Search

This abstract presents a formaldehyde catalytic mechanism diagram, illustrating the catalyst's subtle changes during the reaction process and providing a deeper understanding of its underlying mechanisms. [Display omitted] The elimination of formaldehyde at room temperature holds immense potential for various applications, and the incorporation of a catalyst rich in surface hydroxyl groups and oxygen significantly enhances its catalytic activity towards formaldehyde oxidation. By employing a coprecipitation method, we successfully achieved a palladium domain confined within the manganese carbonate lattice and doped with iron. This synergistic effect between highly dispersed palladium and iron greatly amplifies the concentration of surface hydroxyl groups and oxygen on the catalyst, thereby enabling complete oxidation of formaldehyde at ambient conditions. The proposed method facilitates the formation of domain-limited palladium within the MnCO 3 lattice, thereby enhancing the dispersion of palladium and facilitating its partial incorporation into the MnCO 3 lattice. Consequently, this approach promotes increased exposure of active sites and enhances the catalyst's capacity for oxygen activation. The co-doping of iron effectively splits the doping sites of palladium to further enhance its dispersion, while simultaneously modifying the electronic modification of the catalyst to alter formaldehyde's adsorption strength on it. Manganese carbonate exhibits superior adsorption capability for activated surface hydroxyl groups due to the presence of carbonate. In situ infrared testing revealed that dioxymethylene and formate are primary products resulting from catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde, with catalyst surface oxygen and hydroxyl groups playing a crucial role in intermediate product decomposition and oxidation. This study provides novel insights for designing palladium-based catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AgPd/AgAu-hetero-junctioned nanostructures composed of AgPd-nanoparticle and AgAu nanotroughs were constructed successfully by interface-confined dual galvanic etching strategy. Composition-optimized AgPd/AgAu-hetero-junctioned Ag 13 Pd 67 Au 20 exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance for ethanol electrooxidation. [Display omitted] The functions of nanomaterials are closely linked with their fine structures and compositions. Precisely processing nanoparticles into morphology- and composition-varied nanostructures can a cutting-edge technology for producing complex nanostructures. Herein, we develop an interface-confined precise processing strategy towards toluene/water-interfacial Ag nanowires. Interfacial Ag nanowires are transformed into AgPd-nanoparticle-sealed AgAu nanotroughs with abundant AgPd/AgAu hetero-junctions (i.e., AgPdAu hetero-junction nanostructures). By adjusting the reaction conditions, composition-varied AgPdAu hetero-junction nanostructures can be obtained. The formation of AgPdAu hetero-junction nanostructures can be attributed to interface-confined precise etching towards Ag nanowires separately from the two subphases of the water and the toluene. Composition-optimized Ag 13 Pd 67 Au 20 hetero-junction nanostructure shows satisfactory catalytic performance towards ethanol electrooxidation: ∼4 and 2 times in electrochemical-activity-surface-area-normalized activities; ∼6 and 5 times in mass-normalized activities higher than commercial Pd/C and Pt/C, respectively. The outstanding catalytic capability of Ag 13 Pd 67 Au 20 may be attributed to optimized composition, porous nanostructures as well as abundant AgPd/AgAu hetero-junctions. This work demonstrates the feasibility of precisely processing interfacial nanoparticles, opening the way for creating morphology-well-defined composition-varied complex nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The rapid development of process technology has led to rapid daily industrial production, which also produced a large amount of waste liquid. At the same time, the existing treatment technology cannot keep up with the demand, resulting in the malicious destruction of the environment by wastewater, especially mercury-containing wastewater was very harmful. Effective means of removing mercury ions need to be found. With magnetic ferric oxide as the core and titanium-based metal–organic frameworks as the shell, a new type of magnetic adsorbent (BTA-MIL-125(Ti)@Fe 3 O 4) was synthesized. Materials were tested by multiple characterization methods and multiple sets of experiments. At optimal pH 6, the removal rate in 100 ppm Hg(Ⅱ) was as high as 95.8%. The theoretical adsorption capacity was 615 mg/L. Isothermal experiments, kinetic experiments and thermodynamic experiments have respectively verified that the material was a kind of adsorption material with self-emission heat based on chemical action and synergistic adsorption with Hill model. By simulating the immunity of a variety of ions (Cu, Zn, Mg, Ni, Cd), the material itself also exhibited a very high affinity for Hg(Ⅱ). The results of five high-cycle stable adsorption proved the repeatable stability of the material itself. Various characterization methods have also shown that nitrogen and sulfur-containing groups chelated with Hg(Ⅱ). All of the above was enough to show that the BTA-MIL-125(Ti)@Fe 3 O 4 was a magnetic adsorption material with excellent performance and great prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In the context of industrialization and severe wastewater pollution, mercury ions pose a major threat due to their high toxicity. However, traditional adsorbents and common metal-organic framework (MOF) materials have limited effectiveness. This study focuses on combining magnetic materials with functionalized titanium-based MOF composite (SNN-MIL-125(Ti)@Fe 3 O 4) to improve mercury ion adsorption. Through comprehensive characterization and analysis, the adsorption performance and mechanism of the material were studied. The optimal adsorption of the material was achieved at pH 5, exhibiting a pseudo-second-order adsorption model and the Hill theoretical capacity of 668.98 mg/g. Hill and Tempkin models confirmed the presence of chemical and physical adsorption sites on the material surface. Thermodynamic experiments showed a spontaneous endothermic process. Despite the presence of interfering ions, the material exhibited high selectivity for mercury ions. After four cycles, adsorption performance decreased by only 8%, indicating excellent reusability. Nitrogen- and sulfur-containing functional groups played a key role in mercury ion adsorption. In conclusion, SNN-MIL-125(Ti)@Fe 3 O 4 , as a magnetic MOF adsorption material, showed potential for effective remediation of mercury-contaminated wastewater. This study contributes to the development of efficient adsorption materials and enhances the understanding of their mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The bilayer aerogel was obtained by cellulose skeleton with PVAP hydrogel and CNT. • An evaporation rate of 4.02 kg m−2 h−1 was achieved by CPC under 1 sun irradiation. • Water evaporation increased to 11.37 kg m−2 h−1 with convective flow of 2.0 m s−1. • The 10.70 kg m−2 h−1 was obtained in salt water by utilization multiple energy. • Cost-effectiveness and significant desalination highlight wide application of CPC. Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) provides a sustainable approach of clean water production through desalination and water purification. It is still needed to pursue a fast evaporation rate, high-quality freshwater production, and low-cost evaporators. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) bilayer aerogel was fabricated using cellulose nanofiber (CNF) as a skeleton filled with polyvinyl alcohol phosphate ester (PVAP), and carbon nanotubes (CNT) as a light absorbing material in the top layer. The CNF/PVAP/CNT aerogel (CPC) had broadband light absorption ability and exhibited an ultrafast water transfer rate. The lower thermal conductivity of CPC effectively confined the convert heat in the top surface and minimized heat loss. Additionally, a large amount of intermediate water caused by water activation decreased the evaporation enthalpy. Under 1 sun irradiation, the CPC-3 (3.0 cm height of CPC) achieved a high evaporation rate of 4.02 kg m−2 h−1 with an energy conversion efficiency of 125.1%. The additional convective flow and environmental energy made CPC achieve an ultrahigh evaporation rate of 11.37 kg m−2 h−1, surpassing 673% of the solar input energy. More importantly, the continuous solar desalination and higher evaporation rate (10.70 kg m−2 h−1) in seawater revealed that CPC was a promising candidate for practical desalination. Outdoor cumulative evaporation was up to 73.2 kg m−2 d−1 in weak sunlight and lower temperature, which would meet the daily drinking water demands of 20 people. The excellent cost-effectiveness of 1.085 L h−1 $−1 presented its potential for a wide range of practical applications, such as solar desalination, wastewater treatment, and metal extractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composition-varied Au/PtTe hetero-junction-abundant nanostructures are fabricated by combining interfacial self-assembly and interface-confined transformation strategy, and can be directly used as electrocatalysts of boosting ethanol electrooxidation. [Display omitted] Pt-based multi-metallic electrocatalysts containing hetero-junctions are found to have superior catalytic performance to composition-equivalent counterparts. However, in bulk solution, controllable preparation of Pt-based