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Photocatalytic hydrogen production coupled with high value-added organic conversion is a mild and effective way to obtain green energy and fine chemicals simultaneously. In this work, a CdS-based S-scheme photocatalyst is designed for efficient hydrogen production and highly selective conversion of benzyl alcohol in aqueous solution. With further assistant of Ni co-catalyst, the hydrogen production rate of WO x /CdS S-scheme photocatalyst can reach ∼131 μmol h−1, and benzyl alcohol has ∼91% conversion with selectivity of the target product benzaldehyde ∼100 %. The quality photocatalytic activity is inclined towards the construction of S-scheme heterojunction composing of WO x and CdS can ensure the redox ability while reducing the recombination of photogenerated carries. Meanwhile, reactive species involved in benzyl alcohol oxidation were confirmed by radical capture experiments, the excellent conversion and selectivity could not be achieved without the significant contribution of photogenerated holes. • WO x /CdS S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts were briefly constructed. • S-scheme band alignment guaranteed efficient charge transfer. • WO x /CdS exhibited excellent H 2 production with ∼100 % selectivity of benzaldehyde. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile solid‐state approach is employed to synthesize a novel magnetoplumbite‐type oxide of NdMgAl11O19, which integrates spinel‐stacking layers (MgAl2O4) with Nd‐O6 mirror plane structures. The resulting NdMgAl11O19 exhibits remarkable catalytic activity and conversion efficiency during the sulfur reduction reaction (SRR) in lithium‐sulfur batteries. By employing the 2D projection mapping technique of in situ confocal Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical technique, it is discovered that the exposed mirror plane structure of Nd‐O6 can effectively suppress the undesiring disproportionation reaction (S82−→S62−+1/4 S8) of long‐chain lithium polysulfides at the initial stages of sulfur reduction, thereby promoting the positive process of sulfur to lithium sulfide. This not only mitigates the issue of sulfur shuttle loss but also significantly improve the kinetics of the conversion process. Leveraging these advantages, the NdMgAl11O19/S cathode delivered an impressive initial capacity of up to 1398 mAh g−1 at an electrolyte/sulfur (E/S) ratio of 5.1 µL mg−1 and a sulfur loading of 2.3 mg cm−2. Even when the sulfur loading is increased to 10.02 mg cm−2, the cathode retained a reversible areal capacity of 10.01 mAh cm−2 after 200 cycles. This mirror engineering strategy provides valuable and universal insights into enhancing the efficiency of cathodes in Li‐S battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wooden breast (WB) myopathy is a common myopathy found in commercial broiler chickens worldwide. Histological examination has revealed that WB myopathy is accompanied by damage to the pectoralis major (PM) muscle. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for the formation of WB in broilers have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of hypoxia-mediated programmed cell death (PCD) in the formation of WB myopathy. Results: Histological examination and biochemical analysis were performed on the PM muscle of the control (CON) and WB groups. A significantly increased thickness of the breast muscle in the top, middle, and bottom portions (P<0.01) was found along with pathological structure damage of myofibers in the WB group. The number of capillaries per fiber in PM muscle, and the levels of pO2 and sO2 in the blood, were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), while the levels of pCO2 and TCO2 in the blood were significantly increased (P < 0.05), suggesting hypoxic conditions in the PM muscle of the WB group. We further evaluated the PCD-related pathways including autophagy, apoptosis, and necroptosis to understand the consequence response to enhanced hypoxic conditions in the PM muscle of birds with WB. The ratio of LC3 II to LC3 I, and the autophagy-related factors HIF-1α, BNIP3, Beclin1, AMPKα, and ULK1 at the mRNA and protein levels, were all significantly upregulated (P < 0.05), showing that autophagy occurred in the PM muscle of the WB group. The apoptotic index, as well as the expressions of Bax, Cytc, caspase 9, and caspase 3, were significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas Bcl-2 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the WB-affected PM muscle, indicating the occurrence of apoptosis mediated by the mitochondrial pathway. Additionally, the expressions of necroptosis-related factors RIP1, RIP3, and MLKL, as well as NF-κB and the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, were all significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) in the WB-affected PM muscle. Conclusions: The WB myopathy reduces blood supply and induces hypoxia in the PM muscle, which is closely related to the occurrence of PCD including apoptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis within myofibers, and finally leads to abnormal muscle damage and the development of WB in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane dehydroaromatization (MDA) is one of the most promising technologies for directly transforming methane into aromatics. Unlike the extensively investigated Mo/ZSM‐5 catalysts, the structure and, consequently, the catalytic activity of Fe/ZSM‐5 are markedly influenced by the method of preparation, as shown here. In this study, we prepared 2 % and 4 % Fe/ZSM‐5 catalysts via wet impregnation (WI) and incipient wetness impregnation (IWI). Characterizations (XRD, STEM, UV‐Vis, NH3‐TPD and H2‐TPR) reveal that 2 %Fe‐WI mainly possesses isolated or low‐polymerized Fe species within zeolite channels, leading to a rapid activation and a higher benzene yield due to the faster reduction to iron suboxides under MDA conditions. In contrast, 2 %Fe‐IWI contains bulk iron oxide aggregates, resulting in a slower activation as these aggregates transform into iron carbide through successive reduction and carbonization. A deactivation kinetic study applied to the 2 % catalysts further demonstrates the quantitative relation between Fe site isolation and catalytic activity. Although both 4 % catalysts inevitably form sizable iron oxide clusters and particles due to the high Fe/Al ratio, similar trends are noted, with the WI catalysts exhibiting a shorter induction/activation period and a higher yield of benzene, paralleling observations made with 2 % catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safety of the military and civilian industries is threatened by the combustion–explosion of energetic materials during production, transport, and storage. Black powder, a commonly used energetic material, has been widely utilized in special ammunition, detonating cord, explosive welding, and fireworks, and it has caused several accidents. To address this issue, a new type of seawater microcapsule suppressant has been developed using natural seawater, which is both clean and environmentally friendly. This study examines the effectiveness of different dosages and types of suppressants in reducing the combustion–explosion pressure of black powder, an energetic material. The dosage of suppressants required for complete suppression is estimated, and changes in flame and wall temperature are monitored to analyze the combustion–explosion suppression efficiency and mechanism of black powder. The experimental results demonstrate that the newly developed seawater microcapsule has a positive impact on suppressing the combustion–explosion in black powder. When using 0.15 g of seawater microcapsules, there was a 32.51% reduction in the maximum explosion pressure of 1 g of black powder and a 60.32% decrease in the maximum explosion rise rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of Klebsiella pneumoniae invasive liver abscess syndrome (KPILAS) with endophthalmitis-caused blindness as the first symptom after enema. The patient had diabetes, and his blood glucose was poorly controlled. She developed hematuria after four enemas for cosmetic purposes and later became blind. The eye discharge was cultured, which revealed a Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. B ultrasound did not show liver lesions, but computed tomography exhibited abscesses in the right lobe of the liver. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head indicated abscesses. These confirmed the diagnosis of invasive liver abscess syndrome. The patient was given ophthalmic and systemic anti-infection treatments, and her condition was effectively controlled. Unfortunately, the diseased eye still needed to be removed. This case underlines the necessity of avoiding unnecessary risky procedures (such as enemas) in vulnerable populations, the importance of early detection of invasive liver abscess syndrome, and the advantage of computed tomography in detecting liver abscesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (PDES) as a newly emerging type of liquid‐free ionic conductive elastomer is considered to be the most attractive candidate for the next generation of ionotronic devices. However, it remains a huge challenge to integrate high ionic conductivity, excellent mechanical properties, good self‐healing capacity, and robust adhesion into a single material that satisfies the stringent demand of the ionotronic devices in various scenarios. Herein, a liquid‐free ionic elastomer is constructed