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Bisphenol compounds (BPs) are ubiquitously existing pollutants. Recent evidence shows that they may be activated by human CYP1A1 for clastogenic effects; however, factors that influence/mediate CYP1A1-activated 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphenol (BPAF) toxicity, particularly the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), sulfotransferase (SULT) 1A1 [known to conjugate 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenol)-propane (BPA)] and reactive oxygen species (ROS), remain unclear. In this study, a human hepatoma (HepG2) cell line was genetically engineered for the expression of human CYP1A1 and SULT1A1, producing HepG2-hCYP1A1 and HepG2-hSULT1A1, respectively. They were used in the micronucleus test and γ-H2AX analysis (Western blot) (indicating double-strand DNA breaks) with BPAF; the role of AhR in mediating BPAF toxicity was investigated by coexposure of AhR modulators in HepG2 and its derivative C3A (with no genetic modifications but enhanced CYP expression). The results indicated induction of micronuclei by BPAF (≥ 2.5 µM, for 2-cell cycle) in HepG2-hCYP1A1 and C3A, while inactive in HepG2 and HepG2-hSULT1A1; however, BPAF induced micronuclei in HepG2 pretreated with 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126, AhR activator), and BAY-218 (AhR inhibitor) blocked the effect of BPAF in C3A. In HepG2-hCYP1A1 BPAF selectively induced centromere-free micronuclei (immunofluorescent assay) and double-strand DNA breaks. In HepG2 cells receiving conditional medium from BPAF-HepG2-hCYP1A1 incubation micronuclei were formed, while negative in HepG2-hSULT1A1. Finally, the intracellular levels of ROS, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione in C3A and HepG2-hCYP1A1 exposed to BPAF were all moderately increased, while unchanged in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, like other BPs BPAF is activated by human CYP1A1 for potent clastogenicity, and this effect is enhanced by AhR while alleviated by SULT1A1. [Display omitted] • Bisphenol AF (BPAF) induces chromosome/DNA breaks in human cells. • BPAF is activated by human CYP1A1 while detoxified by SULT1A1. • Activation of aromatic hydrocarbon receptor enhances genotoxicity of BPAF. • Reactive oxygen species seems insignificant in CYP1A1-activated BPAF genotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS) spectra from four cement pastes are re-analyzed by a new revised jump-diffusion and rotation-diffusion model (rJRM). From the QENS fit, it can be seen that the rJRM is an improved model to fit QENS spectra within the whole detected neutron energy transfer and scattering vector. By the rJRM fitting, the structure parameters extracted from QENS spectra show that both the additives aluminum-silicate nanotubes (ASN) and carboxyl group functionalized ASN (ASN-COOH) can improve magnesium-silicate-hydrate (M-S-H) toward calcium-silicate-hydrate (C–S–H) direction in mechanical properties, but the improvement is weakened with decreasing temperatures. The extracted dynamical parameters show that there is a dynamic anomaly near 230 K in not only translational but also rotational diffusion of water confined in all the investigated samples. The anomaly in rotational diffusion is new compared with those results obtained by the QENS fit using other models. • The revised jump-diffusion and rotation-diffusion model (rJRM) is an improved model to fit QENS spectra collected on four cement pastes at temperatures 210 - 280 K within E between -120 and 120 μeV and Q from 0.3 to 1.9 Å-1. • The structure parameters extracted from the QENS fit show that both the additives ASN and ASN-COOH can improve M-S-H toward C-S-H direction in mechanical properties, but the improvement is weakened with decreasing temperatures. • The dynamical parameters fitted from QENS spectra show that there are dynamic anomalies near 230 K for not only translational but also rotational diffusion of confined water. The dynamic anomaly on rotational diffusion is new compared with those results obtained by the QENS fit using other models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Exploration of femtosecond laser induced silver plasma plumes for high order harmonics generation. • Effect of chirp of driving pulses on HHG measurements. • Extention of harmonics intensity and cut-off of silver plasma ablating by femtoseconds pulses. • Silver plasma plumes applications for next-generation table-top XUV light sources. Silver plasma plume is one of the potential sources for high-order harmonics generation (HHG) using a driving pulse of 800 nm (Ti: S laser system). The harmonic intensity (yield) and cut-off are significantly affected by ablating laser pulse duration. This work extended the harmonics generation using silver [bulk and nanoparticles (100 nm and 20 nm)] plasma plumes ablated by fs laser pulses. The shorter pulse duration of fs pulses leads to enhanced ions' density, which improves the harmonics' intensity and cut-off (65H). Moreover, the experimental harmonic cut-off for Ag+ is precisely matched with the theoretical cut-off. In Ag2+ ions, the experimental cut-off is ∼1.3 times less than the theoretical cut-off. In addition, we have measured the harmonic spectra of samples using negatively and positively chirped 135 fs driving pulses and compared them with chirp-free 35 fs driving pulse harmonic spectra. The negative and positive chirps of the pulses lead to blueshift and redshift of the harmonic's spectra, with an increase of intensity of low (9H–15H) and higher (17H–41H) range harmonics, respectively. However, the comparison between bulk and nanoparticles (NPs) studies proved that the smallest NPs possess larger HHG efficiency. The present study highlights the selection of short pulse duration, i.e., fs pulses as driving and ablating laser pulses, for enhancing the yield and cut-off of harmonics for next-generation table-top XUV light sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, in order to reveal the role of crystallographic orientation in the electrochemical and discharge behaviors of the extruded diluted Mg-0.5Sn-0.5Zn-0.5Ca (wt.%) alloy through investigating the longitude surface (LS) and transversal surface (TS). The results show that the LS sample is mainly consisted of (0001) orientated grains, while the TS one is composed of (10-10)/(11–20) orientated grains. Although the self-corrosion rate for TS sample is higher than that of the counterpart as a result of the non-basal planes possess lower surface energy and higher activation energy, the real-time self-discharge rates for both samples are similar at constant applied current density. Nevertheless, the TS sample exhibits a remarkably higher anodic efficiency than that of the LS one, which can be attributed to the uniform dissolution of the substrate along with the weakened chunk effect (CE). Additionally, the Mg-air battery with the TS sample as anode exhibits a more stable discharge course and higher cell voltage due to the loose discharge products as well as enhanced discharge activity. • Effect of crystallographic orientation on the anode properties is investigated. • Real-time self-discharge rates are not effected by the crystallographic orientation. • Chunk effect evidently deteriorates the anodic efficiency of Mg anode. • Mg-air battery with TS sample as anode exhibits excellent discharge property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sapindus saponins extracted from S. mukorossi have been reported to exert antibacterial activities against skin pathogenic bacteria, but their antibacterial mechanism is still at an exploratory stage. The objective of this study was to explore the synergistic antibacterial mechanism of the combination of two Sapindus saponins, namely Sapindoside A and B (S AB) against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) 6919 via targeting the fatty acid compositions and membrane properties. After exposure to S AB , C. acnes cells increased the cell surface hydrophobicity and reduced the cell membrane fluidity by changing the composition of membrane fatty acids. In the fatty acid compositions, the content of two main fatty acids 12-methyl-tetradecanoic acid (isoC15:0) and octadecanoic acid (C18:0) reduced and improved respectively with the addition of S AB , and fatty acid biosynthesis-related genes were significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05). Further, molecular