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• PTCO/POI-SiF presents better flame retardancy with an LOI of 31.2 %. • PTCO/POI-SiH and PTCO/POI-SiF have superhydrophobicity and great friction resistance. • UPF of PTCO/POI-SiH and PTCO/POI-SiF can reach 50+. • PTCO/POI-SiH and PTCO/POI-SiF have excellent antibacterial properties. In this study, multifunctional polyester-cotton fabrics (PTCO) were constructed by gradually assembling polyethyleneimine phenyl phosphonate (POI) and different hydrophobic agents, respectively. The effect of different hydrophobic agents including tetraethyl orthosilicate, perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFDTES), and hexadecyltrimethoxysilane on the thermal stability, flame retardancy, hydrophobic property, UV resistance and antibacterial property of PTCO/POI was investigated in detail. PTCO/POI-SiF had better flame retardancy due to the flame-retardant effect of PFDTES and POI, and the limiting oxygen index increased from 29.8 % to 31.2 %. The thermal oxidation stability of PTCO/POI-SiH and PTCO/POI-SiF was significantly improved in high temperatures, and the char residues at 700 °C were increased from 4.1 % to 7.6 % and 7.4 %. And PTCO/POI-SiH and PTCO/POI-SiF had excellent superhydrophobic properties with water contact angles of 151° and 162° and sliding angles of 4° and 3°. The ultraviolet protection factors of them were increased to 56.9 and 63.3, respectively, which had a good UV resistance. And both PTCO/POI-SiH and PTCO/POI-SiF had excellent antibacterial effects for E. coli and S. aureus. The breaking force, whiteness and moisture permeability of the finished fabrics had not been changed. Therefore, it is believed that PTCO/POI-SiH and PTCO/POI-SiF are promising for application in multifunctional fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Flame-retardant Lyocell fabrics (PAMA13–100) were prepared using maltitol-modified phytic acid. • After Pad-Dry-Curing finishing, PAMA13–100 exhibited nearly 300 % improvement in mechanical performance compared with PA-100. • The limiting oxygen index of PAMA13–100 reached 31.9 %, with a 50 % reduction in peak heat release rate. The pad-dry-curing process involves padding with finishing liquid, pre-drying, and high-temperature baking. It is widely used in the dyeing and finishing field. For the field of flame-retardant finishing of fabrics, the use of phytic acid (PA) as a raw material can be highly effective. However, the extreme acidity of PA can cause damage to cellulose-based fabrics under high-temperature conditions. The development of PAMA, a compound formed by reacting PA with maltitol, can effectively alleviate the damage of PA to fabrics at high temperatures. PAMA not only exhibits excellent flame-retardant properties by slowing down flame propagation but also helps mitigate the acidic damage to Lyocell fabrics during the pad-dry-curing process, including an increase in the limiting oxygen index (31.9 %), a reduction in peak heat release rate (55 %), and a substantial increase in breaking force retention compared with those of the sample using pure PA as a flame retardant (300 %). Overall, this research presents a promising approach to the development of environmentally friendly flame retardants for textiles, highlighting the importance of balancing effectiveness with fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea polyphenols (TP) are endowed with numerous outstanding properties due to their natural structure, and their use in the preparation of multifunctional finishing agents is a novel topic. In this paper, a multifunctional finishing agent, PAT, was prepared by using phytic acid and TP as raw materials and finished on the surface of viscose fabrics to obtain PAT-100. After measurement, the limiting oxygen index of PAT-100 achieved 32.9 %, and the peak heat release rate was reduced by 90 %. Due to the presence of polyphenolic groups, PAT exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and the UPF value was improved to 53.2. Furthermore, this system also improved the hydrophobicity of viscose fabrics, and the breaking force retention in the warp and weft directions reached 130 % and 156 %, respectively. This work presents new ideas for TP in the field of multifunctional finishing and increases the added value of viscose fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TMEM127 gene encodes a transmembrane protein of poorly known function that is mutated in pheochromocytomas, neural crest-derived tumors of adrenomedullary cells. Here, we report that, at single-nucleus resolution, TMEM127 -mutant tumors share precursor cells and transcription regulatory elements with pheochromocytomas carrying mutations of the tyrosine kinase receptor RET. Additionally, TMEM127 -mutant pheochromocytomas, human cells, and mouse knockout models of TMEM127 accumulate RET and increase its signaling. TMEM127 contributes to RET cellular positioning, trafficking, and