by incorporating tannic acid‐encapsulated cellulose nanocrystals (TA@CNC) as multifunctional hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) along with poly(acrylic acid) (HBDs) and choline chloride (hydrogen bond acceptors, HBAs) to form a dynamic cross‐linking network through multiple dynamic hydrogen bonds. The presence of the rigid crystalline regions and the sufficient dynamic interaction sites on the TA@CNC endow the resultant elastomers (ACTC) with superior mechanical properties (≈496 kPa, 2400%), robust adhesion (≈68.6 kPa), and good self‐healing property. Benefiting from the above integrated features, the wearable sensors by harnessing the ACTC as a resistance sensing module is constructed that provide unaltered sensing performance under off‐axial deformation (twisting and prick). Additionally, the capacitance pressure sensor with good stability for force distribution is developed, opening up a new avenue for the development of ionotronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A multi-attribute group decision method based on the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set is proposed. • A sustainability evaluation of an agricultural water-land-energy-carbon nexus is provided. • Multidimensional indicators are combined through stability, coordinativity and connectivity. • The water, land, energy and carbon subsystems of the agricultural system are quantified based on dual uncertainty. • The model is shown to solve real-world relationship management problems. The interactions between agricultural subsystems, resource scarcity and ecological degradation increase the need for agricultural sustainability assessments in relation to water, land, energy and carbon emissions. In addition, uncertainties caused by natural factors and human activities complicate sustainability assessments. Therefore, this study proposes a regional agricultural sustainability assessment method based on the water-land-energy-carbon (WLEC) nexus system under high uncertainty. This method couples the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set (IVIFS) and multi-attribute group decision making (MAGDM) methods to quantitatively characterise and assess element management and corresponding relationships within the agricultural WLEC nexus system in a multidimensional manner. The paper is able to (1) clarify the role of the coupled agricultural "water-land-energy-carbon" nexus and (2) address the double ambiguity and uncertainty in the indicators and more objectively reflect the interval fluctuations of natural resources and social activities in both positive and negative scenarios. (3) Sustainability management of agricultural resources is carried out according to different regional conditions. The method was applied to Heilongjiang Province in northeast China, and the coupling of agricultural WLEC nexus system in 13 administrative regions of the study area was quantitatively analysed. The degree of agroecological sustainability from a multidimensional perspective is higher in Daxinganling and lower in the provincial capital, Harbin. The recommended range of groundwater use in the study area is [16%,28%] to ensure ecological sustainability when total agricultural output fluctuates between 285,395.18 and 404,495.33 billion yuan. This methodology helps policy makers understand the overall dynamics of agricultural sustainability in an environment of multiple uncertainties and gives suggestions for better assessing management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Simultaneous detection of youkenafil and M1 in different human matrixes by LC-MS/MS. • First report of concentrations of youkenafil and M1 in seminal plasma. • Youkenafil has no significant acute effect on semen quality. • No dose-proportional relationship for both youkenafil and M1 within 100–400 mg. Youkenafil is a novel Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor used for treating erectile dysfunction. N-desethyl compound of youkenafil (M1) is its main active metabolite. In this study, two methods were developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of youkenafil and M1 by HPLC-MS/MS in human matrices including seminal plasma and plasma, in which the multiple reaction monitoring and electrospray ionization in positive mode were adopted, and the deuterated youkenafil (youkenafil-d5) was selected as the internal standard. The collected semen sample was kept at room temperature for approximately 30 min until fully liquefied. The volume of the liquefied semen was measured and then divided into two parts. One part was centrifuged to obtain the seminal plasma for the content detection of youkenafil and M1, while the other part was used for routine semen analysis. The chromatographic separation was accomplished