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Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI) seriously restricts the therapeutic effect of reperfusion. It is demonstrated that ferroptosis and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes are widely involved in MI/RI. Therefore, simultaneous inhibition of ferroptosis and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes can be a promising strategy to treat MI/RI. Besides, transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) is highly expressed in ischemic myocardium, and apoferritin (ApoFn) is a ligand of the transferrin receptor. In this study, CsA@ApoFn was prepared by wrapping cyclosporin A (CsA) with ApoFn and actively accumulated in ischemic cardiomyocytes through TfR1 mediated endoctosis in MI/RI mice. After entering cardiomyocytes, ApoFn in CsA@ApoFn inhibited ferroptosis of ischemic cardiomyocytes by increasing the protein expression of GPX4 and reducing the content of labile iron pool and lipid peroxides. At the same time, CsA in CsA@ApoFn attenuated the apoptosis of ischemic cardiomyocytes through recovering mitochondrial membrane potential and reducing the level of reactive oxygen species, which played a synergistic role with ApoFn in the treatment of MI/RI. In conclusion, CsA@ApoFn restored cardiac function of MI/RI mice by simultaneously blocking ferroptosis and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. ApoFn itself not only served as a safe carrier to specifically deliver CsA to ischemic cardiomyocytes but also played a therapeutic role on MI/RI. CsA@ApoFn is proved as an effective drug delivery platform for the treatment of MI/RI. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis is an important mechanism of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI). Therefore, simultaneous inhibition of ferroptosis and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes can be a promising strategy to treat MI/RI. Apoferritin, as a delivery carrier, can actively target to ischemic myocardium through binding with highly expressed transferrin receptor on ischemic cardiomyocytes. At the same time, apoferritin plays a protective role on ischemic cardiomyocytes by inhibiting ferroptosis. This strategy of killing two birds with one stone significantly improves the therapeutic effect on MI/RI while does not need more pharmaceutical excipients, which has the prospect of clinical transformation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its slow kinetics, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a key limiting reaction in electrocatalytic water separation and fuel cells. Transition metal sulphides with high intrinsic activity, outstanding stability and excellent electrical conductivity have been considered as promising electrocatalysts for OER. In this study, we develop a green and general strategy for the synthesis of nitrogen, sulphur co-doped honeycomb like carbon nanosheets coupled with binary metal sulfides ((M 1 , M 2) x S y @SNC, (M 1 , M 2) = Fe, Co, Ni) derived from chitosan (nitrogen sources) and lignosulfonate (sulphur sources) with NaCl as template. At the same time the sulphonate group in the lignosulphonate as a sulphur source sulphurises the transition metal to binary metal sulfides. The (M 1 , M 2) x S y @SNC has a large specific surface area (171.5 m2g −1), abundant defects and honeycomb-like hierarchical porosity with interconnected pore structures. The overpotential (at 10 mA cm −2) of the prepared (Fe, Ni) 9 S 8 @SNC was only 207 mV in 1 mol KOH. In this study, we provide a green and novel fabrication method for the synthesis of binary metal sulphides and achieves a high-value utilization of biomass. [Display omitted] • The synthesized (M 1 , M 2) x S y @SNC has honeycomb-like hierarchical porosity with interconnected pore structures. • Lignosulfonates were first used to prepare metal sulphides without other sulphur sources which is harmful to environment. • The prepared (M 1 , M 2) x S y @SNC has a lower overpotential than commercial IrO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations and distributions of polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the whole blood and meat of eight typical edible animals (chicken, donkey, horse, cattle, rabbit, sheep, duck, and pig) were illustrated. Total concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and PCBs (on a basis of liquid volume) in animal bloods were 142-484 pg/L and 46-62 ng/L, respectively. Total concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PCBs (on a basis of dry weight (dw) and lipid weight (lw)) in animal meat samples were 0.47-1090 pg/g dw (0.47-4513 pg/g lw) and 7.2-23 ng/g dw (10-776 ng/g lw), respectively. TEQs for both PCDD/Fs and PCBs in animal blood and meat samples were (67 ± 27) pg/L and (5.3 ± 14) pg/g dw (24 ± 56 pg/g lw), respectively. Besides, the dietary intakes of PCDD/Fs and PCBs were also estimated. Chicken and pig contributed more TEQs than other animals. Chicken contributed the most (95%) with high toxicity, followed by pig (3.4%) with high consumption. The dietary intake of chicken might pose risks to consumers who prefer to eat chicken products, who should comprehensively consider the essential nutrients and contaminants in food during dietary intake. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunotherapy combined with effective therapeutics such as chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy have been shown to be a successful strategy to activate anti-tumor immune responses for improved anticancer treatment. However, developing multifunctional biodegradable, biocompatible, low-toxic but highly efficient, and clinically available transformed nano-immunostimulants remains a challenge and is in great demand. Herein, we report and design of a novel carrier-free photo-chemotherapeutic nano-prodrug COS-BA/Ce6 NPs by combining three multifunctional components—a self-assembled natural small molecule betulinic acid (BA), a water-soluble chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), and a low toxic photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6)—to augment the antitumor efficacy of the immune adjuvant anti-PD-L1-mediated cancer immunotherapy. We show that the designed nanodrugs harbored a smart and distinctive "dormancy" characteristic in chemotherapeutic effect with desired lower cytotoxicity, and multiple favorable therapeutic features including improved 1O 2 generation induced by the reduced energy gap of Ce6, pH-responsiveness, good biodegradability, and biocompatibility, ensuring a highly efficient, synergistic photochemotherapy. Moreover, when combined with anti-PD-L1 therapy, both nano-coassembly based chemotherapy and chemotherapy/photodynamic therapy (PDT) could effectively activate antitumor immunity when treating primary or distant tumors, opening up potentially attractive possibilities for clinical immunotherapy. Natural small-molecule-mediated photosensitive pro-drug nano-assemblies that harbored a distinctive chemotherapeutic dormancy function, which can effectively generate robust immunological responses with the assistance of anti-PD-L1 to cause highly efficient, safe, and synergistic anti-tumor chemotherapy/photodynamic therapy/immunotherapy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time tracking of the dynamic intrusion targets consists of two crucial factors: the path forecast of the target and real-time path optimization of multi-UAV target tracking. For the first one, the uncertainty of the target trajectory is an obstacle to realizing real-time tracking. Thus a trajectory prediction method is proposed in this paper to ensure the sampling period of the target. Owing to the poor prediction accuracy of the single-step trajectory, a multi-step Unscented Kalman Filter (MUKF) is proposed to forecast its multi-step trajectory further in different regions. For the second one, there are two problems: poor optimization accuracy of the tracking trajectory and larger local optimization deviation, which will cause failure of the regional tracking. Under this circumstance, a hybrid algorithm called SAQPSO is proposed, combining the specific mechanism of two intelligence algorithms. The annealing mechanism in the Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm is used to modify the Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO) algorithm. Then the characteristic of quantum particles is used to update the population and enhance global searchability. Furthermore, to testify the effectiveness of the trajectory optimization algorithm and related target prediction method, a specific simulation environment is given as an example, in which the tracking trajectories of eight different algorithms are compared. