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• A numerical model is established to study the influence of anchor rod configuration on anchoring performance. • Anchoring experiments with different anchor rods are carried out to verify the numerical model's accuracy. • The anchoring performance of the anchor rods with different configurations is analysed. • The optimal anchor rod configuration is obtained by optimising the numerical model. Due to the microgravity environment of the asteroid surface, the asteroid probe needs to connect with the asteroid surface by an anchoring device to provide enough anchoring force for in situ exploration. Compared with other anchoring methods, drilling anchors have the advantages of adaptability, reliability, and reusability. The anchor rod is the key component of the drilling anchor, and its configuration directly affects the anchoring performance. A numerical model is established based on cavity expansion theory to investigate the influence of the anchor rod configuration on the anchoring performance. Five kinds of anchor rods with different cross-section shapes are selected to conduct anchoring experiments. The numerical model calculation results are compared with the experimental results to verify the numerical model's accuracy. The anchoring performance of the anchor rod with different cross-sections, rotation angles, axial sections, and torsion angles is analysed. The optimal anchor rod configuration is obtained by optimizing the numerical model. The anchor rod with a rectangular cross-section and axial-section and no torsion has the best anchoring performance. This work provides a new approach to calculate and evaluate the anchoring performance of various anchor rod configurations of anchoring devices during the asteroid exploration process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxious depression is one of the subtypes of major depressive disorder (MDD), usually defined as "patients with MDD and high levels of anxiety symptoms". Compared to non-anxious MDD (naMDD), patients with anxious MDD (aMDD) have more severe depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, worse treatment outcomes and remission rates, and poorer prognosis. Current research suggests that the Papez circuit is an important brain structure closely related to emotion, memory, and cognition. This study applied DTI to explore the altered white matter integrity in Papez circuit of patients with aMDD. DTI data were acquired from 30 medication-naive outpatients with naMDD and 55 with aMDD and 88 demographically similar healthy control (HC) subjects. Voxel-based analysis (VBM) and region of interest (ROI) analysis were conducted to explore the significant difference of fractional anisotropy (FA) values among 3 groups. Pearson's correlations were performed to analyze the correlation between FA values and the score of HAMA-14 and HAMD-17. We found that aMDD patients had significantly higher FA values in left fornix (belong to Papez circuit) and left posterior thalamic radiation and right anterior corona radiata (belong to limbic-thalamo-cortical circuitry) compared with HC. And there was variability in the white matter integrity in right posterior thalamic radiation (belong to limbic-thalamo-cortical circuitry) and left fornix (belong to Papez circuit) between aMDD and naMDD patients. The cross-sectional study and the population vary between aMDD group and naMDD group are limitations. Abnormal white matter integrity in Papez circuit and Limbic-Thalamo-Cortical circuitry may play an important role in the neuropathology of aMDD and might help to identify aMDD. • Anxious depression patients had significantly higher FA values in left fornix (belong to Papez circuit) and left posterior thalamic radiation and right anterior corona radiata (belong to Limbic-Thalamo-Cortical circuitry) compared with healthy controls. • There was variability in the white matter integrity in right posterior thalamic radiation and left fornix between anxious depression and non-anxious MDD patients. • Abnormal white matter integrity in Papez circuit and Limbic-Thalamo-Cortical circuitry may play an important role in the neuropathology of anxious depression and might help to identify anxious depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver disease affects millions of people in the world, and China has the highest prevalence of liver disease in the world. Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) modification is a highly conserved post-translational modification of proteins. They are widely expressed in a variety of tissues, including the heart, liver, kidney and lung. SUMOylation of protein plays a key role in the occurrence and development of liver disease. Therefore, this study reviewed the effects of SUMO protein on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), viral hepatitis, hepatic fibrosis (HF), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and other liver diseases to provide novel strategies for targeted treatment of liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective analysis of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation from medical uses and industrial uses in the three provinces of Central China from 2000 to 2021 was conducted. The average annual effective dose in medical uses and industrial uses decreased from 2.042 mSv and 2.334 mSv in 2000–2002 to 0.476 mSv and 0.371 mSv in 2021 respectively; the fraction of monitored workers receiving annual dose not exceeding 1 mSv increased from 60.78% and 74.45% in 2000–2002 to 94.20% and 96.85% in 2021 respectively, while receiving annual doses exceeding 20 mSv declined from 1.35% and 1.91% in 2000–2002 to 0.18% and 0.03% in 2021 respectively. The average annual effective dose and NR 20 in the period 2000–2021 were relatively high in