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Litters, the composition of sand and peat rich in microbiota, are essential to trigger the dustbathing behavior of chickens. To investigate the effects of a dustbathing environment (DE) on the intestinal health, gut microbiota, and immune responses of laying hens, a total of 72 healthy Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 69 wk of age (WOA) were housed individually in modified traditional cages and randomly divided into 2 groups: one group had free access to litters (CT), while the other one was restricted from litters (CC). The experiment lasted for 42 d. At the end of the experiment, the intestinal histomorphology and immune status of laying hens were determined, and the 16S rRNA sequencing method was used to assess the composition of the intestinal microbial community of birds. Intestinal histomorphology changed, including villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio significantly increased in the CT group (P < 0.01). DE reshaped the microbial community and increased the microbial richness with the higher indicators of Chao1 and observed species and the comparatively abundant beta diversity (P < 0.05). Ten genera, including Faecalibacterium and Coprococcus , declined in laying hens from the CT group (P < 0.05), while Alistipes increased in CT hens (P < 0.05) compared to those hens from the CC group. The expression levels of intestinal barrier-related genes of claudin-1, claudin-4, occludin, ZO-1, and ZO-2 and immune-related genes of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, IgA, TLR-2, and TLR-4 were significantly upregulated in the intestine of laying hens in CT group (P < 0.05). DE also increased the serum levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, and IgA (P < 0.01). The alteration of the gut microbiota by DE is closely related to host immune responses, including Lactobacillus positively correlated with IL-4 and IgA. Thus, a dustbathing environment can improve the welfare of laying hens by changing the intestinal histomorphology, immune response, and the gut microbial community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Neisseria anas was isolated in pure culture from a hepatic capsulitis liver in a duck. [•] 16S rRNA gene sequencing from pure subculture and construction of a phylogenetic tree verified the isolate as N. anas AH-N10. [•] 16S rRNA sequence analysis revealed that the pathogenic Neisseria anas isolate is located. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tungsten carbide (WC) has received widespread attention as a new type of nonprecious metal catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, it is still a challenge to improve the surface HER catalytic activity. In this work, the effects of different nonmetallic dopants on the catalytic activity and stabilities of WC (0001) surface for HER were studied by first principles methods. The effects of different types of non-metal (NM = B; N; O; P and S) and doping concentrations (ni = 25–100%) on HER catalytic activity and stability were investigated by calculating the Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption (∆GH) and substitution energy. It was found that the catalytic performance can be improved by doping O and P non-metallic elements. Especially, the ∆GH with P doped is −0.04eV better than Pt (−0.085 eV), which is a potential ideal catalyst for HER. Furthermore, the electronic structure analysis was used to explore the origin of the regulation of doping on stability and catalytic activity. The results show that nonmetallic doping is an effective strategy to control the catalytic activity, which provides theoretical support for the future research of HER catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psoriasis (PA) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the skin that adversely affects patients' quality of life. Yangxue Jiedu Fang (YXJD) has been used for decades to treat psoriasis in China. However, its antipsoriatic mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this study, we explored the effects of YXJD on angiogenesis and apoptosis of microvessels in PA, the underlying mechanisms in HUVEC cells transfected by Survivin overexpression plasmid and in a mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis and the relationship between VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and Survivin.Methods: A BALB/c mouse model of imiquimod- (IMQ-) induced PA was established, and the mice were treated with YXJD. Cell viability was assessed by CCK8 assay. Apoptosis was detected by annexin V-FITC/PI double-staining and caspase-3 assays. The PI3K/Akt/β-catenin pathway was analyzed by western blotting, ELISA, and immunochemical analysis.Results: YXJD ameliorated symptoms and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores and also reduced the number of microvessels, as determined by the microvessel density (MVD). The expression of apoptotic protein Survivin in endothelial cells, autophagy-related proteins p62, and angiogenic proteins VEGF was inhibited by YXJD, and the repressed expression of LC3II/I increased by YXJD. The proteins related to the PI3K/Akt pathway and β-catenin expression and the nuclear entry of β-catenin were reduced in IMQ-induced PA mice treated with YXJD. In HUVEC cells transfected by Survivin overexpression plasmid, we observed YXJD regulated the expression of Survivin, LC3II/I, and p62, VEGF, and PI3K/Akt pathway-relative proteins and the nuclear entry of β-catenin.Conclusions: YXJD inhibited the expression of Survivin via PI3K/Akt pathway to adjust apoptosis, autophagy, and angiogenesis of microvessels and thus improve the vascular sustainability in psoriasis. YXJD may represent a new direction of drug research and development for immunomodulatory therapy for psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: antifungal activity; antifungal peptide; non-conventional peptide; unannotated coding sequence; plant fungal pathogen; broad-spectrum EN antifungal activity antifungal peptide non-conventional peptide unannotated coding sequence plant fungal pathogen broad-spectrum 2147 2149 3 10/26/21 20211101 NES 211101 Peptides are generally composed of 2-100 amino acid residues and well known as key regulators of many physiological processes (Tavormina I et al i ., 2015; Wang I et al i ., 2020a). (h) Growth inhibition rate (%) of NCPs with the broader antifungal spectrum under the treatments of NCPs at 150 M and 200 M. (i) Hyphal morphology of four pathogenic fungi treated with 100 M NCPs. To further investigate the characteristics of antifungal NCPs, the mycelial growth of each pathogen fungi after NCP treatments was analysed. The antifungal activity of these NCPs against four pathogenic fungi was evaluated by the mycelium growth rate method (Agarwal I et al i ., 2001), as shown in Figure 1a. In brief, NCP solutions were added to the potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. [Extracted from the article]

The heating process for CuAlNi nanoclusters with cuboctahedral structure was studied by molecular dynamics simulation with the embedded atom method. A diffusionless martensitic transformation from the cuboctahedral (CO) to the icosahedral (ICO) structure before the melting point was found in some CuAlNi nanoclusters. The effects of element composition and cluster size on the thermodynamic stability and structural transformation of trimetallic nanoclusters were investigated. The results show that the CO–ICO transformation temperature was size-dependent and occurred only for small clusters. It was also observed that the CO–ICO transformation temperature firstly dropped and then raised as Al concentration increased, which may be strongly related to the release of excess energy. Furthermore, the surface segregation phenomenon was also observed that the lower surface energy components, such as Al and Cu atoms, segregated to the surface of CuAlNi nanoclusters. The changes in the melting points of CuAlNi nanoclusters with different alloy compositions and cluster sizes were also studied. And furthermore, the physical basis of structural transition of CuAlNi nanoclusters was discussed. Image 1 • CuAlNi nanoclusters undergo a martensitic transformation from the cuboctahedral to the icosahedral structure before melting. • The icosahedral transformation temperature is strongly related to the release of excess energy. • The melting point of CuAlNi nanoclusters decreases as Al concentration increases, and increases as cluster size increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modification before the stabilization process could tune the exothermic behavior and the structural evolution of PAN fibers during stabilization. In this study, we demonstrate that a rapid thermal pretreatment in nitrogen can effectively mitigate the exothermic behavior of PAN fibers, such as decreasing the initial temperature, broadening the exothermal peak, and decreasing the nominal heat release during heating the fibers in air. The color of fibers has shown gradual changes from white to light yellow, yellow and brown during thermal pretreatment in nitrogen with the increase of pretreating temperature and time. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG) characterization have been applied to analyze the thermal properties, chemical and physical structural difference between PAN, and thermally pretreated PAN fibers. The thermal pretreatment of PAN fibers in nitrogen could induce cyclization, dehydrogenation, and cross-linking reactions, in which the cyclization play an important role on improving the cyclization index of stabilized PAN fibers. Meanwhile, the pretreatment can result in noticeable changes of the aggregation structure of PAN fibers, as indicated by the increase of crystallinity and crystalline size. These structural modifications can benefit the main cyclization reaction during stabilization and enhance the carbon yield in resultant carbon fibers. The rapid thermal pretreatment in nitrogen could increase efficiency of modification on PAN fibers, and that could save much time and energy. It is beneficial to manufacture low-cost carbon fibers and to spread the applications of carbon fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron-beam irradiation has demonstrated the promising results for tuning the exothermic behavior of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers, and the stabilization time can be shortened accordingly. However, the mechanical properties, especially the tensile strength, of carbon fibers based on irradiated PAN fibers are usually lower than those of standard carbon fibers. In this study, PAN fibers irradiated with an electron beam to 1200 kGy are continuously stabilized and carbonized to produce carbon fibers (i-CFs). The mechanical properties of the i-CFs are optimized by controlling the density of the stabilized fibers, and the best performing i-CF achieves a tensile strength of 2.27 GPa and a modulus of 174 GPa. The structure and properties of the carbon fibers and the precursor fibers are investigated to determine the origin of the low tensile properties of the i-CFs. The results show that the graphite crystalline structures are comparable between the CFs and the i-CFs. However, two distinct peaks at 2020 and 1668 cm−1 emerge in the FT-IR spectra of PAN fibers after irradiation that correspond to the C=C=N (ketenimine) and C=N–N=C conjugation groups. These cross-linking structures may disrupt the cyclization reaction and hinder the formation of the aromatic structure of PAN during stabilization, which bring about defects in the resultant carbon fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) occur in the surface water of the Taizi River, China. The levels and composition patterns were studied by high-performance liquid chromatography and PAHs sources were analyzed using the isomer ratios of selected PAH compounds. In the flood period, concentrations of PAHs ranged from 1562.52 to 4176.15 ng/L with a mean of 2562.56 ng/L. In the dry period, concentrations ranged from 498.09 to 3218.27 ng/L with a mean of 1389.30 ng/L. The levels of ΣPAHs in the study area were higher than in other locations. The dominant PAHs were Baa in the flood period and Phe, Flu and Pyr in the dry period. The composition of PAHs was dominated by four-ring PAHs (51.72–82.69%) in the flood period and three-ring (28.25–50.10%) and four-ring PAHs (38.28–56.28%) in the dry period. The isomer ratios of Ant/(Ant + Phe), Flu/(Flu + Pyr) and compositional analysis were selected to identify the sources of PAHs. Coal combustion and traffic emission were the sources of PAHs in the surface water of the Taizi River, and the major source of PAHs was from combustion of coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the complex characteristics of permanent magnet linear synchronous motors and the external interference encountered during their operation, controlled precision and efficiency are necessary. In this paper, the mechanism of biological endocrine hormone regulation is analyzed, and an intelligent controller based on the obtained neuroendocrine algorithm is implemented in the control system of a permanent magnet linear synchronous motor. The controller mainly includes a hypothalamic regulation module, a single-neuron proportion integration differential module, and an ultrashort feedback module. It is designed and referenced to the long feedback, short feedback, and ultrashort feedback loop mechanisms of neuroendocrine hormone regulation and abides by the principle of human neuroendocrine hormone regulation. The antagonistic hormone regulation module achieves rapid and stable elimination of errors through the fusion of enhanced regulation with regulation inhibition, and the single-neuron proportion integration differential module enhances the adaptive and self-learning capabilities of the control system. The proposed control is successfully used in a permanent magnet linear synchronous motor, and the experimental results show that the controller presents many advantages, such as fast dynamic responses, strong online adjustment ability, and good running stability in the control system, all of which improve the robustness of the control system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bowel preparation before colectomy is considered an effective strategy to decrease postoperative complications. However, data regarding the effect of bowel preparation in patients undergoing minimally invasive colectomy are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of different bowel preparation strategies in patients undergoing open, minimally invasive, and converted-to-open elective colectomies. We identified 39,355 patients who underwent elective colectomy from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program colectomy-targeted database (2012-2016). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the impact of different bowel preparation strategies on postoperative complications and mortality in three subapproach groups: open (n = 12,141), minimally invasive (n = 23,057), and converted to open (n = 4157). Overall, a total of 10,066 (25.6%) patients received no preparation (NP), 11,646 (29.5%) mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) alone, 1664 (4.2%) antibiotic bowel preparation (ABP) alone, and 15,979 (40.6%) MBP + ABP. Compared with NP, MBP + ABP showed the strongest protective effects. MBP + ABP was associated with reduced risk of major complications (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55-0.66), infectious complications (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.46-0.54), any complications (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.51-0.60), 30-d mortality (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48-0.96), anastomotic leak (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.43-0.58), and length of stay ≥ 4 d (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.61-0.67) in overall population. These protective effects, except for 30-d mortality, were observed in open, minimally invasive, and converted-to-open groups. When the analysis was limited to robotic surgery only, MBP + ABP was only associated with reduced risk of major complications (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38-0.97) compared with NP. The protective effects remained similar over the study time period. MBP + ABP is a preferred preoperative strategy in open, minimally invasive, and converted-to-open colectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanofibrous nonwoven mats (CNFMs) prepared via electrospinning offer excellent electrical and structural properties and have been used as frameworks for electrodes in electrochemical energy storage devices. However, lack of mechanical strength hinders the broad applications of CNFMs in flexible electronics or industry use. In this work, a rapid stabilization method is developed to prepare high-strength and flexible CNFMs. Studies of the effects of stabilization time on the structures of the stabilized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers and the subsequent carbon nanofibers reveal that there is an optimal stabilization time for making high-strength CNFMs. Long stabilization time results in excessive oxidation of the stabilized PAN nanofibers and unwanted defects in the carbon nanofibers. Short stabilization time results in carbon nanofibers with less crystalline structures due to insufficient formation of the thermally stable ladder-like structure. Robust and flexible CNFM with the highest tensile strength of 192.7 MPa is obtained using an optimized total stabilization time of 40 min. To demonstrate the application of the flexible CNFMs, they are fabricated as an electrode framework to load TiO2 nanoparticles without use of organic binders. Lithium ion half-cell based on this electrode demonstrates superior rate cycling performance owning to the porous structure and highly conductive fibrous carbon network of CNFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A graphene-based composite with high electrochemical performance for supercapacitor applications is fabricated by introducing nanoscale carbide-derived carbon (NCDC) into the fluorine-doped graphene (FG). The incorporation of fluorine can increase the specific capacitance of graphene by providing more pseudocapacitance, whereas the introduction of NCDC into the FG/NCDC composite offers high specific surface area (SSA) (up to 1317 m2 g − 1 ) and hierarchical pore structure, resulting in an enhanced electric double layer capacitance. Due to the synergistic effect of pseudocapacitance and electric double layer capacitance, the specific capacitance of FG/NCDC composite can reach 321 F g − 1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s − 1 in aqueous electrolyte. Notably, the specific capacitance of the FG/NCDC composite is very stable during long-term cyclic tests, with no significant degradation after 10,000 cycles. Due to its excellent supercapacitive performance, the FG/NCDC composite can be considered as a promising electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors. Fluorine-doped graphene/nanosized carbide-derived carbon (FG/NCDC) composites with three-dimensional structure were successfully constructed by hydrothermal method and ultrasonication. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of pseudocapacitance and electric double layer capacitance, the FG/NCDC composite shows enhanced supercapacitive performance and excellent long cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-sugar diet (HSD), high-cholesterol diet (HCD), and high-fat diet (HFD) all modulate the levels of lipids. However, there is a lack of comparative data on the effects of different diets on phospholipids (PLs). Given their important role in physiology and disease, there has been an increasing focus on altered PLs in liver and brain disorders. This study aims to determine the effects of HSD, HCD, and HFD for 14-week feeding on the PL profile of the mouse liver and hippocampus. Quantitative analysis of 116 and 113 PL molecular species in liver and hippocampus tissues revealed that the HSD, HCD, and HFD significantly affected the PLs in liver and hippocampus, especially decreased the levels of plasmenylethanolamine (pPE) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Overall, the impact of HFD on liver PLs was more significant, consistent with the morphological changes in the liver. Compared to HSD and HCD, HFD induced a significant decrease in PC (P-16:0/18:1) and an increase in LPE (18:0) and LPE (18:1) in liver. In the liver of mice fed with different diets, the expression of the key enzymes Gnpat , Agps in the pPE biosynthesis pathway and peroxisome-associated membrane proteins pex14p were decreased. In addition, all diets significantly reduced the expression of Gnpat , pex7p , and pex16p in hippocampus tissue. In conclusion, HSD, HCD, and HFD enhanced lipid accumulation in the liver, led to liver injury, significantly affected the liver and hippocampus PLs, and decreased the expression of genes related to plasmalogen synthesis in mouse liver and hippocampus, which caused severe plasmalogen reduction. [Display omitted] • HFD has the most significant effect on mouse liver histomorphology and PL levels. • HSD, HCD, and HFD have similar effects on PL levels in mouse hippocampus. • HSD, HCD, and HFD decreased the plasmalogen level in mouse liver and hippocampus. • Impairment of the plasmalogen synthesis pathway decreased the plasmalogen level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To accelerate clinical development of Janagliflozin (JANA), an active inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), using model-informed drug development (MiDD) strategy. Methods: Firstly, after receiving the SAD PK and PD (change from baseline in urinary glucose excretion, ∆UGE) profiles in healthy subjects (HS), a PK/PD model was developed and optimized by MAD data in HS. Secondly, we projected PK/∆UGEc/FPG/HbA1c profiles based on HS data using the established quantitative relationship between HS and T2DM patients, where ∆UGEc, FPG corrected ∆UGE, was a novel translational biomarker. Thirdly, the predicted PK/PD profiles were confirmed in a 2-week MAD study in T2DM patients and the dose-HbA1c relationship in T2DM patients after 6-month treatment was predicted. Results: The predicted PK/PD profiles of JANA in T2DM patients were within 2-fold of the observed data. Prediction performance was showed in Figure 1 and a Phase III trial was allowed after the 2-week MAD study. Conclusion: This MiDD strategy exhibited a good capability to accelerate early phase clinical development of JANA after confirmation from short-term clinical trials. Disclosure: D. Liu: Research Support; Self; XuanZhu Pharma Co., Ltd., Jinan, Shandong, China. L. Song: Research Support; Self; XuanZhu Pharma Co., Ltd., Jinan, Shandong, China. X. Wang: Research Support; Self; XuanZhu Pharma Co., Ltd., Jinan, Shandong, China. X. Liu: Research Support; Self; XuanZhu Pharma Co.Ltd,Jinan,Shandong,China. F. Cao: Research Support; Self; XuanZhu Pharma Co., Ltd., Jinan, Shandong, China. H. Liu: Research Support; Self; XuanZhu Pharma Co., Ltd., Jinan, Shandong, China. Y. Ding: None. X. Xiao: None. J. Jiang: Research Support; Self; XuanZhu Pharma Co., Ltd., Jinan, Shandong, China. P. Hu: Research Support; Self; XuanZhu Pharma Co., Ltd., Jinan, Shandong, China. Funding: XuanZhu Pharma Co., Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contamination has been considered as one of the major environmental concerns for farmland soil all over the world including China. Due to small per capita land area, to find crops or vegetable, which could not only degrade the PAHs contaminants but also would not concentrate PAHs, was particularly important. Celery was selected as the phytoremediator in this experiment, and the soil enzyme activity, PAHs-degrading microorganisms, and the speciation of PAHs in soil were studied. The results showed that celery could significantly enhance the remediation of PAHs compared with the controlled experiment after 90 days (p< 0.01), and the removal efficiency were 31.29%, 30.79%, and 50.21% in the soil, non-rhizosphere soil, and rhizosphere soil, respectively. The soil enzyme activity and PAHs-degrading microorganisms significantly increased in rhizosphere soil compared with non-rhizosphere soil (p< 0.05), and the bioaccessibility of PAHs in soil could have been enhanced in the presence of celery root exudates. Those would help the bioremediation of PAHs by soil microorganisms. Meanwhile, the concentration of PAHs in the edible portion of celery was only 17.13 ± 1.24 μg/kg, and the bioconcentration factors in the aboveground part of celery were only 0.025. This study provides a potential in-site farmland soil phytoremediation technology that could have practical utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin is a first-line chemotherapy drug that is commonly used in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, insensitivity to cisplatin markedly influences the outcomes of chemotherapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have been demonstrated to modulate drug resistance in a number of types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the key miRNAs involved in modulating drug resistance in ovarian cancer cells. miR-200b and miR-200c were identified to be frequently deregulated in ovarian cancer. Upregulation of miR-200b and miR-200c promoted EOC cell death in the presence of cisplatin. Upregulation of miR-125b-5p significantly decreased tumor growth in combination with cisplatin in a mouse model. Significantly, miR-200b and miR-200c reversed cisplatin resistance by targeting DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) (directly targeting DNMT3A/DNMT3B and indirectly targeting DNMT1 via specificity protein 1). These results indicate that miR-200b- and miR-200c-mediated regulation of DNMTs serves a crucial function in the cellular response to cisplatin. miR-200b- and miR-200c-mediated downregulation of DNMTs may improve chemotherapeutic efficacy by increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells and thus may have an impact on ovarian cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the characteristics, probable source, and potential carcinogenic risk of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface water of the Liaohe River were investigated. Twelve sampling points were selected, and water samples were collected in both dry and flood periods of 2011. Sample analysis indicated that the concentration of total PAHs varied from 840.50 ng/L to 4274.73 ng/L in the flood period, and from 387.76 ng/L to 1997.83 ng/L in the dry period. The representative PAHs in the flood period were benz[a]anthracene (Baa), naphthalene (Nap), and chrysene (Chr), whereas Phenanthrene (Phe), fluoranthene (Flu), and pyrene (Pyr) were the representative PAHs in the dry period. The compositional pattern of PAHs indicated that four-ring PAHs were predominant in the flood period, whereas three-ring and four-ring PAHs dominated in the dry period. The different PAH congener ratios indicated that PAHs in surface water of the Liaohe River mainly originated from a mixed source in the flood period, and from combustion in the dry period. Based on the methods of Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) and the benzo[a]pyrene toxic equivalent (TEQ), the potential cancer risk was quantitatively assessed, and the results suggested that there was a potential cancer risk in surface water of the Liaohe River and more attentions must be paid to the PAHs contamination. The cancer risk in the teenager group was the most, followed by the children group, adult group, and infant group, and toddler group was the least. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) and tumor suppressor play an important role in genome reorganization and epigenetic regulation. In this study, granulosa cells (GCs) isolated from sika deer ovaries were cultured and treated with different concentrations of trichostatin A (TSA) for 48 h. It was found that TSA inhibited GCs proliferation and induced GCs apoptosis by upregulating expression of BAX, meanwhile, downregulating expression of GLUT3, GLUT8, BCL‐XL. In addition, TSA caused cell cycle arrest at the G1 and G2/M phase accompanied by reducing expression of Cyclin D2 and CDK4. TSA pretreatment increased DNMT3a, DNMT1, HDAC1, and HAT1 expression, and attenuated them when TAS higher than 50 nM. The protein levels of H3K9ac and H4K8ac in GCs were increased at 48 h after TSA treatment. TSA stimulated the secretion of estradiol and progesterone at a moderate dose. Our data suggest that TSA is important as a regulator of steroid hormone synthesis in granulosa cells during follicular development in the sika deer ovary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The number of rings and the symmetry of molecular structure affect the redox reaction of organic compounds. • The DFT found that AlCl 2 + reacted with C=O in the batteries. • BDTO has a specific capacity of 238.6 mAh g−1 and is still 65.7 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles. Organic electrode materials have received extensive and long-term research and attention due to their safety, environmental friendliness, and lower price, and have also been used in aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs). The performance of existing applications in AIBs using organics as cathode materials still lags behind inorganics, especially in terms of battery capacity and voltage. Carbonyl groups have great potential as active sites for redox reactions in AIBs. Here, six carbonyl organic compounds were used as cathode for AIBs to investigate their performance differences and the factors affecting the performance. Through a combination of experiments and theoretical calculations (DFT), BDTO was first identified as the best performing cathode material in six organics, leading the organic materials with a high specific capacity of 236.8 mAh g−1 and 500 stable cycles. Moreover, it is proved that the symmetry of ring structure and molecular structure has an important influence on the properties of organic cathodes. These research results provide a direct reference for the selection and design of rational organic as cathode materials, which is an important step on the road to develop high-performance aluminum-organic batteries as soon as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tyrosol is one of the main polyphenol compounds in white wine and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which plays an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of tyrosol in Escherichia coli (ETEC)-induced diarrhea in mice. ICR mice were randomly divided into control group, ETEC group, and ETEC + Tyrosol group with 10 mice in each group. In addition to the control group, a bacterial diarrhea model was induced in mice by continuous administration of 0.2 ml × 109 CFU/ml ETEC. After 7 days, the ETEC + Tyrosol group was given tyrosol (20 mg/kg) once a day by gavage, during which the body weight of mice and the degree of diarrhea were measured daily. On the 15th day, all animals in this experiment were sacrificed, colon tissue was collected, and colon length was recorded. Our results indicate that tyrosol significantly attenuated the extent of ETEC-induced diarrhea, including inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine, repair of the intestinal epithelial mechanical barrier, and significant inhibition of NF-κB activation. This finding is helpful for the development and further application of tyrosol in the treatment of diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of manganese (Mn) supplementation on nutrient digestibility and antler growth in male sika deer. Twenty 3-year-old male sika deer were divided into four groups (Control, T40, T80 and T120). The control diet contained 22.2 mg Mn/kg. The treatment diets were supplemented with 40, 80 and 120 mg of Mn/kg (provided as Mn methionine). The results showed that the digestibility of dry matter and crude protein in the T80 group was greater than other groups. Higher digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber was observed in the T80 group than in the control group. Plasma Mn concentrations in the T80 and T120 groups were higher ( P < 0.01) than control and T40 group ( P < 0.01). The concentration of Mn in feces was increased with increasing Mn amount. Average daily gain of fresh antler and dry antler of T80 was greater than other groups, especially the control group ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, the suitable level of Mn supplementation was found to be 80 mg/kg (total Mn content 103.4 mg/kg dry matter), which significantly increased antler daily gain and feed digestibility in 3-year-old sika deer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe powder was coated with NiZn ferrite by a co-precipitation method using chlorate as the raw material. Soft magnetic composites were manufactured via compaction and heat treatment of the coated powder. The coated powder and heat treated powder were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Their magnetic properties were determined using a Quantum Design-Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (QD-VSM). The composites were analysed with SEM and EDS. The permeability and magnetic loss of the composites were measured with a B-H curve analyzer. The results show that, using the co-precipitation method, the raw precipitate was successfully prepared and coated the pure Fe powder and turned into spinel NiZn ferrite treated at 600 ℃ for 1 h. After heat treatment at 500 ℃ under air, the insulation coating layer of soft magnetic composite (SMC) was not destroyed and containing Fe, Ni, Zn and oxygen. The permeabilities of the SMC are stable at edge of the 2–200 kHz frequency range and the total loss was lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an initial step to increase the use of renewable biomass resources, this study was aimed at investigating the effects of ultrasound pretreatment on structural changes of wood. Samples were pretreated by ultrasound with the power of 300 W and frequency of 28 kHz in aqueous soda solution, aqueous acetic acid, or distilled water, then pretreated and control samples were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results shown that ultrasound pretreatment is indeed effective in modifying the physiochemical structure of eucalyptus wood; the pretreatment decreased the quantity of alkali metals (e.g., potassium, calcium and magnesium) in the resulting material. Compared to the control group, the residual char content of samples pretreated in aqueous soda solution increased by 10.08%–20.12% and the reaction temperature decreased from 361 °C to 341 °C, however, in samples pretreated by ultrasound in acetic solution or distilled water, the residual char content decreased by 12.40%–21.45% and there were no significant differences in reactivity apart from a slightly higher maximum reaction rate. Ultrasound pretreatment increased the samples’ crystallinity up to 35.5% and successfully removed cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin from the samples; the pretreatment also increased the exposure of the sample to the treatment solutions, broke down sample pits, and generated collapses and microchannels on sample pits, and removed attachments in the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rumen microbiota plays important roles in nutrient metabolism and absorption of the host. However, it is poorly understood how host genetic variation shapes the community structure of the rumen microbiota and its metabolic phenotype. Here, we used sika deer ( Cervus nippon) and elk ( Cervus elaphus) to produce the following two types of hybrid offspring: sika deer ♀ × elk ♂ (SEH) and elk ♀ × sika deer ♂ (ESH). Then, we examined the rumen microbiome and metabolites in the parents and their hybrid offspring. The rumen microbiota in the hybrids differed from that in their parents, suggesting a significant effect of host genetics on the