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• The viscosities of POE32 and PVE32 oils saturated with R13I1 were measured. • The experimental viscosity data were correlated using three viscosity models. • The viscosities of R13I1/oil mixture decreased sharply with increasing solubility. Trifluoroiodomethane (R13I1) has attracted extensive attention because of its excellent environmental protection performance, and can be used as a component of environmentally friendly refrigerant blends. To better understand the cycle performance of R13I1 as a refrigerant, it is necessary to study the thermodynamic properties of the R13I1/lubricating oil mixture. In this work, the viscosities of polyol ester (POE) oil (RL 32H) and polyvinylether (PVE) oil (FVC 32D) saturated with R13I1 were measured at temperatures ranging from 293.15 to 353.15 K and pressures up to 0.6 MPa using a custom equilibrium viscosity system. The viscosities of R13I1/RL 32H and R13I1/FVC 32D showed similar trends with temperature, pressure, and solubility. With the increase of the solubility of R13I1 in the oil, the viscosity of the mixture decreased sharply at first and then tended to be flat. The dissolved R13I1 in oil greatly reduced the viscosity of lubricating oil, and the effect of R13I1 on the viscosity of RL 32H was greater than that of FVC 32D. The experimental viscosity data were correlated using the modified Setchenow-type equation, the Eyring-NRTL model, and the Eyring-MTSM model, and the calculated results of the models were in good agreement with the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

>E3 ligase Nedd4L levels of macrophage increased following ICH, promoted M1 polarization inflammation by TRAF3. > Nedd4L promoted BBB disruption, as well as neurological deficits. >Nedd4L was involved in the pathogenesis of ICH. >Nedd4L promoted inflammatory responses and exacerbated brain damage by TRAF3 following ICH. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a serious medical problem, and promising strategy is limited. Macrophage initiated brain inflammatory injury following ICH, but the molecular mechanism had not been well identified. E3 ligase Nedd4L is implicated in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory immune response. In the present study, we detected the levels of Nedd4L in macrophages following ICH. Furthermore, Macrophage M1 polarization, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, BBB disruption, brain water content and neurological function were examined in ICH mice. Here, we demonstrated that E3 ligase Nedd4L levels of macrophage increased following ICH, promoted M1 polarization inflammation by TRAF3. Nedd4L promoted BBB disruption, as well as neurological deficits. Inhibition of Nedd4L significantly attenuated M1 polarization in vivo. Inhibition of Nedd4L decreased TRAF3 and TBK1 levels, and subsequent phosphorylation of p38 and NF-κB p65 subunit following ICH. Our data demonstrated that Nedd4L was involved in the pathogenesis of ICH, which promoted inflammatory responses and exacerbated brain damage by TRAF3 following ICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The scientific law of burning velocities of working fluids was found. • The effect of flame retardants on combustion characteristics was acquired. • The relationship between LFL/UFL and burning velocities was researched. • The inhibition mechanism of retardants on combustion characteristics was obtained. Despite its good environmental properties, the application of 1,1-Difluoroethane (R152a) is hindered by its flammability. So, an accurate instrument is required to solve the safety issues of R152a. In this study, the combustion characteristics of R152a mixtures with non-flammable CF 3 I/C 3 F 6 were measured using the vertical tube method by ISO-817. It could be found that the maximum burning velocity (S u, max) of R152a decreased from 21.163 cm/s to 7.805 cm/s (with R13I1) or 7.675 cm/s (with R1216) at concentration of 15.403%(with R13I1) and 11.508%(with R1216) at an ambient temperature. By adding non-flammable retardants to R152a from volumetric concentration of 10% – 40%, the flammability of the mixtures was lowered. And S u, max of both were reduced by more than 60%, leading the mixture to reach A2L. According to the S u, max data, the dilution effect of the three refrigerants is: R1216 > R13I1 > R227ea. Meanwhile, the density functional analysis theory was used to study the relationship between the molecular bonds of these refrigerants. The results showed that the refrigerants containing higher F/H ratio and the molecules with -CF 3 and -I groups were more prone to inhibit combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olfactory receptors (ORs) are widely expressed in extra-nasal tissues, where they participate in the regulation of divergent physiological processes. An increasing body of evidence over the past decade has revealed important regulatory roles for extra-nasal ORs in glucose metabolism. Recently, nonodorant endogenous ligands of ORs with metabolic significance have been identified, implying the therapeutic potential of ORs in the treatment of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. In this review, we summarize current understanding of the expression patterns and functions of ORs in key tissues involved in glucose metabolism modulation, describe odorant and endogenous OR ligands, explain the biased signaling downstream of ORs, and outline OR therapeutic potential. Olfactory receptors (ORs) are distributed in glucose metabolism-regulating tissues with unique patterns, which might be correlated with their regulatory roles in glucose metabolism. Different ORs in metabolically relevant tissues modulate insulin secretion, gluconeogenesis, glucose reabsorption, lipid metabolism, and appetitive behaviors. ORs not only detect odorants and metabolites, but also sense endogenous polypeptides and proteins with high affinity and regulate important metabolic effects. ORs activate multiple G protein or arrestin pathways in response to ligand stimulation, and 'biased' ligands might be able to preferentially stimulate selective pathways. Emerging methodologies for ligand development might provide new paths to target metabolically relevant ORs and, thus, have therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TIPE-2 reduced the colitis activity index score and the histological score of the intestine. • TIPE-2 also decreased inflammatory cytokine levels in the intestine. • TIPE-2 inhibited STAT3 and NF-kB activation. • TIPE-2 might inhibit the progression of colitis by decreasing inflammation via inhibiting of STAT3 and NF-kB activation. TIPE-2 has been identified as a negative regulator of both innate and adaptive immunity and is involved in several inflammatory diseases. However, the immune inhibition mechanism of TIPE-2 involved in inflammatory bowel disease has not been well studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether TIPE-2 improved experimental colitis by reducing high levels of inflammation in the intestine. Lentivirus encoding TIPE-2 was administered to mice by intrarectal injection after colitis induction. Histological analysis was used to analyze sections of the intestine. Protein expression induced by STAT3 and NF-κB signaling was analyzed by western blot. We found that TIPE-2 reduced the colitis activity index score and the histological score of the intestine. TIPE-2 also decreased inflammatory cytokine levels in the intestine. Additionally, TIPE-2 inhibited STAT3 and NF-kB activation. These results suggested that TIPE-2 might attenuate inflammation of colitis via inhibiting of STAT3 and NF-kB activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotite plays an important role in controlling Nb/Ta fractionation during subduction-related, dehydration reactions. It is probable that Nb–Ta-bearing minerals and Nb–Ta oxides could form from Nb–Ta-rich biotite as a result of fluid-aided alteration. However, the mechanism by how this alteration occurs is not well understood. In this study, a Nb-rich, Li-bearing biotite (up to 1232 ppm Nb) with REE-bearing inclusions (e.g., bastnäsite) is altered using pure H 2 O, as well as HCl-, NaOH-, NaF-, KF-, and MnF 2 -bearing solutions in a rapid-quench, cold-seal pressure vessel at 200 MPa, and 300 to 600 °C. A set of Nb-Ta-Ti alteration products (titanomagnetite, ilmenite, Nb-rutile, fergusonite, and aeschynite) formed successively over a series of temperatures, i.e., Nb-rutile + aeschynite formed first at 600 °C, followed by fergusonite + titanomagnetite ± ilmenite at 400 to 500 °C, and lastly titanomagnetite at 300 °C. The results from this study indicate that Nb–Ta-bearing oxides (titanomagnetite and ilmenite) and Nb–Ta oxides (Nb-rutile, fergusonite and aeschynite) can form via metasomatic reactions between Nb-rich, Li-bearing biotite and a variety of low pH, high pH, and F-bearing fluids. The formation of Nb-rutile with much higher Nb/Ta ratios (76.60) compared with Nb-rich, Li-bearing biotite (Nb/Ta: 24.79 in average), provides new insight into explaining the "missing high Nb/Ta reservoir". Formation of Nb-rutile (Nb 2 O 5 : up to 31.71 wt%), fergusonite (Nb 2 O 5 : up to 42.62 wt%), and aeschynite (Nb 2 O 5 : up to 36.48 wt%) from Nb-bearing biotite indicates that metasomatic processes can lead to Nb mineralization in the form of oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flammability of refrigerants seriously affects the safe use of new generation environment-friendly refrigerants. Mixing inert gas or mildly flammable refrigerants with other flammable refrigerants has a specific inhibition effect, but the mechanism is still unclear. The burning velocity inhibition effect was theoretically studied by analyzing the influence of working fluids such as R1234yf and CO 2 on the burning velocity of R32 with and without water and analyzing the reaction pathways. Results have shown that a small amount (5% molar concentration) of weakly flammable R1234yf has a more obvious inhibition effect on the burning velocity of R32 than the same amount (5% molar concentration) of inert gas CO 2 ; when the mole fraction of the additives is large (50% mole concentration), the result is the opposite. The presence of water slightly increases the burning velocity, and the increase of the burning velocity is affected by the ratio of fluorine. Through the reaction path analysis, the reactive group CHF3 after thermal decomposition of R1234yf reacts with R32, which changes the reaction path of R32 directly, reduces the rapid reaction of R32, and reduces the initial burning velocity of combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The schematic mechanism for R1234yf combustion were revealed in unimolecular lysis reactions, colliding reactions with oxygen molecules, collision reaction with active radicals (H and OH radicals). • The new chemical reaction equations for the combustion of R1234yf were proposed. • This paper provided an effective method to establish the combustion mechanism of flammable hydrofluoroolefins. To describe the combustion process of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) 2,3,3,3-tetrafluroropropene (R1234yf), a kinetics mechanism was developed. On the M06–2X/6–311++ G (d,p) level, dynamic calculations have been performed using the density function theory (DFT) method. Proposed R1234yf kinetic reactions included unimolecular decomposition and intermolecular reactions, such as collisions with O 2 , OH, and H radicals. The results indicated that R1234yf combustion is a step-by-step chain reaction involving chain initiation (unimolecular lysis and collision reaction with oxygen), chain transmission (collision reactions with free radicals), and chain termination. In conjunction with the priority rule of kinetics reactions, a schematic diagram of the primary microscopic combustion pathways for R1234yf was created at 298.15 K and 1 atm. All the simulation results could provide a data basis to establish the kinetic model of hydrofluoroolefin pyrolysis and combustion. In addition, to verify the product direction of the reaction path, experiments were conducted to determine the properties of the R1234yf combustion products. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new refrigerant blend with low GWP was proposed to replace R134a. • The thermophysical properties of the new blend were comprehensively analyzed. • The cycle performance of the new blend was tested and theoretically analyzed. • The new blend shows proper adaptation to R134a system. R134a is a refrigerant widely used in heat pump systems, which has a high global warming potential (GWP) and cannot be used for a long time. In this study, a new mixed refrigerant, named RGT2 (GWP = 560), has been proposed as an alternative refrigerant to R134a in heat pump systems. RGT2 is a mixture composed of R134a/R1234yf/R161 (54%/43%/3% wt%) without toxicity. Firstly, the basic properties of RGT2 were tested, including flammability, miscibility, and saturated vapor pressure. The results showed that RGT2 is non-flammable and is well miscible with polyol ester (POE) oil and polyvinyl ether (PVE) oil. Moreover, the saturated vapor pressure curve of RGT2 is close to that of R134a in the range of -20∼80 °C. Secondly, the cycle performance of RGT2 and R134a were compared and analyzed by theoretical calculations and experiments. The cooling capacity of the heat pump system filled with RGT2 is close to R134a, and the coefficient of performance (COP) is 3.8% lower than that of R134a. Considering that RGT2 is more environmentally friendly and safer, and its thermophysical properties and cycle performance are close to R134a, it can be used as a substitute refrigerant for R134a in heat pump systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron accumulates with age in mammals, and its possible implications in altering metabolic responses are not fully understood. Here, we report that both high-iron diet and advanced age in mice consistently altered gene expression of many pathways, including those governing the oxidative stress response and the circadian clock. We used a metabolomic approach to reveal similarities between metabolic profiles and the daily oscillation of clock genes in old and iron-overloaded mouse livers. In addition, we show that phlebotomy decreased iron accumulation in old mice, partially restoring the metabolic patterns and amplitudes of the oscillatory expression of clock genes Per1 and Per2. We further identified that the transcriptional regulation of iron occurred through a reduction in AMPmodulated methylation of histone H3K9 in the Per1 and H3K4 in the Per2 promoters, respectively. Taken together, our results indicate that iron accumulation with age can affect metabolic patterns and the circadian clock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solute carrier family 25 member 20 (SLC25A51) is a newly identified mammalian mitochondrial NAD+ transporter. However, the clinicopathological and biological significance of SLC25A51 in human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains unclear. The aim of this study was to define the role of SLC25A51 in HCC progression. Here we demonstrate that SLC25A51 is significantly overexpressed in human HCC specimens and cell lines, caused by, at least in partial, the decrease of miR-212–3p. SLC25A51 overexpression is positively correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics of vascular invasion and tumor diameter, as well as poor survival in patients with HCC. Knockdown of SLC25A51 attenuated, while overexpression of SLC25A51 enhanced the growth and metastasis of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, glucose metabolism reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis by activation of mitochondrial sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) was found to contribute to the promotion of growth and metastasis by SLC25A51 in HCC cells. Together, these findings reveal important roles of SLC25A51 in HCC tumorigenesis and suggest SLC25A51 as a promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target for treating HCC. [Display omitted] • SLC25A51 is up-regulated in HCC and negatively associated with clinical outcomes. • SLC25A51 enhances HCC growth and metastasis. • SLC25A51 promotes aerobic glycolysis in HCC cells mainly by activating SIRT5. • Enhanced aerobic glycolysis is essential for SLC25A51-promoted HCC progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current alternatives to R404A are either refrigerants with higher global warming potentials (GWP) from 1200 to 2000 or mildly flammable refrigerants with a charge limit of 1.2 kg. Therefore, nonflammable alternatives to R404A with lower GWP values need to be developed. In this study, a new non-flammable refrigerant blend, named RTJU-Z (GWP of 794), has been proposed to directly replace R404A in a cold storage system with no modification. The flammability and thermodynamic performance of RTJU-Z were studied experimentally. The results show that RTJU-Z couldn't be ignited successfully and had a higher coefficient of performance (COP) value than that of R404A by 2.15%-5.71% at different cold storage temperatures. The optimal charge of RTJU-Z for the experimental system was 11.76% lower than that of R404A. The refrigeration capacity of RTJU-Z was about the same as that of R404A at the cold storage temperature from -20 °C to 10 °C. It is concluded that RTJU-Z can be directly used as a non-flammable alternative to R404A in a cold storage system with no modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microleakage, frequently arising from aging or inadequate installation, significantly affects the performance and longevity of refrigeration systems. The presence of microleakages, while not precipitating an immediate system failure, results in the gradual deterioration of components and escalates the energy consumption within buildings. Nonetheless, identifying these microleakages through conventional methodologies poses significant challenges. This study introduced a dynamic model specifically designed for detecting microleakages in multi-connected air conditioning systems, particularly in variable refrigerant volume (VRV) systems. Experiments performed under standard operating conditions were integral to enhancing the model's accuracy and furthering its validation. The model integrates the structural and thermophysical attributes of various components, thereby addressing the issues related to data acquisition in standard VRV during instances of microleakage. The analysis of dynamic parameter shifts during system microleakage led to the generation of a comprehensive dataset, which proves invaluable for machine learning and fault detection tasks. A detection and alerting protocol is written in Python presented, chiefly anchored on pressure deviations, augmented by temperature shifts and refrigeration and heating capacities, all represented as virtual volumetric alterations. The findings indicate a delayed transmission of the leakage signal from the leakage point to the system's detection points, with the maximal delay occurring at the compressor inlet under refrigeration conditions, amounting to 239 s. Evaluation under prescribed conditions indicated variances in pressure, temperature, and refrigeration and heating capacities by up to 13.2 %, thereby validating the model's precision and reliability. The program, tested with the generated dataset, accurately identifies leakage states within an average time of 20 min. This model and detection strategy provide a new perspective on microleakage in refrigeration systems, suggesting a robust strategy for their sustained and secure operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of global warming prompts us to consider some questions related to energy supply and use. Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC) is a suitable technology for converting low-grade thermal energy into electrical energy, vital for conserving energy and mitigating emissions. Currently, most environmentally friendly working fluids are characterized by their flammability. Analyzing the minimum ignition energy (MIE) of these working fluids is crucial in guaranteeing secure utilization. This paper introduced a novel approach to predicting the MIE of flammable working fluids using microscopic molecular structure analysis. Firstly, the bond energy of molecules was derived by optimizing the microscopic molecular structure of prevalent combustible agents based on the density functional theory (DFT), which was employed to calculate the heat of combustion. Secondly, a mathematical model for predicting the MIE of combustible working fluids was constructed, drawing inspiration from the energy relationship during combustion. Then, the newly formulated model was used to predict the MIE of propane and nine other combustible working fluids, and the results were compared with the existing data. The results show that the predicted values of the MIE exhibit an impressive accuracy rate exceeding 95%. Finally, the MIE prediction model has been modified to provide higher prediction accuracy. This study is of great significance to ensure the safe application of combustible working fluids and to explore environmentally friendly alternatives. [Display omitted] • A new method for predicting the MIE based on molecular structure was proposed. • The molecular structure was optimized based on density functional theory. • The mathematical model has a prediction accuracy of more than 95 %. • The model can predict the ignition energy of substances outside the database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To produce high-performance noise- and weight-reducing A356-alloy hollow hubs, hub-rims and hubcaps were prepared separately through low-pressure die casting and joined together through retractable pin-tool friction stir welding (RPT-FSW). The effects of the pin retraction speed (6–37.5 mm/min) on the microstructural and mechanical properties were analysed. The results showed that the stirred zone (SZ) could be divided into a double stirred zone (DSZ) and single stirred zone (SSZ) within the pin retraction region. During the pin retraction stage, the DSZ underwent severe deformation and had a longer high-temperature duration, had larger recrystallised grains after the second dynamic recrystallisation, and had a finer and denser β'′ phase after dissolution and re-precipitation. In contrast, the SSZ underwent static recovery due to the low processing temperature, resulting in less-coarsened original recrystallised grains accompanied by much coarsened original β'′ precipitates. The combination of severer deformation and higher temperature resulted in coarser nanoscale Si precipitations in the DSZ than in the SSZ. Statistical data showed that β'′ precipitates dominated the variation in strength in the RPT-FSW region. As slow pin retraction and a long thermal experience coarsened the β'′ precipitates, a U-type Vickers hardness distribution instead of a W-type Vickers hardness distribution formed in the SSZ. This distribution degraded the service performance of the RPT-FSW joints. An appropriately high pin retraction speed improved the strength of the RPT-FSW joints and the fatigue life of the A356-alloy hollow hubs. • A356 alloy hollow hubs with noise and weight reduction functions were made by Retractable Pin-tool Friction Stir Welding. • Stirred zone in pin retraction zone can be divided to double stirred zone (DSZ) and single stirred zone (SSZ). • Mg/Si phase, nanoscale Si particles, grain size, and dislocation density were investigated by TEM, EBSD, X-ray diffraction. • β'′ phase dominated the variation of joint properties; higher pin retraction speed improved mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When performing data classification tasks, it often occurs to them the curse of dimensionality problem. To address the issue, a manifold learning method termed locally conjugated orthogonal subspace (LCOS) is put forward for dimensionality reduction or feature extraction in this paper. Note that point to feature space (P2S) distance contributes to mining local geometry information, both a local margin characterizing data apartness and a locally conjugated orthogonal constraint beneficial to removing data redundancy are well studied from the P2S distance metric. They are all exploited to model the proposed LCOS. Then, a low dimensional subspace can be explored by maximizing the P2S distance induced local margin under the constraint. Compared with some other related dimensionality reduction methods, experimental results on benchmark face and object data sets validate the performance of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hibernation is an example of extreme hypometabolic behavior. How mammals achieve such a state of suspended animation remains unclear. Here we show that several strains of type 2 diabetic mice spontaneously enter into hibernationlike suspended animation (HLSA) in cold temperatures. Nondiabetic mice injected with ATP mimic the severe hypothermia analogous to that observed in diabetic mice. We identified that uric acid, an ATP metabolite, is a key molecular in the entry of HLSA. Uric acid binds to the Na+ binding pocket of the Na+/H+ exchanger protein and inhibits its activity, acidifying the cytoplasm and triggering a drop in metabolic rate. The suppression of uric acid biosynthesis blocks the occurrence of HLSA, and hyperuricemic mice induced by treatment with an uricase inhibitor can spontaneously enter into HLSA similar to that observed in type 2 diabetic mice. In rats and dogs, injection of ATP induces a reversible state of HLSA similar to that seen in mice. However, ATP injection fails to induce HLSA in pigs due to the lack of their ability to accumulate uric acid. Our results raise the possibility that nonhibernating mammals could spontaneously undergo HLSA upon accumulation of ATP metabolite, uric acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Person re-identification (re-id) is a technology that matches images of a certain pedestrian among non-overlapping cameras. Recently, many approaches based on deep learning have been studied comprehensively. Most of these methods try to learn discriminative pedestrian features via elaborated network architectures and one or multi loss functions to maximize inter-class separability and intra-class compactness. However, the class imbalance characteristics from the datasets are ignored, and the discriminative information cannot be completely exploited. In this paper, we propose a novel loss function termed as Equidistant Distribution Loss (EDL) to improve the imbalance problem that exists in re-id tasks. Specifically, we first normalize the learned features in the embedding layer and the weights in the last fully connected layer, so that both the features and the weights can be projected on a hypersphere space. After that, we directly impose an equidistance constraint among the weights to guide the learned features spread uniformly in the sphere space. The proposed EDL can effectively address the local squeeze or imbalance problem caused by imbalanced samples, making full use of feature space and profiting the performance. Extensive experiments on re-id datasets, including Market-1501, DukeMTMC-reID are conducted to demonstrate the preferable performance of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the eigenvalue problem for the class of quasi-Cauchy-Vandermonde (qCV) matrices belonging to the class of generalized sign regular matrices with signature (1 , ... , 1 , − 1). We present the explicit expressions of minors of qCV matrices. An algorithm is designed to accurately compute the parameterization matrix for qCV matrices. Based on the parameterization matrix, all the eigenvalues of such matrices are computed to high relative accuracy. Error analysis and numerical experiments are presented to confirm the high relative accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic gluconeogenesis is the major contributor to the hyperglycemia observed in both patients and animals with type 2 diabetes. The transcription factor FOXO1 plays a dominant role in stimulating hepatic gluconeogenesis. FOXO1 is mainly regulated by insulin under physiological conditions, but liverspecific disruption of Foxo1 transcription restores normal gluconeogenesis in mice in which insulin signaling has been blocked, suggesting that additional regulatory mechanisms exist. Understanding the transcriptional regulation of Foxo1 may be conducive to the development of insulin-independent strategies for the control of hepatic gluconeogenesis. Here, we found that elevated plasma levels of adenine nucleotide in type 2 diabetes are the major regulators of Foxo1 transcription. We treated lean mice with 50-AMP and examined their transcriptional profiles using RNA-seq. KEGG analysis revealed that the 50-AMP treatment led to shifted profiles that were similar to db/db mice. Many of the upregulated genes were in pathways associated with the pathology of type 2 diabetes including Foxo1 signaling. As observed in diabetic db/db mice, lean mice treated with 50-AMP displayed enhanced Foxo1 transcription, involving an increase in cellular adenosine levels and a decrease in the S-adenosylmethionine to S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio. This reduced methylation potential resulted in declining histone H3K9 methylation in the promoters of Foxo1, G6Pc, and Pepck. In mouse livers and cultured cells, 50-AMP induced expression of more FOXO1 protein, which was found to be localized in the nucleus, where it could promote gluconeogenesis. Our results revealed that adenine nucleotidedriven Foxo1 transcription is crucial for excessive glucose production in type 2 