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[Display omitted] • 20 nm ZIF-8 nanoparticles sandwiched MXene (ZSM) were synthesized by in situ electrostatic assembly. • ZSM derived ultrathin nitrogen-doped carbon/Ti3C2Tx-TiN (NC/MX-TiN) heterostructure. • NC/MX-TiN possesses large specific surface area, outstanding conductivity, and good redox capability. • Excellent desalination performance and robust cycling stability were achieved on NC/MX-TiN. Rational design of high-performance electrode materials is crucial for enhancing desalination performance of capacitive deionization (CDI). Here, ultrathin nitrogen-doped carbon/Ti 3 C 2 T x -TiN (NC/MX-TiN) heterostructure was developed by pyrolyzing zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles sandwiched MXene (ZSM), which were formed by assembling ultrafine ZIF-8 nanoparticles with size of 20 nm on both sides of MXene nanosheets. The introduction of ultrasmall ZIF-8 particles allowed for in situ nitridation of the MXene during pyrolysis, forming consecutive TiN layers tightly connected to the internal MXene. The two-dimensional (2D) heterostructure exhibited remarkable properties, including high specific surface area and excellent conductivity. Additionally, the resulting TiN demonstrated exceptional redox capability, which significantly enhanced the performance of CDI and ensured cycling stability. Benefiting from these advantages, the NC/MX-TiN exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 45.6 mg g−1 and a steady cycling performance in oxygenated saline water over 50 cycles. This work explores the rational design and construction of MXene-based 2D heterostructure and broadens new horizons for the development of novel CDI electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mesoporous polydopamine (mPDA) was coated on the surface of leaf-like zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFL). • mPDA layer effectively mitigate backbone collapse of ZIFL during pyrolysis. • ZIFL@mPDA derived carbon possess hierarchical pore structures along with carbon nanotubes. • The structural and compositional merits enable ZIFL@mPDA derived carbon excellent desalination performance. The onstruction of novel porous carbon materials for efficient desalination is crucial but remains challenging for capacitive deionization (CDI) development. Herein, a micelle-assisted strategy was raised to coat mesoporous polydopamine (mPDA) on the surface of two-dimensional (2D) leaf-like zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFL) followed by confinement pyrolysis. The introduction of the mPDA layer can not only mitigate the backbone collapse of ZIFL during pyrolysis to build a favorable porous environment for efficient ion transport and diffusion, but also induce explosive growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to improve the electron conductivity. As expected, the derivative ZIFL@mPDA-C possessed a high desalination capacity of 41.9 mg g−1 in 500 mg L-1 NaCl solution at an operating voltage of 1.2 V. In particular, the retention ratio of the desalination capacity of ZIFL@mPDA-C was about 100 % after 50 consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles, while its leaf-like morphology and hierarchical pore structures were well preserved. This study highlights the importance of rationally designed structures and components for the performance breakthrough of carbon-based CDI electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In here, cobalt-zinc bimetallic oxides@polypyrrole (PPy) composites with core–shell structure are prepared, and the prepared Co 3 O 4 /ZnCo 2 O 4 @PPy (CZCP) has a wide absorption of 5.58 GHz, while ZnCo 2 O 4 /ZnO@PPy (ZCZP) has a strong reflection loss of −71.2 dB. [Display omitted] • By changing the ratio of Co2+ and Zn2+ of the MOF precursors, the various cobalt-zinc bimetallic oxides are fabricated. • Cobalt-zinc bimetallic oxides@polypyrrole (PPy) composites with core–shell structure are prepared through in situ polymerization method. • When the loading is 50 wt%, the EAB of Co 3 O 4 /ZnCo 2 O 4 @PPy is 5.58 GHz (12.42–18 GHz) at 1.53 mm, and the RL min of ZnCo 2 O 4 /ZnO@PPy is −71.2 dB at 13.04 GHz and 1.84 mm. Composite materials that combine magnetic and dielectric losses offer a potential solution to enhance impedance match and significantly improve microwave absorption. In this study, Co 3 O 4 /ZnCo 2 O 4 and ZnCo 2 O 4 /ZnO with varying metal oxide compositions are successfully synthesized, which are achieved by modifying the ratios of Co2+ and Zn2+ ions in the CoZn bimetallic metal–organic framework (MOF) precursor, followed by a high-temperature oxidative calcination process. Subsequently, a layer of polypyrrole (PPy) is coated onto the composite surfaces, resulting in the formation of core–shell structures known as Co 3 O 4 /ZnCo 2 O 4 @PPy (CZCP) and ZnCo 2 O 4 /ZnO@PPy (ZCZP) composites. The proposed method allows for rapid adjustments to the metal oxide composition within the inner shell, enabling the creation of composites with varying degrees of magnetic losses. The inclusion of PPy in the outer shell serves to enhance the bonding strength of the entire composite structure while contributing to conductive and dielectric losses. In specific experimental conditions, when the loading is set at 50 wt%, the CZCP composite exhibits an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.58 GHz (12.42 GHz-18 GHz) at a thickness of 1.53 mm. Meanwhile, the ZCZP composite demonstrates an impressive minimum reflection loss (RL min) of −71.2 dB at 13.04 GHz, with a thickness of 1.84 mm. This study offers a synthesis strategy for designing absorbent composites that possess light weight and excellent absorptive properties, thereby contributing to the advancement of electromagnetic wave absorbing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni NCs@Z-P/RGO composites are prepared for high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption, exhibiting RL min of −63.58 dB at 14.3 GHz with a thickness 1.61 mm, the EAB of 5.08 GHz (11.92 GHz-17 GHz) at a thickness of 1.67 mm, and the reduction in RCS up to 26.6 dB m2 at θ=0°. [Display omitted] • One-dimensional Ni nanochains@Zn2+ doping PPy/reduced graphene oxide composites for electromagnetic wave absorption are fabricated. • The composite has the RL min of −63.58 dB at 14.3 GHz with a thickness 1.61 mm and the EAB of 5.08 GHz (11.92 GHz-17 GHz) at a thickness of 1.67 mm. • At θ = 0° and PHi = 0°, the coating of this material reduces the RCS value by 26.6 dB m2 compared to the uncoated perfectly conducting layer. Nowadays, electromagnetic radiation significantly impacts the normal operation of electronic devices and poses risks to human health. To effectively address this problem, the development of composites that exhibit exceptional electrochemical wave absorption through the combination of different components holds great promise. In this study, we have successfully prepared 1D Ni nanochains@Zn2+ doping polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide (Ni NCs@Z-P/RGO, denoted as R-x) composites using a combination of hydrothermal, solvothermal, in situ polymerization, and physical blending methods. Notably, the R-2 composite demonstrates a remarkable minimum reflection loss (RL min) of −63.58 dB at 14.3 GHz, with a thickness of 1.61 mm. Furthermore, the R-2 composite exhibits an impressive effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.08 GHz (11.92 GHz-17 GHz) at a thickness of 1.67 mm. These outstanding performances can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the different components and a well-thought-out structural design. Moreover, to showcase the practical applicability of the material, we have conducted additional investigations on the reduction of the radar cross-sectional area (RCS). The results strongly demonstrate that the prepared composite material, when used as a coating, effectively reduces the RCS value by up to 26.6 dB m2 for R-2 at θ = 0°. The experimental methods and simulations presented in this study hold significant potential for application in wave absorption research and practical implementations. Additionally, the prepared Ni NCs@Z-P/RGO composites demonstrate feasibility as wave-absorbing materials for future utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human satellite cells (HuSCs) have been deemed to be the potential cure to treat muscular atrophy diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, the clinical trials of HuSCs were restricted to the inadequacy of donors because of that freshly isolated HuSCs quickly lost the Pax7 expression and myogenesis capacity in vivo after a few days of culture. Here we found that oleanic acid, a kind of triterpenoid endowed with diverse biological functions with treatment potential, could efficiently promote HuSCs proliferation. The HuSCs cultured in the medium supplement with oleanic acid could maintain a high expression level of Pax7 and retain the ability to differentiate into myotubes as well as facilitate muscle regeneration in injured muscles of recipient mice. We further revealed that Tenascin-C acts as the core mechanism to activate the EGFR signaling pathway followed by HuSCs proliferation. Taken together, our data provide an efficient method to expand functional HuSCs and a novel mechanism that controls HuSCs proliferation, which sheds light on the HuSCs-based therapy to treat muscle diseases. [Display omitted] • Oleanic acid could efficiently promote HuSCs proliferation. • Oleanic acid-cultured HuSCs retain the ability to differentiate into functional myotubes. • Oleanic acid induces Tenascin-C and EGFR signaling pathway followed by HuSCs proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of Schottky junctions between ZIS and Pt, the high utilization of light energy in tubular HNTs, and the trapping effect of EDTA for photogenerated h+ were all favorable for enhancing the catalytic property. [Display omitted] • Halloysite (HNTs) were as substrates to in-situ grow ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS) nanoflowers. • Composite 3ZIS-HNTs/E3 exhibited enhanced photocatalytic H 2 evolution rate. • 3ZIS-HNTs/E3 displayed excellent capacity for 4-nitrophenol hydrogenation reaction. • HNTs induced higher S vacancies, dispersion, and light energy utilization in ZIS. • Schottky junctions (Pt and ZIS) enhanced the separation of photogenerated carriers. Hydrogen (H 2) evolution by photocatalytic water splitting is a potential strategy to solve worldwide energy shortage. Sulfide nanocatalysts showed great potential for H 2 evolution, but suffered from low charge separation efficiency and easy agglomeration. In this work, ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS) nanoflowers were anchored onto the surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) modified by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Photocatalyst 3ZnIn 2 S 4 -HNTs/EDTA3 (3ZIS-HNTs/E3) displayed the optimum H 2 evolution rate of 10.4 mmol·g−1·h−1, being 3.4 times as that of the original ZIS. Moreover, 3ZIS-HNTs/E3 presented satisfied property in the photocatalytic hydrogenation reaction of 4-nitrophenol to produce 4-aminophenol. HNTs as substrates not only hindered the growth and agglomeration of ZIS, but also induced more S vacancies in ZIS. The production of Schottky junctions between ZIS and Pt, the high utilization of light energy in tubular HNTs, and the trapping effect of EDTA for photogenerated h+ were all favorable for enhancing the catalytic property. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that 3ZIS-HNTs/E3 with more S vacancies had the lowest adsorption energy and the most appropriate Δ G H* for H* to enhance the H 2 evolution efficiency, which was consistent with the experimental catalytic results. This study contributes a novel thought for synthesizing composites on the basis of natural minerals for taking part in and enhancing the catalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • NiS clusters as cocatalyst and active sites were in-situ anchored on ZnIn 2 S 4 supports. • In-situ formed built-in electric field accelerated carrier separation. • Bifunctional applications of antibiotic degradation and sterilization were realized. Achieving photocatalytic antibiotic degradation and bacterial inactivation with high efficiency remains a challenging mission to originate a clean environment. In this work, ultra-small NiS clusters were in-situ grew on photoactive ZnIn 2 S 4 nanoflower supports to form a NiS/ZnIn 2 S 4 heterojunction, in which a strong and surface-limited binding was formed between the NiS clusters and ZnIn 2 S 4 supports. The in-situ formed NiS clusters not only appeased interfacial charge transfer resistance of the heterojunction but also eventuated a strong built-in electric field, resulting a fast electron migration from ZnIn 2 S 4 to NiS clusters functioned as cocatalyst and active sites to boost the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. As a result, the optimal 2NiS/ZnIn 2 S 4 heterojunction expressed a higher photocatalytic Escherichia inactivation activity (99.23 % for 3 h) and a raised antibiotic degradation performance, including tetracycline (60 % for 20 min), ofloxacin (62 % for 20 min), oxytetracycline (63 % for 20 min) compared to that of pure ZnIn 2 S 4 (39.14 % for Escherichia inactivation and 44 % for tetracycline degradation). This work furnishes a great promise to develop inorganic clusters coupled photocatalysts for light-driven environmental application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The intrinsic properties of photocatalysts can be tuned by NH 2 -MIL-125 derived nitrogen-doped titania/carbon (NTC) catalysts. • Visible light-driven NTC enhanced PMS utilization efficiency for SMT degradation. • The PMS activating mechanism on NTC catalysts was elucidated. • Photo-electrons excited from NTC played the dominant role for the enhancement of PMS utilization efficiency. Enhancing the utilization efficiency of oxidant is of great importance for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Herein, nitrogen-doped titania dioxide/carbon (NTC7) catalyst was fabricated via pyrolyzing NH 2 -MIL-125 under nitrogen atmosphere at 700 °C. Excitation of NTC7 under visible light can successfully achieve efficient activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) (NTC7 + PMS + Vis). Degradation performance and PMS activation mechanism were systematically investigated using sulfamethazine (SMT) as the target pollutant. It was found that the photo-generated electrons excited from NTC7 under visible light played the dominant role in enhancing the productive consumption of PMS. Its utilization increased by 66 % (Δ[PMS]/Δ[SMT] = 7.0) in NTC7 + PMS + Vis process and the degradation rate was 2.14 times higher than that of NTC7 + PMS process. The ketonic C O groups and structural defects were responsible for the generation of 1O 2 in dark activation while radicals (•OH, O 2 •–) were more inclined to be continuously produced in NTC7 + PMS + Vis process. The involved degradation pathways, intermediates, and toxicity assessment have been studied in detail. This work provides an effective approach to enhance the utilization efficiency of oxidant for pollutant degradation by AOPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A bioinspired molecule with a dipeptide-like structure and active silanol groups was designed successfully. • The QY of h-PDs in aqueous solution and solid state reached as high as 98.2% and 96.3%, respectively. • The emission behavior of non-aromatic fluorescent materials under sunlight was achieved for the first time. • This work provides a design strategy for synthesizing high-fluorescence QY non-aromatic fluorescent materials. In recent years, non-aromatic fluorescent materials have attracted widespread attention, but achieving a high quantum yield ( QY ) in their dilute solutions still remains a challenge. In this work, inspired by the Clustering-triggered emission (CTE) phenomenon of non-aromatic amino acids and poly(amino acids), we successfully designed a bioinspired molecule with a dipeptide-like structure and active silanol groups. The as-prepared bioinspired molecule can be hydrolyzed by simple heating to obtain the hydrolysate h-PDs , which can emit strong blue fluorescence in dilute solution. And this was the first time to realize the emission behavior of non-aromatic fluorescent materials under sunlight. The QY of h-PDs in aqueous solution and solid state were as high as 98.2% and 96.3%, respectively, which were attributed to the condensation of active silanol groups at the end of the molecule, and the existence of hydrogen bonds and N → Si coordination bonds that made small molecules cross-linked and aggregated into dense clusters. Finally, the application of h-PDs in the detection of intracellular and exogenous Hg2+ and Cys and luminescent films were also explored. Significantly, this work provides a design strategy for synthesizing high-fluorescence QY non-aromatic fluorescent materials, and verifies their potential application value in the fields of environment, biology and light-emitting devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate meromorphic quasi-modular forms and their L -functions. We study the space of meromorphic quasi-modular forms and Rankin–Cohen brackets of meromorphic modular forms. Then we define their L -functions by using multiple techniques of regularized integral. Explicit formulas for the L -functions are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • GNs were prepared by pyrolyzing the amide salt. • GNs have multi-excitation and single color emission properties. • GNs have the characteristics of high water solubility, low toxicity, easy manufacturing, etc. • GNs can efficiently and specifically respond to ClO− and image HepG2 cells. A novel and simple approach of using amide salt pyrolysis to produce photoluminescent (multi-excitation and single color emission) graphene nanosheets (GNs) with a thickness of <1 nm and a diameter of about 100–200 nm is described herein. It has characteristics of high water solubility, low toxicity, easy manufacturing, etc., and has potential application prospects in analytical chemistry and biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The all-solid-state sodium metal batteries (ASSMBs) are highly promising for their low cost. MOFs have emerged as potential solid electrolyte materials due to their abundant pores and open metal-active sites, enabling fast ion conduction. In this study, a solid electrolyte membrane Na/Mg-MOF-74 was synthesized using a simple method. The stable ion-conducting channel of Mg-MOF-74 contributed to the excellent electrochemical performance of ASSMBs coupled with Na/Mg-MOF-74 electrolyte, including high ionic conductivity (8.53 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 70 °C) and a wide potential window (1–4.3 V). This study represents the first utilization of Mg-MOF-74 for ASSMBs, marking a significant milestone in the field. A flexible MOF-based solid electrolyte Na/Mg-MOF-74 with abundant pores was synthesized. The fast Na+ transport path can be attributed to the presence of Mg2+ exposed metal-active sites of Mg-MOF-74 that facilitate the immobilization anion, thereby enhancing the migration of Na+. [Display omitted] • Mg-MOF-74 was applied to all-solid-state sodium metal batteries. • A flexible MOF-based solid electrolyte Na/Mg-MOF-74 was synthesized. • The Na/Mg-MOF-74 electrolyte shows a high ionic conductivity of 8.53 × 10−4 S cm−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate prediction and measurement of yield stress are crucial for optimizing sludge treatment and disposal. However, the differences and applicability of various methods for measuring yield stress are subjects of ongoing debate. Meanwhile, literature on measuring sludge yield stress is limited to low solid concentrations (TS <10%), understanding