hetero-junction electrocatalyst is an extremely random work owing to the complexity of solution reactions. Herein, we develop an interface-confined transformation strategy, subtly achieving Au/PtTe hetero-junction-abundant nanostructures by employing interfacial Te nanowires as sacrificing templates. By controlling the reaction conditions, composition-varied Au/PtTe can be easily obtained, such as Au 75 /Pt 20 Te 5 , Au 55 /Pt 34 Te 11 , and Au 5 /Pt 69 Te 26. Moreover, each Au/PtTe hetero-junction nanostructure appears to be an array consisting of side-by-side Au/PtTe nanotrough units and can be directly used as a catalyst layer without further post-treatment. All Au/PtTe hetero-junction nanostructures show better catalytic activity towards ethanol electrooxidation than commercial Pt/C because of the combining contributions of Au/Pt hetero-junctions and the collective effects of multi-metallic elements, where Au 75 /Pt 20 Te 5 exhibits the best electrocatalytic performance among three Au/PtTe nanostructures owing to its optimal composition. This study may provide technically feasible guidance for further maximizing the catalytic activity of Pt-based hybrid catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Size-tunable Co/CoO nanoparticles are fabricated using cubic ZIF-67 as precursors. • Co/CoO with a particle size of 30 nm exhibits strong absorption at low frequency. • At a thin thickness of 2.3 mm, the minimum RL value reaches −90.3 dB at 4.4 GHz. • Almost the entire S, C, and X bands absorption can be achieved at 1.0–4.0 mm. • Attenuation mechanism of strong low-frequency absorber is clarified. Nowadays, constructing strong absorption materials addressing the low-frequency electromagnetic radiation (S and C bands) from electronic devices remains a significant challenge. In this work, size-tunable Co/CoO nanoparticles (NPs) are fabricated by decomposing zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) precursors and subsequent hydrogen reduction. All samples show obvious low-frequency attenuation in the S and C bands. At a thin thickness of 2.3 mm, the minimum reflection loss (RL) value for the Co/CoO NPs of 30 nm reaches up to −90.3 dB at 4.4 GHz, and the corresponding effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of RL ≤ −10 dB ranges from 3.8 to 5.4 GHz. Notably, 90 % of the electromagnetic waves can be absorbed in the frequency range of 2.3–13.2 GHz, covering almost the entire S, C, and X bands at a thickness of 1.0–4.0 mm. The strong low-frequency absorption performance is attributed to the nano-porous structure, high conduction loss, tunable dielectric/magnetic loss, as well as optimized impedance matching. These Co/CoO NPs are promising candidates for high-efficient microwave absorbers in the low-frequency application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camel milk is becoming increasingly popular among consumers due to its nutritional and medicinal benefits. However, challenges such as the harsh living conditions required for camels and the relatively low production when compared to cow milk affect the sales of camel milk. Nevertheless, fermented camel milk is an excellent carrier of probiotics, which not only maintain its positive characteristics but also provide additional benefits. In this study, we compared the pH, viable counts, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) activity, and microrheological properties of untreated fermented camel milk (control group) and fermented camel milk treated with probiotics (Zhang group [ Lacticaseibacillus casei Zhang], V9 group [ Bifidobacterium lactis V9], and Mix group [Zhang + V9]). After the addition of probiotics, the fermentation time reduced, potentially decreasing the costs associated with large-scale camel milk fermentation. Finally, eight key metabolites were identified in camel milk and fermented camel milk, we observed that the post-fermentation levels of guanine were significantly higher in the probiotic groups, with the highest levels observed in the Mix group. The research provides a theoretical basis for preparation of probiotic fermented camel milk, and produces a product which can be used to for diabetes patients in the future. • Untargeted metabolomics revealed the fermented camel milk's diversity and dynamics. • Probiotic addition could reduce the loss of IGF-1. • L. casei Zhang and B. lactis V9 could mutually promote the content of guanine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgent concerns of controlling water body eutrophication and the alleviating phosphorus shortage have led to an urgent need for action. The removal of phosphate from polluted waters and its reuse are essential for the prevention of eutrophication and for the sustainable utilization of phosphate resources. In this study, modified attapulgite with different Ca:Mg molar ratios was synthesized to facilitate the recovery of phosphate, with subsequent use of soil fertilizer. Ca–Mg modified attapulgite with the optimal ratio (ACM-5:3) exhibited an exceptional adsorption quality, achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 63.2 mg/g. The pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir model could well describe the adsorption kinetics and isotherms, respectively. The adsorption mechanism analyses suggested that the interaction between ACM-5:3 and phosphate depended mainly on ion exchange and electrostatic attraction. Moreover, phosphate-laden-ACM-5:3 demonstrated a significant potential as a phosphorus-releasing fertilizer. It could promote corn growth by ensuring a continuous supply of phosphorus and minimizing phosphorus runoff losses. The above results suggested that ACM-5:3 was a potential adsorbent for efficient phosphate removal and recovery. [Display omitted] • Ca–Mg modified attapulgite was prepared using the co-precipitation method. • The maximum adsorption capacity of ACM-5:3 was 63.2 mg/g. • Phosphate-laden-ACM-5:3 was directly used as a slow-release phosphorus fertilizer. • Efficient recovery and reuse of phosphates was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound (US) is an innovative food processing technique that has gained significant interest for its role in modifying proteins. Our study focused on how different US time exposure influence the stability, interfacial structure, and rheological characteristics of whey protein infused with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). Results indicated that a 9-min ultrasound treatment (US-9) of protein, yielding an emulsion with particle size of 338.3 nm and ζ-potential of −48 mV, was optimal for enhancing functional properties of the emulsion. The US-9 emulsion exhibited different surface rheological properties compared to other emulsions, revealing a heterogeneous MFGM stabilization interface predominantly made of MFGM fragments, free phospholipids, and proteins. The US-9 emulsion surface covered more phospholipids, indicating improved emulsion persistence, based on interfacial protein and phospholipid content calculations and microstructure observation. While the US-9 emulsion did not affect fat digestion, the US-6 min treatment resulted in an optimal fatty acid release rate. Further experimentation may be necessary to elucidate the intricate relationship between ultrasound duration and fat digestion. These findings have leaded to a better understanding of the emulsification capabilities of MFGM materials, as well as a foundation to improve infant formula quality. • Ultrasound modifies proteins could alter their structures. • Ultrasound can influence the composition of the droplet interface. • The physicochemical properties of the emulsion after ultrasound have improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the current surge in the production of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by crystal engineering, more structurally diverse MOFs must be developed and prepared for the study of their application properties and structural stability. Herein, one novel two-dimensional MOF, [Sr(μ 5 -p -FPhHIDC)(H 2 O)] n (1) was solvothermally constructed and structurally characterized by adopting an organic linker, 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid (p -FPhH 3 IDC), in which the [SrO 9 ] tetrakaidecahedrons were joined by the organic linkers to constitute a beautiful grid structure. The remarkable fluorescence characteristics and proton transfer are due to the strong coordination between the organic ligands and the central metal ions in the framework of 1 , as well as the carboxylic acid and coordination water molecules carried on the framework. Extensive tests demonstrated that, at relative humidity of 75–98 %, this MOF displayed a specific proton conductivity (10−7-10−5 S/cm) and significant room-temperature solid-state fluorescence (λ em = 406 nm). Proton conduction and luminescence mechanisms were also conjectured. This study is a helpful resource for creating MOF materials with a range of application-specific properties. Two-in-one: Proton-conductive and luminescence properties of one strontium(II)-organic framework bearing imidazole dicarboxylate One thermal-stable substituted imidazole dicarboxylate-based Sr(II) MOF was prepared and structurally characterized. Its proton-conducting and luminescence properties were examined as well. [Display omitted] • One 2D Sr(II) MOF was synthesized. • 2-Position substituted imidazole dicarboxylate. • The MOF was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. • Its proton-conductive and luminescence properties were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthen sites are the important cultural heritage that carriers of human civilization and contains abundant