rumen microbiome that may have resulted from vertical transmission. The rumen metabolites displayed patterns similar to the structure of the rumen microbiome, with changes in the amounts of volatile fatty acids and metabolites of amino acids. The alanine, arginine, proline and phenylalanine pathways were enriched in the rumen of hybrid animals. The enriched metabolites in the above pathways were positively correlated with the bacteria Prevotella spp., Acetitomaculum spp., Quinella spp., Succinivibrio spp. and Ruminobacter spp. These results suggest that host genetics has a major impact on the rumen microbiome and metabolites in hybrid animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultimate goal of this study was to further improve tensile properties of continuous bundles of highly aligned carbon nanofibers. The hypothesis was that adopting moderate tension during carbonization could improve the formation and orientation of graphite crystallites, leading to increased tensile properties of carbon nanofibers. In this study, bundles consisting of highly aligned PAN copolymer nanofibers were first prepared by electrospinning and collected via a flowing water bath, followed by 3-time stretching and oxidative stabilization. The stabilized PAN nanofibers were then carbonized under tensions of 10–50 cN which corresponding to 254.7–1273.5 MPa, respectively. The effects of carbonization tension on structural and tensile properties of carbon nanofibers were investigated by WAXD, Raman spectroscopy and filament specimen methods. The results indicated that the orientation of graphite crystallites in carbon nanofibers could be improved by increasing carbonization tensions from 254.7 MPa to 509.4 MPa; and the highest tensile strength and modulus of carbon nanofibers could reach 1115 MPa and 194.5 GPa, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • PAN-activated carbon felts were prepared by the activation of the eutectic of Na 2 CO 3 and K 2 CO 3 with vapor. • Rapid activation (15 min) and a low amount (mass fraction of 0.5%) of Na 2 CO 3 -K 2 CO 3. • Abundant hierarchical structure of micropores, ultra-micropores (D < 0.7 nm), and mesopores. • The prepared felts had high specific surface area and excellent adsorption capacity (benzene and iodine adsorption). In this work, a cost-effective eutectic mixture of Na 2 CO 3 and K 2 CO 3 was developed for preparing PAN-based activated carbon fibers (ACFs). Rapid activation (15 min) was achieved when using pre-oxygenated PAN felts as carbon source and a low amount (mass fraction of 0.5%) of the eutectic and water vapor as synergistic activating agents. The prepared ACFs exhibited high specific surface area (2175.0 m2/g), excellent benzene adsorption capacity (704.5 mg/g), and iodine adsorption capacity (2231.0 mg/g). Hierarchical structure of micropores and mesopores provided sites for gas adsorption. This study is expected to realize the industrial production of ACFs at a low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, stereoscopic image quality assessment (SIQA) based on convolutional neural network (CNN) has become the mainstream model of image quality assessment (IQA). Compared with the two-dimensional quality evaluation model, stereoscopic image quality evaluation is more challenging due to the effects of depth and parallax information. In this paper, we propose a two-stream interactive network model to perform quality evaluation, which can well simulate the process of human stereo visual perception. Meanwhile, we enhance the extraction of local and global features of images by asymmetric convolution kernel and interactive sub-networks of inter-layers, respectively, which can further optimize our network model. Our proposed algorithm was evaluated on four public databases. The final experimental results show that our proposed algorithm exhibits good performance not only on the whole database but also on each single distortion type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the decentralized state estimation problem of discrete-time nonlinear systems with randomly delayed measurements in sensor networks. In this problem, measurement data from the sensor network is sent to a remote processing network via data transmission network, with random measurement delays obeying a Markov chain. Here, we present the Gaussian-consensus filter (GCF) to pursue a tradeoff between estimate accuracy and computing time. It includes a novel Gaussian approximated filter with estimated delay probability (GEDPF) online in the sense of minimizing the estimate error covariance in each local processing unit (PU), and a consensus strategy among PUs in processing network to give a fast decentralized fusion. A numerical example with different measurement delays is simulated to validate the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanowire-chip based large-area and broad-band-response photodetector was realized by integrating the ternary bandgap-graded CdS 1−x Se x nanowire-chip on proper substrate and optimizing electrode pattern. The actual light-to-dark current ratio (I light /I dark ) is subject to the substrate type and the electrode pattern, as well the thickness of nanowires. Up to 10 6 light-to-dark current ratio was obtained for the nanowire-chip photodetector with the optimized interdigital electrode parameters (0.5 mm in width, 0.5 mm in pitch), the suitable substrate – mica and appropriate nanowire thickness (70um). Although the carriers transmit from light-generated carrier centers to the electrodes through a complicated and long pathway, the photodetector of as-fabricated nanowire-chip shows much higher photocurrent and photoconductivity due to a higher photocarrier densities exist in the ternary compounds than that in binary CdS and CdSe nanowire and the intersection trap state existing between nanowires enhances the separation of electrons and holes. Uniform and broad photoresponse covering from ultraviolet to around 700 nm is attributed to the graded bandgap of different composition nanowires/nanobelts in the chip-type detector. Especially, the I light /I dark of nanowire-chip detector increases with the temperature decrease due to the dark noise and the scattering become lower. The chip detector with composition-graded nanowires shows good photoconductivity at room temperature and low temperature. More important, it can be fabricated by a commercial CVD route, which will satisfy the requirements in many application fields instead of Si-based detector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underwater acoustic multi‐target tracking using bearing, Doppler and a conventional filtering method to determine the target location has problems such as low precision and inaccurate identification. Target echo time broadening is used first for the tracking process. The length of the target can be derived from the echo broadening, and the target length is obtained as a parameter by expectation–maximisation derivation, thereby increasing the dimension of the measurement for the estimation. Simulation results show that this method has higher tracking accuracy and target recognition accuracy than do other feature‐aided tracking methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to identify candidate pathogenic autoantigens of Behçet’s disease (BD) in pathogen-stimulated target cells. Methods First, three cell lines were used as target cells to screen autoantibody. Second, selected target cells were simulated with pathogens. Third, western blotting was used for detecting the auto-antigens in cell extracts. Next, immunoprecipitation was performed and the amino-acid sequences of target antigens were analyzed by LC-MALDI-TOF/TOF. Then, the potential target antigen was expressed, purified, and immunologically confirmed. And finally, an ELISA kit was developed and clinically validated through the assessments of 456 clinical samples with BD. Results One antigen with a molecular weight of approximately 27-kDa was identified as heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). The reactivity of serum IgG against recombinant human HSP27 was detected in 52 of 91 BD patients (57%), 66 of 92 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (72%), 32 of 90 Sjogren syndrome (SS) patients (36%), 22 of 92 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients (24%) and 0 of 91 healthy controls (HC). The reactivity of BD serum IgG antibodies against HSP27 was significantly higher than SLE ( P < 0.0001) SS ( P < 0.0001) and HC ( P < 0.0001). Conclusions This study identified HSP27 as a candidate endothelial cell autoantigen of BD, which is interesting and probably worth further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A MnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x hybrid cathode with a 1D–2D staggered structure is prepared. • Hybrid cathode exhibits prominent electrochemical stability for anodic oxidation. • The fabricated quasi-solid-state supercapacitor delivers a high-voltage window of 1.9 V. • The supercapacitor shows high energy and power