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The Co-WS 2 heterostructure, loaded on nanofibers with faster electron transport rates, was designed and developed using a top-down approach to achieve high HER performance in alkaline electrolytes. Driven by the inherent electric field induced by the work function difference between Co and WS 2 , efficient electron transfer at the interface optimizes the adsorption energy of reaction intermediates and boosts catalytic activity. [Display omitted] Designing and developing cost-effective, high-performance catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for advancing hydrogen production technology. Tungsten-based sulfides (WS x) exhibit great potential as efficient HER catalysts, however, the activity is limited by the larger energy required for water dissociation under alkaline conditions. Herein, we adopt a top-down strategy to construct heterostructure Co-WS 2 nanofiber catalysts. The experimental results and theoretical simulations unveil that the work functions-induced built-in electric field at the interface of Co-WS 2 catalysts facilitates the electron transfer from Co to WS 2 , significantly reducing water dissociation energy and optimizing the Gibbs free energy of the entire reaction step for HER. Besides, the self-supported catalysts of Co-WS 2 nanoparticles confining 1D nanofibers exhibit an increased number of active sites. As expected, the heterostructure Co-WS 2 catalysts exhibit remarkable HER activity with an overpotential of 113 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2 and stability with 30 h catalyzing at 23 mA cm−2. This work can provide an avenue for designing highly efficient catalysts applicable to the field of energy storage and conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the FitzHugh-Nagumo system equipped with boundary condition of Dirichlet type on some two/three-dimensional domains. This system describes the signal transmission across the axonal membrane in neurophysiology. It is a semilinear parabolic PDE for the voltage variable coupled with a first-order ODE of space-time type for the recovery variable. We prove that there exists a finite-dimensional global manifold in the case of the fast recovery variable. Since the manifold is uniformly attracting, it gives geometric insight into the global long-time dynamics of the solutions. The proof is based on an abstract invariant manifold theorem for dynamical systems on a Banach space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In this study, a new composite (MWCNTs-CuNiFe 2 O 4) prepared by loading magnetic CuNiFe 2 O 4 particles onto carboxylated carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) through co-precipitation was applied to remove oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC-HCl) in solution. The magnetic properties of this composite could address of the issue of difficulty associated with the separation of MWCNTs from mixtures when applied as an adsorbent. In addition to the good adsorption properties recorded for MWCNTs-CuNiFe 2 O 4 towards OTC-HCl, this developed composite could be used to activate potassium persulfate (KPS) for an efficient degradation of OTC-HCl. The MWCNTs-CuNiFe 2 O 4 was systematically characterized using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The influence of dose of MWCNTs-CuNiFe 2 O 4 , the initial pH, the amount of KPS and the reaction temperature on the adsorption and degradation of OTC-HCl by MWCNTs-CuNiFe 2 O 4 were discussed. The adsorption and degradation experiments showed that MWCNTs-CuNiFe 2 O 4 exhibited an adsorption capacity of 270 mg·g−1 for OTC-HCl with the removal efficiency 88.6% at 303 K (at an initial pH 3.52, 5 mg KPS, 10 mg composite, 10 mL reaction concentration 300 mg·L−1 of OTC-HCl). The Langmuir and Koble-Corrigan models were used to describe the equilibrium process while the Elovich equation and Double constant model were suitable to describe the kinetic process. The adsorption process was based on single-molecule layer reaction and non-homogeneous diffusion process. The mechanisms of adsorption were complexation and hydrogen bond whereas active species such as SO 4 ‧-, ‧OH and 1O 2 were confirmed to have played a major role in the degradation of OTC-HCl. The composite was also found to be very stable with good reusability property. These results confirm the good potential associated with the use of MWCNTs-CuNiFe 2 O 4 /KPS system for the removal of some typical pollutants from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a q -analogue of the polynomial reduction which was originally developed for hypergeometric terms. Using the q -Gosper representation, we describe the structure of rational functions that are summable when multiplied with a given q -hypergeometric term. The structure theorem enables us to generalize the q -polynomial reduction to the rational case, which can be used in the automatic proof and discovery of q -identities. As applications, several q -analogues of series for π are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examine the long-time dynamics of an epidemic model whose diffusion and reaction terms involve nonlocal effects described by suitable convolution operators. The spreading front of the disease is represented by the free boundaries in the model. We show that the model is well-posed, its long-time dynamical behaviour is characterised by a spreading-vanishing dichotomy, and we also obtain sharp criteria to determine the dichotomy. Some of the nonlocal effects in the model pose extra difficulties in the mathematical treatment, which are dealt with by introducing new approaches. The model can capture accelerated spreading, and its spreading rate will be discussed in a subsequent work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and itsmetabolite benzo(a)pyrene-7, 8-dihydrodiol-9, 10-epoxide (BPDE), classic endocrine disrupting chemical and persistent organic pollutant, could cause miscarriage. However, the detailed mechanisms are still largely unclear and should be further explored. In this study, we discovered that exposure of trophoblast cells with BPDE could suppressed cell invasion/migration by inhibiting MEST/VIM (Vimentin) pathway. Moreover, BPDE exposure also increased lnc-HZ01 expression level, which further inhibited MEST/VIM pathway and then suppressed invasion/migration. Knockdown of lnc-HZ01 or overexpression of MEST could efficiently rescue invasion/migration of BPDE-exposed Swan 71 cells. Furthermore, lnc-HZ01 was highly expressed and MEST/VIM were lowly expressed in recurrent miscarriage (RM) villous tissues compared with healthy control (HC) group. Finally, we also found that BaP exposure inhibited murine Mest/Vim pathway in placental tissues and induced miscarriage in BaP-exposed mice. Therefore, the regulatory mechanisms were similar in BPDE-exposed human trophoblast cells, RM villous tissues, and placental tissues of BaP-exposed mice with miscarriage, building a bridge to connect BaP/BPDE exposure, invasion/migration, and miscarriage. This study provided novel insights in the toxicological effects and molecular mechanisms of BaP/BPDE-induced miscarriage, which is helpful for better elucidating the toxicological risks of BaP/BPDE on female reproduction. • BPDE suppressed MEST/ VIM (Vimentin) expression in human trophoblast cells. • BPDE up-regulated lnc-HZ01, which inhibited MEST/VIM and suppressed trophoblast cell invasion/migration. • Knockdown of lnc-HZ01 or overexpression of MEST rescued BPDE-suppressed invasion/migration of Swan 71 cells. • Lnc-HZ01 was highly expressed and MEST/VIM were lowly expressed in RM vs HC villous tissues. • BaP inhibited Mest/Vim pathway and induced miscarriage in BaP-exposed mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In tropical and subtropical countries, dengue virus (DENV) infections have been increasing; however, we still lack effective therapy. In the present study, we aimed to engineer a bispecific antibody (subsequently named LUZ-8F2–6B1), based on monoclonal antibody 6B1, which has anti DENV-1, 2, and 3 activity, and 8F2, which has anti DENV-4 activity. LUZ-8F2–6B1 displayed potent neutralization activity against four serotypes of DENV by binding to the envelop protein. In vivo , we demonstrated that LUZ-8F2–6B1 could provide protection against infection by four serotypes of DENV in a mouse model. In addition, the deletion of nine amino acids in the Fc region (LUZ-8F2–6B1-9del) completely abolished the antibody-dependent enhancement observed at lower doses of the antibody. Thus, LUZ-8F2–6B1 is a promising, safe, and effective agent for the prophylaxis and treatment of DENV infection. • An engineered bispecific antibody LUZ-8F2-6B1 showed potent neutralization activity against all four serotypes of DENV. • In vivo, a mouse model showed that LUZ-8F2-6B1 provided protection against infection by all four serotypes of DENVs. • LUZ-8F2-6B1-9del completely abrogated antibody dependent enhancement, which occurs when using lower doses of the antibody. • LUZ-8F2-6B1 could be an effective and safe agent for the prophylaxis and therapy of DENV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human adenovirus serotype 7 (HAdV-7), belonging to species B, has caused severe lower respiratory tract diseases and even deaths recently. However, no adenovirus vaccine or therapeutic is available thus far. In this study, a HAdV-7-specific human monoclonal antibody (HMAb), 3-3E, isolated from single plasma cells obtained from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HAdV-7-infected patients showed potent HAdV-7 neutralization activity. The results showed HMAb 3-3E only binds to the hexon protein of intact HAdV-7 or the recombinant hexon protein and it does not bind to other intact virion particles. This could mean the antibody recognizes a conformational epitope of the hexon protein. Further, HMAb 3-3E potently neutralized HAdV-7 in vitro at low concentrations. In vivo studies showed HMAb 3-3E protected from HAdV-7 infection in a murine model. Therefore, HMAb 3-3E is promising as a safe and effective prophylactic and therapeutic treatment for HAdV-7 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Although inflammation is emerging as a candidate risk factor in tumorigenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In particular, Interleukin (IL) 13 involved inflammatory diseases and cancers. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL-13 have been associated with multiple cancers. The study analyzed genetic polymorphisms in IL-13 aiming to investigate its' potential susceptibility with the NPC. The genotyping of polymorphisms (rs20541, rs1295687 and rs2069744) was examined by Snapshot SNP and DNA sequencing. All SNPs were within Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and each appeared in three genotypes in NPC and controls. Adjusted logistic regression showed that the TT genotype of rs20541 increased the risk of lymph node metastasis (TT vs. CC: OR = 2.87, 95%CI, 1.33–6.18, P = 0.007). CT/CC genotypes were associated with the decreased the risk of lymph node metastasis in NPC (CT/CC vs. TT: OR = 0.32, 95%CI, 0.16–0.65, P = 0.002). The concentration of IL-13 was significantly elevated in NPC patients compared with controls (P = 0.012). Moreover, significant differences were detected in the T-C-T haplotype distribution between NPC patients and controls (OR = 2.47, 95%CI, 1.06–5.78, P = 0.031). Our results, the first report, provide evidence that rs20541 polymorphisms may affect the lymph node metastasis of NPC patients in Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract By employing the solvothermal in situ N -alkylation of organic bases with alcohol molecules, four new organically templated iodometallates as [L1][Ag 2 I 4 ] (L12+ = 1,1,4,4-tetramethyl-1λ4,4λ4-piperazinium) 1 , [L2] 1.5 [AgI 4 ] (L22+ = 1,4-dibenzyl-1λ4,4λ4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octanium) 2 , [L2] 1.5 [CuI 4 ] 3 and [L3][CuI 3 ] (L32+ = 4,4′-bis(3-methyl-1H-3λ4-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1′-biphenylium) 4 were obtained. In 1 , the in situ substitution and N-alkylation of 1,4-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)piperazine (L1') with CH 3 OH has occurred, producing L12+. Templated by L12+, Ag+ and I- aggregate into a chained iodoargentate, which can be described as a linear arrangement of AgI 4 tedrahedra by sharing the edges. 2 and 3 are isostructural. In 2 and 3 , the in situ N -alkylation of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane (L2') with phenylmethanol has occurred, generating L22+. Templated by L22+, Ag+ (or Cu+) and I- aggregate into a mononuclear iodometallate with a tetrahedral structure. In 4 , the in situ N -alkylation of 4,4′-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl (L3') with CH 3 OH has occurred, creating L32+. Templating by L32+, Cu+ and I- aggregate into a mononuclear iodocuprate(I) with a planar trigonal structure. The photoluminescence analysis reveals that (i) at the room temperature, only 1 emits light (λ em = 550 nm); (ii) at the low temperature, 4 is found to possess the photoluminescence property (λ em = 546 nm at 77 K) with a ms-grade lifetime (τ = 4.915 ms). Graphical abstract By employing solvothermal in situ N -alkylation of organic bases with alcohol molecules, four new organically templated iodometallate(I) were obtained, and their photoluminescence properties were investigated. fx1 Highlights • Four new organically templated iodometallates(I) (M+ = Ag+, Cu+) are reported; • In situ N -alkylation of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane with phenylmethanol is investigated for the first time; • In situ N -alkylation of 4,4′-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl with alcohol molecules is investigated for the first time; • Their photoluminescence properties at different temperature are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The purpose of this work is to develop a single-phase phosphor emitting white light under the excitation of near UV light, targeted at the possible application in white light emitting diodes. Our rationale is to employ a host containing noncentrosymmetric coordination sites for rare earth, therefore the f - f absorptions in the near UV range could be enhanced. Indeed, YGa 3 (BO 3) 4 is such a host where Y3+ is in a twisted triangular prism and could be substituted by various rare earth elements. The photoluminescence of Dy3+ and Tm3+ were investigated in Y 1- x Dy x Ga 3 (BO 3) 4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.10) and Y 1- y Tm y Ga 3 (BO 3) 4 (0.01 ≤ y ≤ 0.10), whose phase purity was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. Dy3+ emits yellowish white light and Tm3+ emits blue light under their respective f - f excitations (350 and 358 nm). The optimal concentrations in the singly-doped phosphors are 7 and 3 atom%, respectively. When co-doping Dy3+ and Tm3+ in YGa 3 (BO 3) 4 , there was no energy transfer between them. Eventually, a white light emission could be obtained with the CIE coordinates of (0.325, 0.329) in Y 0.91 Dy 0.07 Tm 0.02 Ga 3 (BO 3) 4 under the excitation of 364 nm. Graphical abstract Dy3+ and Tm3+ singly and co-doped YGa 3 (BO 3) 4 were synthesized by solid state reactions. Rietveld refinements confirmed that Dy3+ and Tm3+ replace Y3+ and locate in a triangular prism environment, which is beneficial for their f - f absorptions in near UV range. Since there is no energy transfer, tuning the content of Dy3+ and Tm3+ leads to the white emission with the CIE coordinate of (0.325, 0.329). fx1 Highlights • Structural refinements confirmed Dy3+/Tm3+ locates at the Y3+ site in YGa 3 (BO 3) 4. • Dy3+ and Tm3+ emit yellowish white and blue light in YGa 3 (BO 3) 4 , respectively. • The optimal concentration for Dy3+ is 7 atom% in Y 1- x Dy x Ga 3 (BO 3) 4. • The optimal concentration for Tm3+ is 3 atom% in Y 1- y Tm y Ga 3 (BO 3) 4. • Near UV excited white emission can be obtained in Y 0.91 Dy 0.07 Tm 0.02 Ga 3 (BO 3) 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Black carbon (BC) is a key component of atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and it tends to adsorb various pollutants (e.g., heavy metals and organics) during atmospheric transport. This adsorption leads to the complexity and uncertainty of the source and chemical composition of PM 2.5 , making the toxicologic effects and health risks induced by PM2.5 difficult to determine. Here, we used carboxylated black carbon (c-BC) and c-BC-lead complexes (c-BC-Pb) to investigate the in vitro and in vivo toxic effects and inflammatory responses. The physicochemical properties of c-BC and c-BC-Pb complexes were characterized by the transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and in ductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectra (ICP−AES). Cytotoxicity in vitro showed that the exposure of human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) to low-dose c-BC-Pb particles significantly induced greater toxicity than that of c-BC, suggesting that lead (Pb) might play an important role in induced cytotoxicity after combined exposure to c-BC-Pb particles. The findings were further confirmed by the results in vivo , which indicated that c-BC-Pb particles significantly induced inflammation and lung injury. Based on the results of this experiment, the differences in toxicity can be attributed to the synergistic effect of Pb on the BC particles, which play a synergistic role in vitro and in vivo in the development of toxicity. The c-BC-Pb particles model used in this study may be helpful for the evaluation of cytotoxicity induced by different sources of BC particles or BC-heavy metal complexes and provide a new approach for understanding PM 2.5 -induced toxicity and health risks. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Carboxylated black carbon (c-BC) and c-BC-lead (c-BC-Pb) were prepared successfully. • The in vitro and in vivo toxic effects of c-BC and c-BC-Pb were evaluated. • The toxicity of c-BC-Pb was attributed to the synergistic effect of Pb and c-BC. • The study is helpful for evaluating the toxicity of BC and BC-metal complexes. • The c-BC-Pb model provides a new method to evaluate the toxicity caused by PM2.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The industrial effluents discharge including heavy metals drain into the river, which has given rise to many problems of hazarding aquatic ecosystems and human health. Biosorption serves as the adsorption of heavy metals onto a natural adsorbent, it is becoming a potential alternative for toxic metals removal from industrial effluents in the last decades. The objectives of present research were to investigate the biosorption behaviors and the mechanisms of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) ions, respectively onto foxtail millet shell as a new natural biosorbent in aqueous solution. The effects of pH (2.0–6.0), contact time (5.0–240.0 min), initial metal ions concentration (25.0–300.0 mg/L), particle size (0.25–2.0 mm) and biosorbent dosage (1.0–6.0 g/L) on the adsorption efficiency of the target metals using foxtail millet shell were evaluated in batch experiments. The models of isotherms and kinetics were used to assess the removal behaviors of Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr ions from aqueous solution by foxtail millet shell. The results showed that the best fitting equilibrium isotherm models for Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr ions were Freundlich (Cu and Zn) and Langmuir (Cd and Cr), respectively under the proper adsorption conditions. The maximum biosorption capacities were 11.89, 10.59, 12.48 and 11.70 mg g−1 of Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr, respectively by terms of Langmuir