history information. Microorganisms are one of important factors causing the deterioration of cultural heritage. However, little attention has been paid to the role of biological factors on the deterioration of earthen sites at present. In this study, microbial communities of Jinsha earthen site soils with different deterioration types and degrees as well as related to environmental factors were analyzed. The results showed that the concentrations of Mg2+ and SO 4 2− were higher in the severe deterioration degree soils than in the minor deterioration degree soils. The Chao1 richness and Shannon diversity indices of bacteria in different type deterioration were higher in the summer than in the winter; the Chao1 and Shannon indices of fungi were lower in the summer. The differences in bacterial and fungal communities were associated with differences in Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ contents. Based on both the relative abundances in amplicon sequencing and isolated strains, the bacterial phyla Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and the Ascomycota genera Aspergillus , Cladosporium and Penicillium were common in all soils. The OTUs enriched in the severe deterioration degree soils were mostly assigned to Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, whereas the Firmicutes OTUs differentially abundant in the severe deterioration degree were all depleted. All bacterial isolates produced alkali, implying that the deterioration on Jinsha earthen site may be accelerated through alkali production. The fungal isolates included both alkali and acid producing strains. The fungi with strong ability to produce acid were mainly from the severe deterioration degree samples and were likely to contribute to the deterioration. Taken together, the interaction between soil microbial communities and environment may affect the soil deterioration, accelerate the deterioration process and threaten the long-term preservation of Jinsha earthen site. • The microbial communities differed among deterioration types, degrees and seasons. • Mg2+ and SO 4 2− contents were highest in the severe deterioration degree soils. • The differences in bacterial and fungal communities were associated with differences in Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ contents. • Isolated bacteria and fungi produced acid or alkali that may accelerate deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Photocatalysis utilizing solar energy is a promising strategy for mitigating energy crisis and environmental pollution. Exploring a cost-effective, stable, eco-friendly, and efficient photocatalytic system is extremely urgent. Herein, copper encapsulated within nitrogen-doped carbon nanosphere (Cu@N C) possessing a unique core-shell structure with high catalytic activity was prepared by ion-exchange and pyrolysis using resin as support. The protective carbon shell can prevent the leaching of metal ions and deactivation of the catalyst. Benefiting from the special structure, Cu@N C exhibited excellent activity and durability toward the degradation of tetracycline by the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The radical trapping experiments and electron spin resonance analyses were applied to elucidate the main reactive species. This work highlights the great potential of Cu@N C core-shell nanosphere as photocatalyst, which provides a new opportunity for the remediation of environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) can cause irreversible injury in visual function. Clarifying the mechanism of RGC degeneration is critical for the development of therapeutic strategies. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important regulators in many biological and pathological processes. Herein, we performed circRNA microarrays to identify dysregulated circRNAs following optic nerve crush (ONC). The results showed that 221 circRNAs were differentially expressed between ONC retinas and normal retinas. Notably, the levels of circular RNA-Dcaf6 (cDcaf6) expression in aqueous humor of glaucoma patients were higher than that in cataract patients. cDcaf6 silencing could reduce oxidative stress-induced RGC apoptosis in vitro and alleviate retinal neurodegeneration in vivo as shown by increased neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN, neuronal bodies) and beta-III-tubulin (TUBB3, neuronal filaments) staining and reduced glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, activated glial cells) and vimentin (activated glial cells) staining. Collectively, this study identifies a promising target for treating retinal neurodegeneration. • 221 circRNAs were dysregulated in ONC retinas. • cDcaf6 expression is up-regulated in aqueous humor of glaucoma patients. • cDcaf6 silencing alleviates RGC degeneration and retinal reactive gliosis. • cDcaf6 silencing alleviates retinal dysfunction following ONC injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inundation process of floodplain wetlands plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of river ecosystems, which are highly sensitive to hydrological alteration. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms through which these hydrological changes affect the inundation patterns of floodplain wetlands are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact mechanism of cascade hydropower development on the inundation process of floodplain wetlands. Multitemporal remote sensing datasets and long-term hydrometeorological data series were utilized in this study. By employing the water appearance frequency (WAF) index, wetland hydrological stability assessment, and wavelet analysis, the inundation changes in floodplain wetlands and the underlying hydrological driving mechanisms were examined. The results revealed significant alterations in the inundation frequency of floodplain wetlands due to the construction of upstream dams. Specifically, the construction of the Danjiangkou and Wangfuzhou dams led to an increase in the total inundated area of Part A (16.09 km2) and Part B (76.93 km2), respectively. Conversely, the moderate frequency inundation zone in Part C decreased (26.7 km2) after the construction of the Cuijiaying Dam. The typical floodplain wetland 7 shifted from high to low (8.94 km2) stability after the construction of the Cuijiaying Dam. Furthermore, the cascade hydropower dam construction resulted in increased fluctuations in downstream water discharge. This study provides an effective approach to understanding the impact of cascade hydropower dams on the inundation process of floodplain wetlands. [Display omitted] • Downstream dams significantly reduced the inundation frequency in floodplain wetlands. • The impact of damming on pixel stability varied across different floodplain wetlands. • Downstream water discharge exhibited greater fluctuation after cascade hydropower dam construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conjugated steroid estrogens (CSEs), including estrone sulfate sodium (E1-3 S) and 17β-estradiol-3-O-sulfate sodium (E2-3 S), exhibit distinct metabolic behaviors in the aqueous and soil environments. However, their assimilation behaviors and metabolite formations in plant bodies (shoots and roots) remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study used a modified plant hydroponic system to explore the efficiency with which wheat (Triticum acstivnm L.) assimilated the two estrogen conjugates, E1-3 S and E2-3 S. Results indicated the potential of wheat to absorb E1-3 S and E2-3 S, with their assimilation in the root being significantly higher (104–105 ng/g dw) than in the shoot (103–104 ng/g dw). E1-3 S de-sulfated and transformed to estrone (E1) at a rate of 4%–45% in the root's oxidative environment, whereas E2-3 S converted to E1-3 S at 210%–570%. However, the root-to-shoot transfer was impeded by a less potent metabolic activity within the shoot system. The co-exposure treatment revealed that E1 or 17β-estradiol (E2) affects the assimilation of E1-3 S and E2-3 S by wheat, with E1 inhibiting E1-3 S assimilation and E2 promoting E2-3 S assimilation in wheat bodies. Nonetheless, free-form steroid estrogens (FSEs), which typically have a significant hormone action, can oxidative-damage the wheat tissues, producing a progressive wilting of wheat leaf and so limiting the transpiration process. Co-exposure initially increased the assimilation amounts of E1-3 S (particularly in shoots) and E2-3 S (in both roots and shoots), but these values rapidly declined as exposure duration increased. The combined effects of E1-3 S and E2-3 S exposure also increased their assimilation. These findings suggest the need for further investigation into the cumulative impact of environmental estrogen contaminants. The findings of present study can potentially guide the development of strategies to prevent and manage steroid estrogen contamination in agricultural contexts. [Display omitted] • Conjugated steroid estrogen accumulations were higher in roots than in shoots. • E2 and E2-3 S were oxidized in roots and metabolically generated E1 and E1-3 S. • E1-3 S and E2-3 S remove sulfate and generate E1 and E2 in root and shoot. • Co-exposure intensely affect the SE assimilation by wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the synergetic adsorption capacity of layered double hydroxide (LDH) and photocatalytic reduction property of TiO 2 for aqueous Cr(VI), the Fe 3 O 4 -ZnAl-LDH and TiO 2 composites (FLT) were prepared via sol-gel method. The removal efficiency of FLT composites for Cr(VI) changed with the mass ratio of Fe 3 O 4 -LDH/TiO 2 , and the optimal ratio was 20% (FLT-2). The adsorption