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Autophagy is essential for eliminating aging and organelle damage that maintaining cellular homeostasis. However, the dysfunction of autophagy has been proven in hair loss such as AGA. Despite the crucial role of TRPML channels in regulating autophagy, their specific function in hair growth remains unclarified. To investigate the biological functions and associated molecular mechanisms of TRPMLs in hair growth, Animal experiments were conducted to confirm the function of TRLMLs activation in promoting hair growth. Subsequently, we analyzed molecular mechanisms in human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) activated by TRPMLs through transcriptome sequencing analysis. MLSA1(a TRPML agonist) promoted hair regeneration and accelerated hair cycle transition in mice. The activation of TRPMLs upregulated calcium signaling inducing hDPCs to secrete hair growth promoting factors and decrease hair growth inhibiting factors. In addition, activation of TRPMLs triggered autophagy and reduced the generation of ROS, thereby delaying the senescence of hDPCs. All these findings suggested that TRPMLs activation could promote hair growth by regulating hDPCs secretion of hair growth-related factors. Moreover, it may play a prominent role in preventing hDPCs from ROS damage induced by H 2 O 2 or DHT. Targeting TRPMLs may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for treating hair loss. • TRPMLs promotes hair regeneration and transition of hair cycle from telogen to anagen. • Differential expressions of TRPMLs in hair cycle reveals its importance in hair biology. • TRPMLs upregulated hair growth-related genes expression in dermal papilla cells. • Autophagy induced by TRPMLs could be involved in delaying cell stress and aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piperine (PIP) has been known for its pharmacological activities with low water solubility and poor dissolution, which limits its nutritional application. The purpose of this research was to enhance PIP stability, dispersibility and biological activity by preparing PIP nanoparticles using the wet-media milling approach combined with nanosuspension solidification methods of spray/freeze drying. Octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)-modified waxy maize starch was applied as the stabilizer to suppress aggregation of PIP nanoparticles. The particle size, redispersibility, storage stability and in vitro release behavior of PIP nanoparticles were measured. The regulating effect on adipocyte differentiation was evaluated using 3T3-L1 cell model. Results showed that PIP nanoparticles had a reduced particle size of 60 ± 1 nm, increased release rate in the simulated gastric (SGF) and intestinal fluids (SIF) and enhanced inhibition effect on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells compared with free PIP, indicating that PIP-loaded nanoparticles with improved stability and anti-adipogenic property were developed successfully by combining wet-media milling and drying methods. [Display omitted] • The PIP nanoparticles were prepared by media milling combined with drying processes. • OSA-modified starch was added as a stabilizer to prevent the aggregation of PIP nanoparticles. • Stability, redispersibility and release of PIP nanoparticles were improved. • PIP nanoparticles exhibited enhanced anti-adipogenic activity in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induced resistance is considered as a sustainable strategy to control postharvest decay of fruits, while light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a green physical technology are of more and more interest in postharvest fruit preservation field. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the resistance inducing ability of LED irradiation with different light wavelengths and photoperiods for cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. 'Qianxi'). Results indicated the exposure to 40 W m-2 of four light wavelengths for 3 d decreased B. cinerea lesion diameter on harvested cherry tomatoes, notably the best effect in blue light (470 nm). Meanwhile, the mechanism of blue light-induced disease resistance is the enhancement of defense-enzyme activity and the expression of defense-related genes. Moreover, results revealed that blue light enhanced vitamin C content and the firmness of the fruit exocarp, suggesting the potential usage of blue light in the postharvest preservation of cherry tomatoes. • LEDs of different wavelengths in inducing disease resistance of fruits were studied. • The best results were obtained by blue light continuously at 40 W m-2 for 3 d. • Blue light enhanced the activities of defense enzymes and antioxidant enzymes. • Blue light maintained soluble solids, vitamin C content and peel hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft magnetic composites (SMCs) are essential materials for electronic devices due to their high saturation magnetization. However, traditional SMCs fabricated by cold-pressing method possess low strength and insufficiently reliable insulation, which restricts their further application. In this study, liquid-phase sintering technique is introduced and optimized to fabricate FeSiCr/MoO 3 SMCs. During sintering, ammonium molybdate (AMT) decomposes to form liquid-phase MoO 3 , which helps to achieve insulation and promote the formation of a transition layer on the surface of FeSiCr. The most optimum sample (the 400 MPa/800 °C /6 wt% sample) is obtained with crushing strength of 329.8 MPa, real part permeability of 29.7 (1 MHz), cut-off frequency of 116 MHz, high saturation magnetization of 177.3 emu/g and power loss of 1224.4 kW/m3 (10 MHz, 5 mT). This study indicates that liquid-phase sintering may be a reliable means for developing novel SMCs. • Liquid-phase sintering method is introduced to fabricate high strength soft magnetic composites capable of operating at high frequency. • The microstructure of inter-particle phase and transition layer formed during the liquid-phase sintering process is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunochromatographic test strip (ICTS) has become one of the most widely used rapid diagnostics platforms for the point-of-care testing of various contaminant residues in food. However, traditional gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based ICTSs suffer limited sensitivity ranged from ng/mL to μg/mL, thus severely hindering them from meeting the increasing demand for trace target detection. The use of novel nanomaterials with high signal strength to replace AuNPs as signal probes is considered as the most effective strategy to enhance the sensitivity of ICTS nanosensor. Among them, highly luminescent nanomaterials have attracted increasing interest in improving the detection performance of ICTS due to its advantages of visualization, quantitation, multiplexing, anti-jamming capability, and high sensitivity. Currently available nanomaterials include dye-based fluorescent nanomaterials, semiconductor quantum dots and its nanobeads, up-conversion nanoparticles, time-resolved fluorescence nanomaterials, aggregation-induced emission nanomaterials, noble metal nanoclusters, and magnetic fluorescent nanomaterials, and they have been successfully applied for detecting various hazardous substances, including pesticide and veterinary drug residues, food additives, mycotoxins, heavy metal ions, allergens, and microorganisms. In this review, thus we comprehensively summarize the application potentials and critical roles of such nanomaterials as signal reporters in current ICTS systems to ensure food safety. A detailed classification of signal probes with emphasis on the inherent advantage, synthesis, signal amplification strategy, and further improvement of each luminescent nanomaterial was discussed and the state-of-the-art of commercial fluorescent ICTS kits and readers for food safety was summarized. Further improvement should focus on the design and development of high-quality luminescent nanomaterials, ultra-sensitive detection, multiplexing and multimode sensing, accurate quantification, and intelligent signal reading. [Display omitted] • Immunochromatographic test strip (ICTS) has played crucial roles in rapid detection of food safety. • The coupling of fluorescent signal transduction with ICTS technology favors improved sensitivity and quantitative analysis. • Nanotechnology-enhanced fluorescent ICTS was discussed in ensuring food safety. • The currently available commercial fluorescent ICTS kits and readers were summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • First report of R-(−)-pranoprofen and S-(+)-pranoprofen differences in pharmacokinetics. • Pranoprofen enantiomers were quantified in rat plasma by a new LC-MS/MS method with per-4-chlorophenylcarbamate-β-cyclodextrin bonded chiral stationary phase. • The LLOQ for both pranoprofen enantiomers were 1.0 ng mL−1. • The chromatographic elution order of pranoprofen enantiomers were determined. The objective of this study is to develop a quick and precise chiral liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technology that operates in reversed phase mode. Following oral administration of 5.0 mg/kg rac -pranoprofen, the suggested approach was completely validated and successfully used to the stereoselective detection of pranoprofen enantiomers in rat plasma for the first time. Both the polysaccharide derivatized chiral stationary phase and a homemade β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) derivatized based chiral column were assessed. The latter one, a per-4-chlorophenylcarbamate-β-cyclodextrin bonded chiral stationary phase (CPCDP) made in our laboratory, allowed for the highly sensitive detection, relatively short retention time and complete separation (resolution 2.0) of the pranoprofen enantiomers. A solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure on C 18 cartridge was optimized for the extraction of S -(+)-, R -(−)-pranoprofen and internal standard (S -(+)-ketoprofen, IS) from rat plasma in detail. Acetonitrile with 0.1 % formic acid in aqueous phase (60:40, v:v) at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min was the ideal mobile phase condition. The outcome of pharmacokinetic study showed that the values of maximum plasma concentration (C max) and the area under plasma drug concentration–time curve to infinity (AUC 0-∞) for S -(+)-pranoprofen were 1.79 and 1.90 times greater than R -(−)-isomer, respectively. Altogether, this work is the first to examine the stereospecific pharmacokinetics of pranoprofen enantiomers in vivo , whose data provided potential possibility for the development of pure isomer with superior pharmacological activity and safety to replace racemic application in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to develop nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) with preservation effect by using pea protein isolate (PPI) nanoparticles as emulsifiers, candelilla wax (CW) as organo-gelator and d -limonene (DL) as antifungal agent. The optimal formulation parameters of NLCs were firstly determined based on results of particle size, poly-dispersity index and zeta potential, and then NLCs prepared by optimal formulation were further characterized. The results showed that DL was successfully encapsulated inside NLCs. Moreover, the encapsulation of amorphous DL led to more disordered crystalline state of NLCs. In addition, in comparing the properties of NLCs and nanoemulsions (NEs) without CW, it was found that the addition of CW seemed to have several beneficial effects on NLCs: 1) NLC droplets were well dispersed, whereas NE droplets exhibited coalescence and flocculation; 2) compared with NEs, NLCs displayed excellent storage stability and inhibition ability of DL release. Furthermore, antifungal activity of NLCs was observed by in vitro and in vivo study. The acquired information in current research can provide novel insight into development of stable and antifungal nanocarriers that own a promising application in tomato preservation. [Display omitted] • NLCs were produced by pre-emulsification followed by ultrasonic treatment. • Candelilla wax (CW) was presumed to be important for the crystallization of NLCs. • CW endowed NLCs with high physical stability and retention rate of d -limonene. • NLCs showed good inhibition effect on the growth of Botrytis cinerea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports an effective approach for the fabrication of a per-4-chlorophenylcarbamate-β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) bonded chiral stationary phase (CPCDP) in high-performance liquid chromatography. The morphology and structure of the ligand and the chiral stationary phase (CSP) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, fourier transform infrared spectra, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Because CPCDP was a kind of multimode enantioseparation materials, the enantioseparation of chiral compounds including twelve azole antifungal agents, five proton pump inhibitors and five dihydropyridine calcium antagonists were studied in both reversed-phase and normal-phase chromatography. All analytes were obtained enantiomeric separation. Especially, the resolution of azoles was excellent. The selectivity and resolution of voriconazole reached 15.41 and 16.80, which was an exciting achievement for the enantioseparations by β-CD based chiral stationary phases. Compared with the commercial 3,5-dimethylphenyl carbamate-β-CD based chiral stationary phase (DMP), enhanced enantioselectivities for all the above compounds (except ilaprazole) were obtained on CPCDP column, which indicated that the 4-chlorophenylcarbamate group was conducive to the chiral recognition. Chromatographic studies elucidated that enhancement of analyte–chiral substrate interactions were attributed to the inclusion complexation, π–π stacking interaction, hydrogen-bonding, dipole–dipole interaction and steric hindrance. For further study, we also prepared semi-preparative chromatographic columns to obtain a single enantiomer. In addition to excellent chromatographic performance, the prepared CD-based column is stable and much cheaper than commercial columns, which can reduce the cost of test and has a good application prospect in chiral drug analysis. Image 1 • Per-4-chlorophenylcarbamate functionality enhanced enantioselectivities for CD stationary phases. • Enantioseparation of 22 racemates (three kinds of chiral drugs) in multimode HPLC. • Enantiomer elution order study for azoles by preparation of semi-preparative column. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase contrast imaging (PCI) for materials of low Z-index has been rapidly developed in recent years. And PCI is also considered to have great potential to improve the resolution of radiographic imaging of high-Z materials by using high-energy gamma-ray, but the research is still in its infancy. In this paper, we develop a simulation method of gamma-ray PCI, which is based on the combination of the Monte Carlo simulation and wave optics. The feasibility of this method is verified by comparing the simulation result of Young's double-slit experiment with its analytic result. To demonstrate the potential of gamma-ray PCI, a simulation of a concentric metal sample is carried out. The edge enhancement effect of PCI is clearly observed at the interfaces of the sample. The simulation results preliminarily verify the feasibility of gamma-ray PCI for metallic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hurricane Sandy revealed the higher-risk vulnerability to natural hazards of civil infrastructure systems in coastal megacities such as New York. Traditional sources of funding for both recovering from disasters and preventing future damages are not only limited, but also do not account for benefit transfers of the externalities induced by the provision of resilient infrastructure. In principle, property owners should be willing to pay (WTP) an amount equal to the perceived benefit, if this positive externality is internalized by them following some pricing mechanism. In this paper, we analyze the willingness of residents to financially support improvements in the resilience to extreme events of the transportation system in New York City. Choice microdata was collected for over 1500 residents of the metropolitan NYC area. Several logit-type models were estimated and the preferred model was a discrete-continuous heterogeneity mixture that allows for the derivation of flexible distributions of willingness to pay. Using hypothetical scenarios of recovery, the annual willingness to pay for individuals who missed work ands self identify as politically liberal ranges from $120 to $775, whereas for those individuals that were not directly affected the range is $15-$50. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this paper was to investigate the structural/mechanical properties of arc-ion-plated Ti film deposited at ultralow temperature (166 K, LT-Ti film) and its effect as an interlayer on the wear resistance of sputtered WS 2 film. The results revealed that the LT-Ti film mainly exhibited ω-phase structure due to the insufficient mobility of Ti adatoms at LT surface, while the α-phase was predominated in the Ti film deposited at room temperature (RT-Ti film). The LT-Ti film showed a higher hardness than the RT-Ti film as well as the better toughness and film-substrate adhesion on steel substrates. The wear resistance of sputtered WS 2 film could be significantly improved by employing the Ti films as its interlayer, especially for the LT-Ti film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Friction and wear behavior of both sputtered WS 2 films with loose or dense microstructures were investigated in vacuum, atomic oxygen (AO) and vacuum/AO irradiation alternate environments. The loose microstructure of pure WS 2 film composed of columnar platelets and vertical pores and the dense microstructure showed high compactness. The results revealed that the WS 2 films exhibited a periodic fluctuant friction coefficient and high wear under the synchronization action of AO irradiation and friction ( in-situ condition). The in-situ results also indicated significantly difference from that of conventional ex-situ methods. As the friction environments were switched from vacuum to in-situ AO, the friction coefficients of the two types of films increased from 0.03 to 0.07 and the wear life of them declined identically to a small value of ∼1.1 × 10 3 cycles, although the wear life of loose WS 2 film was up to 1.7 × 10 4 cycles and that of the dense film was longer than 2.3 × 10 4 cycles in vacuum. The friction and wear behavior did not depend on the film compactness but the anti-oxidation ability of WS 2 itself. For in-situ AO irradiation condition, the high friction resulted from the formation of oxidation product (WO 3 ) by AO and its delamination by frictional interaction was responsible for high wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript studies the fluorescent property of 3-[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)methylideneamino]benzoic acid (H 2 L). Fluorescent spectra show that in different solvents, H 2 L displays different fluorescent properties, which can be attributed to the interaction between the solvents and H 2 L. Further study indicates that H 2 L exhibits a highly selective and sensitive recognition for Hg 2 + ions in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), Al 3 + ions in methanol and N , N ′-dimethylformamide/water (DMF/H 2 O, 1/1, v / v ). The bonding modes and bonding ratio of H 2 L and metal ions in different solvents are explored by Job's plot, 1 H NMR titration, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The probable mechanisms were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new fluorescence chemosensor 3-[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl) methylideneamino]benzoic acid (L) was designed, synthesized and characterized. Fluorescence spectrum and UV–vis spectra show that L exhibits a highly selective and sensitive recognition for HCO 3 - /CO 3 2- in N,N′-dimethylformamide/water (DMF/H 2 O, 100/1-10/1, v/v) in pH range of 5-14. The competitive experiments and reversible tests prove the good performance of L. The Job′s plot, 1 H NMR titration, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) results show that L and HCO 3 - / CO 3 2- form 1:1 complexes. The probable mechanisms and the proposed binding modes were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergies of potassium trifluoroacetate (K-TFA) on the treatment of δ phase CsPbI 2 Br film, in which it not only passivates surface defects but also simultaneously benefits to the secondary growth of crystal during δ → α phase transition, are shown. Eventually, the assembled CsPbI 2 Br solar cells deliver a champion efficiency of 17.1% and an open-circuit voltage of 1.382 V. [Display omitted] • K-TFA assistes the α → δ → α phase transition approach for preparing high-quality CsPbI 2 Br film. • K-TFA can modulate crystal growth and passivate surface defects simultaneously. • The optimized CsPbI 2 Br solar cells deliver a champion efficiency of 17.1 % with a V oc output of 1.382 V. CsPbI 2 Br material is considered ideal for both single and multi-junction solar cells due to its outstanding stability against heat and illumination and suitable band gap. Unfortunately, CsPbI 2 Br perovskite solar cells (PSCs) still bear the severe energy loss owing to the inferior perovskite crystal quality and serious non-radiative recombination, impeding the further improvement of efficiency. Herein, the synergies of potassium trifluoroacetate on the treatment of δ phase CsPbI 2 Br film, in which it not only passivated surface defects but also simultaneously benefited to the secondary growth of crystal during δ → α phase transition, were proposed. It was found that the optimized CsPbI 2 Br film exhibited the enlarged crystal grains, preferable orientation and higher crystallinity. Meanwhile, the carboxyl groups within potassium trifluoroacetate could effectively bind to the under-coordinated Pb2+ ions on perovskite surface, thus improving the carrier interface dynamics. As a result, the assembled CsPbI 2 Br PSCs reached a champion power conversion efficiency of 17.1 % (steady-state efficiency of 16.11 %) and an open-circuit voltage of 1.382 V, which are among the highest values for CsPbI 2 Br PSCs based on dopant-free poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as hole transporting layer. More importantly, the synergetic strategy enabled the outstanding thermal stability by retaining 81 % of their initial efficiency after annealing at 85 °C in N 2 atmosphere for 800 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergies of cesium trifluoroacetate (Cs-TFA) when utilized as a novel additive, in which it not only provides cesium cations (stabilizer) for perovskite lattice but also simultaneously modulates crystal growth and passivates grain boundaries defects, are shown. Eventually, the corresponding perovskite solar cells delivers a champion efficiency of 22.82%. [Display omitted] • Cs-TFA as a novel cesium source is adopted to prepare high-quality perovskite film. • Cs-TFA can modulate crystal growth and passivate defects simultaneously. • The devices with Cs-TFA deliver a champion efficiency of 22.82%. • The storage stability of device is greatly improved. The prejudicial defects accumulated at the grain boundaries and surface are one of the most important reasons that cause perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to deviate from the theoretical Shockley–Queisser efficiency limit and poor stability. Consequently, it is highly desirable to reduce defect densities of the polycrystalline perovskite film through manipulating perovskite crystallization and introducing passivation strategy. Herein, the synergistic effects of cesium trifluoroacetate (Cs-TFA) as a novel additive are demonstrated, where it not only provides cesium cations (stabilizer) for perovskite lattice, but also can simultaneously modulate crystal growth and passivate grain boundaries defects. The resultant perovskite films possess more regular morphology, larger grain sizes, and lower defect density. The enlarged crystal grains derive from the incorporation of Cs-TFA that slows down nucleation process, which is demonstrated by in-situ laser confocal photoluminescence imaging. As a result, the encouraging efficiency up to 22.82% is realized for the resulting optimized device. Additionally, the unencapsulated devices sustain around 91% of its initial efficiency after storing 850 h in the air with 40–45% relatively humidity (R.H.) under dark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chiral liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach was developed and verified for the first time in order to quantify the three alkaloids, namely tetrahydropalmatine (THP), tetrahydroberberine (THB) and tetrahydrocoptisine (THC) in Rhizoma Corydalis. Solid-phase extraction was used to prepare sample solution. Enantiomeric separation was obtained on a Chiralpak IC column using acetonitrile-water-ammonia (90:10: 0.1, v/v/v) as mobile phase. The detection was carried out in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with positive electrospray ionization source. Transitions of m/z 356.0→192.0, m/z 340.0→176.0 and m/z 324.1→176.0 were monitored for THP, THB and THC respectively. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r2 ≥0.9994) within the test ranges. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 1.0 ng mL−1 and 1.5 ng mL−1 for (+)- and (−)-THP, 1.0 ng mL−1 and 3.0 ng mL−1 for (+)- and (−)-THB, 1.5 ng mL−1and 1.8 ng mL−1 for (+)- and (−)-THC, respectively. The precision, repeatability, and stability tests all meet the requirements. The average recoveries of the analytes ranged from 98.9 % to 101.3 %. Ultimately, the established method was successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of these alkaloid enantiomers extracted from Rhizoma Corydalis of different habitats. [Display omitted] • Three alkaloids in Rhizoma Corydalis were separated with a new chiral method. • The lower limit of quantitation ranged from 1.0 ng mL−1 to 3.0 ng mL−1. • The method shows higher sensitivity compared with previous studies. • First report on quantitative analysis of chiral alkaloids from different habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intelligence (measured by IQ) varies across individuals. An individual's IQ has been evidenced to be positively associated with verbal-humor production. However, to our knowledge, no study to date has examined how intelligence affects verbal-humor processing. The objective of this current electroencephalogram (EEG) study is to explore the dynamic impact of intelligence on processing patterns in three stages of verbal-humor processing from both temporal and oscillatory perspectives. Twenty-six subjects were recruited and required to read setup-punchline type statements in three conditions (funny, unfunny and unrelated). Event-related Potentials (ERPs) analysis found the earliest differences between relatively higher IQ (RHI) group and relatively lower IQ (RLI) group in dealing with unfunny conditions in