with the column of Poroshell 120 EC-C18 (5 × 2.1 mm, 2.7 μm, Agilent). Protein precipitation with methanol was used for the pretreatment of seminal plasma and plasma. The intra-run and inter-run precisions were less than 6.4 % (relative standard deviation) and accuracies were all within −4.7 %–6.8 % (relative error) in both matrices. All other validated bioanalytical parameters were within the acceptance criteria set by the FDA. The methods were successfully applied to different clinical studies of youkenafil. In the clinical study of the acute effect of youkenafil on semen quality in healthy males, the content of youkenafil in seminal plasma was extremely low. Concentrations of youkenafil and M1 in seminal plasma were lower than those in plasma, at 20.7 % and 4.49 % of the plasma concentration, respectively. There was no significant acute effect of youkenafil on semen quality. In the pharmacokinetic study of youkenafil after single dose-escalation administration, the exposure to youkenafil and M1 was non-linear with the dose in the range of 100–400 mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil degradation has become a major global problem owing to the rapid development of agriculture. The problems of soil drought and decreased soil fertility caused by soil degradation severely affect the development of the agricultural and forestry industries. In this study, we designed sodium alginate (SA)/sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) hydrogel based on the activation and crosslinking of inert Ca2+. CaCO 3 and SA were mixed, and then, inert Ca2+ was activated to prepare a gel with a stable structure and a uniform interior and exterior. The crosslinking activated by inert Ca2+ enhanced the stability of the hydrogel, and the optimal swelling rate of the hydrogel reached 28.91 g/g, thereby effectively improving the water-holding capacity of the soil (77.6–108.83 g/kg). SLS was degraded into humic acid (HA) and gradually released, demonstrating a positive growth-promoting effect in plant growth experiments. The SA/SLS hydrogel can be used for soil water retention and mitigation to significantly decrease the water loss rate of soil. This study will assist in addressing soil drought and fertility loss. [Display omitted] • Sodium alginate/sodium lignosulfonate hydrogel (SA/SLS) prepared based on inert Ca2+ initiator technology. • SA/SLS has excellent stability and pH sensitivity. • SA/SLS has better soil water retention performance than commercially available soil amendments. • SA/SLS has a continuous effect on crop growth and can be applied to practical production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flexible X-ray protective materials are commonly made of lead rubber. They have heavy weight, high biological toxicity, poor flexibility and aging resistance. The "weak absorption zone" in the energy range of 40–88 keV threaten environmental safety and human health. Bi 2 O 3 -rubber based flexible X-ray protective materials were prepared by rubber production process. The micromorphology, shore hardness, specific gravity, mechanical properties and radiation protective properties were characterized and analyzed. The results showed that Bi 2 O 3 particles dispersed in natural rubber (R) matrix uniformly. The shore hardness of samples fluctuated between 41° and 46° with the increasing Bi 2 O 3 content, lower than the Level 1 index requirement of the hardness (≤80°) of lead-free composite protective materials. The specific gravity increased from 1.35 g/cm3 to 2.38 g/cm3, which reduced approximately 34% comparing with the commercial protective materials containing Pb. The breaking strength and breaking elongation meet the index requirements in National standard GB 16757-2016. When Bi 2 O 3 content reached 300 parts, the highest lead equivalent and maximum shielding ratio were 0.3012 mmPb and 52.95% respectively. It meets the index requirement of lead equivalent of 0.25 mmPb≤Pb≤0.35 mmPb for the front sheet of protective clothing. The effective shielding range of the protective material R/Bi 2 O 3 (100/300) was mainly in the range of incident energy of 65∼100 keV and 164–250 keV, which covered the "weak absorption zone" of lead. • Flexible lightweight Bi 2 O 3 -rubber based X-ray protective materials were prepared. • The hardness of Bi 2 O 3 -rubber based materials fluctuated between 41° and 46°. • The specific gravity of Bi 2 O 3 -rubber based materials ranged from 1.35 to 2.38 g/cm3. • The efficient shielding range of samples was 65∼100 keV and 164–250 keV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining features of complex bonding scheme and multifarious structures, metal borides have received extensive attention as appealing contenders for novel superhard materials with superior