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To develop new inorganic multifunctional materials, a series of Yb3+/Er3+ doped precursor glasses (PGs) were fabricated through melt quenching technique, and a novel niobate transparent photoelectric glass ceramic (GC) was gained via controlled crystallization of PG. Compared with PG, the up-conversion (UC) luminescence performance is significantly increased in GC. Utilizing the temperature dependence of the emission intensity of Er3+ ions, the dual-mode optical temperature measurement is realized through fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) methods. The ultimate absolute sensitivity (S a-max) and relative sensitivity (S r-max) based on the thermal/non-thermal coupling energy levels (TCELs/NTCELs) are 0.68 %K−1 and 0.85% K−1, respectively. Moreover, the single-layer capacitor made of GC can release energy density of 0.83 J/cm3 (@600 kV/cm) and power density of 210 MW/cm3. This work indicates that niobate transparent glass ceramics are expected to be applied in the optical thermometry and pulse energy storage field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intramedullary splint insertion fixation system is the mainstream clinical solution to severe rib fractures. However, the titanium alloy scaffolds have limitations in biocompatibility, flexibility and complexity of surgeries. Here we present a revisable wheel-spun alginate (Alg)/graphene oxide (GO)-based fibrous rod as a potential alternative for a rib internal fixation system. The reversible fusion and fission capability was obtained by optimized Alg/GO blended spinning and GO coating post-treatment. The mechanical performance of the demonstrated rod samples matches the properties of the human rib. A self-designed cubic matrix was used to conduct in situ cell culture. In vitro evaluation not only confirms the cell viability and migration on the fibers' surface, but also investigated the degradation and fission performance of fibrous rods. With a simple, minimally invasive implantation and controlled swelling, Alg/GO fibrous rods are able to tightly fix the rib fracture wound while maintaining sufficient flexibility. [Display omitted] • Fabrication of alginate/graphene oxide (GO)-based fibrous rods by optimized wheel spinning and GO coating treatment. • High strength and modulus mechanical property of dry state alginate/GO composite rods. • Reversible fusion and fission capability of swollen wet state fibrous rods. • Good cell viability and radial oriented migration on the surface of alginate/GO fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Drp1-overexpressing T cells exhibit a synergistic killing effect together with PARPi and PD-1 inhibitors. • This synergistic mechanism involves Drp1-regulated promotion of effector T cell function, inhibition of negative immunomodulatory cells, and suppression of PARPi-induced upregulation of PD-L1 expression in tumor cells. • Drp1 could serve as a novel target to improve the tumor microenvironment and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the influence of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-regulated T cells on the antitumor effects of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) combined with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors to identify potential targets for enhancing immunotherapy efficacy. We found that T cells with high expression of Drp1 promoted the inhibitory and killing effects of the PARPi and PD-1 inhibitor combination on lung cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. This synergistic mechanism involves Drp1-regulated promotion of activation, migration, and intratumor infiltration of effector T cells; inhibition of negative immunomodulatory cells in the tumor microenvironment; and suppression of PARPi-induced upregulation of PD-L1 expression in tumor cells. These findings suggest that Drp1 could serve as a new target for comprehensively improving the tumor microenvironment, enhancing immunotherapy efficacy, and reversing immunotherapy resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA), which are commonly found in feed products, exhibit serious negative effects on the reproductive systems of domestic animals. However, the toxicity of mycotoxins on the uterine function of donkey (Equus asinus) remains unclear. This study investigated the biological effects of DON and ZEA exposure on donkey endometrial epithelial cells (EECs). It was administered 10 μM and 30 μM DON and ZEA to cells cultured in vitro. The results showed that 10 μM DON exposure markedly changed the expression levels of pyroptosis-associated genes and that 30 μM ZEA exposure changed the expression levels of inflammation-associated genes in EECs. The mRNA expression of cancer-promoting genes was markedly upregulated in cells exposed to DON and 30 μM ZEA; in particular, 10 μM and 30 μM DON and ZEA markedly disturbed the expression of androgen and estrogen secretion-related genes. Furthermore, Q-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses verified the different expression patterns of related genes in DON- and ZEA-exposed EECs. Collectively, these results illustrated the impact of exposure to different toxins and concrete toxicity on the mRNA expression of EECs from donkey in vitro. • DON and ZEA exhibit negative impact on donkey EECs. • DON may have stronger toxicity than ZEA in the EECs. • Different gene expression patterns exist in EECs exposed to DON and ZEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An inventive technique to transform 2D electrospun fibrous membranes into 3D tubular structures. • A pioneering approach for tailoring vascular grafts' diameter, wall thickness, and shape according to specific requirements. • Achieving favourable and controllable mechanical properties and structural integrity in the resulting vascular graft. • Superior cell attachment and proliferation through increased specific surface area and wettability. Electrospun fibre has shown great potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to its high specific surface area and extracellular matrix-mimicking structure. However, fabricating an electrospun fibrous scaffold with controllable complex 3D macroscopic configuration remains a challenge. In the present study, a novel method was designed to transform 2D electrospun poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) fibrous membrane to tubular PLLA fibrous scaffolds with 3D complex but tailored configuration. The electrospun PLLA fibrous membrane was rolled around a designed mould and then treated with acetone. Treated vascular grafts' length, diameter, and shape can be tailored by the mould parameters. Moreover, treated vascular grafts achieve favourable mechanical properties (Young's modulus = 155 MPa, tensile stress = 8.79 MPa and radial force = 2.2 N) and the mechanical properties could be engineered on demand. In addition, treated vascular grafts kept their initial structure and size during long-term in vitro experiments once they were formed. In addition, with the acetone-induced recrystallization of PLLA, pristine solid PLLA fibres were changed to hierarchical porous PLLA fibres with ultra-high specific surface area (28.9 m2/g) and wettability (water contact angle = 101.32°), which has positive effects on cell adhesion and proliferation ability. A7r5 in vitro experiment shows that the proliferation rate of treated vascular grafts increased 153% at day 4 and 170.6% at day 7 compared with pristine vascular grafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), as a promising energy storage device, materials with fast lithium (Li) transport are required for high-power applications such as electric vehicles. Thus, a deeper understanding of Li transport in components of LIBs is crucial for improving their rate capability. In this study, the Li transport in lithium oxide (Li 2 O), as one of the key components of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, was examined by a multiscale computational approach ranging from density functional theory (DFT) to Monte Carlo simulations. The DFT calculations were used to investigate the recombination of Frenkel pairs, their first-principles total energies, and the Li diffusion mechanisms. The effect of atomic configurations on both first-principles total energies and diffusion barrier energies was formulated by periodic and local cluster expansions. These formalisms were then incorporated into the Monte Carlo and Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations to calculate the diffusion coefficient of Li. Our calculations revealed that the vacancy-mediated jump along the 〈 100 〉 direction in the antifluorite structure of Li 2 O possesses the lowest barrier energy compared to other diffusion mechanisms. The KMC simulations indicated that the diffusion coefficient of Li better converged with the direct experimental measurement when the recombination of Frenkel pairs was integrated into the simulations. At a temperature of 300 K, the KMC simulation yielded a Li diffusion coefficient of 3.8 × 10 - 12 cm 2 / s in Li 2 O. This is only one order of magnitude larger than indirect experimental measurement, suggesting the accuracy of our formalism. Thus, our formalism for studying Li transport in Li 2 O will pave the path to a rational design of inorganic SEI in the future development of LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Adding RT and GITR agonist to PD-L1 blockade enhances anti-tumor effects. • Triple combination exhibits systemic anti-tumor effect in secondary tumors. • Triple combination induces synergy by increasing CD8 + T cells and reducing Tregs. • Systemic tumor effects of RT come with increased plasma interferon-β levels. In this study, we investigated whether local radiotherapy (RT) and an anti-glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR) agonist could increase the efficacy of PD-L1 blockade. We analyzed a breast cancer dataset from the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) to determine the role of GITR in breast cancer. We used the 4T1 murine TNBC model (primary and secondary tumors) to investigate the efficacy of PD-L1 blockade, local RT, anti-GITR agonist, and their combinations. We assessed tumor growth by tumor volume measurements, in vivo bioluminescence imaging, and metastatic lung nodule counts to evaluate the effects of these treatments. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry determined the proportions and phenotypes of CD8+ T-cells and regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in the tumors and spleen. Plasma cytokine levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the METABRIC cohort, patients with high expression of TNFRSF18 , which encodes GITR, had significantly better survival than those with low expression. Adding local RT or anti-GITR agonist to PD-L1 blockade did not significantly augment efficacy compared to PD-L1 blockade alone; however, adding both to PD-L1 blockade significantly reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis. The benefits of the triple combination were accompanied by increased CD8+ T-cells and decreased Tregs in the tumor microenvironment and spleen. The combination of local RT and an anti-GITR agonist significantly enhanced the anti-tumor immune responses induced by PD-L1 blockade. These results provide the preclinical rationale for the combination of therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a very important component of NIR spectroscopy, the enhancement of luminescent efficiency and the broadening of bandwidth for NIR light sources are still considered to be a challenge. Hereon, a novel Cr3+-doped MgO-Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 multi-phase glass-ceramics was successfully constructed. Upon excitation of 400 nm, the glass-ceramics presented an ultra-broadband NIR emission peaking at ∼910 nm with full width at half maximum of >270 nm, and the internal/external quantum efficiency of 60.4 %/28.8 %. The integrated emission intensity remained at ∼86.6 %/80.9 % at 100 ℃/150 ℃ compared to the intensity at room temperature. Furthermore, a NIR device was made by encapsulating the glass-ceramics on 405 nm LED, which presented a NIR output power and photoelectric conversion efficiency of 322 mW/1117 mW and 2.72 %/2.39 % at the driven current of 100 mA/320 mA, respectively. This work realized simultaneous adjustment of luminescent efficiency and bandwidth by selective enrichment of Cr3+ ions into different crystal phases, which provides an effective strategy for improving the luminescent efficiency and bandwidth of NIR glass-ceramics. • A novel Cr3+-doped NIR glass-ceramics with multi-phase was successfully prepared. • The controllable NIR luminescence was achieved by selective enrichment of Cr3+ ions. • The glass-ceramics presented an ultra-broadband NIR emission and a FWHM of >270 nm. • The multi-phase glass-ceramics have a high IQE and EQE of 60.4 % and 28.8 %. • The work provides a roadmap for preparing high-performance NIR-emitting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The three samples manufactured by LPBF had high relative density. • The addition of 2 wt% TiB 2 significantly refined the grain size. • The low-angle grain boundaries increased with increasing proportions of TiB 2. • The strength was improved by introducing TiB 2 particles. The laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing process has been extensively used to manufacture various nickel-based metal components because it offers the capability of manufacturing three-dimensional structures with complex shapes directly from raw materials. Although LPBF-fabricated Inconel 718 (IN718) superalloys have been successfully applied in the aerospace field, IN718-based composites can offer an alternative pathway to further enhance high-temperature performance. This systematic study examined the effect of various TiB 2 contents on the microstructure and mechanical performance of IN718 fabricated by LPBF. Pure IN718 (IN718-P), IN718-1 wt% TiB 2 (IN718-1) and IN718-2 wt% TiB 2 (IN718-2) composites were nearly fully dense, with relative densities of 99.71%, 99.34% and 99.67% respectively, when fabricated under the optimal process parameters. The degree of grain size refinement was greater for IN718-2 than for IN718-1, and the IN718-1 grains were mainly refined in the width direction, while the IN718-2 grains were refined in both the width and length directions. The proportion of low-angle grain boundaries was significantly higher for the composites than for IN718-P, and it increased with increasing proportions of TiB 2. Compared with the IN718-P sample, the microhardness, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of IN718-2 at room temperature were increased by 19.93%, 24.83% and 11.07%, respectively, while the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of IN718-2 at a high temperature of 650 °C were increased by 31.76% and 17.62%, respectively. This indicated that the enhancement of mechanical performance was more noticeable at high temperature than at room temperature. By contrast, less improvement in mechanical properties was achieved by adding 1 wt% TiB 2 particles than by adding 2 wt% TiB 2 particles. These findings indicate an alternative way to manufacture IN718 superalloys with improved mechanical properties through the synthesis of composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• cT1a ESCC patients who cannot receive endoscopic resection showed equivalent failure rates as cT1b patients. • There was no difference in survival and failure rates between ENI and IFI in cT1b ESCC, treated with definitive RT. • In cT1b ESCC, IFI with concurrent chemotherapy is reasonable. To assess the failure pattern and analyze the treatment scheme of definitive radiation therapy (RT) for T1N0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We performed a multi-institutional retrospective analysis in T1N0M0 ESCC patients who underwent definitive RT from 2010 to 2019. Patterns of failure were demonstrated as in-, and out-field locoregional, and distant metastasis. In the analysis, freedom-from locoregional recurrence (FFLRR) and their association with clinicopathologic factors were evaluated. Propensity score matching in cT1b patients was done. 168 patients were included with a median follow-up of 34.0 months, and 26 cT1a, 116 cT1b disease. The rates of 3-year all and locoregional recurrence for cT1a were 30.5% and 24.1% and those for cT1b were 27.1% and 25.9%, respectively. Among 116 cT1b patients, 69 patients received elective nodal irradiation (ENI) and 47 received involved field irradiation (IFI). After propensity score matching, the 3-year FFLRR rate was 84.5%. There was no difference between ENI and IFI in FFLRR (P = 0.831) and OS (P = 0.525). The 3-year FFLRR was 83.8% (95% Confidence interval (CI), 61.8–93.8%) in IFI group and 85.3% (95% CI, 65.1–94.3%) in ENI group. In multivariate analysis, concurrent chemotherapy use was marginally associated with FFLRR (Hazard ratio, 0.16; P = 0.064). cT1a patients who cannot receive endoscopic resection showed similar failure rates as cT1b patients, questioning the staging accuracy and raised the need for thorough treatment like chemoradiotherapy. In cT1b patients, IFI with 50 to 60 Gy and concurrent chemotherapy could be reasonable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Amphiphilic POM-based PIL were prepared and PDD-PMo can achieve 100% removal of DBT in a wide temperature range of 0–50 °C. • The oxidation desulfurization system can simultaneously remove sulfide and obtain sulfur-free fuel oil. • Both active species O 2 •− and HO• played an important role in improving the desulfurization activity. Four new types of amphiphilic polyoxometalate-based poly(ionic liquid) (PDB-PMo, PDO-PMo, PDD-PMo and PDH-PMo) were prepared by ion exchange between poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) and H 3 PMo 12 O 40 (HPMo), where PIL are copolymerized by hydrophilic 3,3′-methylenebis(1-vinylimidazol) bromine and hydrophobic [3–alkyl–1–vinylimidazolium] bromine (alkyl = C4, PDBBr; alkyl = C8, PDOBr; alkyl = C12, PDDBr and alkyl = C16, PDHBr). Among them, the desulfurization rate of PDD-PMo can reach 100% within a wide temperature range of 0–50 °C, especially at 0 °C, DBT can be completely removed within 100 min. The influences of reaction temperature, molar ratio of H 2 O 2 /S, catalyst dosage and different sulfur-containing compounds were investigated. The kinetic study shows that