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Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi infestation rapidly causes skin lesion, cutaneous inflammatory and subsequent adaptive immune response in rabbits. To success feeding and survive on the host skin, this mite should product bioactive molecules to confront host tissue repair and immune defense, but these molecules of this mite remains mostly unknown. Serpins have been proved to involve in diverse biological functions including parasite reproduction, survival and modulating host defense. Limited information is currently available on serpins from Psoroptes mites. Herein, we identified four novel serpins (PsoSP3-PsoSP6) in P. ovis var. cuniculi using bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques. Sequence analysis revealed that PsoSP3-PsoSP6 comprised the common features of typical serpins superfamily including serpin domains, signature or the reactive centre loop (RCL) domain. The recombinant PsoSP4-PsoSP6 (rPsoSP4-rPsoSP6) revealed variable potency inhibition on trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase except for rPsoSP3 in inhibitory activity assays. By quantitative RT-PCR, the expressions of PsoSP3 and PsoSP4 were higher in juvenile mites (larva and nymph) than in adult mites, however, PsoSP5 and PsoSP6 appeared near-exclusive expression in adult female mites. Immunolocalization showed that native PsoSP4 protein was localized in uterus, whilst native PsoSP3, PsoSP5 and PsoSP6 were specifically localized in the ovarian nutritive cell (ONC) in ovary. Our findings indicated that PsoSP3-PsoSP6 might play critical roles in development and reproduction physiologies. rPsoSP4-rPsoSP6 might participate in modulating host inflammation, immune response and tissue repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To improve the energy storage efficiency of phase change composites, porous mullite was used to encapsulate the PCM-palmitic acid and graphite powder was applied to enhance the overall thermal conductivity. During the experimental process, a series of palmitic acid/mullite/graphite (PA/mullite/GP) composites were prepared to obtain the PA/mullite/GP form stable phase change material (FSPCM) by facile direct impregnation method. Then their microstructure, chemical compatibility and thermophysical properties were studied by the method of SEM, FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA and PR, systematically. The DSC results demonstrate that the PA, PA/mullite and PA/mullite/GP have the enthalpy of melting of 213.1 J/g, 54.7 J/g, and 52.3 J/g, while the enthalpy of freezing of 217.0 J/g, 53.6 J/g and 51.5 J/g, respectively. Compared with the pure PA, the thermal conductivity of the prepared PA/mullite/GP has been improved from 0.28 W m−1 K−1 to 0.52 W m−1 K−1 owing to the high thermal conductivity of GP (only 5 wt %). The reliability test shows that the PA/mullite/GP FSPCM maintains form-stable without any PA leakage even after 150 thermal cycles. In short, prepared PA/mullite/GP FSPCM exerts excellent chemical and thermal reliability and thus has a bright prospect in the field of solar energy storage and solar heating. Highlights • Palmitic acid/mullite/graphite powder FSPCMs were fabricated by facile direct impregnation method. • The PA, PA/mullite and PA/mullite/GP had the enthalpy of melting of 213.1 J/g, 54.7 J/g, and 52.3 J/g, respectively. • The thermal conductivity of PA/mullite/GP FSPCMs has been improved by 86%. • The mechanism of thermal conduction with the addition of mullite and GP has been analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phase change material-integrated interfacial solar vapor generator (SVG) is proposed. • Mass change of PCM-integrated SVG was 1.5 times that of the conventional evaporator. • COMSOL simulations indicate the performance of PCM-integrated SVG can be improved. • The study provides a novel strategy to improve all-day vapor generation yield. Owing to the intermittent nature of solar energy, the water generation yield of interfacial solar vapor generation during the nighttime is limited. Herein, we propose a phase change material (PCM)-integrated solar vapor generator to address this limitation. Specifically, three types of polyethylene glycol (PEG800, PEG1500, PEG2000)/expanded graphite (EG) form-stable PCMs (FSPCMs) with different thermophysical properties were fabricated. Upon comparing the performances of the three FSPCMs, PEG1500/EG was found to be the optimal specimen and the associated mechanism was discussed in detail. Further, a proof-of-concept evaporator was assembled to find that the all-day mass change of the FSPCM-integrated solar vapor generator was 1.5 times that of the conventional evaporator and 3.0 times that of pure water. Moreover, the mass change of the FSPCM-integrated solar vapor generator during the night was 3.6 times