electrical conductivity. Based on first-principles calculations, we predicted a metallic superhard boride CaB 12 , consisted by a high-density B−B covalent sublattice arranged in waffle-like B 32 clusters. This special B−B arrangement results in a hitherto maximum hardness value (H vmax) of 50.1 GPa in binary metal borides. Since the Ca atoms provide electrons to the B 32 cluster, it is beneficial to generating conductive channel in 3D boron network, playing a dominant role in conductivity for CaB 12. Through the electronic regulation by substituting the alkaline atom at the Ca positions, a superconducting superhard compound Ca 2 KB 36 (T c = 16.9 K; H v = 44.1 GPa) can be achieved. We then propose three strategies to design materials with superhard and excellent conductivity/superconductivity properties: (1) the strong average covalent bond strength; (2) the high density of covalent bonds; (3) with appropriate metal atoms to produce carriers. Our work provides innovative way to search for novel ultrahard compounds with favorable electrical conductivity/superconductivity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanothermometry explores the use of temperature‐dependent properties of materials for remote and sensitive thermal readout at the nanoscale. The currently established nanothermometers are largely limited by uncontrollable nanoparticle flocculation, complex experimental setup, and narrow working temperature range. Here it is shown that gold nanoparticles (e.g., spheres, rods) embedded in a hydrogel can afford sensitive, durable, and range‐tunable temperature sensing via the terminal breathing of the nanoparticle surface‐grafted DNA. The realization of the plasmonic hydrogel thermometer with a thermal sensitivity of ≤2 °C relies on the dynamically modulable interparticle spacing by thermo‐responsive terminal base pairing/unpairing of the surface DNA. By altering the alcoholic ratio of the hydrogel, the temperature‐response range can be continuously regulated based on solvent‐mediated DNA base pairing. Compared with the colloidal counterpart, importantly, the hydrogel thermometer exhibits greatly improved thermal sensing capability (e.g., repeatability ≥50 times) while possessing excellent durability. Given the excellent durability, high sensitivity, and programmable temperature response range, the thermometers actuated by DNA breathing for advanced uses in human sensing and optoelectronics are within reach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelodiscus sinensis meat is a nutritional food and tonic with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities. To identify the bioactive substances responsible, several bioinformatics methods were integrated to enable a virtual screening for bioactive peptides in proteins identified within a water-soluble protein fraction of Pelodiscus sinensis meat by Shotgun proteomics. The peptides were generated from the identified proteins by in silico proteolysis using six proteases. A comparison of the numbers of proteins suitable for digestion with each enzyme and the iBAQ (intensity-based absolute quantification) values for these proteins revealed that bromelain and papain were the most suitable proteases for this sample. Next, the water solubility, toxicity, and ADMET (absorption/distribution/metabolism/excretion/toxicity) properties of these peptides were evaluated in silico. Finally, a novel ACE inhibitory peptide IEWEF with an IC50 value of 41.33 µM was identified. The activity of the synthesized peptide was verified in vitro, and it was shown to be a non-competitive ACE inhibitor. Molecular docking revealed that IEWEF could tightly bind to C-ACE, and N-ACE with energies less than 0 kJ mol−1, and the peptide IEWEF can form hydrogen bonds with C-ACE and N-ACE respectively. These results provide evidence that bioactive peptides in the water-soluble protein fraction account for (at least) some of the ACE inhibitory activities observed in Pelodiscus sinensis meat. Furthermore, our research provides a workflow for the efficient identification of novel ACE inhibitory peptides from complex protein mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the demand for integrating strength and durability reinforcement in shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) for diverse applications remains a significant challenge. Here a series of SMPUs with ultra‐high strength, self‐healing and recyclability, and excellent shape memory properties through introducing dynamic boron–urethane bonds are synthesized. The introducing of boric acid (BA) to polyurethane leading to the formation of dynamic covalent bonds (DCB) boron–urethane, that confer a robust cross‐linking structure on the SMPUs led to the formation of ordered stable hydrogen‐bonding