diabetic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studied the role of layered bimodal structure in the strength-ductility balance of Mg-8Gd-4Y-0.4Zr (wt%) alloys under as-extruded conditions. The various bimodal microstructure, consisting of fine dynamically recrystallized grains and elongated un-dynamically recrystallized grains along extrusion direction, were controlled by different extrusion ratios. The mechanical properties were then discussed in detail. The local strain evolution was investigated in the alloys based on in situ testing and analyzed with electron backscattered diffraction and digital image correlation. The fracture behavior of the alloys was characterized by 3-Dimensional X-Ray Microscopy. The alloys with an extrusion ratio of 7.5 exhibited high tensile yield strength of 338 MPa and ductility of 13.2%, resulting from grain boundary strengthening of fine DRXed grains, and dislocation strengthening of elongated un-DRXed grains and Mg 5 RE particles. The strain evolution analysis showed that the slips and rotations of DRXed grains contributed to relieving strain localization at the interface. Additionally, the layered structure assisted local strain dispersion and uniformed strain distribution, improving the strength and ductility of alloys. The microcracks primarily nucleated and propagated at the un-DRXed regions. The DRXed regions can refine microcracks and enhance deformation compatibility. • Layered structure assists local strain dispersion and uniforms strain distribution. • Slips and rotations of DRXed grains contribute to relieving strain localization. • Microcracks in DRXed regions enhance homogenous deformation by relieving stress concentration. • A layer-structured Mg-Gd-Y-Zr alloys with excellent strength-ductility balance is designed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • False-negative diagnosis is a grave reason for lung cancer associated fatalities. • Exosome is highly sensitive biomarker for non-invasive screening of lung cancer. • Combined sequencing of exosomal components provides better prognosis. • Unique functionality of exosome warrants specific delivery of chemotherapeutics. • Exosomal nanotherapeutics mitigate cancer progression and metastasis. Despite enormous evolution in oncopharmacology, the non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is still among the most aggressive and prevalent types of cancer. Late diagnosis and poor prognosis are among the various predisposing factors associated with low disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates in NSCLC patients. Being a stable source of tumor-derived antigens, exosomes and exosomal components (e.g., miRNAs, lnRNAs, circRNAs, cDNA, or proteins) can be actualized as a next-generation diagnostic/prognostic marker for early diagnosis and prognosis of NSCLC. Extensive research has been done on invasive screening of NSCLC through solid biopsy, but the prime focus of this review is non-invasive screening of NSCLC through liquid biopsy. The genetic and proteomic dysregulation of exosomal components in various biofluids precisely correlates with cancer growth, metastasis, stagging, chemoresistance, recurrence, low DFS and OS rates, and poor prognosis of NSCLC. Owing to their unique functionalities inherited from the source cells, protection of drug(s) from degradation, and nanoscaled dimensions (50–150 nm), exosomes have also been exploited for targeted delivery of a variety of drugs to NSCLC cells/tissues. Exosomal nanotherapeutics have shown exceptional anticancer efficacy against NSCLC due to enhanced cell uptake, higher cytotoxicity, mitigated proliferation and migration, prolonged plasma half-life, specific biodistribution, and controlled release of antineoplastic agents. Despite holding great promise, more research needs to be done before translating the exosome-mediated diagnosis/prognosis and treatment of NSCLC to clinical settings. In addition, standard guidelines/protocols for isolation, purification, production, and quality control of exosomes need to be formalized for manufacturing of clinical-grade exosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dahongshan Group in southwest Yangtze indicates a medium clockwise P-T path with a near-isothermal decompression. • Monazite indicates the peak metamorphic age is ca. 845 Ma with two possible substages at ca. 849 Ma and ca. 843 Ma. • Medium pressure metamorphism due to re-accretion of outborad terrane(s) to inner Yangtze during protracted oceanic plate subduction. • A major tectonic boundary lied on western margin of Yangtze in early-mid Neoproterozoic and occupied an external location of Rodinia. The evolutionary history of the Yangtze Block plays an increasingly important part in reconstructing Proterozoic paleogeography and associated supercontinent cycles. We document mid-Neoproterozoic amphibolite facies metamorphism related to crustal thickening and possible terrane accretion within an accretionary orogen along the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block. Kyanite-staurolite bearing schists in the Dahongshan Group record a main deformation stage and a peak metamorphic assemblage Grt rim + Ky + St + Bt + Ms + Rt + Pl ± Ilm. Petrography and phase equilibrium calculations suggest a clockwise P-T path under medium-pressure facies condition. Monazite U-Th-Pb ages from the Dahongshan Group constrain the timing of peak metamorphism to 845 ± 6 Ma (n = 33, MSWD = 1.01), which overlaps the metamorphic climax in the northern segment of the southwestern Yangtze Block. Based on the comprehensive analysis of geochemical, metamorphic and sedimentary data from the Yangtze Block, we consider that the outboard domain occupied by the Dahongshan Group along with the Hekou, Huili, Julin (Yuanmou) groups constitutes a terrane(s) that was separated from the rest of the Yangtze Block by a marginal sea formed at the end of the Mesoproterozoic. Mid-Neoproterozoic re-accretion to the inner Yangtze Block during ongoing convergent plate margin activity resulted in the deformation and metamorphism of these rock units. Similarities in the Neoproterozoic evolution of the Yangtze Block, the Seychelles, and the western margin of Greater India suggest a protracted history of oceanic plate subduction periodically interrupted by coupling across the plate margin driving deformation and metamorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon supported Ru-Sn bimetallic catalyst shows excellent performance in room-temperature hydrogenation of acetone, 100% acetone conversion with 100% product selectivity to isopropyl alcohol can be achieved within a short reaction time. Catalyst structure-function relationship reveals a synergetic behavior between Ru and Sn sites, demonstrating the essential correlation between Sn/Ru atomic ratio and the resultant variation in catalytic performance. Room temperature hydrogenation of 4-heptanone was also studied, verifying the consistency of the established structure-function relationship in ketones hydrogenation reactions. [Display omitted] • Ru-Sn/C catalyst shows excellent performance in hydrogenation of acetone. • Catalytic properties can be regulated by adjusting the atomic ratio of Sn to Ru. • The synergy between Ru and Sn sites plays a significant role in catalysis. • Similar catalysis behavior is found in 4-heptanone hydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is an effective way to improve energy efficiency, and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R1234yf) is considered as a promising working fluid for ORC. However, the development of R1234yf in ORC is limited by its flammability, and the addition of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a) is an effective method to inhibit its flammability. In this paper, the combustion and interaction mechanism of R1234yf/R134a were investigated. Firstly, the combustion products of R1234yf/R134a were measured using an improved experimental device, the results showed a substantial reduction in the concentrations of CO, CO 2 , and HF with an increasing proportion of R134a. Then, the combustion mechanism of R1234yf/R134a was studied by ReaxFF-MD simulation. The initial decomposition time of R134a was found to be later than that of R1234yf, and a reduction in the production rate of combustion products was achieved with the addition of R134a. Furthermore, the combustion reaction was promoted by the increase in temperature. Finally, the main reaction pathways of working fluids were analyzed. The abstraction reaction of R134a with radicals and the scavenging of active radicals by flame retardant radicals were the key to inhibit the combustion reaction. The results have universal guiding significance for the safe application of R1234yf/R134a. • The combustion and interaction mechanism of R1234yf/R134a was investigated. • The combustion products of R1234yf/R134a with different proportions were measured. • The inhibitory effect of R134a on the combustion of R1234yf was studied. • The main reaction pathways of R1234yf/R134a were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Widespread metamorphic-hydrothermal overprinting event at 2.0–1.85 Ga reset primary ca. 2.3 Ga magmatic zircons. • Two metamorphic stages at 2.0–1.95 Ga and ca. 1.85 Ga related to the assembly of north and southwest Yangtze to form the proto-Yangtze Block. • North and southwest Yangtze joined to Siberia and Laurentia, respectively, and the proto-Yangtze occupied an internal location within Nuna. The Archean-Paleoproterozoic records of the southwestern and northern Yangtze are key components in establishing the early history of the Yangtze Block as a whole. To date, knowledge of the late Paleoproterozoic evolutionary history of the Yangtze Block has been largely derived from its northern margin. This study documents the presence of ca. 1.93 Ga metamorphic zircons and 1.89–1.86 Ga metamorphic-hydrothermal reset zircons from igneous rocks in the Cuoke Complex of