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The high integration density of microelectronic devices leads to local heat accumulation, and effective heat dissipation and signal transmission of packaging materials have become the primary issues to be solved. However, existing polymer materials have difficulty meeting the requirements due to their unsatisfactory thermal conductivity and thermal expansion properties. In this work, we proposed the use of digital light processing (DLP) printing technology to construct a triply periodic minimum surface (TPMS) skeleton, and a continuous and efficient heat conduction path was successfully constructed in epoxy resin by impregnating h-BN on the skeleton surface. When the loading of h-BN was 20 vol%, the thermal conductivity of the TPMS(SiO 2)@BN/EP(BN) composites was 1.86 W/(m·K), which was 786 % higher than that of pure epoxy resin. In addition, the thermal expansion coefficient of the composites decreased by more than 70 %. At the test frequencies of 3∼10 MHz, the composites showed stable dielectric properties, and the dielectric constant was always maintained in a low range, between 3.85 and 4.15. This work has realized the transformation of the method for constructing a heat conduction path from disordered to ordered and from random to repeatable. This provides a new strategy for the selection of microelectronic packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multicolour LED is a miniaturized, long-lasting, and easy-to-achieve colour adjustable emission light source. It is widely used in outdoor displays and room lighting fields. However, the increase in the cost and the decrease in luminous efficiency when adjusting lighting colours have constrained the development of multicolour LEDs. In this study, we initially designed a phosphor conversion pixel array through optical simulation and then prepared the phosphor conversion pixel arrays with different layouts using a semi-cured template method. Finally, we packaged the phosphor conversion pixel array with the blue LED array as a remote phosphor LED. The measurement of the luminous performance indicated that the colour gamut of multicolour LEDs was included in the simulated colour gamut, and the colour of the light was consistent with the design guidelines. Notably, the multicolour LED emission efficiency packaged with a phosphor conversion pixel array could reach 125 lm/W, and the hexagonal phosphor conversion pixel array had better emission performance than the square phosphor conversion pixel array. • Based on the Monte Carlo principle, multicolour LEDs composed of array phosphor-converted film and blue-LED chip are designed. • Phosphor-converted pixel arrays are prepared by semi-cured template method with high moulding quality. • By comparing the experimental and simulation results, colour-tuneable characteristics of the multicolour LEDs is verified. • The luminous efficiency of multicolour LEDs reach up to 125.0 lm/W and changing pixel can reduce the secondary reabsorption of fluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and preparation of hierarchical porous transition metal oxide-carbon matrix anodes with unique structure play the significant role in highly reversible lithium ion batteries. Herein, hierarchical porous wheat-like Co 3 O 4 on carbon derived from natural silk (named as SK@Co 3 O 4) nanobelts are fabricated successfully by one-step hydrothermal technique and ensuing high-temperature calcination. The wheat-like SK@Co 3 O 4 nanobelts consist of a number of nanobeams. The length of nanobelts is around 1 µm whereas the diameter is 200 nm. Moreover, the SK@Co 3 O 4 anode for lithium ion batteries retains 1108 mA h g−1 following 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1, 707 mA h g−1 and 709 mA h g−1 after 150 cycles at 2 A g−1, 625 mA h g−1 and 617 mA h g−1 after 150 cycles at 5 A g−1,which show extraordinary cycle stability of the composite. The remarkable lithium storage property results from the hierarchical porous structure and this structure can not only provide a short ion transport path but also raise the area of contact between the electrolyte and electrode. [Display omitted] • Wheat-like Co 3 O 4 on carbon derived from silk was synthesized. • Silk was used as carbon source. • SK@Co 3 O 4 nanobelts showed high lithium storage performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fatty acid- and terpene-derived biofuels are ideal advanced transportation fuels. • Y. lipolytica is a valuable chassis for the overproduction of advanced biofuels. • Engineering Y. lipolytica to overproduce advanced biofuels is urgently needed. • Engineering strategies in Y. lipolytica for advanced biofuel overproduction are summarized. • Future perspectives in Y. lipolytica advanced biofuel production are prospected. Energy security and global climate change have necessitated the development of renewable energy with net-zero emissions. As alternatives to traditional fuels used in heavy-duty vehicles, advanced biofuels derived from fatty acids and terpenes have similar properties