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Clodinafop-propargyl (CP) is a widely used post-emergence aryloxyphenoxy propionate (AOPP) herbicide and causes serious environmental problems. The elimination of CP from the environment is urgently required, but there are few reports on microbial degradation of CP. In this study, a bacterial consortium WP was enriched from the activated sludge of CP containment, which could completely degrade 50 mg L−1 of CP within 7 days. UPLC-MS analysis showed that the main intermediate metabolites of CP degradation were clodinafop acid (CA), 4-(5-chloro-3-fluoro-2-pyridyloxy) phenol, and 5-chloro-3-fluoropyridin-2-ol. And the metabolic pathway of CP degradation by consortium WP has been proposed. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the consortium WP had rich bacterial diversity, including 4 phyla, 14 classes, and 148 genera. Ten bacteria capable of converting CP to CA were isolated from the consortium WP using LB medium containing CP, and the strain Pseudoxanthomonas sp. WP66 had the strongest conversion ability, which could utilize CP as the sole source for growth and degrade 91.20% of 100 mg L−1 CP within 15 h. This study presented the main degradation pathways of CP by microorganisms, and provided resource of bacterial strain for the removal of CP from the environment. • A consortium WP that completely degraded clodinafop-propargyl (CP) was obtained. • Metabolic pathway of CP was speculated by the identification of metabolites. • Baterial diversity of consortium WP was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. • The degradation mechanism and characteristics of CP by strain WP66 were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have found use in a wide range of applications, such as adhesives, elastomers, coatings, fibers, and in additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing. Despite their omnipresence, the need for advanced TPEs with adaptive properties is continuously growing. Along with a brief historical introduction, this review presents an overview of typical structure-property relationships for various TPEs and discusses the design principles of TPEs from a synthetic chemistry perspective. Recent advances in TPEs with different macromolecular architectures, including linear ABA triblock copolymers, ABC triblock terpolymers, multiblock copolymers, star copolymers, graft copolymers, bottlebrush polymers, and hyperbranched polymers are reviewed. Service temperatures and mechanical properties of the different materials are compared in each section. Incorporating various supramolecular interactions into different macromolecular architectures as a means to further extend the range of TPE applications is also discussed. Future opportunities for TPE research in both academia and industry are addressed as perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The use of crop residues as mulching materials or organic fertilizer, instead of burning, can help improve the soil organic carbon (SOC) and crop grain yield. An experiment was conducted for three consecutive seasons from 2013 to 2016, to study the effect of no straw (S0), S1/2 (700 kg/ha soybean straw, and 3000 kg/ha wheat straw), and S1 (1400 kg ha−1 soybean straw, and 6000 kg/ha wheat straw) treatments in wheat-soybean multi-crop system. The randomized complete block design was used with three repeats. Compared with the S0 regime, a significant increase of 0.5%–8.7% and 1.4%–27.7% in soil CO 2 emission was observed in the S1 regime during all growth stages of summer soybean and winter wheat, respectively. Soil temperature of S1/2 and S1 was 0.1–1.1 °C and 0.3–1.4 °C higher than that of S0 during the seeding stage and greening stage for wheat, during 2013 to 2016. During wheat season, soil moisture was higher in the S1 than in the S0 treatment. Likewise, wheat, soybean crop resulted the same results. Soil CO 2 emissions increase with the increasing in soil temperature, and 73.4–73.9% of the variation could be explained by seasonal variation in soil temperature in wheat season. Similarly, 69.5–74.7% of the variation in soil CO 2 emissions is recorded by seasonal variation in soil temperature in summer soybean season. Meanwhile (S1) increased the SOC and grain yield of wheat and soybean when compared to S0. Straw input increasing soil CO 2 , grain yield and SOC content, considering the benefits of straw inputs to crops yield and SOC content, It is concluded that the addition of straw improve agriculture production. However, the types of straw inputs in order to promote the sequestration of soil organic carbon with the decrease in greenhouse gas emission is the future research direction for agriculture development in Guanzhong region of China. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Soil temperature was the main driven for soil CO 2 emission • Cumulative soil CO 2 emission increased by straw input • Straw input increased soil organic carbon • Straw returning and mulching increased soil CO 2 emission and crop yield [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Wheat straw mulch increases (7.4%) soil moisture and decreases (3%) soil temperature. • Increases in straw mulch and nitrogen significantly improved growth of soybean. • Straw mulch (6 tons ha−1) with 27 kg N ha−1 significantly increased yield of soybean. Abstract In North-west china, the soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is grown in June, when the climate is dry, and soil has limited moisture contents. Moisture deficiency limits the soybean biomass. We studied the effects of wheat straw mulching and nitrogen on soybean growth, physiology and soil properties in three-year field experiments. The treatments included three straw mulching i.e. S1 (0 kg ha−1), S2 (3000 kg ha−1) and S3 (6000 kg ha−1), and three nitrogen rates i.e. N1 (0 kg N ha−1), N2 (21.6 kg N ha−1), and N3 (27 kg N ha−1). Full mulching (S3) significantly increased moisture retention (7.4%) and decrease soil temperature (3.0%) in 0–20 cm soil depth, increased photosynthesis, SPAD-value, leaf area, leaf area index, growth, and soybean grain yield (20.8%) over no-mulching (S1). The S3 improved the roots mass, nodules number and weight than S1. The application of 27 kg N ha−1 or 100% N fertilizer (N3) had significantly increased photosynthesis, SPAD-value, growth, and biomass and seed yield of soybean over no-N application (N1). It was concluded that using straw mulching (6 Mg ha−1) can change the soil hydrothermal regime for provision of favorable condition for soybean growth when 27 kg N ha−1 was used in semi-arid condition of North-west China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A Si-based microchannel heatsink was used to improve the transient response characteristics of IR emitter. • A 3-D FEM was used to analyze the electrical-thermal and heat transfer behaviors of devices. • The devices performance can be improved when the flow velocity of coolant is larger than 0.5 m/s. Structure design and thermal simulation of MEMS-based thermal infrared (TIR) emitter integrated with Si-based microchannel heatsink (MCHS) were presented for gas sensing application. The MCHS attached on the bottom of TIR emitter was used to transfer heat to coolant for improving the transient response characteristics of TIR emitters. A three-dimensional finite element method was used to analyze the electrical heating and heat transfer behaviors of the TIR emitter with MCHS through COMSOL Multiphysics® platform. The surface temperature distribution and transient response were simulated when different flow velocities of coolant passed through the MCHS, and the influence of the flow velocity on the response characteristics was analyzed. The result shows that the temperature in the Si frame of TIR emitters will be significant reduced when the flow velocity of coolant is larger than 0.5 m/s, which will enable an effective improvement in the response characteristics of MEMS TIR emitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Krüppel-like factor 7 (KLF7) negatively regulates adipocyte differentiation; however, the mechanism underlying its activity in mammals and birds remains poorly understood. To identify genome-wide KLF7-binding motifs in preadipocytes, we conducted a chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing analysis of immortalized chicken preadipocytes (ICP2), which revealed 11,063 specific binding sites. Intergenic binding site analysis showed that KLF7 regulates several novel factors whose functions in chicken and mammal adipogenesis are underexplored. We identified a novel regulator, troponin I2 (TNNI2), which is positively regulated by KLF7. TNNI2 is downregulated during preadipocyte differentiation and acts as an adipogenic repressor at least in part by repressing FABP4 promoter activity. In conclusion, we demonstrated that KLF7 functions through cis -regulation of TNNI 2, which inhibits adipogenesis. Our findings not only provide the first genome-wide picture of KLF7 associations in preadipocytes but also identify a novel function of TNNI2. KLF7 regulates TNNI2 in preadipocyte differentiation. The transcription factor KLF7 may interact with PU.1 and binds to the 5′-flanking region (5′-GCGCCATGC-3′, −7772/−7,769) of TNNI2 , promoting TNNI2 expression. TNNI2 translocates to the nucleus, and as a transcription factor or nuclear receptor cofactor, reduces the promoter activity of FABP4 , which is a key factor in fatty acid accumulation, to inhibit preadipocyte differentiation. [Display omitted] • We for the first time identified genome-wide binding sites of KLF7 in preadipocytes. • KLF7 upregulates TNNI2 transcription in chicken preadipocytes. • TNNI2 is a nuclear protein in chicken preadipocytes. • TNNI2 inhibits preadipocyte differentiation by attenuating FABP4 promoter activity. • TNNI2 mediates the negative regulation of KLF7 in chicken adipogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Pressurized fluidization behavior of Geldart-D particles was experimentally studied. • Geldart-D particles behaved like Geldart-B particles at elevated pressure. • Fluidization became more intense at the same U f as elevating operating pressure. • The bubble size decreased at the same U f / U mf with an increase in pressure. • The U mf of Geldart-D particles decreased when increasing operating pressure. The pressurized bubbling fluidized bed shows great advantage in retreating municipal solid waste because it could effectively capture CO 2 and enhance the reaction rate of the process of combustion and gasification. In the present work, fluidization characteristics of