southwestern Yangtze, as well as ca. 1.93 Ga and 1.86 Ga xenotime growths in a meta -volcaniclastic rock (tuff). In addition, the origin of 2.0–1.85 Ga zircons from magmatic rocks in both the Cuoke and Phan Si Pan complexes of the southwestern Yangtze Block are reassessed. Based on new and published CL images, U contents and REE patterns, we argue that the 2.0–1.85 Ga ages are reset from primary 2.3 Ga magmatic zircons during a widespread metamorphic-hydrothermal overprinting event. Integrated U-Pb data reveal two metamorphic peaks at 2.0–1.95 Ga and ca. 1.85 Ga in both northern and southwestern Yangtze, indicating the two domains came together at 2.0–1.95 Ga to form the proto-Yangtze Block. The geological records of northern and southwestern Yangtze match well with those of northern Laurentia and Siberia, respectively, suggesting an internal location for the proto-Yangtze Block within Nuna. This contrasts with its inferred external location within the Rodinia supercontinent, suggesting the transition between the two Proterozoic supercontinents involved significant reconfiguration of at least some of the constituent core continental blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider how to accurately solve the linear system whose coefficient matrix is a generalized sign regular (GSR) matrix with signature (1 , ... , 1 , − 1). A new algorithm with O (n 2) complexity is presented to solve the GSR linear system, provided that parameterization matrices of coefficient matrices are available. We illustrate that no subtraction-cancellation occurs in the computations of the algorithm, which guarantees that all the solution components are computed with a desirable accuracy. An error analysis and numerical experiments are presented to confirm the high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Combine network clustering analysis, topology analysis, and pathway analysis. • Combining Mus musculus and Homo sapiens samples for analysis. • Four key signaling pathways related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. • Identified six representative key genes and three intersecting genes. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a significant cause of chronic liver disease in developed countries, as a result of the worldwide trend of obesity and associated metabolic syndrome. Obesity and high-fat diet (HFD) are very common in patients with NAFLD. However, how to screen out key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) is a challenging task. The purpose of this study is to study the screen of key genes and pathways of HFD on the formation process of non-alcoholic fatty liver through network pharmacological analysis. In this study, 173 genes associated with NAFLD were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. To find significant genes and pathways, combine network clustering analysis, topology analysis, and pathway analysis. The results showed that there were four key signaling pathways related to HFD, including complement cascade, Atorvastatin ADME, Asthma and Aflatoxin activation and detoxification. In addition, we identified six representative key genes, including Ccl5, Tlr2, Cd274, Cxcl10, Cxcl9 and Cd74 , and screened three intersecting genes in Mus musculus and Homo sapiens sample, including C3, F2 and C7. In conclusion, our study constructed the NAFLD gene regulatory network of C57BL/6J mice for the first time and jointly analyzed the Mus musculus samples and Homo sapiens samples. It provides new insights for identifying potential biomarkers and valuable therapeutic clues, and puts forward a new method for web-based research. These findings may provide potential targets for early diagnosis, effective therapy and prognostic markers of NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A dynamics model is built to systematically study the mechanism of the CPL drilling. • The time–space parameter matching of the CPL drilling is revealed. • The CPL drilling is compared with conventional single laser drilling. Combined pulse laser (CPL), a hybrid laser processing technology, has proven to be a reliable method for high-quality and high-efficiency processing of the hard and brittle materials. In this paper, a fluid dynamics model is built to systematically study the effects of the temporal and/or spatial shaping on the (nanosecond laser/millisecond laser) CPL drilling of alumina ceramic. The auxiliary effect of nanosecond laser is suggested to be simulated by quantifying the recoil pressure generated by the transient heating of the nanosecond laser. In this context, the assisted nanosecond laser is spatial shaped to annular spots with different diameters (0–200 µm), and temporal shaped to 1, 2 and 4 pulses with the same total pulse energy, which are compared with the conventional Gaussian nanosecond laser in terms of the CPL drilling performance. In addition, the transient absorption, temperature evolution, melting and vaporization of the target, melt flow and micro-hole profile, sputtering of the melt by the recoil pressure, recast layer thickness and material removal rate (MRR) of the CPL are analyzed comprehensively in a systematic comparison. Finally, the optimal matching parameters of the CPL drilling was proved which can provide guidance for high-quality, high-efficiency hole processing of the hard and brittle materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the key part of the refrigeration systems, heat pump systems, and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems, most working fluids with low global warming potential (GWP) are flammable. This paper proposed a novel method called indirect inhibition to mitigate their flammability to enhance the applicability of low-GWP working fluids. Firstly, the effect of lubricants oil, indirect flame retardants (IFR), and mixtures of the two on the flammability of propane were investigated. The experimental results showed that lubricating oil promoted the combustion of propane to a certain extent. The introduction of indirect flame retardant (CP-52) weakened the combustion intensity of propane. The lubricating oil, in conjunction with a flame retardant, could inhibit the combustion of propane. Secondly, the effects of the indirect flame retardant and mineral oil on the flammability of propane were theoretically analyzed using density functional theory (DFT). The theoretical calculation results showed that the ability of IFR to capture reactive free radicals was comparable to that of traditional flame retardants. The research results are of great significance for improving the safety of the cycle system and reducing the risk of accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The self-recovery performance of SMAF-ECC under cyclic tensile loading were studied, which can provide important basis for establishing a tensile theoretical model. • SMA fibers increase the ultimate strain and ultimate tensile strength of the specimens, and significantly reduce the residual crack width and residual deformation. • The influence of SMA fiber diameter and fiber content to the self-recovery performance of the specimens was studied and analyzed. • The stress state of SMA fibers during the loading process was investigated, providing a basis for evaluating the performance of SMA superelasticity. The incorporation of superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) fibers into engineered cementitious composites (ECC) has led to a novel composite material, SMAF-ECC, which possesses excellent deformation, energy dissipation, and self-recovery capabilities. To understand the self-recovery performance of this new composite material under tensile loading, this study conducted uniaxial cyclic tension tests on SMAF-ECC specimens to investigate stress, strain, crack width, strain recovery rate, and crack recovery rate, while also considering the primary influencing factors such as SMA fiber diameter and content. The results indicate that the addition of SMA fibers improves the ultimate strain and ultimate tensile strength of ECC; increasing fiber content effectively enhances the strain and crack recovery rates of SMAF-ECC specimens, with the maximum strain recovery rate and crack recovery rate of the tested specimens reaching 69% and 77%, respectively. Both too large and too small SMA fiber diameters lead to reduced recovery rates. In this experiment, when the fiber diameter was 0.5 mm, the strain and crack recovery rates of the specimens were the highest, with a crack recovery rate of 53%, approximately 1.7 times that of specimens with 1 mm and 0.2 mm diameter SMA fibers. These findings provide a reliable basis for establishing a theoretical model of the tensile mechanical properties of SMAF-ECC composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The departure delay is predicted based on node sequence data of ground support services for transit flights. • The cases of Shanghai Pudong and Kunming Changshui airports are applied for model illustration. • A Bayesian network is constructed for interrelationship analysis between segments. • A GCN-GraphSAGE model is proposed for departure delay prediction. • The proposed GCN-GraphSAGE method is reported to outperform the other benchmark methods. Delays frequently occur during ground support services for transit flights. Due to the limitation of related data acquisition, the delay occurred during this process has seldom been explored. Toward the purpose of departure delay mitigation, the present research provides the node sequence data to identify the critical ground support service nodes that associate with departure delay. Machine learning techniques are used for accurate departure delay prediction of transit flights. First, the topological structure of the neural network is constructed according to the ground service support procedure of transit flights. The flight data from Shanghai Pudong and Kunming Changshui International airports are collected for