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[Display omitted] • BAP restored the intestinal barrier integrity in immunosuppressed mice. • BAP enhanced immune function and antioxidants in immunosuppressed mice. • BAP improved the gut microbiota structure in immunosuppressed mice. • BAP could act as an immunomodulator for protecting immunosuppression. This study aims to explore the effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens -derived nonapeptide (BAP) on growth and immune function in cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppressed mice. The results showed that BAP alleviated the reduction of the body weight, daily feed intake and spleen and thymus index caused by Cy, and restored jejunal tissue morphology, goblet cell numbers and tight junction proteins. BAP enhanced the expression of immunoglobulins, including immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), jejunal CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, and cytokines including interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), while it inhibited the expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). The oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant enzymes induced by Cy were also reversed by BAP. Moreover, BAP modulated the structure of gut microbiota and promoted the colonization of potential intestinal probiotics. Our findings establish the groundwork for comprehending the function of BAP and its potential utilization as an immunomodulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fire tests of four axially loaded circular STCSRC columns were conducted. • Sequentially-coupled thermal-stress FE models of columns were developed and verified. • Effect of parameters on fire resistance of axially loaded STCSRC columns was studied. • Simplified calculation methods were suggested for the load-bearing capacity in fire. Steel tube confined steel-reinforced concrete (STCSRC) columns are novel steel-concrete composite columns where the steel tubes are disconnected at beam-column connections. Few researches have been conducted on the fire behaviour of STCSRC columns by now, though there are some relevant studies on the fire performance of steel-reinforced concrete-filled steel tubular (SR-CFST) columns. However, the mechanical behaviour of STCSRC columns under fire exposure differs from that of SR-CFST columns due to the discontinuous external steel tube. It is essential to carry out a study on the fire performance of STCSRC columns. The fire tests of four axially loaded STCSRC columns were carried out in this paper, and the failure mode, distribution of cross-sectional temperature, fire resistance, and lateral deflection were discussed. A finite element model was developed and validated with test results, and then a parametric analysis of the STCSRC stub and slender columns under fire exposure was performed. The load ratio, steel tube strength, the area ratio of steel tube to concrete, and slenderness ratio have an adverse effect on the fire resistance of STCSRC columns, whereas cross-sectional dimension, area ratio of steel section to concrete, and strength of steel section have a favourable impact. Concrete strength has a different influence on the fire resistance of STCSRC stub and slender columns. Finally, based on the specifications JGJ/T 471-2019 and EN 1994-1-2, simplified calculation methods for assessing the fire resistance of STCSRC columns were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of contemporary medical research, the extraction of pivotal attributes associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) from intricate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data characterized by multifaceted dimensions and non-linearity stands as a formidable challenge in the pursuit of realizing automated diagnostic support. To address this issue, an approach is introduced, denoted as the Deep Frequency-Channel Attention Factorization (Deep FCAF), designed to address the complexities inherent to the neurodegenerative ailment of Parkinson's. The Deep FCAF amalgamates three key elements: (1) the inherent capacity for non-linear processing exhibited by neural networks, (2) the inherent capability of the attention mechanism to capture global interdependencies, and (3) the underpinning principles of tensor decomposition within the order of multi-dimensional data structures. The experiments conducted on the identification of PD underscore the efficacy of Deep FCAF in assimilating structural and non-linear factor matrices, consequently leading to an improved classification performance. Notably, the elucidation of functional connectivity based on the acquired factor matrices align with previous scholarly investigations. The mathematical formulations, derived from the MRI data, facilitate the measurement of the dynamic mechanisms inherent in the MRI data. • Expand the capability of deep learning to decompose multivariate tensor. • A frequency attention structure is proposed to discover features of interest in terms of frequency. • Identify PD subjects with high performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A persistent increase in domestic garbage (DG) has become a significant worldwide issue due to its negative impact on the ecosystem. The co-combustion way of DG and sewage sludge (SS) in a garbage incineration plant has been deemed a viable option. The study aims to quantify co-combustion behaviors, interaction effects, and thermo-kinetic properties between DG and SS at isothermal conditions by a thermogravimetric analyzer. The results showed that co-combustion of DG with 20 % SS could boost the combustion performance indices, and exhibit the