densities with flexibility. A MnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x positive electrode with enlarged work function is prepared by self-assembly of Ti 3 C 2 T x flakes and MnO 2 nanobelts colloids. Such a highly stable hybrid cathode for anodic oxidation effectively combines both the exceptional rate capability of Ti 3 C 2 T x and the high redox capacitance of MnO 2 , accordingly enabling excellent electrochemical performances and mechanical robustness. [Display omitted] Two-dimensional (2D) MXene materials have significant potential applications in electrochemical energy storage. A Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene film can be used as a high-performance electrode for a flexible supercapacitor owing to its flexibility and excellent rate capability. However, Ti 3 C 2 T x is usually only used as a negative electrode material because it can be easily oxidized under positive (anodic) potential. Herein, we report a simple filtration method to fabricate a hybrid cathode by mixing a colloidal solution of 2D Ti 3 C 2 T x nanosheets and 1D MnO 2 nanobelts to form an alternating MnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x stacked structure. Compared with pure Ti 3 C 2 T x , the hybrid cathode has higher electrochemical stability toward anodic oxidation. The MnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x hybrid cathode delivers a high gravimetric capacitance of 315 F g−1 at 10 mV s−1 and a good rate capability of 166 F g−1 at 100 mV s−1. The high stability of the MnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x hybrid cathode is mainly attributed to the charge transfer-induced work function enlargement at the Ti 3 C 2 T x and MnO 2 heterointerface. Furthermore, a flexible asymmetric supercapacitor assembled using MnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x as the cathode and alkalized Ti 3 C 2 T x as the anode delivers a high-voltage window up to 1.9 V. This work provides new insights for designing high-performance MXene-based cathode materials and devices for wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The multi-type cubic ComXn (X = O, S, Se) were prepared by ZIF induction. • The DFT confirmed that CoSe 2 is easier to the surface adsorption and diffusion of AlCl 4 −. • The discharge capacity of CoSe 2 remains 148.9 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1 after 500 cycles. Since the energy storage mechanism of metal oxides, sulfides and selenides as cathode materials for aluminum ion batteries (AIBs) is still unclear, we successfully prepared multi-type cubic Co m X n (X = O, S, Se) by ZIF induction to study and analyze the energy storage mechanism. Through ex-situ XRD and XPS characterization, it is found that Co 3 O 4 and Co 3 S 4 only cause the valence change of Co element for energy storage due to the insertion and extraction of Al3+, while in CoSe 2 , not only Co but also Se element is involved in the redox reaction. Besides, CoSe 2 exhibits higher operating voltage and excellent discharge capacity compared to Co 3 O 4 and Co 3 S 4. At 100 mA g−1, CoSe 2 exhibits two operating voltages at 0.8 V and 1.8 V, and its first discharge capacity is 785.6 mAh g−1, while the discharge voltage of Co 3 O 4 and Co 3 S 4 is only about 0.6 V, and the discharge capacities are 388.3 mAh g−1 and 579.7 mAh g−1, respectively. After 500 cycles, the discharge capacities of CoSe 2 are maintained at 148.9 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1. In addition, DFT proves that, compared with Co 3 O 4 and Co 3 S 4 , CoSe 2 is more conducive to the surface adsorption and diffusion of AlCl 4 −, which lays a key foundation for the research on the cathode materials of aluminum batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, X-ray computed tomography (Micro-CT) has shown its potential for damage analysis in 3D braided composites. However, the visualization, classification and quantification of progressive damage of 3D braided composites based on Micro-CT are still lacking. The present work aims at the progressive fatigue damage mechanism of 3D5D braided composites with yarn-reduction. A novel "three-step" approach based on Micro-CT was proposed to automatically classify and quantify the fatigue damage initiation and evolution considering the position. Also, the combination techniques of Acoustic Emission (AE) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) are employed to characterize the post-fatigue residual mechanical properties and failure mechanisms. The results indicated that the initial damage can be simultaneously found at the yarn-reduction point and edge of the specimen after 5.57% of fatigue life. Subsequently, the wedge-shaped damage near the yarn-reduction point are progressively formed. More significantly, the quantitative data of multiple defined cracks propagation is in line with the 3D visual cracks. Furthermore, the post-fatigue residual strength occurred the 38.9% decrease after experiencing the 25.1% fatigue life. It is expected that this study can provide unparalleled quantitative data for the development and validation of fatigue life prediction models of 3D5D braided composite with yarn-reduction. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mechanically flexible mats consisting of electrospun carbon nanofibers (ECNFs) were prepared by first electrospinning aqueous mixtures containing a natural product of alkali lignin together with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) into composite nanofiber mats followed by stabilization in air and carbonization in an inert environment. Morphological and structural properties, as well as specific surface area, total pore volume, average pore size, and pore size distribution, of the lignin-based ECNF mats were characterized; and their electrochemical performances (i.e., capacitive behaviors) were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The lignin-based ECNF mats exhibited outstanding performance as free-standing and/or binder-free electrodes of supercapacitors. For example, the ECNFs made from the composite nanofibers with mass ratio of lignin/PVA being 70/30 (i.e., ECNFs (70/30)) had the average diameter of ∼100 nm and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area of ∼583 m2 g−1. The gravimetric capacitance of ECNFs (70/30) electrode in 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte exhibited 64 F g−1 at current density of 400 mA g−1 and 50 F g−1 at 2000 mA g−1. The ECNFs (70/30) electrode also exhibited excellent cycling durability/stability, and the gravimetric capacitance merely reduced by ∼10% after 6000 cycles of charge/discharge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nanocrystalline (NC) copper was fabricated by severe plastic deformation of coarse-grained copper at a high strain rate under explosive loading. The feasibility of grain refinement under different explosive loading and the influence of overall temperature rise on grain refinement under impact compression were studied in this paper. The calculation model for the macroscopic temperature rise was established according to the adiabatic shock compression theory. The calculation model for coarse-grained copper was established by the Voronoi method and the microscopic temperature rise resulted from severe plastic deformation of grains was calculated by ANSYS/ls-dyna finite element software. The results show that it is feasible to fabricate NC copper by explosively dynamic deformation of coarse-grained copper and the average grain size of the NC copper can be controlled between 200∼400 nm. The whole temperature rise would increase with the increasing explosive thickness. Ammonium nitrate fuel oil explosive was adopted and five different thicknesses of the explosive, which are 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 45 mm, respectively, with the same diameter using 20 mm to the fly plate were adopted. The maximum macro and micro temperature rise is up to 532.4 K, 143.4 K, respectively, which has no great effect on grain refinement due to the whole temperature rise that is lower than grain growth temperature according to the high pressure melting theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization and risk assessment of metals in surface sediments and riparian zone soils were studied in Liaohe River, northeast China. Surface sediment and riparian soil samples were collected from 24 monitoring sites along 538 km of Liaohe River. Metal concentrations and enrichment factors of Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, and As were analyzed. Potential sources of metal contaminants along with ecological risk assessment and health risk via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact for residents were also assessed. Metal concentrations followed the order Cr > Zn > Cu > Ni > As > Pb in surface sediments, and Cr > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > As in riparian zone soils. The degree of metal pollution in Liaohe River sediments and riparian soils was considered moderate and is showing