delay description and model evaluation. Then, similarity of delay scenarios are illustrated and the typical delay patterns are explored based on clustering methods. It is found that there are some node sections that delays routinely occur. Third, a Bayesian network is constructed for delay probability analysis. The conditional probability table describing the impact of delay occurred during each section on the departure delay for transit flights is provided. Finally, the performance of two classes of approaches to predict departure delays are constructed and compared, including three traditional machining learning methods denoted as random forest, decision tree, XGBoost models, and four graph convolutional neural network models namely Graph convolutional network (GCN), Graph attention network (GAT), Graph sample and aggregate (GraphSAGE) and integrated Graph convolutional network and Graph sample and aggregate (GCN-GraphSAGE) models. In general, the proposed GCN-GraphSAGE method achieves the most stable and satisfactory performance for departure delay prediction. The research results can support the dynamic and accurate prediction of departure delays and the refined management of transit flights for delay alleviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Indigenous soil bacterial communities exhibited HBCD biotransformation abilities. • Soil bacterial communities demonstrate a diastereomer-specific response. • Acinetobacter hemolyticum strain HW-2 with excellent HBCD transformation ability was isolated. • Bioaugmentation promotes biotransformation and expedites isomer selection. For decades, the brominated fire retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) has been extensively used to reduce fire risk. Due to the inherent properties associated with environmental and biological persistence of HBCD, the legacy environmental problems caused by HBCD require investigation. In particular, the stereoisomer-specific biochemical processes that occur during microbial transformation of HBCD remain unclear. In this study, biotransformation of HBCD isomers by soil bacterial communities was systematically investigated. After 30 days, the removal rate of technical HBCD was 57.0%, and the composition of diastereomers changed due to the preference for β-HBCD transformation. The removal rates of each isomer were in the order β-HBCD > γ-HBCD > α-HBCD. High-throughput Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes revealed that soil bacterial communities responded to the stress of α-HBCD and β-HBCD by increasing Proteobacteria dominance, while they responded to the stress of γ-HBCD by enhancing species diversity. Moreover, Acinetobacter hemolyticum strain HW-2 was isolated and demonstrated the same isomer specificity, attributed to the differential expression of the four key genes (had1, had1, had1, dehH). The strain successfully colonized the soil bacterial communities during bioaugmentation and enhanced the HBCD removal rates. These findings reveal that the diastereomer-specific biotransformation process is expedited by bioaugmentation with strain HW-2, minimizing ecotoxicities caused by HBCD. These results improve our understanding of the HBCD biotransformation process and provide a theoretical basis for the control of HBCD in ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is an effective way to utilize low-grade energy. 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R1234yf) has attracted extensive attention due to its good environmental protection performance and is considered as an alternative working fluid in ORC. However, its thermodynamic, environmental and safety characteristics need to be fully considered. In this paper, the combustion mechanism and product characteristics of R1234yf were investigated by ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations. The reaction temperature and equivalence ratio have important effects on the combustion of R1234yf. The early stage of the combustion process is mainly the unimolecular decomposition reaction of R1234yf, and then O 2 participates in the reaction, the consumption rate of R1234yf increases rapidly, the radicals O, H, OH, CF 3 , CF 2 , and CFO play important roles in the combustion reaction. The main combustion products include CO, CO 2 , HF, and COF 2. In addition, the combustion product concentration and yield of R1234yf were tested by an improved method. The results showed that the change law of combustion product yield with equivalence ratio was in good agreement with the simulation results, and the risk of high CO and HF concentrations still exists. The research results have practical significance for the safe application of R1234yf in ORC system. • The combustion mechanism of R1234yf was studied by ReaxFF-MD simulations. • The reaction conditions have important effects on the combustion of R1234yf. • The concentration and yield of combustion products were measured and analyzed. • The variation law of combustion products of R1234yf was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The change laws of flammability limits with ignition energy for flammable working fluids are studied. • The influence laws of ignition energy on flame propagation are acquired. • The burning velocity in stable propagation stage is independent of ignition energy. • The influence mechanism of ignition energy on combustion characteristics is obtained. Working fluids with low global warming potential (GWP) will play an important role in the research and development of alternative working fluids for organic Rankine cycles and refrigeration cycles. However, the flammability of low GWP working fluid limits their development, and the energy of typical fire sources has a significant impact on their safe application. At present, there is a lack of relevant research on the effect of ignition energy on their flammability. In this paper, the effect of ignition energy on the combustion characteristics for propane (R290), fluoroethane (R161), 1,1-Difluoroethane (R152a), and 3,3,3-Trifluoropropene (R1243zf) was studied using a variable ignition energy system. The initial flame propagation process, flammability limit, and burning velocity were tested and analyzed in the range of 50 mJ to 20 J. The results showed that with the increase of ignition energy, the lower flammability limit (LFL) decreased and the upper flammability limit (UFL) increased, but their rate of change decreased with the increasing ignition energy. The effect of ignition energy on the flammability limit of R1243zf was significantly greater than that of the other three working fluids. In addition, the effect of ignition energy on flame propagation was mainly limited to the initial stage, and the burning velocity was independent of ignition energy. The mechanism of ignition energy on combustion characteristics was obtained. The research results have guiding significance for the safe application of flammable working fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fire extinguishing experiments of R123 and R125 were performed using the cup burner. • The MEC of R123 is lower than R125. • From the change of flame height and width, the suppression effect of R123 is better than that of R125. • The addition of R123 did not cause a significant temperature change in the flame. • The reaction pathways of thermal decomposition and R123 with H and OH radicals were calculated by DFT. Fire extinguishing performance and mechanism of C 2 HF 3 Cl 2 (R123) were studied by experimental and theoretical methods. The minimum extinguishing concentration (MEC) of R123 in methane/air flames is 7.31 %. The addition of R123 to flame increased first and then decreased the flame height, due to the effect of R123 on the movement of the reaction kernel. Theoretical calculations indicated that R123 and pyrolysis products affect the combustion reaction, the generated fluorine or chlorine-containing groups improved the suppression of combustion chain reactions. The in-depth experimental and theoretical study of R123 boost the development of ideal halon replacement in aircraft cargo compartment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-performance Mg-8Gd-4Y-0.5Mn-0.2Sc (wt%) alloy was fabricated by the combination of homogenization, hot extrusion and ageing. The microstructure evolution during the homogenization at 550 °C was investigated, and the optimum time of 18 h was obtained to minimize the volume fraction of second phase particles and to keep fine grain structure. The alloy was extruded after the optimized homogenization, and the mechanical properties were investigated with the detailed characterization of the strengthening mechanisms. A typical bimodal microstructure with coarse deformed un-DRXed grains and fine DRXed grains was fabricated. The as-extruded alloy contains amounts of fine precipitated particles as well as dense nano-scale γ' precipitates. After peak-aged treatment, the alloy exhibited excellent age-hardenability and strength with a tensile yield stress of 441 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength of 506 MPa. The high yield strength was attributed to the co-existing of the bimodal microstructure, fine DRXed grains, dense dynamically precipitated particles, and nano-scale precipitated phases. The co-existing β' precipitates and γ' precipitates are the largest contributor to the strength of the peak-aged alloy, the dominant strengthening mechanism is revealed as precipitation strengthening. • The optimized homogenization parameters for the Mg-Gd-Y-Mn-Sc alloy are determined as 550 °C for 18 h. • The as-extruded alloy contains amounts of fine precipitated particles as well as dense nano-scale γ' precipitates. • Co-existing of β' precipitates and γ' precipitates is the main hardening phase of the peak-aged alloy. • High age-hardenability and strength are obtained in peak-aged Mg-Gd-Y-Mn-Sc alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Major magmatic