professional public health institutions (0.955 mSv and 0.004) and hospitals (0.815 mSv and 0.004). In 2021, the average annual effective dose to monitored workers in different occupational categories in medical uses in the three provinces of Central China were in the range of 0.199–0.692 mSv, with interventional radiology received the highest dose and NR 20 (0.692 mSv and 0.005); the average annual effective dose ranged from 0.161 to 0.493 mSv in industrial uses, with industrial radiography received the highest dose and NR 20 (0.493 mSv and 0.001). Occupational exposure in medical uses and industrial uses declined obviously in Central China, and the groups receiving higher doses are the radiation workers working in hospitals and professional public health institutions, or engaged in interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and industrial radiography, warranting more effective radiation protection measures. • The occupational radiation dose to radiation workers declined obviously in Central China in the period 2000–2021. • Interventional radiology and nuclear medicine have a higher occupational exposure risk than other medical uses. • Industrial radiography has a high occupational exposure risk than other industrial uses. • Radiation workers in hospital and public health professional institutions are more likely to receive high radiation doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaempferol is a flavonoid derived from the herb, Kaempferia galanga L., in addition to exhibiting a wide range of pharmacological properties, kaempferol is also an anti-inflammatory, anti-lipid metabolizing, and anti-oxidative stress agent. The underlying molecular mechanisms of its effects on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are yet unknown. Activated HSCs induces VEGF release and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation which are important factors in hepatic fibrosis. Our aim is to explore how kaempferol may affect hepatic fibrosis and the mechanisms behind its effects. The in vivo model was Sprague-Dawley rats induced with carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4). Histological staining was used to observe histological features of the liver. The levels of (alanine aminotransferase) ALT and (aspartate aminotransferase) AST were detected by the corresponding kits. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was used to stimulate the HSC-T6 rat hepatic stellate cells. The mechanisms underlying this process were investigated using a variety of molecular approaches, including immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, and western blotting. Moreover, intracellular Ca2+ were observed by laser confocal microscope. It was found that kaempferol significantly reduced the expression of ASIC1a, VEGF, α-SMA and Collagen-I proteins in a model of CCl 4 -induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. In HSC-T6, kaempferol inhibits activation of HSCs by decreasing expression of ASIC1a, eIF2α, p-eIF2α and ATF-4. Laser confocal fluorescence showed that kaempferol inhibited Ca2+ influx and reduced Ca2+ concentration around the endoplasmic reticulum. Molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) results further indicated that kaempferol interacted with ASIC1a. We found that kaempferol may promote the degradation of ASIC1a and inhibited ASIC1a- mediated upregulation of ERS. The data from our in vivo experiments demonstrate that kaempferol effectively attenuates hepatic fibrosis. In vitro studies we further propose a novel mechanism of kaempferol against hepatic fibrosis which can interact with ASIC1a and promote ASIC1a degradation while inhibiting the activation and VEGF release of HSCs by suppressing the ASIC1a-eIF2α-ATF-4 signaling pathway. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lin28, a highly conserved RNA-binding protein, plays an important role in differentiation, metabolism, proliferation, pluripotency, and tumourigenicity. Lin28 overexpression promotes tumour-cell proliferation and metastasis in various human cancers, including head and neck cancer. Multiple studies demonstrate that Lin28 critically contributes to anti-tumour immunity and production of cancer stem cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Thus, Lin28 has potential application in HNSCC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ZnO-dotted nanohybrids using LDHs as precursor (ZnO/LDHs) were synthesized via facile hydrothermal method. • Transformation of LDHs to ZnO and ZnAl 2 O 4 crystallites on zinc hydroxide nitrate layers was found. • ZnO/LDHs showed a potent and 4 days' antimicrobial activity toward E. coli and S. aureus at 100–300 μg/mL. The search for effective alternatives to traditional antibiotics to avoid antibiotic resistant bacteria is growing worldwide. ZnO nanoparticles are found to effectively inhibit growth and proliferation of bacteria, and ZnO-based layered double hydroxides (ZnO-based LDHs) have been intensively investigated for this purpose. However, the nanocomposites are made in a multi-step preparation process with severe agglomeration and limited bactericidal ability. In this research, ZnO-dotted nanohybrids using Zn 3 Al-LDHs as precursors (ZnO-dotted LDHs or ZnO/LDHs) were synthesized under facile hydrothermal conditions. An understanding of the transformation of the LDH precursors to the ZnO/LDHs was conducted with TEM/HRTEM/XRD/FTIR. ZnO/LDHs can be transformed from ZnAl-LDHs, with more ZnO nanodots generated upon heating at 150 and 200 °C for 2 h (Zn 3 Al-150, Zn 3 Al-200). Zn 3 Al-200 nanohybrids showed potent antibacterial activity towards Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) at 100–300 μg/mL for 4 days. Antibacterial activity of Zn 3 Al-200 may be attributed to the synergistic effects (ROS, leached Zn2+ and