docking demonstrated that S AB interacted with FabD, which is an essential enzyme for bacterial type II fatty acid synthesis, via hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. In the above results, the contribution of S A to S AB was greater than that of S B. In summary, the results revealed that S AB changed the fatty acid compositions of C. acnes , further disrupting the cell membrane properties, and S A played a major role, suggesting that S AB could be a natural antiacne additive against C. acnes -associated infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A scalable and reconfigurable hybrid microgrid clustering architecture is proposed. • The proposed ENU features multiplexed structure and flexible functionalities. • The ENUs could realize mutual AC/DC interconnection by same converter modules. • The autonomous power coordination within and between microgrids is achieved. • The utilization and local consumption of RESs with system reliability is improved. Microgrid clusters are effective to increase utilization of renewable energy resources (RESs), and improve reliability and stability of power systems. Facilitating flexible configurations, grid networking and coordinated operation among multiple microgrids are essential for the microgrid cluster. In view of this, this paper presents a scalable and reconfigurable hybrid microgrid clustering architecture and a corresponding decentralized control method. Initially, a new interlinking converter referred as energy networking unit (ENU) is proposed. The ENU is used to interface the AC and DC subgrid in single hybrid microgrid, and also facilitates the connection with the external power grid. Then the ENU-based hybrid microgrid clustering architecture is established, which is characterized by scalability, reconfigurability and modularity. Thanks to the reconfigurable topology of ENUs, the architecture could realize flexible AC/DC interconnection between microgrids by the same converter modules with less power conversion units. Finally, a proposed decentralized control strategy for this architecture could realize autonomous power exchange between subgrids in single microgrid with considering energy storage restrictions and smooth mode switch. And an adaptive and autonomous power interaction among neighboring microgrids is also achieved with full utilization of the compensation capacity of clusters, thus improving the system reliability, as well as the utilization and local consumption of RESs. The effectiveness of the proposed clustering architecture and decentralized control strategy is verified by comprehensive cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Build a bottom-up model to assist the planning of community heating system. [•] Take land parcel as minimum unit then discuss the energy exchange between them. [•] Cluster analysis of heat production technologies can simplify the model. [•] The method successfully applied to a real project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Improved out-of-plane thermal conductivity of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials will enable light weight structures to integrate efficient thermal management. Heat extraction through its relative thin thickness direction can be improved by placing highly conducting material strategically and sparingly across the thickness. This paper combines an infrared camera temperature measurement system with a finite element method to investigate the natural convection influence on the effective thermal conductivity of such heterogeneous materials. Measurements of reference samples were conducted to validate the methodology. Effective conductivity of a PTFE matrix with embedded copper rods was characterized with one of its boundaries exposed to natural convection and the results were contrasted with the condition under which the specimen is placed between two conducting bars. Our method was extended to characterize the effective thermal conductivity of a heterogeneous 3D woven fabric structure embedded within a polymer matrix. A conductive coating layer was introduced and quantified to demonstrate the heat transfer enhancement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: When subjected to the horizontal earthquake load, compression–bending–torsion combined actions often exist in the piers of curved bridges because the center of stiffness and the center of mass of curved bridges do not locate at the same position. A new fiber beam-column element considering the nonlinear torsion behavior for concrete filled steel tubes with circular section was developed based on the traditional fiber beam-column model, which had widely been used. The calculation and solution procedures of the proposed fiber beam-column model were also illustrated. The reasonable geometrical relations, material constitutive law and force equilibrium equations were all applied. Based on the principles of fiber beam-column element considering torsion effect, a nonlinear solution program was developed using FORTRAN language. The entire loading history of concrete filled steel tube columns subjected to combined compression–bending–torsion load could be predicted with good agreement with test results. Using the proposed fiber beam-column model for the time-history analysis of curved steel–concrete composite girder bridges, the high solution precision and efficiency could be obtained, compared with the traditional finite element model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Volmer–Weber growth of polycrystalline thin films involves poorly understood kinetic processes that occur far from equilibrium and lead to complex co-evolution of the surface, microstructure and intrinsic stress of the films. Here we present a comprehensive study consisting of in situ stress measurements, microstructure characterization and analytical modeling for various metallic films that grow by the Volmer–Weber mechanism. We find that, under conditions of intermediate atomic mobility, stress evolution after coalescence involves a turnaround from a compressive to a tensile stress state. The thickness at which the stress turnaround is observed increases as the substrate temperature increases or the deposition rate decreases. We show that this phenomenon is associated with two competing mechanisms: grain growth during deposition (at homologous temperatures as low as 0.17) and adatom attachment to surface sites at grain boundaries. Grain growth during film deposition not only causes a tensile component of the intrinsic stress, but also leads to changes in the magnitude of the compressive stresses, from being independent of, to scaling with, the inverse of the grain size. Analyses of these phenomena lead to insights into stress evolution under conditions of low and high atomic mobility, as well as intermediate mobility, and are general for stress evolution during Volmer–Weber growth of polycrystalline films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The fatigue problem of steel–concrete composite beams has been paid attention to in recent years, and the review of available literatures about the fatigue behavior of studs, including fatigue life and slip, was firstly made. In order to study the fatigue behavior of studs in steel–concrete composite beams, the fatigue test on seven specimens was carried out. The shear fatigue failure of studs was the fatigue failure mode of specimens, with good ductility. The fatigue life was significantly affected by the shear stress amplitude of studs. Then the calculation method for the deflection of steel–concrete composite beams was proposed, and the good agreement with test results indicated that the proposed method was effective. Furthermore, the influences of various parameters on the deflection of steel–concrete composite beams subjected to fatigue load were also analyzed. Based on a large number of fatigue test data of studs, the provisions in various Codes were summarized and evaluated, showing that the equation in AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) was the safest equation for predicting the fatigue life of studs in practical design. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Photocatalytic hydrogen production from water or organic compounds is a promising way to resolve our energy crisis and environmental problems in the near future. Over the past decades, many photocatalysts have been developed for solar water splitting. However, most of these photocatalysts require cocatalyst to facilitate H2 evolution reaction and noble metals as key cocatalysts are widely used. Consequently, the condition of noble metal cocatalyst including the size and valence state etc plays the key role in such photocatalytic system. Here, the size and valence state effect of Pt on photocatalytic H2 evolution over platinized TiO2 photocatalyst were studied for the first time. Surprisingly, it was found that Pt particle size does not affect the photoreaction rate with the size range of several nanometers in this work, while it is mainly depended on the valence state of Pt particles. Typically, TOFs of TiO2 photodeposited with 0.1–0.2 wt% Pt can exceed 3000 h−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] A new type of PCM room is proposed, two kinds of PCM were used in the room. [•] The new room can decrease the indoor air temperature fluctuation by 4.3°C in summer. [•] Indoor air temperature fluctuation was decreased by 14.2°C in winter for the new room. [•] Important factors that affect the thermal performance of the new room were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Silicon quantum dots embedded in carbon matrix (SiQDs/C) were fabricated. [•] SiQDs/C exhibits excellent battery performance as anode materials with high specific capacity. [•] The good performance was attributed to the marriage of small sized SiQDs and carbon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A steel–concrete composite fiber beam-column model is developed in this study. The composite fiber beam-column model consists of a preprocessor program that is used to divide a composite section into fibers and a group of uniaxial hysteretic material constitutive models coded in the user defined subprogram UMAT in ABAQUS. The steel–concrete composite fiber beam-column model is suitable for global elasto-plastic analysis on composite frames with rigid connections subjected to the combined action of gravity and cyclic lateral loads. The model is verified by a large number of experiments and the results show that the developed composite fiber model possesses better accuracy and broader applicability compared with a traditional finite element model. Although the fiber beam-column model neglects the slip between the steel beam and concrete slab, there are essentially no effects on the global calculation results of steel–concrete composite frames. The proposed model has a simple modeling procedure, high calculation efficiency and great advantage when it is used to analyze composite frames subjected to cyclic loading due to earthquake. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Concrete filled steel tube (CFST) columns are currently being widely used in the construction of modern buildings and bridges. In practice, the torsion effect will be often created in CFST columns when the horizontal earthquake happened. Based on geometrical, material constitutive and equilibrium equations, a theoretical model called laminated tubes model for analyzing the mechanical behavior of CFST columns under axial force–torsion combined action was proposed. The confined effect provided by the steel tube and the compression softening effect of the concrete could be considered in the proposed concrete material model. Based on the theoretical model, the non-linear analysis program was developed for obtaining the entire loading history of CFST columns under axial force–torsion combined action. The predicted results have good agreement with test results. The torsion behavior of CFST columns was detailed discussed based on the theoretical model, and the simplified formulae for practical design are also proposed based on regression methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A macro segment network model for VRFB with serpentine flow field is proposed. • The computational efficiency is greatly improved compared with FEM model. • The battery performance during single and multi-cycle is predicted. • The field distributions of key parameters are in good agreement with FEM model. This paper presents a 3D macro-segment network model for a vanadium redox flow battery with serpentine flow field. The proposed network model is coupled of electrolyte flow module, species transfer module, charge transfer module. In flow resistance network module, the characteristics of electrolyte flow in the serpentine flow channel and under-rib convection in the porous electrode are all considered. In addition, the electrode intrusion and the electrode non-uniform structure caused by compression are taken into account. In species transfer network module, the convection, diffusion and migration between adjacent segments and reversible electrochemical reactions and self-discharge reactions inside the segment are all analyzed in the ion conservation equation. In charge transfer network module, each battery segment, which is composed of the channel, electrode and membrane segment in series, is connected in parallel and has the same output voltage. In this paper, the battery performance including charge-discharge voltages and cell pressure drop under different electrode compression ratios are validated. In the following, the battery performance under single and multiple charge-discharge cycle are investigated using the proposed network model. Besides, the field distribution of key parameters in terms of velocity, pressure, ions concentration and current density are analyzed and validated with finite element method model data. The proposed 3D macro-segment network model is not only able to effectively consider the distribution difference inside the battery caused by the flow field, but also capable of reducing the computational resources, which renders the network model is suitable for the fast prediction of battery performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) in bacterial pathogens is an important cause of resistance to the 'last-resort' carbapenem antibiotics. Development of effective MBL inhibitors to reverse carbapenem resistance in Gram-negative bacteria is still needed. We herein report X-ray structure-guided optimization of 1 H -imidazole-2-carboxylic acid (ICA) derivatives by considering how to engage with the active-site flexible loops and improve penetration into Gram-negative bacteria. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed the importance of appropriate substituents at ICA 1-position to achieve potent inhibition to class B1 MBLs, particularly the Verona Integron-encoded MBLs (VIMs), mainly by involving ingenious interactions with the flexible active site loops as observed by crystallographic analyses. Of the tested ICA inhibitors, 55 displayed potent synergistic antibacterial activity with meropenem against engineered Escherichia coli strains and even intractable clinically isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa producing VIM-2 MBL. The morphologic and internal structural changes of bacterial cells after treatment further demonstrated that 55 crossed the outer membrane and reversed the activity of meropenem. Moreover, 55 showed good pharmacokinetic and safety profile in vivo , which could be a potential candidate for combating VIM-mediated Gram-negative carbapenem resistance. [Display omitted] • SARs of ICA derivatives reveal the importance of 1-position substituents. • Crystallography reveals the binding of ICA derivatives to VIM active site loops. • Analyzing relationships between OM permeability and physicochemical properties. • Combination of 55 and meropenem resulted in morphologic changes of bacterial cells. • Compound 55 showed good pharmacokinetic and safety profile in vivo [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Two new three-dimensional 3d-4f MOFs was prepared via hydrothermal method. • PANI conductive polymer was controllably deposited on the electrode to improve the conductivity. • CuCe-MOF@PANI-1 as electrode material for supercapacitors showed good performance. • The hybrid capacitor using CuCe-MOF@PANI-1 as cathode displayed a strong actual supply of electrical energy. Two new 3-dimensional (3D) 3d-4f bimetal organic frameworks (ZnCe-MOF and CuCe-MOF) were created through hydrothermal method. These MOFs have the similar formula (M 2 (imidazole) 2 Ce(H 2 O)(C 2 O 4) 1/2 (4,5-ida) 2 ·2(H 2 O), M = Zn, Cu; 4,5-ida: 4,5-imidazole dicarboxylate) and possesses monoclinic symmetry in the P2 1 /n space group. The electrodeposition method was used to in-situ coat polyaniline (PANI) to improve