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. • A distributed cooperation multi-UAV model was built to modeling the tracking method. • A multi-step Unscented Kalman Filter trajectory forecast algorithm was put forward. • The cost function of multi-UAV tracking and observation in each area was established. • A Simulated Annealing Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High glucose (HG) can influence the osteogenic differentiation ability of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hUCMSC-exo) have broad application prospects in tissue healing. The current study aimed to explore whether hUCMSC-exo could promote the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs under HG conditions and the underlying mechanism. We used a 30 mmol/L glucose concentration to simulate HG conditions. CCK-8 assay was performed to evaluate the effect of hUCMSC-exo on the proliferation of hPDLSCs. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity, and qRT-PCR were performed to evaluate the pro-osteogenic effect of hUCMSC-exo on hPDLSCs. Western blot analysis was conducted to evaluate the underlying mechanism. The results of the CCK-8 assay, ALP staining, ALP activity, and qRT-PCR assay showed that hUCMSC-exo significantly promoted cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. The Western blot results revealed that hUCMSC-exo significantly increased the levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT in cells, and the effect was inhibited by LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) or MK2206 (AKT inhibitor), respectively. Moreover, the increases in osteogenic indicators induced by hUCMSC-exo were significantly suppressed by LY294002 and MK2206. hUCMSC-exo promote the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs under HG conditions through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely accepted as a primary treatment modality for dysplastic and early cancerous lesions of the GI tract. However, prolonged procedure time and life-threatening adverse events remain obstacles to the successful treatment of esophageal cancer. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of tunnel ESD (T-ESD) with conventional ESD (C-ESD) for superficial esophageal squamous neoplasms. A prospective, multicenter trial was conducted at 5 hospitals in China. Patients with esophageal squamous neoplasms were enrolled and randomly assigned to undergo C-ESD or T-ESD. Randomization was stratified by tumor location and circumference extent (<1/2 or ≥1/2). The primary endpoint was procedure time. Between January and July 2018, 160 patients were enrolled. One hundred fifty-two patients (76 in the C-ESD group and 76 in the T-ESD group) were included in the final analysis. The median procedure time was 47.3 minutes (interquartile range, 31.7-81.3) for C-ESD and 40.0 minutes (interquartile range, 30.0-60.0) for T-ESD (P =.095). However, T-ESD specifically reduced the median procedure time 34.5% (29.5 minutes) compared with C-ESD for lesions ≥1/2 circumference (P <.001). Among the multiple secondary outcomes, muscular injury was less frequent in the T-ESD group compared with the C-ESD group (18.4% vs 38.2%, P =.007), but complete healing of artificial mucosal defect in 1-month follow-up was more common in the T-ESD group than the C-ESD group (95.9% vs 84.7%, P =.026). Our study suggests that T-ESD results in shorter procedure time, specifically for lesions ≥1/2 circumference of the esophagus. In addition, T-ESD has a better safety profile indicated by less frequent muscular injury and improved healing of artificial mucosal defects caused by ESD procedures. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03404921.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Atherosclerosis (AS) is the common pathophysiological basis of various cardiovascular diseases and the leading cause of death from cardiovascular disease worldwide. When the body is in a hypoxic environment, enhanced oxidative stress and significant accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tissue cells exacerbate the inflammatory response, resulting in increased release of myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalyzing the formation of large quantities of hypochlorous acid (HOCl), further oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and exacerbating the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. The MAPK signaling pathway is important in oxidative stress-mediated promotion of atherogenesis. MPO -/- mice were used in this study to establish a hypoxia model simulating 5000 m altitude and a Western high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis model for 12 weeks. Exploring the role of MPO in the atherosclerotic process in hypoxic mice by observing the MAPK signaling pathway to provide a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of hypoxic atherosclerotic disease in the plateau. We found that hypoxia promotes the formation of atherosclerosis in mice, and the mechanism may be that increased MPO in vivo promotes an inflammatory response, which plays a crucial role in the formation of atherosclerosis. In addition, hypoxia further exacerbates plaque instability by activating the MAPK signaling pathway to upregulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), which in turn promotes angiogenesis within the plaque. Therefore, a potential target for preventing and treating hypoxic atherosclerotic disease is the inhibition of MPO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypercholesterolemia is frequently diagnosed in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). However, its association with the prognosis and lipid metabolism is unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of baseline total cholesterol (TC) levels in PBC and characterized the associated lipid metabolism. Five hundred and thirty-one patients with PBC without prior cirrhosis-related complications were randomly divided into the derivation and validation cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. Complete clinical data were obtained and analyzed. The endpoints were defined as liver-related death, liver transplantation, and cirrhosis-related complications. Lipidomics was performed in 89 patients and 28 healthy controls. Baseline TC was independently associated with poor liver-related outcomes, and adjusted C-statistics were 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74–0.85) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.78–0.91) in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. The predictive ability of TC for disease outcomes was stable over time and comparable with the Globe