synergistic effect. In addition, at the various SS blending ratios (10, 20 and 35 %) under an air atmosphere, combustion performance indices gradually decreased with an increased SS blending ratio but the synergistic effects were inhibited with a 35 % SS blending ratio. Coat-Redfern method was used to determine the combustion kinetics and thermodynamic properties. The apparent activation energy in the DG-SS (80 %/20 %) blend exhibited a non-linear relationship but increased proportionally with higher SS blending ratio. The lowest activation energy (34.70 kJ/mol) was obtained at the DG-SS (90 %/10 %) blend. The results suggest that the co-combustion of DG and SS can improve the overall combustion performance with an optimal blending ratio of 20 % SS for the co-combustion application. • Co-combustion under an increased O 2 atmosphere improved the combustion performance. • Increased blends of SS under air atmosphere gradually decreased the combustion performance. • Positive synergistic effect exhibited under increased O 2 atmosphere while inhibited within increased SS ratios. • Kinetics and thermodynamic parameters were assessed by the Coat-Redfern method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nine circular STCSRC slender columns after fire exposure were axially loaded. • Heat transfer and post-fire mechanical FE models of STCSRC columns were established. • Effect of parameters on performance of post-fire STCSRC columns was studied. • Simplified calculation methods were suggested for the residual buckling capacity. Steel tube confined steel-reinforced concrete (STCSRC) stub columns offer good residual bearing capacity, great ductility, and large stiffness after fire exposure because inner steel profiles are unaffected by exterior temperature. Nonetheless, instability issues exist in STCSRC slender columns, and study into the mechanical characteristics of post-fire slender specimens is critical. At present, no relevant study on the axial performance of STCSRC slender columns after fire exposure has been reported. In this paper, nine circular STCSRC slender columns that had been exposed to fire were tested under axial load. The failure modes, axial load–displacement relationship, and lateral deflections of STCSRC columns were discussed. Furthermore, heat transfer analysis models and mechanical analysis models were established, and the effects of crucial variables on the buckling responses of STCSRC slender columns were explored. Among the parameters studied, sectional diameters and steel profile to concrete area ratio have a significant impact on buckling capacity. To calculate the buckling capacity of the post-fire STCSRC slender column, a simplified calculation method according to JGJ/T 471–2019 was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N 6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal mRNA modification in eukaryotes, plays a vital role in regulating adipogenesis. However, its underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we reveal that deletion of m6A demethylase FTO in porcine and mouse preadipocytes inhibits adipogenesis through JAK2-STAT3-C/EBPβ signaling. Mechanistically, FTO deficiency suppresses JAK2 expression and STAT3 phosphorylation, leading to attenuated transcription of C/EBPβ, which is essential for the early stage of adipocyte differentiation. Using dual-luciferase assay, we validate that knockdown of FTO reduces expression of JAK2 in an m6A-dependent manner. Furthermore, we find that m6A "reader" protein YTHDF2 directly targets m6A-modified transcripts of JAK2 and accelerates mRNA decay, which results in decreased JAK2 expression and inactivated JAK2-STAT3-C/EBPβ signaling, thereby inhibiting adipogenesis. Collectively, our results provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of m6A methylation in post-transcriptional regulation of JAK2-STAT3-C/EBPβ signaling axis and highlight the crucial role of m6A modification and its modulators in adipogenesis. • FTO promotes adipogenesis through activating JAK2-STAT3-C/EBPβ pathway. • FTO enhances JAK2 expression by decreasing its m6A mRNA modification. • YTHDF2 destabilizes JAK2 mRNA in a m6A-dependent manner. • The m6A modification and its modulators play a critical role in regulation of early adipogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nowadays, cold-formed thin-walled steel tube truss (CTSTT) shear walls are popularly used in engineering practice because of their superiority in light weight, convenient construction and good ductility. However, little attention to the seismic response of the CTSTT shear walls has been paid. This paper aims to investigate the effect of wall openings on seismic behavior of cold-formed thin-walled steel tube truss (CTSTT) shear walls. Five full-scale specimens of CTSTT shear walls sheathed with double-sided oriented strand board (OSB) panels and one full-scale specimen of CTSTT skeleton were tested under vertical axial compression combining lateral low-cyclic load. The parameters, including the type and layout of openings, stressed skin diaphragm as well as opening rate, were estimated in the quasi-static tests. The seismic performance of CTSTT shear wall was evaluated in terms of shear capacity, rigidity, ductility and energy dissipation, etc. Moreover, a simplified empirical formula for predicting the shear capacity of CTSTT shear wall with opening was proposed and verified by the experimental data. The test results indicated that the CTSTT shear wall with double-sided OSB panels exhibited admirable rigidity, good ductility and excellent energy dissipation properties. The shear capacity of CTSTT shear wall decreased by wall opening setting, while seismic behavior