efficiencies of 100 mg FLT-2 were 74% and 64% for 20 and 50 mg/L Cr(VI) solution, and the total removal ratios of Cr(VI) were all over 97% after UV irradiation. The experimental data of adsorption kinetic, adsorption isothermal, and photocatalytic reduction were consistent with the pseudo-second-order, Langmuir, and first-order reaction equations, respectively. From the X–ray photoelectron spectra analysis, FLT composites adsorbed Cr(VI) directly via surface complexation, also reduced aqueous Cr(VI) to Cr(III). The photocurrent and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of FLT composites indicated the photo-induced electron-hole pairs were separated effectively. The regeneration results show that the FLT composites had good stability and reusability after five consecutive cycles. Therefore, FLT composites are promising materials in the disposal of wastewater containing Cr(VI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast recombination of photo-generated carriers and limited photo-response have greatly hindered the development of TiO 2 -based photocatalysts. Herein, we present a ternary three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) carbon dots (CDs)/Bi:TiO 2 photocatalyst, which affords well-designed charge transmission and allows broad-spectrum absorption, thus delivering enhanced photocatalytic performance. The carbon dots act as effective electron extractors to accelerate the separation of electron-hole pairs, and pore engineering of the 3DOM Bi:TiO 2 skeleton greatly promotes the response of light in the whole solar spectrum range. Impressively, the 3DOM CDs/Bi:TiO 2 catalyst exhibits a greatly enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance toward phenol (92.7% in 2 h), and RhB (96.4% in 40 min) under full-spectra illumination, compared to the pristine 3DOM TiO 2. This work provides a new design strategy for the optimization of carriers transmission pathway in high-quality and low-cost photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertically aligned two-dimensional ReSe 2 are directly grown on conductive substrates by a chemical vapor deposition method for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen production. Two-dimensional electrocatalysts with high-density active sites together with a good charge transfer to the conductive substrates can improve their hydrogen evolution reaction performances. Typically, a good contact between catalyst and electrode to enhance charge transfer can be achieved by way of direct growth. However, a controllable growth of vertically aligned two-dimensional ReSe 2 directly on conductive substrates as working electrodes is not reported. In this work, for the first time, vertically aligned ReSe 2 nanosheets directly on conductive substrates (carbon cloth and glass carbon) are realized though a controllable chemical vapor deposition method. Compare to the way of transferring two-dimension ReSe 2 , the electrode with optimized growth of two-dimensional ReSe 2 exhibits superior hydrogen evolution reaction performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cryptosystem-based data privacy preserving methods employ high computing power of cloud servers, where the main feature is to allow resource sharing and provide multi-user independent services. Therefore, to achieve the rapid allocation and release of resource sharing in cloud computing, decentralized cryptographic protocols need to be proposed for multi-user consensus systems. In this work, we first present a multi-secret sharing scheme with multi-level access structure, where the secret reconstruction algorithm satisfies the additive homomorphism. The secret sharing scheme needs no trusted third parties and any user can play the role of dealer. In the designing, multiple target secrets are independently shared, where each subset of users forms a sub-access structure and shares one target secret only with a short secret share. This scheme is efficient and unconditionally secure. Furthermore, based on the multi-level access structures, a decentralized multi-role e-voting protocol is designed using Chinese Remainder Theorem, where each role's election is associated with one sub-access structure. The voters employ a shared parameter to blind the sum of ballot values. Meanwhile, the e-voting scheme supports a public verification for the final election results. Compared with the existing e-voting protocols, our e-voting system does not require any authority center and the cloud server runs vote counting. And our e-voting scheme does not need any high-complexity computational cost operation such as module exponential operation, etc. Finally, the common feature of Blockchain and Ad Hoc networks is decentralized. Thus the main idea of this protocol without a trusted third party can be used to achieve a secure consensus among multiple nodes in Blockchain and Ad Hoc network, meanwhile, the consensus results can be verified. • A multi-secret sharing scheme with multi-level access structure was proposed. • The scheme can share multiple secrets and each party only keeps a short share. • A decentralized multi-role e-voting protocol was designed. • The e-voting system achieves fast verification for the final election results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning (ML) methods have demonstrated impressive performance in many application fields such as autopilot, facial recognition, and spam detection. Traditionally, ML models are trained and deployed in a benign setting, in which the testing and training data have identical statistical characteristics. However, this assumption usually does not hold in the sense that the ML model is designed in an adversarial setting, where some statistical properties of the data can be tampered with by a capable adversary. Specifically, it has been observed that adversarial examples (also known as adversarial input perambulations) elaborately crafted during training/test phases can seriously undermine the ML performance. The susceptibility of ML models in adversarial settings and the corresponding countermeasures have been studied by many researchers in both academic and industrial communities. In this work, we present a comprehensive overview of the investigation of the security properties of ML algorithms under adversarial settings. First, we analyze the ML security model to develop a blueprint for this interdisciplinary research area. Then, we review adversarial attack methods and discuss the defense strategies against them. Finally, relying upon the reviewed work, we provide prospective relevant future works for designing more secure ML models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding effective methods for simultaneous removal of eutrophic nutrients and heavy metals has attracted increasing concerns for the environmental remediation. Herein, a novel auto-aggregating aerobic denitrifying strain (Aeromonas veronii YL-41) was isolated with capacities for copper tolerance and biosorption. The denitrification efficiency and nitrogen removal pathway of the strain were investigated by nitrogen balance analysis and amplification of key denitrification functional genes. Moreover, the changes in the auto-aggregation properties of the strain caused by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production were focused on. The biosorption capacity and mechanisms of copper tolerance during denitrification were further explored by measuring changes in copper tolerance and adsorption indices, as well as by variations in extracellular functional groups. The strain showed extremely strong total nitrogen removal ability, with 67.5%, 82.08% and 78.48% of total nitrogen removal when NH 4 +-N, NO 2 −-N, and NO 3 −-N were used as the only initial nitrogen source, respectively. The successful amplification of napA , nirK , norR , and nosZ genes further demonstrated that the strain accomplished nitrate removal through a complete aerobic denitrification pathway. The production of protein-rich EPS of up to 23.31 mg/g and an auto-aggregation index of up to 76.42% may confer a strong biofilm-forming potential to the strain. Under the stress of 20 mg/L copper ions, the removal of nitrate-nitrogen was still as high as 71.4%. In addition, the strain could achieve an efficient removal of 96.9% of copper ions at an initial concentration of 80 mg/L. Scanning electron microscopy and deconvolution analysis of characteristic peaks confirmed that the strains encapsulate heavy metals by secreting EPS and, meanwhile, form strong hydrogen bonding structures to enhance intermolecular forces to resist copper ion stress. This study provides an innovative and effective biological approach for the synergistic bioaugmentation removal of eutrophic substances and heavy metals from aquatic environments. [Display omitted] • A novel aerobic denitrifier, YL-41, with auto-aggregation trait was isolated. • Strain YL-41 had high efficiency of inorganic nitrogen removal capacity. • Strain YL-41 showed tolerance and removal characteristics to high concentrations of copper ions. • Extracellularly rich functional groups confer an advantage to the strain for heavy metal removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigated the effect of treatment of soy protein isolate (SPI) with basic amino acids (BAA) (l -Arginine, l -Histidine, and l -Lysine) at different concentrations prior to spray drying on the beany-flavor and functional properties. The results illustrated that the BAA prominently improved the solubility and emulsifying properties of SPI, and reduced the its release of beany-flavor compounds. Additionally, l -Arginine was more effective in increasing the solubility and