physical interaction). This research thus suggests a potential economic approach to prepare ZnO/LDH nanocomposites for avoiding the antibiotic resistant bacteria in environmental engineering or clinic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anchorage is an important means in geotechnical engineering and has a wide range of application scenarios. This study aims to investigate the anchorage failure mechanism of a drilling anchor device for asteroid exploration using the digital image correlation (DIC) method. A high-speed camera records the anchorage failure experiment process, and the recorded images are adopted to calculate the displacement and strain of geomaterials by DIC. The anchorage failure processes in different drilling depths, anchoring angles, and geomaterials are analyzed based on DIC calculation results and failure surface theory. The results indicate that the formation process and area of the failure surface significantly impact the anchoring force. Moreover, cracks on the geomaterial's surface indicate that the anchorage is on the verge of failure. This research would contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing anchorage performance and provide a reference for anchoring engineering and asteroid detection missions. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing anchorage performance and enhances the knowledge in anchoring engineering and asteroid detection missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Phosphorus recovery from organic wastes attracts more and more attentions because of the phosphorus sustainability challenges. Ion exchange (IX) was used in this study to recover orthophosphate (ortho-P) from the anaerobic digester (ADs) supernatant of an organic waste. The effects of pH, soluble organic materials (SOM), and hydraulic loading rates (HLR) on phosphate recovery were investigated by column tests. The results of tests with model water showed that the IX capacities were 64.2 mg P/g and 36.7 mg P/g at pH of 4.5 and 9.0, respectively. The desired HLR of ortho-P capture was 0.69 m/H (3 BV/h), with ortho-P capture efficiency and recovery efficiency of about 90% and 80%, respectively. The ortho-P desorption efficiencies with NaOH and KNO 3 brines as eluents were investigated, finding that both NaOH and KNO 3 could be substitutions of officially recommended NaCl to reduce the harmful effect on soil or plants in applications. The results of tests with ADs supernatant showed that the ortho-P capture capacity decreased to 14.3 mg P/g, with great disruption of SOM. Both ortho-P and SOM were desorbed well with over 85% ortho-P recovery efficiency and no detrimental effect on resin reuse. Regenerate with KNO 3 could create mobile nutrients solution containing a N/ortho-P/K mass ratio of 17:8:75, which could balance deficient fertilizer. This research promotes the current understanding of phosphate recovery from organic wastes for fertilizer application. Graphical abstract Image 102036 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Magnetic biochar composites were successfully fabricated by pyrolysis of siderite and rice husk under N 2 condition. The results of a variety of characterization implied magnetic biochar displayed porous structures with larger specific surface area. The batch adsorption experiments showed high adsorption properties of magnetic biochar composites toward U(VI) (52.63 mg/g at pH 4.0), whereas U(VI) adsorption was significantly influenced by Na 2 CO 3 and HA. U(VI) adsorbed onto magnetic biochar was reduced to U(IV) by Fe 3 O 4 according to XPS and XANES analyses. In addition, no significant effect of ionic strength of NaCl and EXAFS results, illustrated the inner-sphere surface complexation of U(VI) on magnetic biochar. Owing to the simple synthesis procedure, low cost, high adsorption efficiency, easy separation and environmental friendly, magnetic biochar can be considered as a potential adsorbent for the purification of U(VI)-bearing wastewater in environmental remediation. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Magnetic biochar was obtained by pyrolysis the rice husk and siderite. • The magnetic biochar has the advantages of low cost and high efficiency. • The interaction mechanism of U(VI) on magnetic biochar was adsorption and reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Penicillin G loaded ZnAl-layered double hydroxide with a varied amount of Penicillin G were prepared firstly. • Pristine ZnAl-layered double hydroxide had some inhibition to Escherichia coli for the first time. • Nanocomposites with much higher cost-effectiveness showed a potent antimicrobial activity for up to 10 days. • The antibiotic and the carrier in novel nanocomposites strongly synergize each other in antibacterial activity. Abstract Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are a global health problem. A commonly-used antibiotic Penicillin G was incorporated into ZnAl-layered double hydroxides (PNG/LDH) with a varied amount of PNG. PNG/LDH nanocomposites were well characterized in structure and composition using elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction pattern, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and TEM images, revealing that PNG were mostly adsorbed on the LDH surfaces at a lower PNG loading but some were intercalated into LDH interlayers at a higher PNG loading. The typical release profile of PNG and Zn2+ from PNG/LDH was a quick release, followed by a sustainable slow release. The antibacterial tests against Escherichia coli demonstrated that PNG/LDH with a suitable composition synergistically improved bacterial inhibition compared with free PNG and pristine LDHs. In specific, PNG/LDH with much higher cost-effectiveness showed a potent antimicrobial activity and maintained the activity for up to 10 days, significantly