of the type of wall could be improved by using four-limb studs within the vicinity of opening. These experimental and analytical studies would improve the application of the CTSTT shear walls in engineering practice. Highlights • Quasi-static tests of six full-scale CTSTT shear walls were conducted. • The effect of opening type, stressed skin diaphragm and opening rate on seismic behavior of CTSTT shear walls was studied. • Empirical formulas for predicting the shear capacity of CTSTT shear wall with opening was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The round-ended concrete-filled steel tube (RCFST) column behaves favorable prospects in engineering application due to its advantages of aesthetical properties and structural efficiency. Nevertheless, relevant studies were commonly focused on the mechanical performance of RCFST stub column. This paper developed a numerical analysis method for predicting the structural behaviour and failure mechanism of thin-walled RCFST slender column under axial compression. The nonlinear finite element (FE) modelling was established on the basis of the equivalent constitutive model and was verified well by the existing experimental results. Following this, several crucial geometric and material parameters were designed to explore the influences on the strength, stiffness and ductility of axially loaded thin-walled RCFST slender column. The impacts of various parameters on second order effect and buckling reduction factor of RCFST slender column were also identified. Furthermore, the mechanical performance of thin-walled RCFST slender column was evaluated by means of the axial force versus mid-height deflection characteristic and the contact stress. The numerical analysis results indicated that the axial strength of thin-walled RCFST slender column was obviously heightened by increasing the strength of concrete and steel in addition to the cross-section area, while contrary results were discovered with the increase of the slenderness ratio and the diameter-to-thickness ratio. Lastly, design recommendations for the axially-loaded thin-walled RCFST slender column were presented by comparing the numerical and previous experimental data with design provisions in specifications EC4, ANSI/AISI 360-16 and GB 50936. Highlights • A numerical method for predicting the structural behaviour of axially-loaded thin-walled RCFST slender column was developed. • The performance of RCFST slender column was evaluated by strength, ductility, contact stress and buckling reduction factor. • Design recommendations for the axially-loaded thin-walled RCFST slender column were presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thin-walled steel tube confined steel-reinforced concrete (STCSRC) column can efficiently utilise the confinement effect of steel tube on concrete. The local buckling of external thin-walled steel tubes can be delayed or avoided owing to their discontinuity at beam–column joints, thus, the structural performances of thin-walled STCSRC columns are improved. To date, the behaviour of thin-walled STCSRC columns after fire exposure under axial load has not been reported. Experimental and theoretical studies of axially-loaded circular thin-walled STCSRC stub columns were conducted in this paper, exploring mechanical performance indexes and mechanisms after fire exposure. A total of eighteen thin-walled STCSRC stub columns were designed, considering the parameters of the steel tube to concrete area ratio, heating time, and strength of the concrete. To better comprehend the behaviours of thin-walled STCSRC stub columns after fire exposure, detailed discussions in terms of the temperature distribution, failure modes, load–axial strain response, stresses of steel tubes, and load proportion of each component are presented. The heating test results reveal that the maximum temperature is lower and the time to reach the peak temperature is longer when measuring points are closer to the centre of the cross-section. The thin-walled STCSRC stub column after fire exposure presents shear failure under axial compression. The longer the heating time, the earlier the shear slippage line appears. Compared with the specimen at room temperature, the residual compressive resistance and stiffness reduce with increasing heating time. The ductility of the thin-walled STCSRC stub column improves when increasing the heating time. In addition, the diameter of the cross-section, H-shaped steel to concrete area ratio, and concrete strength have beneficial effects on residual axial load capacities and stiffnesses. Moreover, simplified calculation methods were assessed to predict the residual axial load capacities and stiffnesses of thin-walled STCSRC stub columns. • 18 circular thin-walled STCSRC stub columns after fire exposure were axially loaded. • Heat transfer and post-fire mechanical FE models of STCSRC columns were established. • Effect of heating time on mechanisms (e.g. load share of each component) was studied. • Design methods were suggested for the residual load-bearing capacity and stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthened concrete-filled thin-walled steel tubular (CFST) column can improve its load carrying capacity and resolve local bugles or corrosion of thin-walled steel tube. However, little attention to CFRP strengthened CFST columns has been paid. This paper reported an experimental and numerical analysis on eccentric compressive behavior of circular CFST stub columns partially-wrapped by CFRP strips. A series of circular composite columns, including nine CFRP strengthened CFST stub columns and one bare CFST stub column, were tested subjected to eccentric compression. Moreover, a