the P200 component due to its role as a neural marker mediated by intelligence in language processing; more importantly, the processing patterns in two stages, incongruity detection and mirth, were found to be modulated by intelligence levels: the analysis of the N400 effect presented typical characteristics of incongruity detection for RHI group, while nontypical characteristics close to N300-like effect were found for RLI group; in the stage of mirth, RHI group presented a sustained P600 effect, while RLI group presented proper features of emotion processing. At the global level, these results indicate that people with different intelligence levels may employ dual-pattern model in processing two stages among three stages of verbal-humor appreciation. Event-related Oscillations (EROs) analysis revealed the functional role of the theta band and disclosed the impact of intelligence levels on the early stage of verbal-humor processing from the perspective of ERO. In the future research, further methodological considerations should be included to clarify the innate brain mechanisms aiming at examining intelligence differences regarding verbal-humor processing or indeed on any other issues. • Intelligence impacts processing patterns at stages of verbal-humor appreciation. • P200, mediated by intelligence, indicates the earliest differences. • The processing of incongruity detection and mirth is modulated by intelligence. • Theta band plays a functional role in processing incongruity detection and mirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate an in-situ self-polymerization (ISP) strategy to prepare high-quality FA x MA 1- x PbI 3 films, which achieves the triple functions of grain growth, defect passivation and strain release. The corresponding PSCs delivers an efficiency of 22.9% and superior long-term stability. [Display omitted] • High-quality perovskite film is prepared by in-situ self-polymerization strategy. • The ISP strategy allows relaxation of tensile strain by 34% for perovskite film. • The optimized device achieves a champion PCE of 22.9%. • The storage and thermal stability of the device are greatly improved. The perovskite film fabricated by the currently approbatory solution method with high temperature annealing process is inevitably accompanied by the defects and strains, which are two critical factors affecting the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we demonstrate an in-situ self-polymerization (ISP) strategy for high-performance PSCs by incorporating self-polymerizable n-methacrylamide (NMA) monomer additives into the perovskite film. It is revealed that NMA could not only regulate crystal growth, but also passivate grain boundary defects through its own carbonyl groups. Moreover, the self-polymerization of NMA monomer could confine the thermal-expansion of perovskite during thermal crystallization process, thereby releasing the tensile strain of perovskite film. As a result, the optimized devices achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.9%. These unencapsulated devices could maintain 91% of their initial PCE after aging 1500 h in ambient air (25 ± 5 ℃, 30 ± 5% relative humidity, dark) and 85% efficiency after annealing 600 h at 65 ℃ in nitrogen atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relaxation mechanisms of shake gels (particle-polymer systems) are not yet fully understood, mainly because of the lack of effective structural parameters to describe relaxation processes. Small-angle X-ray scattering and dynamic light scattering methods were employed to track the relaxation processes in a water-based shake gel system, composed of 20 wt % of 24.8 nm silica nanoparticles and 0.3 wt % of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO 1000k). The gelation of the studied silica-PEO dispersion was readily induced by quick manual shaking (∼3 cycles/s). Temporal structural evolution of the shake gel after manual agitation was inferred from the development of the modeled parameters. The quantitative structural parameters extracted from the scattering data, i.e. nearest neighbor distance of silica nanoparticles and floc size of gel network, showed that the shake gel network quickly relaxes during the first 10–20 min following the shake-induced gelation, and then slowly reaches a quiescent structure after 1 h. • Temporal structural evolution of the silica-PEO shake gel immediately after shaking was characterized by X-ray and light scattering. • The relaxation behavior was depicted by the quantitative relaxation parameters — nearest neighbor distance of silica particles and floc size of gel network. • The studied shake gel network quickly relaxed during the first 10–20 min but slowly thereafter. • This work advanced the deep understanding of fundamental relaxation processes of shake gels at nanometric resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project displayed the preparation of silver sulfide/nickel titanate/chitosan nanocomposites by a chemical method and was characterized by different characterization devices. XRD results confirmed the rhombohedral, and monoclinic phase for nickel titanate and silver sulfide nanoparticles, respectively. SEM image shows agglomerated irregular shaped particles from the prepared nanomaterials. The mean particle size and band gap energy of as-synthesized silver sulfide/nickel titanate/chitosan nanocomposites were 62.00 nm, and 2.48 eV, respectively. The silver sulfide/nickel titanate/chitosan nanocomposites were used to photocatalytic process by the degradation of metronidazole under visible light irradiation. The complete photo-degradation of metronidazole was achieved by silver sulfide/nickel titanate/chitosan in 40 min reaction. It was observed that the silver sulfide/nickel titanate/chitosan indicated superior photo-degradation and hydrogen generate rate in compared to other catalysts. The silver sulfide/nickel titanate/chitosan nanocomposites indicated the antibacterial activity and prevented the bacteria growth. • A novel photocatalyst Ag 2 S/NiTiO 3 /Chitosan was successfully fabricated. • Ag 2 S/NiTiO 3 /Chitosan exhibits great stability and photocatalytic performance. • The produced nano-powders have the highest antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ag–Cu alloy film was deposited by arc ion plating (AIP). Atomic oxygen (AO) irradiation experiments were conducted using a ground AO simulation facility. The structure, morphology, composition and tribological property of the Ag–Cu alloy film before and after AO irradiation were investigated and compared with Ag film using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) and ball-on-disk tribometer, respectively. In depth XPS analysis clearly shows that the affected thickness of Ag–Cu alloy film was greatly reduced and the oxidation product was mainly Ag2O, but AgO and Ag2O in case of pure Ag film. As a result, the Ag–Cu alloy film exhibited better AO resistant behaviors, and showed a stable friction and low wear after the AO irradiation. The AO resistant behaviors of the Ag–Cu alloy film were discussed in terms of the film microstructure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of substrate temperature on the structure and tribological properties of Ag films deposited at low temperatures (LT, 130–217K) by arc ion plating (AIP) have been studied. The structure and morphology of the Ag films were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The results showed that there exist (111) and (200) preferred orientation transitions for decreasing temperature at different bias voltages. The tribological properties were evaluated by a ball-on-disk tribometer and wear tracks were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that substrate deposition temperature significantly affected the wear of LT Ag films. For each bias voltage studied, the film showing the highest wear rate was deposited at the lowest temperature and the film with the lowest wear rate, (significantly lower than room temperature (RT) deposited Ag films), was deposited at a temperature between the highest and the lowest temperatures examined. The wear mechanism was discussed in terms of lubrication effect of film material transferred to the counterpart and its dependence on the microstructure of the original deposited film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, the analyses of Rf-sputtered rare earth metal fluorinated compound (REMF)–MoS2–Au/Au nanocomposite multilayer films have been carried out. The films consisted of alternate layers of RMA (REMF–MoS2–Au) and pure Au with different thicknesses. It was found that the multilayers were highly dense and composed of Au and MoS2 crystallites with diameter of several nanometers. All the multilayer films showed better toughness probably due to their structure. Tribological tests indicated that the multilayer films showed ultra-low friction under different loads and longer endurance at lower loads. The ultra-low friction and wear rate of the multilayer films are probably attributed to the fact that multilayer films possess a large number of nanometer-sized crystallites