to current petroleum-based fuels, which makes them compatible with existing storage and transportation infrastructures. The fast development of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology has shown that microorganisms can be engineered to convert renewable feedstocks into these advanced biofuels. The oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is rapidly emerging as a valuable chassis for the sustainable production of advanced biofuels derived from fatty acids and terpenes. Here, we provide a summary of the strategies developed in recent years for engineering Y. lipolytica to synthesize advanced biofuels. Finally, efficient biotechnological strategies for the production of these advanced biofuels and perspectives for future research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Cu-coated Al 2 O 3 substrates which can be used for power modules are prepared via sintering and reduction of CuO–SiO 2 film onto the surface of Al 2 O 3 ceramic without precious metal brazing filler or high-vacuum equipment. This method has a significant cost advantage over the existing technology. Effects of oxygen partial pressure from sintering atmosphere and SiO 2 content on microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu/Al 2 O 3 interface are systematically investigated. Phase compositions and morphologies of sintered Cu 2 O layer, reduced Cu layer and reactive layer are characterized via X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, physicochemical changes within CuO–SiO 2 during sintering are characterized by thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimeter. It is found that oxygen and SiO 2 can promote the generation of Cu 2 O–CuO–SiO 2 eutectic phase with low melting point upon sintering, which increases the thickness of reaction layer and the densification of Cu layer. The shear strength between the Cu layer and the Al 2 O 3 substrate is enhanced with the increase in Cu layer densification degree, while varying in irregular manner with the thickness of reaction layer. In particular, the highest shear strength of 62.70 MPa is obtained at oxygen partial pressure of 0.02 atm and SiO 2 content of 1.5 wt%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell fusion is a fundamental biological process that is involved in the development of most eukaryotic organisms. During the fusion process in Saccharomyces cerevisiae , cells respond to pheromones to trigger the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) cascade to initiate mating, followed by polarization, cell-wall remodeling, membrane fusion, and karyogamy. We highlight the applications of the yeast mating signal pathway in promoter engineering for tuning the expression of output genes, as well as in metabolic engineering for decoupling growth and metabolism, biosensors for sensitive detection and signal amplification, genetic circuits for programmable biological functionalities, and artificial consortia for cell–cell communication. Strategies such as exploiting rational engineering of modular circuits and optimizing the reproductive pathway to precisely maneuver physiological events have implications for scientific research and industrial development. The mating response of yeast gives deep insights that facilitate the application of cell fusion to gene transfer, antibody production, and cell reprogramming. Components of the yeast mating-specific mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, including scaffolds, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and pheromone-responsive promoters, constitute a toolbox for the rational design of artificial systems. The yeast mating signal pathway has significant synthetic biology applications, including tuning the outputs by promoter engineering, decoupling growth and metabolism through metabolic engineering, detecting and amplifying signals in biosensors, programming biological functions in circuits, and manipulating cell–cell communication in artificial consortia. Advances in synthetic biology tools such as omics, microfluidics, CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9), and machine learning have significantly boosted cell-fusion studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal of organic contaminants from water poses a significant challenge that can be tackled by integrating adsorption and photocatalytic degradation functions in a single architecture. However, traditional powdery nanomaterials face challenges in separation and lack synergistic function, hampering their practical application. This study presents a one-step hydrothermal synthesis of a convenient recyclable Bi 2 O 2.33 /Bi 2 O 3 @ECNF (electrospun carbon nanofibers), which combines both adsorption and photocatalytic performance. The Bi 2 O 2.33 /Bi 2 O 3 exhibits high adsorption removal of methyl orange (MO), reaching 94.56 % and a maximum capacity of 213.13 mg g−1. Additionally, the Bi 2 O 2.33 /Bi 2 O 3 shows a high charge transfer rate, strong redox ability, and efficient removal of Rhodamine B (RhB) at 83.01 %. Loading the Bi 2 O 2.33 /Bi 2 O 3 on lightweight carbon fibers allows for easy recycling. The Bi 2 O 2.33 /Bi 2 O 3 @ECNF demonstrates excellent stability and reusability, with a removal rate of 87.37 % for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) at high concentrations. This work presents a promising solution for the practical application of photocatalysts by overcoming the limitations of single photocatalysts and minimizing secondary pollution from single adsorbents. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regeneration serves as a self-protective mechanism that allows a tissue or organ to recover its entire form and function after suffering damage. However, the regenerative capacity varies greatly within the plant kingdom. Primitive plants frequently display an amazing regenerative ability as they have developed a complex system and strategy for long-term survival under extreme stress conditions. The regenerative ability of dicot species is highly variable, but that of monocots often exhibits extreme recalcitrance to tissue replenishment. Recent studies have revealed key factors and signals that affect cell fate during plant regeneration, some of which are conserved among the plant lineage. Among these, several members of the ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (ERF) transcription factors have been implicated in wound signaling, playing crucial roles in the regenerative mechanisms after different types of wounding. An understanding of plant regeneration may ultimately lead to an increased regenerative potential of recalcitrant species, producing more high-yielding, multi-resistant and environmentally friendly crops and ensuring the long-term development of global agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the economy and society makes heavy metals (HMs) pollution more and more serious. And, pollution source identification is the primary work of environmental pollution control and land planning. Notably, stable isotope technology has a high ability to distinguish pollution sources, and can better reflect the migration behavior and contribution of HMs from diverse sources, which has become a hot research tool for pollution source identification of HMs. Currently, the rapid development of isotope analysis technology provides a relatively reliable reference for pollution tracking. Based on this background, the fractionation mechanism of stable isotopes and the influence of environmental processes on isotope fractionation are reviewed. Furthermore, the processes and requirements for the measurement of metal stable isotope ratios are summarized, and the calibration methods and detection accuracy of sample measurement are evaluated. Besides, the current commonly used binary model and multi-mixed models in the identification of contaminant sources are also concluded. Moreover, the isotopic changes of different metallic elements under natural and anthropogenic conditions are discussed in detail, and the application prospects of multi-isotope coupling in the traceability of environmental geochemistry are evaluated. This work has some guidance for the application of stable isotopes in the source identification of environmental pollution. [Display omitted] • The mechanism of isotopic fractionation needs to be further investigated. • Isotopic techniques have limitations in terms of source contribution calculation. • The overlap of isotopic compositions reduces the accuracy of identification results. • Isotopic techniques are able to identify the sources of HMs in different media. • Combining multiple isotopes could improve the accuracy of traceability results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removing noxious dyes and detecting excessive metal ions in water are both effective means to prevent damage from contaminants and ensure water safety. The emphasis problems were addressed by preparation a polyacrylamide chitosan (PAAM/CS) hydrogel. Polyacrylamide (PAAM) provides overall mechanical strength to carry loads and facilitate circulation, chitosan (CS) provides adsorption positions with high adsorption capacity. Which made that PAMM/CS hydrogel efficiently performed sorption of xylenol orange (XO). As the functional dye, XO binds to PAAM/CS and confers colorimetric properties on PAAM/CS hydrogels. XO sorbed hydrogel realized fluorescence dual-signal detection of Fe3+ and Al3+ in water. The significant swelling and adsorption potency of the hydrogel, combined with the dual-signal detection capability of XO sorbed hydrogel, make this hydrogel a versatile material for environmental applications. • Polyacrylamide chitosan hydrogel was prepared as adsorbent. • Adsorption mechanism is mainly based on electrostatic attraction. • After five adsorption cycles, the composite hydrogel still achieved 83.29 % removal of xylenol orange. • XO sorbed hydrogel realized fluorescence dual-signal detection of Fe3+ and Al3+ in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food safety is one of the greatest public health challenges. Developing ultrasensitive detection methods for analytes at ultra-trace