score. The 200 mg/dL cut-off optimally divided patients into low- and high-TC groups. A combination of TC and Globe score provided a more accurate stratification of patients into risk subgroups. Lipidomics indicated an up-regulation of lipid families in high-TC patients. Pathway analysis of 66 up-regulated lipids revealed the dysregulation of glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism in high-TC patients, which were associated with poor liver-related outcomes. Our results indicate that patients with PBC having baseline TC levels above 200 mg/dL have unique lipidome characteristics and are at a higher risk of poor liver-related outcomes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lugol's iodine chromoendoscopy is an important method to detect esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Sodium thiosulfate solution (STS) has been used to neutralize iodine after Lugol's chromoendoscopy; however, it is not available in many medical centers. The aim of the current study was to assess the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine solution (NAC) for relieving symptoms caused by Lugol's iodine chromoendoscopy. Patients were randomized to receive either STS or NAC after spraying Lugol's iodine solution on the esophagus. The neutralizing effects for residual iodine in the esophagus and gastric mucous pool were observed. The primary endpoint was the intensity of retrosternal pain and/or heartburn measured by a visual analog scale (VAS) score 30 minutes after chromoendoscopy. Secondary endpoints were the rate of patients with any adverse symptom, rate of moderate to severe retrosternal discomfort occurring, and heart rate variability between time points before and after chromoendoscopy. The neutralization rates for residual iodine between the NAC and STS groups were not significantly different (P >.999). The difference of median VAS scores between the NAC and STS groups 30 minutes after chromoendoscopy was.0 (P =.719; 95% confidence interval,.0-.0), and the 95% confidence interval higher limit was.0, which was less than our prespecified margin of.5, concluding an noninferiority of NAC with regard to STS. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the rate of patients with any adverse symptom, rate of moderate to severe retrosternal discomfort, or heart rate variability at 5 minutes or 30 minutes after chromoendoscopy. As a very easily accessible reagent in clinical circumstances, NAC can also alleviate mucosal irritation symptoms induced by Lugol's chromoendoscopy at similar efficacy as STS and can be routinely recommended. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT04764643.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influencing factors, products and mechanism of N -nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) reduction by zinc (Zn) in the presence of transition-metal ions (Mn2+, Co2+ and Ni2+), were investigated. The NDMA removal by Zn was significantly improved by them, and the promoting effect of Co2+ and Ni2+ were better than Mn2+. With the decrease of pH values and dissolved oxygen concentrations, the removals of NDMA were enhanced in all reaction systems. NDMA was mainly reduced to unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) in Zn and Zn/Mn2+ systems. It was mainly reduced to dimethylamine (DMA) and ammonium (NH 4 +) in Zn/Co2+ and Zn/Ni2+ systems. There were undetected products in all reaction systems. Catalytic hydrogenation was the main mechanism, and active hydrogen atom was the main active species. The presence of Mn2+, Co2+ and Ni2+ promoted the corrosion of Zn and changed the surface morphology of Zn. The formation of type I film on Zn surface was promoted in the presence of Co2+ and Ni2+, which was conducive to the continuous corrosion of Zn and hydrogen generation. While type II film which would inhibit the corrosion of Zn formed on Zn surface in the presence of Mn2+. MnO 2 , Co 3 O 4 and Ni(OH) 2 were formed in Zn/Mn2+, Zn/Co2+ and Zn/Ni2+ systems, respectively. They would facilitate more generation of active hydrogen atoms. [Display omitted] • Mn2+, Co2+ and Ni2+ could enhance the reduction of NDMA by Zn. • The amounts of products were different with different transition-metal ions. • Active hydrogen atom was the main active species. • The corrosion rates were increased and reaction interface conditions were improved. • The in-situ generated MnO 2 , Co 3 O 4 and Ni(OH) 2 would enhance the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate and reliable load forecasting can ensure the safety and economy of power system operation. To improve the accuracy of short-term power load forecasting, this paper adopts feature extraction combined with a variety of machine learning methods,(Empirical wavelet decomposition (EWT), Convolutional neural network (CNN) model, Recurrent neural network (RNN) model, Long short-term memory network (LSTM) model, Bayesian optimization (BOA) algorithm). A new hybrid forecasting model, the EWT-CNN-S-RNN + LSTM model is proposed to predict power consumption. In this method, the fixed mode of EWT decomposition is used to extract statistical features, and the LSTM/RNN model is selected according to the statistical features. This method uses the Bayesian optimization (BOA) algorithm to optimize the parameters to solve the model gradient explosion problem. Based on the electricity consumption data of 2007 (Australian Energy Market Operator) and a total of 336 power load data, a good load forecasting result is obtained, which can provide indirect support for power regulation and sustainable development of electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Abietic acid with an excellent assembly profile is used to stabilize curcumin. • The bioavailability of curcumin can be improved with loading by abietic acid. • Abietic acid and curcumin have synergistic antioxidant activity. This research constructed composite nanoparticles (NP s) using abietic acid (AA) as a carrier for significantly enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin (CCM). CCM -loaded AA NPs were synthesized using a low-energy microemulsification method, and the obtained nanoparticles had a spherical morphology with an average diameter of 458.66 nm, a narrow size distribution and a negative surface charge of −19.13 mV. The encapsulation efficiency of CCM was 17.98 %, while its solubility was 20-fold that of free curcumin. FITR, UV, and MD revealed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces between AA and CCM. The in-vitro release profile showed sustainable release of CCM in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids up to 2 h at 37 °C. In cellular studies, CCM -loaded AA NPs with the same CCM concentration exhibited greater bioaccessibility and bioavailability than free CCM. These data suggested a possible utilization of AA NPs in improving water solubility, bioavailability and activity of lipophilic bioactive food factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In neural tissue engineering, biomaterial scaffolds that have high conductivity and customized structures are crucial in promoting nerve regeneration. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) has emerged as a promising conductive polymer with excellent chemical stability and biocompatibility. However, traditional three-dimensional (3D) printing of PEDOT-based conductive scaffolds faces challenges in limited printing resolution, poor solubility, and brittleness of conductive materials. Herein, digital light processing (DLP) printing was used to fabricate complex hydrogel structures using gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and chitosan (CS) while incorporating PEDOT nanoparticles through interfacial polymerization to create conducting pathways within a hydrogel structure. The integration of PEDOT significantly enhanced the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the GelMA/CS hydrogel while preserving printed details. The GelMA/CS-PEDOT hydrogel promoted cell proliferation and facilitated axon outgrowth of PC12 cells and Schwann cells during in vitro culture. Moreover, in vitro direct current electrical stimulation promoted axon elongation of PC12 cells cultured on a conductive substrate. In vivo studies used a conductive nerve conduit to repair a 10-mm rat sciatic nerve defect, validating the efficacy of GelMA/CS-PEDOT scaffold in peripheral nerve injury repair. These findings highlight the significant potential of conductive GelMA/CS-PEDOT hydrogel in the field of neural tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidation behaviors of Al-free and 1Al ferritic heat-resistant stainless steels (FHSSs) at 1100 °C were investigated. After oxidation for 100 h, the Al-free FHSS had triple oxide layers of a first layer Fe 2 O 3 + MnCr 2 O 4 , a second layer MnCr 2 O 4 + Cr 2 O 3 + MnO, a third layer SiO 2 and oxides of Nb and Ti. The 1Al FHSS had double oxide layers of a first layer Ti-bearing (Al, Cr) 2 O 3 particles, a second layer dense (Al, Cr) 2 O 3. The (Al, Cr) 2 O 3 layer with self-repairing feature can reduce the thickness of oxide layer by 515 times, and reduce the oxidation weight gain rate of the FHSS by 5 orders of magnitude. • The addition of Al reduces the oxidation weight gain rate by 5 orders of magnitude at 1100 °C. • The addition of Al reduces the thickness of oxide layer by 515 times at 1100 °C. • The addition of Al produces an oxide layer with self-repairing characteristics at 1100 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online diagnosis for sucker rod pumping well has great significances for rapidly grasping operations of the oil well. Feature extraction of the working condition and determination of the online diagnostic algorithm are two indispensable parts. In this paper, five feature vectors are extracted using Freeman chain codes. Then, an optimized density peak clustering (DPC) method is proposed to realize online diagnosis solved by an improved brain storm optimization (BSO) algorithm, in which the cloud model is adopted to generate new solutions in the searching space. During the online diagnosis process, a new cluster updating strategy is used to update the cluster centers online. According to the proposed online diagnostic method, various samples are automatically classified into different classifications by the unsupervised learning. The simulation results verify that the proposed online diagnosis method is satisfactory, which can give a higher and more stable diagnostic accuracy. • An 8-directions chain codes based feature extraction method is proposed. • An optimized density peak clustering algorithm is proposed. • An improved brain storm optimization algorithm based on the cloud model is proposed. • A new cluster updating strategy is proposed to update the cluster centers online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a promising food packaging material with biocompatible, nontoxic and biodegradable. In order to reduce the deterioration of aquatic products caused by microorganisms, PLA coaxial nanofiber films with cinnamaldehyde (CMA), tea polyphenol (TP) and its composite as core materials were prepared by using coaxial electrospinning technology. Its microscopic morphology and structure were characterized separately, and its thermal stability, wettability and mechanical properties were determined. The antibacterial activity and antibacterial mechanism of nanofiber films were studied with Shewanella putrefaciens (S. putrefaciens) which is the dominant spoilage of aquatic products as the target of action. The results show that the CMA/TP (m/m = 2:5)-PLA coaxial nanofibers have small diameter, uniform distribution, smooth surface, no pores and fracture. At the same time, the film has strong hydrophobicity, good thermal stability and mechanical properties. Its antibacterial performance is better than that of single-core nanofiber films, which effectively destroys the cell membrane of S. putrefaciens , increases the permeability of cell membrane, and interferes with the synthesis and expression of its protein. The coaxial nanofiber films with CMA, TP and its composite as core material can be used as a fresh-keeping material with antibacterial properties, and has potential application value in the field of food preservation. • CMA/TP-PLA nanofiber films with the coaxial structure and two core materials are prepared. • The addition of the core material improves the physicochemical properties of the nanofiber films. • The CMA has synergistic antibacterial effect with TP. • CMA acts on the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane, destroying the cell membrane. • TP destroys extracellular proteins, leading to cell membrane perforation and cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IGF-1 plays important roles in mammalian fertility by promoting cell growth and increasing steroid hormone secretion. Although IGF-1 significantly upregulated luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) gene expression in granulosa cells in a previous study, the mechanism was unclear. The present experiment was designed to primarily explore the regulation of LHCGR expression by IGF-1. First, based on a porcine LHCGR double-luciferase reporter experiment, c-Fos significantly inhibited the activity of the LHCGR promoter. Second, porcine granulosa cells were cultured in vitro with IGF-1, and we observed that the expression of LHCGR was significantly increased and the expression of c-Fos mRNA significantly reduced. After c-Fos overexpression in granulosa cells, IGF-1 attenuated the inhibitory effect of c-Fos on LHCGR. Furthermore, the level of LHCGR mRNA stimulated by IGF-1 in the presence of SB203580 was markedly lower than that of IGF-1 alone action. In conclusion, IGF-1 enhanced the expression of LHCGR by regulating c-Fos in granulosa cells, which may be mediated by the p38MAPK-signaling pathway. • c-Fos significantly inhibited the activity of the LHCGR promoter. • IGF-1 promoted the expression of LHCGR gene by suppressing c-Fos. • IGF-1 may regulate c-Fos through the p38MAPK-signaling pathway, consequently influencing the expression of LHCGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its safety, convenience, low cost and good compliance, oral administration attracts lots of attention. However, the efficacy of many oral drugs is limited to their unsatisfactory bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract. One of the critical and most overlooked factors is the symbiotic gut microbiota that can modulate the bioavailability of oral drugs by participating in the biotransformation of oral drugs, influencing the drug transport process and altering some gastrointestinal properties. In this review, we summarized the existing research investigating the possible relationship between the gut microbiota and the bioavailability of oral drugs, which may provide great ideas and useful instructions for the design of novel drug delivery systems or the achievement of personalized medicine. The gut microbiota may influence the bioavailability of oral drugs by the microbial enzyme activity, affecting the drug transport or changing the gastrointestinal properties. This may provide us some advice on preventing the possible drug–drug interaction and offer us some useful strategies for the drug delivery system design. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic neurodegeneration and acute injuries lead to neuron losses via diverse processes. We compared retinal ganglion cell (RGC) responses between chronic glaucomatous conditions and the acute injury model. Among major RGC subclasses, αRGCs and intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (ipRGCs) preferentially survive glaucomatous conditions, similar to findings in the retina subject to axotomy. Focusing on an αRGC intrinsic factor, Osteopontin (secreted phosphoprotein 1 [Spp1]), we found an ectopic neuronal expression of Osteopontin (Spp1) in other RGCs subject to glaucomatous conditions. This contrasted with the Spp1 downregulation subject to axotomy. αRGC-specific Spp1 elimination led to significant αRGC loss, diminishing their resiliency. Spp1 overexpression led to robust neuroprotection of susceptible RGC subclasses under glaucomatous conditions. In contrast, Spp1 overexpression did not significantly protect RGCs subject to axotomy. Additionally, SPP1 marked adult human RGC subsets with large somata and SPP1 expression in the aqueous humor correlated with glaucoma severity. Our study reveals Spp1's role in mediating neuronal resiliency in glaucoma. [Display omitted] • αRGCs and ipRGCs are resilient retinal neuron types in glaucomatous and axotomy conditions • Elevated and ectopic Spp1 expression among RGCs occurs in the glaucoma model, not axotomy • Neuronal Spp1 drives RGC neuroprotection in glaucomatous conditions but not in axotomy • SPP1 protein levels in aqueous humor correlate with glaucoma progression in patients Zhao et al. reported that retinal neuron subpopulations are resilient with ectopic Spp1 expression, subject to an experimental glaucomatous model with ocular hypertension. Spp1 overexpression renders other susceptible retinal neurons with neuroprotection subject to glaucomatous conditions. Elevated SPP1 levels in aqueous humor may be biomarkers for human glaucoma progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper experimentally investigates the pull-out behavior of single studs and stud groups embedded in ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). A total of 33 pull-out tests are conducted. The effects of the fiber content (ρ), effective embedded depth of stud (h ef), ratio of embedded depth to diameter of stud shank (h ef /d), diameter of stud head (d h) are considered for single studs; the effects of the arrangement, number, and spacing of studs are considered for stud groups. Results indicate that when concrete failure governs, for single studs in UHPC with fibers: (i) the pull-out strength and ductility increase with increasing ρ , h ef , or d h , (ii) the pull-out strength and ductility are higher than those in normal concrete (NC), and (iii) the radius of failure cone is greater than that in NC, increasing from 1.5 h ef to 2.5 h ef. Stud groups in UHPC with fibers also have higher pull-out strength and ductility, but the group effect is more significant due to the increased overlap of the failure surface. The group effect reduces with the increasing spacing of studs, but is not obviously influenced by the fiber content. New design equations are proposed to estimate the pull-out strength of single studs and stud groups in steel-UHPC composite structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• VUV and anion-exchange resin reduced organic carbon to an ultralow concentration (5 μg/L). • VUV oxidation transformed electroneutral carbonyls to carboxylic acids. • VUV and anion exchange resin is 2.1–2.4 times of VUV for TOC removal. • Acetate was the primary product penetrating anion-exchange resin. • Modeling was developed to optimize the method performance and cost. Electroneutral carbonyls (ENCs) with low molecular weights (e.g., aldehydes and ketones) are recalcitrant to single water treatment process to achieve ultralow concentration. Residual ENCs are present in reverse osmosis permeate and pose risks to human health during potable use or industrial application in manufacturing processes. Herein, a combined vacuum–UV (VUV) oxidation and anion-exchange resin (AER) adsorption method was developed to treat the ENCs and reduce total organic carbon (TOC) to an ultralow concentration (< 5 μg/L) with high efficiency and at low cost. VUV-AER was 2.1–2.4 times more efficient than VUV alone for the removal of TOC. VUV oxidized the ENCs to electronegative carboxylic acids, which were adsorbed by the AER through electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding. When the VUV fluence was lower than 643 mJ cm−2, the AER could not achieve ultralow TOC removal of ENCs. The treat capacity of 1500–2900 valid bed volume (BVs) was achieved after increasing the VUV fluence to 1929 mJ cm−2. The AER could more efficiently adsorb carboxylic acids that contained more carboxylic groups or shorter carbon chain. Acetate was identified as the primary breakthrough product at relatively low VUV fluence, and oxalate was the main byproduct at relatively high VUV fluence. A mathematical model to predict TOC breakthrough was developed considering the VUV–oxidation kinetics and the AER breakthrough curve. The model was used to optimize the method to maximize TOC removal and minimize energy consumption. These results imply that VUV-AER is technically feasible and economically applicable to eliminate recalcitrant ENCs to ultralow concentration for the production of water requires high quality (e.g., potable water or electronic-grade ultrapure water). [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AKT kinase is a key regulator in cell metabolism and survival, and its activation is strictly modulated. Herein, we identify XAF1 (XIAP-associated factor) as a direct interacting protein of AKT1, which strongly binds the N-terminal region of AKT1 to block its K63-linked poly-ubiquitination and subsequent activation. Consistently, Xaf1 knockout causes AKT activation in mouse muscle and fat tissues and reduces body weight gain and insulin resistance induced by high-fat diet. Pathologically, XAF1 expression is low and anti-correlated with the phosphorylated p-T308-AKT signal in prostate cancer samples, and Xaf1 knockout stimulates the p-T308-AKT signal to accelerate spontaneous prostate tumorigenesis in mice with Pten heterozygous loss. And ectopic expression of wild-type XAF1, but not the cancer-derived P277L mutant, inhibits orthotopic tumorigenesis. We further identify Forkhead box O 1 (FOXO1) as a transcriptional regulator of XAF1, thus forming a negative feedback loop between AKT1 and XAF1. These results reveal an important intrinsic regulatory mechanism of AKT signaling. [Display omitted] • XAF1 specifically interacts with the PH domain and disordered linker region of AKT1 • XAF1 suppresses the K63-linked ubiquitination of AKT1 to inhibit its activation • XAF1 modulates metabolic phenotypes and tumorigenesis via AKT1 • FOXO1 transcriptionally regulates XAF1 to inhibit AKT activation Chen et al. identify XAF1 as an endogenous AKT inhibitor interfering with AKT1 cell membrane localization and T308 phosphorylation by blocking AKT1 K63-linked ubiquitination through direct interaction. They further identify that XAF1 is transcriptionally regulated by FOXO1 forming a double-negative feedback loop in AKT regulation via the FOXO1-XAF1 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon trading is an effective tool to reduce emissions. And the implementation of the policy requires the cooperation of all participants in the carbon market, then it will cause a contradiction between social benefits and individual benefits. To break the dilemma faced by the carbon market, it is necessary to fully consider the behavioral strategies of all participants. However, no known literature discusses