nonlinear finite element (FE) modeling in considering contact interactions of the composite columns was developed and verified by the test results in terms of eccentric load ( N ) - longitudinal shortening ( δ ) curves and failure patterns. Then, the influence of extensive parameters on the eccentric compressive behavior of CFRP strengthened circular CFST columns was also evaluated. Meanwhile, a simplified empirical method on the eccentrically-loaded stub composite columns was proposed on the basis of unified theory. The experimental and analytical data indicated that the eccentric compressive strength of CFRP strengthened circular CFST stub column was obviously influenced by load eccentricity, CFRP confinement factor, steel strength, core concrete strength and CFRP strength. The proposed simplified empirical formulas may provide a considerable approach for designing this type of composite structures in engineering practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescent metal-organic frameworks (LMOFs) have been widely used as sensors and sensitizers for some chemical species due to their functional sites and porosity. In this work, a new metal–organic frameworks, [Cd 2 (H 2 L) 2 (H 2 O) 5 ] . 5H 2 O . 2DMF ( 1 ), has been successfully synthesized using 2,5-bis-(3,5-dicarboxyphenyl)thiopheneamide (H 4 L) under solvothermal condition. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that 1 has a basic tetranuclear unit, in which H 4 L is incompletely deprotonated. Furthermore, the basic tetranuclear units are connected into 3D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions. As expected, the participation of the fluorescent ligand H 4 L endows 1 with a strong fluorescence emission. Thus, we systematically explored the fluorescence sensing responses of 1 to small organic molecules and metal ions. Notably, complex 1 can act as a potential multifunctional fluorescence material for sensing of p -nitroaniline and Fe 3+ ion with high stability, selectivity and sensitivity. In addition, complex 1 also protects Eu 3+ cations from solvent quenching and sensitizes encapsulated Eu 3+ hydrates emitting in the UV–vis region. This work highlights the practical application of luminescent MOFs as sensors and sensitizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The next generation international standard High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) can achieve higher compression performance than all previous video coding standards. In the inter mode decision process of HEVC, motion estimation (ME) adopts a fixed search range and using all the possible treeblock sizes and prediction modes to find the one with the least rate distortion (RD) cost using Lagrange multiplier. This technique achieves the highest possible coding efficiency, but it brings extremely high computational complexity which limits HEVC from practical applications. In this paper, an adaptive motion search range adjustment algorithm based on spatially and temporally correlations is proposed to reduce 3D-HEVC computational complexity. Since the optimal motion vectors (MVs) prediction is highly content-dependent, it is not efficient to use all MVs in a fixed search range. We can adjust MVs search range and skip some specific search ranges rarely used in the spatially and temporally neighboring treeblocks. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can reduce 48% computational complexity while maintaining almost the same rate-distortion (RD) performance in comparison with the original HEVC encoder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Mn(II) metal–organic frameworks, [Mn 2 L(1,10-phen) 2 ]·DMF·0.5H 2 O ( 1 ) and [Mn(1,10-phen)(SO 4 )(H 2 O) 2 ] ( 2 ) (H 4 L = bis-(3,5-dicarboxypheny1) terephthalamide) have been synthesized from Mn(II)/H 4 L system under different pH values conditions. The structures of the two MOFs were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. In compound 1 , organic ligand (L 4 − ) adopt six-dentate modes to link Mn(II) ions into 2D layer structure. For 2 , only sulfate ion and 1,10-phen molecule link Mn(II) ions into 1D chain structure under higher pH value. The results demonstrate that pH values play an important role in the construction of the two MOFs. We also studied the photophysical properties and applications of the two MOFs as photocatalysts and fluorescence sensor materials. The photocatalysis results indicate that the two MOFs are stable and good candidates for degradation of RhB under UV light irradiation. And also, 1 has the higher photocatalytic activity than that of 2 . In addition, the fluorescence sensing experiment demonstrates that 1 have significant selectivity in detection of aromatic amines and metal ions. All these results demonstrate that MOF-based materials can be used as multifunctional materials for photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and detection of aromatic amines/or metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water-soluble polysaccharides (EPS) were isolated from culture broth of Enterobacter cloacae Z0206, and the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of EPS were investigated. In this study, KKAy mice were gavaged once daily with either distilled water or EPS (200 mg/kg body weight) for 6 weeks. Results showed that EPS possessed significant hypoglycemic effects. Improved oral glucose tolerance, reduced serum insulin levels as well as decreased serum triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) were observed after treatment with EPS. Furthermore, EPS upregulated the expression of glucokinase (GK), HSL (Hormone Sensitive Lipase), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1-α (CPT1-α), glucose transporter 2 (Glut2), adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) and silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1), but downregulated the gene expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) in the liver. These results suggest that EPS exhibits hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects possibly through regulating AMPK- and SirT1-mediated effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a detailed investigation of the performance of cold-formed round-ended concrete-filled steel tubular (RECFT) columns under cyclic loading via experimental and numerical approaches. Experimental tests and observations of this type of novel composite column are presented, and its failure modes, hysteretic curves, ductility ratio, energy dissipation, stiffness, and strength degradation are revealed. A nonlinear finite element (FE) model of the RECFT column under cyclic loading is established and verified by the test results. Additional parametric analyses on the effect of material strength, axial compression ratio, diameter/thickness ratio, aspect ratio, and loading direction are subsequently performed using the validated FE methodology. Simplified prediction methods are proposed to assess the initial flexural stiffness, ultimate strength, ultimate displacement, and descending stiffness of the RECFT column under cyclic lateral force. The test and numerical investigation results indicate that the failure modes of the cold-formed RECFT column under cyclic loading mainly include concrete crushing, local buckling, and fracture of the steel tube. This type of composite column with a round-ended section exhibits good hysteretic behaviour, high ductility, and sufficient energy-dissipation capacity. [Display omitted] • An experimental investigation on cold-formed RECFT column under cyclic load was introduced. • Systematic parametric analyses were subsequently developed by the validated FE methodology. • Prediction methods were proposed to assess the mechanical properties of the RECFT column under lateral cyclic force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel high molecular weight (1.1×106 Da) exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Enterobacter cloacae Z0206 strain was isolated by column chromatography. Complete hydrolysis of the EPS followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses showed that the EPS is composed of l-fucose, d-glucose, d-galactose, d-glucuronic acid and pyruvic acid in the approximate molar ratio of 2:1:3:1:1. Partial acid hydrolysis of the purified EPS followed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) yielded a hexasaccharide. A combination of chemical analysis coupled with mass spectrometry and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy applied to the oligosaccharide showed that the EPS comprises a heptasaccharide repeating unit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Glycolytic reprogramming is a typical feature of cancer. However, the cancer-specific modulation of glycolytic enzymes requires systematic elucidation. Here, we report a range of dysregulated modifications in association with a family of enzymes specifically related to the glycolysis pathway by systematic identification of delta masses at the proteomic scale in human non-small-cell lung cancer. The most significant modification is the delta mass of 79.967 Da at serine 58 (Ser58) of triosephosphate isomerase (TPI), which is confirmed to be phosphorylation. Blocking TPI Ser58 phosphorylation dramatically inhibits glycolysis, cancer growth, and metastasis. The protein kinase PRKACA directly phosphorylates TPI Ser58, thereby enhancing TPI enzymatic activity and glycolysis. The upregulation of TPI Ser58 phosphorylation is detected in various human tumor specimens and correlates with poor survival. Therefore, our study identifies a number of cancer-specific protein modifications spanned on glycolytic enzymes and unravels the significance of TPI Ser58 phosphorylation in glycolysis and lung cancer development. [Display omitted] • Widespread and diverse protein modifications map to the glycolytic enzymes • Triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) Ser58 phosphorylation is elevated in multiple tumors • TPI Ser58 phosphorylation promotes glycolysis and tumor development in lung cancer • PRKACA is responsible for the phosphorylation of TPI at Ser58 Duan et al. demonstrate extensive modifications of glycolytic enzymes in cancer and show that triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) Ser58 phosphorylation is significantly elevated in tumors. Blocking TPI Ser58 phosphorylation inhibits aerobic glycolysis, cancer cell growth, and metastasis. PRKACA directly phosphorylates TPI at Ser58, thereby enhancing glycolysis metabolism and tumor development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Large molecular refractory organic compounds (i.e., humic substances) were the major chemical oxygen demand (COD) components of aged raw landfill leachate. To investigate the behaviours of the large molecular refractory organic compounds when they were subjected to oxidation with ozone only (O3 only) and ozone combined with hydrogen peroxide (O3/H2O2), the aged raw landfill leachate first was filtered with 0.8 and 0.45μm pore size filters in series, then was sequentially fractionated with 10,000 MWCO; 5000 MWCO; and 1000 MWCO membranes, and four samples were formed: 0.45μm–10,000Da; 10,000–5000Da; 5000–1000Da; and <1000Da. Mass distribution profiles of COD, 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), colour and metals in the aged raw leachate were developed through mass balance. After membrane