the electrical conductivity. As the electrode materials for supercapacitors in three-electrode system, the specific capacitance of CuCe-MOF@PANI-1 and ZnCe-MOF@PANI-1 electrodes can reach 724.4F g−1 and 713.2F g−1 at 1 A g−1. Using the as-synthesized CuCe-MOF@PANI-1 heteorostructure as positive material, the assembled hybrid capacitor delivers an energy density of 87.45 Wh kg−1 and 58.05 Wh kg−1 at power density of 850 W kg−1, demonstrating that the heteorostructure of MOF coated with PANI has promising applications in portable energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Synergistic combination of Sapindoside A and B (S AB) inhibited C. acnes biofilm. • S AB disturbed C. acnes biofilm via decreasing adhesion and CSH, EPS and lipase. • S AB significantly downregulated the biofilm biosynthesis-associated genes. • Combination index method was first used to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of S AB. • Contribution of Sapindoside A was greater than that of Sapindoside B in the S AB. Sapindus saponins extracted from Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. have been reported to exert antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). However, there are no reports about their potentials against its biofilm, which is a major contributor to the antibiotic resistance of C. acnes. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic antibiofilm activity and action of the combination of Sapindoside A and B (S AB) against C. acnes. S AB with sub-MICs significantly inhibited the early-formed and mature biofilm of C. acnes and decreased the adhesion and cell surface hydrophobicity (p < 0.05). Also, S AB greatly reduced the production of exopolysaccharide and lipase (p < 0.05), and the binding mode of S AB and lipase was predicted by molecular docking, via hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Biofilm observed with electron microscopies further confirmed the high antibiofilm activity of S AB against C. acnes. Furthermore, a significant down-regulation of biofilm biosynthesis-associated genes was observed. The combination index explained the synergistic effects of S AB leading to the above results, and the contribution of S A was greater than that of S B. The current results showed that S AB had synergistic antibiofilm activity against C. acnes , and the Sapindoside A played a major role, indicating that S AB could be a natural antiacne additive against C. acnes biofilm-associated infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A dolerite sill emplaced into the Guanmenshan Formation was dated at ca. 2060 Ma. • The lower part of Fanhe Group was deposited in the span of 2200–2060 Ma in the Rhyacian Period. • The lower part of Fanhe Group provides excellent stratigraphic records of the GOE and LJE in the NCC. The Great Oxidation Event (GOE) and Lomagundi-Jatuli Event (LJE) during Paleoprterozoic Era represent significant global environmental changes in Earth's history and their geological records have been identified from many ancient cratons. However, reliable records of GOE and LJE are rare in the North China Craton (NCC) due to high-grade metamorphism on Paleoproterozoic strata during Orosirian Period and poor age constraints. Weakly metamorphosed to unmetamorphosed Proterozoic strata termed as Fanhe Group of around 8 km thick are well preserved in Fanhe Basin in the Archean Longgang Block in northeastern NCC and the Guanmenshan Formation from the lower part of the Fanhe Group is characterized by positive δ 13C carb excursion of around +5‰. Since the Fanhe Group was usually considered as Meso-Neoproterozoic in ages, the reasons for positive δ 13C carb excursions in the lower Fanhe Group are unclear. Our new LA-(MC-)ICP-MS U-Pb dating on a dolerite sill intruding into the Guanmenshan Formation yields two upper intercept 207Pb/206Pb ages of 2065 ± 20 Ma (95% confidence, MSWD = 1.4, N = 26) and 2062 ± 22 Ma (95% confidence, MSWD = 1.05, N = 22), respectively. Combined with the weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb age of the youngest detrital zircon population of the Daposhan Formation (2199 ± 19 Ma, 95% confidence, N = 8, MSWD = 0.47) and their contact relations, the deposition ages of the Daposhan, Kangzhaungzi, Guanmenshan and Tongjiajie formations from the lower part of Fanhe Group were constrained to be Rhyacian Period from ca. 2200 Ma to ca. 2060 Ma, not Mesoproterozoic Era as previously regarded. These new age constraints provide solid evidence for the existence of weakly metamorphosed stratigraphic records of GOE and LJE in lower part of Fanhe Group in the NCC. Stratigraphic correlations with other ancient cratons show that the Guanmenshan Formation in Fanhe Basin in the northeastern NCC can be correlated with the Dashiling Formation of the Hutuo Group in the central NCC, the Lucknow Formation in West Australia, the Upper Pretoria Formation in South Africa, the Gordon Lake Formation in North America and the Tulomozero and Kuetsjärvi formations in Fennoscandia, and therefore the Fanhe Group provides excellent stratigraphic records to study GOE and LJE in the NCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the microstructural characteristic, electrochemical behavior and discharge performance of extruded Mg- x Bi (x = 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 wt%) anodes are systematically evaluated. The results show that the cell voltage and anodic efficiency deteriorate as the Bi addition increased in galvanostatic discharge process. In addition, intermittent discharge behavior also confirms that the Mg-0.5Bi anode can output both excellent discharge activity and stable discharge process than the counterpart ones. This is attributed to the negative open current potential (OCP) value and thin and loose discharge products film as well as mitigated "chunk effect" (CE). Therefore, extruded Mg-0.5Bi alloy is a promising anode material for Mg-air battery. • Mg-air battery with Mg-0.5Bi alloy as anode shows superior discharge performance. • Negative OCP as well as thin and loose product film help improve cell voltage. • The high anodic efficiency of Mg-0.5Bi alloy is due to weak chunk effect and low HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein kinases are central mediators of signal-transduction cascades and attractive drug targets for therapeutic intervention. Since kinases are structurally and mechanistically related to each other, kinase inhibitor selectivity is often investigated by kinase profiling and considered as an important index for drug discovery. We here describe a versatile web server termed ProfKin for structure-based kinase profiling, which is based on a kinase-ligand focused database (KinLigDB). It provides all ready-to-use 3D structure coordinates of 4219 kinase-ligand complex structures covering 297 human kinases and the associated information, particularly including binding site type, binding ligand type, interaction fingerprints, downstream molecules and related human diseases. The web server works via predicting possible binding modes for the query molecule, prioritizing the binding modes guided by an interaction fingerprint analysis method, and giving a list of ranked kinases by a comprehensive index. Users can freely select entire or part of the KinLigDB database, e.g. via subfamily and binding site type, to customize the profiling contents. The superimpositions of the predicted binding poses of the query molecule with reference binding modes can be visually inspected on the website. The additional classification attributes and phylogenetic tree are also given for each top-ranked kinase. [Display omitted] • A new versatile web server for structure-based kinase selectivity profiling. • A manually curated kinase-ligand focused database termed KinLigDB. • Kinase target ranking guided by the key interaction features. • The web server is uniquely designed to predict possible kinase inhibition modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A cyber-physical co-modeling is developed to fulfill the essential insights of ISCP. • A hierarchical distributed V2G coordination apt to parallel computing is proposed. • The cyber topology for ISCP is fully discussed in terms of communication efficiency. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology plays an important part in achieving carbon neutrality. Hence, reducing the execution time under the real-time application becomes an urgent issue. In this paper, we develop a cyber-physical co-modeling to fulfill the fundamental insights into the internet of smart charging points (ISCP), wherein the local controllers are designed near the plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), and are coordinated with each other. In perspective of energy dispatching, a hierarchical V2G scheduling is implemented in a distributed way to decompose the optimization problem into several sub-problems. Besides, the parallel computing is applied in the V2G problem to accelerate the speed of obtaining results. Moreover, the voltage regulation is applied near the energy coordinator with high-performance computer rather than by the local controller. In perspective of network communication, the small-world network is applied to ensure the communication efficiency and decrease the wiring costs. Besides, the privacy-preserving of both the energy coordinator and the PEV users is guaranteed by processing and storing the sensitive information of the two participants nearby. Finally, the cyber-physical co-modeling is performed in Matlab and Network Simulator 2. Results show load flatting, self-consumption of photovoltaic output, voltage regulation, and up/down regulation are achieved. Moreover, the delay of small-world network is 90.94 times faster than that of lattice network, and the cost of small-world network is nearly 500 times less than that of full mesh network. Particularly, the execution time for V2G operation at one-time interval is less than 1 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sapindus saponins are natural nonionic surfactants, and they have a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect, but few studies have elucidated the antibacterial mechanism of Sapindus saponins to date. Therefore, this study screened the antibacterial activity of Sapindus saponins singly and in combination against 7 bacteria, and investigated the synergistic antibacterial action via targeting cell membrane proteins. The only combination of Sapindoside A and B (S AB) with synergistic activity against Micrococcusluteus (M. luteus) was obtained, where the MICs of Sapindoside A and B were one fourth of their individual minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). After treatment with S AB , the spectral features of protein in the cell membrane of M. luteus showed obvious changes based on Raman spectroscopy, and the constitutions of membrane proteins were changed seriously. Besides, changes in protein microenvironment was observed, and the contribution of Sapindoside A was greater than that of Sapindoside B with concentration below 2MIC. Molecular docking also demonstrated that Sapindoside A interacted with penicillin-binding protein 2, and showed higher binding energy than Sapindoside B, further indicating that the greater contribution in the synergistic action of S AB on membrane proteins. Collectively, these results showed that the synergistic antibacterial action of Sapindoside A and B against M. luteus could be achieved by attacking cell membrane proteins, and Sapindoside A played a major role, suggesting that S AB has the potential to be the natural antibacterial detergent additive in food industry, although it is limited in its scope of antimicrobial activity against foodborne bacteria. • Synergistic antibacterial combination of Sapindoside A and B (S AB) was obtained. • Spectral features of membrane protein changed greatly based on Raman spectroscopy. • Degradation of membrane proteins and change in protein microenvironment was observed. • Contribution of Sapindoside A was greater than that of Sapindoside B in the S AB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Build a co-optimization model to optimize supply and demand sides of IES. • Modify stochastic programming to capture both demand and supply sides' scenarios. • Co-optimization model achieves more cost-efficient design considering carbon tax. • Basic and Standard demand-side upgrading are cost-efficient while Premium is not. • Carbon tax accelerates both renewable penetration and demand-side upgrading. Integrated energy systems (IES) can help achieve greater energy efficiency, and then ultimately promote a climate-neutral economy by utilizing local renewable resources. Demand-side energy-saving measures can reduce operational costs associated with energy usage. Most existing IES models, however, focus on supply-side optimization, while the demand-side energy-saving potential and its impacts on whole-system performance are still not clear. The increasing carbon tax makes it even more important to understand the interactions between supply and demand sides to achieve a sustainable system with a minimal carbon charge. Hence, this study proposes a co-optimization model to simultaneously optimize the supply and demand sides of an IES considering the impact of the carbon tax. A selection tree is developed to describe various demand-side envelope upgrading technologies, and a binary tree is established by generating a set of supply-side scenarios with corresponding probabilities. Based on these results, an improved two-stage stochastic programming model is proposed. The robustness of the modeling results was further validated by a simulation–optimization-based uncertainty analysis addressing price uncertainties. A case study in Shanghai indicates that the proposed co-optimization model achieves more cost-efficient solutions than supply-side-only optimization considering carbon tax. Introducing carbon tax can reduce the installed capacity of fuel-based energy technologies by up to 24% and greatly accelerate the penetration of renewables. The increasing carbon tax also promotes the adoption of more advanced energy-saving technologies. Uncertainty analysis reveals acceptable robustness of the optimal demand-side scheme and supply-side configuration with a deviation of less than 5% and a coefficient of variation of 7%. Overall, the observations of the proposed model and case study provide valuable insights for IES design considering an emerging charge of carbon tax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The twinning behavior and hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of a twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steel were investigated for different pre-strains at different strain rates. The lower pre-strain rate led to thinner twins and higher twin volume fraction. The influence of the twin characteristics on HE sensitivity was analyzed from statistical data on the evolution of surface crack characteristics during secondary straining period after cathodic hydrogen charging. Based on the ratio of crack initiation sites caused by the intersection of twins and grain boundaries, it was found that thinner twins in twin bundles of similar thickness promoted the generation of hydrogen-induced cracks (HICs). [Display omitted] • Lower strain rate led to thinner twins and higher twin volume fraction. • Specimens pre-strained with higher strain rate possessed greater resistance for HE. • The statistical evolution of secondary cracks was investigated. • Thinner twins are more likely to cause hydrogen-induced cracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sapindus saponins are obtained from the outer bark of Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. (S. mukorossi), and they have become an interesting subject in the search for new anti-acne agents without resistance. This study aimed to screen the synergistic antibacterial combination from Sapindus saponins and investigated the synergistic antibacterial action via targeting the cell membrane of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) to reduce the effective dose. The combination of Sapindoside A and B (S AB) was obtained with synergistic activity against C. acnes. S AB led to the leakage of ions and disturbed the membrane morphology of C. acnes. The spectral features of cell membrane composition showed obvious changes based on Raman spectroscopy, and changes in membrane protein microenvironment were also observed by fluorescence spectroscopy. Among the above results, the contribution of Sapindoside A was greater than that of Sapindoside B to the synergistic combination of S AB. Furthermore, molecular docking demonstrated that Sapindoside A interacted with penicillin-binding protein 2, playing an important role in peptidoglycan synthesis for the cross wall, and showed a higher binding score than Sapindoside B, further indicating that the greater