emulsifying properties of the SPI than l -Histidine and l -Lysine. Notably, 0.3% l -Arginine improved the solubility, emulsifying activity index, emulsifying stability index of the SPI by 43.5%, 64.2% and 45.3% respectively. Through the headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS), the 0.3% BAA showed the better mitigation effect on the beany flavor of SPI among three addition concentrations. The increased ζ-potential showed that BAA enhanced the electrostatic repulsion of the SPI, facilitating its dissolution and formation of a more stable emulsion system. Surface hydrophobicity and fluorescence spectral results revealed that BAA enhance the exposure of hydrophobic groups, enhancing the stability of oil-water interface and promoting the interaction between beany-flavor compounds and SPI. These findings lay the theoretical groundwork for further research and application of soy protein. [Display omitted] • Basic amino acids (BAA) increased the solubility of soy protein isolate (SPI). • BAA enhanced the emulsion activity/stability index of SPI. • BAA diminished the release intensity of beany flavor from SPI. • BAA improved the absolute value of potential and surface hydrophobicity of SPI. • BAA reduced the free sulfhydryl groups of SPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth and development are driven by extended phases of irreversible cell expansion generating cells that increase in volume from 10- to 100-fold. Some specialized cell types define cortical sites that reinitiate polarized growth and generate branched cell morphology. This structural specialization of individual cells has a major importance for plant adaptation to diverse environments and practical importance in agricultural contexts. The patterns of cell shape are defined by highly integrated cytoskeletal and cell wall systems. Microtubules and actin filaments locally define the material properties of a tough outer cell wall to generate complex shapes. Forward genetics, powerful live cell imaging experiments, and computational modeling have provided insights into understanding of mechanisms of cell shape control. In particular, finite element modeling of the cell wall provides a new way to discover which cell wall heterogeneities generate complex cell shapes, and how cell shape and cell wall stress can feedback on the cytoskeleton to maintain growth patterns. This review focuses on cytoskeleton-dependent cell wall patterning during cell branching, and how combinations of multi-scale imaging experiments and computational modeling are being used to unravel systems-level control of morphogenesis. • Genetic pathways for branch morphogenesis are being defined. • Multivariate live cell imaging enables systems level analysis of gene activities in vivo. • Feedback control among actin filaments, microtubules, and cell wall stress patterns cell morphogenesis. • Finite element computational modeling reveals linkages between the cytoskeleton, cell wall, and cell shape change. • Future multi-scale models that include cytoplasm-cell wall interactions are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Let M n (n ≥ 3) be a complete noncompact submanifold in a sphere S n + q. In this paper, we prove that the dimension of the space of L p harmonic 1-forms on M n must be finite for certain p > 0 provided the total curvature of M n is finite. This result can be regarded as a generalization of Zhu–Fang's result on L 2 harmonic 1-forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO nanoparticles supported on Cu 2 O cubes that expose the {1 0 0} faces is active and selective towards dimethyldichlorosilane formation due to the enhanced charge transfer. • Three types of ZnO/Cu 2 O heterostructures are synthesized by integrating ZnO nanoparticles on the supports of Cu 2 O cubes, octahedrons and dodecahedrons. • Exposed crystal planes of Cu 2 O affect dimethyldichlorosilane selectivity and yield in the Rochow reaction. • Cu 2 O cubes-supported ZnO catalyst is the most active. • The higher charge transfer efficiency between ZnO and Cu 2 O{1 0 0} is responsible for the enhanced performance. In this work, three types of ZnO/Cu 2 O heterostructures were synthesized by depositing ZnO nanoparticles on the supports of Cu 2 O cubes, Cu 2 O octahedrons and Cu 2 O dodecahedrons with different exposed facets. These catalysts were used for the Rochow reaction, which is an important industrial process for the synthesis of organosilicon polymers. It was demonstrated that Cu 2 O cubes-supported ZnO catalyst is the most active toward dimethyldichlorosilane formation, while Cu 2 O dodecahedrons-supported ZnO catalyst is the least active. Both experimental results and density functional theory calculations show that, in the three cases, the charge transfer efficiency between the ZnO nanoparticle and the Cu 2 O{1 0 0} plane is the highest, which enhances the dissociative adsorption of methylchloride at Cu 2 O{1 0 0}, the subsequent reduction of Cu+ into Cu0 and the final formation of the Cu 3 Si active phases. This work reveals essential information about how the Rochow reaction proceeds on the ZnO/Cu 2 O catalyst and demonstrates a practical strategy to rationally design highly efficient catalytic system in heterogeneous catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Transition-metal cobalt-based chalcogenides have wide application in the fields of energy conversion and storage. Suitable morphologies can effectively improve the surface area and performance of the materials. Herein, we reported a simple and controlled strategy to fabricate the CoSe 2 with various shapes and applied these in water splitting. We successfully synthesized the spheres, wires and rods of CoSe 2 via facile hydrothermal process through regulating the addition of NH 4 F to alter the morphologies of samples. Among these samples, the as-prepared CoSe 2 spheres have urchin-like morphology with highly hollow structure, leading to large specific surface area and a great number of channels for promoting mass transfer efficiency. Therefore, the CoSe 2 spheres as electrocatalyst exhibits excellent oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction performance in alkaline and acidic conditions, respectively. Electrochemical measurement illustrated that the CoSe 2 spheres as electrocatalyst shown small overpotential and superior stability, which could be a promising candidate of effective electrocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the present paper, the reducibility is derived for the wave equations with finitely smooth and time-quasi-periodic potential subject to periodic boundary conditions. More exactly, the linear wave equation u t t − u x x + M u + ε (V 0 (ω t) u x x + V (ω t , x) u) = 0 , x ∈ R / 2 π Z can be reduced to a linear Hamiltonian system with a constant coefficient operator which is of pure imaginary point spectrum set, where V is finitely smooth in (t , x) , quasi-periodic in time t with Diophantine frequency ω ∈ R n , and V 0 is finitely smooth and quasi-periodic in time t with Diophantine frequency ω ∈ R n. Moreover, it is proved that the corresponding wave operator possesses the property of pure point spectra and zero Lyapunov exponent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual pH- and thermo-responsive polysulfone (PSf) membranes with three-dimensionally interconnected networks are fabricated by introducing poly(acrylic acid- co - N -isopropylacrylamide) (P(AA-NIPAm)) into the membrane surfaces and pore walls during membrane formation via a vapor-liquid induced phase separation (V-LIPS) process. After introducing the copolymers of P(AA-NIPAm), the fabricated membranes exhibit impressive open network pores on the surfaces, meanwhile their cross-sectional structure turns from classical asymmetric finger-like structure into bi-continuous nanopores throughout the whole thickness of membrane, due to high solution viscosity and low mass transfer rate of VIPS process. Furthermore, pure water permeation tests show that the pure water permeation ( L p ) and the molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) of the fabricated PSf/P(AA-NIPAm) membranes increases sharply as the solution pH decreases from 12.5 to 1.5 and the feed temperature increases from 25 to 50 °C, attributing to the increasing pore size. With the decreasing mass ratio of AA to NIPAm, the pH-responsive coefficient decreases, while the temperature- responsive coefficient increases. In particular, for the fabricated membrane with the mass ratio of AA to NIPAm of 3 to 2, L p changes from ∼16.0 to ∼821.4 L m −2  h −1  bar −1 and MWCO increases from ∼223.1 to ∼1493.2 kDa, as the filtration experiments are operated with feed pH and temperature of 12.5/25 °C and 1.5/50 °C respectively. The results proposed in this study provide a novel mode for design and development dual responsive porous membranes in situ, which will enable good separation of various materials and expand the scope of membrane applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with an attraction–repulsion chemotaxis system { u t = ∇ ⋅ ( D ( u ) ∇ u ) − χ ∇ ⋅ ( u ∇ v ) + ξ ∇ ⋅ ( u ∇ w ) , x ∈ Ω , t > 0 , τ 1 v t = Δ v + α u − β v , x ∈ Ω , t > 0 , τ 2 w t = Δ w + γ u − δ w , x ∈ Ω , t > 0 under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions in a smooth bounded domain Ω ⊂ R N ( N ≥ 2 ), where parameters τ i ( i = 1 , 2 ) , χ , ξ , α , β , γ and δ are positive, and diffusion coefficient D ( u ) ∈ C 2 ( 0 , + ∞ ) satisfies D ( u ) > 0 for u ≥ 0 , D ( u ) ≥ d u m − 1 with d > 0 and m ≥ 1 for all u > 0 . It is proved that the corresponding initial–boundary value problem possesses a unique global bounded classical solution