episodes in southwestern Yangtze at ca. 3.08, 2.85 and 2.36–2.32 Ga. • Northern and southwestern domains of the Yangtze show differences in crustal growth. • The two domains have independent evolutionary histories prior to mid-Paleoproterozoic. • The two domains share a common history during and after Nuna assembly. New age data from the Cuoke Complex in southwestern Yangtze Block, integrated with published data from this region, indicate an Archean to early Paleoproterozoic magmatic history distinct from the northern Yangtze Block. Zircon cores and rims from eleven granitoids of the Cuoke Complex were analyzed by LA-ICP-MS and SHRIMP and show magmatic U-Pb ages ranging from 2850 to 2194 Ma. Combined U-Pb zircon igneous age data from the Kunming-Hainan Domain in the southwestern Yangtze Block display major magmatism ranging 3.10–3.06 Ga with a peak at ca. 3.08 Ga, 2.92–2.77 Ga with a peak at ca. 2.85 Ga and 2.4–2.1 Ga with peaks at 2.36–2.32 Ga and 2.22 Ga. This age distribution contrasts with the zircon U-Pb magmatic age data from the igneous rocks of the Kongling Domain in the northern Yangtze Block. A gap in magmatic activity in the northern domain between 2.4 and 2.2 Ga overlaps with the major peak in magmatism in the southwestern domain. Furthermore, potassic granitoids, which mark the cratonization of the two domains are more than 200 Ma years earlier in the Kongling Domain than that in the Kunming-Hainan Domain. Hf isotopic compositions of zircons from igneous rocks of the southwestern domain indicates significant juvenile crustal generation during the Mesoarchean era peaked at ca. 3.08 Ga, whereas the early Paleoproterozoic was characterized by crustal reworking and remelting. Zircon Hf isotopic compositions also reveal differences in crustal growth between the two domains. The northern domain shows a wider two-stage Hf model age range, with a peak at ca. 3.17 Ga and a subsidiary peak at ca. 3.78 Ga. Therefore, the northern domain also shows significant crustal growth in the Mesoarchean, though the age peak is about 100 Ma older compared to the southwestern domain. The Eoarchean crustal growth event recorded in the northern domain is absent in the southwestern domain. Therefore, the southwestern and northern Yangtze blocks display independent magmatic histories during the Archean and early Paleoproterozoic. The common records of late Paleo- and Mesoproterozoic tectonothermal events indicate the two domains were juxtaposed at this time, probably in association with assembly of the Nuna supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Self-assembled CdS nanorods were synthesized and used as photo-Fenton catalyst. • CdS nanorods had excellent catalytic performance and stability. • CdS/Fe2+ photo-Fenton system can degrade various pollutants at wide pH range. The large-scale application of the conventional Fenton process is restricted by the strict acidic working pH and the demand for externally supplying hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2). To conquer these disadvantages, an efficient visible-light-driven photo-Fenton system which can in-situ produce and apply H 2 O 2 was investigated and developed, based on self-assembled CdS nanorods capable of converting dissolved O 2 to H 2 O 2. The self-assembled CdS nanorods had high purity and good crystallinity with a pine-leaf-like structure. Highly effective degradation of sulfamethazine (SMT) was achieved by the CdS/Fe2+ photo-Fenton system under visible light irradiation and 20 mg/L SMT was almost completely degraded within 90 min over a broad pH range from 4 to 8. It was attributed that self-assembled CdS nanorods with excellent photocatalytic activity could produce numerous photoelectrons, which could not only reduce dissolved O 2 to H 2 O 2 via a direct two-electron reduction route but also accelerate the conversion of Fe3+ to Fe2+. Moreover, the self-assembled CdS nanorods possessed excellent reusability and the constructed photo-Fenton system exhibited widespread suitability for degradation of different pollutants, demonstrating potential applications in wastewater treatment. It is expected that this study can provide new ideas for improving the conventional Fenton process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ·Chitosan tunes the functional group content of biochar-based composite (CMCC X) • ·Surface C C/C H of composite is the active site for the generation of metastable PMS. • ·C-OH on composite surfaces inhibits the production of metastable PMS. • ·Mn-O, carboxyl and hydroxyl affect the electron transfer process in CMCC X /PMS systems. • ·Bisphenol A degradation in CMCC X /PMS system shows excellent environmental resistance. Biochar-based composite-driven advanced oxidation processes have important applications in wastewater purification. However, due to the complex structure of biochar-based composites, the mechanism of the emerging nonradical pathway is unclear. In this study, the functional groups on the surface of biochar composites were modified by the addition of chitosan to natural manganese ore- cornstalk biochar composites (CMCC X). Besides, the intrinsic structure–property relationship of biochar-based composite activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the nonradical oxidation of bisphenol A (BPA) via electron transfer were revealed. Correlation linear fits to functional group content revealed that C C/C H on CMCC X was the active site for the metastable PMS generation, C-OH inhibited the generation of metastable PMS. Also, Mn-O, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups influenced the electron transfer process from BPA to metastable PMS. Overall, the study prepared environmentally friendly biochar-based composites by a simple method and provided a reference for the preparation of biochar-based composites with tunable redox capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

· New EBF derivatives with acylamino linker were synthesized and their activities were tested. · EBF derivatives with an acylamino linker showed higher aphicidal activities. · The hydrophobic force was essential for high target protein binding activity. · The scaffold structure of EBF was essential to maintain their bioactivity. Insect odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) have significant roles in the transmission of semiochemical signals. In our previous study, a series of salicylate-substituted carboxyl (E)-β-farnesene (EBF) derivatives were synthesized with a carboxyl linker to bridge the EBF geranyl chain with salicylate aromatic group, and their binding mechanism with aphid OBPs was studied. In present study, to clarify the effects of linkers on the bioactivities of salicylate-substituted EBF derivatives against the aphid, a new series of salicylate-substituted EBF derivatives with an acylamino linker was designed and synthesized by the bioisosterism strategy. Their aphid-repellent activities, binding mechanisms with aphid OBPs, and aphicide activities were compared. The bioassay results indicated that salicylate-substituted EBF derivatives with a carboxyl linker showed higher aphid-repellent and OBP binding activities than the derivatives with an acylamino-linker. The molecular dynamic simulations and MM/GBSA calculation suggested that a more excellent hydrophobic linker such as carboxyl linker was essential for binding activity due to its stronger interactions with surrounding amino acids of the target proteins. Nevertheless, the salicylate substituted EBF derivatives with an acylamino linker exhibited significantly higher aphicidal activities than those with a carboxyl linker. In addition, the scaffold structure of EBF was essential to maintain the inherent aphid-repellent activity, target OBPs binding, and aphicidal activity. This work provides valuable guidelines for the rational design of different aphid control agents. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Initial oxidative decomposition path and energy change of fluoroethane are obtained. • Energy changes of reactions of six active radicals with fluoroethane are compared. • Fluoroethane generates more than 20 products through two main radicals ·CH3 and ·CH2F. • Intermediates are easy to combine to form products rather than continue to decompose. Fluoroethane is a potential fluid or component of new environmentally friendly working fluids, but its flammability affects its direct application. The oxidative decomposition mechanism of the working fluid is the key to further study its flammability or stability. Therefore, the oxidative decomposition mechanism of fluoroethane was researched by density functional theory. Firstly, seven initial thermal decomposition paths of fluoroethane and four oxidative decomposition paths involving oxygen were obtained, among which the main initial decomposition products were CH 2 =CH 2 and HF, and the free radicals were ·CH 3 , ·CH 2 F, H·, HOO·, etc.; Secondly, the main reaction process of six typical active radicals generated by the chain reaction and fluoroethane was also studied, and it was found that the energy barrier of the hydrogen-extraction reaction was lower than that of the fluorine-extraction reaction, and most of the reactions were exothermic reactions; Finally, the subsequent reaction processes of the main radicals ·CH 3 and ·CH 2 F in the decomposition of fluoroethane were analyzed, and more than 20 possible products and their energy changes were obtained. The relevant results have guiding significance for weakening the flammability of fluoroethane, improving its thermal stability and evaluating its oxidative decomposition products from the deep mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Flammability characteristics of R1216 mixed with R32 and R152a were investigated. • The suppression effect of R1216, R134a, R1233zd(E), and R13I1 was compared. • The flame inhibition mechanism of R1216 was analyzed. R1216 (1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoro-1-propene), which