Geldart-D particles at elevated pressure were experimentally investigated, such as flow pattern, pressure drop, minimum fluidization gas velocity. At the same fluidization gas velocity, as elevating operating pressure, the fluidization of Geldart-D particles became more intense, the bubbles got larger, the standard deviation and the power density of dominant frequency of the pressure drop signal increased. While, under the same fluidization number, as increasing operating pressure, the fluidization of Geldart-D particles became smoother, the bubble size decreased, both the standard deviation and the power density of dominant frequency of the pressure drop signal decreased. It seems that, under elevated pressure, the fluidization behavior of Geldart-D particles would transition to that of Geldart-B particles. Finally, the minimum fluidization velocity of the Geldart-D particles was found decreased with the increase of the operating pressure. A new correlation for the prediction of the minimum fluidization velocity of Geldart-D particles at elevated pressure was also formulated based on the present experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The equivalent model of VSC stations are obtained using the feedback linearization. • The high gain observer is utilized to estimate the lumped perturbations. • Accurate model and parameters are not required by the proposed controller. The voltage source converter based multi-terminal direct-current (VSC-MTDC) system is a promising technique to integrate multiple large offshore wind farms (OWF) and to share the power between multiple ac grids. The operation and control of VSC-MTDC systems could be affected by multiple uncertainties, e.g., the stochastic power generation of OWFs, nonlinearities of VSC-MTDC systems and unknown dynamics triggered by grid faults, which may result in poor dynamic performance and stability issues. In this paper, a perturbation observer-based nonlinear control (PONC) is proposed to improve the robustness of VSC-MTDC systems with OWFs. The perturbation observer is designed to estimate the lumped perturbation terms, which include all the system uncertainties, unknown dynamics and the external disturbances together with the state estimates. Based on the estimated perturbation and states, the output feedback linearization controllers are designed to compensate the impact of the lumped perturbation and to achieve robust tracking performance, without requiring the accurate system model. The effectiveness of PONC is verified by a 5-terminal VSC-MTDC system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The fast separation capability of a capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection (CE–ED) system was demonstrated by determining five β-agonists including clenbuterol, metoprolol, ractopamine, isoxsuprine and salbutamol in several real samples. Factors influencing the separation and detection were examined and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the five β-agonists could be well separated within 15min at a separation voltage of 14kV in a 100mmoL H3BO3–Na2B4O7 running buffer (pH 9.0). This method was successfully used in the analysis of clenbuterol, metoprolol, ractopamine, isoxsuprine and salbutamol in pig feed, pig urine and pig liver, providing a useful method for monitoring the illegal use of β-agonists from growth promotion in food-producing animals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can be caused by various factors. The present study aimed to determine whether prenatal hypoxia can lead to ASD and the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in this process. We constructed a prenatal hypoxia model of pregnant rats by piping nitrogen and oxygen mixed gas, with an oxygen concentration of 10 ± 0.5 %, into the self-made hypoxia chamber. Rats were subjected to different extents of hypoxia treatments at different points during pregnancy. The results showed that hypoxia for 6 h on the 17th gestation day is most likely to lead to autistic behavior in offspring rats, including social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and impaired learning and memory. The mRNA expression level of TNF-α also increased in hypoxia-induced autism group and valproic acid (VPA) group. Western blotting analysis showed increased levels of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and decreased levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in the hypoxic-induced autism group. Meanwhile, N -methyl d -aspartate receptor subtype 2 (NR2A) and glutamate ionotropic receptor AMPA type subunit 2 (GluR2) were upregulated in the hypoxic-induced autism group. HIF-1α might play a role in hypoxia-caused autism-like behavior and its regulatory effect is likely to be achieved by regulating synaptic plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polybenzofulvene (PBF) is a polydiene with a very high glass transition temperature (T g), which makes it a potential candidate for use as the hard block for high-temperature thermoplastic elastomer applications. The T g s of polydienes are known to be related to chain flexibility. However, no studies have been reported that correlate the chain flexibility to the microstructure of PBF. Herein, we present a study of solution properties of linear PBFs with narrow molacular