fractionation of the aged raw leachate, the metals were fractionated with the humic substances. Each fractionated sample as well as the aged raw leachate was oxidised with O3 only and O3/H2O2. The H2O2 enhanced the reduction of COD and colour; while, the BOD5 after O3 only was always higher than that of O3/H2O2. The addition of H2O2 improved the peak reduction of large molecules, but the effects of H2O2 on the fractions of 10,000–5000Da and 5000–1000Da were likely insignificant, which is in accordance with the COD results. No correlation was found between the BOD5 increase and the area of new peak formed after oxidation. However, the BOD5 of each sample after oxidation with O3 only was the logarithmic function of its total peak area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Glycerol-assisted instant catapult steam explosion pretreatment significantly improved cellulose digestibility and glucose yield. • Glycerol-assisted one-step ICSE improved glucose yield from corn stover. • Glucan digestibility increased from 76.9 % to 98.4 % at a 1:1 stover/glycerol ratio. • Glucose yield increased from 54.8 % to 79.3 % at a 1:1 stover/glycerol ratio. • Glycerol addition improved stover surface roughness and delignification. • Pretreatment mechanism was discussed with the use of glycerol. Glycerol-assisted one-step instant catapult steam explosion (ICSE) was studied for corn stover pretreatment. Glycerol addition reduced lignin content from ∼32 % to ∼24 % in pretreated solid residues with a stover/glycerol ratio from 1:0.0 to 1:2.0. Glycerol addition might help to reduce the formation of pseudo-lignin with the reduction of the total lignin recovered in pretreated solid residue from 114 % (possibly because of pseudo-lignin contribution) to 81 %. Furthermore, atomic forced microscopy analysis showed that glycerol addition improved surface roughness of pretreated corn stover. Moreover, it was proposed that glycerol-assisted ICSE likely led to the reactions of glycerol with lignin and lignin-derivatives through α-etherification and γ-esterification, preserving lignin internal β-O-4 linkages and preventing lignin condensation. Finally, enzymatic hydrolysis of corn stover pretreated by glycerol-assisted ICSE at a stover/glycerol ratio of 1:1 led to a glucan digestibility in solid residues of 98.4 % and a glucose yield of 79.3 %, which were 27.9 % and 44.7 % higher than those without glycerol addition, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the mitogenome of Phanerochaete carnosa was sequenced and assembled by the next-generation sequencing. The P. carnosa mitogenome was composed of circular DNA molecules, with a total size of 206,437 bp. Intron sequence, repeat sequence and plasmid-derived genes together promoted the P. carnosa mitogenome to become the second largest mitogenome in Basidiomycota. Gene arrangement analysis revealed large-scale gene rearrangements between Polyporales mitogenomes, and P. carnosa contained a unique gene order. The number and position classes of introns varied between 14 Polyporales species tested, indicated numerous intron loss/gain events occurred in the evolution of Polyporales. Most core PCGs in the 14 Polyporales species we tested were found subjected to purifying selection. However, the Ka / Ks values of rps3 gene were found >1 between some Polyporales species, indicating pressure of positive selection may exist. Phylogenetic analysis based on the combined mitochondrial gene set obtained well-supported tree topologies, and P. carnosa was identified as a sister species to Phlebia radiata. This study served as the first report on the mitogenome in the family Phanerochaetaceae, which will promote the understanding of the phylogeny, population genetics, and evolution of this white-rot fungus and related fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune cells - macrophages induced by E. coli K88 will lead to a pro-inflammatory response, which is important in host defense. Cathelicidin-WA (CWA) is an efficient antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and can exert immunomodulatory properties. Many studies have demonstrated that AMP can modulate cellular subsets but whether CWA can regulate macrophage polarization by transferring E. coli K88-induced M1 macrophage towards M2 one that of anti-inflammation remains unclear. In this study, E. coli K88 increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α and chemokine CCL3 in RAW264.7 cells with a time-dependent manner, as well as the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). On this basis, CWA significantly decreased the pro-inflammatory molecules but increased the anti-inflammatory mediators interleukin-4, interleukin-10 and other M2-related genes in E. coli K88-induced macrophages. Western blot analysis indicated that CWA suppressed the expression of TLR-4 and the phosphorylation of STAT1 and NF-κB which modulated M1 macrophage while induced the phosphorylation of STAT6 which activated M2 macrophage. Double staining of M1-specific CD86 and M2-specific CD206 also proved the hypothesis. These results suggested that CWA might dampen the inflammation by modulating M1 phenotype to M2 phenotype in E. coli K88-induced macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research, the water-soluble polysaccharides (AMP) from Atractylodes macrocephalae Koidz. were isolated and prepared. The protective effects of AMP on intestinal mucosal barrier injury induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice were investigated. It was found that AMP treatment significantly alleviated the body weight decreases and shorten colon length, and ameliorated colonic damage induced by DSS. Importantly, AMP prevented