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Transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can significantly aid in repairing spinal cord injuries (SCIs) by migrating to and settling at the injury site. However, this process is typically inefficient, as only a small fraction of MSCs successfully reach the target lesion area. During SCI, the increased expression and secretion of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) act as a chemoattractant that guides MSC migration. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms by which HGF influences MSC migration are not fully understood. This study focused on unraveling the molecular pathways that drive MSC migration toward the SCI site in response to HGF. It was found that HGF can activate β-catenin signaling in MSCs by either phosphorylating LRP6, suppressing GSK3β phosphorylation through the AKT and ERK1/2 pathways, or enhancing the expression and nuclear translocation of TCF4. This activation leads to elevated Nedd9 expression, which promotes focal adhesion formation and F-actin polymerization, facilitating chemotactic migration. Transplanting MSCs during peak HGF expression in injured tissues substantially improves nerve regeneration, reduces scarring, and enhances hind limb mobility. Additionally, prolonging HGF release can further boost MSC migration and engraftment, thereby amplifying regenerative outcomes. However, inhibiting HGF/Met or interfering with β-catenin or Nedd9 signaling significantly impairs MSC engraftment, obstructing tissue repair and functional recovery. Together, these findings provide a theoretical basis and practical strategy for MSC transplantation therapy in SCI, highlighting the specific molecular mechanisms by which HGF regulates β-catenin signaling in MSCs, ultimately triggering their chemotactic migration.Graphical Abstract

Layered oxides are the widely investigated cathodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), especially their pure phases (e.g., P2, O3). In this work, we report a series of Mn-Ni-Fe based cathode materials with P2/O3 bi-phase, which possesses advantages of both P2 and O3 structures. At first, the manuscript shows a synthesis phase diagram of Na 0.83 Mn x Ni y Fe 1-x-y O 2 to pre-screen and select the P2/O3 bi-phase material Na 0.83 Mn 1/2 Ni 1/3 Fe 1/6 O 2. Then, it is found that the cationic ratio has a significant impact on the phase formation. The structure of the materials gradually changes with the various of the Mn/Ni ratio. When the Mn/Ni ratio reaches 3/2, P2/O3 bi-phase is formed. Moreover, Fe content will influence the P2/O3 ratio in the bi-phase material. In particular, the synthesized bi-phase Na 0.83 Mn 3/6 Ni 2/6 Fe 1/6 O 2 has a P2/O3 ratio of 71/29 wt%. It delivers a high specific capacity of 136.6 mA h g−1 (at current density 20 mA g−1) between 2.0 and 4.0 V and 94.8% retention (at current density 100 mA g−1) after 100 cycles. In addition, an 85.6 mA h g−1 discharge capacity can be maintained at a superior high current density of 2000 mA g−1. The work offers critical guidance to the rational design of the bi-phase layered cathode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a crucial role in the migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, our study has revealed an intriguing phenomenon where Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), an inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, promotes MSC migration at certain concentrations ranging from 25 to 100 ng/mL while inhibiting Wnt3a-induced MSC migration at a higher concentration (400 ng/mL). Interestingly, DKK1 consistently inhibited Wnt3a-induced phosphorylation of LRP6 at all concentrations. We further identified cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4), another DKK1 receptor, to be localized on the cell membrane of MSCs. Overexpressing the CRD2 deletion mutant of DKK1 (ΔCRD2), which selectively binds to CKAP4, promoted the accumulation of active β-catenin (ABC), the phosphorylation of AKT (Ser473) and the migration of MSCs, suggesting that DKK1 may activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling via the CKAP4/PI3K/AKT cascade. We also investigated the effect of the CKAP4 intracellular domain mutant (CKAP4-P/A) that failed to activate the PI3K/AKT pathway and found that CKAP4-P/A suppressed DKK1 (100 ng/mL)-induced AKT activation, ABC accumulation, and MSC migration. Moreover, CKAP4-P/A significantly weakened the inhibitory effects of DKK1 (400 ng/mL) on Wnt3a-induced MSC migration and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Based on these findings, we propose that DKK1 may activate the PI3K/AKT pathway via CKAP4 to balance the inhibitory effect on Wnt/β-catenin signaling and thus regulate Wnt3a-induced migration of MSCs. Our study reveals a previously unrecognized role of DKK1 in regulating MSC migration, highlighting the importance of CKAP4 and PI3K/AKT pathways in this process.Graphical Abstract