levels is, therefore, essential. In recent years, the bio-barcode assay (BCA) has emerged as an effective ultrasensitive detection strategy that is based on the indirect amplification of various DNA probes. This review systematically summarizes the progress of fluorescence, PCR, and colorimetry-based BCA methods for the detection of various contaminants, including pathogenic bacteria, toxins, pesticides, antibiotics, and other chemical substances in food in over 120 research papers. Current challenges, including long experimental times and strict storage conditions, and the prospects for the application of BCA in biomedicine and environmental analyses, have also been discussed herein. [Display omitted] • Bio-barcode assay (BCA) is a novel rapid detection technology. • BCA has several advantages over conventional methods. • We summarize the concept and detection principles of BCA. • BCA has extensive applications in food testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, three new fluorostyrylindazoles bearing one, three and five fluorine atoms (FPIZ , TFPIZ and PFPIZ) have been synthesized. Interestingly, the crystal of PFPIZ bent back away from the lighht source at the initial stage of 365 nm light irradiation, and then it showed phototropic bending when prolong the irradiation time without changing the irradiation direction. It was found that the photo-induced [2 + 2] cycloaddition could lead to the expansion and contraction of the unit cell in different directions, and in turn trigger the crystal to exhibit macroscopic mechanical moving. Meanwhile, the photochemical reaction was reasonable for the photochromism of the PFPIZ , which is helpful for the visual observation of the photomechanical effects. For instance, the fluorescence of the crystals of PFPIZ was changed from blue-purple to white under 365 nm irradiation. Besides, TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) could quench the emission of the synthesized fluorostyrylindazoles to different degree in solutions as well as in the films. The acidochromism of the styrylindazole derivatives was originated from the protonation of indazole by acid. The design of multi-stimuli response crystalline materials would be helpful for the fabrication of intelligent photoactuators and fluorescence sensors. [Display omitted] • The molecular crystals based on (E)-1-methyl-3-(2-(perfluorophenyl)vinyl)-1 H -indazole exhibited photomechanical effects. • Stereospecific photo-induced [2 + 2] cycloaddition underwent in the crystal of PFPIZ. • The fluorescence of the crystals of PFPIZ was changed from blue-purple to white on account of the photodimerization. • The films of fluorostyrylindazoles could probe gaseous trifluoroacetic acid rapidly and sensitively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Five strains of LAB were associated with improved flavor. • LAB fermentation was associated with increased organic acid and decreased sugars. • Important metabolic compounds of different LAB fermentation were identified. • Specific strains can improve enzyme inhibition and antioxidant activities. • Isoquercitrin and m -coumaric acid content reflected the strain/species specificity. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have exhibited strain/species specificity for different food matrices. We investigated the impact of LAB fermentation on the flavor, chemical profile, and bioactivity of goji juice. The colony counts of five selected strains reached above 8.5 log CFU/mL. The fermentation increased the organic acids, decreased the sugars, and improved the sensory quality of goji juice. The majority of the strains had increased acetic acid, heptanoic acid, ethyl phenylacetate, and linalool levels. Specific strains suppressed α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase activities and increased the antioxidant activities of fermented goji juice. Based on non-targeted metabolomics and activities, 23 important differential metabolites were screened among 453 metabolites. The quantification results showed that isoquercitrin and m -coumaric content varied among strains, reflecting the strain specificity in flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis. These findings will provide useful information for fermented goji juice biochemistry research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four fluorescent low molecular weight gelators based on benzoxazole or benzothiazole functionalized pyrimidine were designed and synthesized. The ability of the target was tested, and all compounds could form stable supramolecular gels in an alcohol/water mixture and its fluorescence increased during gel formation. Photophysical spectra during gel formation, SEM, XRD, FT-IR study suggested that the self-assembly was driven by hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces and weak π-π interaction. Interestingly, the gel collapsed after being illuminated by 365 nm UV light and 1H NMR of the gel before and after illumination proved that the [2 + 2]-cycloaddition between the double bond of pyrimidine was responsible for the