the effect of quota allocation under the banking mechanism on the behavior strategies of carbon market participants from the limited rational perspective. This paper analyzes the effect of the banking mechanism on each party's strategy in the carbon market. Results show that, under the regulation of the carbon trading management center, the promotion of carbon trading policy is separated into four periods, respectively, policy trial, policy promotion, policy adjustment, and policy stability. The evolutionary stability equilibrium represents the optimal equilibrium point of the system. Adopting a banking mechanism do not affect the outcome of evolutionary stability equilibrium, but has an effect on the rate convergence to the evolutionary stability equilibrium. The findings can be utilized as a guide for accelerating the achievement of the carbon-neutral goal, perfecting the carbon market mechanism, and creating targeted emission-reduction incentive policies. • The game of carbon market participants is a complex evolutionary process. • The stable period of policy represents the optimal equilibrium point of the system. • The banking mechanism accelerates the process of emission reduction. • Limited rational analysis reduces the deviation in the carbon trading policy design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mariculture sediments have been exchange and propagation sources of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, no efficient methods have been generated to remove ARGs from sediments. Here, we explored the impact of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) and aeration on the efficient removal of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in mariculture sediments. When compared with the aeration group, the ARG abundance was 3.8–32.3% lower in the H 2 O 2 group during the first 14 days. ARG and MGE abundances were also significantly associated with reduced total bacterial population and diversity (P < 0.05). Based on partial squares path modeling, reduction of MGEs had important roles in ARG removal from H 2 O 2 treatments, while in the aeration group, ARG reductions were mainly determined by changes in bacterial community composition. These results suggested that H 2 O 2 treatment represent a promising method for controlling ARG abundance after dosing feed stuff and limit the spread of ARGs in aquaculture environments. [Display omitted] • The ARG abundance in the H 2 O 2 group was 3.8–32.3% lower than the aeration group. • H 2 O 2 and aeration treatments contributed to distinct bacterial communities. • In the aeration group, shifts in ARGs were mainly determined by bacterial community. • The reduction of MGE abundances had important roles in ARG removal in H 2 O 2 treated group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 29 serum metabolites were characterised as biomarkers for primary dysmenorrhoea. • Potential mechanism of Danggui Jianzhong Decoction in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea involved in arachidonic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism and the synthesis of steroid hormones. • 20 prototype ingredients and 4 metabolites of Danggui Jianzhong Decoction were found in vivo, five of which were mostly related with the efficacy of primary dysmenorrhoea, namely, ferulic acid, zizyphusin, cinnamic acid, protocatechuic acid-3-glucoside, and azelaic acid. They were the potential pharmacodynamic constituents for treating primary dysmenorrhoea, and they could be regarded as the quality markers of Danggui Jianzhong Decoction. • The efficacy, mechanism and active ingredients of Danggui Jianzhong Decoction for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea were innovatively elucidated for the first time on the basis of the chinmedomics strategy. Danggui Jianzhong Decoction (DGJZD) has been proven as an effective classical prescription for clinically treating primary dysmenorrhoea (PD). However, the industrialisation development and drug innovation of DGJZD remain limited due to its undefined effective constituents and quality markers (Q-markers). Elucidating the Q-markers of DGJZD, which is related to clinical efficacy. In accordance with chinmedomics strategy, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of DGJZD on the basis of the metabolomic profile and biomarker of a PD rat model to further identify the constituents of DGJZD in vivo that originated from the formula under the acting condition of DGJZD. The potential effective constituents and Q-markers were identified by mining the dynamic relation between the constituents in vivo and the biomarkers. Subsequently, 29 serum metabolites were characterized as biomarkers for PD, and DGJZD adjusted the levels of the primary biomarkers involved in arachidonic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism as well as the synthesis of steroid hormones. Under the active condition of DGJZD, 20 prototype ingredients and 4 metabolites of DGJZD were found in vivo , five of which were mostly related with the efficacy of PD, namely, ferulic acid, zizyphusin, cinnamic acid, protocatechuic acid-3-glucoside, and azelaic acid. They were the potential pharmacodynamic constituents for treating PD, and they could be regarded as the Q-markers of DGJZD. Taken together, the Q-markers of DGJZD identified in this research are credible and assist in solving problems related to quality control and drug innovation, accelerating industrialisation development. Besides, the efficacy, mechanism and active ingredients of DGJZD for the treatment of PD were innovatively elucidated for the first time on the basis of the chinmedomics strategy for uncovering the Q-markers of drugs from the system perspective. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a synthetic pigment, Sudan red is commonly used as a food additive and is harmful to the human kidney and can even cause cancer. In this work, we developed a one-step strategy to synthesize lignin-based hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (LHDES), which were fabricated via methyltrioctylammonium chloride (TAC) as hydrogen bond acceptor and alkali lignin as hydrogen bond donor. LHDES with different mass ratios were synthesized and the mechanism of formation was determined by different characterization techniques. The synthetic LHDES was used as the extraction solvent to establish a vortex-assisted dispersion-liquid microextraction method for the determination of Sudan red dyes. The practicality of LHDES was evaluated by applying it to the detection of Sudan Red I in real water samples (seawater, river water) and duck blood in foodstuffs, and the obtained extraction rate reached up to 98.62 %. The method is simple and effective for the determination of Sudan Red in food. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of differential chemical weathering intensity on the contents and spatial distribution of highly reactive iron (Fe HR) in the marginal sea sediments is not well documented. Here, we used sequential extractions to quantify various Fe pools in offshore surface sediments of the northern South China Sea (nSCS), which receives multiple fluvial sediments with distinct chemical weathering intensity, and then to unravel whether and if so, to what extent, the contents and spatial distributions of Fe HR are linked to chemical index of alternation (CIA) of the sediments. Our results show that, despite the inputs of Fe HR -rich, highly chemically weathered fluvial sediments, Fe HR contents in offshore sediments of the nSCS are almost independent of the CIA values, and Fe HR was not enriched relative to the global average of Fe HR in oxic sediments, probably due to effective trapping of Fe HR in the estuary and dilution by moderately chemically weathered Taiwan-sourced sediments. Our results indicate that the signature of Fe HR enrichment previously observed in the offshore sediments, which are discharged from a highly chemically weathered mountainous island (Hainan Island) of the nSCS, becomes lost beyond the local zone around the island. Relative to the marginal sediments of the nSCS (water depth <1000 m), the higher Fe HR contents in the deep-water sediments (water depth larger than 1000 m) can be attributed to higher smectite contents, lower inorganic carbon contents, and low dilution by Taiwan-sourced fluvial material in the deep-water area. A comparison of the subtropical nSCS and the temperate East China Sea indicates that chemical weathering intensity is not the overarching factor governing Fe HR /Fe T ratios in the two climatically different regions, though chemical weathering intensity along with depositional/diagenetic regimes is an important factor controlling the sizes and transformation of some specific Fe HR pools. • Reactive Fe (Fe HR) enriched by chemical weathering is restricted to local zone. • Chemical weathering intensity has minor effect on Fe HR content in offshore sediment. • Sediment sources, sorting, and depositional/diagenetic regimes impact Fe HR and CIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology advancements directed towards Internet-of-Things (IoT) and wearable computing electronics applications are booming in low-power devices, which requires downscaling of power supply voltage without sacrificing the performance of the device. A negative capacitance junctionless gate-all-around field-effect transistor (NC-JL-GAAFET) is investigated using technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations to further suppress the short-channel effects and reduce power consumption. Lateral Gaussian doping (LGD), proposed for the NC-JL-GAAFET, is considered its main doping mode. An asymmetric structure with varying lengths of source/drain extension regions is introduced into non-local LGD NC-JL-GAAFET. The results reveal that the proposed device with a larger length ratio for drain extension region has a higher switching current ratio and lower subthreshold swing. Furthermore, the TCAD simulations validate that the electrical characteristics can be easily optimized by adjusting the ferroelectric (FE) layer thickness on the gate stack. Therefore, an asymmetric non-local LGD NC-JL-GAAFET provides a potential scaling solution for the next-generation low-power devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological innovation and low-carbon economy are significant for the high-quality development of China's industrial sectors. However, few scholars combine the two stages closely and discuss their coordinated development. This paper establishes an evaluation index system of technological innovation and low-carbon economy in China's industrial sectors. The technological innovation efficiency, low-carbon economy efficiency, and comprehensive efficiency of technological innovation and low-carbon economy are dynamically investigated by the two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) model and the DEA window analysis with 35 subsectors panel data during 1996–2018. The inter-industrial differences in the technological innovation efficiency and low-carbon economy efficiency are considered, and the influencing factors of the comprehensive efficiency of technological innovation and low-carbon economy are studied by the bootstrap truncation regression. The results show that: (1) The development of the technological innovation and low-carbon economy is uncoordinated, and the low-carbon economy efficiency needs improvement; (2) There is heterogeneous of the technological innovation efficiency and low-carbon economy efficiency in the 35 subsectors; (3) The density of science and technology institutions, and the average enterprises scale are positive to the comprehensive efficiency of technological innovation and low-carbon economy, while excessive reliance on technology introduction has a negative impaction. The corresponding suggestions are provided for promoting technological innovation efficiency and low-carbon economy efficiency of industrial sectors. • Establishing an evaluation index system of technological innovation and low-carbon economy in China's industrial sectors. • The coordinated development of technological innovation and low-carbon economy is noticeable. • The affecting factors of comprehensive efficiency of technological innovation and low-carbon economy are studied. • Exploring the win-win path of industrial growth and energy conservation and emission reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Surrogate data generation method IAAFT solves the issue of EEG data shortage. • BiLSTM obtains better classification result than other traditional methods. • The SampEn extraction method retaining the high temporal resolution of EEG. The early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a essential prevention of further development of MCI into Alzheimer's disease (AD). Electroencephalogram (EEG) has many advantages compared to other methods in the analysis of AD in an early stage, but there are some limitations of EEG such as small size of datasets caused by difficulty in clinical data collection and too many other interfering signals are contained. Recent years, deep learning (DL) have overcome these limitations relatively. In this study, a novel model which aims to classify MCI and healthy control (HC) was constructed based on iterative amplitude adjusted Fourier transform (IAAFT) and bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM). IAAFT is used to overcome the problems caused by small datasets; sample entropy (SampEn) feature extraction is used to further reduce computational time and obtain better classification results; BiLSTM for better capture of EEG temporal connections. The performance of the model was evaluated on a clinical dataset containing 10 MCI and 10 HC. Compared with the traditional EEG classification method, the result shows that BiLSTM is more suitable for the EEG classification task, and the classification accuracy is significantly improved by data augmentation. After performing 10-fold cross-validation and 10-fold data augmentation, the model achieved a maximum classification accuracy of 97.20 ± 1.74 %. The results indicate that the model can be used to diagnose MCI patients with the EEG small datasets. Meanwhile, The data augmentation used in this study has a high reference value for other resting-state EEG classification tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric biomaterials are advantageous in terms of easy generation of transduced bioelectrical signals to skeleton systems in response to body movements or external stimulations. In the bone formation process, the coupling of angiogenesis-osteogenesis is crucial but the effect of piezoelectric biomaterials on angiogenesis and mechanism of stress-transformed electrical signals affecting vascular cells remain elusive. In this work, hierarchically architected polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) foam fabricated by solid-state shearing milling was further decorated with ZIF-8 nanocrystals. The unique hierarchical porous structure realizes stable voltage outputs up to 10 V without polarization. The electric potential of piezoelectric PVDF affected molecular trajectory of Zn2+ released from ZIF-8, leading to Zn2+ enrichment around the PVDF surface. Under piezoelectric condition, PVDF/ZIF-8 foams promoted in-vitro angiogenic and osteogenic activity as well as antibacterial effect. Upon calvarium and