having the (0 0 2) MoS2 base plane oriented parallel to the surface even though the thickness of RMA layer was more than 60 nm. The wear tracks analysis indicates that some mixing zones formed in the center zone of the wear tracks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• First report of R‐(−)‐alminoprofen and S‐(+)‐alminoprofen differences in pharmacokinetics. • Alminoprofen enantiomers were quantified in rat plasma by a new LC—MS/MS method with Per-4-chlorophenylcarbamate-β-cyclodextrin bonded chiral stationary phase. • The LLOQ for both alminoprofen enantiomers was 1.0 ng mL-1. • The absolute configuration and the chromatographic elution order of alminoprofen enantiomers were determined by Calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism spectra. An enantioselective study of alminoprofen (AMF) in rat plasma was performed by a rapid, specific and sensitive chiral liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LCM S/MS) method. A homemade β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) derivatized based chiral column and a commercial polysaccharide type chiral column were selected and evaluated. The former one per-4-chlorophenylcarbamate-β-CD bonded chiral stationary phase (CSP) which was synthesized in our lab produced the enhanced enantioselective separation. The dextro-ketoprofen (d-KTF) was selected as the internal standard (IS). The approach was linear in the concentration ranges of 1.00–20000.0 ng mL−1 (r2≥0.99) for each enantiomer. The mean recoveries of R‐(−)‐ and S‐(+)‐AMF at three spiked levels of 2.00, 1000.0 and 16000.0 ng mL−1 ranged from 92.0 %–96.1 %, and the intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were within 8.9 %. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) values of R‐(−)‐ and S‐(+)‐AMF in rat plasma matrices were both 1.00 ng mL−1. The established method was successfully applied to a stereoselective pharmacokinetic study of AMF enantiomers in rat plasma following oral administration. The pharmacokinetic results revealed that S‐(+)‐AMF displayed prominently higher C max and AUC values than R‐(−)‐enantiomer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the preparation of oxide-based ceramic composite coatings as potential thermal barrier coatings (TBC) on ferrous alloys, targeting automotive applications. The coatings are shown to have excellent adhesion due to fabrication by plasma electrolytic aluminating (PEA), an anodic plasma electrolytic deposition process. The PEA process was conducted in an aluminate-containing aqueous electrolyte under a high voltage. The coating has superior adhesion (>60 MPa) and low thermal conductivity (~0.5 W/mK) measured by the adhesive tensile test and steady-state heat flow methods, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations reveal that the coatings have numerous mesopores. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that the coating mainly consists of α-Al 2 O 3 and hercynite (FeAl 2 O 4) with (ultra-)fine grain size. Amorphous phases are also identified in the coatings. These mesopores, fine grain size and amorphous phases contributed to the low thermal conductivity of the coating. The hercynite phase indicated that the substrate was involved in the PEA reaction and thus the coating had a metallurgical bonding to the substrate. After cyclic thermal shock tests (quenching from 425 °C to 20 °C in water 100 times), the coating retained its porous structure without spallation. The results demonstrate that the ceramic composite coating may be a good candidate for thermal management of automotive engines. • FeAl 2 O 4 /Al 2 O 3 composite ceramic coatings on ferrous metals are obtained by PEA process. • Coatings have superior adhesion (>60 MPa) and low thermal conductivity (~0.5 W/mK). • Coatings seem intact after thermal shock tests (425 °C to 20 °C water for 100 times). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As microplastics (MPs) are organic polymers with a carbon-based framework, they may affect nutrient cycling. Information regarding how MPs influence N, P, and C cycling and the underlying driving force remains lacking. N, P, and C cycling induced by soil hydraulic properties under MPs exposure (including polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP)) in the natural environment were investigated in this study. MPs exposure increased the soil water content (11.2–84.5%) and reduced bulk density (11.4–42.8%); soil saturated hydraulic conductivity increased by 7.3–69.4% under PP and PE exposure. MPs exposure led to increases in available phosphorus, NO 3 --N, NH 4 +-N, and soil organic matter; the bacterial communities related to N and C cycling were significantly changed. Expression levels of soil N and C cycling-related genes were enhanced under low concentrations (0.5% and 2%) of MPs, except PVC; consequently, soil nitrogen storage and organic carbon storage increased by 12–75% and 6.7–93%, respectively. Correlation analyses among soil hydraulic properties, bacterial communities, and functional genes related to nutrient cycling revealed that soil hydraulic properties (including soil water content, saturated water capacity, and soil saturated hydraulic conductivity) were the dominant factors affecting soil N and C storage under MPs exposure. [Display omitted] • N and C storage induced by soil hydraulic properties under MPs exposure were studied. • MPs increased soil saturated water capacity and saturated hydraulic conductivity. • Low concentration MPs promoted expression of soil N, P, and C cycling related genes. • TN and SOC storage rose by 12%− 75% and 6.7%− 93% under MPs exposure, respectively. • Soil water content and saturated hydraulic conductivity dominated N and C storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • AIL suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. • AIL inhibits cell migration and invasion in MDA-MB-231 cells. • AIL up-regulated miR-148a expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. • AIL mediates cell growth and metastasis by up-regulating miR-148a. • AIL blocks AMPK and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathways by regulating miR-148a. Abstract Objective Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women with high mortality. Recent evidences have demonstrated that Ailanthone (AIL) could effectively inhibit tumor growth. However, whether AIL exerts anti-tumor effect on breast cancer remains unclear. The study aimed to investigate the effect of AIL on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in MDA-MB-231 cells. Methods After treatment with different concentrations (0–25 μM) of AIL, cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay, and 10 μM AIL was noted as the optimum concentration for the following experiments. Then, cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and relative protein levels were examined by BrdU, flow cytometry, Transwell assays, and western blot, respectively. The expression vectors of miR-148a mimic, miR-148a inhibitor were transfected into MDA-MB-231 cells, and the above experiments were determined again. The signal pathways of AMPK and Wnt/β-catenin were finally analyzed by western blot assay. Results Cell viability was significantly decreased by AIL in a dose-dependent way. Moreover, AIL reduced the proliferation rate, and modulated CyclinD1, p53 and p21 expressions. AIL remarkably induced cell apoptosis with an increase in cleaved-Caspase-3/-9 expressions. Further, cell migration and invasion were decreased after treatment of AIL in MDA-MB-231 cells. AIL significantly up-regulated miR-148a expression. The effect of AIL on MDA-MB-231 cells was significantly enhanced by miR-148a overexpression, but reversed by miR-148a inhibition. Besides, we found that AIL blocked AMPK and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathways by regulating miR-148a. Conclusions These data demonstrated that AIL inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells by regulating miR-148a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rf-sputtered MoS 2 -Au composite films were exposed in real low earth orbit (LEO) space environment by a space environment exposure device (SEED) aboard China Shenzhou-7 manned spaceship. The ability of the composite films resistant to atomic oxygen (AO) was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) equipped with an X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that the microstructure of the composite film was densified because the growth of MoS 2 platelets was suppressed to some content due to the addition of Au, although it was still characterized by a typical dendrite-like morphology. No obvious change in the morphology, phase structure, element composition and friction property was observed from the space exposed and non-exposed composite films, indicating that the composite film exhibited a better anti-oxidation ability as exposed in LEO environment. The improved anti-oxidation ability was attributed to the more compact microstructure and a passivation effect that the dangling bonds at the edge planes of MoS 2 platelets were probably occupied