model. The kinetics of biosoption the target metal ions processes were best explained by pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Furthermore, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models were cooperative mechanism during the whole biosorption. In addition, the pores on the surface of the shell were covered and then became smooth after biosorption through Scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed, which demonstrated that the target metal ions were adsorbed by foxtail millet shell. The results of Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) further gave evidences that Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr ions were adsorbed onto surface of the adsorbent, respectively. Analysis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) demonstrated that various functional groups, such as C—H, C˭O, C˭C, C—O, O—S—O and Si—O groups were engaged in the interaction between foxtail millet shell and Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr ions. This paper provided evidences that foxtail millet shell was a potential and efficient biosorbent on removal of Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr ions from aqueous solutions, due to its high biosorption availability, capacity and low cost. Highlights • The adsorption of Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr ions in aqueous solutions by natural foxtail millet shell has been investigated. • The natural surface characterizations of foxtail millet shell were recognized by the methods of SEM, EDS and FTIR. • Various kinetic and equilibrium models were used to assess behaviors of adsorption on uptake of Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr ions from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propyrisulfuron is a novel sulfonylurea herbicide used for controlling annual grass and broad-leaved weeds in fields, but its fates and behaviors in environment are still unknown, which are of utmost importance for environmental protection. To reduce its potential environmental risks in agricultural production, the hydrolysis kinetics, influence of 34 environmental factors including 12 microplastics (MPs), disposable face masks (DFMs) and its different parts, 6 fertilizers, 5 ions, 3 surfactants, a co-existed herbicide of florpyrauxifen-benzy, humic acid and biochar, and the effect of MPs and DFMs on its hydrolysis mechanisms were systematically investigated. The main hydrolysis products (HPs), possible mechanisms, toxicities and potential risks to aquatic organisms were studied. Propyrisulfuron hydrolysis was an acid catalytic pyrolysis, endothermic and spontaneous process driven by the reduction of activation enthalpy, and followed the first-order kinetics. All environmental factors can accelerate propyrisulfuron hydrolysis to varying degrees except humic acid, and different hydrolysis mechanisms occurred in the presence of MPs and DFMs. In addition, 10 possible HPs and 7 possible mechanisms were identified and proposed. ECOSAR prediction and ecotoxicity testing showed that acute toxicity of propyrisulfuron and its HPs for aquatic organisms were low, but may have high chronic toxicity and pose a potential threat to aquatic ecosystems. The investigations are significantly important for elucidating the environmental fates and behaviors of propyrisulfuron, assessing the risks in environmental protection, and further providing guidance for scientific application in agro-ecosystem. [Display omitted] • Hydrolysis followed the first-order kinetics. • 33 environmental factors accelerated hydrolysis. • Identified 10 possible hydrolysis products for the first time. • Low acute toxicity but high chronic toxicity to aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Hou, Mu and Zeilberger introduced a new process of polynomial reduction for hypergeometric terms, which can be used to prove and generate hypergeometric identities automatically. In this paper, we extend this polynomial reduction to holonomic sequences. As applications, we describe an algorithmic way to prove and generate new multi-summation identities. Especially we present new families of π -series involving Domb numbers and Franel numbers, and new families of congruences for Franel numbers and Delannoy numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes inflammatory injuries in infected pigs. PRRSV induces secretion of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) that enhances inflammatory response. However, the mechanism of PRRSV-induced HMGB1 secretion is unknown. Here, we discovered PRRSV induced HMGB1 secretion via activating protein kinase C-delta (PKCδ). HMGB1 secretion was positively correlated with PKCδ activation in PRRSV-infected cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. Suppression of PKCδ with inhibitor and siRNA significantly blocked PRRSV-induced HMGB1 translocation and secretion, which indicates PKCδ activation is essential for the PRRSV-mediated HMGB1 secretion. In addition, PKCδ knockdown in PRRSV-infected cells led to downregulation of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1beta and IL-6. Moreover, PRRSV E and pORF5a proteins were found to activate PKCδ and consequent HMGB1 secretion. These results demonstrate PRRSV activates PKCδ to induce HMGB1 secretion via E and pORF5a. This finding provides insights on the inflammatory response and pathogenesis of PRRSV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin (IL) 13 plays a critical role in inflammatory diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aims to explore the potential association of IL-13 polymorphisms with the risk of SLE. We genotyped IL-13 rs20541, rs848 and rs1295686 using Snapshot SNP genotyping assays. Plasma IL-13 level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that rs20541 was associated with increased risk of SLE (CT vs. CC: adjusted OR = 1.43, 95%CI, 1.04–1.99, P = .030; TT vs. CC: adjusted OR = 1.73, 95%CI, 1.10–2.73, P = .018; CT/TT vs. CC: adjusted OR = 1.50, 95%CI, 1.10–2.04, P = .010; T vs. C adjusted OR = 1.34, 95%CI, 1.08–1.93, P = .031). CT and TT genotypes in rs20541 were associated with increased risk of renal disorder in SLE (CT vs. CC: adjusted OR = 1.97, 95%CI, 1.18–3.28, P = .009; TT vs. CC: adjusted OR=2.42, 95%CI, 1.22–4.77, P = .011). Moreover, The concentration of IL-13 was significantly elevated in rs20541 CT/TT genotypes compared with CC genotype ( P < .001). These results suggest that rs20541 CT/TT genotypes may be a risk factor for SLE, probably by increasing the level of IL-13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) has a number of adverse effects on the reproductive development of females. In particular, the mechanism of disruption of ovarian development in adolescent mice is still unclear. Based on transcriptome sequencing results, a differentially expressed lncRNA, Fhad1os2 , was detected in the ovaries of BPA-exposed pubertal mice. In our study, the lncRNA Fhad1os2 , localized in the ovarian granulosa cell cytoplasm, could regulate the proliferation of mouse ovarian granulosa cells. Mechanistically, the results of RNA pull-down experiments as well as mass spectrometry analysis showed that ERα, an interfering signaling molecule of BPA, could directly bind lncRNA Fhad1os2 and decrease the transcription of lncRNA Fhad1os2 in response to the estrogen-like effect of BPA. BPA exposure also caused abnormal lncRNA Fhad1os2 pulldown protein-related signaling pathways in the ovaries of adolescent mice. Furthermore, lncRNA Fhad1os2 interacted with RUNX3, a transcription factor related to follicle development and hormone synthesis. As a negative regulator, lncRNA Fhad1os2 transactivated the expression of Runx3 , which in turn induced RUNX3 to positively regulate aromatase (Cyp19a1) expression in mouse ovarian granulosa cells and promote estrogen synthesis. In conclusion, our study indicates that BPA exposure interferes with ERα-regulated lncRNA Fhad1os2 interactions with RUNX3 in pubertal mice, affecting estrogen synthesis in mouse granulosa cells and contributing to premature ovarian maturation in pubertal mice. [Display omitted] • LncRNA Fhad1os2 regulates the proliferation of mouse ovarian granulosa cells. • ERα directly binds lncRNA Fhad1os2 and decreases the transcription of lncRNA Fhad1os2 in response to the estrogen-like effect of BPA. • BPA exposure interferes with ERα-regulated lncRNA Fhad1os2 interactions with RUNX3 in adolescent mouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wrinkles exist widely in nature and our life. In this paper, wrinkles on polydopamine (PDA)/polystyrene (PS) bilayer films were formed by thermal annealing due to the different thermal coefficients of expansion of each layer. The factors that influenced the dimensions of wrinkles were studied. We found that oriented wrinkles could be formed if the bilayer films were patterned with micro-grooves, and the degree of the orientation depended on the thickness of the PDA and the dimensions of the grooves. Combined with the strong adhesion, biocompatibility and reactivity of PDA, the oriented wrinkles on PDA/PS patterned bilayers may find potential application in diffraction gratings, optical sensors and microfluidic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydro(solvo)thermal reactions of CuI with diverse bisimidazole molecules were investigated, affording five new copper(I) iodides [Cu 4 I 4 (L1) 2 ] (L1=1,3-bis(2-methylimidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene) 1 , [CuI(L2)] (L2=4,4′-bis(imidazolyl)biphenyl) 2 , [Cu 4 I 4 (L3)] (L3=1,3-bis(2-methylimidazol-1-yl)propane) 3 , [Cu 4 I 4 (L4) 2 ] (L4=1,4-bis(2-ethylimidazol-1-yl)butane) 4, and [Cu 4 I 4 (L5)] (L5=1,4-bis(1-imidazoly)benzene) 5 . X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis reveals that (i) in 1 , a tetranuclear Cu-I cluster (stepped cubane) is observed, and the L1 molecule only acts as an ancillary