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to construct a new numerical scheme for the nonlinear gray radiative transfer (GRT) equations, namely, the asymptotic-preserving (AP) $$H_N^T$$HNT-based unified gas kinetic scheme (UGKS). The constructed scheme is obtained by combing the UGKS for spatial discretization with the hybrid $$H_N^T$$HNTmethod for angular discretization. Since the $$H_N^T$$HNTis a hybrid angular discrete method of both $${P_N}$$PNand $${S_N}$$SNmethods, the current $$H_N^T$$HNT-based UGKS can not only mitigate the ray effects of the $${S_N}$$SNmethod largely, but also suppress the oscillations of the original $${P_N}$$PNmethod. Furthermore, we show that the current $$H_N^T$$HNT-based UGKS also inherits the AP property of UGKS. A number of one-dimensional and two-dimensional numerical experiments are presented that validate the performance of the current scheme in both optically thin and thick regimes, as well as in mitigating the ray effects. Moreover, it can capture the initial layer solution without requiring additional treatments.

In this study, a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) manufactured SiC particles (SiCp) reinforced high alloyed Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Zr–Ti aluminum matrix composite was fabricated through ball-milling, HIP, homogenization, hot extrusion, solution treatment, and aging treatment. The results showed the presence of an interfacial reaction layer, MgAl2O4, around the SiCp, which enhanced the bonding between the particles and the matrix. The aging treatment resulted in the formation of different aging precipitates, which were featured by GP zone for T4, GP zone + η' (metastable MgZn2) + η (stable MgZn2) for T6 and GP zone + η' (metastable MgZn2) for T6I4. The composite samples of T4, T6, and T6I4 exhibited different mechanical properties. Specifically, the elastic modulus was measured as 102.9, 103.4, and 102.3 GPa, the yield strength was 685.3, 598.1, and 619.7 MPa, the ultimate tensile strength was 713.6, 618.9, and 633.3 MPa, and the elongation was 2.2%, 1.8%, and 2.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the corrosion behavior of the composite was evaluated through electrochemical, intergranular corrosion, and exfoliation corrosion. The corrosion current density was found to be 3.17 × 10−7, 4.97 × 10−7, and 3.67 × 10−7 A cm−2, the corrosion potential was measured as −0.70, −0.81, and −0.56 V, and the maximum intergranular corrosion depth was 139.9, 167.8, and 106.2 μm for T4, T6, and T6I4, respectively. The severity of exfoliation corrosion varied, with T4 showing severe pitting, T6 exhibiting moderate pitting, and T6I4 displaying slight pitting. The strengthening mechanism and load transfer strengthening of the composites were discussed in detail based on theoretical calculations, and the anti-corrosion mechanisms were also analyzed.

ABSTRACTSiC whisker (SiCw) reinforced 2000 series aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) with superior strength of 500 MPa were successfully prepared by traditional powder metallurgy, plastic deformation and heat treatment. The effect of plastic deformation treatment on their microstructure and comprehensive properties were investigated using an optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and its equipped energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), respectively. The phases and contribution of dislocation strengthening were analysed using an X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the secondary extrusion had the best effect on the grain refinement and dispersing reinforcement; and the forging also increased the number of equiaxed grains, which failed to completely eliminate the pore defects. The relative density of primary extruded AMC was 98.05%, which was improved after the secondary extrusion and forging by 1.46 and 1.07%, respectively. Compared with the primary extruded AMC, the electrical conductivity was reduced by 3.47% after the secondary extrusion and increased by 8.40% after the forging. On the basis of primary extruded AMC, the secondary extrusion increased the hardness, tensile strength and elongation by 14.16, 6.15, and 6.67%, respectively; while the forging slightly decreased the hardness, tensile strength and elongation by 3.15, 2.85, and 6.67%, respectively.

Valuable piperidin-4-one derivatives were synthesized in excellent yields via an α-imino carbene-initiated cascade reaction involving 1,2-aryl/alkyl migration and annulation. The excellent selectivity of alkyl migration was attributed to the neighboring group participation of 2-bromoethyl. Features such as high efficiency, excellent migrating selectivity, broad substrate scope, and convenient one-pot procedure qualified this protocol as an effective tool for piperidine derivative synthesis. The product could be transformed to a bioactive molecule easily. The migration-annulation reaction of α-imino carbene provided a powerful strategy for heterocycle construction.