by the partial doping atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isobavachalcone (IBC) is a natural chalcone compound widely distributed in traditional Chinese medicine Psoralea corylifolia L. , and Tibetan medicine Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik. Etc.. Among them, Psoralea corylifolia has the effect of tonifying the kidney and strengthening Yang, and it is recorded in the Medicinal theory that it can be used in managing rheumatism and arthralgia. In addition, It has been included in many prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine as the main herb for managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Similarly, Abelmoschus manihot is a common Tibetan medicinal herb and is a common medicinal material in Tibetan medicine and reported in ancient medicinal books such as Jing Zhu Ben Cao and Si Bu Yi Dian to possess the effect of Ganhuangshui and thus can be used in treating Huangshui diseases (such as RA). Previous research has demonstrated IBC to possess numerous biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immunomodulatory. Nevertheless, its efficacy and potential mechanism in treating rheumatoid arthritis are yet to be investigated. This study aimed at investigating the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of IBC in treating RA through a combined strategy of network pharmacology, in vitro, and in vivo evaluation. The Swiss Target Prediction and GeneCards databases were consulted to predict the potential targets of IBC and RA. Additionally, the potential targets for IBC in treating RA were predicted by consulting databases such as String, Cytoscape, MCODE, and Cytohubba. R software was utilized for enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG pathways, followed by in vitro experimentation using cell lines and in vivo experimentation using animals to explore the potential mechanism of IBC in RA treatment. By integrating the results of network pharmacological analysis, 17 genes were found to be strongly associated with RA, such as TNF, MAPK13, EGFR, PTGS2, MMP3, etc. The enrichment analysis indicated that IBC possessed tremendous therapeutic efficacy in managing RA through PI3K-AKT, rheumatoid arthritis, and TNF signaling pathways. The in vitro experimentation indicated that IBC inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis and inhibition of inflammation of MH7A cell lines stimulated with TNF-α. The IBC might also have an increasing effect on the intracellular ROS and reducing effect on the mitochondrial membrane potential. The western blotting results indicated that IBC markedly inhibited the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-JAK1, p-STAT3 and SOCS3 proteins in TNF-α stimulated MH7A cells. Furthermore, we found that IBC also significantly reduced paw swelling and arthritis severity in CIA model rats through in vivo animal studies. In short, this study explored the effect of IBC by combining network pharmacology prediction with in vitro and in vivo experimentation. The results indicated that IBC exerts its anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect by regulating cell proliferation and survival via PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. This may open a new horizon and provide a theoretical foundation for further development and utilization of IBC in RA management. [Display omitted] • Network pharmacology and experimental validation strategies could well reveal the potential anti-RA mechanism of Isobavachalcone. • Isobavachalcone from multiple medicinal plant sources showed strong potential anti-RA activity in vitro and in vivo. • Isobavachalcone exerted its anti-RA effect mainly via the PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic decision-making is pivotal to both human private interests and the national economy. People pursue fairness in economic decision-making, but a proposer's moral identity can influence fairness processing. Previous ERP studies have revealed that moral identity has an effect on fairness considerations in the Ultimatum Game (UG), but the findings are inconsistent. To address the issue, we revised the moral-related sentences and used the ERP technique to measure the corresponding neural mechanism. We have observed that the fairness effect in UG can be mirrored in both MFN and P300 changes, whereas the moral identity effect on fairness in UG can be reflected by MFN but not P300 changes. These findings indicate that the moral identity of the proposer can modulate fairness processing in UG. The current study opens new avenues for clarifying the temporal course of the relationship between the proposer's moral identity and fairness in economic decision-making, which is beneficial for understanding the influencing mechanism of fairness processing and fair allocations in complex social contexts. • The fairness effect can be mirrored in both MFN and P300 variations in UG. • MFN but not P300 variations can reflect the moral identity effect on fairness. • Moral identity of the proposer can modulate fairness processing in UG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen-doped transition metal disulfides solid lubricating films have been less investigated due to the widespread viewpoint of the detrimental effect of oxidation on tribological properties. In this study, the introduction of oxygen into the deposited W-S-O film was achieved through sputtering WS 2 /WO 3 composite targets. The hardness of W-S-O film has been found to increase threefold, accompanied by a 50% reduction in the friction coefficient and an order of magnitude increase in wear life. The compact structures and the embedded WO 3 nanocrystals in the film contribute to the improved tribological property of the W-S-O film by improving the load-bearing capacity. Meanwhile, the presence of WO 3 phase within the W-S-O film does not hinder the formation of the transfer film during friction. [Display omitted] • The presence of WO 3 nanocrystals in the W-S-O film resulted in a substantially thick equiaxed crystal layer. • The W-S-O film exhibited lower friction coefficient and longer wear life compared to that for pure WS 2 film. • The WO 3 phase was expelled from the tribo-surface without hindering transfer film formation during friction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sputtered WS 2 films can be modified by adding some amount of hetero-elements to overcome the porous columnar microstructure and thereby to enhance the wear resistance. However, the recession of tribological properties of WS 2 -hetero-element composite films in low earth orbit environment would be a potential danger because most hetero-elements succumbed to oxidation by atomic oxygen. Herein, by altering deposition argon pressure to adjust the plasmas bombard function on growing WS 2 film, the characteristic porous microstructure disappeared. At the optimization condition, the sputtered WS 2 film exhibited a dense microstructure, high ratio of S to W, and thereby much better wear-resistance. However, the excessive bombardment would result in the prominent loss of S atoms in WS 2 film and the deterioration of tribological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio frequency-sputtered MoS 2 films had been exposed for 43.5 h in real low earth orbit (LEO) space environment by a space environment exposure device (SEED) aboard China Shenzhou-7 manned spaceship. The composition, morphology, phase structure and friction property of the exposed films were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and ball-on-disk tribometer. XRD and EDS results revealed that the as-deposited MoS 2 films were characterized by a MoS x O y phase structure, in which x and y values were determined to be ∼0.65 and 1.24, respectively. XPS analysis revealed that due to space atomic oxygen attack, the film surface was oxidized to MoO 3 and MoS x O y with higher O concentration, while the partial S was lost. However, the affected depth was restricted within the surface layer because of protective function of the oxidation layer. As a result, the friction coefficient only exhibited a slight increase at initial stage of sliding friction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag films, deposited by arc ion plating, had been exposed for 43.5 h in real low earth orbit (LEO) space environment by a space environment exposure device (SEED) aboard the China Shenzhou-7 manned spaceship. The structure, morphology, composition and tribological property of the Ag films after the space environment exposure (SEE) were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) and ball-on-disk tribometer, respectively. Depth XPS and XRD analysis revealed that after the SEE, the surface layer of Ag films was partially oxidized to Ag 2 O, the cracking and flaking phenomena could be observed from the film surface by FESEM, and so the Ag films lose its metallic shine and became gray. As a result, the tribological performance was deteriorated and the high/unstable friction was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The developed method was checked to be a general method for