oil from COA are light components, including fat acid, Phenol, which is different from SP and mixed feedstock, The HTCL process can improve bio-oil yield and quality of mixed feedstock, and the maximum yield reached 36 wt% (320 °C, 40 min, 2.0) even higher than pure SP HTL bio-oil yield of 28.76 wt% (320 °C, 30 min), bio-oil had more fatty acid content, lower heterocycles content and higher HHV. The synergistic effect (SE) of HTCL shows different changing trends with operating parameters, and the maximum SE is about 8%. Moreover, the energy recovery rate was increased in HTCL, indicating better conversion efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent microbial infection and decreased neovascularization are common issues associated with diabetic wound treatment. Hydrogel dressings that offer intrinsic antibacterial and angiogenesis‐inducing may substantially avoid the use of antibiotics or angiogenic agents. Herein, a versatile hydrogel is fabricated using an amyloid‐derived toxin simulant (Fmoc‐LFKFFK‐NH2, FLN) as building blocks, inspired by the defense strategy of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The simulant assemblies of the hydrogel function as both matrix components and functional elements for diabetic wound treatment. The hydrogel undergoes quick assembly from random monomers to nanofibrils with abundant b‐sheet driven by multiple non‐covalent interactions. The developed hydrogel demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and accelerates angiogenesis via hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) signaling as a consequence of its amyloidal structure. The simulant‐based nanofibrils endow the hydrogel with broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity dominated by a membrane‐disruption mechanism. In addition, the hydrogel exhibits excellent performance compared with the commercial hydrogel Prontosan in accelerating wound healing of diabetic mice infected with methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA). This study highlights the fabrication of a single component and versatile hydrogel platform, thereby avoiding the drug‐related side effects and complicated preparations and demonstrating its profound potential as a clinical dressing for the management of microbe‐infected diabetic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex multi-chamber nanostructures are difficult to prepare in a facile and straightforward manner although they are very useful for designing novel functional nanomaterials. In this study, based on the application of electrospun monolithic composites, a new tri-chamber composite nano structure was fabricated using a special trifluid electrospinning. The composite structure had a common shell and two separate cores, and thus was termed as a sheath-separate-core structure. A homemade structural spinneret was developed to assemble an electrospinning system for fabrication. All the three core/sheath sections of the sheath-separate-core structure were monolithic composites consisting of pH-sensitive polymers (i.e. Eudragit® series) and an active ingredient (paracetamol). The sheath-separate-core composite nano structure was able to combine the performances of the three electrospun monolithic nanocomposites to provide a smart controlled release profile according to the physiological characteristics of the digestive tract. The reported protocol opens a new way for designing and producing novel functional nanomaterials based on a complex nanostructure and the related process-structure-performance relationship. Unlabelled Image • A complex nanostructure consists of a sheath and two separate cores. • A multifluid electrospinning is implemented to fabricate the complex structure. • A structural spinneret is developed for guiding and organizing the three fluids. • The sheath-separate-core structures can provide a smart drug controlled release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, nano-sized carbon coated Na 2 FePO 4 F (Na 2 FePO 4 F/C) samples were successfully prepared via low-temperature solvothermal route and followed by carbon coating process. The effect of pH values of the precursor solutions on the morphology and structure of Na 2 FePO 4 F samples, and the electrochemical properties of the synthesized Na 2 FePO 4 F/C samples were systematically investigated. It was found that the morphology and structure of the Na 2 FePO 4 F samples were not only controlled by the pH values of the precursor solutions during the solvothermal route, but also changed in the subsequent carbon coating process, which finally influenced both the electronic conductivities and sodium ion diffusion ability. The solvothermal products exhibited spherical morphology consist of rod-like units at pH = 10.5. The spherical particles changed to irregular polyhedrons morphology with a large specific surface area of 126.2 m 2 g −1 after carbon coating process. The sodium ion diffusion coefficient of the Na 2 FePO 4 F-10.5/C sample (synthesized at pH = 10.5) was tested to be as high as 2.836 × 10 −11 cm 2 s −1 . The Na 2 FePO 4 F-10.5/C sample showed initial discharge capacity of 114.3 mAh g −1 at 0.1 C and high capacity retention of 93.3% after 100 cycles due to the great improvements of both electronic conductivities and sodium ion diffusion ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Use deep learning-based computer vision methods to extract street and behavioural factors from bus dashcam videos across the city. • Incorporate human-scale high-resolution urban design elements into the bus crash analysis. • Risk factors rank differently among serious bus crashes, slight bus crashes, and non-bus crashes. • Pedestrian exposure factor is important in predicting crash frequencies at different severity levels. • Protection railing is highly important in predicting fatal and serious bus crashes. • Bus stop crowding is significant for predicting slight bus crashes. In road safety research, bus crashes are particularly noteworthy because of the large number of bus passengers involved and the challenge that it puts to the road network (with the closure of multiple lanes or entire roads for hours) and the public health care system (with multiple injuries that need to be dispatched to public hospitals within a short time). The significance of improving bus safety is high in cities heavily relying on buses as a major means of public transport. The recent paradigm shifts of road design from primarily vehicle-oriented to people-oriented urge us to examine street and pedestrian behavioural factors more closely. Notably, the street environment is highly dynamic, corresponding to different times of the day. To fill this research gap, this study leverages a rich dataset - video data from bus dashcam footage - to identify some high-risk factors for estimating the frequency of bus crashes. This research applies deep learning models and computer vision techniques and constructs a series of behavioural and street factors: pedestrian exposure factors, pedestrian jaywalking, bus stop crowding, sidewalk railing, and sharp turning locations. Important risk factors are identified, and future planning interventions are suggested. In