ligand; (ii) in 2 , the L2 molecules extend the castellated Cu-I chains into a 2-D layer network with a certain thickness; (iii) in 2-D single-layer network of 3 , a 1-D Cu-I column is found, which can be viewed as a longitudinal packing of stepped Cu 4 I 4 cubanes; (vi) in 4 , the L4 molecules propagate the cubic Cu 4 I 4 cubanes into a 3-D 4-fold interpenetrated network with a cds topology; and (v) in 5 , the L5 molecules link the 1-D Cu-I ribbons into a 2-D single-layer network. The photoluminescence analysis indicates that 1 , 2 and 4 emit light (red light for 1 ; yellow light for 2 and 4 ), while 3 and 5 are not emissive. Their photoluminescence behaviors are confirmed to be related to the Cu···Cu interactions in the molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ten new indole alkaloids were isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla. • Their structures were elucidated by the analysis of spectroscopic data and quantum chemical calculations. • Eight of the ten new compounds exhibited at least one antagonistic effect on the dopamine D2 and Mu opioid receptors. • Compounds 1 and 21 processed dual-target activities on the two receptors. Ten new indole alkaloids (1 – 10) as well as eleven known analogs (11 – 21) were isolated from the stems and hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla. Their structure elucidation was based on extensive NMR studies, MS and ECD data, with the essential aid of DFT prediction of ECD spectra. Compound 1 was determined as a 17,19 - seco - cadambine - type alkaloid, and compound 3 was confirmed to be a 3,4 - seco - tricyclic monoterpene indole alkaloid, which are the first seco - alkaloids possessing such cleavage positions from U. rhynchophylla. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their bioactivities on dopamine D2 and Mu opioid receptors for discovering natural therapeutic drugs targeting central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Compounds 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 , 20 and 21 showed antagonistic bioactivities on the D2 receptor (IC 50 0.678–15.200 μM), and compounds 1 , 3 , 6 , 9 , 10 , 13 , 18 , 19 and 21 exhibited antagonistic effects on the Mu receptor (IC 50 2.243–32.200 μM). Among them, compounds 1 and 21 displayed dual - target activities. Compound 1 showed conspicuous antagonistic activity on D2 and Mu receptors with the IC 50 values of 0.678 ± 0.182 μM and 13.520 ± 2.480 μM, respectively. Compound 21 displayed moderate antagonistic activity on the two receptors with the IC 50 values at 15.200 ± 1.764 μM and 32.200 ± 5.695 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a dangerous hypoxic illness that can affect humans who rapidly reach a high altitude above 2500 m. In the study, we investigated the changes of cytokines induced by plateau, and the acetazolamide (ACZ) influenced the cytokines in rats exposed to high altitude. Wistar rats were divided into low altitude (Control), high altitude (HA), and high altitude + ACZ (22.33 mg/kg, Bid) (HA + ACZ) group. The rats were acute exposed to high altitude at 4300 m for 3 days. The HA + ACZ group were given ACZ by intragastric administration. The placebo was equal volume saline. The results showed that hypoxia caused the heart, liver and lung damage, compared with the control group. Supplementation with ACZ significantly alleviated hypoxia-caused damage to the main organs. Compared with the HA group, the biochemical and blood gas indicators of the HA + ACZ group showed no difference, while some cytokines have significantly changed, such as activin A, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, CD54), interleukin-1α,2 (IL-1α,2), l -selectin, monocyte chemotactic factor (MCP-1), CC chemokines (MIP-3α) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1). Then, the significant difference pro-inflammatory cytokines in protein array were chosen for further research. The protein and mRNA content of pro-inflammatory cytokines MCP-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in rat lung were detected. The results demonstrated that the high altitude affected the body’s physiological and biochemical parameters, but, ACZ did not change those parameters of the hypoxia rats. This study found that ACZ could decrease the content of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as MCP-1, IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ in rat lungs, and, the lung injury in the HA + ACZ group reduced. The mechanism that ACZ protected hypoxia rats might be related to changes in cytokine content. The reducing of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in rat lung might be other reason to explain ACZ against the acute mountain sickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) is a cyclic heptapeptide compound produced by cyanobacteria with strong cytotoxicity. Previous studies have confirmed that MC-LR could exert toxic effects on the genitourinary system, but there are few reports about its toxicity to the bladder. In this study, we investigated the effects of MC-LR on mouse bladder and human bladder epithelial cells (SV-HUC-1 cells). We observed that the bladder weight and the number of bladder epithelial cells were markedly increased in mice following chronic low-dose exposure to MC-LR. Further investigation showed that MC-LR activates AKT/NF-kB signaling pathway to induce the production of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. In addition, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in bladder tissue was increased and the relative migration and invasion capacities of SV-HUC-1 cells were enhanced upon exposure to MC-LR. In conclusion, these results suggest that chronic exposure to MC-LR induced epithelial hyperplasia and inflammation, upregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and promoted the migration and invasion of bladder epithelial cells, which provides a basis for further exploring the potential mechanism by which environmental factors increasing the risk of bladder cancer. • Chronic exposure to MC-LR can lead to hyperplasia of bladder epithelial in mice. • MC-LR induces bladder inflammation by activating AKT/NF-kB signaling pathway. • MC-LR upregulates the expression of MMP-9/MMP-2 in the mouse bladder. • MC-LR promotes the migration and invasion of bladder epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let Δ x f ( x , y ) = f ( x + 1 , y ) − f ( x , y ) and Δ y f ( x , y ) = f ( x , y + 1 ) − f ( x , y ) be the difference operators with respect to x and y . A rational function f ( x , y ) is called summable if there exist rational functions g ( x , y ) and h ( x , y ) such that f ( x , y ) = Δ x g ( x , y ) + Δ y h ( x , y ) . Recently, Chen and Singer presented a method for deciding whether a rational function is summable. To implement their method in the sense of algorithms, we need to solve two problems. The first is to determine the shift equivalence of two bivariate polynomials. We solve this problem by presenting an algorithm for computing the dispersion sets of any two bivariate polynomials. The second is to solve a univariate difference equation in an algebraically closed field. By considering the irreducible factorization of the denominator of f ( x , y ) in a general field, we present a new criterion which requires only finding a rational solution of a bivariate difference equation. We give a new estimation of the universal denominators based on the m -fold Gosper representation and transform the bivariate difference equation to a system of linear difference equations in one variable. Combining these algorithms, we can decide the summability of a bivariate rational function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothesis Surface coatings that are either antifouling or bactericidal can reduce bacterial colonization, but either type has certain drawbacks. We hypothesize that by integrating an antifouling polymer, poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (pSBMA), and a bactericidal polymer, N -[(2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium)propyl] chitosan chloride (HTCC), in one coating, these drawbacks can be overcome and the antibacterial efficacy can be greatly improved compared to an antifouling or bactericidal coating. Experiments A copolymer comprising chitosan and pSBMA in almost equal molar ratio was grafted onto an aminolyzed silicone surface via genipin-induced crosslinking reaction, and treated with glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride to endow the surface with quaternary ammonium groups. The antibacterial property and cytotoxicity of the resultant coating (HTCC- b -pSBMA) were tested. The possibility of incorporating heparin in the coating to improve blood compatibility was also investigated. Findings The HTCC- b -pSBMA coating reduced colonization by both planktonic bacteria from aqueous medium and aerosolized bacteria by approximately two orders of magnitude compared with the pristine surface. In comparison, surfaces coated with either the pSBMA or HTCC component are unable to achieve such efficacy. The heparin-loaded HTCC- b -pSBMA coating improved hemocompatibility without adversely affecting the antibacterial efficacy. No significant cytotoxicity of the coatings was observed with mammalian cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human adenovirus type 7 (HAdV7) is commonly associated with febrile acute respiratory disease (ARD) outbreaks. We have reported that 10G12, a mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) specifically recognizing and neutralizing HAdV7, is a promising candidate for humanization. In this study, we engineered the six variants of 10G12 with increased degree of humanization and investigated their biological activity. The humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) 10G12-M2 was shown to retain the parental antibody's high binding affinity, specificity and