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• A SH0 wave directivity model is proposed to predict the displacement wavefield generated by a rectangular d24 PZT. • The model is validated through multi-physics FE simulation and experiments. • The model can serve as a tool for directivity modelling of rectangular PZT. • A size optimization method is introduced to design the d24 PZT for effectively generating bidirectional SH0 waves. Generating directional guided waves helps to avoid unwanted reflections while providing location information for defects. Bidirectional waves focus wave beams in two opposite directions, which can be applied for generating circumferential zero-order shear horizontal (SH0) waves for large-diameter pipe inspection. In this paper, a novel method for generating bidirectional SH0 waves through size optimization using face-shear (d 24) lead zirconate titanate (PZT) transducer is proposed. A theoretical model is established based on the shear-lag model and the Huygens principle, which describes the generation and propagation of SH0 waves in thin plate by bonded d 24 PZT transducer. The theoretical model is validated by multi-physics finite element (FE) simulation results in terms of SH0 displacement wavefield. Based on the theoretical model, the performance of bidirectional SH0 wave generation is studied. The maximum bidirectional ratio that can be achieved by d 24 PZT within a size range (1–25 mm) under a five-cycle sinusoid tone-burst excitation at a center frequency range (50–300 kHz) is studied. Results show that over 20 dB effect can be achieved at the PZT with a specific aspect ratio. Laboratory experiments are conducted using d 24 PZT transducers at 50–300 kHz to validate the effect of bidirectional wave generation in practical detection scenarios. Experimental results show effects of over 20 dB within a certain frequency range can be achieved when using a PZT with a large aspect ratio, which agree well with the theoretical predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrate-driven sulfide oxidation has been proven to be a cost-effective approach for controlling sediment odor. However, injecting liquid nitrate (LN) directly into sediment carries ecological risks of nitrate escape and release of pollutants into overlying water. In this study, slow-release nitrate granules (GN) were prepared and applied in a continuous flow reactor to assess the differences between GN and LN in sediment remediation and control of this ecological risk. The results showed that the GN slowly released calcium nitrate, resulting in a decrease in acid volatile sulfide (AVS) from an initial 1328 ± 42.7 mg/kg to 490 ± 341 and 212 ± 32.8 mg/kg in the upper (U) and deeper (D) layers of the sediment, respectively. No significant decrease in AVS concentrations was observed in the LN treatments. Compared with LN-D and -U, the NH 4 +-N production and PO 4 3--P release doses were reduced by 29.5% and 52.0% for GN-D and 41.2% and 37.8% for GN-U, respectively. Taxonomic analysis showed that sulfide-driven denitrifiers such as Thiobacillus , Rhodanobacter , Sulfurimonas , and Pseudomonas became dominant in the GN treatments, which were 2.8–6.7, 27.0–201.8, 1.5–3.0, and 3.0–496 times that of the LN treatments, respectively. The abundance of sulfur oxidation genes (e.g., sat and aprB) and denitrifying genes (e.g., nirS and nosZ) were also upregulated to higher levels by GN. Moreover, the genes (e.g., nrfA) responsible for the isomerization of nitrate into ammonium were down-regulated by GN. The results showed that the slow-released calcium nitrate should be a promising way for in-situ remediation of sulfide-rich sediment. [Display omitted] • Granulated (GN) and liquid (LN) Ca(NO 3) 2 were compared in a continuous flow reactor. • GN could effectively stimulate denitrifiers in sediments to control sediment odor. • The risk of nitrate escape and subsequent pollutants release was restricted by GN. • Vital genes and denitrifiers induced by GN and LN revealed the AVS oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid expansion of urban areas has caused a series of impacts on the ecological environment. Exploring the effects of urban sprawl on carbon emissions and its mechanisms is crucial for realizing sustainable development patterns and low-carbon city planning. This study integrates used nighttime light data and population grid data to construct an Urban Sprawl Index. It employs a spatial Durbin model to analyze the spatial impact of urban sprawl on carbon emissions, examining the mechanisms from the perspective of local land transfers. The research reveals the following findings: (1) Urban sprawl significantly contributes to a positive spatial spillover effect on carbon emissions, leading to increased emission levels in surrounding cities. (2) The overall local impact of urban sprawl on urban areas is not significant. It suppresses carbon emissions in municipal districts but increases them in counties, with these effects counterbalancing each other. (3) Mechanism analysis indicates that different types of land transfers have varied effects on carbon emissions in districts and counties, and the regulation of the floor area ratio