ABSTRACTSiC and Ti reinforced aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) were fabricated by powder metallurgy, which were sintered at different re−sintering temperatures to improve their compressive property. The microstructure, phases, and nanohardness of obtained AMCs were analyzed using an optical microscope (OM), X–ray diffraction (XRD), and nano indenter, respectively. The effect of re−sintering temperature on the compressive property of SiC and Ti reinforced AMC was measured using an electronic universal machine, and the fracture morphologies and chemical compositions were investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), respectively. The results show that the grains on the SiC and Ti reinforced AMCs become finer and slender with the increase of re−sintering temperature in the range of 700–750°C, which further strengthen their mechanical property. The density and contribution of dislocation are also improved with the increase of re−sintering temperature. The elevated re−sintering temperature improves the dispersive distribution of reinforcements and decreases the porosity, which increases the nanohardness and elastic modulus of SiC and Ti reinforced AMCs. The compressive strength of SiC and Ti reinforced AMCs re−sintered at 750 oC is superior to that re−sintered at 700°C due to the combination of fine grain and dislocation strengthening.

In this study, the mechanical behavior, with dislocation “punched zone” (strengthened microzone by particles) emphasis on the damage mechanisms of (ZrB2+B4C)/6016Al hierarchical composites was studied by both experiments and finite element analysis. The experimental results show that the introduction of nanoparticles is an effective strategy to strengthen work hardening ability, as well as the tensile mechanical property of the hierarchical composites. Establishing the microstructure-based three-dimensional (3D) finite element model considered the reinforcement distribution and the dislocation “punched zone” of the matrix, which was identified by the nano-indentation test. The model was employed to reveal the deformation behavior and damage mechanism of the (ZrB2+B4C)/6016Al hierarchical composites by analyzing the stress and strain distributions. The elastoplastic response behavior simulation was conducted by changing the content of both reinforcements to accurately predict the composites' mechanical properties. This work proposes the strategy of introducing nano reinforcements to the unreinforced zone in traditional particle reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMCs) to improve the microzone coordinated deformation as well as provides a reference for studying and optimizing the mechanical property of hierarchical composites via microstructure-based modeling.

Aim: To investigate the occurrence of mosaicism in epilepsy probands and their parents using amplicon-based deep sequencing (ADS). Methods: Patients were recruited from the outpatient of Peking University First Hospital. Two hundred and sixty-four probands with pathogenic variants tested by next-generation sequencing (NGS) were enrolled. Results: Mosaic variants were detected in seventeen disease-associated genes from 20 probands, 5 paternal, and 6 maternal parents. The frequency of mosaicism was 11.74% (31/264). Mosaicism in 11 genes was identified from 20 probands with the mutant allelic fractions (MAFs) of 12.95–38.00% in autosomal dominant genes. Five paternal mosaicisms were identified in genes with a MAF of 6.30–20.99%, and six maternal mosaic individuals with a MAF of 2.07–21.90%. Only four mosaic parents had milder seizure history. The affected sibling had the same phenotype consistent with that of the proband, who inherited the variant of SLC1A2or STXBP1from their unaffected mosaic mothers, respectively. Interpretation: Mosaic phenomenon is not rare in families with epilepsy. Phenotypes of mosaic parents were milder or normal. Mosaicism detection is helpful to identify the mutation origin and it provides a theoretical basis for prenatal diagnosis of family reproduction. ADS is a reliable way of mosaicism detection for clinical application.

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Porous Ti-Si-Mo intermetallic compounds were fabricated by reactive synthesis using C7H10N2O2S as a foaming agent. The effects of Mo content on the microstructure, phase composition and oxidation behavior were investigated. The results show that the porosity and the fractal dimension decreases and then increases as the Mo content increases. It is found that the pore size is mainly distributed in less than 1μm. The phase compositions mainly consist of TiSi, Ti5Si4, Mo5Si3and TiO, and the Ti5Si3phase is detected at Mo content of 16 wt.% in particular. In addition, the mass gain of the oxidized samples gradually decreases as the Mo content increases. It is concluded that the oxidation resistance at high-temperature generally decreases as the fractal dimension increases. It is suggested that porous Ti-Si-Mo intermetallic compounds have potential applications in sound absorption and heat dissipation at high-temperature.