potent efficacy of viral suppression. The mAb 10G12-M2 recognized a conformational neutralization epitope of the hexon protein. Complex structure-based molecular docking simulation showed that the hexon protein formed several interactions with 10G12-M2, including hydrogen bonds and salt bridges interaction. Physicochemical properties analysis of 10G12-M2 demonstrated that it is stable and desirable lead candidate. In general, 10G12-M2 had excellent biological activity after humanization combined with the potential for use in prophylactic or therapeutic applications against HAdV7. • The first report of the assess of the humanized mAb that can neutralize HAdV7. • A novel candidate therapeutic antibody with high binding affinity, specificity and potent efficacy of viral suppression. • A novel anti-HAdV7 antibody recognized a conformational neutralization epitope of the hexon protein. • A antibody had excellent physicochemical properties for use in prophylactic or therapeutic applications against HAdV7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper deals with a nonlinear delay differential inclusion of evolution type involving m-dissipative operator and source term of multi-valued type in a Banach space. Under rather mild conditions, the -structure of -solution set is studied on compact intervals, which is then used to obtain the -property on non-compact intervals. Secondly, the result about the structure is furthermore employed to show the existence of -solutions for the inclusion (mentioned above) subject to nonlocal condition defined on right half-line. No nonexpansive condition on nonlocal function is needed. As samples of applications, we consider a partial differential inclusion with time delay and then with nonlocal condition at the end of the paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is known to interfere with the signaling of type I interferons (IFNs). Here we found PRRSV A2MC2 induced type I IFNs in cultured cells. A2MC2 replication in MARC-145 cells resulted in the synthesis of IFN-α2 protein, transcript elevation of the IFN-stimulated genes ISG15 and ISG56, and the proteins of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) and ISG56. A2MC2 infection of primary porcine pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) also led to the elevation of the two proteins, but had little cytopathic effect. Furthermore, A2MC2 infection of MARC-145 or PAM cells had no detectable inhibitory effect on the ability of IFN-α to induce an antiviral response. Sequencing analysis indicated that A2MC2 was closely related to VR-2332 and Ingelvac PRRS MLV with an identity of 99.8% at the nucleotide level. The identification of this IFN-inducing PRRSV isolate may be beneficial for vaccine development against PRRS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Of concern are the Cauchy problems for linear and semilinear time fractional evolution equations involving in the linear part, a linear operator A whose resolvent satisfies the estimate of growth −γ in a sector of the complex plane, which occurs when one considers, for instance, the partial differential operators in the limit domain of dumb-bell with a thin handle or in the space of Hölder continuous functions. By constructing a pair of families of operators in terms of the generalized Mittag-Leffler-type functions and the resolvent operators associated with A (for the first time), and a deep analysis on the properties for these families, we obtain the existence and uniqueness of mild solutions and classical solutions to the Cauchy problems. Moreover, we present three examples to illustrate the feasibility of our results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To study mechanisms underlying generalized effects of 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B) inhibition, reproductively mature zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to trilostane at two dosages for 24, 48, or 96h and their gonadal RNA samples profiled with Agilent zebrafish microarrays. Trilostane had substantial impact on the transcriptional dynamics of zebrafish, as reflected by a number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) including transcription factors (TFs), altered TF networks, signaling pathways, and Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes. Changes in gene expression between a treatment and its control were mostly moderate, ranging from 1.3 to 2.0 fold. Expression of genes coding for HSD3B and many of its transcriptional regulators remained unchanged, suggesting transcriptional up-regulation is not a primary compensatory mechanism for HSD3B enzyme inhibition. While some trilostane-responsive TFs appear to share cellular functions linked to endocrine disruption, there are also many other DEGs not directly linked to steroidogenesis. Of the 65 significant TF networks, little similarity, and therefore little cross-talk, existed between them and the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. The most enriched GO biological processes are regulations of transcription, phosphorylation, and protein kinase activity. Most of the impacted TFs and TF networks are involved in cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. While these functions are fairly broad, their underlying TF networks may be useful to development of generalized toxicological screening methods. These findings suggest that trilostane-induced effects on fish endocrine functions are not confined to the HPG-axis alone. Its impact on corticosteroid synthesis could also have contributed to some system wide transcriptional changes in zebrafish observed in this study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Phthalates are multifunctional chemicals that are used in a variety of consumer products including cosmetic and personal care products. This study aims at determining phthalate levels in cosmetic and personal care products obtained from the Canadian market. Overall 252 products including 98 baby care products were collected at retail stores in several provinces across Canada in year 2007. These products included fragrances, hair care products (hair sprays, mousses, and gels), deodorants (including antiperspirants), nail polishes, lotions (body lotions and body creams), skin cleansers, and baby products (oils, lotions, shampoos and diaper creams). Samples were extracted with different organic solvents, depending on the types of the products, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Of the 18 investigated phthalates, diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were detected. The detection frequencies were in the following order: DEP (103 out of 252 products)>DnBP (15/252)>DiBP (9/252)>DEHP (8/252)>DMP (1/252). DEP was detected in almost all types of surveyed products with the highest levels (25,542μg/g, equal to 2.6%) found in fragrances. DnBP was largely present in nail polish products with the highest concentration of 24,304μg/g (2.4%). DnBP was also found in other products such as hair sprays, hair mousses, skin cleansers and baby shampoos at much lower concentrations (36μg/g and less). Levels of other detected phthalates were generally low in the products. Based on these values, daily dermal exposure dosage to five phthalates was estimated for three age groups, female adults (60kg); toddlers (0.5–4 years) and infants (0–6 months), through the use of cosmetic and personal care products. The exposure estimation, however, was based on existing products use pattern data, instead of probabilistic model based population use distribution. For female adults, the maximal daily exposure of 78μg/kgbw/d was determined for DEP. The maximal daily exposure was much lower for the other four phthalates (DEHP, 0.82μg/kgbw/d; DnBP, 0.36μg/kgbw/d; and DMP, 0.03μg/kgbw/d). The exposure for DiBP was not calculated due to its very low levels (<10μg/g) in products. Toddlers and infants in this case had a maximal daily exposure to DEP of 20 and 42μg/kgbw/d, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Stabilized micelle structure nanoparticles were prepared using Pluronic F127 and poly(butylcyanoacrylate) (PBCA). To increase the drug loading of nanoparticles, d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) was additionally included into the nanoparticle composition. The poorly soluble anticancer drug 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) was used as a model drug and incorporated into nanoparticles. The results obtained from FT-IR and DSC confirmed that HCPT was molecularly dispersed in nanoparticles and no chemical reaction occurred. The size of the nanoparticles measured by DLS demonstrated that the size distribution was narrow and the average diameter was less than 200nm. The morphology of the nanoparticles observed by TEM indicated that the nanoparticles exhibited a smooth surface and distinct spherical shape. In vitro release experiments indicated that the HCPT-loaded nanoparticles showed sustained release profiles. The results of a drug loading test revealed that adding TPGS could increase the drug loading. The drug loading of stabilized micelle structure nanoparticles with 70% of TPGS was about 0.0425±0.0011% w/w compared to 0.0254±0.0008% w/w found for the nanoparticles without TPGS. The results of CMC value tests showed that the CMC values of the stabilized nanoparticles were approximately 10-fold lower than those of the nonstabilized micelles (from 2.0×10−5 to 2.5×10−4 M). Cytotoxicity tests showed that the cytotoxicity of HCPT-loaded nanoparticles against cancer cells in vitro was remarkably higher than that of free drugs. 