contribution in the synergistic action of S AB on membrane proteins. Collectively, these results showed that the synergistic antibacterial action of S AB against C. acnes could be achieved by attacking cell membrane, and Sapindoside A played a major role, suggesting that S AB has the potential to be the natural anti-acne agent additive in the cosmetic industry. [Display omitted] • Synergistic combination of Sapindoside A and B (S AB) inhibited Cutibacterium acnes. • S AB disturbed the membrane characteristics and morphology of Cutibacterium acnes. • Spectral features of membrane composition changed greatly based on Raman spectroscopy. • Changes in the membrane protein microenvironment were observed. • Contribution of Sapindoside A was greater than that of Sapindoside B in the S AB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Acoustic pressure was simulated as a standardized parameter to reflect sono-effect. • High-intensity ultrasound efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus biofilm was studied. • Bactericidal rate of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU, 20 kHz, 240 W) was limited. • Detachment of S. aureus biofilm was efficient by using the HIU. • HIU (60 W, 15 h) stimulated S. aureus biofilm formation and enhanced its resistance. This study evaluated efficacy of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) on controlling or stimulating Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. Acoustic pressure distribution on the surface of glass slide cultivated S. aureus biofilm was first simulated as a standardized parameter to reflect sono-effect. When the power of HIU was 240 W with acoustic pressure of −1.38×105 Pa, a reasonably high clearance rate of S. aureus biofilm was achieved (96.02%). As an all-or-nothing technique, the HIU did not cause sublethal or injury of S. aureus but inactivate the cell directly. A further evaluation of HIU-induced stimulation of biofilm was conducted at a low power level (i.e. 60 W with acoustic pressure of −6.91×104 Pa). The low-power-long-duration HIU treatment promoted the formation of S. aureus biofilm and enhanced its resistance as proved by transcriptional changes of genes in S. aureus , including up-regulations of rbf , sigB , lrgA , icaA , icaD , and down-regulation of icaR. These results indicate that the choose of input power is determined during the HIU-based cleaning and processing. Otherwise, the growth of S. aureus and biofilm formation are stimulated when treats by an insufficiently high power of HIU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on the force–displacement mixed control quasi-static test on eight CFST columns subjected to combined compression, bending and torsion cyclic load, the mechanical behavior of CFST columns with various section types, bending moment to torsion moment ratios and axial load levels was studied. The test results showed that the hysteretic curves of CFST columns under combined compression, flexure and torsion are plump due to the good seismic behavior and the ductility was also good. But for rectangular CFST columns with high bending moment to torsion moment ratio, the strength degradation was observed due to the local buckling of the steel plate at the bottom. The torsion capacity of CFST columns would be reduced by the bending moment. The plane section assumption of axial strain of CFST columns could be satisfied. The shear strain of the steel tube has good linear relationship with the rotation angle of the section when CFST columns subjected to combined compression, flexure and torsion. Based on the test results and literatures available, the mechanism of CFST columns was qualitatively analyzed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon nanotube yarn and sheet were activated using radio frequency, atmospheric pressure, helium and oxygen plasmas. The nanotubes were exposed to the plasma afterglow, which contained 8.0×1016 cm−3 ground state O atoms, 8.0×1016 cm−3 metastable O2 (1Δg), and 1.0×1016 cm−3 ozone. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy revealed that 30s of plasma treatment converted 25.2% of the carbon atoms on the CNT surface to oxidized species, producing 17.0% alcohols, 5.9% carbonyls, and 2.3% carboxylic acids. The electrical resistivity increased linearly with the extent of oxidation of the CNT from 4 to 9×10−6 Ωm. On the other hand, the tensile strength of the yarn was decreased by only 27% following plasma oxidation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermal transport mechanisms are investigated and characterized when highly conductive fibers are embedded across the thickness of a three-dimensional polymer composite. Different approaches are explored to enhance out-of-plane thermal conductivity and address measurement issues associated with this class of composites. An experimental setup was designed, fabricated and validated to measure through-thickness thermal conductivity. A corresponding finite element model of the setup was developed to characterize and gain further understanding of the thermal field in the measurement cell. An approach in which a conductive coating is applied on the surface of the composite to improve the through-thickness thermal conductivity of composites containing a small percentage of conductive fibers in the thickness direction is explored. A parametric study revealed that the thickness of the coating and the distribution of the conductive fibers play a crucial role in augmenting the heat transfer across the thickness of the polymer composite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on the quasi-static test on eight CFST columns subjected to pure torsion and compression–torsion cyclic load, the torsion behavior of CFST columns with various section types, steel ratios and axial load levels was studied. The test results showed that the hysteretic curves of CFST columns under pure torsion and low compression–torsion cyclic load are very plump, which indicate that CFST columns have good seismic capacity. The unloading stiffness of CFST columns was equal to the initial elastic stiffness. The torsion capacity of CFST columns could be improved by the low compressive load, and the ductility was also good. But the torsion capacity of CFST columns would be reduced by the high compressive load. When CFST columns subjected to pure torsion, spiral diagonal compressive struts will be created in the in-filled concrete, and the axial components of the diagonal compressive force of the in-filled concrete was equal to the axial tensile force of the steel tube in order to satisfy the axial load equilibrium condition on the section, so the axial strain will be produced in the steel tube. The shear strain has good linear relationship with the rotation angle of the section when CFST columns subjected to pure torsion and compression–torsion combined action. Based on the test results and literatures available, the torsion mechanism of CFST columns was preliminarily analyzed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Au nanoparticles supported on highly uniform one-dimensional ZnO nanowires (Au/ZnO hybrids) have been successfully fabricated through a simple wet chemical method, which were first used for photodegradation of gas-phase benzene. Compared with bare ZnO nanowires, the as-prepared Au/ZnO hybrids were found to possess higher photocatalytic activity for degradation of benzene under UV and visible light (degradation efficiencies reach about 56.0% and 33.7% after 24 h under UV and visible light irradiation, respectively). Depending on excitation happening on ZnO semiconductor or on the surface plasmon band of Au, the efficiency and operating mechanism are different. Under UV light irradiation, Au nanoparticles serve as an electron buffer and ZnO nanowires act as the reactive sites for benzene degradation. When visible light is used as the light irradiation source, Au nanoparticles act as the light harvesters and photocatalytic sites alongside of charge-transfer process, simultaneously. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In a technique of widening existing concrete bridges with steel–concrete composite beams, the old existing concrete bridge and new composite beam was connected by a composite cross beam with a composite joint. Since there have been no experimental studies on the mechanical behavior of composite joints, six specimens were tested. Based on the existing methods, the shear strength of the interface of the old and new concrete was calculated. The results showed that the shear failure of the interface between the old and new concrete is the failure mode of the composite joint and the interface between the steel plate and new concrete is always in good condition. There was nearly no slip between the old and new concrete before the bonding failure of the interface. The interface between the old and new concrete has good ductility and high strength. Based on the constitutive law of the materials, the simplified three stage mechanical model was proposed and the load–slip relationship was also predicted. Comparison between theoretical and test results has showed that the theoretical method has good accuracy. The ultimate shear strength of the interface was determined by the strength of the concrete, roughness degree and friction coefficient of the interface, and the normal stress could increase the ultimate shear strength. The residual shear strength of the interface was determined by the embedded bars, and the ratio and yield strength of the embedded bars were the main influence factors. At last the practical design method was proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Openings often exist in the concrete slab of composite floors due to the functional requirements of structures. The strength and rigidity of steel-concrete composite beams are reduced by openings. Based on three tests of steel-concrete composite beams with full openings in the concrete flange, the elastic rigidity of composite beams is analyzed. Finite element analysis (FEA) considering the slip effect between the steel and concrete is conducted to simulate the composite beams with full openings in the concrete slab, and the results show that the FEA method is reliable. The analytical calculation method for the deflection of composite beams with full openings in the concrete slab is also proposed, and the results are verified by tests. The predicted deflections using the analytical method and FEA method both agree well with the test results. It is further verified that openings near the supports have insignificant effects on the deflection at the mid-span and this effect can be thus ignored. The simplified method to calculate the rigidity reduction factor is developed by a regression analysis. The analytical method and FEA method can be used for the serviceability limit state design of steel-concrete composite beams with full openings in the concrete flange. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Colonization of Helicobacter pylori in the acidic environment of the human stomach depends on the neutralizing activity of urease. Activation of apo-urease involves carboxylation of lysine 219 and insertion of two nickel ions. In H. pylori, this maturation process involves four urease accessory proteins as follows: UreE, UreF, UreG, and UreH. It is postulated that the apo-urease interacts with UreF, UreG, and UreH to form a pre-activation complex that undergoes GTP-dependent activation of urease. The crystal structure of the UreF-UreH complex reveals conformational changes in two distinct regions of UreF upon complex formation. First, the flexible C-terminal residues of UreF become ordered, forming an extra helix α10 and a loop structure stabilized by hydrogen bonds involving Arg-250. Second, the first turn of helix α2 uncoils to expose a conserved residue, Tyr-48. Substitution of R250A or Y48A in UreF abolishes the formation of the heterotrimeric complex of UreG-UreF-UreH and abolishes urease maturation. Our results suggest that the C-terminal residues and helix α2 of UreF are essential for the recruitment of UreG for the formation of the pre-activation complex. The molecular mass of the UreF-UreH complex determined by static light scattering was 116 ± 2.3 kDa, which is consistent with the quaternary structure of a dimer of heterodimers observed in the crystal structure. Taking advantage of the unique 2-fold symmetry observed in both the crystal structures of H. pylori urease and the UreF-UreH complex, we proposed a topology model of the pre-activation complex for urease maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to investigate the genetic variation of 14 populations of Batrachium bungei (Ranunculaceae) from the Hengduan Mountains of China, which is a global biodiversity region that is poorly studied. A total of 75 bands with 52 polymorphic loci were generated from the ten primers used in this study. A total of 155 different genotypes or clones were identified among the 442 samples. A low level of genetic diversity within population and high genetic differentiation among populations were revealed in this study. Factors, such as inbreeding, clonal growth, bottlenecks, population isolation and founder events during postglacial recolonizations, might have played important roles in shaping the population structure of B. bungei. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The continuous-flow transesterification of soybean oil with methanol using a rotating packed bed (RPB) for the production of fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel) is presented herein. The RPB, which provides high centrifugal force and has an adjustable rotational speed, is employed as a novel transesterification reactor. In this study, biodiesel is synthesized via the methanolysis of soybean oil using potassium hydroxide as the catalyst. The following variables were investigated for their effects on transesterification efficiency: the methanol–oil molar ratio, the estimated hydraulic retention time, the rotational speed of the packed-bed rotator, the reaction temperature, and the catalyst dosage. The yield of the fatty acid methyl esters (Y FAME) in the RPB system depends significantly on the experimental conditions, which influence the residence time distribution, the transesterification reaction rate, and the micromixing intensity. Due to its excellent micromixing characteristics, the RPB system shows satisfactory transesterification efficiency. The values of Y FAME, productivity of FAMEs (P FAME), and P FAME per unit reactor volume (P FAME/V R) in the RPB are used to evaluate the performance for biodiesel production and allow for further comparison with other continuous transesterification reactors. Consequently, a RPB is considered a practical transesterification reactor with high transesterification efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polyaniline (PANI) microfibers were prepared by an unusual interfacial synthesis method. Experimentally, the ANI formed aqueous phase (AP) was placed at the top, and the poly( l -lactide) (PLLA) formed oil phase (OP) was placed at the bottom, while the volume of these two phases was varied by taking the ratio of AP/OP at 2/1 and 1/2, respectively. FESEM images showed that the phase volume variety-based two synthesis processes both can form rectangular PANI microfibers while a comparison found that the AP/OP at 2/1 formed microfibers with smaller diameter and longer length than that of the AP/OP at 1/2 formed samples. This suggested that the increase of the AP volume would benefit the interfacial polymerized PANI with better size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Model community-level energy by combining GIS, simulation, and data-driven approaches. • Propose a GIS-based urban building energy modeling method with low computational cost. • Generate various prototype buildings through two-stage clustering process to describe buildings' diversity. • Integrate urban building energy modeling with global sensitivity analysis to discovery urban planning factors. • Identify FAR and BCR as the most influential factors affecting communities' energy use. The residential sector accounts for an increasing amount of global energy use with continued urbanization. Residential energy-informed urban planning offers an economical and easy-to-operate approach to achieve more efficient urban energy utilization. However, quantifying the interactions between residential energy and urban planning remains an open challenge. This study proposes a holistic approach integrating GIS techniques, building energy modeling, and a global sensitivity analysis to prioritize eight key urban planning factors on the community energy performance based on a building energy dataset. The dataset, including urban planning and building information, was first established using GIS techniques and validated using survey data. The residential