lysosome-mediated degradation. Mechanistically, TMEM127 binds to RET and recruits the NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligase for RET ubiquitination and degradation via TMEM127 C-terminal PxxY motifs. Lastly, increased cell proliferation and tumor burden after TMEM127 loss can be reversed by selective RET inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Our results define TMEM127 as a component of the ubiquitin system and identify aberrant RET stabilization as a likely mechanism through which TMEM127 loss-of-function mutations cause pheochromocytoma. [Display omitted] • TMEM127 loss of function leads to increased RET surface expression and activation • TMEM127 recruits the NEDD4 E3 ligase to RET and promotes its ubiquitination • NEDD4-mediated RET ubiquitination involves the TMEM127 C terminus • Oncogenesis due to TMEM127 deficiency is responsive to RET inhibition Guo et al. report that TMEM127 deficiency leads to pheochromocytoma by reducing NEDD4-mediated RET ubiquitination, positioning, and degradation and that the resulting cell proliferation is responsive to RET selective inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was to identify the biomarkers for the malignancy and poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. The protein expression of p38MAPK family isoform p38α (p38α) and activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) was measured in 120 ovarian serous adenocarcinomas and 34 normal fallopian tubes using immunohistochemistry. Stable OV-90 cells expressing p38α and ATF2 inhibitor were established using shRNA lentivirus. Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were analyzed in vitro . Tumor growth and chemosensitivity were investigated in xenograft tumor models. The percentage of positive p38α and ATF2 expression was significantly higher in ovarian serous adenocarcinomas than that in normal fallopian tubes. Positive p38α and ATF2 expression were significantly associated with high clinical stage (III/IV), lymph node metastasis, and shorter overall survival. Silencing of p38α and ATF2 gene expression in OV-90 cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro . OV-90 cells with p38α and ATF2 gene being silenced grew significantly slow and were significantly sensitive to the chemotherapy compared to cells with high p38α and ATF2 expression. p38α and ATF2 expression play a crucial role in the malignant phenotypes of ovarian tumor cells and are a marker for the poor prognosis of patients with ovarian serous adenocarcinomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Thirteen 2-(N -(3-nitrophenyl)- N -phenylsulfonyl)aminoacetohydroxamic acids which were reported for the first time were designed and synthesized as novel urease inhibitors. Most of them showed higher potency than the positive control acetohydroxamic acid, with 2-(N -(3-nitrophenyl)- N -(4-bromophenylsulfonyl)aminoacetohydroxamic acid (d7) being the most active (IC 50 = 0.13 ± 0.01 μM). Compound d7 reversibly inhibits urease with mixed mechanism showing excellent binding affinity to urease active site (K D = 0.34 nM, K i =0.065 ± 0.003 µM and K i ′ = 1.20 ± 0.09 µM) and very low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells (cell viability of 91.4 % against HepG2 at 250 μg/mL). These positive results indicated that d7 may be used as the lead for further research to develop urease inhibitors with promising properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An iron alginate coating was successfully prepared and deposited onto PET fabrics by dip-coating technology. • PET/iron alginate-2 presents better flame retardancy with self-extinguishing and anti-dripping behavior, and the limiting oxygen index reaches 29.0%. • PHRR of PET/iron alginate-2 fabrics is reduced by 70%. • PET/iron alginate-2 exhibits excellent mechanical properties. Polyester (PET) fabrics are widely used in our daily life, but they burn and drip quickly when they encounter flames, and the dripping can cause secondary damage to human bodies. In this study, flame-retardant finishing of PET fabrics was performed by preparing alginate coatings modified with Fe3+. A simple dip-coating technique was used and sodium alginate solution was employed to submerge PET fabrics, after that the coatings were complexed with Fe3+ to endow the flame retardancy of PET fabrics. The micromorphology, mechanical properties, thermal stability, flame retardancy, and burning behaviors of the coated PET fabrics were analyzed. Coated PET fabrics had a limiting oxygen index value of 29%. The vertical flame test illustrated that PET/Iron alginate-2 exhibited excellent self-extinguishing behaviors, no drips appeared. The peak heat release rate of PET/Iron alginate-2 was reduced by 70.3%. In the warp directions, compared with the control, the tensile strength of coated PET textiles increased dramatically. In a word, it is a green method to improve the flame retardancy