10-Hydroxycamptothecin-loaded nanoparticles may serve as a stable delivery system for poorly soluble HCPT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Human trophoblast cells play important role in embryo-fetal development. However, trophoblast cells are sensitive to environmental carcinogens. Recently, we have discovered that BPDE inhibits trophoblast cell migration, invasion and proliferation, and also increases trophoblast cell apoptosis. Ferroptosis is a newly identified iron-dependent non-apoptotic programmed cell death. Whether BPDE might induce trophoblast cell ferroptosis is completely unknown. In this work, we have discovered that ferroptosis does occur in BPDE-treated human trophoblast cells. Iron metabolism up-regulates intracellular free Fe2+ level, produces excessive ROS (reactive oxygen species), and accelerates lipid peroxidation. GPX4 efficiently eliminates ROS and inhibits lipid peroxidation. Thus, ferroptosis is well suppressed due to the balance of these two pathways in healthy trophoblast cells. However, BPDE exposure could promote iron metabolism, increase intracellular free Fe2+ level, produce excessive ROS, and result in lipid peroxidation. Meanwhile, BPDE also down-regulates GPX4 expression level by promoting its proteasomal degradation, which eventually produces excessive ROS and induces lipid peroxidation. Thus, BPDE exposure induces trophoblast cell ferroptosis by unbalancing these two pathways, providing new insight in understanding BPDE-induced dysfunctions of human trophoblast cells. • BPDE exposure induces human trophoblast cell ferroptosis. • BPDE exposure increases intracellular free Fe2+ level and ROS level. • BPDE promotes GPX4 proteasomal degradation and reduces its protein level. • BPDE produces excessive ROS and induces lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate how PM 2.5 exposure affects the microstructure, metabolites or functions of the visual system. C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to groups exposed to the filtered air (the control group) or the concentrated ambient PM 2.5 (the PM 2.5 group). Visual evoked potentials (VEP), electroretinograms (ERG), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) and resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) were performed. Parameters were obtained and compared between the two groups, including latencies and amplitudes of the P1 wave, N1 wave and P2 wave from VEP, latencies and amplitudes of the a wave and b wave from ERG, fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusion (MD), axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) from DTI, visual cortex (VC) metabolites from 1H-MRS, and regional homogeneity (ReHo) from rsfMRI. Compared with the values of the control group, the PM 2.5 group showed a prolonged N1 latency (43.11 ± 7.94 ms vs. 38.75 ± 4.60 ms) and lowered P1 amplitude (5.62 ± 4.38 μV vs. 8.56 ± 5.92 μV) on VEP (all p < 0.05). On ERG, the amplitude of the a wave was lowered (− 91.39 ± 56.29 μV vs. − 138.68 ± 89.05 μV), the amplitude of the b wave was lowered (194.38 ± 126.27 μV vs. 284.72 ± 170.99 μV), and the latency of the b wave was prolonged (37.78 ± 10.72 ms vs. 33.01 ± 4.34 ms) than the values of the control group (all p < 0.05). DTI indicated FA increase in the bilateral piriform cortex (Pir), FA decrease in the bilateral somatosensory cortex (S) and the bilateral striatum (Stri), AD decrease in the bilateral VC, the right S and the bilateral Pir, MD decrease in the bilateral Pir, and RD decrease in the bilateral Pir in the PM 2.5 mice (all p < 0.05, Alphasim corrected). 1H-MRS showed Glutamate (Glu) increase and Phosphocholine (PCh) increase in the VC of the PM 2.5 group than those of the control group (PCh 1.63 ± 0.25 vs. 1.50 ± 0.25; PCh/total creatine(tCr) 0.19 ± 0.03 vs. 0.18 ± 0.03; Glu 10.46 ± 1.50 vs. 9.60 ± 1.19; Glu/tcr 1.23 ± 0.11 vs. 1.12 ± 0.11) (all p < 0.05). rsfMRI showed higher ReHo in the PM 2.5 mice in the left superior colliculus, the left motor cortex, the hippocampus, the periaqueductal gray and the right mesencephalic reticular formation (all p < 0.01, AlphaSim corrected). This study revealed that PM 2.5 exposure triggered visual dysfunction, and altered microstructure, metabolite and function in the retina and visual brain areas along the visual system. • PM2.5 affected the visual system function. • PM2.5 weakened the retinal function. • PM2.5 impaired the microstructure of some vision-related brain regions. • PM2.5 altered the metabolite concentration in the visual cortex. • PM2.5 increased neuroactivity in other visual brain areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we consider a counting process approach for characterizing a system having dependent component failure rates. We study the transient state probabilities and related reliability properties based on a series of Poisson shocks. We also show that the proposed infinitesimal generator representation can be used to characterize the bivariate exponential distributions of Freund, Marshall–Olkin, Block–Basu and Friday–Patil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Carbon neutrality is an important environmental management tool to deal with the global greenhouse effect. Addressing climate change is an important starting point for promoting the high-quality development of China's economy and the construction of ecological civilization, as well as an important area for participating in global governance and adhering to multilateralism. In this paper, from the perspective of carbon neutrality, taking China's Jiangsu Province as an example, the super-efficiency DEA model is selected to measure the level of ecological efficiency in Jiangsu, and on this basis, the Tobit model is used to verify the main factors affecting regional ecological efficiency. The results are as follows: (1) The regional eco-efficiency in Jiangsu shows a trend of decreasing from south to north, with obvious phenomenon of "club convergence", with significant spatial correlation and agglomeration. (2) The industrial structure is negatively related to the regional eco-efficiency of Jiangsu regions; Energy consumption structure has a positively impact in southern Jiangsu,but negatively in central and northern Jiangsu; FDI has a positively impact in central and northern Jiangsu, but negatively in southern Jiangsu; Regional economic development has a positively impact in southern and northern Jiangsu, but negatively in central Jiangsu; The progress in the technological level has positive effects on the eco-efficiency of all regions of Jiangsu. The final paper puts forward some suggestions based on the carbon neutral target Provide theoretical reference for achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. • Construct an regional ecological efficiency evaluation index system. • Use super-DEAmethod to measure ecological efficiency level. • Study from the perspective of carbon neutrality. • Propose a reference for achieving carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of carbon neutrality, the paper uses Super Efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to evaluate the level of regional energy efficiency in China, then selects Theil index to analyze the difference and change of regional energy efficiency. The results are as follows: (1) The overall level of energy efficiency in China is relatively low, and the average efficiency level from 2007 to 2019 is 0.568. Among them, Beijing is the highest, at 1.261, and Xinjiang is the lowest, at only 0.205. The energy efficiency of the eastern region is the highest in China: the average is 0.812. The central region is lower than the national average, with the value of 0.534. The lowest energy efficiency is in the western region, which is only 0.349. It can be seen that there are significant differences in regional energy efficiency, and from west to east has increased. (2) The Theil coefficient increased before 2012 and began to show a downward trend in 2013. The difference in the eastern region maintained the smallest downward trend among the three regions. The difference in the central region fluctuated and increased before 2011, and dropped sharply after 2012. In the western region, the coefficient is relatively stable and has not changed significantly. (3) Differences within and between regions in China show an overall downward trend. From the perspective of contribution rate, the difference between regions contributes the most to the overall difference. • We use super-efficiency DEA to measure China's regional energy efficiency. • We use Theil Index to illustrate regional differences in energy efficiency. • We have reached a conclusion that can provide a theoretical reference for policy making. • We compared the magnitude and trend of energy efficiency in various regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, electric field and ball milling were used to leach Mn2+ from low-grade pyrolusite (LGP). The effects of current density, reaction time, reaction temperature, ball-to-powder weight ratio, and ball milling time on the leaching efficiency of Mn2+ from LGP as well as the leaching mechanism were systematically studied. The results showed that the combined use of electric field and ball milling enhanced the leaching of Mn2+ from LGP. The leaching efficiency of Mn2+ reached 97.79% under the optimum conditions of LGP-to-pyrite mass ratio of 1:0.18, current density of 30 mA/cm2, LGP-to-H 2 SO 4 mass ratio of 1:0.4, liquid-to-solid ratio of 5:1, ball-to-powder weight ratio of 1:1, ball milling time of 2 h, temperature of 80 °C, and leaching duration of 120 min. This value was 25.95% higher than that attained without ball milling and 41.45% higher than that attained when neither ball milling nor electric field was employed. Pyrite was fully oxidized to generate additional SO 4 2− and Fe3+, and was further hydrolyzed to form jarosite (KFe 3 (SO 4) 2 (OH) 6) and hydronium jarosite (Fe 3 (SO 4) 2 (OH) 5 ·2H 2 O) via ball milling and electric field application. Moreover, the electric field changed the surface charge distribution of the mineral particles and promoted collisions between them as well as the collapse of the crystal lattice, further improving the leaching efficiency of