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Nowadays, significant research effort is being dedicated to explore environmentally friendly block materials with high strength and high-temperature resistance. Ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) is produced during the iron smelting waste process and can be activated to form the environment friendly alkali-activated slag cementitious material (AASCM) when mixed with alkaline activator. The aggregate consists of particles of different sizes, which are crushed and are screened using the paste of AASCM. In this study, the compressive strengths of 234 block specimens during and after high-temperature treatment were investigated. The test results showed that the compressive strength of the blocks gradually decreased slowly when the temperature was lower than 600°C, and decreased rapidly when the temperature was above 600°C. The reduction coefficient of compressive strength of the blocks during and after 900°C exposure were 14.2% ~ 28.1% and 15.3% ~ 28.7% of the ambient temperature strength, respectively. The steel fibre reduced the compressive strength loss of the blocks during and after the high-temperature exposure. With the increase of temperature, the steel fibre lost its effect gradually. Moreover, the compressive strength of the block after the high-temperature treatment was higher than that during the treatment when the strength level and temperature remained constant, the ratio was between 0.99 and 1.14. The high-temperature strength loss of the alkali-activated slag crushed aggregate concrete block was lower than that of the alkali-activated slag ceramsite concrete block. The fitted equations for calculating the compressive strength during and after the high-temperature treatment provided a basis for evaluating the fire resistance of this new type of block. The microstructure and composition of the block were analysed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results provide theoretical basis and data support for the application of AASCM in masonry blocks in high-temperature environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene duplications have long been recognized as a driving force in the evolution of genes, giving rise to novel functions. The soybean (Glycine max) genome is characterized by a large number of duplicated genes. However, the extent and mechanisms of functional divergence among these duplicated genes in soybean remain poorly understood. In this study, we revealed that 4 MYB genes (GmMYBA5, GmMYBA2, GmMYBA1, and Glyma.09g235000)—presumably generated by tandem duplication specifically in the Phaseoleae lineage—exhibited a stronger purifying selection in soybean compared to common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). To gain insights into the diverse functions of these tandemly duplicated MYB genes in anthocyanin biosynthesis, we examined the expression, transcriptional activity, induced metabolites, and evolutionary history of these 4 MYB genes. Our data revealed that Glyma.09g235000 is a pseudogene, while the remaining 3 MYB genes exhibit strong transcriptional activation activity, promoting anthocyanin biosynthesis in different soybean tissues. GmMYBA5, GmMYBA2, and GmMYBA1 induced anthocyanin accumulation by upregulating the expression of anthocyanin pathway-related genes. Notably, GmMYBA5 showed a lower capacity for gene induction compared to GmMYBA2 and GmMYBA1. Metabolomics analysis further demonstrated that GmMYBA5 induced distinct anthocyanin accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and soybean hairy roots compared to GmMYBA2 and GmMYBA1, suggesting their functional divergence leading to the accumulation of different metabolites accumulation following gene duplication. Together, our data provide evidence of functional divergence within the MYB gene cluster following tandem duplication, which sheds light on the potential evolutionary directions of gene duplications during legume evolution. Tandemly duplicated MYB genes in regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis exhibit functional divergence and a strong purifying selection in soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of blast furnace slag improves resource utilization and supports the achievement of sustainable development goals. The use of alkali-activated slag cementitious material (AASCM) provides a new direction for improving the fire resistance of masonry structures. The masonry investigated in this study was alkali-activated slag crushed aggregate concrete masonry (ASCCM) in which aggregates of blocks and mortars were crushed and screened using AASCM paste specimens. The compression behavior of 12 specimens during and after exposure to high temperatures, specifically 300, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900°C was investigated. The specimens were maintained under the target temperature for 2 h. The compressive strength and axial deformation of the specimen were recorded. The compressive strength losses during exposure to 300, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900°C are 15.9, 20.3, 38.3, 43.9, 63.3 and 73.8%, respectively. The compressive strength losses after exposure to 300, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900°C are 10.6, 15.8, 34.0, 37.2, 58.6 and 72.2%, respectively. The rate of loss in elastic modulus is greater than that in compressive strength. During exposure to 300, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900°C, the loss rates of elastic modulus are 56.5, 74.4, 83.3, 86.3, 92.9 and 93.9%, respectively. After exposure to 300, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900°C, the loss rates of elastic modulus are 49.6, 67.3, 77.5, 82.0, 90.7 and 94.5%, respectively. The peak compressive strain values are 9.9 and 11.1 times that at room temperature. Equations for calculating the compressive strength, elastic modulus, peak compressive strain, and ascending section curve of the stress–strain relationship with temperature were derived. The research results provide a new choice for high temperature resistant masonry materials, and provide theoretical basis and data support for the application of AASCM in masonry structures in high-temperature environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main challenge facing the anodic electro-Fenton through the 2e– water oxidation reaction (WOR) for toxics degradation lies in the electrode's stability, because the anodic oxygen evolution (OER) generated O 2 will inevitably exfoliate the electro-active components loaded on the electrode substrate. To address this point, two aspects need attention: 1) Identifying a catalyst that exhibits both excellent electrocatalytic activity and selectivity can improve the faradaic efficiency of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2); 2) Employing novel methods for fabricating highly stable electrodes, where active sites can be firmly coated. Consequently, this study utilized microarc oxidation (MAO) to prepare a ceramic film electrode Zn 