and anti-dripping of PET fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Central Guizhou Province is the intake area for the Central Guizhou Province water diversion project (CGPWDP), a massive-scale interbasin project for transferring water from the Pingzhai Reservoir to irrigated areas and cities within the region. Severe water shortages are an ongoing feature in the region, with high demand for adequate potable water, and water for ecological sustainability and economic activities. In order to balance water allocation among sub-areas and users, a rule-based water resource allocation model was developed in this region. Based on documented annual water usage and supply, we adjusted the model parameters to reflect the actual performance of the water resource system accurately. Several water resource allocation schemes were proposed based on various contexts during planning years. The suggested water resource allocation schemes could ease water supply conflicts in suburban areas, and highlight the necessity of the CGPWDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, intensive human activity, particularly dam construction, has resulted in altered runoff in the Sanchahe River region. In this study, the changes in runoff and flood regime were analyzed using Mann–Kendall trend analysis and linear regression analysis. The annual runoff coefficient (ARC) was selected as the primary index to verify the relationship between reservoirs and change in annual runoff at the outlets of upstream Sanchahe River Basin (Yangchang hydrologic station) and the entire basin (Yachihe hydrologic station). The results indicate that the construction of dams and the subsequent development of reservoirs have significantly influenced stream flow process in the Sanchahe River Basin. As reservoirs in the upstream part of the basin are small in both number and storage capacity, the annual runoff depth decreased only slightly from 1963 to 2012, and this trend was not significant at the 95% confidence level. Trend analyses on ARCs demonstrate that the consumption of water during reservoir construction is likely the cause of decreased runoff depth. In contrast, the annual runoff depth of the entire basin decreased significantly (∼4.01 mm/y). The basin-wide flood regime has been influenced by reservoir construction in the entire Sanchahe River Basin. The annual maximum peak flow (AMPF), annual maximum 3-day flood volume (AM3FV), and annual maximum 7-day flood volume (AM7FV) all decreased significantly at Yachihe station, especially after the construction of the Puding and Yinzidu Reservoir dams. Large floods seldom occurred after the 1990s, and since 2000, no flood cases with a recurrence period of more than 10 years have occurred at the basin outlet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of a single phosphorus doping on the electronic and magnetic properties of the silicene nanoribbons (SiNRs) with both armchair edge (ASiNRs) and zigzag edge (ZSiNRs) have been studied using the first-principles projector-augmented wave potential within the density function theory framework. We analyze the formation energies, electronic band structures, charge densities and magnetic properties of the two edge shaped SiNRs with doping sites ranging from edge to center. We found that phosphorus atom preferentially substitutes at the edges of both ASiNRs and ZSiNRs. Although the pristine ASiNRs and ZSiNRs are non-magnetic semiconductor, the ASiNRs with P doping at edge site change into ferromagnetic (FM) semiconductor due to the spin splitting induced by the impurity, while the ASiNRs with P doping in inner sites change into non-magnetic metal because of the appearance of a half-filled impurity band across the Fermi level. When a P atom is doped in ZSiNRs, an antiferromagnetic (AFM) to FM transition is happened due to spin suppression at doped edge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To provide an overview of the incidence, bacteriologic characteristics, and antimicrobial resistance in acute prostatitis after transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy. Materials and Methods We reviewed the medical records of 9568 patients who underwent TRUS-guided biopsy between March 1995 and May 2013. These patients received oral quinolone and/or cephalosporin and intramuscular aminoglycoside as antibiotic prophylaxis. In patients with acute prostatitis, blood and urine cultures were obtained on hospital admission. The incidences of acute prostatitis and antimicrobial resistance were examined according to time period. Results A total of 11,345 cases of TRUS-guided biopsy were performed for 9568 patients. Acute prostatitis developed in 103 patients (0.91%). In 63 patients, the causative organism was isolated from blood and/or urine culture. The most frequent etiologic organism was Escherichia coli , which was present in 47 of 49 patients (95.9%) in blood and from 39 of 41 patients (95.1%) in urine. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E coli were detected continuously since 2008 and found in 10 patients (21.3%) in blood and 8 patients (20.5%) in urine. Forty-four patients (93.6%) in blood and 36 patients (92.3%) in urine of the positive cultures and all cases with ESBL-producing E coli infection showed resistance to quinolone. ESBL-producing E coli were susceptible to imipenem, amikacin, and cefoxitin. Conclusion In the treatment of acute prostatitis after TRUS-guided biopsy, quinolone is not an effective antimicrobial of choice. We should take into account antimicrobial-resistant patterns because of the high prevalence of quinolone resistance and emergence of an ESBL-producing strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors are expressed in platelet membranes and are involved in ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Genetic polymorphisms of P2Y1 and P2Y12 play a major role in the variation of ADP-induced platelet aggregation and in response in antiplatelet therapy. Objective: To evaluate the allele frequencies of P2Y1 and P2Y12 genetic polymorphisms in a Korean population and to assess their role in ADP (5μmol/L)-induced maximal platelet aggregation. Methods: P2Y1 (c.1622A>G) and P2Y12 (i-139C>T, i-744T>C, i-ins801, c.52G>T, c.34C>T) polymorphisms were analyzed in 158 Korean healthy participants using pyrosequencing methods. Their ADP-induced maximal platelet aggregation was assessed by the turbidometric method. Results: The observed allele frequencies of P2Y1 and P2Y12 were as follows: 0.3101 for P2Y1 c.1622A>G; 0.1804 for P2Y12 i-139C>T, 0.1804 for i-744T>C, 0.1804 for i-801insA, 0.1266 for P2Y12 c.52G>T, and 0.2658 for P2Y12 c.34C>T. ADP-induced maximal platelet aggregation was not influenced by the P2Y1 c.1622A>G polymorphism and was also not affected by three intronic P2Y12 polymorphisms and the P2Y12 c.34C>T polymorphism. However, the P2Y12 c.52G>T polymorphism caused a substantial difference in ADP-induced maximal platelet aggregation (62.75% for c.52GG, 66.27% for c.52GT, and 80.60% for c.52TT; P=0.0092). Conclusions: The P2Y1 and P2Y12 genes were very polymorphic in a Korean population. Three intronic P2Y12 polymorphisms (i-139C>T, i-744T>C, i-801insA) were in complete linkage disequilibrium but not with the c.52C>T polymorphism in this population. Maximal platelet aggregation in response to ADP is associated with the c.52C>T polymorphism but not with the three intronic polymorphisms or the P2Y1 c.1622A>T polymorphism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: A key feature in Huntington disease (HD) is the accumulation of mutant Huntingtin (HTT) protein, which may be regulated by posttranslational modifications. Here, we define the primary sites of SUMO modification in the amino-terminal domain of HTT, show modification downstream of this domain, and demonstrate that HTT is modified by the stress-inducible SUMO-2. A systematic study of E3 SUMO ligases demonstrates that PIAS1 is an E3 SUMO ligase for both HTT SUMO-1 and SUMO-2 modification and that reduction of dPIAS in a mutant HTT Drosophila model is protective. SUMO-2 modification regulates accumulation of insoluble HTT in HeLa cells in a manner that mimics proteasome inhibition and can be modulated by overexpression and acute knockdown of PIAS1. Finally, the accumulation of SUMO-2-modified proteins in the insoluble fraction of HD postmortem striata implicates SUMO-2 modification in the age-related pathogenic accumulation of mutant HTT and other cellular proteins that occurs during HD progression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Corel Geological Drafting Kit (CGDK), a program written in VBA, has been designed to assist geologists and geochemists with their drafting work. It obtains geological data from a running Excel application directly, and uses the data to plot geochemical diagrams and to construct stratigraphic columns. The software also contains functions for creating stereographic projections and rose diagrams, which can be used for spatial analysis, on a calibrated geological map. The user-friendly program has been tested to work with CorelDRAW 13–14–15 and Excel 2003–2007. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As a kind of plant fiber, ramie fibers (RFs) are widely used in fiber reinforced resin matrix composites, however, both of RFs and resin matrix are flammable. Enhancing the flame retardancy of ramie fiber reinforced epoxy composites is important. In this study, a highly efficient flame retardant, PBXY, was synthesized from phytic acid, boric acid, and xylitol to improve the flame retardancy of ramie fibers, and flame-retardant ramie fiber reinforced epoxy composites (EP/RF-PBXYs) with different weight gain were prepared by coating PBXY on the surface of ramie fibers. The effects of different weight gain of PBXY on the thermal stability, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties of EP/RF-PBXYs were investigated. Compared with that of EP/RF, the limiting oxygen index value of EP/RF-PBXY2 was increased from 23.0 % to 31.4 % and a UL-94 V-0 rating was obtained, the total heat release and total smoke production were reduced by 33.2 % and 31.0 %. However, the presence of PBXY had a negative effect on the mechanical properties of EP/RF when the weight gain of PBXY was more than 10 wt% (related to RFs). This study offers a promising avenue to improve the flame-retardant resistance of EP/RF. • The LOI value of EP/RF-PBXY2 can reach 31.4 % and a UL-94 V-0 rating can be received. • PBXY can enhance the thermal stability of EP/RF PBXYs in higher temperatures. • The THR and TSP values of EP/RF-PBXY2 were decreased by 34.4 % and 35.1 % compared with those of EP/RF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shikonin is a natural naphthoquinone derivative that specifically occurs in boraginaceous plants, and the major active ingredient of the medicinal plant Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Previously, a cytochrome P450 oxygenase (CYP) CYP76B74 catalyzing 3″-hydroxylation of geranylhydroquinone (GHQ) — a key intermediate of shikonin biosynthesis, was identified from cultured cells of Arnebia euchroma. However, the enzymes catalyzing oxidation of the geranyl side-chain of GHQ from L. erythrorhizon remain unknown. In this study, we performed transcriptome analysis of different tissues (red roots and green leaves/stems) from L. erythrorhizon using RNA sequencing technology. Highly expressed CYP genes found in the roots were then heterologously expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and functionally screened with GHQ as the substrate. As the result, two CYPs of CYP76B subfamily catalyzing the oxidation of GHQ were characterized. CYP76B100 catalyzed the hydroxylation of the geranyl side-chain of GHQ at the C-3″ position to form 3″-hydroxyl geranylhydroquinone (GHQ-3″-OH). The enzyme CYP76B101 carried out oxidation reaction of GHQ at the C-3″ position to produce a 3″-carboxylic acid derivative of GHQ (GHQ-3″-COOH) as well as GHQ-3″-OH. This enzyme-catalyzed oxidation reaction with GHQ as the substrate is reported for the first time. This study implicates CYP76B100 and CYP76B101 as having a potential role in shikonin biosynthesis in L. erythrorhizon. CYP76B100 and CYP76B101 catalyzed the oxidation of geranylhydroquinone at the C-3″ position, which implicates their potential roles in shikonin biosynthesis of Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Image 1 • Two CYPs from Lithospermum erythrorhizon were identified by heterologous expression in yeast and enzymatic assays. • CYP76B100 catalyzed the 3″-hydroxylation of geranylhydroquinone. • CYP76B101 carried out three-step oxidation of geranylhydroquinone at the C-3″ position. • This study implicates CYP76B100 and CYP76B101 as having a potential role in shikonin biosynthesis of L. erythrorhizon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The lineage-specific transmission and migration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in China were revealed. • Lineage 2 is the most prevalent lineage, comprising the major sublineage 2.2.1. • L2.2.1 is highly transmissible and displays frequent cross-regional spread. • Developed regions with high internal migration levels promote tuberculosis transmission. This study aimed to describe the lineage-specific transmissibility and epidemiological migration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in China. We curated a large set of whole-genome sequences from 3204 M. tuberculosis isolates, including thousands of newly sequenced genomes, and applied a series of metrics to compare the transmissibility of M. tuberculosis strains between lineages and sublineages. The countrywide transmission patterns of major lineages were explored. We found that lineage 2 (L2) was the most prevalent lineage in China (85.7%), with the major sublineage 2.2.1 (80.9%), followed by lineage 4 (L4) (13.8%), which comprises major sublineages 4.2 (1.5%), 4.4 (6.2%) and 4.5 (5.8%). We showed evidence for frequent cross-regional spread and large cluster formation of L2.2.1 strains, whereas L4 strains were relatively geographically restricted in China. Next, we applied a series of genomic indices to evaluate M. tuberculosis strain transmissibility and uncovered higher transmissibility of L2.2.1 compared with the L2.2.2 and L4 sublineages. Phylogeographic analysis showed that southern, eastern, and northern China were highly connected regions for countrywide L2.2.1 strain spread. The present study provides insights into the different transmission and migration patterns of the major M. tuberculosis lineages in China and highlights that transmissible L2.2.1 is a threat to tuberculosis control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible polyurethane foams (FPUFs) have high flammability accompanying with massive heat release and toxic smokes containing -NCO groups and HCN release, resulting in causing serious pollution and threatening human lives. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the toxic products release while endowing FPUFs with flame retardancy. In this work, phosphorylated chitosan (PSPLCS) was prepared through an eco-friendly, cost-effective and simple process, and paired with ZnO to form the films which acted well with excellent flame retardancy, smoke suppression and antibacterial properties on FPUFs. FPUF-PSPLCS/Zn 3 self-extinguished and reached up to the UL-94 V-0 rating, the PHRR value decreased by 59%, and the char residues at 700 °C significantly enhanced. By investigating the released products during the thermal degradation and the structure of char residues, the flame-retardant mechanism was concluded that the decreased production of flammable and toxic gases resulted in burning asphyxiation, and denser char layers established exceptional heat and O 2 barriers. Furthermore, FPUF-PSPLCS/Zn 3 exhibited 99.99% antibacterial rates on both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Fortunately, the coatings had barely affected the mechanical properties. The flame-retardant and antibacterial FPUFs have been successfully prepared, and this work proposes a new and easy tread for the construction of multi-functional coatings. • Multi-functional FPUFs are prepared using chitosan and ZnO particles through simple and green processes. • FPUF-PSPLCS/Zn 3 presents a dense and stable char layer and achieves a 59% reduction in heat release rate. • The toxic gases/smoke release during the thermal degradation of FPUFs has been reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel and eco-friendly intumescent flame-retardant system based on sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was established for wide-used flexible polyurethane foams (FPUFs). FPUF-(APP 6 CMC 1)GN 1 with extremely uniform coatings extinguished and reached the UL-94 V-0 rating, and presented an improvement of thermal insulation properties. Moreover, there was a 58 % reduction in peak heat release rate for FPUF-(APP 6 CMC 1)GN 1 compared with that of FPUF, and the microstructure analysis of char residues indicated that a perfect intumescent char layer had formed on the surface of FPUFs. Especially, CMC and GN enhanced the compactness and stability of char layers. Therefore, little volatile production was generated under the protection of physical layers in the high temperature as evaluated during the thermal degradation processes. Meanwhile, the flame-retardant FPUFs remained the ideal mechanical properties and obtained excellent antibacterial properties, and the antibacterial rates of E.coli and S.aureus were 99.9 % (FPUF-(APP 6 CMC 1)GN 1). This work provides an eco-friendlier strategy for the design of multi-function FPUFs. • Eco-friendly CMC participants in intumescent flame-retardant system; • FPUF-(APP 6 CMC 1)GN 1 obtains 58 % decrease of HRR and shows typical IFR char layers; • The mechanical properties of FPUFs are remained and the antibacterial property of FPUFs is enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The currently high price of gold wire has led to the development of bonding wire made from palladium-coated-copper as a lower cost alternative. Increasing the uniformity of the Pd distribution in free-air balls, formed by melting the wire end with an electric spark, is of interest as it can influence the uniformity of process and reliability. To study this Pd distribution, free-air balls are made using four distinct electrical flame-off (spark) processes with short and long spark times from wire bonders with fixed and movable electrodes. Elemental analysis of the free-air ball surfaces reveal a higher Pd concentration on the movable electrode free-air balls than on the fixed electrode free-air balls. Elemental analysis of cross-sections show that the Pd distribution in free-air balls made with a fixed electrode has Pd trails flowing from the neck into the Cu ball center. Furthermore, micro- and nano-voids are observed to follow the Pd trails. In contrast, free-air balls made with a movable electrode exhibit less severe voiding and retain a uniform, thin Pd layer along the surface up to the tip of the free-air ball (shorter spark time). This can help to increase process consistency and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratories use different strategies to sample and extract atmospheric particulate matter (PM), some of which can be very complicated. Due to the absence of a standard protocol, it is difficult to compare the results of PM toxicity assessment across different laboratories. Here, we proposed a novel PM sampling and cell exposure strategy based on agar membrane. The agar membrane, prepared by a simple freeze-drying method, has a relatively flat surface and porous interior. We demonstrated that the agar membrane was a reliable substitute