elongating the antibacterial effect compared with just 1 day for free PNG in the same conditions. Our results suggest suitable composition of nanoparticle carriers and antibiotics could significantly enhance antibacterial activity of antibiotics for a long period via the synergistic effect between carrier and antibiotics, a potential approach to overcome the bacterial resistance to antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-hematite was synthesized by calcining siderite (FeCO 3 ) and characterized using TEM, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, specific surface area and potentiometric titration. The characterization results showed that nano-hematite was synthesized by calcining FeCO 3 under atmospheric conditions. The batch experiments indicated the adsorption of Eu(III) on nano-hematite significantly increased with increasing pH 2.0–6.0 while the Eu(III) adsorption was independent of ionic strength. The presence of CO 3 2− promoted the adsorption of Eu(III) on nano-hematite over a wide range of pH conditions. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms of Eu(III) on nano-hematite were fitted well by pseudo-second kinetic model and Langmuir model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of Eu(III) on nano-hematite calculated by Langmuir equations was 13.02 mg/g at pH 5.5 and T = 293 K. The desorption experiments revealed that the adsorption of Eu(III) on nano-hematite was an irreversible process. According to the XPS analysis, the oxygen-containing functional groups of nano-hematite (i.e., Fe-OH) played a crucial role in the Eu(III) adsorption. These findings demonstrated that the nano-hematite could be used as a valuable adsorbent for preconcentration and immobilization of Eu(III) from aqueous solutions in the environmental cleanup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europium (Eu(III)) has been extensively used as an analogue of trivalent lanthanide in the radioactive wastewater from nuclear industry. The adsorption of Eu(III) on the Al-substituted goethite was investigated by characteristic and batch techniques. The characteristic results illustrated that the Al-substituted goethite was synthesized successfully and the acicular-like structure goethite was transformed to multi-domain jagged crystal with the increase of Al content, respectively. The adsorption amount of Eu(III) on Al-substituted goethite was increased with an increase of pH from 4.0 to 8.0. The thermodynamic parameters revealed that the adsorption of Eu(III) on Al-substituted goethite was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The increase of Al content increased the adsorption capacity of Al-substituted goethite to Eu(III). The maximum Eu(III) adsorption capacity was determined to be 6.75 mg/g for α-(Fe 0.85 Al 0.15 )OOH at pH = 5.5 and T = 293 K using Langmuir model. Furthermore, XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) analysis verified that oxygen-containing functional groups were responsible for the major adsorption mechanism and the effect of ionic strength on the adsorption displayed the inner-sphere surface complexation of Al-substituted goethite dominated the adsorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Al-Fe 2 O 3 with different aluminum contents were synthesized by heating Al-substituted goethite and were characterized by FESEM, XRD, FT-IR and XPS techniques. The characteristic results showed that the Fe 3 + ion in hematite was partly substituted by Al 3 + ion, leading to the change of crystal structure. The batch experiments indicated that the adsorptions of Sr(II) on Al-Fe 2 O 3 slowly increased with increasing pH starting from 2 to 11. The pseudo-second-order kinetic and the Langmuir model gave the better fits to the adsorption kinetics and isotherms, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption of Sr(II) on Fe 2 O 3 was an endothermic and spontaneous process. The XPS analysis demonstrated that the oxygen-containing functional groups were responsible for the Sr(II) adsorption. These findings indicated that Al-Fe 2 O 3 may be a valuable candidate for pre-concentration and solidification of radionuclides from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perilla is an edible medical plant with rapidly increasing acreage in China. In this study, we investigated the potential of perilla stalks (PSs) as an alternative substrate for the cultivation of oyster mushrooms ( Pleurotus ostreatus ). P. ostreatus was cultivated on cottonseed hulls (CSH) alone or mixed with PSs in different ratios. The production parameters, physical characteristics, nutritional values, and antioxidant activity of mushrooms cultivated on different substrate mixtures were determined. The addition of PSs to CSH significantly improved the growth rate, yield, biological efficiency, and proximate composition and shortened the cultivation cycle. Cultivation on PSs alone increased the amino acid content in P. ostreatus fruiting bodies and the antioxidant activity of mushroom extracts. The PS75 (25% CSH + 75% PS) substrate was deduced to be the most effective substrate on the basis of yield and biological efficiency obtained in a large area where perilla had been planted. The results demonstrate that mixtures of PS with CSHs could be used as novel, practical, and easily accessible alternative substrates for P. ostreatus cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A walking-accessible urban park system is essential to the physical and mental health of urban residents. However, it is difficult to accurately describe the walking behavior of elderly and young visitors using empirical models (i.e., empirical threshold distance and empirical decay function), because of the differences in walking ability and distance decay among visitors of different ages. To address