2 SnO 4 @Ti at 300 V. Zn 2 SnO 4 acts as an WOR electrocatalyst and further improved the generation of H 2 O 2 for treating real wastewater containing Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine (UDMH). From the perspective of characterization of electrode structure, Zn 2 SnO 4 @Ti forms a stable active coating, the electrochemical yield of H 2 O 2 is high up to 78.4 μmol h−1 cm−2, and the selectivity of H 2 O 2 is over 80% at 3.3 V vs. RHE, which can be fully applied to scenarios where it is inconvenient to transport H 2 O 2 and need in-situ safe production. Additionally, the prepared electrodes exhibit significant stability, suitable for various applications, providing insightful preparation strategies and experiences for constructing highly stable anodes. • Highly active and selective 2e– WOR electrodes were prepared using Zn 2 SnO 4 with TC4. • Zn 2 SnO 4 @Ti–300V achieved a high H 2 O 2 yield of 78.4 μmol h−1 cm−2 at 3.3 V vs. RHE voltage. • Zn 2 SnO 4 improved its 2e– WOR stability by MAO device. • Zn 2 SnO 4 @Ti can effectively degrade UDMH wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a global health challenge characterized by bone loss and microstructure deterioration, which urgently requires the development of safer and more effective treatments due to the significant adverse effects and limitations of existing drugs for long-term treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine, like Epimedium, offers fewer side effects and has been used to treat osteoporosis, yet its active compounds and pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, 65 potential active compounds, 258 potential target proteins, and 488 pathways of Epimedium were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Further network analysis and review of the literature identified six potential active compounds and HIF-1α for subsequent experimental validation. In vitro experiments confirmed that 2″-O-RhamnosylIcariside II is the most effective compound among the six potential active compounds. It can promote osteoblast differentiation, bind with HIF-1α, and inhibit both HIF-1α gene and protein expression, as well as enhance COL1A1 protein expression under hypoxic conditions. In vivo experiments demonstrated its ability to improve bone microstructures and reduce bone loss by decreasing bone marrow adipose tissue, enhancing bone formation, and suppressing HIF-1α protein expression. This study is the first to describe the therapeutic effects of 2-O-RhamnosylIcariside II on osteoporosis, which was done, specifically, through a mechanism that targets and inhibits HIF-1α. This study provides a scientific basis for the clinical application of Epimedium and offers a new candidate drug for the treatment of osteoporosis. Additionally, it provides new evidence supporting HIF-1α as a therapeutic target for osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) has gained significant interest in the removal of organic pollutants. However, traditional methods usually suffer from drawbacks such as secondary contamination and high energy requirements. In this study, we propose a green and cost-effective approach utilizing calcium oxide (CaO) to activate PMS, aiming to construct a simple and reliable PMS based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The proposed CaO/PMS system achieved fast degradation of methylene blue (MB), where the degradation rate of CaO/PMS system (0.24 min−1) was nearly 2.67 times that of PMS alone (0.09 min−1). Under the optimized condition, CaO/PMS system exhibited remarkable durability against pH changes, co-exists ions or organic matters. Furthermore, singlet oxygen (1O 2) was identified as the dominant reactive oxygen species by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and quenching tests. Accordingly, the degradation pathways of MB are proposed by combing the results of LC/MS analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and the predicted ecotoxicity of the generated byproducts evaluated by EOCSAR could provide systematic insights into the fates and environmental risks of MB. Overall, the study provides an eco-friendly and effective strategy for treating dyeing wastewater, which should shed light on the application of PMS based AOPs. [Display omitted] • CaO/PMS process was effective and applicable for MB removal. • The key factors affecting the MB degradation rate were distinguished. • 1O 2 was the main activate species for the degradation of MB. • The main intermediates and reaction pathways of MB were proposed. • The toxicity of MB's intermediates were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation therapy is a primary treatment for cancer, but radioresistance remains a significant challenge in improving efficacy and reducing toxicity. Accumulating evidence suggests that deubiquitinases (DUBs) play a crucial role in regulating cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Traditional small-molecule DUB inhibitors have demonstrated radiosensitization effects, and novel deubiquitinase-targeting chimeras (DUBTACs) provide a promising strategy for radiosensitizer development by harnessing the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This review highlights the mechanisms by which DUBs regulate radiosensitivity, including DNA damage repair, the cell cycle, cell death, and hypoxia. Progress on DUB inhibitors and DUBTACs is summarized, and their potential radiosensitization effects are discussed. Developing drugs targeting DUBs appears to be a promising alternative approach to overcoming radioresistance, warranting further research into their mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ultrasonication-homogenization synergistically assisted antisolvent method was effective. • Ultrafine nobiletin particle with a minimum particle size of 521.02 nm. • Ultrafine nobiletin particle had better enzyme inhibition effect than raw. To further enhance the application of nobiletin (an important active ingredient in Citrus fruits), we used ultrasonic homogenization-assisted antisolvent precipitation to create ultrafine particles of nobiletin (UPN). DMSO was used as the solvent, and deionized water was used as the antisolvent. When ultrasonication (670 W) and homogenization (16000 r/min) were synergistic, the solution concentration was 57 mg/mL, and the minimum particle size of UPN was 521.02 nm. The UPN samples outperformed the RN samples in terms of the inhibition of porcine pancreatic lipase, which was inhibited (by 500 mg/mL) by 68.41 % in the raw sample, 90.34 % in the ultrafine sample, and 83.59 % in the positive control, according to the data. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed no chemical changes in the samples before or after preparation. However, the crystallinity of the processed ultrafine nobiletin particles decreased. Thus, this work offers significant relevance for applications in the realm of food chemistry and indirectly illustrates the expanded application potential of nobiletin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]