weight dispersity and having 1,2-addition ranging from 23% to 99%. The materials were prepared by living anionic polymerization under different conditions. Specifically, the chain flexibility as defined by the Flory's characteristic ratio, C ∞ , and dependence of chain flexibility on microstructure by combined measurements of intrinsic viscosity and molecular weight using triple-detector size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is studied. The persistence lengths (l p) and chain diameters (d B) were also estimated using the touched-bead wormlike chain model. To the best of our knowledge, the characteristic ratio of PBF is found to be the highest of all polydienes that have been reported so far. Image 1 • The effect of microstructure on chain flexibility and glass transition temperature of polybenzofulvene (PBF) was studied. • The solution properties of PBF were investigated by using SEC with triple-detector. • Characteristic ratio, glass transition temperature, and persistence length of the PBF increase with 1,2-microstructures. • The characteristic ratio of PBF is found to be the highest of all polydienes that have been reported so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen fertilization significantly increases greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission, when applied from inorganic or organic sources. Minimizing GHGs from agroecosystems without compromising crop yield for stabilization of green production systems remains a challenge. Being an integral component of wheat production technology, the nitrogen (N) application deems to be indispensable. Thus, to reduce the application of N fertilizer and keep in view the minimization of GHGs emission, without compromising soil fertility and wheat production, field experiments were performed with treatments included maize straw mulch (S1: 0, S2: 4500, S3: 9000 kg ha−1) and nitrogen fertilizer (N1: 0, N2: 192 and N3: 240 kg ha−1) during 2015–17. Results showed that the cumulative CO 2 and N 2 O emission from 9000 kg ha−1 of maize straw mulch with 192 kg N ha−1 (S3N2) significantly decreased by 0.67% and 33.7%, respectively, averaged over two years compared with that of 9000 kg ha−1 of maize straw mulch with 240 kg N ha−1 (S3N3). Likewise, the average soil moisture content significantly increased by 10% and 10.6% for S3N2 and S3N3 treatments at 0–10 cm soil depth, respectively, compared to S1N1. Similarly, the S3N2 and S3N3 treatments had lowered the soil temperature by 0.2 and 0.1 °C, respectively, over S1N1 in wheat grown fields. The grain yield of wheat was increased by 45% and 45% under S3N3 and S3N2 treatments than S1N1, respectively. The S3N2 treatment was more economical than S3N3 for wheat crop. Therefore, maize straw mulch (S3) combined with 20% less N fertilizer (N2) from commercial source were considered as a viable production technology to improve crop yield, and reduce soil CO 2 and N 2 O emissions. Unlabelled Image • Cumulative emission of soil NO 2 decreased by 9000 kg ha−1 straw with 192 kg N ha−1. • Global warming potential was more in 9000 kg ha−1 straw (S3) with 240 kg N ha−1. • Wheat yield were significantly increased by S3 with 20% less N fertilizer. • 9000 kg ha−1 of straw with 192 kg N ha−1 is recommended an eco-friendly approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has long been established that the coherent scattering intensity of neutrons by isotropic mixtures of hydrogenous and deuterated polymers of matching molecular weights is, to the first approximation, proportional to the single-chain structure factor of the polymer chain. The validity of this fundamental relation for equilibrium, undeformed polymer melts is well supported by the extensive experimental and theoretical investigations over the past several decades. The generalization of this relation to the case of nonequilibrium, deformed polymer melts, however, is not a trivial one. Despite its widespread usage in small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies of deformed polymer melts, the assumed proportionality between coherent scattering intensity and single-chain structure factor has received very little experimental scrutiny. This work quantitatively examines this issue through spherical harmonic expansion analysis of the anisotropic SANS spectra of deformed polystyrene melts of different levels of deuterium labeling. It is shown that the classical assumption works extremely well over a wide range of scattering wavevectors, where the isotropic component of the SANS spectrum and the leading term of structural anisotropy vary by more than two orders of magnitude. Image 1 • Application of the spherical harmonic expansion technique to quantitatively the SANS spectra. • Carefully designed and prepared experimental systems with identical melt structure and viscoelastic properties. • Confirmation of a fundamental assumption in SANS studies of deformed polymer melts. • Detailed exposition of relevant theoretical arguments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulching can effectively maintain and improve soil health and functionality. The mechanisms, however, have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the effects of temperature on the biogeochemical properties of soil were investigated in the present study in relation to