and studying the yield stress of medium to high solid concentration sludge is crucial due to increasingly stringent standards for sludge treatment and disposal. So, this study employed a rotational rheometer to measure sludge yield stress across a wide range of TS (4–50%) using steady shear, dynamic oscillatory shear, and transient shear. The study derived significant conclusions by comparing and summarizing the applicability and limitations of each testing method: Dynamic oscillatory shear methods, including G′- σ curve method, γ - σ curve method, and G** γ c method can measure sludge yield stress ranging from 4% to 40% TS, while other methods are restricted to low or limited solid concentrations; The G' = G″ method, utilizing the intersection of G′ and G″ curves, consistently yields the highest value for yield stress when 4%≤ TS ≤ 12%; The rotational rheometer cannot measure sludge yield stress when the solid concentration exceeds 40% TS; The relationship between sludge yield stress and solid concentration is stronger as a power-law for TS ≤ 25%, transitioning to linear for higher concentrations (28%≤ TS <40%). This study systematically explores the applicability and limitations of various measurement methods for characterizing sludge yield stress across a wide range of solid concentrations, providing valuable guidance for scientific measurement and highlighting challenging research issues. [Display omitted] • Eight major methods were employed to systematically characterize sludge yield stress. • The sludge yield stress range from 4 to 50% TS was characterized and evaluated. • G′-σ curve, γ-σ curve and G**γ c method can characterize the τ y of 4–40% TS sludge. • The correlation between τ y and TS is strongly dependent on TS value. • TS >40%, the rotational rheometer not suitable for characterizing the τ y of sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] It is hypothesized that the performance of a chemical inhibitor to interfere with the precipitation and scaling of calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO 3) is achieved through its chelating interaction with calcium ions. The effectiveness of a chemical inhibitor in removing existing scales from the mineral surfaces is proposed to rely on its ability to modify the calcite crystal structures. Bulk scaling tests and dynamic adsorption experiments using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring were conducted to systematically investigate the scaling behaviours (i.e., buildup and breakup processes) of calcite crystals, in the absence and presence of chemical inhibitors, that include polyacrylic acid, sodium hexametaphosphate, 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, and diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid). Scanning electron microscope imaging and thermodynamic characterization using isothermal titration calorimetry were further applied to reveal the surface interactions that contributed to the differences among the effects of the four additives. The results indicate that sodium hexametaphosphate is most efficient in alleviating the amount of CaCO 3 deposited by reducing the concentration of free Ca2+, and diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) shows an outstanding ability to clean the mineral surface by destroying the ordered crystal layers of the scales so that they can be washed away with water. This work provides useful insights into the fundamental interactions of chemical inhibitors and calcite, with implications for the development of effective chemical solutions for anti-scaling and descaling applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atlantic salmon is one of the most famous and economically important fish species globally. However, bacterial diseases constantly constrain salmon aquaculture. Thereinto, Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. masoucida (ASM), classified as atypical A. salmonicida , caused huge losses to salmonid industry in China. In this regard, we conducted transcriptome analysis in Atlantic salmon head kidney following the administration of ASM vaccination to reveal genes, their expression patterns, and pathways involved in immune responses. A total of 448.71 million clean reads were obtained, and 397.69 million reads were mapped onto the Atlantic salmon reference genome. In addition, 117, 1891, 741, 207, and 377 genes were significantly up-regulated, and 183, 1920, 695, 83, and 539 genes were significantly down-regulated post ASM vaccination at 12 h, 24 h, 1 m, 2 m, and 3 m, respectively. Furthermore, KEGG pathway analysis revealed that many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) following ASM vaccination were involved in cell adhesion molecules (H2-Aa-l and CD28-l),cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction (IL10 , CXCL9 , CXCL11 , CXCR3 , and CCL19), herpes simplex infection (IL1B , SOCS3-l , and C3-l), HTLV-I infection (Il1r2 and BCL2L1), influenza A (CXCL8 and Il12b) , and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway (PIK3R3-l and Ddit4-l). Finally, the results of qRT-PCR showed a significant correlation with RNA-Seq results, suggesting the reliability of RNA-Seq for gene expression analysis. This study sets the foundation for further study on the vaccine protective mechanism in Atlantic salmon as well as other teleost species. • RNA-seq was conducted to reveal the immune responses in Atlantic salmon head kidney following the administration of vaccine. • A total of 300, 3811, 1436, 290, and 916 genes were differentially expressed following vaccination at 12 h, 24 h, 1 m, 2 m, and 3 m, respectively. • Many DEGs were involved in immune-related pathways such as Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. • The results of RT-qPCR showed a significant correlation with RNA-Seq results, suggesting the reliability of RNA-Seq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 1D Mn 0.47 Cd 0.53 S nanorods loaded with 0D CoWO 4 nanoparticles were prepared, in addition, a possible mechanism of the photocatalytic H 2 production activity was proposed. [Display omitted] • CoWO 4 Modified Mn 0.47 Cd 0.53 S was synthesized by simple hydrothermal process. • The CoWO 4 /Mn 0.47 Cd 0.53 S-25 can be used as a low cost catalyst for H 2 evolution. • The CoWO 4 /Mn 0.47 Cd 0.53 S-25 demonstrates excellent H 2 production activity and stability. To enhance the photocatalytic activity, loading proper semiconductor with high efficiency and low cost is one of the most valid approaches. Herein, various amounts of CoWO 4 as a novel metal-free material were loaded on Mn 0.47 Cd 0.53 S (MCS) nanorods for photocatalytic hydrogen production reaction. The CoWO 4 /Mn 0.47 Cd 0.53 S-25 (CW/MCS-25) exhibits the highest hydrogen production rate of 41.53 mmol·h−1·g−1 in the Na 2 S/Na 2 SO 3 system, which is about 2.68 times higher than that of pristine MCS. The Mapping and HRTEM reveals the deposited of CoWO 4 on the MCS. The detailed analyses of XPS, EIS, TRPL spectra and transient photocurrent responses indicate that CoWO 4 and MCS interacted closely and the photogenerated electrons of CoWO 4 can be transferred into MCS. In particular, the introduction of CoWO 4 can further transfer the photogenerated holes of MCS, thereby inhibiting the photocorrosion of MCS and improving photocatalytic activity. This work provides a reference for the exploration of noble metal-free composite material and shows great potential in the photocatalytic application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A porphyrin-based metal–organic framework coordinated with a high content of single Pt atoms (up to 4.67%) was prepared via an in-situ reaction strategy for highly efficient photocatalytic H 2 evolution. [Display omitted] • The PCN-222(Pt) with a high loading of single Pt atoms was successfully synthesized. • Dual sites of Pt single atom and ZrIV ions contribute to the enhanced photoactivity. • The prepared PCN-222(Pt) displayed much longer lifetime and excellent stability. We report a porous metal–organic framework loaded with single Pt atoms, namely PCN-222(Pt) nanorods, which are prepared by the self-assembly of Pt-metalized tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin ligand with a Zr 6 cluster. The mass-loading of Pt in the synthesized PCN-222(Pt) is up to 4.67%, and can be accurately controlled by using an in-situ reaction strategy. Remarkably, the PCN-222(Pt) exhibits a highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 614 μmol g-1h−1, which is 7.4 times higher than that of PCN-222 (an isostructural sample to PCN-222(Pt) without coordinated Pt ions in the porphyrin rings). The apparent quantum efficiency of PCN-222(Pt) reaches up to 1.049% at 420 nm. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra confirm the as-formed intermediate ZrIII, obtained from the reduction of ZrIV species, participates in the photocatalytic reaction. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate the positive role that single Pt atoms in PCN-222(Pt) play in optimizing the corresponding hydrogen binding energy. The existence of this dual reaction mechanism in PCN-222(Pt) greatly and synergistically boosts the photocatalytic H 2 production activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the power propulsion system of ships, due to the disturbance of propeller rotation and its instability, sliding bearings will support the inclined shaft during operation, resulting in misaligned effects of the bearings. Traditional research on sliding bearings often uses laminar flow models, but there is turbulence in the actual operation of sliding bearings, so the turbulence model will conform to the actual structure. This article studies the impact of misalignment effects in different directions by comparing whether turbulence effects is considered. It should be noted that the maximum degree of misalignment is achieved under the condition of bidirectional misalignment. The alignment effect is considered as a reference. An analysis is conducted on sliding bearings under two flow conditions and four misalignment forms. The variation patterns and trends of static and dynamic characteristic parameters are obtained and analyzed. Summarized the impact of flow models and biased effects on various parameters. Finally, experimental tests are conducted on the bearings. Obtained the time domain, frequency spectrum, and axis trajectory of the bearing. The reliability and correctness of the current research have been verified by comparing experimental data with theoretical results. [Display omitted] • In this paper, we believe that our paper presents for the first time: • The modified lubrication model with/without turbulent effects & four misaligned statuses is constructed. • The effects of multi-coupling factors on static & dynamic characteristics are analyzed. • The changing rules of the lubrication performance with different misaligned status are revealed. • The rationality and correctness of the model and the algorithm have been verified. Turbulence has significant impacts on lubrication characteristics of the misaligned bearings. Modified lubrication models with turbulent & misaligned effects are constructed. The influences of velocity, load and lubricant viscosity on static & dynamic characteristic with two flow models and four misaligned cases are analyzed. The changing rules of the lubrication performance with different misaligned statuses are revealed. Comparative results reveal that the lubrication film thickness of misaligned bearings decreases, the friction force increases, and the lubrication performance decreases. The maximum pressure considering turbulence effects is smaller than that of the laminar-flow model, while minimum film thickness is thicker than that of laminar flow model. Results provide theoretical and practical basis for optimum design of such bearings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilingual meta learning has emerged as a promising paradigm for transferring knowledge from source languages to facilitate the learning of low-resource target languages. Loss functions are a type of meta-knowledge that is crucial to the effective training of neural networks. However, the misalignment between the loss functions and the learning paradigms of meta learning degrades the network's performance. To address this challenge, we propose a new method called Task-based Meta PolyLoss (TMPL) for meta learning. By regarding speech recognition tasks as normal samples and applying PolyLoss to the meta loss function, TMPL can be denoted as a linear combination of polynomial functions based on task query loss. Theoretical analysis shows that TMPL improves meta learning by enabling attention adjustment across different tasks, which can be tailored for different datasets. Experiments on three datasets demonstrated that gradient-based meta learning methods achieve superior performance with TMPL. Furthermore, our experiments validate that the task-based loss function effectively mitigates the misalignment issue. • Multilingual meta-learning ignore the misalignment problem between the loss functions and the learning paradigms of meta learning. • Task-based Meta PolyLoss is a more general meta-loss function, which can be denoted as a linear combination of polynomial functions. • Theoretical analysis shows that TMPL adjust attention across different tasks, which can be tailored for different datasets. • Experiments on three datasets show that verify the effectiveness of TMPL, especially in very low-resource setting. • Experiments analysis shows the task-based loss function effectively mitigates the misalignment issue and is more appropriate for meta-learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sufu is the traditional fermented soybean products in China. The aim of this study was to establish a rapid and sensitive method for the determination of 3 monascus pigments and citrinin in sufu, assess the content of them in sufu samples obtained from market. The extracted sufu samples were purified by optimized SPE methods: discard the first 1 mL of effluent and collect the rest for HPLC-MS/MS determination. Good linearities were obtained (r > 0.999) in the range of 0.05–10 μg L−1 for citrinin, monascin and monascorubramin, and 0.05–10 mg L−1 for monascorubrin. The method has been successfully applied to the identification of monascus pigments and citrinin in sufu samples, and the Spearman correlation analysis of the concentration was also performed, therefore fulfilling the requirements for mycotoxins analysis. Besides, according to the health risk assessment of citrinin, the health risk caused by intake of sufu was not significant, and the recommended safe sufu consumption rate was 211.0 g person−1 day−1. The established method was fast, sensitive and accurate, was suitable for the analysis of 3 monascus pigments and citrinin in sufu. [Display omitted] • Novel SPE method for the analysis 3 monascus pigments and citrinin was established. • QuEChERS and modified passing-through SPE method were compared. • Spearman correlation analysis of monascus pigments and citrinin was performed. • Consumption of sufu less than 211.0 g person−1 day−1 was recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Five MARVEL proteins are identified and functionally characterized in B. bassiana. • Five MARVEL proteins are localized in cytomembrane and vesicles. • Five MARVEL proteins convergently contribute to fungal virulence. • Five proteins play different roles in growth, stress tolerance, and development. Beauveria bassiana is one of the most extensively studied entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and is widely used as a biocontrol agent against various insect pests. Proteins containing the MARVEL domain are conserved in eukaryotes, typically with four transmembrane structures. In this study, we identified the five MARVEL domain proteins in B. bassiana. Five MARVEL domain proteins were localized to cytomembrane and vacuoles in B. bassiana , but had different roles in maintaining the lipid-droplet homeostasis. These proteins were required for fungal virulence, but differentially contributed to fungal utilization of nutrients, stress tolerance, and development under aerial and submerged conditions. Notably, BbMARVEL2 was essential for conidial surface morphology. Additionally, these five MARVEL domain proteins contributed to fungal interaction with the host immune defense. This study provides new mechanistic insights into the life cycle of B. bassiana as a biocontrol agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ship lock system of the Three Gorges Hub(TGH) stands out as the most intricate navigation system for ships passing through dams, which is composed of the the world's largest ship lock and ship lift. It operates with features like multi-dam configurations, multi-chambers, multi-operation modes and batch processing. This paper addresses the complex challenge of optimizing the lock schedule, ship entry timings, and ship placements within the lock chamber. By analyzing navigational rules, operational characteristics, and existing problems of TGH, this research introduces an intelligent scheduling system framework. With the incorporation of multiple objectives and constraints, a mixed-integer nonlinear programming(MINLP) model is formulated. Subsequently, a hybrid intelligent algorithm based on simulated annealing and heuristic search is constructed to achieve the optimization of the lock schedule. The algorithm efficacy is validated using the real-world data from TGH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) based spiking neural network (SNN) accelerator architecture is proposed. • Approximate arithmetic units are utilized to realize energy efficient hardware implementation. • A variable precision method is proposed to minimize bit-width of weights. • The feasibility of utilizing the proposed method is verified via different SNN models. Spiking neural networks (SNNs) have been getting more research attention in recent years as the way they process information is suitable for building neuromorphic systems effectively. However, realizing SNNs on hardware is computationally expensive. To improve their efficiency for hardware implementation, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) based SNN accelerator architecture is proposed and implemented using approximate arithmetic units. To identify the minimal required bit-width for approximate computation without any performance loss, a variable precision method is utilized to represent weights of the SNN. Unlike the conventional reduced precision method applied to all weights uniformly, the proposed variable precision method allows different bit-widths to represent weights and provide the feasibility of maximizing truncation effort for each weight. Four SNNs adopting different network configurations and training datasets are established to compare the performance of proposed accelerator architecture using the variable precision method with the proposed one using the conventional reduced precision method. Based on the experimental results, more than 40% of the weights require less bit-width when applying the variable precision method instead of the reduced precision method. With the variable precision method, the proposed architecture achieves 28% fewer ALUTs and 29% less power consumption than the proposed one using the reduced precision method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is one of the broad-spectrum growth-promoting factors that participate in tooth development. The influence of TGF-β1 on the odontoblastic differentiation is still controvercy. Mouse primary dental papilla cells (mDPCs) as well as an immortalized mouse dental papilla cell line (mDPC6Ts) were treated with exogenous TGF-β1 during odontoblastic differentiation. RT-qPCR, Western blot, alizarin red staining and ALP staining were carried out to investigate the influence of TGF-β1 on odontoblastic