material for PM sampling. Then the PM on the agar membranes was directly extracted with the culture medium by vortex method, and the PM on the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filters was extracted with water by the traditional ultrasonic method for comparison. The extraction efficiency was evaluated and in vitro cytotoxicity assays were carried out to investigate the toxic effects of PM extracted with two strategies on macrophage cells. The results showed that the PM extracted from agar membranes induced higher cytotoxicity and more differentially expressed proteins. Overall, the novel PM sampling-cell exposure strategy based on the agar membrane is easy to operate, biocompatible and comparable, and has low disturbance, could be an alternative sampling and extraction method for PM toxicity assessment. [Display omitted] • A PM sampling and cell exposure strategy based on agar membrane was developed. • The agar membrane had good consistency with the PTFE filter in PM sampling. • Application of the agar membranes improved the extraction efficiency of PM. • The novel strategy was biocompatible and comparable, and had low disturbance. • Proteomic study was carried to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inclusion of supersymmetric threshold corrections to the b-quark mass has dramatic consequences in scenarios with large CP-mixing effects in the Higgs sector. In particular, when the phase of the combination M&gtilde;μ is ∼180°±30°, the lightest sbottom squark becomes tachyonic and, possibly, the b-quark Yukawa coupling nonperturbative for values of tanβ ranging from intermediate up to large or very large, depending on the size of arg(Atμ), arg(Abμ), and the details of the spectrum. For these scenarios, when allowed, as well as scenarios with different values of arg(M&gtilde;μ), the cross sections for the production of the three neutral Higgs bosons through b-quark fusion have interesting dependences on arg(Atμ) and arg(Abμ), and the deviations induced by the mb corrections are rather large. In general, such production channel cannot be neglected with respect to the production through gluon fusion. For large CP-mixing effects, the lightest neutral Higgs boson can be mainly CP odd and the b-quark fusion becomes its main production mechanism. Searches at the Tevatron and the LHC can easily detect such a Higgs boson, or constrain the CP-violating scenarios that allow it. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dynamical quasi-localization of matter fields in extra dimension is an elegant mechanism to generate hierarchical 4-dimensional Yukawa couplings. We point out that a bulk matter field whose zero mode is quasi-localized can give a large Kaluza–Klein threshold correction to low energy gauge couplings, which is generically of the order of ln(Yukawa)/8π2, so it can significantly affect gauge coupling unification. We compute such threshold corrections in generic 5-dimensional theories compactified on S1/Z2×Z2, and apply the result to grand unified theories on orbifold generating small Yukawa couplings through quasi-localization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, the differences in macrostructure and microstructure, rheology, and storage stability of pre-emulsified safflower oil (PSO) prepared by natural and magnetic field modified soy 11S globulin were analysised. It was concluded that the PSO with magnetic field modified soy 11S globulin (MPSO) has better emulsifying activity and physical stability. The changes in gel quality, oxidational sensitivity, rheological, and sensory properties of pork batters with different substitute ratios (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of pork back-fat by MPSO with magnetic field modified soy 11S globulin were studied. Compared to the sample without MPSO, pork batter with MPSO showed higher emulsion stability, apparent viscosity, L ⁎ value, springiness, cohesiveness, and expressible moisture, while lower a ⁎ value and cooking loss. Moreover, added MPSO could be more uniformly distributed into the meat matrix with smaller holes. With the increase in the replacement proportion of pork back-fat, the hardness, water- and fat-holding capacity, and P 21 of pork batter significantly decreased (P < 0.05). As revealed by sensory evaluation and TBARS, using MPSO to substitute for pork back-fat decreased the lipid oxidational sensitivity of pork batter, and without negative effects on the appearance, juiciness and overall acceptability. Overall, it is feasible to apply MPSO as a pork-fat replacer to produce reduced-animal fat pork batter with excellent gel and sensory properties. [Display omitted] • Adding pre-emulsified safflower oil (PSO) improved technical and sensory properties. • Adding PSO formed more uniform dispersion with massive smaller size droplets. • PSO increased the apparent viscosity and lowered TBARS of the raw pork batter. • It is feasible to apply PSO as fat