this challenge, this study used survey data to extract the travel behavior of elderly and younger visitors from a survey of 3625 walking respondents using a sectional threshold distance in central Wuhan. A multiple linear regression model was then built to discover how the factors influence the sectional threshold distance for different age groups. The results show that the travel time threshold for elderly visitors was approximately 0.47–1 min shorter than for other visitors, and the difference became more obvious for the 85th percentile of visitors' segment travel time. The correlation analysis and regression results suggest that the surrounding built environment, such as restaurants, mostly had to a positive impact on sectional threshold distances, while park facilities were negatively correlated with the threshold distance. This consequently led to different accessibility levels for visitors by age, and elderly people presented an accessibility 0.0012 person/ha lower than young visitors. These findings provide a more accurate and refined decision-making basis for urban planners and managers to optimize park layouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4), a fascinating metal-free conjugated polymer, has garnered immense interest in the fields of solar power generation and environmental remediation. The construction of g–C 3 N 4 –based nanocomposites with materials of various dimensions can further improve their photocatalytic activities by surface area enlargement, bandgap tuning, heterojunction formation, etc. In this paper, we comprehensively reviewed the design, synthesis, and functionalities of g–C 3 N 4 –based nanocomposites based on their applications in hydrogen evolution, CO 2 reduction, and pollutants removal. We provided detailed analyses on the integration of 2D g-C 3 N 4 with zero-, one-, two-, and three-dimensional materials with a focus on their interfacial characteristics and functional improvement. This review aims to stimulate fresh ideas on the interfacial engineering of g–C 3 N 4 –based nanocomposites to broaden their future applications. [Display omitted] • Two-dimensional g–C 3 N 4 –based nanocomposites in environmental applications are comprehensively reviewed. • The interfacial characteristics of 2D g-C 3 N 4 and materials with various dimensions are dissected and analyzed. • The mechanisms of photocatalytic performance enhancement of g–C 3 N 4 –based nanocomposites are summarized. • Challenges and prospects of 2D g–C 3 N 4 –based nanocomposites are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid is widely applied for pest control in agriculture production, and its exposure often results in adverse effects on a non-target insect, Bombyx mori. However, only few studies have investigated the effects of exposure to sublethal doses of neonicotinoid insecticides on gut microbiota and susceptibility to pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we aimed to explore the possible mechanisms underlying the acetamiprid-induced compositional changes in gut microbiota of silkworm and reduced host resistance against detrimental microbes. This study indicated that sublethal dose of acetamiprid activated the dual oxidase-reactive oxygen species (Duox-ROS) system and induced ROS accumulation, leading to dysregulation of intestinal immune signaling pathways. The evenness and structure of bacterial community were altered. Moreover, after 96 h of exposure to sublethal dose of acetamiprid, several bacteria, such as Pseudomonas sp (Biotype A, DOP-1a, XW34) and Staphylococcus sp (RCB1054, RCB314, X302), invaded the silkworm hemolymph. The survival rate and bodyweight of the acetamiprid treated silkworm larvae inoculated with Enterobacter cloacae (E. cloacae) were significantly lower than the acetamiprid treatment group, suggesting that acetamiprid reduced silkworm resistance against pathogens. These findings indicated that acetamiprid disturbed gut microbial homeostasis of Bombyx mori , resulting in changes in gut microbial community and susceptibility to detrimental microbes. [Display omitted] • Sublethal doses of acetamiprid activated the Duox-ROS system and induced ROS production. • Sublethal doses of acetamiprid dysregulated intestinal IMD immune signaling pathways. • Acetamiprid perturbs intestinal microbial homeostasis and changed microbial community. • Acetamiprid reduces silkworm resistance against harmful microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TiO 2 NPs increased the body weight of silkworm larvae and the ratio of cocoon shell. • TiO 2 NPs altered the composition and structure of gut microbes of the Bombyx mori. • TiO 2 NPs promoted the growth and development of larvae by regulating gut microbiota. The widespread use of nanomaterials has raised concerns about the potential impact of nanoparticles on human health and the natural environment. Although high doses of TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) are toxic to animals, low doses of TiO 2 NPs have been shown to benefit their growth and immune functions. Intestinal microorganisms are critical in maintaining the normal life activities and ensuring the health of their host. The intestinal microorganisms of lepidopteran insects can promote growth and development, foster insecticide resistance, and improve resilience against diseases. However, to date, there is no report on the effects of TiO 2 NPs on the intestinal microbiota of lepidopteran insects. In this work, we examined the effects of a low dose of TiO 2 NPs (5 mg/L) on the intestinal microbiota of silkworm (Bombyx mori). The results showed that the exposure to TiO 2 NPs did not alter the dominant species of intestinal microbiota significantly, but changed the abundance of individual species of intestinal microorganisms. Specifically, exposure to TiO 2 NPs increased