differentiation. IPO7, important for SMAD complex translocation was also detected in mDPCs and mDPC6Ts in response to TGF-β1. After silencing IPO7 by transfection, the translocation process of P-SMAD2 was investigated by nuclear and cytoplasmic extraction as well as co-immunoprecipitation assay. The odontogenic markers, mineralization and IPO7 expression were significantly up-regulated in TGF-β1-treated mDPCs while down-regulated in mDPC6Ts. The total level of P-SMAD2 was not influenced by IPO7 in mDPCs, however, IPO7 could bind to P-SMAD2 and affect the nuclear-cytoplasm-shuttling of P-SMAD2. Our data demonstrated that TGF-β1 plays opposite roles in odontoblast differentiation in mDPCs and immortalized mouse dental papilla cell line (mDPC6Ts), which is determined by IPO7. • TGF-β1 promotes odontoblastic differentiation in mDPCs. • TGF-β1 inhibits odontoblastic differentiation in mDPC6Ts. • The difference of TGF-β1 in odontoblastic differentiation is determined by IPO7. • Research on TGF-β1 should be paid attention for the influence of the SV40 tag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of a series of NiS 2 -MoS 2 - x hybrids as HDS catalysts. • Ni reduces MoS 2 particle size and slab and increases the defects of MoS 2 slabs. • Defects contribute to the exposure of active sites. • NiS 2 -MoS 2 -0.2 shows optimal HDS activity and direct desulfurization selectivity. • NiS 2 -MoS 2 - x with Ni has a more durable HDS due to a stable sphere-flower structure. A series of new NiS 2 -MoS 2 - x (x = 0–0.5) sphere-flower hybrids with different Ni/Mo molar ratios, synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal method, were used as catalysts for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of thiophene (TP) and 4,6-dimethyl-dibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT). The characterizations show that the microstructure of MoS 2 , including the size of MoS 2 nano-flowers, the length of MoS 2 slabs, and the number of defects, was regulated by changing Ni/Mo ratios. Increasing the Ni/Mo ratio in the NiS 2 -MoS 2 - x catalysts significantly boosts their HDS activity, with the optimum ratio being 0.2. In addition, the NiS 2 -MoS 2 -0.2 catalyst exhibits the best direct desulfurization performance, which is associated with the minimum ratio of average slab length (L av) to average stacking number (N av) as well as the highest concentration of Ni-promoted Mo sites and sulfur vacancies. Moreover, Ni-containing NiS 2 -MoS 2 - x catalysts, characterized by a highly stable sphere-flower configuration, exhibit superior structural stability and catalytic durability than the Ni-free NiS 2 -MoS 2 -0 catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new method for time-variant reliability analysis of existing ageing structures under epistemic uncertainty from limited recurrent field measurement data. A growth model and a noise factor are introduced to account for the ageing changes of distribution parameters that take place while the reliability interval is sequentially updated using inspection data acquired over the service period. The method is applied to quantify the reliability of deteriorating concrete bridges under routine inspections of reinforcement steel corrosion. The interval estimation of corrosion and reliability shows narrower uncertainty bounds than a traditional frequentist approach, particularly when relatively sparse inspection datasets are available. In the case study presented, the relative variation of reliability bounds could be reduced by at least half when compared to a frequentist estimation. • A time-variant sequential Bayesian updating is developed for ageing components. • The method enables sequential updating of uncertainty bounds over the service life. • The sequential updating approach provides a robust reliability analysis over time. • The method is particularly advantageous for sparse routine inspection datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a consequence of Wan's theorem about Dwork's conjecture, the unit root L -functions of the n -dimensional Kloosterman family are p -adic meromorphic. By studying the symmetric power L -functions associated to the Kloosterman family, we prove that for each 0 ≤ j ≤ n , the unit root L -function coming from slope j has a unique unit root which equals 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring moisture distribution, especially bound water content, is vital for studying and applying sludge dewatering. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method has been extensively utilized for the quantitative characterization of moisture distribution in sludge. However, this method has certain limitations, such as low reproducibility of results, leading to controversial parameter values in different papers and hindering result comparison. In this study, we investigated the influence of key sample attributes on measuring sludge bound water using the DSC method.The findings demonstrated that the moisture content and mass of sludge samples substantially influenced the reproducibility and stability of DSC test results. To ensure data reliability, the moisture content of the sludge sample should be minimized and kept below 84%, with the mass not exceeding 10 mg. Compared to the influence of sludge moisture content and sample mass, the heating rate (1⁓5 °C/min) minimally affected DSC test results. This study offers a comprehensive insight into how sample attributes and test parameters affect the quantitative characterization of bound water in sludge using the DSC method. Furthermore, practical strategies are presented to enhance the method's applicability in sludge bound water characterization. [Display omitted] • Basic factors can greatly affect the accuracy of DSC in sludge bound water test. • Sludge moisture should not be higher than 84%, and the lower the better. • Weight of sludge samples should not exceed 10 mg when using DSC measure bound water. • The heating rate has little effect on the DSC results. • Impact of sludge properties on applicability of bound water by DSC should focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Polyaniline (PANI) has been widely used as a cathode in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) because of its attractive conductivity and energy storage capability. However, the extensive application of PANI is limited by spontaneous deprotonation and slow diffusion kinetics. Herein, an 18-crown-6-functionalised PANI pseudorotaxane (18C6@PANI) cathode is successfully developed through a facile template-directed polymerisation reaction. The 18C6@PANI cathode exhibits a high specific capacity of 256 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A/g, excellent rate performance of 134 mAh g−1 at 6 A/g and outstanding cycle stability at a high current density of 3 A/g over 10,000 cycles. Experimental and theoretical analyses demonstrate the formation of the –N–Zn–O– structure. The abundant supramolecular channels in pseudorotaxane, induced by crown ether functional groups, are beneficial for achieving superior cyclability and rate capability. These encouraging results highlight the potential for designing more efficient PANI-based cathodes for high-performance AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flathead fish Platycephalus sp.1 is an ecologically and commercially important marine fish in the northwestern Pacific with notable sexual differences in growth and development. Yet the genomic data of this species is lacking. In the present study, whole genome sequencing of two individuals (one male and one female) of Platycephalus sp.1 were conducted to provide fundamental genomic information. The genome sizes were estimated to be 674.96 Mb (male) and 684.15 Mb (female) by using k-mer analyses. The heterozygosity and repeat ratios suggested possible male heterogamety of this species. The draft genome sequences were initially assembled and genome-wide microsatellite motifs were identified. Besides, the complete mitochondrial genome sequences were assembled and the phylogenetic analyses genetically supported the validation of Platycephalus sp.1. The reported genomic data and genetic markers in this study could be useful in future comparative genomics and evolutionary biology studies. • Genome survey analyses of male and female Platycephalus sp.1 were performed to assess fundamental genomic information. • Comparative analyses between the two sexes were investigated to reveal possible sexual difference. • Mitochondrial genome sequences were assembled based on genome survey data and phylogenetic analyses were performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for pesticide spraying have been widely used in China during the past three years. In order to improve the effectiveness of pesticide application and reduce environmental risk caused by spray drift, it is important to clarify the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of airflow field of the drone. The airflow field produced by the UAV plays a key role in droplets delivery during the spraying. In this study, the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) based on a mesoscopic kinetic model was used to simulate the airflow field of a six–rotor plant protection drone. The airflow field of drone in hover and at varied flight speeds (1.0–5.0 m s−1) and various altitudes (1.5–3.5 m) was investigated. The characteristics of airflow separation, airflow coverage equivalent area and "steep" effect were investigated numerically. The peak value of vertical downward velocity (V– Y) on the detection surface was analysed. Results indicate that the flight speed and altitude had a significant effect on the distribution of the airflow field. The predicted values in the vertical direction using the average velocity attenuation model (Y–DAVA) corresponded well with experimental measurements. The wake of airflow field had a significant backward tilt when the drone was flying forwards, thus when the flight speed was 4.0 m s−1 and 5.0 m s−1, the wake of the airflow field lifted off the ground, whereas the transverse separation appeared as horseshoe vortices. For flight speeds of 3.0 m s−1 and an altitude of 3.0 m the distribution of V– Y was the most uniform. • Airflow field of drone plays a key role in droplets delivery during the spraying. • The airflow field was simulated successfully by LBM. • Flight speed and altitude had a significant effect on the distribution of airflow field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of perioperative red blood cell transfusion (PRBCT) on cancer survival has remained controversial. We conducted a retrospective study in patients undergoing primary debulking surgery (PDS) for ovarian cancer between January 2013 and December 2017. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they received PRBCT. Clinical characteristics were compared between groups. After propensity score matching, perioperative systemic inflammation-based scores, quality of recovery, postoperative outcomes, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared between groups. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between covariates and survival outcomes. A total of 1037 patients were enrolled in this study, and 31.7% of patients received PRBCT. After propensity matching, there was no significant difference in the clinical characteristics between groups. Patients receiving PRBCT had more postoperative fluctuations in systemic inflammatory response-related indicators (P < 0.001), a higher incidence of postoperative grade II complications (28.4% vs. 14.8%), a longer length of stay (10.6 d vs. 6.2 d) and higher 30-day and total readmission rates (7.1% vs. 4.4% and 11.2% vs. 8.1%, P < 0.001, respectively) than patients who did not receive PRBCT. The OS and DFS rates 3 years after surgery were significantly lower in the patients receiving PRBCT than in patients not receiving PRBCT (58.9% vs. 74.5%, 39.6% vs. 52.3%). PRBCT was significantly associated with more fluctuations in systemic inflammatory indicators, a prolonged length of stay, higher postoperative complication rates and increased cancer recurrence and overall mortality in ovarian cancer patients undergoing PDS. • Transfusion was associated with increased cancer recurrence and mortality in ovarian cancer patients. • Transfusion was associated with higher postoperative complication rates and longer hospitalization stays. • Transfusion was associated with more postoperative fluctuations in systemic inflammatory markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space weathering (SW) processes including solar wind irradiation and micrometeorite bombardment produce nano-phase iron (npFe) and amorphous layers that redden and darken the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) reflectance spectra of the surface of airless bodies. To understand how SW may affect the directional reflectance and polarization properties of regolith layers, we carried out pulsed laser irradiation experiments to simulate micrometeorite bombardment process on olivine (OL), orthopyroxene (OPX), anorthosite (AN), ilmenite (ILM), and JSC-1A Lunar Regolith Simulant (LRS). All samples have been equalized with a size distribution of (<45 μm) and the unsieved LRS with (<1 mm) was also used. Depending on each sample's difficulty level of weathering, 2 to 8 irradiations with single pulse energy of 50 mJ were used in the irradiations. We measured the spectral reflectance from 0.5 to 25 μm, bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) and polarization phase curves at 0.633 μm of the samples before and after irradiations. Scanning electron microscopic images show that the irradiated samples become rougher with produced melts and agglutinates. The VNIR reflectance spectra of all irradiated samples show prominent darkening and reddening, except for the unsieved LSR sample which shows spectral blueing. Compared to that of the original samples, the BRDF of irradiated OL and OPX have both enhanced back- and forward-scattering components, while the other 4 samples have enhanced backscattering but nearly unchanged (AN, ILM, JSC-1A (<45 μm)) or decreased (JSC-1A (<1 mm)) forward scattering. In general, the irradiated samples have larger positive polarization values DOP max as compared to the original samples, consistent with the Umov law prediction. Within measurement uncertainties, the irradiated samples did not show systematic changes in the minimum polarization value DOP min and the polarization inversion angle α inv. Using OL as an example, numerical radiative transfer computations verified that, the BRDF of olivine grains with npFe distributed uniformly inside the grains or coated with npFe have enhanced back- and forward scattering components as compared with that of the original grains, consistent with measurement results. A 5-parameter Hapke photometric model inversion has shown that all sample grains except OPX have become more backscattering (with smaller asymmetry parameters) upon the strongest irradiation as compared with the original ones. These results indicate that the directional reflectance properties of space weathered regolith grains of airless bodies may be more backscattering than that of fresh materials. • Space weathering simulations on typical planetary analogs using pulse-laser irradiations • SEM, spectral reflectance, bi-directional reflectance and polarization measurements • Bi-directional reflectance measurements show enhanced backscattering upon irradiations. • Radiative transfer calculations explain the observed changes in bi-directional reflectance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 92 insect mitogenomes were newly sequenced, including the first from Coccoidea. • The most comprehensive Hemiptera mitogenomic data matrix (357 species) compiled. • Sternorrhyncha was recovered as sister to all other Hemiptera. • The pattern of (Psylloidea + (Aleyrodoidea + (Coccoidea + Aphidoidea))) was supported. • The grouping of Coleorrhyncha and Fulgoromorpha was likely the LBA artifact. Although reconstruction of the phylogeny of Hemiptera has progressed tremendously over the past two decades, some higher-level relationships remain poorly resolved. Here, we investigated the Hemiptera higher-level relationships using full mitochondrial genome data from 357 ingroup species, representing the most comprehensive sampling yet undertaken for reconstructing the phylogeny of this group. In this study, 92 mitochondrial genomes were newly determined. Various data treatment methods and substitution models were applied to tree reconstructions. Effects of compositional heterogeneity, rate heterogeneity, model adequacy and taxon sampling on support values and topological stability were explored. Phylogenetic analyses (1) confirmed the monophyly of Hemiptera under site-heterogeneous model, (2) placed Sternorrhyncha as sister to all other Hemiptera, (3) recovered Coccoidea as the sister taxon of Aphidoidea, followed successively by Aleyrodoidea and Psylloidea, and (4) indicated that the grouping of Coleorrhyncha and Fulgoromorpha was the result of long-branch attraction effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new planetary remote sensing tool, the phase ratio imagery calculates the ratio of images taken at different phase angles and may suppress surface albedo variations and enhance surface texture features. This technique has been used in the study of surface structure of airless bodies such as the Moon and Mercury. To understand the effectiveness of the method, we carried out laboratory phase ratio measurements on eight planetary analog materials including four pure minerals olivine, orthopyroxene, labradorite, ilmenite and four mixtures, the lunar regolith simulant JSC-1A, the lunar highland simulant, the Martian soil simulant, and the CI asteroid simulant, all in two size distributions, 0–45 μm and 90–105 μm. For each sample, the phase ratio A(α 1)/A(α 2) is obtained by measuring the reflectance at two phase angles α 1 and α 2 with α 1 < α 2 at two radiation wavelengths, 633 nm and 905 nm. The results show that: (1) The particle size distributions can be differentiated by measuring the phase ratio A(α 1)/A(α 2), and in order to increase the discriminative power of the particle size distribution, the value of (α 1 - α 2) should be as large as possible. (2) For pure minerals, larger grains have smaller phase ratio values, because larger grains of pure minerals are more forward scattering, leading to larger A(α 2) and thus smaller phase ratio. For mixtures with simulated agglutinates that hold minerals together as composite particles, larger grains have higher phase ratios because they are less forward scattering due to multiple internal reflections and hence more absorptions. Since real planetary regoliths are likely dominated by composite particles with agglutinates, it is expected that larger grains would have larger phase ratio values. • We have performed laboratory phase ratio measurements on eight planetary analog materials. • The particle size distributions can be differentiated by measuring the phase ratio with large phase angle difference. • Larger pure mineral grains have smaller phase ratios, while that of mixtures with simulated agglutinates have higher phase ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe 3 O 4 @PPy/rGO composites have been fabricated by hydrothermal method, in situ polymerization method, directional freeze-drying and hydrazine vapor reduction, exhibiting the RL min of −61.20 dB at 1.89 mm and the EAB of 5.26 GHz at 1.71 mm. [Display omitted] • Fe 3 O 4 @PPy/rGO (FPG) composites have been fabricated by hydrothermal method, in situ polymerization method, directional freeze-drying and hydrazine vapor reduction. • The enhanced EMW adsorption performances are attributed to the synergy effect of multiple EMW losses stemming from Fe 3 O 4 , PPy, rGO and optimized impedance match. • FPG-4 exhibits the RL min of −61.20 dB at 1.89 