that of the conventional evaporator. Benefiting from the thermal energy storage capacity of the prepared FSPCMs, the FSPCM-integrated solar vapor generator can store the extra energy of the sun in the daytime and achieve continuous vapor generation in both daytime and nighttime. Furthermore, COMSOL simulations indicate that the overall performance of the FSPCM-integrated solar vapor generator can be further improved because the FSPCM module has good scalability. In a word, this study provides a novel strategy to effectively improve the all-day vapor generation yield of interfacial solar vapor generation and inspires further research aimed at the use of thermal storage technology to enable round-the-clock solar vapor generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar vapor generation technology is a promising strategy for clean energy-driven water treatments. The recently developed convection flow enhanced evaporator achieved a new breakthrough in the evaporation rate (over 10 kg m−2·h−1). However, the coupling of convection flow and evaporator is insufficient. The convection rate inside the evaporator is usually substantially lower than that outside, limiting the steam diffusion. In this study, a straightforward 3D evaporator with multi-vertical sheets was facilely obtained through 3D printing and assembly. The simulation results showed that the convection rate inside the evaporator is higher than that inside the inlet, and the humidity inside the evaporator is much lower than that inside the evaporator surface, resulting in enhanced vapor generation and diffusion. The ultra-high evaporation rate of 28.4 kg m−2·h−1 was finally achieved based on the full use of the convection flow. The correlation between convection flow and evaporation rate was linear, and the convection flow mechanism improving the evaporation rate was clarified. The cumulative mass change of the 3D evaporator in 8 h under an outdoor open system reached 70.7 kg m−2. The associated desalinated seawater ion concentrations met the standards for healthy drinking water. [Display omitted] ● A 3D evaporator was obtained through 3D printing and assembly. ● It presented a solar-to-vapor energy efficiency of 122.6% under 1.0 sun. ● The vertical sheets of 3D evaporator were well coupled with the convection flow. ● A high evaporation rate of 28.4 kg m−2 h−1 is accomplished at 1.0 sun and 6 m s−1. ● The mechanism of convection flow enhancing evaporation rate is expounded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Acid modification can improve the PCM loading of halloysite-based FSPCM. • Improvement of PCM loading via acid modification was systematically interpreted. • A novel halloysite-based FSPCM cement panel was developed. • Effect of cement thermal conductivity on its performance in building was identified. Phase change material (PCM) with large thermal storage capacity and constant phase change temperature is one of the most promising materials for building energy saving. However, its leakage problem and poor thermal conductivity have largely hindered its large-scale application. This study, therefore, utilizes acid-modified halloysite to encapsulate PCM for preparing form-stable PCM with enhanced thermal storage capacity and systematically investigates the thermal conductivity enhancement on the thermal performance of FSPCM cement panel by a lab-scale test chamber. The study results indicated that the maximum PCM loading for the acid-modified halloysite-based FSPCM was 55 wt%, 10 wt% higher than that of the original one and the associated mechanism of acid-modification was in-depth discussed. The as-prepared FSPCM had comparatively high thermal storage capacity and appropriate phase change temperature. Although the addition of FSPCM may decrease the mechanical properties of cement panels, the prepared sample can still meet the standard for building application. More importantly, the thermal conductivity enhancement of the FSPCM cement panel had a different impact on its thermal performance for various models and the reasons for this difference were systematically investigated. The study results can provide insights into the preparation and building application of FSPCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the high thermal capacity and nearly constant temperature during phase change, phase change material has been considered one of the most promising solar thermal energy storage materials. However, the development of high-performance shape-stabilized phase change material (SSPCM) based on a low-cost and eco-friendly supporting material remains a big challenge. Herein, a systematic experimental framework is proposed and used to respond to the challenge. By applying this framework, acid-modified fly ash (AMFA) was firstly used as the supporting material for lauric acid (LA) to prevent its leakage, while carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were utilized to improve its thermal conductivity. Specifically, the LA/AMFA/CNTs composites were synthesized via a facile and low-cost direct impregnation method. Subsequently, the as-prepared composites were systematically investigated by various characterization techniques. The results of leakage tests exhibited that the acid treatment could improve the PCM loading of fly ash and the relevant mechanism of acid-modified fly ash was identified. With the introduction of CNTs, the heat transfer efficiency of LA/AMFA/CNTs had been enhanced substantially. More importantly, compared with conventional supporting materials, the used fly ash in this work revealed much better environmental sustainability which we believe is of vital importance for the large-scale application of SSPCMs. Therefore, the study results not only facilitate the development of the desirable SSPCM based on cheap and eco-friendly supporting material and promote its practical application, but also serve to improve the comprehensive utilization level of fly ash solid waste. • Acid modification of fly ash was carried out to improve the latent heat of the SSPCM. • Mechanism of the latent heat enhancement was in-depth analyzed. • Heat transfer enhancement mechanism of the SSPCM was provided. • Sustainable assessment of the prepared SSPCM was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Metarhizium anisopliae against Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi in a preliminary stud y. • In vitro , 109 conidia/mL of M. anisopliae evoked 83.33 % mortality at day 9. • In vivo , a single dose of M.anisopliae achieved 100 % efficacy after 3 days. • M. anisopliae was efficient against P. ovis var. cuniculi in a preliminary study. The entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae is highly pathogenic toward arthropods. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a commercial formulation of M. anisopliae against P. ovis var. cuniculi in vivo and in vitro and explored the acaricidal mechanism of M. anisopliae by determining the antioxidant/detoxification-related enzymes activities including glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) in mites. The results showed that M. anisopliae had high acaricidal activity against P. ovis var. cuniculi in vitro , in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with 83.33 % mortality at day 9 and a median lethal time (LT 50) of 6.10 days after applying 6.14 × 109 conidia/ml of M. anisopliae. In vivo experiments, M. anisopliae achieved 100 % therapeutic effect after 3 days, compared with only 62.21 % for ivermectin. Enzyme assays showed that M. anisopliae significantly upregulated activities of GST, SOD and CAT in Psoroptes mites. The results indicate that M. anisopliae may be an effective biological agent for control of P. ovis var. cuniculi infestations in rabbits and the acaricidal activity may be associated with the changes of enzyme activities of the detoxification and antioxidant system in Psoroptes mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract X-modified magnetite (XFe 2 O 4 ; X = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co or Ni) was synthesized from goethite reduction, and inserted into the Fe-vacancy of perovskite (BiFeO 3), via microbial Fe3+→Fe2+ reduction by Shewanella (e.g. Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and Shewanella putrefaciens CN32). We demonstrated that the average adsorption intensities of nine toxic trace metals (Cr3+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, and Hg2+), in Freundlich mode were 8.29–10.79 multiples higher than that in Langmuir mode, being more competitive than previously reported values. The fluorescence quenching is attributed to the orbital hybridization of molecular oxygen activation and trace metal (M) ions, which weakens the X2+-O-Fe3+-O-(Fe3+) coupling orbital. In addition Shewanella putrefaciens CN32 creates more oxygen vacancies to modify Ni↓-Fe↓-O↑ d*-p hybridized orbitals for enhancing the local spin-orbit coupling with Cd-4d10. This design idea can be extended to other direct biosynthetic magnetite-perovskite as highly efficient toxic trace metal removal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the use of environmentally friendly, long-lasting building materials with minimal energy and carbon dioxide emissions are highly recommended. Some of these materials can be made from industrial and agricultural wastes. By replacing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with large volume of fly ash waste (FA), environmental issues associated with landfill disposal and cement manufacture can be mitigated. Nonetheless, using a high amount of FA (up to 50 %) to replace cement resulted in poor strength performance, particularly during early age. This experimental study created an increased strength cement