has a low global warming potential, is regarded as the new generation of environmentally friendly working fluid in ORCs (organic Rankine cycle) and refrigeration systems. Besides, it also has the advantage of nonflammable property. Thus, R1216 can be mixed with some flammable working fluids to develop new mixed alternatives, which can possess a combination of chemical, environmental, thermodynamic, and safety properties. In this work, the flammability limits of R1216/R32 and R1216/R152a were measured in a 12L spherical glass vessel according to the method of ASTM E681. And the critical flammable volumetric ratios of R1216 on R32 and R152a were about 0.15 and 1.1, respectively. This study also found that the ratio of F atoms to H atoms for the two mixtures had a close relationship with the flammability limit ranges. Finally, the flame inhibition performances of R1216 were compared with other commonly used flame retardants, such as R134a, R13I1 (trifluoroiodomethane), and R1233zd(E) (trans -1-Chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-propene). It can be concluded that the rank of the inhibition effects was R1216 > R13I1 > R134a > R1233zd(E). And a flame retardant, which contained a higher F/H ratio and much more Cl, I, and CF 3 radicals, can possess a higher flammability inhibition efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation-induced pneumonitis (RIP) seriously limits the application of radiation therapy in the treatment of thoracic tumors, and its etiology and pathogenesis remain elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the role of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 11 (USP11) in the progression of RIP and the associated underlying mechanisms. Changes in cytokines and infiltrated immune cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunohistochemistry after exposure to 20 Gy x-ray with whole-thorax irradiation. The effects of USP11 expression on endothelial cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed by costaining of CD31/Ki67 and CD31/caspase-3 in vivo, and the production of cytokines and reactive oxygen species was confirmed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry in vitro. Comprehensive proteome and ubiquitinome analyses were used for USP11 substrate screening after radiation. Results were verified by Western blotting and coimmunoprecipitation experiments. Recombinant adeno-associated virus lung vectors expressing OTUD5 were used for localized overexpression of OTUD5 in mouse pulmonary tissue, and immunohistochemistry was conducted to analyze cytokine expression. The progression of RIP was significantly alleviated by reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines in both Usp11-knockout (Usp11−/−) mice and in mice treated with the USP11 inhibitor mitoxantrone. Likewise, the absence of USP11 resulted in decreased permeability of pulmonary vessels and neutrophils and macrophage infiltration. The proliferation rates of endothelial cells were prominently increased in the Usp11−/− lung, whereas apoptosis in Usp11−/− lungs decreased after irradiation compared with that observed in Usp11+/+ lungs. Conversely, USP11 overexpression increased proinflammatory cytokine expression and reactive oxygen species production in endothelial cells after radiation. Comprehensive proteome and ubiquitinome analyses indicated that USP11 overexpression upregulates the expression of several deubiquitinating enzymes, including USP22, USP33, and OTUD5. We demonstrate that USP11 deubiquitinates OTUD5 and implicates the OTUD5-STING signaling pathway in the progression of the inflammatory response in endothelial cells. USP11 exacerbates RIP by triggering an inflammatory response in endothelial cells both in vitro and in vivo, and the OTUD5-STING pathway is involved in the USP11-dependent promotion of RIP. This study provides experimental support for the development of precision intervention strategies targeting USP11 to mitigate RIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-BTP (2-Bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene) is a promising environment-friendly flame retardant showing high effectiveness. Because of the good mutual solubility with polyol ester oil, 2-BTP was selected as a lubricant additive in this work. The flame inhibition performance of lubricating oil with 2-BTP on the combustion of R152a (1,1-difluoroethane) and R1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene) was investigated, which was expected to enhance the safety level of accidental leaks of flammable working fluids. To assess the suppression capability, experiments were conducted using a 12 L spherical flask according to the test method of ASTM E681. The results indicated that the lower flammable limit of R152a was increased from 4.8% to 5.0% in volumetric concentration as the mass fraction of 2-BTP contained in the POE oil was 20%. As to R1234yf, the lower flammable limit was increased from 7.2% to 10.3%, and the upper flammable limit was decreased from 13.0% to 10.3%. Besides, with the addition of 2-BTP, the combustion intensity of R152a and R1234yf was weakened. Both of the flame diameter and duration were reduced. And the maximum flame transient temperature of R152a also had a decrease. The inhibition effect of lubricating oil with 2-BTP on the mildly flammable working fluid R1234yf was much better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Realgar, as a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, exerts both pharmacological and biological effects. However, the mechanism by which it causes nervous system injury remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the specific mechanism underlying the hippocampal neurotoxicity caused by realgar. Nrf2 is an important receptor of exogenous toxic substances and oxidative stress. We utilized a p38-specific inhibitor (SB20358), ERK1/2-specific inhibitor (PD98059), JNK-specific inhibitor (SP600125) and AKT-specific inhibitor (LY249002) to establish the corresponding animal models and explore how realgar activates Nrf2. We established an Nrf2- sh RNA gene silencing model in rats and an autophagy-specific inhibitor treatment model to further explore realgar-induced neurotoxicity and the role of Nrf2 in realgar-induced damage to the hippocampus. The results showed that realgar passed through the blood–brain barrier and accumulated in brain tissue to induce central nervous system toxicity. The specific mechanism was that realgar activated MAPKs and AKT signaling molecules to activate the Nrf2-Keap1-p62 positive feedback signaling axis, induced abnormal autophagy initiation and degradation, and promoted oxidative damage and apoptosis in neurons. Effective measures should be taken to prevent and control the arsenic poisoning caused by realgar in the early stage, and this study provides a theoretical and practical basis for the rational use of drugs in the clinic. Synopsis of the model of realgar-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity [Display omitted] • Neurotoxicity by realgar was linked to MAPKs, AKT, autophagy and redox homeostasis. • Realgar disturbs the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway rat hippocampal neurons. • Realgar activates the Nrf2-Keap1-p62 signaling axis via MAPKs and AKT. • Initiation and formation of autophagy were regularlated by Nrf2 in neurotoxicity. • Realgar-induced neurotoxicity was still exacerbated after inhibition of autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the eigenvalue problem for the class of quasi-generalized Vandermonde (q-gV) matrices is considered. In order to parameterize q-gV matrices, the explicit expressions of minors of such matrices are presented. We develop an algorithm to accurately compute the parameterization for q-gV matrices. Relying on the accurate parameterization, all the eigenvalues of q-gV matrices are computed to high relative accuracy. Error analysis and numerical experiments are provided to confirm the high relative accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral analysis of amino acids (AAs) is of great importance in medical science due to the distinctive effect of AA isomers on human health. Although various chiral recognition techniques have been developed, the quantitative chiral recognition of low-level AA isomers remains challenging. Here, we combined the fiber optic SPR with an enzyme-substrate recognition mechanism to construct a direct-assay-type chiral AA biosensor. As a proof-of-concept attempt, a recently discovered Rasamsonia emersonii D-amino acid oxidase (ReDAAO) with a wide substrate spectrum and high stability was immobilized on the graphene oxide and gold nanorods composites (GO-AuNRs), using both EDC/NHS coupling and the gold-binding peptide (GBP) method. Such a biosensor can distinguish two AA isomers at the same concentration. It achieved specific detection of D-amino acids (D-AAs) with a linear range from 5x10-4 mM to 30 mM. Furthermore, it showed good resistance to enantiomeric interference. When the percentage of D-AA increases in the isomer mixture, a good linear relationship between the D/(D + L)-AA ratio and SPR spectral shift was obtained. This unique combination of the enzyme, nanocomposite, and SPR taps into the rich reservoir of proteins for chiral receptors. It lays the foundation for protein-based chiral recognition of other clinically important small molecules in future biosensor designs. • A direct-assay-type SPR biosensor was constructed to detect chiral amino acids (AAs). • An enzyme (D-amino acid oxidase) was used as the receptor for catching the specific enantiomer. • The LOD of this biosensor (1.09 × 10-9 mM) is lower than that of the existing D-AA sensor. • It achieved specific detection of D-Val with a linear range from 5x10-4 mM to 30 mM. • All-fiber configuration contributed to the stability and portability of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]