nitrogen management and soil functionality. The results of the 3-year field experiments showed that integrated straw mulch (S) and nitrogen fertilizer (N) treatments enhanced the activities of soil urease, invertase, alkaline phosphatase, and catalase by >1.8, 2.1, 2.0 and 1.4 fold, respectively, compared with the control treatment. Furthermore, these treatments increased soil available N by 28%, phosphorus by 45%, and potassium by 55%. In general, the soil organic carbon, dissolved carbon and labile organic carbon content in the treated plot were approximately 1.2–2.9 folds greater than in the control plot. These improvements in soil fertility and carbon indices increased the biomass and grain yield of soybean (67 and 75%, respectively) during the three-year study period. During 2015–2017, the straw mulch and nitrogen fertilizer treatment increased the soil moisture (23%) and decreased the soil temperature (8%) in comparison to the control in the 0–0.2 m soil depth and, therefore, improved soil enzyme activities, nutrient availability, and carbon stocks, and ultimately, soil functionality and sustainability, in the semiarid region. Unlabelled Image • Integrated use of straw mulch with nitrogen fertilizer improved soil carbon pool. • S + N regime improved soil nutrients and soil water content in 0–0.4 m soil layer. • S + N treatments significantly decreased the soil temperature. • Soil enzyme activities were positively correlated with nutrient dynamics. • Soybean yield was significantly enhanced by straw mulch with nitrogen fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposing a novel mathematical model of the crack blade for the bulb turbine. • Both the bending and torsion deformations are described in the model. • Dynamic characteristics of the blade are studied under different conditions. • Effects of the crack on dynamic characteristics of the blade are obtained. The efficiency and reliability of the bulb turbine can be influenced by the crack fault of the blade in the actual hydropower engineering. To explore this problem, this work is employed to mainly study the effects of the crack fault on the dynamic characteristics of the blade under different external excitations. Firstly, a displacement function of the cracked blade is innovatively proposed as the sum of a polynomial admissible function and a supplementary admissible function reflecting crack characteristics. Then, employing this displacement function, the natural frequency and mode function of the cracked blade can be calculated by Ritz method. Moreover, based on the derived mode function, the dynamical differential equation of the cracked blade can also be obtained. Finally, the truncation sensitivity of the displacement function is discussed, and by comparing with the finite element method, the reliability of the crack model is also verified. Meanwhile, the dynamic characteristics of the blade are studied with the changing of the excitation amplitude and frequency under different crack depth. Fortunately, the detailed dynamic evolutions of the blade and the effects of the crack depth on that are gotten. More importantly, these results can guide the operation of the hydropower station and provide a new method for the identification of the blade crack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A method for optimal allocation of distributed energy storage in active islanding operation mode of multi-source distribution network. • A topological hierarchical traversal method to obtain non-faulty power loss regions. • Analyze the capacity of distributed power sources and loads, and prioritize the restoration of loads with high levels of importance and large network hierarchies. • Improved trust-domain algorithm for islanded distribution network tidal current calculation method. • Validate N-1 tidal current distribution of distributed energy storage optimization allocation results. With the rapid development of distributed generation, represented by photovoltaic power, the access of a large number of distributed generation poses threats to the security and reliable operation of islanded distribution networks. However, relying on the distributed energy storage system can stabilize the island power supply, which can effectively improve the reliability of the island distribution network. To this end, under the premise of knowing photovoltaic output and load forecast curve, this paper proposes a distributed energy storage optimization configuration method in the active islanding operation mode of multi-source distribution network, which satisfies the "N-1″ safety criterion. First, this paper establishes an optimization configuration model for distributed energy storage with multiple objectives, including minimizing the load shedding in the non-fault loss of power zone, the initial investment cost of distributed energy storage, the node voltage deviation and the system frequency offset. Then, aiming at the islanded power flow calculation process mentioned above, an improved trust region algorithm is proposed, and integrating this method with the harmony search algorithm and "N-1″ safety criterion solves the model. Finally, the IEEE 33-node distribution system is used to test the performance of the proposed algorithm. The results show that the proposed improved trust region