the apparent activation energy of the DBT oxidation reaction is 36.73 ± 1.42 kJ/mol. In addition, EPR analysis and the free radical quenching experiment proved that both active radicals O 2 •− and HO• played an active role in the oxidative desulfurization (ODS) reaction system and proposed a reasonable reaction mechanism. The introduction of hydrophilic IL monomer is also an efficient strategy to construct amphiphilic polyoxometalate-based poly(ionic liquid), which further implements ultra-deep desulfurization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibrous membranes played an important role to prepare tubular scaffolds for muscular artery regeneration. In this study, a strategy has been developed to combine silk fibroin (SF) with highly porous electrospun poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) fibrous membrane towards vascular scaffolds. After PLLA fibres were electrospun and collected, they were immersed into acetone to generate a porous structure with ultra-high surface area. While the pores on PLLA fibres were fulfilled with SF solution and dried, SF was coated uniformly and tightly on PLLA fibres. A multi-layer tubular structure of the tunica media was simulated by winding and stacking a strip of electrospun fibrous membrane. In vitro viability and morphology studies of A7r5 smooth muscle cells were undertaken for up to 14 days. Because the hydrophilicity of SF/PLLA composite fibres were improved dramatically, it had a positive effect on cell adhesion rate (97%) and proliferation (64.4%). Moreover, good cell morphology was observed via a multiphoton laser confocal microscope on SF/PLLA bioactive materials. These results demonstrated that the hierarchical porous SF/PLLA fibrous membranes are promising off-the-shelf scaffolds for muscular artery regeneration. Unlabelled Image • Fabrication of hierarchical porous PLLA nanofibrous membrane by electrospinning and post-treatment. • Preparation of SF/PLLA composite scaffolds with high specific surface area and roughness. • Good cell attachment and proliferation on the SF/PLLA fibrous membrane. • Mimicking a multi-layer tunica media from the electrospun fibrous membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress exacerbates symptoms of schizophrenia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which are characterized by impairments in sustained attention. Yet how stress regulates attention remains largely unexplored. We investigated whether a 6-day variable stressor altered sustained attention and the cholinergic attention system in male and female rats. Sustained attention was tested with the sustained attention task. Successful performance on the sustained attention task relies on the release of acetylcholine (ACh) into the cortex from cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM). Thus, we evaluated whether variable stress (VS) altered the morphology of these neurons with a novel approach using a Cre-dependent virus in genetically modified ChAT::Cre rats, a species used for this manipulation only. Next, electrochemical recordings measured cortical ACh following VS. Finally, we used RNA sequencing to identify VS-induced transcriptional changes in the NBM. VS impaired attentional performance in the sustained attention task and increased the dendritic complexity of NBM cholinergic neurons in both sexes. NBM cholinergic neurons are mainly under inhibitory control, so this morphological change could increase inhibition on these neurons, reducing downstream ACh release to impair attention. Indeed, VS decreased ACh release in the prefrontal cortex of male rats. Quantification of global transcriptional changes revealed that although VS induced many sex-specific changes in gene expression, it increased several signaling molecules in both sexes. These studies suggest that VS impairs attention by inducing molecular and morphological changes in the NBM. Identifying mechanisms by which stress regulates attention may guide the development of novel treatments for psychiatric disorders with attention deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational design of semiconductor membrane photocatalyst with good mechanical flexibility and excellent photocatalytic activity is of significance for environmental remediation. Herein, flexible Ag@ZnO/TiO 2 fibrous membranes with hierarchical nanostructures were fabricated through combining a simple electrospinning method and subsequent hydrothermal reaction and photodeposition process. In the ternary nanocomposite, ZnO nanorods were firmly anchored onto TiO 2 nanofibers, while Ag nanoparticles were evenly decorated on the surface of both ZnO and TiO 2. Benefiting from the improved light absorption, large surface area, and effective charge separation, the resultant Ag@ZnO/TiO 2 membranes displayed superior photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 91.6% toward tetracycline hydrochloride within 1 h, and also exhibited prominent antibacterial activity with a 6.5 log inactivation of E. coli after 1 h simulated solar light exposure. Significantly, the membrane photocatalyst still preserved structural integrity and mechanical flexibility after utilization. This study provides an alternative approach for designing and synthesizing flexible TiO 2 -based membrane photocatalysts toward high-efficiency water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Recent advances in epigenetic editing tools have enhanced their efficacy and flexibility. • Epigenetic editing tools can directly elucidate causality between epigenetic modifications and transcriptional changes. • Neuroepigenetic editing regulates both molecular and behavior changes in vivo. • Discoveries in novel delivery approaches enhance the therapeutic potential of neuroepigenetic editing. • Cell type specificity is a key component to consider in the application of epigenetic editing in brain. A wealth of studies in the mammalian nervous system indicate the role of epigenetic gene regulation in both basic neurobiological function and disease. However, the relationship between epigenetic regulation and neuropathology is largely correlational due to the presence of mixed cell populations within brain regions and the genome-wide effects of classical approaches to manipulate the epigenome. Locus-specific epigenetic editing allows direct epigenetic regulation of specific genes to elucidate the direct causal relationship between epigenetic modifications and transcription. This review discusses some of the latest innovations in the efficacy and flexibility in this approach that hold promise for neurobiological application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoelectrochemical sensing is a promising solution for health monitoring and food safety guarantee, and developing novel strategies for the facile preparation of advanced photoelectrochemical sensors is challenging. In this work, we report a novel strategy for preparing TiO 2 nanofibers threaded ZnO heterostructures and the selective photoelectrochemical detection of lactic acid. Cascade electrospinning and hot-pressing technologies were employed to prepare TiO 2 nanofibers threaded ZIF-8 precursor, and subsequent pyrolysis of ZIF-8 nanocrystals afforded beads-on-a-string heterostructures of TiO 2 @ZnO. The bead-like TiO 2 @ZnO heterostructures exhibit significantly enhanced charge transfer activity, photocurrent density and the smallest overpotential compared against that of ZnO and TiO 2. The resultant photoelectrochemical sensors demonstrate a low detection limit of 0.031 μM, a high sensitivity of 29.18 μA mM−1, a wide linear range between 0.1 and 1.0 mM, and excellent reproducibility. Furthermore, GC-MS and in situ FTIR studies confirm the mechanistic pathway of photoelectrochemical oxidation. This work provides a facile strategy for developing MOFs derived heterostructures, and advances in various high performance photoelectrochemical applications could be envisioned. [Display omitted] • Beads-on-a-string heterostructures of 1D TiO2@ZnO were fabricated. • Facile strategy of cascade hot-pressing ZIF-8 onto electrospun TiO2 was designed. • PEC detection of lactic acid was achieved with excellent selectivity and sensitivity. • Sensing mechanism was revealed by GC-MS and in situ DRIFTS studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different varieties of carbon black (CB) filled rubber materials were prepared. Transmission electron microscopy was used to explore the morphology of the fillers. It shows that the connective structure of carbon black is the main factor resulting in the thermal conductivity enhancement of rubber composites with CB fillers. The enhancement is more obvious as the filling amount increases due to the increased connectivity of the CB in rubber. Furthermore, the CB aggregates with larger number of branch chains gives higher connectivity and thermal conductivity. Accordingly, the Agari model was chosen and modified to predict the thermal conductivity of the composites. Compared with all the data, the average deviation of the predicted thermal conductivities by the modified Agari model is about 4%, which is better than other classical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles with an average size of ~ 6 nm were prepared by co-precipitation and subsequent heat treatment. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN)/ATO hybrid nanocomposite was designed by the combination of thermally synthesized g-CN and ATO nanoparticles by ultrasonication. The materials were characterized using N 2 adsorption/desorption (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A mixture of five volatile organic compounds (VOCs, chloroform, benzene, toluene, xylene and styrene) was used to compare the adsorption capacity of the samples. The adsorption capacity of ATO nanoparticles was improved by the addition of g-CN. Experimental data showed that, among the five VOCs, chloroform was the least adsorbed, regardless of the samples. The g-CN/ATO showed nearly three times greater adsorption capacity for the VOC mixture than pure ATO. The unchanged efficiency of VOC adsorption during cyclic use demonstrated the completely reversible adsorption and desorption behavior of the nanocomposite at room conditions. This economically and environmentally friendly material can be a practical solution for outdoor and indoor VOC removal. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The reaction of 4,4-dichloro-2,6-di(n -butyl)dithienogermole (DTGCl) with lithium naphthalenide yielded a dark blue solution, which was treated with methyl iodide to provide a 4,4-dimethylated product in 67% isolated yield, indicating the formation of 4,4-dilithio-2,6-di(n -butyl)dithienogermole (DTGLi). Similar treatment of the dark blue solution containing DTGLi with trimethylsilyl fluoride and water gave the corresponding 4,4-disubstituted products. When trimethylsilyl chloride was used, however, no silylated products were obtained, likely due to steric hindrance. The reaction of DTGLi with DTGCl gave poly[2,6-di(n -butyl)dithienogermole-4,4-diyl], whose UV–vis absorption spectra revealed a more extended conjugation than that of a previously prepared product from the Wurtz-type coupling of DTGCl with sodium. Reinvestigation of the electronic states of poly(dithienogermole-4,4-diyl) derivatives on the basis of crystal orbital calculations was also accomplished. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • 4,4-Dilithiated dihienogermole was prepared by treating 4,4-dichlorodithienogermole with lithium naphthalenide. • 4,4-Dilithiated dihienogermole reacted readily with electrophiles to provide substitution products. • The electronic state of poly(dithienogermole-4,4-diyl) was reinvestigated by crystal orbital calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To improve the interfacial properties of super fabrics, the effect of surface treatment on the dopamine monomer concentration was investigated. Carbon and aramid composites were manufactured with the same lamination structures using VARTM. The mechanical strength and stiffness of the fiber composite materials with polydopamine surface treatment were investigated. The surface treatment improved the mechanical properties of carbon and aramid fabric composites. The composites showed the highest tensile strength and stiffness at the dopamine and tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (TRIS) concentrations of 1.5 g/L and 40 mM, respectively. For surface treatment with 1 g/L polydopamine and 40 mM TRIS, the bending strength was the best and improved by more than 11%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Titanium doping on LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 cathode material is performed in a bid to improve its electrochemical and thermal properties at high voltage. The particle hardness is measured in order to verify the structural stability, and is found to improve from 104 to 143 MPa as a result of the Ti doping. Thus, high electrode density is obtained with less cracked particles in the electrode. Electrode density of 3.9 g cm−3 is employed in order to confirm the effect of particle hardness on the electrochemical performance. The cycle performance is evaluated at 4.5 V and high temperature of 60 °C, and the obtained capacity retention after 50 cycles is found to be significantly improved via Ti doping. The cycled electrodes show that the generation of crack inside particles are suppressed for Ti-doped LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2. The thermal stability of the charged electrode is also improved via Ti doping, because of the enhanced structural stability. On the basis of these results, Ti is considered to be a viable dopant for improving particle hardness, which is an important factor as regards improving the electrochemical and thermal properties of LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2. Highlights • Ti doped LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 was successfully synthesized via a co-precipitation method. • Particle hardness of LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 is greatly improved thorough Ti doping. • Cycle performance at high voltage and high temperature is greatly improved by Ti doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Highly luminescent all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (IPNCs) have been simply fabricated. • PMMA polymer facilitates the formation of IPNCs-based luminescent films with superior water resistance. • White light-emitting diodes can be fabricated by combining green and red IPNCs-based film with a blue LED chips. Abstract Perovskite nanocrystal with good environmental stability is one of the most urgent problems to be solved in practical applications. Herein we report a fast facile polymer-assisted synthesis of all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (denoted as IPNCs) with environmental stability. The IPNCs with tunable bandgap and photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) (52%–93%) can be fabricated within 10 s at room temperature. The Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer here not only directly acts as a ligand and reaction sites to confine the nucleation and crystal growth of IPNCs, but also facilitate the preparation of highly luminescent IPNCs-based film with superior water resistance. We also demonstrate its potential application in white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) by combining green and red IPNCs-based film with a blue LED chips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Melatonin has important immuno-regulatory effects in inflammatory disorders but its specific role in Helicobacter pylori induced gastritis remains unclear. The aim of our study was to analyze the activity of melatonin against H. pylori induced gastritis in vivo, and explore the underlying mechanisms. The H. pylori infected mice showed extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the gastric mucosa and submucosa, along with significantly reduced spleen and thymus weight. However, 2 and 6 weeks of treatment with 25 and 50 mg/kg melatonin restored the thymus weights relative to that of the untreated mice. TLR2 was upregulated in the gastric mucosa of the infected mice, which was restored to normal levels after 2 and 6 weeks of melatonin treatment. In contrast, TLR4 levels were similar between the treated and untreated mice. Furthermore, melatonin treatment restored spleen Foxp3 and serum TGF-β1 levels that were respectively increased and decreased in the infected mice. H. pylori infected mice also showed a decrease in the serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ and TFN-α following 2 and 6 weeks of melatonin treatment compared to the untreated mice. Melatonin treatment also resulted in decreased CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cell count in the spleen. The expression of TLR2, MyD88, p-ERK, p-p38, p65, p50 and Foxp3 in the gastric tissues were lower in the untreated mice compared to mice treated with melatonin for 2 weeks. However, the expression levels evened out after 6 weeks of treatment. Taken together, melatonin alleviates H. pylori induced gastritis by regulating TGF-β1 and Foxp3 expression via the TLR2 and TLR4 pathways. Highlights • (1) We showed for the first time that the activity of melatonin against H. pylori induced gastritis; • (2) Melatonin decreased H. pylori infected mice Foxp3 and cytokines expression; • (3) Melatonin exert its immunomodulatory effect via the TLR2 or TLR4 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compaction behavior of structure-modified Fe nanopowders having agglomerates of spherical shape and a bimodal particle size distribution was investigated in terms of the particle packing and microstructure during compaction process. To fabricate the structure-modified Fe nanopowders, the spray-dried Fe 2 O 3 nanopowder was hydrogen reduced at 400, 450 and 550 °C to control the degree of particle growth in agglomerates. The compaction behavior of fabricated Fe nanopowders was investigated by two different ways. In die compaction experiments, it was found that the bimodal nanopowder reduced at 550 °C showed higher green density compared to nanopowders reduced at 400 and 450 °C over the entire range of compacting pressure. Furthermore, the compact of the bimodal nanopowder achieved a remarkable green density over 80% of theoretical density (TD) at 1000 MPa pressure without any defects due to the effective packing by filling the