for m > 2 − 2 N . In particular in the case τ 1 = τ 2 and χ α = ξ γ , the solution is globally bounded if m > 2 − 2 N − N + 2 N 2 − N + 2 . Therefore, due to the inhibition of repulsion to the attraction, the range of m > 2 − 2 N of boundedness is enlarged and the results of [21] is thus extended to the higher dimensional attraction–repulsion chemotaxis system with nonlinear diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of recent progress in developing hollow micro/nanostructures, the synthesis of three-dimensional adsorbents with high adsorption efficiency and capability on the basis of these structures still remains a great challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a facile hydrothermal strategy to synthesize uniformly dispersed hollow CuWO 4 spheres. The as-prepared CuWO 4 spheres with unique mesoporous structure show favorable selective adsorption for cationic dyes and good recyclability. The adsorption capacity of hollow CuWO 4 towards methylene blue (MB) reaches 59.82 mg g −1 . Furthermore, the hollow CuWO 4 spheres present enhanced photoelectrochemical performance under visible light illumination. This strategy of acquiring specifically functionalized materials from smart design and simple chemical process has opened up wide opportunities on the fabrication of alternative absorbents and photoelectrodes based on CuWO 4 substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism and stereoselectivity of the asymmetric N-H insertion reactions between α-diazocarbonyl compounds and amines mediated by palladium-chiral guanidine complexes were investigated at the BP86-D3(BJ)/def2TZVP (SMD, CH 2 Cl 2 )//BP86-D3(BJ)/def2SVP (SMD, CH 2 Cl 2 ) level at 303 K. The non-catalytic reaction occurred through a stepwise mechanism, with a high activation barrier of 56.4 kcal mol −1 . Good linear correlations between the global nucleophilicity index ( N ) of amine, Hammett substituent constants (σ P ), and the activation energy barriers (Δ G ≠ ) were found. The Pd(0)-guanidine-catalyzed reaction consisted of three continuous steps, including: (i) generation of Pd-carbene intermediate by dinitrogen loss from α-diazoesters substrate, (ii) formation of C N bond, and (iii) 1,2- H transfer by metal-associated ylide, accompanying with the regeneration of catalyst. A water molecule accelerated the final H-transfer by constructing hydrogen bonding network. The cyclohexyl group in ligand provided sufficient steric shielding around Pd-carbene intermediate from the re -face attack by amines. The combination of the hydrogen bonding orientation of amide moiety of guanidine ligand, as well as the steric repulsion between the ester group of α-diazoester substrate and bulky CH(Ph) 2 group in ligand played an important role in controlling the stereoselectivity, affording the predominant S -configuration product observed in experiment. Introducing one aromatic ring to chiral backbone of the guanidine ligand enhanced the enantiodifferentiation of products by increasing the difference of strain energy (ΔΔ E strain ) of Pd-carbene moiety along two competing pathways. Different from Pd(0)-catalyst, the Pd(II)-chiral guanidine complex accelerated N-H insertion reaction via Lewis acid catalysis. In this process, the formation of free ylide in the reaction led to low ee . These results were in good agreement with experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel DyIII-based metal-organic framework, namely [(H 3 O)Dy(BTDB) 2 (DMF)(H 2 O)] n (JXUST-24 , H 2 BTDB ​= ​4,4′-(benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole-4,7-diyl)dibenzoic acid), was prepared and structurally characterized. Single-crystal structure determination reveals that JXUST-24 is a one-dimensional chain-based complex. JXUST-24 is a excellent luminescent sensor to identify acetylacetone (acac) by the fluorescence enhancement and blue-shift effect with the detection limit of 14.7 ​ppm, and salicylaldehyde (SA) by the fluorescence quenching effect with the detection limit of 17.9 ​ppm, respectively. The sensing process is mainly attributed to the formation of exciplex and charge transfer for acac and photoinduced electron transfer and competitive absorption mechanism for SA. Importantly, JXUST-24 can be reused after five cycles, indicating the good cyclic performance. A novel DyIII-MOF (JXUST-24) was prepared and structurally characterized. JXUST-24 is a good multifunctional chemosensor for the detection of acetylacetone by fluorescence enhancement and blue-shift effect, and salicylaldehyde by fluorescence quenching effect, with detection limits of 14.7 and 17.9 ​ppm, respectively. [Display omitted] • The multi-responsive luminescent sensor. JXUST-24 is a good multifunctional sensor for the detection of acetylacetone (acac) and salicylaldehyde (SA). • The excellent recycling capacity. JXUST-24 exhibits excellent recyclability toward the analytes which can be cycled at least five times. • The packing of JXUST-24 has an open supramolecular structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most, if not all, stem cells reside in a defined microenvironment, called the niche. Short-ranged niche signal must be tightly controlled to be active only inside the niche to maintain the proper balance of stem cell self-renewal verse differentiation. However, how niche components restrict localized niche signal activation remains largely unknown. Here, we find that Thickveins (Tkv, a type I receptor of the Dpp signaling pathway) in cyst stem cells (CySCs) of the testis niche prevents Dpp signaling activation outside of the niche. We show that Tkv functions as Dpp trap/sink to spatially restrain Dpp signaling inside the niche. This self-restrained regulation of niche activity by Tkv in CySCs is independent of the canonical Dpp signaling pathway. Our data demonstrate the critical roles of niche components (CySCs) in the self-restrained regulation of niche activity, which could be shed light on niche activity regulation in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza A viruses have sophisticated strategies to promote their own replication. Here, we found that three H5N1 influenza viruses display different replication patterns in human A549 and macrophage cells. The HN01 virus displayed poor replication compared to HN021 and JS01. In addition, the HN01 virus was unable to counteract the interferon response and block general gene expression. This capability was restored by three amino acid substitutions on the NS1 protein: K55E, K66E, and C133F, resulting in recovered binding to CPSF30 and decreased interferon response activity. Furthermore, a recombinant HN01 virus expressing either NS1-C133F or the triple mutation replicate with higher titers in human A549 cells and macrophages compared to the parent virus. These three amino acid mutations reveal a new pathway to alter H5N1 virus replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In heterogeneous catalysis, on one hand, people always want to know about reaction details, such as what the most active phase is, how it is formed, and what is the reaction mechanism. On the other hand, it is still very challenging to probe these reaction details, particularly at high reaction temperatures and pressures. Here, we report the microcrystal plane-controlled catalytic performance on well-defined Cu 2 O cube, octahedron, and rhombic-dodecahedron catalysts in the Rochow reaction. It was found that the Cu 2 O cube exposing {1 0 0} crystal planes gave the highest dimethyldichlorosilane selectivity and yield, while the Cu 2 O rhombic-dodecahedron exposing {1 1 0} crystal planes showed the lowest selectivity and yield. Our experimental observation, as well as density functional theory calculations, demonstrated that the enhanced selectivity and yield stemmed from the stronger dissociative adsorption of methyl chloride on the Cu 2 O{1 0 0} plane, which greatly promoted the transformation of Cu 2 O into Cu 3 Si active phases under the reaction conditions. This work reveals a new strategy for controlling the surface structure of catalysts in order to enhance their catalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ pegylated (PEGylated) microporous membranes have been extensively reported using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based polymers as blending additives. Alternatively, free standing PEGylated polysulfone (PSf) membranes with excellent hydrophilicity and antifouling ability were directly fabricated from polysulfone/poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PSf/PEGMA) solutions after in situ cross-linking polymerization without any treatment via vapor induced phase separation (VIPS) process for the first time. The microstructures and performances of the resulting membranes shifted regularly by adjusting exposure time of the liquid film in humid air. With increasing exposure time, plenty of worm-like networks formed and distributed on membrane surfaces, meanwhile cross-sectional morphology changed from asymmetric finger-like microporous structure to symmetric cellular-like structure, resulting in better mechanical stability. As the exposure time raised from 0 to 5 min, the surface coverage of carboxyl groups increased from ∼1.1 to 4.0 mol%, leading to the decrease in water contact angle from ∼63 to 27° and the increase in water flux from ∼110 to 512 L m −2  h −1 . In addition, at prolonged exposure time, increasing hydrophilic PEG chains migrated to membrane surfaced and repelled the adsorption and deposition of protein, resulting in better antifouling ability. The findings of this study offer a facile and high efficient strategy for flexible design and fabrication of the in situ PEGylated