signs of recovery compared to historical concentrations reported previous studies. Enrichment factors also indicated metal pollution was not severe in both riparian and river sediments and were mainly derived from natural sources. Children had significantly higher health risks along the Liaohe River, and oral ingestion was the dominant exposure pathway. The major non-carcinogenic metal was Cr, and As was the main carcinogenic metal. Although carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of metals were considered low for both children and adults along the Liaohe River, future monitoring of metal contaminants, especially for As and Cr is recommended. • Surface sediment and riparian soil samples were collected from 24 sites along Liaohe River, China. • Sediment and riparian soil samples were analyzed for metals (Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, and As). • Metal pollution was moderate and declining compared to previous historical studies. • Enrichment factors (EFs) indicated metal were mainly derived from natural sources. • The main non-carcinogenic metal was Cr, and As was the main carcinogenic metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are promising in bioimaging and optoelectronics. In this paper, bright blue fluorescent N-doped GQDs were synthesized using a ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method. The morphology, structure, surface chemistry, optical properties, and stability subject to photo-bleaching, temperature, pH and preservation period for the N-GQDs were investigated in detail using various microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. The results showed that the N-GQDs possessed an average size of 2.65 nm, 3.57% N doping, and up to 54% quantum yield (QY). The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the N-GQDs are excitation dependent when excited in the range of 300–370 nm and excitation independent in the range of 380–500 nm for the core and surface states emission. The N-GQDs showed excellent photo-bleaching resistance and superior photo-stability. At room temperature and in the pH range of 3–8, the fluorescence of the N-GQDs was almost invariable. The N-GQDs can be stably preserved for at least 40 days. The average decay lifetime of the N-GQDs was 2.653 ns, and the radiative and nonradiative decay rate constants were calculated to be 2.04 × 108 s−1 and 1.73 × 108 s−1, respectively. The PL mechanism was qualitatively explained. The N-GQDs was used for cell imaging, and it showed good results, implying great potential applications for bioimaging or biomarking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Usinga simple in situ seeding chemical vapor deposition (CVD)process, comb-like (branched) monolithic CdS micro/nanostructureswere grown. Efficient optical coupling between the backbone and theteeth of the branched architecture is demonstrated by distributinglight from an UV-laser-excited spot at one end of the backbone toall branch tips. By varying the deposition conditions, the orientationof the branches with respectto the backbone, their size and density can be tuned as well as thesize of the backbone. This in situ seeding CVD method has the potentialfor a low-cost single-step fabrication of high-quality, micro/nanointegratedphotonic devices, with tunable complex waveguiding possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Electrospun anatase-phase TiO2 nanofibers with desired morphological structure and relatively high specific surface area are expected to outperform other nanostructures (e.g., powder and film) of TiO2 for various applications (particularly dye-sensitized solar cell and photo-catalysis). In this study, systematic investigations were carried out to prepare and characterize electrospun anatase-phase TiO2 nanofibers with different morphological structures (e.g., solid, hollow/tubular, and porous) and specific surface areas. The TiO2 nanofibers were generally prepared via electrospinning of precursor nanofibers followed by pyrolysis at 500°C. For making hollow/tubular TiO2 nanofibers, the technique of co-axial electrospinning was utilized; while for making porous TiO2 nanofibers, the etching treatment in NaOH aqueous solution was adopted. The results indicated that the hollow/tubular TiO2 nanofibers (with diameters of ∼300–500nm and wall-thickness in the range from tens of nanometers to ∼200nm) had the BET specific surface area of ∼27.3m2/g, which was approximately twice as that of the solid TiO2 nanofibers (∼15.2m2/g) with diameters of ∼200–300nm and lengths of at least tens of microns. Porous TiO2 nanofibers made from the precursor of Al2O3/TiO2 composite nanofibers had the BET specific surface area of ∼106.5m2/g, whereas porous TiO2 nanofibers made from the precursor of ZnO/TiO2 composite nanofibers had the highest BET specific surface area of ∼148.6m2/g. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: DNA damage elicits a cellular signaling response that initiates cell cycle arrest and DNA repair. Here, we find that DNA damage triggers a critical block in glutamine metabolism, which is required for proper DNA damage responses. This block requires the mitochondrial SIRT4, which is induced by numerous genotoxic agents and represses the metabolism of glutamine into tricarboxylic acid cycle. SIRT4 loss leads to both increased glutamine-dependent proliferation and stress-induced genomic instability, resulting in tumorigenic phenotypes. Moreover, SIRT4 knockout mice spontaneously develop lung tumors. Our data uncover SIRT4 as an important component of the DNA damage response pathway that orchestrates a metabolic block in glutamine metabolism, cell cycle arrest, and tumor suppression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cancer cells have metabolic dependencies that distinguish them from their normal counterparts. Among these dependencies is an increased use of the amino acid glutamine to fuel anabolic processes. Indeed, the spectrum of glutamine-dependent tumours and the mechanisms whereby glutamine supports cancer metabolism remain areas of active investigation. Here we report the identification of a non-canonical pathway of glutamine use in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells that is required for tumour growth. Whereas most cells use glutamate dehydrogenase (GLUD1) to convert glutamine-derived glutamate into α-ketoglutarate in the mitochondria to fuel the tricarboxylic acid cycle, PDAC relies on a distinct pathway in which glutamine-derived aspartate is transported into the cytoplasm where it can be converted into oxaloacetate by aspartate transaminase (GOT1). Subsequently, this oxaloacetate is converted into malate and then pyruvate, ostensibly increasing the NADPH/NADP+ ratio which can potentially maintain the cellular redox state. Importantly, PDAC cells are strongly dependent on this series of reactions, as glutamine deprivation or genetic inhibition of any enzyme in this pathway leads to an increase in reactive oxygen species and a reduction in reduced glutathione. Moreover, knockdown of any component enzyme in this series of reactions also results in a pronounced suppression of PDAC growth in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we establish that the reprogramming of glutamine metabolism is mediated by oncogenic KRAS, the signature genetic alteration in PDAC, through the transcriptional upregulation and repression of key metabolic enzymes in this pathway. The essentiality of this pathway in PDAC and the fact that it is dispensable in normal cells may provide novel therapeutic approaches to treat these refractory tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The form-stable phase change materials (PCMs) with fatty acid eutectics absorbed in and/or supported by the overlaid mats of electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers or the derived carbon nanofibers were explored for storage and retrieval of thermal energy. The carbon mats were made from the PAN mats through stabilization in air followed by carbonization in nitrogen. Three fatty acid eutectics of capric acid–lauric acid, capric acid–palmitic acid, and capric acid–stearic acid were studied as model PCMs; for comparison, the individual fatty acid of capric acid was also studied. The results indicated that electrospun nanofibrous mats were highly porous and capable of absorbing a large amount of PCMs, and the maximum absorption capacities of PAN and carbon mats were ∼99wt% and ∼81wt%, respectively. The composite materials (i.e., the form-stable PCMs) could well-retain their overall shapes when the PCMs were in the molten stage; i.e., they would not flow/leak from the mats. The conversion of PAN mats into carbon mats increased the thermal energy storage/retrieval rates of the resulting composite PCMs; nonetheless, the thermal treatments of stabilization and carbonization also made the mats to be less fluffy, leading to the reduction of absorption amount. Morphological structures, as well as the properties of thermal energy storage, absorption capacity, and thermal