mortar containing a high volume of FA (60 %) and bottle glass waste nanoparticles (BGWNPs). In this experiment BGWNPs were prepared and 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 vol% of them were used as a replacement of OPC-FA binder. According to the results, by adding 0–6 % of BGWNPs to a high-volume FA matrix considerably increased the bond strength (from 12.5 % to 39.1 %). On the other hand, the findings revealed that the addition of nanoparticles (up to 6 %) caused a modest reduction in strength values. Other engineering and microstructure properties showed a similar pattern. The matrix with 6 % BGWNPs displayed the best performance when compared to other levels. The results also showed that replacing OPC by high volume FA incorporating BGWNPs significantly improved the durability of proposed mortar, such as reduction in drying shrinkage and increased acid attack and abrasion resistance. Related to the environment benefits, the proposed mortars contributed in a reduction of carbon dioxide emission, energy consumption and cost of binder by 61.9 %, 54.3 % and 50.6 % compared to OPC, respectively. To conclude, the use of BGWNPs make it possible to produce high volumes of FA-based cement mortars with acceptable mechanical and durable properties for concrete repair applications in the construction industry. Additionally, sustainability can be attained by lowering pollution, recycling waste, and finding solutions to landfill problems. • Mortars with high fly ash level showed excellent performance as eco-friendly concrete repair materials. • The bond performance of prepared mortar enhanced with inclusion nanoparticles. • Potential use of waste materials to enhance the cement properties and reduce the environment impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the fabrication of a novel shape-stabilized phase change material (SSPCM) characterized by high thermal capacity and heat transfer efficiency. The material was composed of lauric acid (LA) embedded in roasted iron tailings (RIT) and expanded graphite (EG), utilizing a straightforward, low-cost, and direct impregnation method. The as-prepared LA/RIT-EG SSPCM underwent a comprehensive analysis of leakage tests, surface morphology, chemical compatibility, phase change properties, thermal stability, and reliability. Furthermore, the heat transfer efficiency and thermal conductivity were measured through cooling tests and a laser thermal conductivity analyzer, respectively. The LA/RIT-EG formulation demonstrated an ability to absorb 61.57 wt% LA without leakage, maintaining excellent form-stability with a mass fraction proportion of 29:9.43 for RIT and EG. DSC results revealed phase temperatures and latent heats of 42.49–46.31 °C and 108.1–113.1 J/g, respectively. Compared to pure LA, LA/RIT-EG exhibited a 489.7 % increase in thermal conductivity. Additionally, heat storage and release rates were improved by 81.25 % and 88.24 %, respectively. The study elucidated the mechanism behind the enhancement in encapsulation capacity and thermal conductivity by RIT-EG, validated through specific surface area and wettability tests. Overall, the results suggest that LA/RIT-EG, characterized by high thermal capacity and heat transfer efficiency, holds promise as a potential candidate for thermal energy storage, particularly in the context of energy conservation in buildings. [Display omitted] • A novel SSPCM based on RIT-EG binary material with preferred EG content was prepared. • LA/RIT-EG revealed an ability to absorb 61.57 wt% LA without leakage by using RIT-EG. • The latent heat of the LA/RIT-EG SSPCM was 113.1 J/g for the melting process. • The enhancement mechanism was investigated by specific surface area and wettability. • LA/RIT-EG could be as a potential candidate for energy conservation in buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change material (PCM) based thermal storage technology can help mitigate the increasing energy problems caused by the rapid economic developments and population growth. However, the extremely low thermal conductivity of PCM has substantially impeded their wide applications in practice. Therefore, this study has developed a novel palmitic acid (PA)/halloysite nanotubes (Hal) form-stable PCM (FSPCM) with enhanced thermal conductivity utilizing the synergetic effect of carbon nanocoating and graphene addition. To enhance the thermal conductivity of the Hal, the C-Hal (CH) was firstly prepared through sucrose decomposition, and the effect of calcination temperature and sucrose concentration on the CH were systematically investigated for identifying the optimal carbonization condition. Then, the obtained CH was used to encapsulate PA by a low-cost and facile direct impregnation method, and the leakage test was implemented to identify the loading of the FSPCM. Meanwhile, graphene was added to further improve