network within the SMPUs. The flexible crosslinking with DCB represents a novel strategy for balancing the trade‐off between strength and durability, with their strengths reaching up to 82.2 MPa while also addressing the issue of durability in prolonged usage through the provision of self‐healing and recyclability. The self‐healing and recyclability of SMPU are demonstrated through rapid dynamic exchange reaction of boron–urethane bonds, systematically investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). This study sheds light on the essential role of such PU with self‐healing and recyclability, contributing to the extension of the PU's service life. The findings of this work provide a general strategy for overcoming traditional trade‐offs in preparing SMPUs with both high strength and good durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The VIM (belonged to E3 ubiquitin ligase) gene family is crucial for plant growth, development, and stress responses, yet their role in salt stress remains unclear. We analyzed phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal localization, conserved motifs, gene structure, cis-acting elements, and gene expression patterns of the VIM gene family in four cotton varieties. Our findings reveal 29, 29, 17, and 14 members in Gossypium hirsutum (G.hirsutum), Gossypium barbadense (G.barbadense), Gossypium arboreum (G.arboreum), and Gossypium raimondii (G. raimondii), respectively, indicating the maturity and evolution of this gene family. motifs among GhVIMs genes were observed, along with the presence of stress-responsive, hormone-responsive, and growth-related elements in their promoter regions. Gene expression analysis showed varying patterns and tissue specificity of GhVIMs genes under abiotic stress. Silencing GhVIM28 via virus-induced gene silencing revealed its role as a salt-tolerant negative regulator. This work reveals a mechanism by which the VIM gene family in response to salt stress in cotton, identifying a potential negative regulator, GhVIM28, which could be targeted for enhancing salt tolerance in cotton. The objective of this study was to explore the evolutionary relationship of the VIM gene family and its potential function in salt stress tolerance, and provide important genetic resources for salt tolerance breeding of cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shield tunnel muck are usually discarded due to high water content and poor engineering properties, resulting in occupation of land sources and waste of soil sources. Meanwhile, large amounts of industrial waste such as carbide slag (CS) and soda residue (SR) are landfilled with a low reuse rate, which poses a threat to the natural environment. This study aims to improve waste shield tunnel muck using CS and SR and traditional lime, and the improved tunnel muck is expected to be used in subgrade filling to provide a new approach to solve this dilemma. A series of physical, mechanical, subgrade property, and microcosmic tests were conducted on shield tunnel muck improved by CS, SR and lime. The effects of different mixing proportions on the properties of improved tunnel muck were examined. The micro-improvement mechanisms of CS and SR on tunnel muck were explored. Results indicate that the addition of CS or SR can effectively improve the physical and mechanical properties of shield tunnel muck. CS plays a significantly role than SR in improving physical and mechanical properties of tunnel muck. A synergistic enhancement is observed as the combined CS and SR are added, and the optimal mixing proportion of tunnel muck to CS to SR is found to be 100:6:2 with a fixed lime content of 4 %. The alkaline environment created by the synergistic action of CS and SR promotes the dissolution of the active ions in soils, and the generated crystals and gelling products of hydration significant contribute to soil improvement. The tunnel muck improved with appropriate CS or SR content could meet the requirements for light or medium traffic load levels and can be effectively utilized as subgrade filling. • Carbide slag or soda residue enhances tunnel muck's properties significantly. • Mechanical properties plateau in tunnel muck beyond 6 % carbide slag content. • Combined carbide slag and soda residue has a synergistic enhancement. • Optimal mix: tunnel muck, carbide slag, soda residue (100:6:2) with fixed 4 % lime. • Carbide slag / soda residue - enhanced tunnel muck meets subgrade performance norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polytetramethylene ether glycol system polyurethane elastomer that meets the TBM main drive sealing requirements was prepared. Based on the working condition of the TBM main drive seal lacking oil lubrication, the wear morphology, wear chemical changes