light response. Furthermore, the fluorescent of xerogel film could be quenched by volatile acids while the fluorescent of the solution was enhanced after acid was added. The different phenomena were discussed. The nano-fiber assembled via gel formation could be used as fluorescent imaging material of latent fingerprints. [Display omitted] • Design and synthesis of novel uracil derivatives containing benzoxazole and benzothiazole. • Benzoxazole-modified uracil derivatives exhibit good gelation abilities and driving force of gel formation was investigated. • The gel could respond to light and acid. The response mechanism was studied. • The nano-materials assembled via gel formation could be used as fluorescent imaging material of latent fingerprints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• RAN promoted the polarization of macrophages towards M1 by activating the PI3K/Akt2/NF-κB signaling pathway. • p-Akt2 can enhance the endocytosis of macrophages by regulating GSK3β/Dynamin1 pathway. • RAN as adjuvant could effectively increase the differentiation of Th1 cells after M1 polarization. • RAN could enhance the killing function of CTL to inhibit tumor growth and improve survival rate as adjuvant tumor vaccine. Adjuvants are an indispensable component of vaccines, but there are few adjuvants for human vaccines. H2 receptor blockers, inhibiting gastric acid secretion, have immune enhancement effects. Ranitidine (RAN) is a water-soluble H2 receptor blocker, and whether it has an immune-enhancing effect is still unknown. In this study, flow cytometry, western blotting, and immunofluorescence methods were used to analyze whether RAN could activate macrophage polarization to the M1 phenotype in vivo and in vitro. Here, we found that the M1 inflammatory cytokine levels and surface markers in RAW264.7 cells were upregulated by NF-κB activation, possibly through the PI3K-Akt2 signaling pathway, after RAN treatment. Endocytic function was also enhanced by feedback regulation of Akt2/GSK3β/Dynmin1 signaling. Furthermore, to evaluate the adjuvant function of RAN, we used OVA plus RAN as a vaccine to inhibit the growth of B16-OVA tumors in mice. We also found that in the RAN adjuvant group, macrophage polarization to M1, Th1 cell differentiation, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activation were significantly upregulated. The tumor growth of mice was inhibited, and the survival rate of mice was significantly improved. This study provides new evidence for the mechanism by which RAN activates the immune response and is expected to provide a new strategy for the research and development of tumor vaccine adjuvants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An all-in-one MoS 2 -based electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution is constructed by inkjet printing. • Inkjet-printed 3D architecture contributes to the exposure of active catalytic sites. • 1T-MoS 2 surrounded by graphene reduces the charge-transfer impendence. • Cu contact supports the efficient electron injection from the electrode to catalytic materials. • The facile and scalable avenue allows the fabrication of electrocatalysts with high throughput. 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are emerging as promising alternative electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, key challenges are the limited density of available activity sites and poor electron accessibility. Herein, Cu film supported MoS 2 -based electrocatalyst with partial 1T phase and 3D architecture is constructed by inkjet printing. We aim to investigate if this configuration could provide largely exposed edge sites and enhance electron transfer for ultra-efficient hydrogen production. Towards this end, an ink containing few-layer MoS 2 nanosheets and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is firstly prepared by liquid-phase exfoliation, in which semiconducting 2H-MoS 2 is partially transformed to metallic 1 T-MoS 2. We demonstrate that 1) nanosized few-layer MoS 2 spatially patterned by inkjet-printing provides sufficient active site exposure, 2) the 1T-MoS 2 and RGO conductive network reduce the charge-transfer impedance, and 3) the Cu support enhances the catalyst-electrode charge injection. Our all-in-one structure exhibits outstanding HER activities with low overpotential (51 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and 126 mV at 100 mA cm−2) and very low Tafel slope (32 mV dec-1). Also, the as-engineered electrode demonstrates ultrahigh cathodic current density. This work provides a facile, inexpensive, and scalable way for designing and fabricating TMDs-based electrocatalysts with excellent HER activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• BAI treatment delayed the onset of EAE, alleviate clinical symptoms, demyelination and inflammatory cell infiltration. • BAI inhibited the overactivation of M1 microglia/macrophages in vivo and in vitro, significantly decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in M1 microglia/macrophages. • BAI has the binding ability to the SH2 