the thermal conductivity of the FSPCM. Finally, the critical thermal, microstructure, and chemical compatibility properties of as-prepared PA/CH/graphene FSPCM were systematically investigated. The study results indicated that the FSPCM exhibits melting temperature at 62.89 °C with a thermal energy storage density of 71.35 J/g and desirable thermal reliability. More importantly, the thermal conductivity of the prepared FSPCM has been substantially improved up to 1.51 W/mK, which is 3.60 times that of pristine PCM. The main reason is that the synergistic effects of carbon nanocoating and graphene addition have built a continuous highway for heat transfer. The study provides a practical means to greatly improve the thermal conductivity of the FSPCM, thereby promoting its practical applications. [Display omitted] • PCM low thermal conductivity largely impedes its wide applications. • Carbon coating and graphene were utilized to improve PCM thermal conductivity. • The PCM thermal conductivity can be improved by 260%. • The synergistic effect on thermal conductivity enhancement was elaborated. • Results provide a practical means to largely improve PCM thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel FSPCM based on hybrid MTSW supporting materials were prepared. • The optimized mass proportion was 3:2:2:3 for PA, BSW, IT and DT without PA leakage. • The values of freezing latent heat for PA/MTSW/CNT (4 wt%) were 55.36 J/g and 53.10 J/g. • This work creates an innovative approach for recycling utilization of solid wastes. In this study, palmitic acid (PA)/hybrid multivariate typical solid wastes (MTSW) phase change materials (PCMs) were fabricated by integrating PA into MTSW via a facile direct impregnation method to overcome the leakage of PA. The hybrid MTSW was composed of biomass solid wastes (BSW), iron tailings (IT) and diatomite (DT) at different mass ratios. Simultaneously, carbon nanotubes (CNT) was employed to enhance the thermal conductivity of the PCMs, and then the novel PA/MTSW/CNT composite was firstly prepared. The preparation, shape-stabilization level, morphologies, chemical compatibility, thermal properties and thermal conductivity of these composite PCMs were systematically characterized by tableting leakage tests, scanning electron microscope (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), hot dist and cooling test method. It was found that the MTSW could adsorb 30 wt% PA without any PA leakage and the composites can keep form-stable with mass fraction proportion of 3:2:2:3 for PA, BSW, IT and DT, respectively. The SEM images showed PA was well infiltrated into pore structure of MTSW which had good loading capacity to adsorb PA. FTIR analysis indicated that no chemical reaction had occurred among the components of composite PCMs. The DSC results suggested that the melting points were 63.65 °C and 63.08 °C for PA/MTSW and PA/MTSW/CNT (4 wt%) form-stable phase change materials (FSPCM), respectively. Correspondingly, the latent heats were 55.36 J/g and 53.10 J/g for PA/MTSW and PA/MTSW/CNT FSPCM, respectively. The TGA results showed that PA/MTSW/CNT FSPCM exhibited better thermal stability than pure PA. Compared with pure PA, the thermal conductivities of PA/MTSW/CNT were increased by 25.71%, 36.44% and 91.35% by CNT doping 2, 4 and 6 wt%, respectively. In addition, the heat storage and discharge time of PA/MTSW/CNT were reduced appreciably. In Conclusion, the as-prepared FSPCM has very good properties and a good application prospect in the field of energy-saving building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Antigen B (AgB) and thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx) from Taenia multiceps were cloned. • The antigens were evaluated as agents for serological diagnosis of coenurosis. • Tm-AgB shows high sensitivity and thermal stability. • Tm-AgB is an excellent candidate antigen for coenurosis diagnosis kits. Coenurosis is a serious parasitic disease of herbivorous animals caused by the metacestode of Taenia multiceps (Coenurus cerebralis). Accordingly, a significant amount of research is currently dedicated to the development of appropriate antigens for use in rapid and accurate coenurosis diagnosis kits. In the present study, antigen B (AgB) and thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx) from T. multiceps were cloned and expressed using a prokaryotic system, molecular characterization of Tm -AgB was determined by bioinformatical analyses. The serological diagnostic potentials of r Tm -AgB and r Tm -TPx were evaluated by indirect ELISA and compared with those of previously reported r Tm -AnxB2, r Tm -HSP70, and r Tm -GST. The results showed that Tm -AgB is a specific lipoprotein of cestodes with good thermal stability. The ELISA assay showed that r Tm -AgB exhibited a sensitivity of 95.8% and a specificity of 87.5%, indicating its