interstices between the large nanoparticles with small nanoparticles. The obtained density-pressure data was fitted by the Panelli and Ambrozio Filho equation to compare the densification capacity between the fabricated Fe nanopowders. To investigate the agglomerate deformation occurrence at the low pressure range, a continuous compaction experiment was conducted; the observations were explained in terms of microstructural development on the basis of the apparent yield pressure obtained from continuous densification curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, highly crystalline transparent glass-ceramics possess excellent physical and chemical properties compared to organic and other inorganic optical materials. We have successfully prepared highly crystalline transparent glass-ceramics in the MgO-Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 system by "extreme-time" nucleation & "finite-time" crystallization processes using P 2 O 5 , ZrO 2 and TiO 2 as multiple nucleating agents. The results revealed that the crystallization of glass is controlled by a three-dimensional interfacial crystal growth process. These glass-ceramics mainly consisted of cordierite crystals with a residual glassy phase, and crystallinity increased with crystallization time, but light transmittance decreased with crystallization time due to enlarged grain sizes. EDS mapping revealed a uniform distribution of elements within the glass-ceramic. In the optimal preparation condition (825 °C/96 h + 990 °C/3 h), these glass-ceramics exhibited a high crystallinity (87.3 vol. %), high transmittance (78%), and excellent mechanical properties. This work provides a roadmap for preparing highly crystalline transparent glass-ceramics for applications in optical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, electronic, magnetic and elastic properties for type (1) structure of half-Heusler compounds Mn 2 Ge x As 1−x (x = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00) have been investigated within GGA and GGA + U methods. Firstly, the Mn 2 Ge 0.5 As 0.5 has a tetragonal structure, while the Mn 2 Ge 0.25 As 0.75 , Mn 2 Ge 0.75 As 0.25 and Mn 2 Ge present a cubic structure. Secondly, the four compounds are all half-metallic (HM) ferrimagnets and their total magnetic moments M t satisfy with the Slater–Pauling rule M t  = 18-Z t . Thirdly, the formation energy and cohesion energy show that they are all thermodynamic stable with GGA method, while with GGA + U method the Mn 2 Ge 0.25 As 0.75 is still thermodynamic stable but the rest three compounds are thermodynamic meta-stable. Finally, with GGA method both Mn 2 Ge 0.25 As 0.75 and Mn 2 Ge 0.5 As 0.5 are mechanical stable under pressure 0–4 GPa, while the Mn 2 Ge 0.75 As 0.25 and Mn 2 Ge lose mechanical stable when the pressure exceed 1.3 and 0.5 GPa, respectively. But with GGA + U method the four compounds are all mechanical stable under pressure 0–4 GPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estimation of measurement uncertainty (MU) in the detection of genetically modified organisms is still not a systematic and common practice. Here, the Monte Carlo method (MCM) and the Guide to Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) approach were simultaneously implemented to evaluate the MU for the relative content of the 35S promoter from cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV35S) in a mixed sample of genetically modified soybean. The two methods gave a mean estimate of the measure that was very close to the theoretical content of CaMV35S in the mixed sample (3.00%). However, the mean value of CaMV35S estimated by the MCM (2.95%) was smaller than that obtained using the GUM method (3.09%). Moreover, the MCM concluded that the standard uncertainty (2 × 10 −4 ) of CaMV35S was ∼75% smaller than the value (8 × 10 −4 ) estimated by the GUM approach. This suggests that the GUM method overestimated the uncertainty of the CaMV35S content. Additionally, the differences regarding the estimated coverage intervals between the MCM (2.91–3.00%) and GUM (2.93–3.25%) method were determined. The semi-width of the coverage interval (expanded uncertainty for 95% coverage probability) provided by the GUM method (0.16%) assuming a normal distribution was 72% greater than the value (0.045%) estimated by the MCM. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference between the two methods when their calculated uncertainties were rounded to two decimal places. This suggests that the normality assumption in the estimation of MU using the GUM approach is valid and satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is a well-known ethylene action inhibitor that has been applied to fruit after harvest to maintain fruit quality and extend storage life. Recently, the preharvest application of 1-MCP in a sprayable form has been developed and has demonstrated some beneficial effects to prolong harvest window and improve fruit quality. To gain understanding of molecular mechanisms for 1-MCP treatment, as both pre- and postharvest applications on apples, we conducted a quantitative proteomic experiment employing stable isotope labeling by peptide dimethylation on 'Honeycrisp' apples to reveal the significantly changed protein abundance in relationship to fruit quality after preharvest 1-MCP (Harvista™), postharvest 1-MCP treatments as well as their combination. We revealed the treatment affected fruit internal ethylene concentration, fruit quality indices and storage disorders incidence after 7 months of storage at 3 °C. Our quantitative proteomic study identified and quantified more than 600 proteins. Among the identified proteins, 312 proteins were found in common from all treatments, while 141 proteins abundance were changed with regards to preharvest, postharvest and the combination treatments of 1-MCP. We identified a few proteins that were only shown as result of preharvest 1-MCP treatment, while postharvest 1-MCP and in combination with preharvest treatment led to larger number proteins with reduced abundance. These results revealed and confirmed that postharvest 1-MCP and in combination with preharvest 1-MCP treatment affected ethylene biosynthesis, stress resistance, amino acid biosynthesis, antioxidant and redox system metabolisms. Potential metabolic changes resulting from 1-MCP treatment were found, and the efficacy of preharvest 1-MCP treatment was also discussed. [Display omitted] • Pre and postharvest 1-MCP treatments affect fruit quality after storage. • Pre and postharvest 1-MCP treatments affect proteomic changes after storage. • Preharvest 1-MCP treatment had no effect on ethylene biosynthesis and metabolism. • Preharvest 1-MCP treatment enhanced abundance of a few groups of proteins. • Proteomic networks in response to 1-MCP treatments is demonstrated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the CO 2 electrocatalytic reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) technology, high CO 2 conversion rate is highly required for efficient CO 2 utilization from the CO 2 resource. In this study, we propose the strategy of combining UiO-66 metal organic framework (MOF) structure with Bi electrocatalyst for highly active CO 2 RR with selective formic acid production. The synthesized Bi/UiO-66 catalyst shows superior CO 2 reduction property, 4.6 times higher current density at −0.7 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) than bare Bi without UiO-66 despite of low electrochemical surface area. Also, NH 2 functionalized UiO-66 shows almost no effect on CO 2 RR as compared to without NH 2 probably due to disassembled linkers during CO 2 RR. Various characterizations such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicate carbonate species captured form of CO 2 at Zr-MOF site should contribute the high CO 2 conversion rate. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of Zr-MOF as a Supporting material to achieve efficient CO 2 reduction. [Display omitted] • A strategy for increasing CO 2 conversion rate of electrocatalysts for CO 2 reduction was proposed with UiO-66. • Bi/UiO-66 was synthesized by simple NaBH 4 reduction method as electrocatalysts. • Current density for CO 2 reduction in 1.0 M KOH with UiO-66 shows 4.6 times higher than pristine Bi catalyst at −0.7 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. • Electrochemically active surface area for Bi/UiO-66 is even ∼2.9 times lower than pristine Bi indicating surface area is not attributed to activity improvement. • Carbonate species found in active Bi/UiO-66 samples should be significant to improve the CO 2 conversion rate by increasing available CO 2 concentration near Bi catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New pyrimidine Schiff base Fe(III) complexes, [Fe III (HL) 2 ]ClO 4 ·2CH 3 CN·2H 2 O ( 1 ), [Fe III (HL) 2 ]BF 4 ·H 2 O ( 2 ) and [Fe III (HL) 2 ]PF 6 ·CH 3 OH ( 3 ) (H 2 L = 2-(pyrimidin-2-ylhydrazonomethyl)phenol), have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetic, thermogravimetric and UV–vis spectroscopy. Structural data of complexes 1 – 3 indicate that they are all mononuclear and the coordination configuration of central Fe(III) ions is N 4 O 2 octahedron. The Fe-O and Fe-N bond distances are in the range of 1.886–1.924 Å