energy storage/retrieval rates, of electrospun nanofibrous mats and the resulting composite PCMs were studied by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and measurement of melting/freezing times. The results indicated that the melting temperatures and enthalpies of the prepared composite PCMs were in the range of 19.8–31.4°C and 120.1–165.4kJ/kg for PAN mats, and 18.8–30.7°C and 92.1–128.0kJ/kg for carbon mats, respectively. In comparison with melting times of CA–PA/PAN and freezing times of CA–SA/PAN, the melting times of CA–PA/carbon and freezing times of CA–SA/carbon were shortened by about 49.5% and 41.0%, respectively. It is envisioned that this innovative type of form-stable PCMs could be utilized for potential applications in building energy conservation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes and one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanowires have been successfully fabricated through a solid-phase assembly of metal-containing C60 at 700°C. From the microscopic observations on the morphologies and microstructures of the nanotubes and the nanowires, it is shown that the solid-phase assembly obeys a stepwise evolution process: C60 first assemble into carbon nanoparticles, and nanoparticles are organized into 1D nanowires, which finally transform into nanotubes via particle coalescence and structural crystallization and extension. In this process, the 1D wire-like nanoassemblies can be viewed as the intermediates of carbon nanotube formation, which record rich and convincible traces about nanotube evolution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal cancer that typically presents as advanced. unresectable disease. This invasive tendency, coupled with intrinsic resistance to standard therapies and genome instability, are major contributors to poor long-term survival. The genetic elements governing the invasive propensity of PDAC have not been well elucidated. Here, in the course of validating resident genes in highly recurrent and focal amplifications in PDAC, we have identified Rio Kinase 3 (RIOK3) as an amplified gene that alters cytoskeletal architecture as well as promotes pancreatic ductal cell migration and invasion. We determined that RIOK3 promotes its invasive activities through activation of the small G protein, Rac. This genomic and functional link to Rac signaling prompted a genome wide survey of other components of the Rho family network, revealing p21 Activated Kinase 4 (PAK4) as another amplified gene in PDAC tumors and cell lines. Like RIOK3, PAK4 promotes pancreas ductal cell motility and invasion. Together, the genomic and functional profiles establish the Rho family GTP-binding proteins as integral to the hallmark invasive nature of this lethal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface dust samples were collected in 2018 at 30 different sites in Shenyang City, China. Concentrations of chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cupper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) were determined, and chemical speciation of metals were analyzed. Mean metal concentrations followed the order Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > As > Cd > Hg. Although concentrations of metals in dust samples were lower than previously reported, a measurable metal pollution signature in dust still exists. Metals (except for As), are influenced by anthropogenic activities. Spatial variation in mean metal dust concentrations and speciation varied significantly and were influenced by land-use and industrial activities. Source appointment Results revealed that pollution of surface dust was derived from three main source profiles (industrial and traffic pollution, coal combustion, and urban pollution), contributing to 90.7% of the variance. Health risk assessment indicated that risks were low, but children were susceptible to metals in surface dust. Results indicated oral ingestion was the dominant exposure pathway. Non-carcinogenic Cr and Pb and carcinogenic As were the main metal contaminants in surface dust. • Surface dust samples were collected from 30 sites in Shenyang City, China. • Dust samples were analyzed for Cr, As, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Hg and Cd metals. • Metal pollution signatures were evident in dust samples of Shenyang City. • Cr, Pb and As were the dominant metal contaminants in surface dust. • Metals in surface dust were influenced by land-use and industrial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated physiological and biochemical changes in pakchoi at different growth stages (25 and 50 d) under different tris-(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP) treatments (10, 100, 500, and 1000 μg kg−1). The uptake and accumulation of TCIPP by pakchoi and variation of TCIPP speciation in soil were also determined. TCIPP decreased the length and fresh weight of pakchoi root compared with those in blank controls, and this effect was significant when the concentration of TCIPP was higher than 100 μg kg−1. The fresh weight of pakchoi stems and leaves, the chlorophyll content, and the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase in the leaves first increased and then decreased with increasing TCIPP concentration. The inflection point of the variation in these indices was 100 μg kg−1 TCIPP in soil. The contents of proline and malondialdehyde increased continuously with increasing TCIPP concentration. The uptake of TCIPP by pakchoi increased linearly with increasing TCIPP concentration, and the highest TCIPP concentrations in the roots, stems, and leaves were 275.9, 80.0, and 2126.3 μg kg−1, respectively. TCIPP was easily transferred from the roots to leaves of pakchoi, with translocation factor of up to 12.6. The content of bioavailable TCIPP in soil was high, accounting for 46.5%. Planting pakchoi could significantly reduce the content of bioavailable TCIPP, with removal rate of 39.9%–54.1%. After 50 d of planting pakchoi, the removal rate of TCIPP in soil (10.4%–18.6%) was significantly higher than that in the control without plant, but the contribution of phytoextraction was small, accounting for 2.62%–26.6%. [Display omitted] • TCIPP treatment induced physiological and biochemical changes in pakchoi. • TCIPP uptake by pakchoi increased linearly with increasing TCIPP concentration. • TCIPP was easily transferred from the roots to leaves of pakchoi, with TF up to 12.6. • The content of bioavailable TCIPP in soil was high, accounting for 46.5%. • Planting pakchoi could significantly increase the removal rate of TCIPP in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil petroleum contamination has become a global environmental problem. In order to develop a new soil remediation technology, this study established bacteria isolation, surfactant toxicity matching and petroleum contaminated soil remediation practice. The simulated field remediation showed that inoculating the soil with Bacillus methylotrophicus and adding 500 mg kg−1 rhamnolipid (N + RL) to soil can remove 80.24% of aged total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) within 30 days. In particular, although the remediated soil has inoculated sufficient bacterial suspension, the microbial abundance of Bacillus was not a significantly dominant genus after remediation, especially in N + RL (0.73% of the total), but the colonies of indigenous petroleum-degrading bacteria (such as Massilia and Streptomyces) increased significantly. The interaction among genera has been further proved to drive soil non-specific oxidases (such as polyphenol oxidase, laccase and catalase) to remove TPHs. This indicates that the interaction among microorganisms, rather than the degradability of exogenous degrading bacteria, plays more critical role in the degradation of organic pollutants, which enriches the traditional understanding of micro-remediation of contaminated soil. It can be concluded from the obtained results that the remediation of pollutants can be achieved by adjusting the purification capacity of the microbial community and the natural environment. [Display omitted] • Rhamnolipids and Methylobacterium removed 80.24% of TPHs within 30 days. • The optimized microbial community was the main reason for TPHs removal. • Activated microbial community help to secrete non-specific oxidase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: ZnO/reduced graphene oxide composites were fabricated by coassembly between honeycomb-like ZnO particles and reduced graphene oxide sheets via electrostatic interaction, in which the ZnO particles acted as spacers to keep the neighboring graphene sheets separate. The composite was characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, and was used for investigation of electrochemical capacitive behaviors. The hybrid material showed enhanced capacitive performance (231.3F/g at 0.1A/g), and remained 86% of the initial capacity after 300 cycle, which predicted its potential application in energy storage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]