strong potential for serological diagnosis of T. multiceps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scabies is an allergic skin disease that affects millions of mammals worldwide, including humans. It is a neglected tropical disease that represents a significant public health threat, particularly in economically disadvantaged populations. An effective vaccine is not currently available, and the exact mode of pathogenesis remains unclear. Herein, we identified, cloned and recombinantly expressed triosephosphate isomerase from Sarcoptes scabiei ( S. scabiei ). Immunohistochemical analyses showed that S. scabiei triosephosphate isomerase (Ss-TIM) is localized in the legs and chewing mouthparts of mites, and in infected rabbit skin (keratinized skin and embedded mites). Intradermal skin tests of rabbits injected with recombinant S. scabiei triosephosphate isomerase (rSs-TIM) revealed a flare, erythema and wheal reaction. These findings suggest that Ss-TIM may contribute to host invasion and induce an allergic response in the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taenia multiceps is a tapeworm that leads to the death of livestock, resulting in major economic losses worldwide. The adult stage of this parasite invades the small intestine of dogs and other canids. In the present study, we developed a direct PCR assay to detect T. multiceps eggs isolated from dog feces to help curb further outbreaks. The genomic DNA was rapidly released using a lysis buffer and the PCR reaction was developed to amplify a 433-bp fragment of the T. multiceps mitochondrial gene encoding NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 ( nad5 ) from eggs isolated from dog feces. The procedure could be completed within 3 h, including flotation. The sensitivity of the assay was determined by detecting DNA from defined numbers of eggs, and the specificity was determined by detecting DNA from other intestinal tapeworm and roundworm species that commonly infect dogs. In addition, 14 taeniid-positive fecal samples determined by the flotation technique were collected and further evaluated by the regular PCR and our direct PCR. The results showed that the direct PCR developed herein was sensitive enough to detect the DNA from as few as 10  T. multiceps eggs and that no cross-reactions with other tapeworm and roundworm were observed, suggesting its high sensitivity and specificity for T. multiceps detection. Moreover, 14 taeniid-positive samples were screened by the regular PCR and direct PCR, with detection rates of 78.6% and 85.7%, respectively. In conclusion, the direct PCR assay developed in the present study has high sensitivity and specificity to identify T. multiceps eggs isolated from dog feces and therefore could represent an invaluable tool to identify T. multiceps outbreaks and would contribute to future clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Roundworms of the genus Baylisascaris are the most common parasitic nematodes of the intestinal tracts of wild mammals, and most of them have significant impacts in veterinary and public health. Mitochondrial (mt) genomes provide a foundation for studying epidemiology and ecology of these parasites and therefore may be used to assist in the control of Baylisascariasis. Here, we determined the complete sequences of mtDNAs for Baylisascaris schroederi, Baylisascaris ailuri and Baylisascaris transfuga, with 14,778bp, 14,657bp and 14,898bp in size, respectively. Each mtDNA encodes 12 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs and 2 ribosomal RNAs, typical for other chromadorean nematodes. The gene arrangements for the three Baylisascaris species are the same as those of the Ascaridata species, but radically different from those of the Spirurida species. Phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated amino acid sequences of 12 protein-coding genes from nine nematode species indicated that the three Baylisascaris species are more closely related to Ascaris suum than to the three Toxocara species (Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Toxocara malaysiensis) and Anisakis simplex, and that B. ailuri is more closely related to B. transfuga than to B. schroeder. The determination of the complete mt genome sequences for these three Baylisascaris species (the first members of the genus Baylisascaris ever sequenced) is of importance in refining the phylogenetic relationships within the order Ascaridida, and provides new molecular data for population genetic, systematic, epidemiological and ecological studies of parasitic nematodes of socio-economic importance in wildlife. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Haemaphysalis concinna is wide spread in China, and negatively impacted on husbandry production and then resulted in severe economic losses. Methods available for the control of ticks are mainly based on chemotherapy. However, this approach is associated with a number of disadvantages; searching for alternative tick control measures is necessary and vaccination is one of the best control strategies. Through H. concinna Hc-23 gene PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing, sequence analysis showed that Hc-23 genes could be amplified in nymphal, larvae and adult ticks. BLAST analysis suggested that Hc-23 gene was 99.83% homology with P27/30 of Chinese strains H. longicornis, and 99.67% with Japanese strains, but 88.06% with Rhipicephalus tick troponin I gene. The recombinant Hc23 expressed in BL21(DE3) with Freund''s complete adjuvant (FCA) was used to immunize 6 rabbits, then another 6 were immunized with PBS and 6 with control FCA (as control) were challenge-infested with ticks at different developmental stages of the same specie. The result showed that ticks that fed on rHc23-immunized rabbits were observed to feed longer compared to the control (P ≤0.05), the engorged body weights of ticks feeding on rHc23-immunized rabbits were lighter than the control (P ≤0.05), and an apparent reduction in laying amount was observed for adult ticks fed on rHc23-immunized rabbits (P ≤0.05). These results demonstrated that the Hc-23 protein might be a useful vaccine candidate antigen for biological control of ticks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Clay shock is unable to harden, filling the gap between shield and soil temporarily. • Moisture content is the most important factor of clay shock. • Admixtures in liquid A mainly play a physical role. • Moisture content affects the function of Admixtures. • Higher moisture content can reduce the consumption of sodium silicate. The ground surface settlement is inevitable during shield tunneling, due to the over excavation by shield machine and the annular gap between the shield and surrounding soils (i.e., shield-out space). The shield-out space will become a part of the shield-end space during the shield tunneling, which requires that the filling materials is temporarily filled and cannot hinder the movement of the shield machine. In this paper, the clay shock was introduced, which is a two-component grouting material being promoted for the treatment of shield-out space. The viscosity of component A, mechanical strength, and microstructure of the clay shock were studied by a series of laboratory tests. The test results indicate that the final viscosity of component A is always in a range from 30 to 65 Pa·s. The viscosity of component A could be reduced by dispersant, while increased by stabilizer and thickener. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the clay shock was weakened by dispersant, stabilizer, thickener, water and sodium silicate. The chemical reaction between sodium silicate and bentonite was more complete with the increment of water content, showing that the mass ratio of sodium silicate should be reduced for the high water content in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ten of the 48 red pandas in the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan province, China, died in 2006 after prolonged periods of depression, weight loss, and mucocutaneous membrane xanthochromia. During postmortem examination, live heartworms were found in the right cardiac ventricles and pulmonary arteries of all 10 animals. Selamectin and ivermectin were used for clinical prophylaxis in the remaining red pandas between December 2006 and November 2010. We observed a gradual decrease in morbidity and mortality during this period. As a consequence of our prophylaxis program, dirofilariosis did not occur in the remaining red pandas at Chengdu Research Base during 2010. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thermally conductive ternary poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based dielectric materials were fabricated via engineering the filler networks using hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanosheets and surface functionalized silicon carbide (f-SiC) nanowires. The hBN nanosheets and f-SiC nanowires synergistically improved the thermal conductivity of the composites, in a way that parallelly oriented f-SiC nanowires bridged by the hBN nanosheet networks. The ternary composites with 20 wt% hBN nanosheets and 26 wt% f-SiC nanowires exhibited a high thermal conductivity of 1.41 W/mK, about 5.9 times of that of neat PVDF. In addition, the ternary composites showed superior dielectric permittivity, while maintaining a low loss at 1 kHz. The presence of f-SiC nanowires contributed to the interfacial polarization between the fillers and PVDF matrix, resulting in the increased dielectric permittivity. Meanwhile, low dielectric loss could be maintained due to the isolation of f-SiC nanowires by insulating hBN nanosheets and PVDF matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]