and 2.130–2.170 Å, respectively, typical of the high-spin Fe(III) at 273 K (complex 1 ) or 293 K (complexes 2 and 3 ). Magnetic studies show that complex 1 exhibits the spin crossover behavior with a hysteretic loop of 13 K ( T 1/2 ↓ = 144 K and T 1/2 ↑ = 157 K), while complexes 2 and 3 are high spin down to 5 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the problem of asynchronous sliding mode control (SMC) is investigated for a class of uncertain Markovian jump systems (MJSs) with time-varying delays and stochastic perturbation. It is assumed that the system modes cannot be obtained synchronously by the controller, but instead there is a detector that provides estimated values of the system modes. This asynchronous phenomenon between the system modes and controller modes will be described in this work via a hidden Markov model with partly accessible mode detection probabilities. Based on a common sliding surface, an asynchronous SMC law depending on the detector mode is synthesized to ensure the mean square stability of the sliding mode dynamics and the reachability of the specified sliding surface simultaneously. Moreover, a design algorithm for obtaining the asynchronous SMC law is established. Finally, an application of the automotive electronic throttle system is provided to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed asynchronous sliding mode control approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To gain better understanding on laccase in apples and reveal its role in browning color formation during storage, laccases in apples were investigated. The full-length complementary DNAs encoding laccase genes were obtained from different tissues of apple including flowers, calyx, leaves and fruit peel of ‘Red Delicious’ and ‘Cortland’. The apple laccases were compared to those in other plant species and found to have up to 99% homology to Arabidopsis and litchi. qRT-PCR analysis revealed changes in transcript abundance of LAC genes (2, 7, 9, 12, 14, 15 and 16) during storage and in response to DPA and 1-MCP treatments. Enzyme activity of laccase protein in apple peel increased with storage in control fruit, while decreased significantly with DPA or 1-MCP. Changes in phenolic compounds in pericarp tissues decreased generally during storage, but no significant effect of DPA and 1-MCP treatments on the phenolic compounds was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-principles calculations were conducted to examine the properties of complex pyrochlore oxides, using the Y 2 B 2 O 7 pyrochlore oxides (B Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Tc, Re, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt) as a representative group. Hubbard U correction was involved in the calculations and a linear response approach was employed to determine the U values of the d -orbitals of the transition-metal elements. The application of U correction was demonstrated to notably improve prediction of structural properties (e.g., lattice parameter), electronic properties (e.g., bandgap and magnetic moment) and phonon frequencies of the pyrochlore oxides. The present study confirms the necessity of U correction in first-principles studies of pyrochlore oxides and provides essential data for future computational investigation of complex oxide systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions between several typical alloying elements (i.e., Al, Cr, Mo, Nb and Ti) and hydrogen at coherent twin boundaries (CTB) in Ni alloys were systematically studied through first-principles calculations. It was found that solute atoms generally prefer to segregate at CTBs, with the segregation tendency prescribed by the size mismatch between the solute and host Ni atom. Moreover, there exist attractive interaction between certain solute atoms, potentially promoting solute co-segregation at CTBs. Though the solute presence does not favor hydrogen accumulation, it can considerably reduce the formation energies of vacancies and vacancy-hydrogen clusters at CTBs, which, if augmented by large-scale plastic deformation, may facilitate nanovoid nucleation to promote eventual crack initiation at CTBs. The present study demonstrated the critical role of alloying in hydrogen-induced crack initiation at CTBs, providing a new perspective towards understanding HE in Ni alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

‘Ambrosia’ apple is one of the emerging apple cultivars that have been gaining popularity in North America due to its superior eating quality. An effective postharvest storage regime has been established for optimal storage and quality maintenance. Unfortunately, a postharvest physiological disorder has often been reported, which shows symptoms similar to low temperature induced soft scald in ‘Honeycrisp’. Therefore, a delayed cooling strategy prior to storage has been developed and implemented as a successful and economical method to prevent this disorder. In order to reveal the molecular mechanism of soft scald development and delayed cooling in combating this low temperature induced disorder, a quantitative proteomic investigation employing stable isotope dimethylation labeling by peptides was conducted on ‘Ambrosia’ apples from three commercial orchards in BC, Canada. Quantitative changes in protein abundance in association with disorder development and in response to delayed cooling treatment after one and three month storage were found. Among the quantified proteins, 495 and 575 proteins were commonly presented in three biological replicates after one and three month storage; respectively. Among them, the abundance of 78 and 88 proteins were found to be significantly changed in response to delayed cooling as compared with normal cold storage for one and three months, respectively. These identified proteins were functionally annotated using MAPMAN software, which identified glycolysis, lipid metabolism, amino acids (including GABA shunt), hormone response, stress and signaling, redox and glutathione metabolism as the major pathways influenced by the delayed cooling treatment. A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed groups of proteins that play a major role in response to disorder development and a negative response to delayed cooling. In addition, an ABC transporter protein F family is correlated to the delayed cooling treatment. This study demonstrates the potential mechanism of the biological effect of delayed cooling on apple fruit at the proteomic level. It also provides in-depth insight on molecular mechanisms of the delayed cooling treatment in apples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly crystallinity transparent glass-ceramics based on MgO-Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 -P 2 O 5 system have been prepared by conventional melt-quenching and “two-step” crystallization method. The crystallization kinetics, phase evolution, structure, physical and light transmittance properties of glass-ceramics were studied. The results reveal that the crystallization mechanism of this glass is believed to be three-dimensional interfacial growth. The predominant crystalline phase is Mg 2 Al 4 Si 5 O 18 in these glass-ceramics, and the content of crystalline phase becomes higher with rising of crystallization temperature and time, which the light transmittance of glass-ceramics decreases. It is observed that the main elements are uniformly distributed in glass-ceramics from EDS element distribution maps. All things considered, the optimal heat treatment schedule of parent glass is 840 °C/36 h + 1050 °C/3 h, the prepared glass-ceramics possesses high crystallinity (90.5 vol%), good light transmittance (85%) and excellent mechanical and thermal properties. These findings make this family of transparent glass-ceramics showing potential applications in solid-state optical functional material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blastocystis is one of the most common parasites inhabiting in small intestines of human and animals. Although its pathogenicity has been remaining controversial, the possibility of zoonotic transmission between human and animals was recognized. The goat was one of the most important economic animals supplying people with cashmere, meat, and dairy products. However, few studies were to investigate Blastocystis infection in goats. A total of 789 faecal specimens of goats (including 362 of dairy, 193 of meat and 234 of cashmere goats) were collected from multiple regions of Shaanxi province in northwestern China to investigate the colonization frequency and subtypes of Blastocystis , and to assess the zoonotic potential of these goats. The respective colonization frequencies of Blastocystis in dairy, meat and cashmere goats were 54.1% (196/362), 40.4% (78/193) and 78.6% (184/234). The prevalence of Blastocystis in pre-weaned (0–2-month) goats was significantly lower than that in goats of other age groups, and the highest colonization was observed in goats of 7–11-month age group. Sequence analysis of Blastocystis positive samples indicated the presence of seven subtypes in these goats, including six known subtypes (STs1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 14) and one possible novel subtype (isolate Sd26), with the subtype 10 as the predominant one. Additionally, zoonotic subtypes were found in dairy (ST1, ST3 and ST5) and cashmere (ST4 and ST5) goats, but not detected in meat goats. These results showed that Blastocystis is highly prevalent, widely distributed and genetically diverse in goats in Shaanxi province, northwestern China, and zoonotic potential of dairy and cashmere goats to transmit Blastocystis . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that the experimental data of transverse momentum ( p T ) spectra of identified hadrons released recently by ALICE collaboration for p –Pb collisions at s N N = 5.02 TeV exhibit a distinct universal behavior — the quark number scaling. We further show that the scaling is a direct consequence of quark (re-)combination mechanism of hadronization and can be regarded as a strong indication of the existence of the underlying source with constituent quark degree of freedom for the production of hadrons in p –Pb collisions at such high energies. We make also predictions for production of other hadrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blastocystis is an enteric eukaryote of mystery for its ubiquitous presence in animals and humans worldwide and a broad diversity genetically. The animals have been suggested to be an important reservoir to transmit Blastocystis to humans because of high colonization frequency and the presence of zoonotic subtypes. In the present study, the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis in pigs in Shaanxi province of China were determined using the molecular technique based on the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene fragment. Of 560 pig faecal samples collected from different geographical origins, 419 (74.8%) were positive for Blastocystis colonization. The prevalence was significant affected by the age and the geographical origin. Four subtypes, including three zoonotic (ST1, ST3 and ST5) and one animal specific (ST10) subtypes, were identified. To our knowledge, this study provides the first run-through information for colonization of Blastocystis in pigs in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a serious infectious disease mainly caused by Aspergillus fumigatus ( A. fumigatus ). Pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) are important ones in the human lung tissue. However, it remains unclear about the role of PMVECs in IPA. In the present study, we cocultured PMVECs with A. fumigatus . We observed that A. fumigatus induced dose- and time-dependent increases of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) concentration in the cultures. Significant increases in IL-6, IL-1β, E-selectin, and ICAM-1 mRNA expression were also observed in the cultures treated with A. fumigatus . While preincubation with SB203580 (10 μM) did not cause significant changes in IL-6, IL-1β and ICAM-1 concentration in the cocultures, significant IL-6, IL-1β and ICAM-1 concentration decreases were observed in the cocultures preincubated with SB203580 (20 μM). Neither SP600125 (10-20 μM) nor PD98059 (10-20 μM) caused significant changes in IL-6, IL-1β and ICAM-1 concentration in the cocultures. PCR results also showed that SB203580 (20 μM) (neither SP600125 (20 μM) nor PD98059 (20 μM)) preincubation significantly decreased IL-6, IL-1β, E-selectin and ICAM-1 mRNA expression in the cocultures. In addition, significant p38 MAPK phosphorylation increase was observed in the PMVECs cultures treated with A. fumigatus . Furthermore, silibinin pre-treatment and post-treatment were observed to significantly down-regulate mRNA and protein expression of proinflammatory factors and adhesion molecules in the cocultures. Finally, we observed that silibinin significantly inhibited A. fumigatus -induced p38 MAPK activation in PMVECs. Our results indicated that PMVECs might participate in IPA early inflammation which is mediated by p38 MAPK. Silibinin may inhibit A. fumigatus -induced inflammation in PMVECs through p38 MAPK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) process via multi-axis/multi-faceted polishing technique was developed. • MAF process was used for smooth surface polishing of artificial hip joint component. • Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets were used to provide a strong magnetic field in MAF process. • Magnetic abrasive brush is composed of iron powders, diamond abrasives and olive oil. • Ultra-smooth surface polish of artificial hip joint component can be achieved by MAF process. This paper explores a novel methodology of magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) process via a multi-axis/multi-faceted polishing technique to achieve a high surface accuracy of artificial hip joint component such as femoral head used in the field of biomedical engineering. In this process, movement actions are adapted to multiple axes on X, Y, Z, and A directions in the MAF process. Movement of eco-friendly polishing media was driven by magnetic poles on X and Y directions. These eco-friendly polishing media strongly acted against the rotational/vibrational surface of femoral head, creating a multi-faceted polishing of femoral head. Results showed that a novel methodology based on the multi-axis/multi-faceted polishing technique could achieve an ultra-fine and smooth surface polishing of femoral head within a short polishing time of 12 min without causing defects on the surface of a femoral head sample. An average surface roughness value (S a) of femoral head was successfully improved from 0.301 μm to 0.044 μm. The average improvement in percentage change in S a of femoral head as 85.38 % was achieved, resulting in the ultra-smooth surface polish on the femoral head surface. Results of this study validated the capability of a novel methodology of MAF process as an efficient and effective technique to achieve an ultra-smooth surface polish for medical components with advantages for biomaterials and biomedical engineering industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three novel complexes 1–3 were synthesized and successfully characterized. • The in vitro cytotoxicity of complexes 1–3 was evaluated against selected cell lines. • Complex 3 is a promising and multi-targeting antiproliferative agent. • Complex 3 induced BGC-823 cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. • Complex 3 interacts with DNA via partial intercalation. To develop efficient new antitumor agents, Ni(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) complexes 1 – 3 derived from 2-((2-pyrimidin-2-yl)hydrazono)methyl)quinoline (HL) were prepared and structurally characterized using IR, elemental analysis, UV-Vis, fluorescence spectrometry and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The in vitro cytotoxicity of complexes 1 – 3 against MCF-7, BGC-823, A549, BEL-7402 tumor cell lines and human normal cell line HL-7702 was evaluated using MTT assay. Complexes 1 - 3 display higher cytotoxic activity than cisplatin as well as HL against BGC-823 tumor cell line, with IC 50 values ranging from 5.57 µM to 11.20 µM, and less toxicity toward the normal cell line HL-7702. In particular, complex 3 exhibits the most prominent antiproliferative activity. Complex 3 was found to induce apoptosis of BGC-823 cells greatly in a dose-dependent manner, which was suggested by Annexin V-FITC/PI and AO/EB dual-staining assays. The DNA binding studies, which were performed using UV-Vis, fluorescence and CD spectral analyzes, revealed that complex 3 interacts with CT-DNA mainly via a partial intercalative binding mode. The molecular docking of the interaction of complex 3 with DNA is in accordance with the experimental data. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TMAZ consists of needle-like α precipitates and elongated α p within β grains. • Fine β grains in SZ contribute to the highest strength in the 3rd layer. • Cracks tend to nucleate from HAGBs and {1 1 2} 〈1 1 1〉 slip deformation of β structure. • Fatigue cracks initiate from the 2nd layer of SZ below 210 MPa. • Crack growth exhibits a higher crack growth rate in HAZ than SZ. Heterogeneities of microstructure, tensile and fatigue behavior of FSWed titanium alloy joint were in-situ studied by utilizing replica, DIC and electron back-scattered diffraction methods. Banded TMAZ consisting of needle-like α precipitates and elongated α p within DRXed β grains bridges the HAZ and SZ. Fine β grains in SZ contribute to the highest tensile strength in the 3rd layer. Fatigue cracks prefer to nucleate from HAGBs and {1 1 2} 〈1 1 1〉 slip deformation of β structure in the 2nd layer of SZ below 210 MPa and 3rd layer of HAZ otherwise. Transgranular crack propagation along the {1 1 2} planes exhibits a higher crack growth rate in HAZ than SZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Single atom Co-anchored nitrogen‑doped graphene was developed for PMS activation. • 1O 2 generation was boosted in PMS activation and dominant for pollutant degradation. • The acute toxicity of pollutants was effectively reduced in PMS activation. • Developed catalyst exhibited remarkable cycling stability and negligible leaching. Singlet oxygen (1O 2) is an excellent active species generated in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) that exhibits high