algorithm has the advantages of fast convergence speed and short time-consumption compared with the traditional trust region algorithm. And the proposed optimization configuration scheme for distributed energy storage can satisfy the "N-1″ safety criterion of the distribution network under different fault scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E2F transcription factor 5 ( E2F5 ) gene is a transcription factor, plays an important role in the development of a variety of cells. E2F5 is expressed in human and mouse adipocytes, but its specific function in adipogenesis is unclear. Krüppel-like factor 7 (KLF7) facilitates proliferation and inhibits differentiation in chicken preadipocytes. Our previous KLF7 chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing analysis revealed a KLF7-binding peak in the 3′ flanking region of the E2F5 , indicating a regulatory role of KLF7 in this region. In the present study, we investigated E2F5 potential role, the overexpression and knockdown analyses revealed that E2F5 inhibited the differentiation and promoted the proliferation of chicken preadipocytes. Moreover, we identified enhancer activity in the 3′ flanking region (nucleotides +22661/+22900) of E2F5 and found that KLF7 overexpression increased E2F5 expression and luciferase activity in this region. Deleting the putative KLF7-binding site eliminated the promoting effect of KLF7 overexpression on E 2 F5 expression. Further, E2F5 reversed the KLF7-induced decrease in preadipocyte differentiation and increase in preadipocyte proliferation. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that KLF7 inhibits differentiation and promotes proliferation in preadipocytes by enhancing E2F5 transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of oral administration of ginseng stem-and-leaf saponin (GSLS) on immune responses in chickens vaccinated with live Newcastle disease (ND) vaccines. In experiment 1, chickens were orally administered GSLS (2.5, 5, 10, and 20mg/kg) in drinking water for 3 days, and then intranasally vaccinated with ND vaccine. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test showed that the optimal dose of GSLS for enhancing HI titers was 5mg/kg. In experiment 2, chickens were fed with GSLS (5mg/kg) for 7, 5 or 3 days before vaccination. Result indicated that GSLS enhanced HI titers in a time-dependent manner. The order of the duration for drinking GSLS on increasing HI titers was 7 days>5 days>3 days. In experiment 3, chickens were fed with GSLS before or after immunization. Serum was sampled at a week interval for 5 weeks for HI test, splenic lymphocytes were prepared at weeks 2 and 4 after the booster immunization for lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT) and intestinal tissues were sampled at week 4 after the booster immunization for immunohistochemistry and histological examination. Results showed that HI titer, LPT, IgA+ cells and intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (iIELs) were significantly higher in chickens drinking GSLS before vaccination than those after vaccination. Therefore, oral administration of GSLS in drinking water at a dose of 5mg/kg for 7 days significantly increased systemic as well as gut mucosal immunity in chickens immunized with ND vaccine. Considering the immune potentiating effect of GSLS on ND vaccine, GSLS should be evaluated for its oral adjuvant effect on the immune response against other diseases such avian influenza and infectious bursal disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Liposomes have been widely used as drug carriers in both biomedical research and for clinical applications, allowing the stabilisation of therapeutic compounds and overcoming obstacles to cellular and tissue uptake. However, liposomes still have low targeting efficiency, resulting in insufficient killing of tumour cells and unnecessary damage to normal cells. In this study, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) and peanut agglutinin (PNA) were used as ligands to prepare dual-ligand-modified doxorubicin-loaded liposomes (DOX-GA/PNA-Lips) to enhance the targeting accuracy and efficacy of drug delivery against malignant liver cancer. PNA and GA modification enhanced the binding ability of liposomes to liver cancer cells, leading to excellent tissue and cell targeting of DOX-GA/PNA-Lips. DOX-GA/PNA-Lips showed an effective anti-tumour effect in vivo and in vitro, with its targeted delivery facilitating attenuation of the toxic side effects of DOX. These results demonstrated that dual-ligand-modified liposomes may provide an effective strategy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Establishing a novel continuum model of the bulb hydroelectric generating unit. • The effects of the blades on the unit are considered in the modeling. • Analyzing the dynamic evolutions of the unit with different system parameters. • Presenting the effects of the blades on the dynamic evolutions of the unit. Abstract The stability problems of the hydroelectric generating unit caused by the vibration of the runner blades have been gradually exposed in the long-term operation, especially in the hydropower stations equipped with the bulb turbine. However, in the previous studies, the effects of the blades were not considered. Aiming at these problems, this