A simple, fast and cost-effective method for monolithic carbon aerogels (CAs) preparation was proposed through sol-gel polycondensation of resorcinol with formaldehyde in a basic aqueous solution followed by ambient pressure drying without solvent exchange, and carbonization. The microstructure and network strength of CAs were tailored by adjusting the catalyst concentration ([resorcinol]/[sodium carbonate] in the range of 300–2000), water content ([deionized water]/[resorcinol] equals to 17 and 24, respectively), and gelation temperature (T gel in the range of 30−90 °C). Resultantly, the CAs with a wide range of density (0.30–1.13 g/cm3), high specific surface area (465−616 m2/g), high compressive strength (6.5–147.4 MPa) and low thermal conductivity (0.065-0.120 Wm−1 K−1) were obtained in this work. Moreover, the large-sized CAs (100 × 100 × 20 mm3) can also be prepared by this method since the formed robust skeleton network can resist shrinkage/collapse of pore structure and prevent cracking during drying. The improved mechanical strength and monolithic forming abilities could be mainly attributed to the uniform arrangement of carbon particles and pores, fine particle size, abundant network structure and enhanced particle neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTWhether the Adrenoceptor Beta 3 (ADRB3) gene rs4994 polymorphism could affect the individual risk of childhood and adolescent overweight/obesity remains controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to estimate the prevalence of this polymorphism in overweight/obesity, and test the potential association by summarizing existing evidence. Comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, and CNKI databases was performed to identify eligible data sets. Finally, 16 studies involving 5,147 overweight/obese cases and 7,350 non-obese controls were included for further synthetic analyses. Odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were statistically calculated. Totally, 69.9% of the included subjects came from East Asia. In the meta-analysis for overall population, statistically significant associations with increased risk of childhood and adolescent overweight/obesity were identified in allele model (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.10–1.38), heterozygote model (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.16–1.68), and dominant model (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.12–1.54). Further stratified analysis according to geographical regions revealed that the statistical significance could only be detected in the East Asia subgroup in allele model, homozygote model, heterozygote model, and dominant model. In summary, our meta-analysis indicated that the ADRB3rs4994 polymorphism could significantly increase the risk of childhood and adolescent overweight/obesity, especially for the East Asia’s population.

Ultrafine-grained pure (UFG) titanium processed by equal channel angular pressing possesses mechanical properties comparable to those of Ti-6Al-4V and features more favorable friction resistance, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance than does commercially pure (CP) titanium. Nevertheless, UFG titanium is still a bio-inert material with a lack of bone-inducing ability. Here, TiO2-hydroxyapatite (TiO2-HA) coatings were fabricated on CP titanium and UFG titanium through combining micro-arc oxidation and hydrothermal treatment together to improve their cytocompatibility. The results indicate that, compared with conventional coatings that use CP titanium as the substrate, such coatings formed on the UFG titanium possess additional hydrophilicity and in vitro cytocompatibility. The fantastic hierarchical structure of the UFG TiO2-HA coating (UG-MH coating), including microscale and nanoscale pores and short column-shaped and sheet-shaped HA grains with varying geometric shapes, excellent hydrophilicity, and high polar force, enhances the mutual effects between the osteoblasts and titanium implant since it provides an adequate microenvironment for the ingrowth of osteoblasts, inducing osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. The UG-MH coating has a synergistic effect due to its fantastic hydrophilic hierarchical structure and high polar force on the up-regulated expression of cytoskeletal actin proteins as well as osteocalcin, protein kinase C (PKC), nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT), and Wnt5, enabling osteoblasts to differentiate via the Wnt calcium-dependent signaling pathway. This study highlights the idea that the modified UFG titanium will be more suitable than CP titanium in dental and orthopedic applications.

This study investigates the potential of ZVI on Cd(II) contaminated soil remediation through laboratory experiment, mechanism study and field application. The results show that the dosage of ZVI, the initial concentration level and the reaction time have significant impacts on Cd(II) adsorption and about 88% of aqueous Cd(II) can be removed from soils. The ZVI is observed to promote the increase of Cd(II) residual fraction in Cd(II) contaminated soils according to the sequential extraction procedure (SEP) results. Regression of the laboratory experimental data based on the Langmuir isotherm equation shows the adsorption capacity can reach 34.7 mg/g. Such a high value is attributed to physical and chemical adsorption, which is proved by X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), scanning electron microscope images (SEM), and Brunner-Emmet-Teller & Barret–Joyner–Halenda (BET-BJH) analysis. The field application shows that the ZVI can reduce the Cd(II) content in soils and brown rice by 51% and alleviate soil acidification, resulting in a 9.4% increase in rice yields.

Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic potential of an automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) system in differentiating benign and malignant breast masses compared with handheld ultrasound (HHUS). Women were randomly and proportionally selected from outpatients and underwent both HHUS and ABUS examinations. Masses with final American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System categories 2 and 3 were considered benign. Masses with final Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System categories 4 and 5 were considered malignant. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathologic results or at least a 1‐year follow‐up. Automated breast US and HHUS were compared on the basis of their sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy. Diagnostic consistency and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were analyzed. The maximum diameters of masses were compared among HHUS, ABUS, and pathologic results. A total of 599 masses in 398 women were confirmed by pathologic results or at least a 1‐year follow‐up; 103 of 599 masses were malignant, and 496 were benign. There were no significant differences between ABUS and HHUS in terms of diagnostic accuracy (80.1% versus 80.6%), specificity (77.62% versus 80.24%), positive predictive value (46.12% versus 46.46%), and negative predictive value (97.96% versus 95.67%). There were significant differences in sensitivity (92.23% versus 82.52%; P< .01) and areas under the curve (0.85 versus 0.81; P< .05) between ABUS and HHUS. The correlation of the maximum diameter was slightly higher between ABUS and pathologic results (r= 0.885) than between HHUS and pathologic results (r= 0.855), but the difference was not significant (P> .05). Automated breast US is better than HHUS in differentiating benign and malignant breast masses, especially with respect to specificity.

•MOA, NAM, and TPB are integrated to explain energy-saving behaviors in the workplace.•Motivation and opportunity directly affect energy-saving behaviors.•Motivation mediates the effect of opportunity and ability on energy-saving behaviors.•Opportunity has the greatest effect on energy-saving behaviors.•Interventions can focus on creating favorable organizational and interpersonal environments.

Despite growing availability of renewable energy or “green pricing” programs for residential use, consumer adoption in the U.S is limited. Existing data indicate that consumer values and political orientation—both of which reflect moral considerations—are associated with interest in renewable energy policies and use. An online experiment (n = 317) tested whether promotional messages framing renewable energy as consistent with participants’ primary moral concerns, as delineated by moral foundations theory, would indirectly lead to more positive message evaluation and greater willingness to pay for such programs. Specifically, the interactions of framing effects with participants’ political orientation were examined, as were the mediating roles of message-induced hope and personal moral norms. Results indicated political orientation was the most consistent predictor of message-induced hope, personal moral norms, and willingness to pay. Message framing did not interact with political orientation to influence mediating or outcome variables. Main effects of framing on hope were identified. Implications for promotion and adoption of residential renewable energy programs are discussed.

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a circulating metabolite that has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this paper, we identify blood markers, metabolites, proteins, gut microbiota patterns, and diets that are significantly associated with levels of plasma TMAO. We find that kidney markers are strongly associated with TMAO and identify CVD-related proteins that are positively correlated with TMAO. We show that metabolites derived by the gut microbiota are strongly correlated with TMAO and that the magnitude of this correlation varies with kidney function. Moreover, we identify diet-associated patterns in the microbiome that are correlated with TMAO. These findings suggest that both the process of TMAO accumulation and the mechanism by which TMAO promotes atherosclerosis are a complex interplay between diet and the microbiome on one hand and other system-level factors such as circulating proteins, metabolites, and kidney function.

Drawing on the attitude-behavior-context model, this study examined how attitudinal factors (energy saving belief and belief about the link between comfort and productivity) and contextual factors (group norms and organizational support) were associated with 1) employees’ willingness to save energy in the workplace at some cost of comfort and 2) the perceived ease of communicating to co-workers about saving energy. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, we found that employees with a strong energy saving belief were willing to sacrifice some comfort to save energy. Likewise, employees who did not believe that comfort and productivity were negatively related expressed greater willingness to save energy, especially when they perceived organizational support. Meanwhile, positive group norms were related to perceived ease of communicating for employees with a strong energy saving belief. This study demonstrates the need to consider both attitudinal and contextual factors, including their interactions, when examining energy-saving behaviors and their communicational antecedents in the workplace.