enantiomeric purity determination of a series of (l)-amino acids. [•] The method was well optimised including derivatization reagents, derivatization conditions, and HPLC conditions. [•] The method was fully validated and good performance was obtained. [•] The limit of quantification (0.5%) made the method suitable for better quality control of the enantiomeric purity of (l)-amino acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a component of nutraceuticals, dietary fibers (DFs) are essential for maintain human growth and health via the regulation of gut microbiota in the digestive tract. In this review, we summarize food-derived DFs and their effect on gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). DFs accelerate the production of SCFAs mainly by stimulating intestinal Lactobacillus , Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia to treat diabetes, obesity, cancer, inflammation and immunodeficiency. Further studies should focus on clarifying the detailed mechanism between DFs and diseases associated with gut microbiota-mediated SCFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pure WS2 and WS2/Cu multilayer films were deposited by radio frequency sputtering method and the erosion behavior caused by moisture was studied. For the pure WS2 film, the morphology, microstructure, composition and also the tribological properties experienced substantial change upon storage in humid air environments. Depth XPS and Raman analysis showed that the pure WS2 film suffered deep oxidation due to the open structure, but the compact WS2/Cu multilayer film resisted oxidation very well. For the multilayer film, the oxidation was restricted on the surface layer owing to the protective effect of the reactive product cladding layer of W and Cu oxidation and the compact microstructure. The open lamella structure of pure WS2 film allowed moisture to diffuse into the film interior, and so the deep oxidation, evolution of structure and Fe substrate corrosion contributed to the deterioration of tribological properties. The WS2/Cu multilayer film exhibited better deep oxidation resistance even after storage for long durations in humid air environments, and accordingly still showed low and stable friction coefficient and long wear life. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A more comprehensive understanding of the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on energy transition and carbon emissions could help to use AI to achieve carbon neutrality. To this end, the STIRPAT approach, the mediation effect technique and the panel threshold technique are developed using the panel data in 69 countries from 1993 to 2019. The results show that: (i) AI promote energy transition and carbon emission reduction, and trade openness (indicated by imports, exports and total trade volume) has the mediating effect. (ii) There is a single-threshold of trade openness in the impact of AI on carbon emissions. When trade openness is below the threshold, AI has an insignificant impact on carbon emissions; when trade openness crosses the threshold, AI has a significant negative impact on carbon emissions. There is a double-threshold of trade openness in the impact of AI on energy transition. When trade openness is lower than the first threshold, the impact of AI on energy transition is not significant; When trade openness is higher than the second threshold, the positive impact of AI on energy transition is increased. (iii) When considering the heterogeneity of income levels and AI levels, the trade threshold for achieving carbon emission reductions in the high-income group is lower than that of the global group, and the trade threshold for achieving carbon emission reductions in the low-AI level group is higher than that of the global group. While this study unequivocally delineates the affirmative role of artificial intelligence in carbon emission reduction and energy transformation, particularly in the context of trade openness, we concurrently acknowledge that this viewpoint is not devoid of contention. Amidst the rapid advancement of technology and the landscape of open trade, we discern the presence of counterarguments. The efficacy of artificial intelligence is susceptible to the influence of multifaceted factors. It is imperative to consider associated factors, such as the significant energy consumption required for storing and cooling data centers and servers. The study's conclusions aid policymakers in devising nuanced emission reduction policies tailored to specific needs. [Display omitted] • Investigate the effect of artificial intelligence on carbon emissions and the energy transition. • Trade openness is incorporated in the research framework of artificial intelligence, carbon emissions, and energy transition. • Artificial intelligence can promote carbon emission reduction and energy transition. • Trade openness has mediating effects and threshold effects. • Heterogeneity across income levels and artificial intelligence development levels is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deposition and diagenesis are important factors affecting the quality of oil and gas reservoirs. Previously reported diagenesis studies mainly involve qualitative analysis, such as the determination of diagenetic events and diagenetic evolution sequences and modeling of two-dimensional diagenetic evolution, with less effort devoted to quantitative numerical simulation and three-dimensional diagenetic evolution models. This study proposes a new method for target-based diagenesis simulation by integrating the discrete element method, the quartet structure generation set method, and morphological algorithms. This new hybrid method can quantitatively simulate the effects of mineral grain deposition, compaction, cementation, dissolution, and replacement. Since specific minerals can undergo specific diagenetic alterations through mineral labeling, the sequence and path of diagenesis can be predefined in this method. Taking the sandstone reservoir of Lower Member 3 of the Shahejie Formation in Linnan Sag, Huimin Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, East China as an example, the new simulation method used the constructed diagenetic evolution sequence based on thin section identification and geochemical analysis to systematically simulate deposition and diagenesis in the study area and to construct a three-dimensional diagenetic evolution model. The predicted porosity, permeability, and pore size distribution of the simulated digital rocks are in good agreement with the experimental values, which validates the high accuracy of the simulation method. Based on these three-dimensional multi-mineral evolution models, the evolution trends of porosity and permeability during the sedimentation and diagenesis process were elucidated, revealing the variation in reservoir quality in the studied area and indicating reservoir sweet spots. The constructed 3D diagenesis evolution models are widely applicable and can be used not only for permeability simulation but also for the study of electrical, acoustic, and mechanical properties of reservoirs. • A 3D target-based diagenesis quantitative simulation method was proposed. • 3D diagenesis evolution models were constructed based on the experimental diagenesis data. • The proposed simulation method was validated by laboratory measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Ag film, and double layer films of Ag/Si and Ag/SiN x were deposited by magnetron sputtering technique. The atomic oxygen (AO) irradiation tests were conducted using a ground AO simulation facility. The microstructure and composition of these films before and after AO irradiation tests were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively, atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Then the protective effects of nanoscaled amorphous Si and SiN x layers on the atomic oxygen resistant property of Ag film were investigated. The results show that nanoscaled Si or SiN x protective layer can provide better protection to Ag film against oxidation caused by AO irradiation. The silica layer formed on the surface of amorphous protective layers during AO exposure process plays the key role in protecting Ag film from oxidation. On the other hand, the tribological performance of Ag film and the multilayer films was comparatively studied using a ball-on-disc tribometer in vacuum condition. The tribotest results indicate that Ag/Si and Ag/SiN x films show the better lubricating performance before and after AO irradiation than pure Ag film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Aconitine affected mitochondrial energy metabolism through inhibiting ATP production and reducing aerobic respiratory. • Aconitine weakened mitochondrial respiration via the inhibition of AMPK signaling pathway. • Aconitine reduced mitochondrial fusion and enhanced mitochondrial fission. Aconitine, a highly toxic alkaloid derived from Aconitum L. , affects the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. However, the underlying mechanism of aconitine-induced neurotoxicity remains