domain of STAT1, and leaved P-STAT1 in the cytoplasm rather than transferred to the nucleus during inflammatory stimulation. Microglia/macrophage polarization modulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS)/experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). M1 microglia/macrophages secrete a variety of cytokines that cause inflammation and facilitate demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS). Baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone, C 15 H 10 O 5 , BAI), a natural flavonoid isolated from the roots of the traditional Chinese medicine Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has been suggested to have a wide range of biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. In this study, flow cytometry, Western blotting, immunofluorescence and other methods were used to investigate whether BAI could reduce the demyelination and inflammatory response of the spinal cord in EAE mice induced by MOG 35-55 and affect the polarization of spinal microglia/macrophages. Our results showed that BAI treatment delayed the onset of EAE and alleviated clinical symptoms, demyelination and inflammatory cell infiltration. Meanwhile, BAI inhibited the overactivation of M1 microglia/macrophages in vivo and in vitro, significantly decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in M1 microglia/macrophages, and inhibited the activation of STAT1. Subsequently, molecular docking, pull-down and immunofluorescence experiments confirmed that BAI has the ability to bind to the SH2 domain of STAT1 and that BAI colocalizes with p-STAT1 in the cytoplasm rather than being transferred to the nucleus during inflammatory stimulation. This study showed that BAI might inhibit the polarization of microglia/macrophages to the M1 phenotype in EAE mice by targeting STAT1. This new discovery lays a theoretical and experimental foundation for the clinical application of BAI in the treatment of MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Axially wrinkled SnO 2 /TiO 2 heteronanotubes have been successfully prepared by sacrificial template method combined with hydrothermal synthesis. The special folded morphology of SnO 2 /TiO 2 nanostructures may provide more active sites, and the S-scheme heterojunction between SnO 2 and TiO 2 enhances the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, which are conducive to the improvement of photocatalytic degradation for organic pollutants. Using SnO 2 /TiO 2 nanotubes as catalyst, the removal rate of Rhodamine B (RhB), methyl orange (MO) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) under the irradiation of a xenon lamp is 93%, 91% and 85%, respectively. After five cycles, the removal efficiency of organic pollutants maintains almost unchanged, indicating that the synthesized SnO 2 /TiO 2 nanotubes has good stability and reusability. In addition, trapping experiments have been carried out to investigate the major reactive oxidative species for organic pollutants photodegradation. This study provides a facile avenue to design nanotublar photocatalysts with enhanced degradation performance for organic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prepare colorless polyimides (CPIs), two novel diamines, namely 6-amino-2-(2′-methyl-4′-aminobenzene)-N-phenylbenzimidazol (5a) and 6-amino-2-(2′-trifluoromethyl-4′-aminobenzene)-N-phenylbenzimidazol (5b) were synthesized, and two series of polyimides derived from them were developed. Except for the inherent asymmetric structures, the twisted moieties had been successfully incorporated in the benzimidazole dianmines through 2′- and N-substituents. The loose chain packing and hindered charge transfer (CT) interaction caused by the askew and distorted segments provided the polyimides with excellent optical transparency (80% transmittance at 400 nm, semi-alicyclic series), while the resulting films inherited the unique superheat-resistance of poly(benzimidazole imide)s (PBIIs), e.g., high glass-transition temperatures (up to 402 °C). Such outstanding optical and thermal properties expanded their application as heat-resistant colorless materials. Furthermore, the correlation between various 2′-substituents and characters of these PBII films was systematically analyzed. These data indicated that these colorless polyimides had potential application as optical and optoelectronic materials. [Display omitted] • Two novel benzimidazole dianmines containing 2′- and N-substituents (5a and 5b) were successfully synthesized. • Polyimide films with asymmetric and twisted structures were successfully synthesized. • The semi-aromatic poly(benzimidazole imide) films achieved colorlessness (T 400 = 80–81% and T g = 394–402 °C). • The effect of various 2′-substitutions on the properties of these N-phenyl-poly(benzimidazole imide)s was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zebrafish Fish-egg lectin (zFEL) has been identified and proved to be a maternal factor with antibacterial and opsonic ability in fishes. In this study, we found that zFEL was capable of enhancing the phagocytosis