Mn2+ from LGP. This study provided a new method for leaching Mn from LGP. ga1 • The combined use of electric field and ball milling enhanced the leaching of Mn2+. • The leaching efficiency of Mn2+ reached 97.79%. • This study provided a new method for leaching Mn from LGP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black carbon (BC) and heavy metal lead (Pb), as typical components of atmospheric PM 2.5 , have been shown to cause a variety of adverse health effects. However, co-exposure to BC and Pb may induce pulmonary damage by aggravating toxicity via an unknown mechanism. This study aimed to investigate the combined toxicity of carboxylated black carbon (c-BC) and lead acetate (Pb) on human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) at the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL). Cells were exposed to c-BC (6.25 μg/mL) and Pb (4 μg/mL) alone or their combination, and their combined toxicity was investigated by focusing on cell viability, oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis, and cellular inflammation. Factorial analyses were also used to determine the potential interactions between c-BC and Pb. The results suggested that the combination of c-BC and Pb could significantly increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lactate dehydrogenase leakage (LDH) and decrease the activities of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The excessive oxidative stress could increase the levels of inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and TNF-α, and induce oxidative DNA damage and dissipation of MMP. Moreover, the results also suggested that the combined group could enhance the cellular apoptotic rate and the activation of apoptotic markers like caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9. The factorial analysis further demonstrated that synergistic interaction was responsible for the combined toxicity of c-BC and Pb co-exposure. Most noticeably, the co-exposure of c-BC and Pb could induce some unexpected toxicity, even beyond the known toxicities of the individual compounds in BEAS-2B cells at the NOAEL. • No significant changes in cell viability when exposed to carboxylated-BC or lead alone. • Co-exposure of carboxylated-BC and lead could enhance oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, and inflammation. • The activation of Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and caspase-9 was enhanced by the combination. • Suggesting that ROS level was well correlated with MMP and apoptotic markers. • Synergistic or additive interactions were responsible for the combined toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses the dynamics of carbon emissions for N-11 countries from 1990 to 2017. We introduce some innovative factors such as financial development, human capital, renewable energy consumption, and gross domestic product as determinants of carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions. The empirical estimations are based on Pesaran (2007) unit root test, common correlated effect mean group, and augmented mean group. The findings reveal a positive relationship between carbon emissions and financial development as well as a gross domestic product. In contrast, technological innovation and renewable energy consumption are adversely related to carbon emissions. These findings have important implications, and we recommend the promotion of technological innovation and the use of renewable energy consumption. This will help in achieving the goals set by COP21. • This paper provides broader policy to achieve the goals laid down in COP21. • We investigate the role of determinants of CO2 emissions in N-11 countries. • Financial development and GDP seem to make climatic situations adverse. • Renewable energy consumption and innovation help reduce CO2 emissions. • Human capital development may also help to reduce CO2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four-component of double-layer infinite coordination polymer (ICP) nanocomposites were formulated. Lot of high efficiency synergies among four components have been identified, revealing combinations with remarkably low combination index (CI) values, forming a powerful electrothermal-thermodynamic-multi-chemo trimodal synergistic therapy for large tumors.This approach has an tumor inhibition rate of 100 % in 16 days and no tumor recurrence within 60 days. [Display omitted] Multimodal /components tumors synergistic therapy is a crucial approach for enhancing comprehensive efficacy. Our research has identified lots of high efficiency synergies among four suitable components, revealing combinations with remarkably low combination index (CI) values (10-3-10-8). These combinations hold promise for large tumor powerful electrothermal-thermodynamic-multi-chemo trimodal therapy. To implement this approach, we developed four-component of double-layer infinite coordination polymer (ICP) nanocomposites, in which hypoxia-activated AQ4N and thermodynamic agent AIPH coordinated with Cu(Ⅱ) to form initial layer of positively charged ICPs-l NPs, chemotherapeutic agents gossypol-hyaluronic acid (G-HA) and CA4 coordinated with Fe(Ⅲ) to form out layer of negatively charged ICPs-2 NPs, then double-layer infinite coordination polymer nanocomposites (ICPs-1@ICPs-2 CNPs) were fabricated by electrostatic adsorption using ICPs-l NPs and ICPs-2 NPs. Cell experiments have extensively optimized the coordination combinations of the four components and the composition of the two layers. A programmable three-stage therapeutic procedure, assisted by a micro-electrothermal needle (MEN), was developed. Under this procedure the resulting nanocomposites demonstrate the powerful trimodal comprehensive therapeutic outcomes for large tumors using lower components dosage, achieving a tumor inhibition rate nearly reaching 100 % and no recurrence for 60 days. This study offers remarkable potential for tumor multimodal /components synergistic therapy in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeilberger's method of creative telescoping is crucial for the computer-generated proofs of combinatorial and special-function identities. Telescopers are linear differential or (q -)recurrence operators computed by algorithms for creative telescoping. Two fundamental problems related to creative telescoping are whether telescopers exist, and how to construct them efficiently when they do. In this paper, we solve the existence problem of telescopers for rational functions in three variables including 18 cases. We reduce the existence problem from the trivariate case to the bivariate case and some related problems. The existence criteria given in this paper enable us to determine the termination of algorithms for creative telescoping with trivariate rational inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds are common industrial pollutants that seriously endangers water ecology and human health. Therefore, the development of efficient and recyclable adsorbents is of importance for wastewater treatment. In this research, HCNTs/Fe 3 O 4 composites were constructed using co-precipitation way by loading magnetic Fe 3 O 4 particles onto hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), showing excellent adsorption capacity for Bisphenol A (BPA) and p -chlorophenol (p -CP), and excellent catalytic ability of activating potassium persulphate (KPS) for degradation of BPA and p -CP. The adsorption capacity and catalytic degradation potential were evaluated for the removal of BPA and p -CP from solutions. The results showed that the adsorption took only 1 h to reach equilibrium and HCNTs/Fe 3 O 4 had maximum adsorption capacities of 113 mg g−1 for BPA and 41.6 mg g−1 for p -CP at 303 K, respectively. The adsorption of BPA fitted well using the Langmuir, Temkin and Freundlich models while the adsorption of p -CP fitted well using the Freundlich and Temkin models. BPA adsorption on HCNTs/Fe 3 O 4 was dominated by π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding forces. The adsorption included both the mono-molecular layer adsorption on the adsorbent surface and the multi-molecular layer adsorption on the non-uniform surface. The adsorption of p -CP on HCNTs/Fe 3 O 4 was a multi-molecular layer adsorption on a dissimilar surface. The adsorption was controlled by forces such as π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, partition effect and molecular sieve effect. Moreover, KPS was added to the adsorption system to initiate a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalytic degradation. Over a wide pH range (4–10), 90% of the aqueous BPA solution and 88% of the p -CP solution were degraded in 3 and 2 h, respectively. After three adsorption-regeneration or degradation cycles, the removal of BPA and p -CP remained up to 88% and 66%, indicating that HCNTs/Fe 3 O 4 composite is cost-effective, stable and highly efficient to remove BPA and p -CP from solution. • One composite (HCNTs/Fe 3 O 4) with facile synthesis was characterized. • The adsorption property is performed about HCNTs/Fe 3 O 4 toward BPA and p -CP. • The composite can effectively activate persulfate to degrade BPA and p -CP. • Mechanisms of adsorption and degradation were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Iron-cobalt dual single-atom anchoring on nitrogen-doped graphene (Fe x Co y -NG) improves the efficiency of migration and separation of photo-generated carriers. In this work, the perylene diimide (PDI) is self-assembled on the Fe x Co y -NG to form the Fe x Co y -NG/PDI composites by π-π interaction, which is reported for the first time. The bisphenol A (BPA) degradation of optimized 20% Fe 0.2 Co 0.8 -NG/PDI are nearly 100%, and the degradation rate is 1.5 and 12.7 times that of the self-assembled PDI and commercial-grade PDI. The high degradation performance by Fe x Co y -NG/PDI are mainly due to: (i) regulating the