and failure mechanism of the elastomer under different dry friction conditions are mainly explained. The results show that the hydrogen bond content and molecular structure of soft and hard segments of polyurethane elastomer will change when the friction temperature increases, leading to a decrease in mechanical properties and wear failure. With the increase of rotation speed and load, there are different temperature rise trends, wear morphologies and mechanisms, and there is an obvious sudden temperature rise before wear failure, which can be used as an important criterion for seal failure monitoring. • The three stages of change that the polyurethane elastomer material undergoes during the friction and heating process are proposed. • Revealed the influence between friction heat and working conditions parameters during the dry friction process of polyurethane elastomer. • An important criterion for the wear and failure of polyurethane elastomer materials was discovered. • The wear morphology and wear pattern of polyurethane elastomer under different dry friction conditions were explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trifluridine (FTD) and tipiracil (TPI) hydrochloride tablets (TAS-102) were used for the treatment of patients with metastatic rectal cancer that was resistant to conventional chemotherapy drugs. In this study, a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and fully validated for the simultaneous determination of TPI, FTD, and the metabolite 5-trifluoromethyluracil (FTY) of FTD in human plasma. The plasma samples were prepared by protein precipitation. The chromatography separation was performed using ACE Excel 3 AQ (100 × 2.1 mm i.d., 1.7 µm, ACE, England) column protected by a security guard cartridge (4.0 × 2.0 mm i.d., 5 µm, Phenomenex, USA) with a gradient elution of 0.05% acetic acid in water and methanol at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. The MS/MS analysis was performed by using multiple reaction monitoring with the segmented polarity (positive for TPI: m/z 243.1→183.0, and negative for FTD: m/z 295.1→252.0 and FTY: m/z 178.9→158.9) electrospray ionization mode. The segmented polarity mode was designed to achieve two advantages: better sensitivity and simultaneous determination of the analytes with different ion polarities. The calibration ranges were as follows: 1.00–250 ng/ for TPI, 8.00–8000 ng/mL for FTD and 5.00–1250 ng/mL for FTY. The selectivity, accuracy, precision, matrix effect, recovery, carryover, dilution integrity and stability test results meet ICH acceptance criteria. The method was evaluated using the RGB model and successfully applied to a clinical study in patients with solid tumors. For TPI, FTD and FTY, the maximum plasma concentration was 137–147 ng/mL, 6160–6240 ng/mL and 724–725 ng/mL, respectively; the plasma elimination half-life was 1.69–1.78 h, 1.70 h, and 3.09–3.14 h, respectively, after an oral administration of 60 mg TAS-102. [Display omitted] • A sensitive LC-MS/MS method was established for pharmacokinetics of nucleoside drugs. • Simultaneous determination of tipiracil, trifluridine and 5-trifluoromethyluracil. • MS response of analytes can be improved by using segmented polarity. • The PK parameters were obtained in Chinese patients after the administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Engineering patchoulol synthase with 2.02-fold higher patchoulol titer. • Engineering carbon catabolite repression for sesquiterpene production. • Exploiting dynamic glycolysis regulation device for overflow metabolism. • Highest patchoulol production in Escherichia coli. • First report for microbial production of τ-cadinol with high titer. Glucose metabolism suppresses the microbial synthesis of sesquiterpenes with a syndrome of " too much of a good thing can be bad ". Here, patchoulol production in Escherichia coli was increased 2.02 times by engineering patchoulol synthase to obtain an initial strain. Knocking out the synthetic pathway for cyclic adenosine monophosphate relieved glucose repression and improved patchoulol titer and yield by 27.7 % and 43.1 %, respectively. A glycolysis regulation device mediated by pyruvate sensing was constructed which effectively alleviated overflow metabolism in a high-glucose environment with 10.2 % greater patchoulol titer in strain 070QA. Without fine-tuning the glucose-feeding rate, patchoulol titer further increased to 1675.1 mg/L in a 5-L bioreactor experiment, which was the highest level reported in E. coli. Using strain 070QA as a chassis, the τ-cadinol titer reached 15.2 g/L, representing the first report for microbial production of τ-cadinol. These findings will aid in the industrial production of sesquiterpene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]