regulation strengthens the impact of land transfers. (4) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the size of urban populations significantly reduces the local effects of sprawl on carbon emissions, while environmental regulations strength attenuate the impact of urban sprawl on carbon emissions in municipal districts. The findings of this study provide practical references and policy implications for formulating reasonable urban development and land use plans, facilitating the achievement of peak carbon and carbon neutrality goals. [Display omitted] • Urban sprawl significantly contributes to a positive spatial spillover effect on carbon emissions. • The overall local impact of urban sprawl on urban areas is negligible. • Urban sprawl cuts emissions in districts but raises them in counties, offsetting overall. • Different types of land transfers have varied effects on carbon emissions in districts and counties. • Floor area ratio rules heighten land transfer impacts on emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric materials can transfer heat energy to electricity energy or vice versa. However, the transfer efficiency is restricted by the interdependent thermoelectric parameters. In this work, all the thermoelectric parameters are simultaneously optimized via the energy-dependent carrier and phonon scattering based on the nano-structuring interface design. As a result, not only the electrical conductivity is significantly enhanced by increasing the electron concentration, the Seebeck coefficient is maintained in a high value due to the energy-dependent carrier scattering mechanism. Otherwise, based on the stronger phonon scattering by the nanoinclusions and dislocations, the lattice thermal conductivity is markedly suppressed. And thus, a peak ZT =1.5 and an outstanding conversion efficiency η =9 % are achieved for Pb 0.995 Bi 0.005 Te/0.1 wt.%Fe 3 O 4 composite, indicating that the thermoelectric property of n-type PbTe can be elevated greatly by embedding Fe 3 O 4 nanoinclusions. This strategy of nano-structuring interface design can also be highly applicable in improving the performance of other state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• UHP treatment changed the quality and protein characteristics of fillets. • MF storage reduced the flora activity and water holding capacity of fillets. • UHP-MF delayed protein denaturation by inhibiting protein and lipid oxidation. • UHP-MF delayed quality deterioration by inhibiting flora activity and diversity. • UHP 300 -MF effectively extended the shelf life of fillets by at least 10 days. Ultra-high pressure (UHP) and magnetic field (MF) are emerging food preservation technologies, but the research on the effects of combined treatment (UHP-MF) on aquatic products quality is insufficient. Hence, we explored the effects of UHP-MF treatment on the protein properties, microbial action and quality characteristics of stored grass carp fillets. Results showed that 300 MPa UHP treatment combined with MF storage (UHP 300 -MF) delayed the protein oxidation of stored fillets by inhibiting the accumulation of protein radical and the formation of lipid pro-oxidation products, thus the quality (texture, color) deterioration caused by oxidation was deferred. Additionally, 16S rDNA bacteria flora analysis revealed that UHP 300 -MF treatment inhibited the flora activity and diversity of fillets, delayed the protein degradation and quality deterioration caused by microbial action. Overall, UHP 300 -MF treatment suppressed the lipid and protein oxidation as well as microbial action, retarded the quality deterioration, and prolonged the shelf life of stored fillets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the vanguard against implant-associated infections (IAIs), macrophages facilitate the phagocytosis and pro-inflammatory polarization of planktonic and biofilm infections, but indirectly serve as a "Trojan horse" for intracellular bacterial infections. Effective drug delivery and macrophage immunomodulation to eliminate intracellular infections will contribute to the treatment of refractory IAIs and prevention of relapse. Herein, we developed an ultrasound-responsive copper-based nanoparticle targeting macrophages by encapsulating copper in a porphyrin metal-organic framework and surface-grafting D-Mannosamine to synthesize CuTCPP@MOF nanodots@ Mannosamine (CTMM) with macrophage-targeting functionality. Concurrent generation of hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen in biofilm microenvironment mediated by ultrasound disrupts the biofilm structure, achieving CTMM overload and interfering with bacterial biofilm growth and metabolism. By regulating macrophage oxidative stress metabolism, CTMM induced a cupferroptosis-like stress, characterized by concurrent cuproptosis and ferroptosis, to eliminate intracellular infections. Transcriptomic analysis verified that the cupferroptosis-like stress based on GPX4 axis modulation further promotes macrophage inflammatory activation. This CTMM+US-mediated bacterial clearance in biofilms and macrophage immunomodulation informs the "Trojan War" strategy to combat IAIs clinically. [Display omitted] • A CTMM