femur defect repair, PVDF/ZIF-8 piezoelectric foams also guided vascularized bone regeneration through micro-current stimulation and Zn2+ enrichment. RNA-seq demonstrated PVDF/ZIF-8 piezoelectric foam mainly up-regulated ATP coupled cation transmembrane transportation in vascular endothelial cells, which enhanced cellular uptake of Zn2+, indicating the synergistic effect of piezoelectric PVDF and bioactive ZIF-8. This work offers a preliminary explanation for mechanism of angiogenesis-osteogenesis coupling of PVDF/ZIF-8 foam nanogenerator and provides a valuable complement to clinical treatment strategies for bone defect repair. [Display omitted] • Hierarchically architected PVDF foams affect the molecular trajectory of Zn2+. • PVDF/ZIF-8 foams reconstruct the physiological potential of bone defect sites and promote angiogenesis and osteogenesis. • PVDF/ZIF-8 piezoelectric foams up-regulate ATP coupled cation transmembrane transportation in vascular endothelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) are a new member of the nanomaterial family, and they have good development potential in electrochemistry, electronics, optoelectronics, environmental protection, biomedical, and other fields because of their bandgap width, high anisotropy, broad optical absorption, high carrier mobility and many other features. Although many articles have been published about the preparation and application of BPNSs, these aspects have not been elucidated, and we aimed to fill this knowledge gap in this review. First, we used VOSviewer software to sort out articles published in the past 5 years and drew a literature map, which allowed us to sort out the relationship between various studies related to BPNSs, and reflect on the research focus in recent years. Because BPNSs must be made from black phosphorus (BP), and BPNSs are a nano form of BP, the collation of the BP preparation scheme was also helpful for the related research on BPNSs. This paper introduces the preparation of bulk BP and BPNSs, analyzes and compares the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and points out the most promising methods in the future. Then, we propose improvement directions for this method. We also introduce the characterization of BPNSs and combine it with the subsequent photocatalytic application of BPNSs. As a new material, the effect of BPNSs on the environment is still unknown; thus, an end treatment scheme for BPNSs is summarized according to existing methods. Based on the experience of nanomaterial treatment, this paper proposes a research focus for the end treatment of BPNSs in the future, providing a reference scheme for the end treatment of other nanomaterials. Finally, we summarize the full text and propose recommended methods and improvement plans. [Display omitted] • Introduce the preparation of bulk BP and BPNSs. • Summarize the research progress of BP itself. • Introduce the research progress of hydrogen evolution and degradation of BPNSs photocatalyst. • The recovery and reuse of BP are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve sustainable development, ecosystem strategy has gradually become an inevitable trend of contemporary organizations in the digital era. Thus, ecosystem strategy has been an enduring research topic in recent years. Since ecosystem strategy advocates symbiosis with partners, this strategy highlights the importance of internal and external resource of focal enterprises. However, the prior literature has largely overlooked the utilization process of resources internally and externally in ecosystem strategy from a resource orchestration perspective, this study explores how a focal enterprise implement resource orchestration in the ecosystem strategy for sustainability in the digital era. Using a Chinese case study of TY, which successfully developed its own business ecosystem, this study unveils the important role of resource orchestration in ecosystem strategy, identifies two resource orchestration mechanisms: the bricolage of external resources and the activation of internal resources respectively This study also highlights the importance of interaction between the two mechanisms for sustaining continuous resource orchestration and enabling the organization to adapt to the dynamic ecosystem environment. This study also identifies the corresponding dynamic capabilities in the process of implementing resource orchestration. The enterprise needs to build the boundary-spanning capability while using resource bricolage mechanism to obtain external resources，meanwhile，the enterprise needed to build the reconfiguration capabilities while using the resource activation mechanism to maximize the utility of internal resources. These findings contributes to the ecosystem strategy and resource orchestration theory, and also providing significant actionable paradigm to implement ecosystem strategy for sustainability. • This study unveils two resource orchestration mechanisms in ecosystem strategy. • This study highlights the interaction between the two mechanisms for sustaining continuous resource orchestration. • This study also identifies the corresponding dynamic capabilities in the process of implementing resource orchestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Pickering emulsions stabilized by unmodified CNCs and CNF were investigated. • Oil droplet sizes decrease and stabilize with CNF loading. • The stabilization mechanism of Pickering emulsions had been clarified. • CNF plays a more important role in improving the viscosity of emulsion. Nanocellulose is a promising stabilizer for industrial emulsions that offers the advantages of sustainability, biodegradability and nontoxicity. Emulsions prepared using cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and nanocrystals (CNCs) in mildly acidic lithium bromide trihydrate (MALBTH) were characterized in this study. At fixed CNCs concentration (0.3 wt%), increasing the CNF content from 0 to 0.9 wt% clearly influenced the stability and microstructure of Pickering emulsions. The Oil droplets size decreased and stabilized with increasing CNF loading. This emulsification behavior was attributed to the irreversible adsorption of CNCs on the surface of the oil droplets and the formation of a dense CNF network in the aqueous phase, thereby improving the emulsion stability. The universal applicability of the proposed method was verified using cyclohexane and edible olive oil as oil phases. Overall, this study may provide a novel means of producing all-natural, low-oil, food-grade emulsions with adjustable stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We numerically investigated a novel refractive index (RI) sensor based on a liquid-filled and Au-coated hollow-core negative-curvature fiber (HC-NCF). In the design, the cladding area of the HC-NCF was composed of only one ring of six silica tubes, all the air holes in the fiber were filled with analytic liquids. The fiber bent in either the x or y -axis direction and Au-coated inside the single cladding tube in the corresponding bending direction. The influences of Au-coated HC-NCF structure parameters on the propagation characteristics under different bending directions were investigated using the finite element method (FEM). Moreover, the sensing performances in the RI range of 1.30–1.35 were evaluated through analyzing the position of the confinement loss peak. The simulation results showed that the HC-NCF RI sensor in the y -axis bending direction showed higher sensitivity, and the maximum sensitivity was 6.974 µm/RIU. The sensor shows high sensitivity and provides an effective method for measuring the RI of liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]