selectivity, long life and wide pH tolerance. Therefore, catalysts for highly efficient and selective generation of 1O 2 in AOPs would be highly desirable. This study developed a single atom Co-anchored nitrogen‑doped graphene (Co SAC -NG), which showed excellent catalytic performance for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation and bisphenol A degradation, with the pseudofirst-order reaction rate constant improved from 8.13 × 10−4 min−1 without catalyst to 4.42 × 10−2 min−1 with 5 mg L−1 Co SAC -NG. Mechanism studies indicated that Co SAC -NG selectively enhanced 1O 2 generation, which was the dominant active specie for pollutant degradation. Moreover, the Co SAC -NG/PMS system effectively reduced the acute toxicity of pollutant, and Co SAC -NG exhibited remarkable cycling stability and negligible leaching. This study develops a new catalyst with high selectivity for 1O 2 generation and provides a reference for application of single atom catalyst in PMS-based AOPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White light-emitting diodes have been intensively explored as a technique of green energy-conversion in recent decades. In this work, a unique Tb3+/Sm3+ co-doped P 2 O 5 –Gd 2 O 3 –Ga 2 O 3 –NaF–ZnO glass consisting of Q 0, Q 1 and Q 2 units was successfully synthesized. The DSC curves demonstrated that the glass stability gradually deteriorated with the increase of Sm3+ contents. The emission spectra exhibited the energy transfer from Dy3+ to Tb3+ ions, and the energy transfer efficiency and probability grew monotonously with the increase of Sm3+ contents. With the help of temperature-dependent emission spectra, the glasses were validated to be thermally stable. The fluorescence curves and Inokuti-Hirayama model demonstrated that the dominant mechanism in the energy transfer process was electric dipole-quadrupole interaction. In addition. the white-light emission with suitable chromaticity coordinates and CCTs could be obtained by adjusting the contents of the sensitizer and activator for PGGNZ glasses. All investigations revealed the potential application of Tb3+/Sm3+ co-doped glasses in optical device applications. • A novel Tb3+/Sm3+-doped phosphate glass for white light emission has been prepared. • The glass has high thermal stability (84.1% of the initial intensity at 150 °C). • Energy transfer via dipole-dipole interaction leads to concentration quenching. • This glass has tunable CCT, fluorescence lifetimes, and chromaticity coordinates. • These glasses have potential applications in display devices and W-LED lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report a method to estimate the measurement uncertainty (MU) when testing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) using a bottom-up approach. The repeatability of the test, the linear calibration, the purity of the reference DNA, weighing, the determination of the DNA concentration, and transferring precise volumes with a liquid with pipette were considered MU sources within the real-time quantitative PCR assay of the nopaline synthase terminator. The terminator’s concentration in a mixed sample with an expanded MU was 11.25 ± 1.6%, indicating that 14.2% of the concentration gave an estimated expanded MU. The largest MU originated from pipetting errors and the smallest MU originated from the purity of the reference DNA. Compared with the other sources, the MU from the purity of the reference DNA was negligible. We recommend that the MU be determined when testing food and feed products because of the importance in providing analytical data for GMO threshold compliance decisions. In practice, estimating the MU using the bottom-up approach is suitable for the routine detection of GMOs in a sample in a single testing laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims Ventriculo-arterial coupling (VAC) reflects the interaction between ventricular performance and effective arterial load. Current criteria for cirrhotic cardiomyopathy focus only on cardiac function without addressing the effect of hyperdynamic, low-resistance circulation. We investigated alterations in VAC in cirrhotic patients and their associations with post-liver transplant all-cause mortality. Methods In this single institution cohort study, cirrhotic patients who underwent liver transplantation (LT) (n = 914) were retrospectively compared with healthy matched controls using noninvasively measured end-systolic ventricular elastance (Ees), arterial elastance (Ea), and VAC (Ea/Ees). All-cause mortality based on VAC values were investigated using a Cox hazard model with the inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) of propensity score. Results Cirrhotic patients had significantly lower Ees, Ea and VAC values than controls. Over a median of 30 months, 96 patients died after LT. In patients with a high model for end-stage liver disease score (⩾25), VAC of >0.61 (highest tertile) had poorer survival outcomes than patients with VAC of ⩽0.50 (lowest tertile) (66.0% vs. 91.8%; Log-rank p = 0.001), and was independently associated with risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.10–5.39; p = 0.028) compared with VAC of ⩽0.61 after IPTW adjustment. Conclusions In cirrhotic patients, ventricular elastance and VAC values are lower than those in controls. However, in advanced cirrhotic patients, an increase in VAC value is associated with all-cause mortality after LT, suggesting that this non-invasive estimation of ventriculo-arterial uncoupling is an additional novel prognosticator in cirrhotic cardiovascular disorders. Lay summary In cirrhotic patients, cardiac dysfunction is latent and only manifests under stressful conditions because of arterial vasodilation. In this study, based on the pressure-volume curve of cardiac function, we investigated characteristics of the ventricular-arterial coupling in cirrhotic patients and further found that disparities in the ventriculo-arterial relationship are associated with graft failure and all-cause mortality after liver transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superficial scald is a significant physiological disorder causing economic loss to the apple and pear fruit industry. Despite treatments to prevent the scald, fundamental biochemical knowledge about the injury is not completely known. To investigate the protein changes in association with scald development during storage and in response to treatments of diphenylamine and 1-MCP, two quantitative proteomic experiments employing stable isotope labeling by peptide dimethylation were conducted on two scald susceptible cultivars ‘Cortland’ and ‘Red Delicious’. Apples were untreated or treated with 2 g L −1 DPA or with/without 1 μL L −1 1-MCP, then stored at CA (3.0 kPa O 2 + 1.0 kPa CO 2 ) at 0–1 °C for up to 7 months. Among the quantified proteins, 428 proteins were common to both cultivars and 110 increased in abundance and 48 decreased during the onset of scald development. Fifty seven and 67 proteins changed significantly in abundance in response to DPA and 1-MCP treatments after 4 and 7 months storage, respectively. When combining the results from both cultivars, 14 proteins increased in abundances and 4 proteins decreased in abundance with scald development but inhibited and enhanced by both DPA and 1-MCP treatments, respectively, which were proposed to be in association with scald development of apples. Our results reveal and confirm that antioxidant and redox system, phenylpropanoid metabolism, ethylene biosynthesis, allergens, sulfur amino acids containing proteins and program cell death have direct link to the scald development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction kinetics of spherical Fe 2 O 3 nanopowder agglomerates were investigated as a preliminary study to fabricate structure optimized spherical Fe nanopowder agglomerates for processing PM parts. The apparent activation energy E a for kinetic analysis was determined from nonisothermal thermogravimetric (TG) measurement using isoconversional Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) method, and the result is discussed in terms of the phase transformation by XRD analysis and microstructural change by BET analysis. The calculated activation energy was in a reasonable range compared to the reported data for the hydrogen reduction of Fe 2 O 3 , but it showed three distinct slopes according to the conversion degree of the reaction. The phase analysis revealed that a two-step phase transformation occurred during the reduction process in the sequence of Fe 2 O 3 , Fe 3 O 4 , and Fe without an intermediate phase FeO. During the reduction process of Fe 3 O 4 to Fe, the reduction rate was retarded by sintering of oxide particles leading to an abrupt increase of activation energy. As the volume fraction of the metallic iron increased through the reduction progress, the reaction accelerated remarkably. This is believed to be attributed to the catalytic role of the reduced Fe particles facilitating reduction of the adjacent oxide particles. These results provide the primary data for understanding the microstructural development of spherical Fe nanopowder agglomerates fabricated by the hydrogen reduction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]