the over-expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and decreased the infiltration of neutrophils in colon. Additionally, AMP could raise expressions of Mucin 2 and tight junction protein Claudin-1. AMP also modulated the intestinal microbiota by enhancing the overall richness and diversity, greatly reducing the proportion of harmful bacteria, for instance, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Escherichia Shigella , however, augmenting the ratio of potential beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibaculum and Bifidobacterium. This work offers some important insights on protective effects of polysaccharides AMP against intestinal barrier dysfunction and provides underlying mechanism of health-beneficial properties of these biological macromolecules. • Polysaccharides from A. macrocephalae (AMP) were extracted and prepared. • Protective effects of AMP against DSS-induced colitis were investigated. • AMP suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines. • AMP enhanced intestinal tight junction and chemical barrier functions. • AMP modulated the gut microbiota and inhibited gut dysbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously obtained and characterized a novel sulfated derivative of the exopolysaccharides from Enterobacter cloacae Z0206 (SEPS). This study aimed at investigating the effects and mechanism of SEPS against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced intestinal injury. The results showed that SEPS increased the proliferation and survival of intestinal epithelial cells during DSS stimulation. Furthermore, SEPS maintained the barrier function and inflammatory response via JAK2 and MAPK signaling to protect against DSS-induced intestinal injury. Mechanistically, SEPS elevated the DNA methylation in the promoter region to negatively regulate the JAK2 and MAPKs expression. Thus, the current study shows the potential effects and mechanism of SEPS on DSS-induced intestinal epithelial cell injury. • SEPS promoted the proliferation and survival of IECs during DSS stimulation. • SEPS maintained the barrier function of IECs upon DSS treatment. • SEPS prevented the DSS induced IECs injury via JAK2/MAPK signaling pathway. • SEPS inhibited the expression of JAK2/MAPK through DNA methylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver fibrosis is commonly occurred in chronic liver diseases, but there is no approved drug for clinical use. The nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) could not only regulate metabolic homeostasis but also possess anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects, and pan-PPARs agonist was considered as a potential anti-liver fibrosis agent. In this study, a series of novel piperazine pan-PPARs agonists were developed, and the preferred compound 12 displayed potent and well-balanced pan-PPARs agonistic activity. Moreover, compound 12 could dose-dependently stimulate the PPARs target genes expression and showed high selectivity over other related nuclear receptors. Importantly, compound 12 exhibited excellent pharmacokinetic profiles and good anti-liver fibrosis effects in vivo. Collectively, compound 12 holds promise for developing an anti-liver fibrosis agent. [Display omitted] • Novel piperazine derivatives were developed as pan-PPARs agonists. • Compound 12 displayed potent and well-balanced pan-PPARs agonistic activity. • Compound 12 showed excellent pharmacokinetic profiles and good anti-liver fibrosis effects in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to unveil potential protective mechanisms of SEPS-4, a novel sulfated derivative of exopolysaccharide produced by Enterobacter cloacae Z0206, against H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative damage in murine macrophages based on proteomic approaches. SEPS-4 pre-treatment was found to be capable of alleviating H 2 O 2 -induced reduction of RAW264.7 cell viability. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry were used to evaluate proteins with significant expression alterations in H 2 O 2 -challenged RAW264.7 cells following pre-incubation with SEPS-4. Here 12 up-regulated proteins and 12 down-regulated proteins were successfully identified. Bio-informatic analysis was applied for further mechanistic studies. GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses demonstrated that differentially expressed proteins were mainly clustered in stress-related biological processes, including metabolic process, stimulus to response, cell growth and death. Peroxiredoxin-2 and Eef1g were core modules of protein-protein interaction network. Collectively, our data indicated that SEPS-4 may exert protective effects against H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative damage via the regulation of these functional proteins and related biological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To gain a better understanding of nanoscale pore structure characteristics in Chang7 lacustrine shale, Ordos Basin, China, 33 shale samples from 15 wells are examined and analyzed by total organic carbon (TOC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mercury porosimetry, helium pycnometry, low-pressure N 2 adsorption experiments and fractal method. The results show that Chang7 lacustrine shale pores diameter is mainly from 1.5 to 5 nm, and mesopores give the largest contribution to the total pore specific surface area (S BET) and volume (V BJH), and micropores have the second contribution to S BET but little contribution to V BJH , macropores have very little contribution to S BET but make a good contribution to V BJH. According to the occurrence and origin of shale pores, micro-pores can