Low-income households comprise an important, but often-neglected, target population for energy reduction in the U.S. residential sector. Previous research of this population tends to emphasize demographic and economic factors with little consideration of social-psychological variables. This paper utilized the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to investigate how demographics, climate zones, and a set of social-psychological variables, including energy concern, bill consciousness, frugality attitude, and thermal comfort (needs for coolness and warmness) influenced energy conservation intentions among 248 low-income households across the U.S. Results indicated that the three TPB variables alone (attitudes toward energy- conservation, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) had positive effects on energy conservation intentions. Attitudes toward energy-conservation and perceived behavioral control remained as the strongest predictors after accounting for other variables. Meanwhile, bill consciousness positively predicted energy conservation intentions, whereas needs for warmness and coolness negatively predicted intentions. Gender and climate zones predicted intentions when other variables were not included in the model. This study provides important insights on low-income households’ energy-conservation intentions, as well as the antecedents and potential barriers, which provide useful recommendations for future energy policy initiatives.

This study investigated a set of social-psychological predictors affecting smart meter support and adoption intention based on the Technology Acceptance and Sustainable Energy Technology Acceptance Models among 711 U.S. residents. Despite low levels of adoption in the U.S., this study suggested that the majority of our participants supported smart meter technology and were willing to adopt this technology. Two perceived technology attributes – usefulness and risk to privacy – had direct effects on support for smart meter installation and adoption intention, while the other technology attribute, perceived cost, had no impact. Individual differences in trust in one’s utility company and problem perception related to energy issues affected support and adoption intention through the mediators of perceived usefulness and privacy risk. Problem perception also had direct effects on support and adoption intention. Democrats reported higher levels of trust in utility companies and problem perception than non-Democrats. This study provides useful insights for utility managers, researchers and policy makers.

Purpose:Arabinogalactan is the main active ingredient of Lycium barbarumpolysaccharides, possessing various bioactivities. However, the physicochemical properties of arabinogalactans differ between fruit varieties, provenance, and harvest seasons. The study aimed at distinguishing these differences between the main active ingredient (arabinogalactans) of fruit varieties, provenance, and harvest seasons. Methods:We obtained 27 batches L. barbarumfruit arabinogalactans using hot water extraction, fractional precipitation, and their monosaccharide composition and molecular weight fingerprints were established. The similarity between multiple fingerprinting profiles was evaluated using chemometrics. Results:These results showed that the summer fruits (NQ1 and MQ1) from Xianfeng (Inner Mongolia), varieties NQ1 and NQ9 from Jingyuan (Gansu), varieties NQ7 and NQ9 from Zhongning (Ningxia), variety NQ1 from Nanliang farm, Yinchuan (Ningxia) and Guazhou (Gansu), as well as autumn fruits (NQ1, NQ7, and Xiao JianJiao) from Jinghe (Xinjiang) were similar to the summer fruits of variety NQ1 (Zhongning, Ningxia). The quality of L. barbarumfruit was related to locations and varieties. Conclusion:The preparation of the main active ingredient was the key for quality control analysis of L. barbarumfruit. This study provides a theoretical basis for the quality control of L. barbarumpolysaccharides, and for the development and utilization of L. barbarumfruit.

In this study, the in-situsynthesized ZrB2nanoparticles and rare earth Sc were introduced to enhance the strength and ductility of 7N01 aluminum alloy, via the generation of high-melting and uniform nanodispersoids. The microstructure and mechanical property evolution of the prepared composites and the interaction between ZrB2and Sc were studied in detail. The microstructure investigation shows that the introduction of rare earth scandium (Sc) can promote the distribution of ZrB2nanoparticles, by improving their wettability to the Al melt. Meanwhile, the addition of rare earth Sc also modifies the coarse AlZnMgMnFe precipitated phases, refines the matrix grains and generates high-melting Al3(Sc, Zr)/Al3Sc nanodispersoids. Tensile tests of the composites show that with the combinatorial introduction of ZrB2and Sc, the strength and ductility of the composites are improved simultaneously compared with the corresponding 7N01 alloy, ZrB2/7N01 composite and Sc/7N01 alloy. And the optimum contents of ZrB2and Sc are 3 wt% and 0.2 wt% in this study. The yield strength, ultimate strength and elongation of (3 wt% ZrB2+0.2 wt% Sc)/7N01 composite are 477 MPa, 506 MPa and 9.8%, increased about 18.1%, 12.2% and 38% compared to 7N01 alloy. Furthermore, the cooperation strengthening mechanisms of ZrB2and Sc are also discussed.