of the bacteria by macrophages of mouse (RAW264.7 and mouse peritoneal macrophages), suggesting a cross-species function of zFEL in higher animals. Further studies showed that zFEL can active the antigen presentation ability by up-regulating the expression of CD80, CD86 and MHC II. Meanwhile, zFEL also promoted the polarization of macrophages to M1-type, which was confirmed by the increase of cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. The expression of p38 gene was up-regulated in macrophages preincubated with zFEL. Taken together, zFEL appears opsonic function in mammal macrophages and has potential application in immunomodulation. • Cross-species opsonic activity is found by zebrafish fish-egg lectin (zFEL) on mouse macrophages. • zFEL can up-regulate the expression of CD80, CD86 and MHC II on macrophages. • zFEL promotes the polarization of macrophages to M1-type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, there are few studies in vivo to explore the effects of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) single gene such as immediate early protein 2 (IE2) on the nervous system, let alone the mechanism that IE2 causes cognitive impairment. In this study, the Rosa26-LSL-IE2/Cre mouse was used to show the effects of IE2 on the cognitive ability and the GluNRs/CaMKIIα/CREB signaling pathway in the hippocampus. We divided the mice into experimental and control groups based on the results of PCR firstly. After that, the cognitive abilities of the two groups were compared through new object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. The results of the behavioral tests showed that the cognitive ability of the experimental mice was lower than that of the control group. It is known that changes in the expression levels of N-methyl D -aspartate receptor 1, 2A, and 2B (GluN1, GluN2A, GluN2B) affect synaptic plasticity and cause cognitive changes. Finally, we analyzed the expression levels of GluN1, GluN2A, GluN2B, and related signaling pathway molecules by qPCR and western blot. We found that the expression levels of the GluNRs/CaMKIIα/CREB signaling pathway were decreased in the experimental group. These results indicated that IE2 could affect the expression levels of GluNRs/CaMKIIα/CREB signaling pathway, which was closely related to the cognitive impairment of the experimental group. In summary, we used this novel mouse model to show that IE2 could cause cognitive impairment in the hippocampus, which might be related to the GluNRs/CaMKIIα/CREB signaling pathway. It is helpful to further understand the mechanism of the cognitive impairment induced by HCMV IE2. • Human cytomegalovirus IE2 could be stably expressed and inherited in the hippocampus of the Rosa26-LSL-IE2/Cre mice. • HCMV IE2 destroyed the structure of hippocampus in the Rosa26-LSL-IE2/Cre mouse. • HCMV IE2 caused cognitive impairment in the hippocampus. • The cognitive impairment caused by IE2 might through the GluNRs/CaMKIIα/CREB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural products are frequently contaminated by mycotoxins; thus, the accurate detection of mycotoxins is important to food safety. Zearalenone (ZEN), a mycotoxin produced by certain Fusarium and Gibberella species, is a group III carcinogen. We developed a universal surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) aptasensor for the detection of ZEN. The SERS biosensor consists of two functional nanomaterials: sulfhydryl (SH)-ZEN aptamer complementary DNA-modified Fe 3 O 4 @Au was used as a capture probe and SH-ZEN aptamer-modified Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles served as reporter probes. In the absence of ZEN, the highest Raman signal was obtained owing to the SERS effects of Fe 3 O 4 @Au and Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles. Conversely, the addition of ZEN triggered the release of Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles from Fe 3 O 4 @Au, leading to a decrease in SERS intensity after magnetic separation. Hybridization of the ZEN aptamer and its complementary strand generated a strong SERS signal from the reporter probe. Moreover, preferential binding of the ZEN aptamer to ZEN was observed. The signal intensity in SERS decreased linearly when the capture probes released the reporter. For ZEN detection, a linear range from 0.005 to 500 ng mL−1, with an R2 of 0.9981, was obtained. The detection limit was 0.001 ng mL−1. The SERS aptasensor showed excellent performance for analytical applications with real-world samples (beer and wine). This study presents a new model for the detection of mycotoxins based on simple changes in aptamers. [Display omitted] • Detection of mycotoxins is important to overcome food contamination. • SERS aptasensor was developed to detect zearalenone, a group III carcinogen. • SH-cDNA-modified Fe 3 O 4 @Au as capture probe; SH-Apt-modified Au@Ag as reporter probe. • Wide linear range of 0.005–500 ng mL−1 for detecting zearalenone. • Novel model for the detection of mycotoxins to guarantee food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]