particular, road safety administrations need to devote more efforts to improve bus safety along streets with a high volume of pedestrians, recognise the importance of protection railing in protecting pedestrians during serious bus crashes, and take measures to ease bus stop crowding to prevent slight bus injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strontium has been suggested to have beneficial effects on bone remolding when incorporated at a suitable dose in apatite. In this work, strontium doped hydroxyapatite coating was prepared on magnesium (Mg) alloy substrates via microwave assisted deposition method for the purpose of improving the corrosion resistance and bioactivity of the substrates. A homogeneous and crack-free strontium doped hydroxyapatite (SrHA) coating with a special dual-layer structure was successfully fabricated on Mg alloy substrates in a short time of 10 min under microwave irradiation. Immersion tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) revealed that SrHA coatings could provide protection for Mg alloys in the initial stage and simultaneously induce new apatite precipitation to form a dense layer on the coating surface, suggesting that the SrHA coatings could accelerate the apatite precipitation and thus improve the bioactivity of Mg alloy substrates. The long-term immersion and electrochemical tests revealed that the deposited apatite layer could markedly improve the corrosion resistance of the coated samples over the immersion period of 32 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium and magnesium alloys as promising biodegradable implants gain increasing interest. To improve their corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility, hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings with double-layer structure were synthesized on magnesium alloy through a rapid microwave aqueous chemical route. The coating prepared with microwave heating time of 10 min consisted of cotton-like HA as the surface layer and strip-like HA as the bottom layer, and the coating thickness was ∼10.0 μm. The growth kinetic, electrochemical property, degradation, mineralization and cytocompatibility of HA coated and naked magnesium alloys were investigated. Potentiodynamic polarization test demonstrated that corrosion current density of HA coated magnesium alloy prepared with microwave heating time of 10 min was ∼100 times lower than that of the naked counterpart. Immersion test indicated that the strip-like HA layer with thickness of ∼7.7 μm and low solubility endowed magnesium alloy with initial-stage protection; the nano-scale cotton-like HA layer exhibited high HA mineralization capacity. The mineralized layer reached ∼12.7 μm in thickness after 24 days’ immersion, eventually integrated with the original HA bilayer coating, providing favorable long-term protection for magnesium alloy. Moreover, HA coated magnesium alloy prepared with microwave heating time of 10 min enhanced osteoblast proliferation than the naked counterpart. These attractive results indicated that this HA bilayer coating is a potential protective coating on biodegradable magnesium and magnesium alloys for orthopedic application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilm formation is an important strategy for the colonization of Streptococcus pneumoniae , which can increase the capacity to evade antibiotic and host immune stress. Extracellular choline-binding proteins (CBPs) are required for successful biofilm formation, but the function of extracellular CBPs in the process of biofilm formation is not fully understood. In this study, we tend to analyze the functions of LytA, LytC and CbpD in biofilm formation by in vitro studies with their choline-binding domains (CBDs). Biofilm formation of S. pneumoniae was enhanced when cultured in medium supplemented with CBD-C and CBD-D. Parallel assays with ChBp-Is (choline binding repeats with different C-terminal tails) and character analysis of CBDs reveal a higher isoelectric point (pI) is related to promotion of biofilm formation. Phenotype characterization of biofilms revel CBD-C and CBD-D function differently, CBD-C promoting the formation of membrane-like structures and CBD-D promoting the formation of regular reticular structures. Gene expression analysis reveals membrane transport pathways are influenced with the binding of CBDs, among which the phosphate uptake and PTS of galactose pathways are both up-regulated under conditions with CBDs. Further, extracellular substances detection revealed that extracellular proteins increased with CBD-A and CBD-D, exhibiting as increase in extracellular high molecular weight proteins. Extracellular DNA increased under CBD-A but decreased under CBD-C and CBD-D; Extracellular phosphate increased under CBD-C. These support the alterations in membrane transport pathways, and reveal diverse reactions to extracellular protein, DNA and phosphate of these three CBDs. Overall, our results indicated extracellular CBP participate in biofilm formation by affecting surface charge and membrane transport pathways of pneumococcal cells, as well as promoting reactions to extracellular substances. • Choline-binding domains (CBDs) of LytC and CbpD promote biofilm formation of S. pneumoniae. • Promotion effect on biofilm formation relate to the isoelectric point of CBDs. • The binding of CBDs influence the membrane transport pathways. • The binding of CBDs promote reactions to extracellular substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ST2529 was first reported in S. enterica and ST34 was first reported in Enteritidis. • A novel In6- and In7-like transposon Tn 5393 k was identified. • A novel class 1 integron InSW39 was identified. This study aimed to characterize molecular mechanism of 3 Salmonella enterica strains and novel mobile genetic elements identified in them. The strains, designated SW1, SW39, and SW109084, were obtained from diarrhea patients. The results of susceptibility testing showed SW39 was nonsusceptible to imipenem and cefotaxime. Whole genome sequencing was performed on Illumina HiSeq platform. Multilocus-sequence typing revealed SW1 belonged to ST2529 which was first confirmed in S. enterica , SW109084 was ST34 which was first reported in Enteritidis and SW39 was ST19. Resistome analysis showed SW1, SW109084, and SW39 carried 14, 19, and 17 antibiotic resistance genes. Seven transposons and 4 integrons were confirmed in these strains. Notably, a novel In6- and In7-like class 1 integron designated InSW39 and a novel transposon Tn 5393 k were identified in plasmid pSW39. The study of genomics and resistance in S. enterica plays a significant role in prevention and treatment of Salmonella infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cable loop source calibration system is developed for the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory, a 20 kton spherical liquid scintillator neutrino experiment. This system is capable of deploying radioactive sources into different positions of the detector in a vertical plane with a few-cm position accuracy. The design and the performance of the prototype are reported in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]