nanodot for targeting macrophages in biofilm-infected microenvironments for clearance of recalcitrant intracellular bacterial infections was synthesized. • Driven by ultrasound, CTMM induced intracellular metal stress in the macrophage represented by concurrent cuproptosis and ferroptosis. • CTMM also promoted macrophage pro-inflammatory polarization and facilitated the elimination of bacterial biofilm. • The antimicrobial effect of CTMM and the induction of cupferroptosis-like stress was confirmed by both in vitro cellular RNA-seq transcriptomics and in vivo RNA-seq transcriptomics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the rates of dissolution of rock-forming minerals close to equilibrium and their dependence on Δ G r , the Gibbs free energy of reaction, is essential for describing the temporal and spatial evolution of many environmental and engineering processes involving solid/fluid interactions. In the present study we used the isotope-doping method to quantify albite forward and net dissolution rates. Batch experiments were performed at 150, 180 °C and pH = 9 at near equilibrium and equilibrium conditions (-25 ≤ Δ G r ≤ + 8.2 kJ/mol) in 29Si spiked solutions which were undersaturated with the secondary Al-Si solid phases likely to precipitate. The forward dissolution rates normalized to the initial BET surface area were found to decrease continuously and monotonically with increasing time and Δ G r , achieving values 1.3 to 2.4 orders of magnitude lower at chemical equilibrium than initial far from equilibrium values, with the highest rate decrease for the highest solid to fluid ratio. These rate drops were accompanied by an increase in BET specific surface areas associated with the formation of widespread dissolution features. A decrease of albite forward dissolution rate together with an increase of its BET surface area was also observed as a function of reaction time at far from equilibrium conditions (Δ G r ≤ − 65 kJ/mol). These observations are consistent with a continuous decrease with time and increasing Δ G r of albite effective surface area linked to the formation of unreactive negative crystal facets, in addition to etch pits stopping nucleating above a critical value of Δ G r. Thus, the observed decrease in albite dissolution rate as equilibrium is approached is not linked primarily to the increase in the contribution of the backward reaction but rather to the decrease of the forward reaction rate in conjunction with the decrease in the density of reactive sites at the mineral surface. The results of this study show that the characterization of the effective surface area and its evolution with reaction time and chemical affinity is crucial to deriving robust dissolution rates of well-crystallized minerals like feldspars. Dissolution experiments in 29Si spiked solutions of samples with different history and well-characterized effective surface area and surface morphology should help to better quantify the rate laws controlling silicate minerals weathering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The "clip-cycle" synthesis of 2-pyridazinones containing enaminonitriles from thioesters with dicyanohydrazones is achieved through a AgOAc-promoted acylation-cyclization-tautomerization cascade reaction. Moreover, the obtained 2-pyridazinones are further transformed into biologically significant bicyclic-fused pyridazinones exhibiting intriguing fluorescence emission properties. Additionally, quantum chemical calculations were performed to provide a rational explanation for the observed photophysical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal hydride (MH) heat storage has a relatively high energy density and can be used in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. However, in this system, the outlet temperature of the heat transfer fluid (HTF) has large fluctuations while discharging heat, which cannot satisfy the requirement of CSP plants. Therefore, this study proposes an MH-based heat storage system integrated with phase change materials (PCMs). A mathematical model was established to investigate the effects of the thickness of PCMs, HTF velocity, and the initial state of PCMs on heat-release performance. The results showed that the fluctuations can be effectively attenuated, and the fluid outlet temperature can be kept stable for a certain period by integrating PCMs. Plateaus in the curves of the MH bed and HTF outlet temperatures were observed, and the platform temperature and time are defined as the average temperature of two inflection points of the curve and their corresponding time difference, respectively. Increasing the thicknesses of PCMs can extend the platform time. Furthermore, the liquid phase of PCMs is conducive to improving the heat-release performance of the MH reactor with PCM. [Display omitted] • Integrating PCMs into the metal hydride reactor can improve heat release performance. • PCMs can attenuate the fluctuation of fluid outlet temperature of the reactor. • Increasing the PCM layer thicknesses extends the platform time of heat transfer fluid. • Appropriate PCM thicknesses of 9.6 mm is considered in metal hydride-PCM reactor. • Keeping PCMs in liquid phase