replacer to produce batter with good quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monolayer graphene was grown on copper foils and then transferred on planar silicon substrates and on top of silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays to form single- to quadruple-layer graphene films. The morphology, structure, and electron field emission (FE) of these graphene films were investigated. The graphene films on the planar silicon substrates were continuous. The single- to triple-layer graphene films on the SiNW arrays were discontinuous and while the quadruple-layer graphene film featured a mostly continuous area. The Raman spectra of the graphene films on the SiNW arrays showed G and G ʹ bands with a singular-Lorentzian shape together with a weak D band. The D band intensity decreased as the number of graphene layers increased. The FE efficiency of the graphene films on the planar silicon substrates and the SiNW arrays varied with the number of graphene layers. The turn-on field for the single- to quadruple-layer graphene films on planar silicon substrates were 4.3, 3.7, 3.5 and 3.4 V/μm, respectively. The turn-on field for the single- to quadruple-layer graphene films on SiNW arrays decreased to 3.9, 3.3, 3.0 and 3.3 V/μm, respectively. Correlation of the FE with structure and morphology of the graphene films is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An length-scaled NORD flash had been fabricated with a bit size of 0.064 µm2. • The SG-channel was scaled down to sub-60 nm with a gate oxide of 115 Å. • A dual-pocket scheme and a novel cell structure were proposed to optimize the scaled cell. • The reading biases were optimized and discussed to enlarge the window of I R10 -I R01. • The reliability characteristics and disturb effects were also illustrated and discussed for this scaled cell. An aggressively scaled triple self-aligned split-gate floating-gate (FG) NOR-type Dual-bit/cell (NORD) flash cell was studied and fabricated at 55-nm node technology. Both FG- and selected-gate (SG-) length, for the first time, were scaled down to sub-80 nm and sub-60 nm in NORD flash, respectively. In this paper, performance of aggressively scaled cells were demonstrated by measurements. Firstly, the cell's characteristics were presented by discussing FG- and SG-transistor's drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) effects and SG-FG coupling effect. It was experimentally revealed that excellent immunity of DIBL effect was still obtained in this highly scaled SG-transistor due to the fully isolated SG-channel. Then, optimization from process for FG-transistor had been discussed. It was shown that the properties of subthreshold region of FG-transistor has been improved by introducing dual pocket implants for the half-isolated FG-channel. Thirdly, reading biases were also studied to expand the window of read currents. A novel cell structure was also proposed to further improve the aggressively length-scaled NORD flash cell without sacrificing bit-area. Finally, the reliability characteristics were also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction In functional mitral regurgitation (FMR), effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) displays a dynamic pattern. The impact of dynamic changes of annulus dysfunction and leaflets tenting on phasic EROA was explored with real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D-TEE). Methods RT3D-TEE was performed in 52 FMR patients and 30 controls. Mitral annulus dimensions and leaflets tenting were measured throughout systole (TomTec, Germany). Phasic EROA was measured by proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method. Results Mitral annulus had the minimal area and an oval shape with saddle configuration during early systole in controls, which enlarged and became round and flattened towards mid and late systole (P < 0.05). In contrast, annulus in FMR was significantly larger, rounder and flatter (P < 0.001), which further dilated and became more flattened at late systole (P < 0.05 vs control). Leaflet tenting height in FMR decreased in mid systole and remains unchanged towards late systole. The leaflet tenting volume peaked at early and late systole with a mid-systolic trough in both FMR and controls. But tenting volume of patients with FMR was significantly larger than that of controls (all P < 0.001 vs control in whole systole). Further analysis demonstrated that early tenting volume (β value = 0.053, P < 0.05) was a predictor of early EROA, whereas late tenting volume (β value = 0.031, P < 0.05) and late annular displacement velocity were predictors of late EROA. Conclusions The early and late peak EROAs of FMR was primarily contributed by tenting volume at early systole and late systole respectively. These findings would be of value to consider in interventions aimed at reducing the severity of FMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]