To satisfy the eagerness for mullite fiber-based porous ceramics (Muf-based porous ceramics) with complex geometries in high-temperature thermal insulation fields, vat photopolymerization three-dimensional (3D) printing was first employed to prepare the highly complex Muf-based porous ceramics. Herein, a photosensitive hydroxysiloxane HPMS-KH570 was employed as the resin matrix, which not only prevented the fiber agglomeration and improved the rheological properties of the slurries but also acted as a high-temperature binder to fix the fiber cross points after sintering and consequently improved the structural stability of the 3D-Muf-based porous ceramics. The effects of mullite fiber (Muf) aspect ratio and content on the performance of Mufslurries, microstructure and physical properties of the 3D-Muf-based porous ceramics were investigated. When the fiber aspect ratio was 45 and the fiber content was 6.67 vol%, the Mufslurry exhibited the most suitable properties for vat photopolymerization 3D printing, and the corresponding 3D-Muf-based porous ceramics exhibited a well-defined 3D printed lattice structure with struts consisting of randomly crisscrossing Muf. This unique 3D skeleton structure endowed the 3D-Muf-based porous ceramics with low density (0.47 g/cm3) and low room temperature thermal conductivity (0.11 W/(m·K)), enabling it a promising candidate for high-temperature (1000–1400 ℃) insulation materials. Furthermore, this printing strategy provided references for vat photopolymerization 3D printing of other fiber-based materials.

Microstructural modifications of a thermally sprayed MCrAlY bond coat subjected to high-current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) and their relationships with thermal cycling behavior of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) were investigated. Microstructural observations revealed that the rough surface of air plasma spraying (APS) samples was significantly remelted and replaced by many interconnected bulged nodules after HCPEB irradiation. Meanwhile, the parallel columnar grains with growth direction perpendicular to the coating surface were observed inside these bulged nodules. Substantial Y-rich Al2O3bubbles and varieties of nanocrystallines were distributed evenly on the top of the modified layer. A physical model was proposed to describe the evaporation–condensation mechanism taking place at the irradiated surface for generating such surface morphologies. The results of thermal cycling test showed that HCPEB-TBCs presented higher thermal cycling resistance, the spalling area of which after 200 cycles accounted for only 1% of its total area, while it was about 34% for APS-TBCs. The resulting failure mode, i.e., in particular, a mixed delamination crack path, was shown and discussed. The irradiated effects including compact remelted surface, abundant nanoparticles, refined columnar grains, Y-rich alumina bubbles, and deformation structures contributed to the formation of a stable, continuous, slow-growing, and uniform thermally grown oxide with strong adherent ability. It appeared to be responsible for releasing stress and changing the cracking paths, and ultimately greatly improving the thermal cycling behavior of HCPEB-TBCs.

Renewable energy technologies, such as solar water heaters (SWHs) and alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), have been widely adopted in China. Using an extended model of the Theory of Planned Behavior, we investigated how social–psychological factors (environmental attitudes, perceived behavioral control (PBC), subjective and descriptive norms, and renewable energy knowledge) affect individuals’ intention to adopt SWHs and AFVs and support renewable energy policies for a sample of 655 Chinese university students. Results of structural equation models indicate that environmental attitudes have strong positive effects on the intention to adopt SWHs and AFVs and support renewable energy policies. Renewable energy knowledge has a positive impact on these two dependent variables. In addition, subjective and descriptive norms and PBC positively influence the intention to adopt renewable energy technologies, but have no significant effect on support for renewable energy policies. Implications of the results are discussed.

Diesel and gasoline engines are the most important sources of energy consuming, emission and global warming. To increase fuel efficiency and reduce emission, air pressure ratio of the engine needs to be further increased. The increase of air pressure is achieved by a compressor wheel in the turbocharger. The compressor wheel needs very complex blade geometry to achieve high pressure ratios. The very latest technique for impeller manufacture is called semi-solid moulding (SSM). This paper will present recent development of SSM including thixo-casting and rheo-casting processes in making aluminium compressor wheels. Experimental results show SSM material has superior microstructure and mechanical properties over cast and is comparable to material machined from solid. Component testing including performance and durability testing proves the SSM compressor wheels emerge as being significantly more durable than cast equivalents and approaching that of machined impellers.