proportion of Fe-Co dual active sites content, so that it can achieve the synergistic interaction to facilitate the transfer of electrons in the catalytic reaction. (ii) PDI is uniformly dispersed by adding the Fe x Co y -NG, which increases the specific surface area of composites to adsorb more pollutants. Free radical trapping experiments and electron spin-resonance spectroscopy characterization confirmed that the O 2 –, OH, 1O 2 and h+ are the main reactive species (RSs) for BPA degradation. Under the attack of RSs, BPA completes the processes of hydroxylation, demethylation, aromatization, ring-opening, and finally complete mineralization into CO 2 and H 2 O. These results revealed that Fe 0.2 Co 0.8 -NG/PDI photocatalysts may be efficiently applied for the remediation of phenol contaminated natural waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The succinylated Antarctic krill proteins (SAKP) were fabricated using the ultrasound, and the curcumin-loaded emulsions stabilized by SAKP were selected as photosensitizers to construct a photodynamic inactivation (PDI) system to preserve salmon during storage at 4 °C. The SAKP treated with 200 W ultrasound (SAKP-U-200) presented an expanded and flexible structure, a decreased particle size from 465 nm to 358 nm, an increased surface hydrophobicity from 207.1 to 411.5, and its interface absorption capacity was increased by ∼8.0%, which displayed a superior encapsulation and emulsification ability compared with the other succinylated proteins. The emulsions stabilized by SAKP-U-200 efficiently loaded curcumin, and the established PDI mediated by the coating photosensitizers potently inactivated the bacteria in salmon by ∼3.0 Log 10 CFU/g (99.9%) after the illumination of 18.72 J/cm2. Meanwhile, the PDI inhibited the changes of color and pH, maintained the integrity of muscle fibers, and reduced the water loss of salmon during the post-treatment storage. Notably, the PDI treatment inhibited the degradation of proteins by ∼7.7%, and decreased the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids by ∼21%. Therefore, this study expands the application of PDI in preserving the storage quality of aquatic products. • Succinylated Antarctic krill proteins were fabricated driven by ultrasound. • Physicochemical and functional properties of the proteins were highly improved. • Curcumin-loaded emulsions stabilized by the proteins were used as photosensitizer. • A novel photodynamic inactivation method was developed to preserve salmon. • The method limited the physical, chemical and histological changes of salmon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In the present work, we designed and synthesized a cationic cyano-substituted p-phenylenevinylene derivative (PPTA), which can form supramolecular assemblies through electrostatic interaction with a type of polyelectrolyte material anionic guar gum (GP5A). A polyelectrolyte-based artificial light-harvesting system (LHS) was constructed by selecting a fluorescent dye sulforhodamine 101 (SR101) that matched its energy level as an energy acceptor. The energy harvested by the acceptors was used in the aqueous phase cross dehydrogenation coupling (CDC) reaction with a yield of up to 87%. In addition, the general applicability of polyelectrolyte materials to build artificial LHS was demonstrated by three other polyelectrolyte materials sodium polyphenylene sulfonate (RSS), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and sodium polyacrylate (PAAS), in which the CDC reaction was also carried out by these three LHSs and obtained high yields. This work not only provides a new method to construct LHSs by using polyelectrolyte materials, but also provides a beneficial exploration for further applying the energy harvested in LHSs to the field of photocatalysis in an aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue virus (DENV) is a prevalent mosquito-transmitted human pathogen, causing about 100 million cases of acute dengue fever and 21,000 deaths annually worldwide. Therapeutic neutralizing antibodies against dengue virus might be effective to treat severe dengue fever. Here, we showed that human monoclonal antibody (HMAb) 9C7 bound to all four intact serotypes of DENV but not to the recombinant envelope protein, suggesting HMAb 9C7 recognized a conformational epitope of the envelope protein. Taken together our results suggested that HMAb 9C7 neutralized all four serotypes of DENV in vitro and, for DENV-1, indicated activity at the pre- and post-attachment steps in the viral life cycle. HMAb 9C7 potently protected suckling mice from lethal challenge with all four serotypes of DENV. FcγRII-mediated uptake of immune complexes and antibody-dependent enhancement at low doses of the antibody were abolished by two Leu-to-Ala (9C7-LALA) mutations or deletion of nine amino acids (9C7-9del) in HMAb 9C7 Fc. Therefore, HMAb 9C7 represented a promising prophylactic and therapeutic agent against all four serotypes of DENV. • We generated and characterized a novel DENV-specific HMAb 9C7 recognized a conformational epitope of the envelope protein. • HMAb 9C7 potently neutralized all four serotypes DENV in vitro at the pre- and post-attachment steps in the viral life cycle. • HMAb 9C7 potently protected model mice from lethal challenge with all four serotypes of DENV. • FcγRII-mediated ADE were abolished by two Leu-to-Ala mutations or deletion of nine amino acids in HMAb 9C7 Fc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ephrin-B2, a member of the Eph/ephrin family of cell signaling molecules, has been implicated in the guidance of cranial and trunk neural crest cells (NCC) and development of the branchial arches(BA), but detailed examination in mice has been hindered by embryonic lethality of Efnb2 null loss of function due to a requirement in angiogenic remodeling. To elucidate the developmental roles for Efnb2 , we generated a conditional rescue knock-in allele that allows rescue of ephrin-B2 specifically in the vascular endothelium (VE), but is otherwise ephrin-B2 deficient. Restoration of ephrin-B2 expression specifically to the VE completely circumvents angiogenic phenotypes, indicating that the requirement of ephrin-B2 in angiogenesis is limited to the VE. Surprisingly, we find that expression of ephrin-B2 specifically in the VE is also sufficient for normal NCC migration and that conversely, embryos in which ephrin-B2 is absent specifically from the VE exhibit NCC migration and survival defects. Disruption of vascular development independent of loss of ephrin-B2 function also leads to defects in NCC and BA development. Together, these data indicate that direct ephrin-B2 signaling to NCCs is not required for NCC guidance, which instead depends on proper organization of the embryonic vasculature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let p ¯ ( n ) denote the number of overpartitions of n . In this paper, we show that p ¯ ( 5 n ) ≡ ( − 1 ) n p ¯ ( 4 ⋅ 5 n ) ( mod 5 ) for n ≥ 0 and p ¯ ( n ) ≡ ( − 1 ) n p ¯ ( 4 n ) ( mod 8 ) for n ≥ 0 by using the relation of the generating function of p ¯ ( 5 n ) modulo 5 found by Treneer and the 2-adic expansion of the generating function of p ¯ ( n ) due to Mahlburg. As a consequence, we deduce that p ¯ ( 4 k ( 40 n + 35 ) ) ≡ 0 ( mod 40 ) for n , k ≥ 0 . When k = 0 , it was conjectured by Hirschhorn and Sellers, and confirmed by Chen and Xia. Furthermore, applying the Hecke operator on ϕ ( q ) 3 and the fact that ϕ ( q ) 3 is a Hecke eigenform, we obtain an infinite family of congruences p ¯ ( 4 k ⋅ 5 ℓ 2 n ) ≡ 0 ( mod 5 ) , where k ≥ 0 and ℓ is a prime such that ℓ ≡ 3 ( mod 5 ) and ( − n ℓ ) = − 1 . Moreover, we show that p ¯ ( 5 2 n ) ≡ p ¯ ( 5 4 n ) ( mod 5 ) for n ≥ 0 . So we are led to the congruences p ¯ ( 4 k 5 2 i + 3 ( 5 n ± 1 ) ) ≡ 0 ( mod 5 ) for n , k , i ≥ 0 . In this way, we obtain various Ramanujan-type congruences for p ¯ ( n ) modulo 5 such as p ¯ ( 45 ( 3 n + 1 ) ) ≡ 0 ( mod 5 ) and p ¯ ( 125 ( 5 n ± 1 ) ) ≡ 0 ( mod 5 ) for n ≥ 0 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgal-bacterial symbiosis (MABS) system treating wastewater has attracted great concern because of its advantages of carbon dioxide reduction and biomass energy production. However, due to the low density and negative surface charge of microalgae cells, the sedimentation and harvesting performance of microalgae biomass has been one limitation for the application of MABS system on wastewater treatment. This study investigated the performance enhancement of microalgae harvesting and wastewater treatment contributed by calcium ions (i.e., Ca2+) in the MABS system. Results showed that a low Ca2+ loading (i.e., 0.1 mM) promoted both COD and nutrients removal, with growth rates of 11.95, 6.53 and 1.21% for COD, TN and TP compared to control, and chlorophyll a was increased by 64.15%. Differently, a high Ca2+ loading (i.e., 10 mM) caused removal reductions by improving the aggregation of microalgae, with reduction rates of 34.82, 3.50 and 10.30% for COD, NH 4 +-N and TP. Mechanism analysis indicated that redundant Ca2+ adsorbed on MABS aggregates and dissolved in wastewater decreased the dispersibility of microalgae cells by electrical neutralization and compressed double electric layer. Moreover, the presence of Ca2+ could improve extracellular secretions and promoted flocculation performance, with particle size increasing by 336.22%. The findings of this study may provide some solutions for the enhanced microalgae biomass harvest and nutrients removal from wastewater. [Display omitted] • The role of Ca2+ in MABS system treating wastewater was firstly reported. • A low Ca2+ loading (i.e., 0.1 mM) promoted both COD and nutrients removal. • The growth of microalgae was enhanced with the Chl-a increase rate of 64.15%. • Ca2+ improved extracellular secretions and promoted flocculation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]