mm and the EAB of 5.26 GHz at 1.71 mm. The design of heterostructures with reasonable chemical composition and spatial structure is one of the effective strategies to achieve high performances electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption. Herein, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets decorated with hollow core–shell Fe 3 O 4 @PPy (FP) microspheres have been prepared by the combination of hydrothermal method, in situ polymerization method, directional freeze-drying and hydrazine vapor reduction. FP acting as traps can consume EMW trapped into their interior through the magnetic and dielectric losses. RGO nanosheets forming the conductive network are served as multi-reflected layers. Moreover, the impedance matching is optimized by the synergistic effect between FP and rGO. As expected, the synthetic Fe 3 O 4 @PPy/rGO (FPG) composite shows excellent EMW absorption performances with the minimum reflect loss (RL min) of −61.20 dB at 1.89 mm and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.26 GHz at 1.71 mm. The excellent performances for the heterostructure are attributed to the synergistic effect of conductive loss, dielectric loss, magnetic loss, multiple reflection loss, and optimized impedance matching. This work provides a simple and effective strategy for the fabrication of lightweight, thin and high-performances EMW absorbing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Self-assembly Prussian blue analogues-derived (Fe-Co)Se2 catalysts was synthesized. • The (Fe-Co)Se2 catalyst exhibits the excellent electrocatalytic ability for both oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction. • Successfully applied the (Fe-Co)Se2 catalysts for overall water splitting. The efficient and durable catalysts toward electrochemical water-splitting plays significant role in clean and renewable energy storage applications. Herein, we design the Prussian blue analogues precursor by self-assembled strategy and converted it to (Fe-Co)Se 2 composite by post-selenization method. Benefiting of unique porous morphology, high electrochemically active surface area and fast electron transfer ability, the excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance of (Fe-Co)Se 2 catalyst were obtained. It was revealed that only require overpotentials of 251 mV to arrive a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in OER system, and 90 mV was accomplished at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 toward the HER activity, along with low Tafel slope of 47.6 and 58.7 mV dec−1 was achieved for OER and HER, respectively. The (Fe-Co)Se 2 catalysts with high electrochemical activity at the same time long-time durability may encourage more practical catalytic applications for renewable energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS) is a nonheme-Fe2+-dependent enzyme that mediates a key step in penicillin biosynthesis. It catalyses the conversion of the tripeptide δ-(l -α-aminoadipoyl)- l -cysteine- d -valine (ACV) to isopenicillin N, which is a key precursor to β-lactam antibiotics. The pa4191 gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 has provisionally been annotated as a member of the IPNS family. In this work, we report the crystal structure of PA4191 from P. aeruginosa (Pa IPNS hereafter). The 1.65 Å resolution Pa IPNS structure forms a jelly roll fold and is confirmed to be a member of the IPNS family based on structural homology. A metal centre within the jelly roll consists of the strictly conserved His201, Asp203 and His257 residues. MicroScale Thermophoresis binding analysis confirms that Pa IPNS is a metal-binding protein with a strong preference for iron, but that it does not bind the tripeptide ACV. Structural comparison of Pa IPNS with a previously reported IPNS-ACV complex structure reveals a restricted binding pocket that is unable to accommodate ACV. • A high-resolution structure of P. aeruginosa isopenicillin N synthase (Pa IPNS) was determined. • The structure features a conserved active site with a bound metal ion. • MicroScale Thermophoresis confirms Pa IPNS is an iron-binding enzyme. • MicroScale Thermophoresis shows Pa IPNS does not bind the tripeptide δ-(l -α-aminoadipoyl)- l -cysteine- d -valine (ACV). • Pa IPNS has a restricted binding pocket that is unable to bind the ACV tripeptide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleation and growth of ettringite in solution with and without temperature rising inhibitor (TRI) were investigated. Electrical conductivity, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microcopy, optical microcopy and Fourier transform infrared were used to analyze the mechanism of effects of TRI on nucleation and growth of ettringite. Based on classical nucleation theory, the results show that TRI has little influence on the crystal-solution interfacial energy. In contrast, the inhibition of TRI on ettringite crystal growth rate of ettringite is observed from the initial slopes of conductivity curves. In-situ observation, SEM, XRD and FT-IR measurements seemed to prove that TRI containing large amount of hydroxyl will adsorb on surface of different surfaces of ettringite, resulting in the reduced growth rate and small crystal size. The decreased shrinkage strain of cement pastes can be attributed to the delayed ettringite when TRI is added into systems. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective We investigated whether Piezo1 could regulate oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injury of neurons through Ca2+/calpain signaling. Methods Piezo1 expression in rat brain cortex and PC12 cells were confirmed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The effects of Yoda1 and GsMTx4 on OGD/R-induced decrease in cell viability, increase in cell apoptosis and activation of downstreaming Ca2+/calpain signaling were investigated. Furthermore, calpain signaling was inhibited by PD151746 to see whether Ca2+/calpain signaling participated in the neurotoxic effects of Piezo1 activation. Results Piezo1 expression was increased in rat cerebral cortex after ischemia/reperfusion and in PC12 cells after OGD/R. Activation of Piezo1 by Yoda1 enhanced OGD/R-induced cell viability inhibition, apoptosis, increase intracellular calcium levels and enhanced calpain activity while GsMTx4 showed the opposite effects. The effects of Piezo1 activation on cell viability and apoptosis were reversed by PD151746. Conclusion Piezo1 could regulate neuron oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injury via activation of Ca2+/calpain signaling. Highlights • Activation of Piezo1 enhanced OGD/R-induced apoptosis, increase intracellular calcium levels and enhanced calpain activity. • Piezo1 activation mediates OGD/R-induced neuron apoptosis through Ca2+/calpain signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent that was applied in a series of military conflicts and still poses a severe threat to civilians and military personnel. Although the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SM toxicity are still not fully understood, oxidative stress has been considered as the initial vital process for damage. Polydatin, the product of resveratrol and glucose, is a promising candidate for the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases. However, its effects on SM-induced hepatic injury remain unknown. Thus, we investigated the protective effects of polydatin against SM-induced hepatic injury and its possible mechanism. We found that treatment with polydatin remarkably improved the survival rate of mice bear subcutaneously injected with SM. Polydatin decreased the SM-induced increase of serum aminotransferase levels and ameliorated hepatic pathological damage. We also found that indexes of oxidative stress were improved in mouse liver samples and L02 cells. Meanwhile, changes in the Sirtuin family after treatment with SM were explored in mice and cells since polydatin is a potent activator of Sirt1 and Sirt3. Polydatin significantly increased the expression of Sirt1, HO-1, and NQO1; and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in mouse liver and L02 cells. Furthermore, we also observed that either Sirt1 or Nrf2 knockdown abolished the protective effect of polydatin. Our data indicated that polydatin could provide protection against SM-induced hepatic injury through the Sirt1/Nrf2 pathway, suggesting that polydatin is a novel potential antidote for sulfur mustard. Highlights • Polydatin could improve the survival rate of SM-treated mice. • Sirt1 was significantly reduced after SM-treatment. • Polydatin protects against SM-induced liver injury via Sirt1/Nrf2. • First correlation between polydatin and a chemical warfare agent [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Propose a fully modelling based intrusion discrimination scheme. • Configure this scheme suitable for DMZI based optical fiber perimeter security system. • Propose a modelling based feature extraction method. • Achieve intrusion recognition combining sigmoid modelling based SVM with adaboost classification. Abstract In order to develop an efficient, accurate and richly functional intrusion discrimination scheme in the optical fiber perimeter security, this paper proposed a fully modelling based scheme for the DMZI vibration system. In this scheme, data modelling is applied in both the feature extraction stage and the pattern classification stage. By means of incorporating the coefficients of AR modelling into the feature vector, the intrusion characteristics are described in a brief, overall and essential way, which helps to recognize more intrusion types than the existing schemes. Moreover, owing to that the sigmoid modelling is applied in the classifier design, the proposed scheme is endowed with a particular function of estimating occurrence probabilities for all intrusion types. Besides, the adoption of AdaBoostSVM technique further enhances the classification rate. Experimental results