Mutations in BSCL2/SEIPINcause Berardinelli-Seip congenital lipodystrophy type 2 (BSCL2), but the mechanisms whereby Bscl2 regulates adipose tissue function are unclear. Here, we generated adipose tissue (mature) Bscl2 knockout (Ad-mKO) mice, in which Bscl2 was specifically ablated in adipocytes of adult animals, to investigate the impact of acquired Bscl2 deletion on adipose tissue function and energy balance. Ad-mKO mice displayed reduced adiposity and were protected against high fat diet-induced obesity, but not insulin resistance or hepatic steatosis. Gene expression profiling and biochemical assays revealed increased lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue , as well as browning of WAT, owing to induction of cAMP/protein kinase A signaling upon Bscl2 deletion. Interestingly, Bscl2 deletion reduced food intake and downregulated adipose β3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) expression. Impaired ADRB3 signaling partially offsets upregulated browning-induced energy expenditure and thermogenesis in Ad-mKO mice housed at ambient temperature. However, this counter-regulatory response was abrogated under thermoneutral conditions, resulting in even greater body mass loss in Ad-mKO mice. These findings suggest that Bscl2 regulates adipocyte lipolysis and β-adrenergic signaling to produce complex effects on adipose tissues and whole-body energy balance.

The purposes of this study were to assess the long-term effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on blood pressure (BP) trajectories from childhood to young adulthood and to examine whether this relation is explained by childhood socioeconomic status (SES) or risk behaviors that are associated with ACEs.

CXCL5, epithelial cell derived neutrophil attractant 78, is a CXC chemokine predominantly expressed on epithelial cells. It has specificity for CXCR2 receptors and is involved in the recruitment and activation of neutrophils. CXCL5 is considered a therapeutic target in liver cancer, since treatment with small-interfering RNAs or antibodies against CXCL5 can suppress tumor growth, proliferation, migration and invasion. Experimental evidence demonstrated that CXCL5 antibodies could reduce the tumor growth and synergistically increase the efficiency of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Gefitinib, without the addition of toxicity. A number of challenges are encountered and should be considered during the development and clinical application of CXCL5 target-specific drugs. The specificity of CXCL5 as a therapeutic target for certain types and duration of cancer should be more carefully clarified, since it seems that CXCL5 is involved in many molecular pathways and crosstalk between targeted chemokines/receptors. The concept that CXCL5 serves as the therapeutic target for liver cancer was evidenced by preclinical studies, and is the beginning of CXCL5-based drug discovery and development.

Gemcitabine combined with platinum/fluorouracil drugs is the standard first-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancers (BTCs). We explored the safety and efficacy of toripalimab plus gemcitabine and S-1 (GS) as the first-line treatment for advanced BTCs. At a one-sided significance level of 0.025, a total of 50 patients could provide 80% power to show the efficacy at targeted progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 6 months of 70% versus 40% for the combined treatment. This single-arm, phase II study enrolled 50 patients with advanced BTCs who previously received no systemic treatment. The regimen was as follows: toripalimab (240 mg, i.v., d1), gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2, i.v., d1 and d8), and S-1 (40–60 mg bid p.o., d1–14, Q21d). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival. The secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), and safety. The associations between response with PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and genetic variations were explored. Patients were enrolled from January 2019 to August 2020, with a median follow-up time of 24.0 months (IQR: 4.3–31.0 months). The 6-month PFS rate was 62%. The median PFS was 7.0 months (95% CI: 5.0–8.9 months), and median OS was 15.0 months (95% CI: 11.6–18.4 months). Forty-nine patients completed the evaluation for tumor response. The ORR was 30.6% (95% CI: 17.2%–44.0%), and the disease control rate was 87.8% (95% CI: 78.2%–97.3%). The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were leukopenia (98.0%), neutropenia (92%), and anemia (86.0%). Grade III/IV TRAEs included leukopenia (38.0%), neutropenia (32%), skin rash (6%), anemia (2.0%), mucositis (2%), and immune-related colitis (2%). Among them, the grade III/IV immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were skin rash and colitis. In addition, biomarker analysis showed that negative PD-L1 expression and SMARCA4 mutation were significantly associated with worse survival outcomes, while no significant associations were observed for TP53, KRAS, or CDKN2Amutation as well as TMB. In conclusion, our data suggest that a regimen of toripalimab plus GS could improve PFS and OS with a good safety profile as a first-line treatment option for advanced BTC and warrants further verification.