the uniformity of intestinal microorganisms. The abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group , involved in the metabolism of nutrients, as well as the abundance of Pseudomonas and Sphingomonas , both involved in detoxification and disease resistance, was increased. Meanwhile, among the non-dominant species, the conditional pathogenic bacteria Serratia exhibited decreased abundance. In addition, exposure to TiO 2 NPs also increased the abundance of norank_f_Bacteroidales_S24-7_group , which could help relieve inflammation and regulate immune functions. The current study is the first to report the effects of TiO 2 NPs on the intestinal microbiota of lepidopteran insects. The results demonstrated that TiO 2 NPs could alter the composition of the intestinal microbiota of B. mori , and thus promote its growth and development, regulate its immune functions, and enhance its resistance to insecticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel iron/carbon composites were successfully prepared via coupling of cellulose with iron oxides (e.g. α-FeOOH, Fe 2 O 3 and Fe(NO 3) 3 ·9H 2 O) at different temperatures under nitrogen atmosphere. Characterization by various techniques implied that chemical interaction between cellulose and Fe 3 O 4 /Fe0 existed in the as-prepared iron/carbon composites. The site of interaction between cellulose and iron precursors was illustrated (mainly combined with COO-). The self-reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ or even Fe0 and the interaction between carbon and Fe 3 O 4 /Fe0 in the calcination process realized the strong magnetism of the composites. Batch experiments and spectroscopic techniques indicated that the maximum adsorption capacity of MHC-7 for U(VI) (105.3 mg/g) was significantly higher than that of MGC-7 (86.0 mg/g) and MFC-7 (79.0 mg/g), indicating that Fe 2 O 3 can be regarded as the remarkable iron resource for the iron/carbon composites. XPS results revealed that the oxygen-containing groups were responsible for the adsorption process of U(VI) on iron/carbon composites, and the adsorption of carbon and reduction of Fe0/Fe 3 O 4 toward U(VI) were synergistic during the reaction process. In addition, the iron/carbon composites exhibited a good recyclability, recoverability and stability for U(VI) adsorption in the regeneration experiments. These findings demonstrated that the iron/carbon composites can be considered as valuable adsorbents in environmental cleanup and the Fe 2 O 3 was a promising iron resource for the preparation of iron/carbon composites. Schematic illustration for the synthesis and adsorption mechanisms of iron/carbon composites toward U(VI). Unlabelled Image • The synthesis of iron/carbon composites was the environmental friendly method. • Chemical interaction between cellulose and Fe 3 O 4 /Fe0 was confirmed. • Adsorption and reduction were simultaneously involved in the interaction process. • Hematite can be regarded as the potential iron resource for iron/carbon composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asteroid anchoring is the premise for the spacecraft to conduct in-situ scientific exploration on the surface of a weak gravitational asteroid. There is not any precedent for successful anchoring on the asteroid surface all over the world. Ultrasonic drill actuated by the piezoelectric ceramic is especially suitable for drilling on the surface of a weak gravitational asteroid, showing outstanding advantages such as low power consumption, low required drilling pressure and wide temperature range. In order to solve the technical problem of anchoring, a novel anchoring device based on multiple ultrasonic drill cross-drilling geometric force closure is proposed. Firstly, the structure and working principle of the anchoring device are introduced. Then the EDEM software based on the Discrete Element Method is used to simulate the influencing factors of the anchoring force. Finally, the effectiveness of the anchoring device is proved by experiments. The results show that the ultrasonic drill is effective for the anchoring device; the anchoring device can provide an anchoring force of 60–250 N for the spacecraft; its structure is simple, compact and adaptable. • This paper focuses on the method of long-term anchoring of the spacecraft on the asteroid surface. • A novel anchoring device based on multiple ultrasonic drill cross-drilling geometric force closure is proposed. • EDEM model is built to predict the influencing factors of the anchoring force. • A testbed is established to measure the effect of media with various compressive strengths on the anchoring force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Siderite as a Fe(II)-bearing mineral often be naturally weathered and oxidized into goethite, which would decrease the surface chemical activity of the siderite. The chemical activity of siderite is improved by decomposing weathering-formed goethite at low temperature (350 °C). The activated natural siderite (ANS) was utilized to remove U(VI) from aqueous solutions. Batch experiments revealed that ANS after thermal treatment at 350 °C (ANS350) exhibited excellent uptake performance toward U(VI) (14.65 mg/g) which was better than natural siderite (9.00 mg/g) at pH = 4.0 and T = 293 K. Meanwhile, the uptake percents of U(VI) on NS and the uptake process was involved electrostatic attraction on the surface of adsorbents. The characterization results illustrated that activated natural siderite at 350 °C presented the better uptake capacity due to its larger specific surface area and smaller average pore size compared to natural siderite, which was optimized to adsorb U(VI) from aqueous solutions. The spectroscopic analysis demonstrated that the abundant surface oxygenated functional groups of ANS facilitated the uptake process