showed that, with the above techniques incorporated, our proposed discrimination scheme can identify 6 intrusion types with the average classification rate 87.14 % using only 4-length feature patterns, which presents vast potentials for DMZI applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Thioredoxin 2 (Trx2), as a member of the thioredoxin system in mitochondria, is involved in controlling mitochondrial redox state. However, the role of Trx2 in cardiac biology is not fully understood. In the present study, the expression of Trx2 is silenced in quiescent neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVCs) and mitochondrial respiratory function and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy are assessed. The results show that Trx2 depletion does not induce significant cytotoxicity in quiescent NRVCs. Remarkably, Trx2 depletion results in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy as determined by increased cell size and protein synthesis. Furthermore, Trx2 depletion inhibits AMPK activity and AMPK activator reversed cellular hypertrophy. Trx2 depletion enhances mitochondrial ROS generation without impact on cellular ROS level. Trx2 depletion has no effect on mitochondrial biogenesis. Specifically, Trx2 depletion increases mitochondrial respiration flux and total ATP concentration under quiescent conditions. To decipher the relationship between ROS generation, mitochondrial respiration flux, and AMPK signaling, mitochondrial metabolism and ROS was specifically inhibited, and the results show that AMPK inactivation and hypertrophic response in Trx2-silenced cells is reversed by respiration blockers but not ROS scavenger. In conclusion, these results show that beyond mitochondrial ROS scavenging, Trx2 controls mitochondrial respiratory function in quiescent cardiomyocytes and is implicated in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via AMPK signaling. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Thioredoxin 2 (Trx2) depletion promotes respiration flux in mitochondria. • Increased respiration flux impacts AMPK/S6K1/rpS6 pathway. • Trx2 depletion induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via AMPK/S6K1/rpS6 pathway. • Trx2 depletion does not impact mitochondrial biogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag-porous Si (Ag-pSi) composite as metallo-dielectric based periodical lattice nanostructure is proposed and studied to improve the light efficiency in such structure in near-infrared range of 750–3000 nm. To achieve this, Finite-Differential Time-Domain (FDTD) implements were applied in analyzing the effects of number of layers (nLs) as well as porosity on optical characteristics of reflection, transmission and absorption using “FDTD solutions”. Perfectly matched layers (PML) and periodic boundary conditions (PBC) were selected as suitable boundaries for this simulation. The results revealed that these highlighted optical properties through the composite are influenced by variation in the nLs and porosity in near-infrared wavelengths. The reflection and transmission spectra presented contrasting patterns. Optimum transmission was attained at 80% porosity with the thickness higher than 500 nm. For the composite Ag-pSi, all the peaks found in these optical properties tended towards higher wavelengths as compared to the case of the composite Ag-Air which had an empty structure. The optimum absorption was improved by 10% with the incorporation of pSi into the Ag material. Therefore, the enhancement of optical properties in this proposed design can be achieved by controlling both the nLs and porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture plays an increasingly important if not critical role in the current and future world food supply. Aeromonas hydrophila, a heterotrophic, Gram-negative, bacterium found in fresh or brackish water in warm climates poses a serious threat to the aquaculture industry in many areas, causing significant economic losses. Rapid, portable detection methods of A. hydrophila are needed for its effective control and mitigation. We have developed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique to detect PCR (polymerase chain reaction) products that can replace agarose gel electrophoresis, or otherwise provide an alternative to costlier and more complicated real-time, fluorescence-based detection. The SPR method provides sensitivity comparable to gel electrophoresis, while reducing labor, cross-contamination, and test time, and employs simpler instrumentation with lower cost than real-time PCR. [Display omitted] • We developed a method to detect Aeromonas hydrophila based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology. • The method has more advantages that include label-free detection, simple operation, multiplex capability, and real-time detection. • The method with portable SPR equipment can make the field detection of A. hydrophila more convenient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a theoretical proposal for a physical implementation of entanglement concentration and purification protocols for two-mode squeezed microwave photons in circuit quantum electrodynamics (QED). First, we give the description of the cross-Kerr effect induced between two resonators in circuit QED. Then we use the cross-Kerr media to design the effective quantum nondemolition (QND) measurement on microwave-photon number. By using the QND measurement, the parties in quantum communication can accomplish the entanglement concentration and purification of nonlocal two-mode squeezed microwave photons. We discuss the feasibility of our schemes by giving the detailed parameters which can be realized with current experimental technology. Our work can improve some practical applications in continuous-variable microwave-based quantum information processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in soil organic carbon (SOC) have implications for atmospheric CO 2 concentrations and the greenhouse effect. However, the effects of snow cover and straw mulching on the variations in SOC fractions across winter remain largely unknown. In this study, soil samples were collected during different stages of winter from an in situ experiment comprising three treatments: 1) snow removal with no straw mulching (Sn-SM-); 2) snow cover with no straw mulching (SC), and; 3) snow cover with straw mulching (SC + SM+). Results showed that labile organic carbon, semi-labile organic carbon, recalcitrant organic carbon (ROC), the light fraction of organic carbon (LFOC), and easily oxidized organic carbon (EOC) contents did not vary significantly (P > .05) during the unfrozen to hard frost stages. Compared to the unfrozen stage, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) contents decreased by 519.03 mg kg −1 , 325.21 mg kg −1 , and 244.09 mg kg −1 and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contents increased by 473.36 mg kg −1 , 348.10 mg kg −1 , and 258.89 mg kg −1 at the hard frost stage in Sn-SM-, SC, and SC + SM + treatments, respectively. Throughout all thawing stages, > 61% and 59% of SOC and ROC accumulation, respectively in the three treatments were observed in thawing stage II, indicating that higher temperatures and microbial activities in thawing stage II accelerated the inputs of SOC and ROC. ROC accumulation accounted for >65% of the SOC accumulation and the proportions of ROC in SOC increased in the three treatments during the thawing stages. SC + SM + treatment maintained lower EOC contents during thawing stages than other treatments. The observation of lowest SOC and LFOC accumulation and contents in the SC + SM + treatment during thawing stages showed that SC + SM + experienced the least inputs of SOC in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical finite differential time domain (FDTD) tools were used in this study for predicting the optical characteristics through the nanostructure of composite silver-porous silicon (Ag-pSi) based periodical lattice. This is aimed at providing an interpretation of the optical spectra at known porosity in improvement of the light manipulating efficiency through a proposed structure. With boundary conditions correctly chosen, the numerical simulation was achieved using FDTD Lumerical solutions. This was used to investigate the effect of porosity and the number of layers on the reflection, transmission and absorption characteristics through a proposed structure in a visible wavelength range of 400–750 nm. The results revealed that the higher the number of layers, the lower the reflection. Also, the reflection increases with porosity increase. The transmission characteristics were the inverse to those found in the case of reflection spectra and optimum transmission was attained at high number of layers. Also, increase in porosity results in reduced transmission. Increase in porosity as well as in the number of layers led to an increase in absorption. Therefore, absorption into such structure can be enhanced by elevating the number of layers and the degree of porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new POMOF compounds, namely [PMo 12 V 2 O 42 ][Cu 3 (4,4’-bpy) 3 ]·(DABCO) ( 1 ) and [PMo 10 V 4 O 42 ][Cu 2 (4,4’-bpy) 2 ][Cu(phen) 2 ] 2 ( 2 ) (DABCO = triethylenediamine, bpy = bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline)), have been synthesized and characterized by IR, UV–Vis, XRD, elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystal structure analyses reveal that compounds 1 and 2 exhibit novel 2-D layered framework structures constructed from bi-capped Keggin molybdenum-vanadium polyoxoanions, metals and organic ligands, respectively. The main difference of the two compounds is that compound 2 contains both Cu 2+ and Cu + complexes. In addition, we also investigate the catalytic properties of the two compounds, both compound 1 and 2 are excellent catalysts for the epoxidation of styrene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]