membranes with desirable structures and performances in large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a class of univariate real functions— poly-power s—that extend integer exponents to real algebraic exponents for polynomials. Our purpose is to isolate positive roots of such a function into disjoint intervals, each contains exactly one positive root and together contain all, which can be easily refined to any desired precision. To this end, we first classify poly-power s into simple and non-simple ones, depending on the number of linearly independent exponents. For the former, based on Gelfond–Schneider theorem, we present two complete isolation algorithms—exclusion and differentiation. For the latter, their completeness depends on Schanuel's conjecture. We implement the two methods and compare them in efficiency via a few examples. Finally the proposed methods are applied to the field of systems biology to show the practical usefulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study performed an input-output structural decomposition analysis on changes in COD, ammonia nitrogen, SO 2 , NOx, soot and dust, industrial solid waste, and CO 2 emission multipliers for 41 final products over the period 2007–2012 in China. The results show that during the examined period, emission multipliers were, in general, decreasing. The main driver of this was technical effects. The effects that made a significant contribution were concentrated in eight sectors: coal mining and washing; metals mining and quarrying; food and tobacco products; paper printing manufacturing; the chemical industry; non-metallic mineral products; metal smelting and rolling processing; and electricity, heat production, and supply. Moreover, the technical effects presented an obvious spillover. Although the contribution of the structural effects was far less than the technical ones, there were still some structural adjustments that led to significant synergistic mitigation. For example, the decrease in the direct demand of the agriculture products, electricity, and heat for food and tobacco products commonly reduced SO 2 , NOx, and CO 2 . In addition, four technical effects and most of the structural effects with high efficiency made small contributions. More than one third of the structural effects that showed obvious contributions played a positive role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wavefronts of a nonlinear nonlocal bistable reaction–diffusion equation, ∂ u ∂ t = ∂ 2 u ∂ x 2 + u 2 ( 1 − J σ ⁎ u ) − d u , ( t , x ) ∈ ( 0 , ∞ ) × R , with J σ ( x ) = ( 1 / σ ) J ( x / σ ) and ∫ R J ( x ) d x = 1 are investigated in this article. It is proven that there exists a c ⁎ ( σ ) such that for all c ≥ c ⁎ ( σ ) , a monotone wavefront ( c , ω ) can be connected by the two positive equilibrium points. On the other hand, there exists a c ⁎ ( σ ) such that the model admits a semi-wavefront ( c ⁎ ( σ ) , ω ) with ω ( − ∞ ) = 0 . Furthermore, it is shown that for sufficiently small σ , the semi-wavefronts are in fact wavefronts connecting 0 to the largest equilibrium. In addition, the wavefronts converge to those of the local problem as σ → 0 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the uniform energy decay rates of a structural acoustic model which describes the interactions between the acoustic medium and the elastic structural in an acoustic chamber where one “wall” is flexible and curved. The coupled system considered consists of a variable-coefficient wave equation and a variable-coefficient plate equation defined on the Riemannian manifold with the coupling on the interface between the acoustic medium and the flexible wall. Both the components of the dynamics are subject to nonlinear boundary damping. Furthermore, a nonlinear delay term acting in the boundary feedbacks of the structure component is considered. The Riemannian geometry method is applied to derive the energy estimates of the nonlinear coupled system with variable coefficients. The uniform energy decay rates of the nonlinear variable-coefficient structural acoustic system with delay effects on the Riemannian manifold are quantified by a solution to a constructed nonlinear ODE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet sorghum is a high-yield crop with strong resistance, which has the potential to support the development of the forage farming industry in China where vast salt-affected lands are potentially arable. Nutrient management is imperative for sweet sorghum growing on salt-affected lands. Although nitrogen (N) synthetic fertilizers have long been recognized as a key factor for increasing crop yields, their effects on sweet sorghum cultivation are under debate. Consequently, this study integrated the current available observations of yield (n = 255) and partial factor productivity of nitrogen (NPFP, n = 242) of sweet sorghum in salt-affected lands, which included both inland (n = 189) and coastal (n = 66) areas. We quantitatively analyzed the effects of climatic, soil properties and management measures on biomass yield and NPFP of sweet sorghum, comparing the differences between inland and coastal salt-affected lands. We found that average biomass yield and NPFP of sweet sorghum in coastal areas were 19,082.48 ± 8262.75 kg/ha and 107.29 ± 51.44 kg/kg respectively, both significantly lower than that in inland areas (p < 0.05). The N application rate did not have significant promoting effect on the biomass yield of sweet sorghum in inland salt-affected areas (p > 0.05), whereas in coastal salt-affected areas, N application significantly increased the biomass yield of sweet sorghum. Increasing soil organic matter content could promote NPFP in inland areas. The recommended N application rate for inland salt-affected and coastal salt-affected areas were 100 kg/ha and 150 kg/ha respectively. The results indicate that it is crucial to apply nutrient management measures based on the local climatic and soil conditions, since the causes of salinity differ in coastal and inland salt-affected lands. More systematic field studies are required in the future to optimize the management of water and nutrients for sweet sorghum planting in salt-affected lands. • The dominant drivers for the growth of sweet sorghum differed in inland and coastal salt-affected regions in China. • N management is useful for sweet sorghum production in coastal salt-affected areas but it is less influential in inland salt-affected areas. • Low N application rate combined with organic materials application is recommended for sweet sorghum production in inland salt-affected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is considered a main public health issue as it remarkably adds the risk of cardiovascular disease, leading to a heavy burden of disease. There is growing evidence linking fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) exposure to MetS. However, the influences of PM 2.5 constituents, especially in children and adolescents, remain unclear. Our study was according to a national analysis among Chinese children and adolescents to examine the associations between long-term exposure to PM 2.5 main constituents and MetS. A total of 10,066 children and adolescents aged 10–18 years were recruited in 7 provinces in China, with blood tests, health exams, and questionnaire surveys. We estimated long-term exposures to PM 2.5 mass and its five constituents, containing black carbon (BC), organic matter (OM), inorganic nitrate (NO 3 −), sulfate (SO 4 2−), and soil particles (SOIL) from multi-source data fusion models. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used with the adjustment of a variety of covariates. In the surveyed populations, 2.9% were classified as MetS. From the single-pollutant models, we discovered that long-term exposures to PM 2.5 mass, BC, OM, NO 3 −, as well as SO 4 2−, were significantly associated with the prevalence of MetS, with odds ratios (ORs) per 1 μg/m3 that were 1.02 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.03) for PM 2.5 mass, 1.24 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.35) for BC, 1.07 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.11) for OM, 1.09 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.13) for NO 3 −, and 1.14 (95% CI:1.04, 1.24) for SO 4 2−. The influence of BC on the prevalence of MetS was robust in both the multi-pollutant model and the PM 2.5 -constituent joint model. The paper indicates long-term exposure to PM 2.5 mass and specific PM 2.5 constituents, particularly for BC, was significantly associated with a higher MetS prevalence among children and adolescents in China. Our results highlight the significance of establishing further regulations on PM 2.5 constituents. • 10,066 children and adolescents from 7 province with blood tests were involved. • Long-term exposure to PM 2.5 mass was significantly associated with the childhood MetS. • Black carbon exposure has a robust positive association with childhood MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Women with breast cancer (BC) are often combined with psychological disorder such as depression and anxiety. Depression is associated or correlated with increased toxicity and severity of physical symptoms. However, the mechanism of BC progression related to the regulation of emotion-related circuitry remains to be further explored. The study aims to investigate indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) pathway mechanism underlying stress-induced progression of BC. BC cell line 4T1 was subcutaneously inoculated into BALB/c mice, and they then received daily chronic unpredictable mild stressors (CUMS) for 12 weeks. Depression-like behavior tests were conducted, including sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST), and novelty suppressed feeding test (NSF). The levels of 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and inflammatory factors, IL-6, CXCL1, IL-10 and IL-4 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of mouse serum. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect Ki67- or FOXP3-positive tumor cells. The status of IDO signaling pathway was assessed by immunoblotting analysis. CUMS induced depression-like behaviors, decreased the level of 5-HT, promoted tumor progression, enhanced the immunohistochemical staining of Ki-67, and promoted the activation of IDO signaling pathway in BC mice. The IDO signaling pathway was disrupted in mice by lentiviral transduction of shRAN-IDO. Lentivirus-mediated IDO knockdown attenuated CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors, increased the level of 5-HT, inhibited tumor progression, and reduced the immunohistochemical staining of Ki-67 in BC mice. The present study suggests that disruption of IDO signaling pathway alleviates CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors and inhibits tumor progression in BC mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Understanding the health consequences of continuously rising temperatures—as is projected for China—is important in terms of developing heat-health adaptation and intervention programs. This study aimed to examine the association between mortality and daily maximum (T max ), mean (T mean ), and minimum (T min ) temperatures in warmer months; to explore threshold temperatures; and to identify optimal heat indicators and vulnerable populations. Methods Daily data on temperature and mortality were obtained for the period 2007–2013. Heat thresholds for condition-specific mortality were estimated using an observed/expected analysis. We used a generalised additive model with a quasi-Poisson distribution to examine the association between mortality and T max /T min /T mean values higher than the threshold values, after adjustment for covariates. Results T max /T mean /T min thresholds were 32/28/24 °C for non-accidental deaths; 32/28/24 °C for cardiovascular deaths; 35/31/26 °C for respiratory deaths; and 34/31/28 °C for diabetes-related deaths. For each 1 °C increase in T max /T mean /T min above the threshold, the mortality risk of non-accidental-, cardiovascular-, respiratory, and diabetes-related death increased by 2.8/5.3/4.8%, 4.1/7.2/6.6%, 6.6/25.3/14.7%, and 13.3/30.5/47.6%, respectively. Thresholds for mortality differed according to health condition when stratified by sex, age, and education level. For non-accidental deaths, effects were significant in individuals aged ≥65 years (relative risk=1.038, 95% confidence interval: 1.026–1.050), but not for those ≤64 years. For most outcomes, women and people ≥65 years were more vulnerable. Conclusion High temperature significantly increases the risk of mortality in the population of Jinan, China. Climate change with rising temperatures may bring about the situation worse. Public health programs should be improved and implemented to prevent and reduce health risks during hot days, especially for the identified vulnerable groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report the first work on the synthesis of a series of x In-CuO model catalysts for the Rochow reaction with formed P–N junctions at interfaces and with different In/Cu molar ratios. These composites were prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal method using metal nitrate salts and K 2 CO 3 as the precursors and precipitant, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy characterization revealed the formation of the P–N junctions at the hetero-interfaces between CuO and In 2 O 3 , and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and H 2 temperature-programmed reduction demonstrated a strong interaction between the CuO and In 2 O 3 phases. The addition of In 2 O 3 increased the electron density in the Cu nucleus, causing Cu 2+ and In 3+ to become less and more positively charged, respectively. When used for the Rochow reaction, the catalyst 2In–CuO (2 wt.% In on CuO) exhibited a significantly higher Si conversion and dimethyldichlorosilane ((CH 3 ) 2 SiCl 2 , M2) selectivity than CuO, which is attributed to the formation of P–N junctions that can facilitate the charge transfer. In addition, the detailed characterizations of the fresh and spent contact masses indicated that the Rochow reaction occurred on the Si surface and probably in the areas between ultrathin two-dimensional Cu–Si species and Cu doping deposits. In 2 O 3 species promote the outward spreading of Cu ∗ (intermediate species) and improve the Cu ∗ diffusion rate at the reactive interfaces. This work not only deepens the fundamental understanding of the Rochow reaction, but also provides a new approach for the design of more efficient Cu-based catalysts by adding promoters such as In 2 O 3 and by engineering the interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) induced competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) play crucial roles in various biological process by regulating target gene expression. However, the studies of ceRNA networks in the regulation of ovarian ovulation processing of chicken remains deficient compared to that in mammals. Our present study revealed that circEML1 was differential expressed in hen's ovarian tissues at different ages (15 W/20 W/30 W/68 W) and identified as a loop structure from EML1 pre-mRNA, which promoted the expressions of CYP19A1/StAR and E2/P4 secretion in follicular granulosa cells (GCs). Furthermore, circEML1 could serve as a sponge of gga-miR-449a and also found that IGF2BP3 was targeted by gga-miR-449a to co-participate in the steroidogenesis, which possibly act the regulatory role via mTOR/p38MAPK pathways. Meanwhile, in the rescue experiment, gga-miR-449a could reverse the promoting role of circEML1 to IGF2BP3 and steroidogenesis. Eventually, this study suggested that circEML1/gga-miR-449a/IGF2BP3 axis exerted an important role in the steroidogenesis in GCs of chicken. • Non-coding RNAs play a critical role to regulate reproductive system of chicken. • Steroid hormones directly influence ovulation mechanisms of chicken. • CircEML1/gga-miR-449a/IGF2BP3 axis regulated the steroidogenesis in GCs of chicken. • IGF2BP3 possibly acted the regulatory role on steroid synthesis via mTOR/p38MAPK pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the existence and energy decay estimates of solutions to the variable-coefficient Euler-Bernoulli plate with a delay in localized nonlinear internal feedback. The existence of solutions to the nonlinear system is obtained by using Galerkin method combined with some energy estimates. Furthermore, applying Riemannian geometry method, we establish uniform decay rates of the plate equation with variable coefficients and a nonlinear delay term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic-liquid-modified polyoxometalate was prepared by self-assembly of Keggin-type heteropolyacids and sulfonated pyrazinium-IL, in which no template, surfactant, or organic solvent was used. The obtained ionic hybrid exhibits uniform morphology of cubic tetrakaidecahedron-like crystals and possesses a larger number of strong acid sites with narrower dispersion of acid strength than its analogues with similar chemical composition but different morphology. Catalytic activity tests reveal its high conversion, stable recycling, and good substrate compatibility for esterification of free fatty acids (FFA) with methanol into biodiesel at room temperature and over a wide range of molar ratios of methanol to FFA (10–50). Even under the ideal stoichiometric conditions (methanol:FFA = 1:1, a viscous solution), it converts 83% of oleic acid in 24 h. Morphology and performance are discussed, suggesting that the uniform crystals translate into high activity due to improved accessibility of the strong acid sites on the smooth external surface of the catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the preparation and properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) filtration membranes modified via surface zwitterionicalization mediated by reactive core–shell silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs). The organic/inorganic hybrid SiO 2 NPs grafted with poly(methyl meth acrylate)- block -poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) copolymer (PMMA- b -PDMAEMA) shell were prepared by surface-initiated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (SI-RAFT) polymerization and then used as a membrane-making additive of PVDF membranes. The PDMAEMA exposed on membrane surface and pore walls were quaternized into zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) using 1,3-propane sultone (1,3-PS) as the quaternization agent. The membrane surface chemistry and morphology were analyzed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The hydrophilicity, permeability and antifouling ability of the investigated membranes were evaluated in detail. It was found that the PSBMA chains brought highly-hydrophilic and strong fouling resistant characteristics to PVDF membranes due to the powerful hydration of zwitterionic surface. The SiO 2 cores and PMMA chains in the hybrid NPs play a role of anchors for the linking of PSBMA chains to membrane surface. Compared to the traditional strategies for membrane hydrophilic modification, the developed method in this work combined the advantages of both blending and surface reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]