of U(VI). Meanwhile, reduction was also involved in the process. Additionally, the U(VI) reduction amount can be enhanced to some extent after calcination. These findings give insight into the further development of activated natural mineral obtained by heating in low temperature, for using as potential candidate in immobilization of uranium(VI) from contamination water in actual environmental management. Highlights • Natural siderite was activated by thermal treatment at low temperature. • ANS350 exhibited excellent uptake performance toward U(VI) (14.65 mg/g). • Abundant oxygenated functional groups facilitated the uptake process of U(VI). • Reduction was involved the U(VI) uptake and calcination at low temperature could enhance the reduction amount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Changes found in protein expression and phosphorylation modification in mouse liver post Babesia microti infection. • Monitoring found the regulated lipid metabolism related proteins in liver responded to B. microti infection. • We assessed the regulation strategy of growth and development related proteins in the liver recovery period post-infection. • A variety of immune function related proteins play an important role in the liver of infected mice. Babesia microti is a tick-borne protozoan parasite that infects the red blood cells of mice, humans, and other mammals. The liver tissues of BALB/c mice infected with B. microti exhibit severe injury. To further investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying liver injury and liver self-repair after B. microti infection, data-independent acquisition (DIA) quantitative proteomics was used to analyse changes in the expression and phosphorylation of proteins in liver tissues of BALB/c mice during a B. microti infection period and a recovery period. The expression of FABP1 and ACBP, which are related to fatty acid transport in the liver, was downregulated after infection with B. microti , as was the expression of Acox1, Ehhadh and Acaa1a, which are crucial rate-limiting enzymes in the process of fatty acid β oxidation. The phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) were also downregulated. In addition, the expression of PSMB9, CTSC, and other immune-related proteins was increased, reflecting an active immune regulation mechanism in the mice. The weights of mice infected with B. microti were significantly reduced, and the phosphorylation levels of IRS-1, c-Raf, mTOR, and other proteins related to growth and development were downregulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the systematic status of family Limacodidae within Lepidoptera, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Thosea sinensis (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Limacodidae) was sequenced. The genome is 15,544 base pairs (bp), including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and an AT-rich region. These characteristics are similar to of other lepidopterans. The gene order of T. sinensis is identical to that of Ditrysia lepidopterans. The nucleotide composition of the T. sinensis mitochondrial genome is highly biased toward A + T nucleotides (81.1%) and exhibits negative AT and GC skew. All the other 13 PCGs except cox1 are initiated by ATN codons. All tRNA genes are folded into the typical cloverleaf secondary structure, except for trnS1 , which lacked the dihydrouridine (DHU) stem. There are 20 intergenic spacer regions ranging from 1 to 56 bp in length, and two gene overlap regions throughout the entire genome. The AT-rich region includes the ATAGA motif, followed by a 19-bp poly T stretch, a microsatellite-like (AT) 10 , and a poly-A element. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships indicated that T. sinensis belongs to the Limacodidae, and the monophyly of each lepidopteran family was well supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bombyx mori is an important economic insect. However, the environmental pollution caused by the widespread use of neonicotinoid insecticides has significantly affected the safe production of sericulture. In this paper, we determined the LC 50 of acetamiprid, a kind of neonicotinoid insecticides, to 5th instar silkworm larvae, examined its residues in hemolymph and midgut of silkworm after continuous exposure to low-dose of acetamiprid, and investigated the transcription level of detoxifying-related genes and the activity of detoxifying enzymes. The results showed that acetamiprid was highly toxic (24-h LC 50 , 1.50 mg/L) to silkworm larvae. After continuous exposure to low-dose of acetamiprid (0.15 mg/L), the acetamiprid residue concentrations in hemolymph and midgut were 0.90 and 0.58 μg/mg, respectively, at 48 h, but all decreased at 96 h. At 24 h of acetamiprid exposure, the transcription levels of CYP4M5 and CYP6AB4 and the P450 enzyme activity were significantly enhanced. However, the transcription levels of CarE and CarE-11 and the activity of CarE enzymes were both inhibited by acetamiprid exposure. After 24 h–72 h of acetamiprid exposure, the transcription levels of GSTe3 and GSTd1 were significantly up-regulated, and the GST enzyme activity was also significantly elevated from 48 h to 96 h. Furthermore, the expression levels of FoxO , CncC and Keap1 , the key upstream genes of detoxification enzymes, showed a similar trend as the GST genes. These results indicated that acetamiprid was reduced in midgut and the expression of GSTs was upregulated may via FoxO/CncC/Keap1 signaling pathway, which plays a key role in detoxification responses. Image 1 • The 24 h LC 50 of acetamiprid to Bombyx mori was 1.50 mg/L. • Acetamiprid triggered the transcription and activity of detoxification enzymes. • GSTs played a key role in scavenging acetamiprid toxicity in B. mori. • FoxO/CncC/Keap1 pathway mediated detoxification in midgut of B. mori. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A total of 658 clinical specimens were prospectively evaluated with both assays. • High agreement was observed between the two assays for the three viruses test. • The Xpert assay showed high specificity and sensitivity in the clinical evaluation. • The Xpert cycle threshold value linearly correlate with virus titer in the sample. Abstract Background The Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV assay is released by FDA for rapid detection of influenza A (FluA), influenza B (FluB), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This study aimed to evaluate its clinical performance in comparison to that of the RT-PCR assay cleared by China FDA (CFDA-PCR). Methods Nasopharyngeal specimens were collected from patients and tested by the two assays side by side. Discordant results were tested with a laboratory-developed real-time PCR for resolution. Viral load in the sample was quantified with a droplet digital PCR. Results A total of 658 specimens were involved and gave 94.7%–99.1% agreement between the two assays. The Xpert assay showed higher sensitivity for FluA (100% vs. 89.8%) and FluB detection (100% vs. 95.3%), and also higher accuracy (98.9% vs. 95.7%) for FluA than the CDFA-PCR. The positive and negative predictive values (NPV) for the three viruses ranged from 90.5% to 100% in the two assays, with higher NPV for FluA and FluB in Xpert assay. Moreover, the Xpert Ct values showed a linear correlation with virus titer in specimens tested. Conclusion Overall, the Xpert assay is a reliable and sensitive tool for the detection of FluA, FluB and RSV in our clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution has become an emerging environmental issue in developing countries like China in the last two decades. Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) is one of the major air pollutants that poses significant risks in many areas undergoing a process of industrialization such as Beijing. Realizing the main factor causing environmental quality changes is the key to solving this problem. By using an extended version of IPAT model, this paper aims to identify the main contributors of air pollution in Beijing from 1989 to 2012. The result shows that the most influential factors affecting air pollution in Beijing are affluence and emission intensity. From analyzing the historical background, we conclude that the air pollution change in Beijing is heavily policy-driven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of orange-red emitting Ba 2 Y 3 (SiO 4 ) 3 F: x Sm 3+ (0.003≤ x ≤0.08) fluorosilicate apatite phosphors was synthesized by the convenient solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectra were utilized to characterize the structure and luminescence properties of the as-synthesized phosphors. The emission spectra of the Ba 2 Y 3 (SiO 4 ) 3 F:Sm 3+ phosphors consisted of some sharp emission peaks of Sm 3+ ions centered at 564, 601, 648, and 710 nm. The strongest one is located at 601 nm due to 4 G 5/2 – 6 H 7/2 transition of Sm 3+ , generating bright orange-red light. The optimum dopant concentration of Sm 3+ ions in Ba 2 Y 3 (SiO 4 ) 3 F: x Sm 3+ is around 3 mol% and the critical transfer distance of Sm 3+ is calculated as 26 Å. The quenching temperature is above 500 K. The CIE chromaticity coordinates of the Ba 2 Y 3 (SiO 4 ) 3 F:0.03Sm 3+ phosphors is located in the orange reddish region. The Ba 2 Y 3 (SiO 4 ) 3 F:Sm 3+ phosphors may be potentially used as red phosphors for white light-emitting diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrite, a naturally occurring mineral, can be found extensively in coal. The change in the pyrite structure that occurs during coaling process, the ability of the pyrite-derived α-Fe 2 O 3 to convert NO in the presence of NH 3 before catalyst bed and the kinetic study were investigated in this work. The pyrite-derived α-Fe 2 O 3 was obtained by calcining at 500, 600, 700, 800 °C and was characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), N 2 physisorption, the X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), the scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV–visible near-infrared spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), the temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH 3 -TPD) and the in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (in-situ DRIFTS). The results indicated that the α-Fe 2 O 3 derived from natural pyrite exhibited an affirmative effect on NO conversion in the presence of NH 3 at reaction temperatures of 200–450 °C, particularly at 350 °C, the pyrite-derived α-Fe 2 O 3 displayed the best efficiency for the NO conversion. In addition, the formed sulfate derived from the oxidation of pyrite enhanced the NO conversion at the temperature of 300–450 °C, while hinder the NO conversion at 200–275 °C. The in-situ DRIFTS and kinetic studies demonstrated that both the Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism contributed to the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO when the reaction temperature was over 200 °C, while selective catalytic oxidization (C O) happened over 300 °C. This study favored the understanding of the NO behavior in flue gas pipeline after sprawling NH 3 and the mechanism of NO conversion before the catalyst bed. Unlabelled Image • The pyrite in coaling can be decomposed into α-Fe 2 O 3 once the temperature over 500 °C. • The effect of pyrite-derived α-Fe 2 O 3 on the NO transformation in coaling flue gas was studied. • The formed α-Fe 2 O 3 favored the transformation of NO after sprawling NH 3 before catalyst bed. • Both E-R and L-H mechanism contribute to NO reduction on the surface of α-Fe 2 O 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]