energy performance model at the community scale was developed using the clustering tree structure of residential building prototypes and building performance simulations. A combined data-driven and global sensitivity analysis approach was further applied to prioritize the impacts of eight vital urban planning factors on energy use intensity and peak load intensity. A case study of 1963 communities in Shanghai revealed that, for the energy performance of residential communities, the floor area ratio and building coverage ratio are the most influential factors, followed by the maximum height and high-rise proportion having a relatively low impact but higher than other factors. Overall, the proposed holistic approach generates robust insights into urban-scale residential energy performance, which can effectively inform urban planners to achieve more energy-efficient regulatory planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TRIM33 is a member of the tripartite motif (TRIM) superfamily which contributes to regulate a multitude of cellular processes, including innate immune responses. Viperin_sv1 has recently been identified as a novel splice variant of viperin that triggers a strong antiviral effect by activating the interferon signaling pathway. SVCV infection is known to cause the degradation of viperin_sv1 through a proteasome pathway; however, the underlying mechanism remains unsolved. In this study, we identify that TRIM33 protein interacts and colocalizes with viperin_sv1 protein to induce its degradation. Additional analysis revealed that the N-terminus, but not the C-terminus, region of TRIM33 is essential for interacting with and inducing the degradation of viperin_sv1 protein. Moreover, SVCV infection enhances the expression of TRIM33 which is proved to reduce the type-1 interferon response and to promote viral replication. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that TRIM33 enhances the replication of SVCV by dampening the antiviral protein viperin_sv1 expression. These findings may lay a foundation for developing novel therapeutic strategies to halt SVCV infection. • TRIM33 was identified as the E3 ligase interacting with and degrading the viperin_sv1 protein. • The mRNA expression level of TRIM33 is increased upon SVCV infection. • The N-terminus region of TRIM33 associates with the viperin_sv1 degradation. • The overexpression of TRIM33 could promote the replication of SVCV by reducing the IFN production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper mainly investigates the dynamic response and accumulated damage characteristics of fiber metal laminate (FML) under successive impact loads through numerical and experimental methods. Firstly, the experimental tests are conducted to measure the successive impact response and explore the damage morphologies of FML under four times impacts of 10 J. Then, an integrated successive numerical model is developed to predict the impact behavior and characterize the failure mechanisms of FML, whose accuracy and reliability are well demonstrated. Subsequently, in virtue of the developed numerical model, different oblique successive impact loads are implemented on FMLs to characterize the interface delamination evolution and energy absorption. And the damage tolerances of FMLs under different impact angles are further simulated and compared. The conclusions indicate that the stiffness of FML and impact force experiences an evident enhancement after the first impact because of the strain hardening phenomenon of metal material. In addition, according to the number of impacts, the damage tolerance of FML can be improved at the greater impact angle. And for the last impact event, the metal crack propagation, the further fiber/matrix damage and even the penetration of metal layer will dissipate more successive impact energy. • Experimental tests are conducted to measure the successive impact behavior of FMLs. • An integrated numerical model for successive impacts is developed and validated. • Delamination damage and energy absorption characteristic are further explored. • Damage tolerances of FMLs under various impact angles are numerically predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated the morphology and properties of ZnO nanorods synthesized at 90°C from the solutions of zinc nitrate hydrate and hexamethylenetetramine. Three different substrates were used: Si and Zn foil treated with ZnO nanoparticle seeds, and Si/polycrystalline ZnO film. The morphology of the samples was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, while their optical properties were characterized by photoluminescence spectroscopy. The substrate was found to affect the size uniformity and alignment of ZnO nanorods. The nanorods exhibited strong yellow defect emission. In order to investigate the possibility of improving the optical properties, the influence of annealing at different temperatures (200–600°C) and in different atmospheres (Ar, air, N2, forming gas) was investigated. While annealing in air improved UV-to-visible emission ratio, defect emission remained prominent. However, annealing in forming gas enhanced UV emission and suppressed defect emission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

B Introduction: b Pancreatic injuries are rare, with an incidence of 0.4% of trauma presenting in both adult and paediatric populations. The rate of pancreatic involvement maybe closer to 10% in cases of significant blunt trauma, and the morbidity associated with these injuries can exceed 60%. In view of associated high morbidity and mortality, pancreatic injury requires early diagnosis and appropriate management. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Gas phase propylene epoxidation on gold catalysts has attracted wide attention from industry and academia due to its high selectivity. However, it suffers from low propylene conversion and rapid catalyst deactivation. Experiments showed that propylene conversion could be increased by raising H2, O2, or C3H6 concentration in the feed, but the feed compositions were within the explosion limit. It was also shown that the activity of the used catalyst could be fully recovered, but the regeneration temperature was 280°C, much higher than that for reaction. Therefore a microchannel reactor was devised to suppress explosion and was constructed with Fecralloy, to raise the temperature rapidly for catalyst regeneration by electric heating. In two minutes the temperature of the reactor could be raised from 50 to 300°C. Catalysts were coated on the alloy belt by dip coating, and the performance of the reactor was evaluated under different operating conditions. Results showed that in the microreactor the overall reaction rate was controlled mainly by the intrinsic reaction rate, and also influenced by film diffusion to a certain extent. The deactivated catalyst was regenerated in the microchannel reactor and the activity was fully recovered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the atomic distribution and the structure of platinum–cobalt nanoparticles. Heating and cooling techniques are applied before getting equilibrated structures at 298K. Both crystalline (fcc) and amorphous structures are partly observed depending on cooling rates. The atomic distributions in different regions of a bimetallic nanoparticle are analyzed. Although platinum tends to occupy surface and near-surface sites of the bimetallic nanoparticle, a complete segregation to form a core–shell structure is not observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] The production of β-lactamases represents the main cause of resistance to clinically important β-lactam antibiotics. Boron containing compounds have been demonstrated as promising broad-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitors to combat β-lactam resistance. Here we report a series of 3-aryl substituted benzoxaborole derivatives, which manifested broad-spectrum inhibition to representative serine-β-lactamases (SBLs) and metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs). The most potent inhibitor 9f displayed an IC 50 value of 86 nM to KPC-2 SBL and micromolar inhibitory activity towards other tested enzymes. Cell-based assays further revealed that 9f was able to significantly reduce the MICs of meropenem in clinically isolated KPC-2-producing bacterial strains and it showed no apparent toxicity in HEK293T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]