unclear. This study investigates the effects and mechanism of aconitine on mitochondrial energy metabolism in SH-SY5Y cells. Results demonstrated that aconitine exposure suppressed cell proliferation and led to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and excessive lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Aconitine (400 μmol/L) induced abnormal mitochondrial energy metabolism that quantified by the significant decrease in ATP production, basal respiration, proton leak, maximal respiration, and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity. Phosphorylation of AMPK was significantly reduced in aconitine-treated SH-SY5Y cells. The AMPK activator AIACR pretreatment effectively promoted ATP production to ameliorate mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder caused by aconitine. Mitochondrial biosynthesis was inhibited after treatment with 400 μmol/L aconitine, which was characterized by mitochondria number, TFAM expression, and mtDNA copy number. Moreover, aconitine prompted the down-regulation of mitochondrial fusion proteins OPA1, Mfn1 and Mfn2, and the up-regulation of mitochondrial fission proteins p-Drp1 and p-Mff. These results suggest that aconitine induces mitochondrial energy metabolism dysfunction in SH-SY5Y cells, which may involve the inhibition of AMPK signaling and abnormal mitochondrial dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schematic illustration of a human running with flexible pressure sensor. A flexible and lightweight pressure sensor based on polyester (PET) fabric was prepared, and the conductive polymer polyaniline (PANI) was polymerized in situ on the surface of PET fabric to form a film. The reduction performance of PANI was used to reduce Ag+ to form an Ag0 catalytic center, causing subsequent electroless silver plating. The silver-plated PET fabrics can be used as a novel, flexible and simple pressure sensor to produce various of signals based on body movements. This flexible pressure sensor has good linearity, high sensitivity, wide response range and fast response time to distinguish different motions due to the magnitude and frequency of the pressure. We can believe that this flexible sensor is made of electroless silver-plated PET fabric when applied to human body, like palm, plantar and other parts can effectively detect motion in health monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its great performance, tungsten (W) and W-based alloys have been considered as the candidates for plasma-faced materials in future fusion reactors. However, the radiation-induced segregation under the reactor environment is one of the key issues to limit the long-term service properties of W-based alloys, and the understanding of nucleation and growth mechanisms of Re-rich precipitates is still incomplete. In the present study, both molecular dynamics (MD) and variance-constrained semi-grand canonical ensemble Monte Carlo (VC-SGC-MC) methods are employed to investigate the nucleation and growth mechanisms of Re clusters precipitated in W-Re alloys under cumulative flux irradiation. It is found that all segregated Re-rich clusters in the model alloys without irradiation are a plate-like structure (χ-phase) which orientates along the <110>, while they change to a needle-like structure (σ-phase) orienting along the <111> direction after irradiation. The combination of defects and Re atoms in W-Re alloys are considered with the most probable nucleation precursors. The Re-rich clusters will pin the interstitials and form stable nucleation sites. During the process of cumulative flux irradiation, newborn defects will be trapped by the nucleation site promoting the growth of Re clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A novel approach by texturing the WS 2 film with the nanocone-array Ni interlayer was adopted to improve the tribological property of WS 2 film particularly prolonging the wear life for application in space. The WS 2 /Ni bilayer films were prepared by sputtering WS 2 layer onto electrodeposited Ni interlayers with different surface morphologies. The micro-structures and the tribological properties of the prepared WS 2 /Ni bilayer films were investigated. The results showed that with the existence of the nanocone-array Ni interlayer, the textured WS 2 film showed a cabbage-like structure due to the growth of the WS 2 columnar plates surrounding the Ni nanocones. The cabbage-like WS 2 /Ni bilayer thin film was benefited for improving the lubrication properties with a long wear life of 4.9 × 105 cycles while the wear life was only 0.7 × 105 cycles for the pure WS 2 and 3.2 × 105 cycles for rough Ni textured WS 2 film. The improved tribological property was mainly attributed to the reserve of the WS 2 lubricate by the Ni nanocones as well as the relative low friction coefficient of the nanocone-array Ni interlayer due to the obvious reduced real contact area. Highlights • A novel cabbage-like WS 2 /Ni bilayer film was prepared without any template. • The cabbage-like WS 2 /Ni bilayer lubricating film showed an improved lifetime. • Reservoir of the WS 2 lubricates by Ni nanocones resulted in the improved property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Characteristic porous microstructure causes poor wear resistances of sputtered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) films that have important applications in space technology. TMDs/metal multilayer films exhibit improved microstructural and tribological properties, but which are unreliable due to the mismatch in thermal/mechanical properties between them as well as the metal sensibility to atomic oxygen (AO). In this study, MoS 2 /WS 2 nano-scale multilayer films were fabricated to improve the microstructural, mechanical, tribological and environment-adaptive properties of TMDs films. Results revealed that as compared with MoS 2 or WS 2 single-layer film, the multilayer film exhibited a dense microstructure, strong (002) texture and high hardness. Correspondingly, it showed a significantly improved wear resistance in vacuum, whose wear life was ~one order longer than those of single-layer films. Simulation tests revealed that even drastic thermal shock could not cause the delamination of multilayer film, which was observed from TMDs/metal multilayer system; and the oxidation from AO irradiation was restricted into film surface layer (≤10 nm). These results indicated that the microstructural, mechanical and tribological properties of TMDs films were significantly improved by the nano-scale multilayer design, and the fabricated multilayer film had potential applications in space technology. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • WS 2 /MoS 2 nano-scale multilayer film was designed and fabricated. • Porous microstructure was significantly restrained by multilayer fabrication. • Multilayered film exhibited better mechanical, wear-resistant and space-environment-resistant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To clarify the ability of reactive metals alloyed transition metal disulfides (TMDs) films resistant to low-earth-orbit (LEO) space exposure, the MoS 2 -16 at. % Ag film was sputtered and exposed in long-term atomic oxygen (AO) environment. Results revealed the MoS 2 -Ag composite film could be severely oxidized by the AO irradiation. The 2H-MoS x O y matrix was severely oxidized to MoO 3 and MoO 2 , and the alloyed Ag was partially oxidized to Ag 2 O. The volume expansion from the oxidation of Ag to Ag 2 O was responsible for the cracking and thereby severe oxidation of brittle 2H-MoS x O y platelets in the composite film. Furthermore, the re-growth of Ag induced by the AO irradiation was also observed in the initial stage of AO irradiation. Due to the oxidization, the film morphology was changed from the characteristic dentrite-like surface for the non-irradiated film to the terrace-like one for the irradiated film and eventually to the chrysanthemum-like one as increasing the AO fluence. Wear tests revealed that the wear resistance of MoS 2 film in vacuum environment could be significantly improved. However, the wear resistance of MoS 2 -Ag composite film was obviously deteriorated because of the severe oxidation from the AO irradiation. The wear life of MoS 2 -Ag composite film was sharply reduced from ∼7.6 × 105 cycles before the AO irradiation to ∼4.9 × 104 cycles after the AO irradiation of 5.6 × 1026 atoms∙m−2. These results indicated that for the selection of solid lubricants in LEO space environment, the reactive metals alloyed TMDs films should be excluded as possible as to eliminate potential risks. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • MoS 2 -Ag composite film could be severely oxidized by long-term AO irradiation. • The oxidation production was mainly MoO 3 , MoO 2 and Ag 2 O. • The AO irradiation caused not only the oxidation but also the re-growth for the doped Ag. • The oxidation led to the cracking and morphological change of MoS 2 -Ag film. • Wear endurance of MoS 2 -Ag film was significantly reduced by AO irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]