research will be focused on studying the dynamic characteristics of the bulb hydroelectric generating unit in consideration with the effects of blades. Firstly, a novel continuum shaft system model of the bulb hydroelectric generating unit is originally established considering the effects of the blades. Meanwhile, the rationality of the novel model is verified by comparing with the field test data. Then, the dynamic evolutions of the shaft system with and without blades are contrastively analyzed and discussed with the changing of the runner mass eccentricity, the seal gap, the rotational speed and the exciting current. Fortunately, some critical values and stability evolution characteristics of the shaft system are obtained. In addition, the effects of the blades are also found. More importantly, these results could provide a reference for the safe operation of the hydropower stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulation of tumor cell death is a fundamental mechanism for tumor treatment. However, most tumors are resistant to cell death. Triggering inflammatory cell death, pyroptosis, may provide a new view of enhancing tumor cell death. Here we report a new role of Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) in pyroptotic cell death. Treatment with GLE (50–200 μg/mL) significantly elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and caused pyroptotic cell death in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, GLE activates caspase 3 and further cleaves the gasdermin E (GSDME) protein to form pores on the cell membrane, releasing massive amounts of inflammatory factors in breast cancer cells. We also showed that GLE enhanced antitumor immune responses by substantially increasing the subsets of natural killer (NK) and CD8+T cells in the peripheral immune system and tumor microenvironment. In addition, GLE destroys multiple steps of tumor metastasis, including adhesion, migration, invasion, colonization, and angiogenesis. Collectively, these results suggest that GLE provides a potential approach for breast cancer treatment, which may complement chemotherapy or immunotherapy for cancer metastasis. [Display omitted] • GLE initiates breast cancer cell pyroptosis via caspase3-mediated cleavage of GSDME protein. • GLE enhances anti-tumor immunity by unleashing NK and CD8+ T cells in local and system. • GLE blocks multi-steps of tumor metastasis including adhesion, migration, invasion, colonization and angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes (SCPE) are attractive candidates for high-performance energy storage devices. A star-shaped single lithium-ion conducting polymer electrolyte was synthesized by combining the “grafting to” and “grafting from” strategy utilizing a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticle as the core. Carboxylic acid terminated polyethylene oxide (PEO) and Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer Agent (RAFT-CTA) were attached to the POSS nanoparticle to form a POSS-cored macro RAFT CTA (PMR-CTA). The PMR-CTA was used to mediate the polymerization of potassium (styrene-4-sulfonyltrifluoromethyl-sulfonyl)imide (STF-K + ) and subsequent counter ion exchange resulted in a star-shaped single lithium-ion conducting copolymer (SSCP-Li + ). The grafting ratio of poly(STF-Li + ) and PEO per POSS nanoparticle can be tuned by modifying the feed ratio of the two polymer components. The synthesized star-shaped SCPE-Li + are characterized by 1 H NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis, DLS, GPC and DSC, and their ionic conductivity is studied by broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The obtained results are compared to a conventional linear homopolymer poly(STF-Li + ) and block copolymer PEO- b -poly(STF-Li + ), and reveal a significant “decoupling” of ion conductivity from segmental dynamics for all of the studied SCPE-Li + . Blending extra PEOs with SCPE-Li + was also performed to improve the ionic conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Vibro-fluidizing behaviors of vinegar residue are experimentally studied. • Inert Geldart-D plastic particles are used to improve the fluidization process. • Minimum fluidization velocities of binary particles are investigated. • Drying rate of vinegar residue increases due to the improving of fluidization. As a by-product in the vinegar brewing process, vinegar residue always has a high moisture content, which is detrimental to the storage and recycle process. The vibrated fluidized bed can be used to dry the vinegar residue. In present work, inert particles were added to a vibrated fluidized bed to improve the fluidization of vinegar residue. Experimental studies were carried out to investigate the fluidization behaviors of the binary mixtures. Flow pattern maps indicated that there was an upper limit to the vinegar residue mass concentration c w at which stable fluidization could be achieved. The minimum fluidization velocity u mf of the binary mixture increased as the vinegar residue mass concentration c w increased and decreased with the increase of the vibration intensity Λ. As increasing vibration intensity Λ or decreasing vinegar residue mass concentration c w , the drying rate of vinegar residue increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]