can improve the heat-release performance of the reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating fin structures into metal hydride (MH) bed can enhance heat discharging performance of the reactor for thermochemical heat storage. In this study, based on the entransy theory, the entransy dissipation rate (E h,st) or the entransy dissipation (E h,tr) of a simplified two-dimensional (2D) steady-state or transient heat conduction model for the MH bed was used to be an objective to optimize the tree-shaped fin (TSF) structures. Furthermore, response surface method (RSM) was adopted to explore the relationship between E h,st or E h,tr and structural parameters (i.e., branch number N , branch level M , length ratio α, width index β , and angle ratio γ). The results show that RSM can effectively predict influences of structural parameters of TSFs on heat discharging performance. Based on RSM with entransy theory, the obtained optimal combination parameters were N = 8, M = 3, α = 1, β = 0.5, and γ = 1, corresponding to the maximum gravimetric exergy-output rate (GEOR) of 20.98 W/kg. Furthermore, the GEOR with optimized fins was 11.5 % higher than that with unoptimized TSFs. The optimization method based on the entransy theory was effective to optimize the TSF structures by solving 2D model instead of three-dimensional model, and shorten the calculation time for optimization. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• WED improved the metabolic disorder in cholestatic liver injury (CLI) mice focusing on the metabolism of bile acid (BA), arachidonic acid, and glycerophospholipid. • WED targeting activated FXR to promote BA transportation and adjust BA metabolic disruption in CLI. • WED ameliorated BA accumulation-induced inflammation and oxidative damage in vitro and in vivo via NF-κB/NRF2 signaling pathway. Cholestatic liver diseases (CLD) comprise a variety of disorders of bile formation, which causes chronic exposure to bile acid (BA) in the liver generally and results in hepatotoxicity and progressive hepatobiliary injury. Wedelolactone (7-methoxy-5, 11, 12-trihydroxy-coumestan, WED), the natural active compound derived from Ecliptae Herba, has been reported with valuable bioactivity for liver protection. Nevertheless, the effect of WED on cholestatic liver injury (CLI) remains unexplored. The present study aims to elucidate the protective effect of WED on Alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced CLI mice, and to investigate its potential pharmacological mechanism. The anit-cholestatic and hepatoprotective effects of WED were evaluated in ANIT-induced CLI mice. Non-targeted metabolomics study combined with ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was used to explore the key mechanism of WED. The BA metabolic profile in enterohepatic circulation was analyzed to evaluate the effect of WED in regulating BA metabolism. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were used to simulate and verify the targeting activation of WED on the Farnesoid X receptor (FXR). The core role of FXR in WED promoting BA transportation, and alleviating BA accumulation-induced hepatotoxicity was further evaluated in WT and FXR knockout mice or hepatocytes. WED dose-dependently alleviated ANIT-induced cholestasis and liver injury in mice, and simultaneously suppressed the signaling pathway of nuclear factor-kappa B/nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NF-κB/NRF2) to relieve inflammation and oxidative stress. At the metabolite level, WED improved the metabolic disorder in CLI mice focusing on the metabolism of BA, arachidonic acid, and glycerophospholipid, that closely related to the process of BA regulation, inflammation, and oxidative damage. WED targeting activated FXR, which then transcribed its target genes, including the bile salt export pump (BSEP) and the BA transporter, and subsequently increased BA transportation to restore the damaged enterohepatic circulation of BA. Meanwhile, WED alleviated hepatic BA accumulation and protected the liver from BA-induced damage via NF-κB/NRF2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, FXR deficiency suppressed the protective effect of WED in vitro and in vivo. WED regulated BA metabolism and alleviated hepatic damage in cholestasis. It protected the liver according to adjusted BA transportation and relieved BA accumulation-related hepatotoxicity via FXR-bile acid-NF-κB/NRF2 axis. Our study provides novel insights that WED might be a promising strategy for cholestatic liver disease. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Post-carotid endarterectomy (CEA) stroke poses significant risks. • TMEM166 is highly correlated with the occurrence of post-CEA stroke. • TMEM166 levels may serve as an early predictive indicator for post-CEA stroke. Postoperative stroke is a challenging and potentially devastating complication after elective carotid endarterectomy (CEA). We previously demonstrated that transmembrane protein 166 (TMEM166) levels were directly related to neuronal damage after cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats. In this subsequent clinical study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of TMEM166 in patients suffering from post-CEA strokes. Thirty-five patients undergoing uncomplicated elective CEA and 8 patients who suffered ischemic strokes after CEA were recruited. We evaluated the protein level and expression of TMEM166 in patients diagnosed with postoperative strokes and compared it to those in patients who underwent uncomplicated elective CEA. Blood samples and carotid artery plaques were collected and analyzed. High expressions of TMEM166 were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western Blot in carotid artery plaques of all patients who underwent CEA. Furthermore, circulating TMEM166 concentrations were statistically higher in post-CEA stroke patients than in patients allocated to the control group. Mean plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers, including interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), were also elevated in patients with postoperative strokes. Therefore, based on these findings, we hypothesize that elevated TMEM166 levels, accompanied by a strong inflammatory response, serve as a useful biomarker for risk assessment of postoperative stroke following CEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implant-associated infections (IAIs) pose a significant threat to orthopedic surgeries. Bacteria colonizing the surface of implants disrupt bone formation-related cells and interfere with the osteoimmune system, resulting in an impaired immune microenvironment and osteogenesis disorders. Inspired by nature, a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-sealed smart drug delivery system on Ti substrates (ZSTG) was developed for the "natural-artificial dual-enzyme intervention (NADEI)" strategy to address these challenges. The subtle sealing design of ZIF-8 on the TiO 2 nanotubes ensured glucose oxidase (GOx) activity and prevented its premature leakage. In the acidic infection microenvironment, the degradation of ZIF-8 triggered the rapid release of GOx, which converted glucose into H 2 O 2 for disinfection. The Zn2+ released from degraded ZIF-8, as a DNase mimic, can hydrolyze extracellular DNA, which further enhances H 2 O 2 -induced disinfection and prevents biofilm formation. Importantly, Zn2+-mediated M2 macrophage polarization significantly improved the impaired osteoimmune microenvironment, accelerating bone repair. Transcriptomics revealed that ZSTG effectively suppressed the inflammatory cascade induced by lipopolysaccharide while promoting cell proliferation, homeostasis maintenance, and bone repair. In vitro and in vivo results confirmed the superior anti-infective, osteoimmunomodulatory, and osteointegrative capacities of the ZSTG-mediated NADEI strategy. Overall, this smart bionic platform has significant potential for future clinical applications to treat IAIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation on the roots of Aconitum polycarpum Chang ex W. T. Wang (Ranunculaceae) led to the isolation of twenty-six compounds for the first time. Their structures were determined by NMR analysis and compared with reported data. The chemotaxonomic value of these compounds was further discussed by network analysis. The structural features of the isolated diterpenoid alkaloids indicate that the relatively advanced evolutionary status of A. polycarpum within subgenus Aconitum. Some compounds, such as 12 , 18 , 20 , 21 , and 22 with a limited distribution in the genus Aconitum exhibited certain potential chemotaxonomically values. • Twenty-six diterpenoid alkaloids were isolated from the roots of Aconitum polycarpum using a phytochemical study. • Five compounds can be used as potential chemotaxonomic markers to distinguish them from other similar related species. • The chemotaxonomic value of these alkaloids was further searched for by network analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Flocs-biofilm coexistence promoted shock response and low temperature adaptation. • Anammox bacteria on the biofilm was the major contributor to resist low temperature. • Anammox in IFAS system had higher substrate utilization efficiency. • Candidatus_Jettenia was dominant in IFAS system, with the highest abundance of 45%. To elucidate how integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) system favors nitrogen removal performance under seasonal temperature variations, two push-flow reactors were operated with and without carriers under the same operating conditions. The results show that the IFAS system had significant advantages in shock response and low temperature adaptation, with a nitrogen removal rate of 0.37–0.53 kg-N(m3·d)-1 at the temperature of 8–12 °C. Anammox bacteria on carriers were almost unaffected by temperature variation, and its nitrogen removal contribution rate stabilized at 55 % in the IFAS system. The Haldane model reveals that the specific anammox activity in the IFAS system was 28 % to 49 % higher than that in the control system at 13 °C. Candidatus_Jettenia, with the highest abundance of 45 %, was the dominant species in the IFAS system and preferred to attach to the carriers. This study provides a feasible scheme for the application of anammox process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]