be divided into mineral intragranular pore, minera intercrystalline pore and organic pore. Two fractal dimensions (D1 and D2) are obtained from N 2 adsorption isotherms analysis using FHH method. Relationships between fractal dimensions and shale compositions, pore structure parameters are investigated, which show that both D1 and D2 have good positive relationships with S BET and V BJH , but obvious negative correlations with the average pore diameter. That is, the smaller the pore diameter, the more complex the pore structure is, resulting in the larger pore surface and volume. D1 and D2 are both positively correlated with total clay, illite, mixed-layer of illite-smectite, whereas no obvious relationships with chlorite, indicating that the layer and flocculent structure increase the complexity of nanoscale pore structure. TOC content has positive correlation with D1 but no obvious relationship with D2, indicating that the pores in organic matter are mostly micropores. Fractal dimensions are negatively correlated with total brittle mineral, quartz and feldspar content, that is because the surface of brittle minerals is smoother and more homogenous than that of clay minerals. • Chang7 lacustrine shale pores diameter is mainly from 1.5 to 5 nm. • The smaller the pore diameter, the more heterogeneity the pore structure is, and the larger the pore surface and volume is. • Fractal dimensions are positively correlated with total clay mineral, and negatively correlated with total brittle mineral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the viability of externally bonding carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) for strengthening the structural integrity of concrete-filled steel tube (CFT) short columns having circumferential void defects, this study comprehensively explores the strengthening effectiveness of various wrapping parameters (i.e., carbon-FRP strength, wrapping layers, and wrapping ratio) on the axially-compressed CFT short columns with various void ratios, material strengths, and geometric parameters by numerical method. Detailed mechanical responses, encompassing failure patterns, load-shortening (N-Δ) curves and stress distribution, are delved to reveal the strengthening mechanisms. Finally, strength prediction formulas for these composite columns are proposed rooted in the ring extension and local force transmission theories. Results show that the presence of initial voids delays the occurrence of steel-concrete contact stress (p) and weakens the p -value at peak load, thus reducing the axial resistance of column. Particularly when the void ratio exceeds 0.2%, the longitudinal strain when the concrete contacts with outer tube is beyond the concrete's peak compressive strain, thus the shape of the N-Δ curve is obviously changed, exhibiting two peaks. Externally bonding carbon-FRP strips can obviously improve the peak load of the column with a void ratio ≤ 0.2%. If the void ratio exceeds 0.2%, externally bonding carbon-FRP strips can also improve the column's second peak load, even exceeding the strength of pure CFT column, while it has no effect on the first load. The formulas proposed herein have a satisfactory accuracy based on the tested validation, which are expected to guide the design of strengthening scheme in engineering. • FE models of carbon-FRP wrapped the CFT short columns with circumferential voids are established and validated. • Systematically parametric analysis is carried out. • Detailed mechanical response is analyzed to reveal the strengthening mechanism. • Strength prediction formulas are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• FE models of the circular CFT columns with ring-shaped voids are established and validated. • Parameters' effects on the impact behaviour of the circular CFT column with ring-shaped voids are revealed systematically. • Detailed responses of typical time history curves, failure modes, force diffusion path and contact actions are analyzed. • Design formulas are proposed to assess the transverse impact resistance of the circular CFT column with ring-shaped void. Presently, the research on the impact performance of the concrete-filled steel tubular (CFT) members has never considered the problem of void defect. Hence, this paper fosters a refined finite element (FE) model of the circular CFT column with ring-shaped voids under transverse impact, which considers the initial contact status of concrete. After validating the accuracy of FE models, the effects of void ratio, steel ratio, impact speed and mass of the drop hammer on the dynamic behaviour of the circular CFT column with ring-shaped voids are explored. Detailed impacting mechanisms of the defect column are acknowledged by elaborating its dynamic time history curves, failure morphology, impact force diffusion path, contact process, and stress/strain distribution rule. Calculation methods for evaluating the impact resistance of the circular CFT column with ring-shaped voids are proposed. The results declare that the appearance of ring-shaped voids would significantly weaken the impact resistance of the CFT column. The impact force and energy dissipation are greatly decreased with the increase in void ratio. Under the transverse impact, the steel tube would be seriously depressed due to the absence of effective support acted by concrete with ring-shaped void, and the core concrete would be heavily damaged in return. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Post-fire axial compressive tests of 18 square TSRC stub columns were reported. • FEA yielded good predictions for post-fire performance of TSRC columns. • Parametric studies on the residual performance of square TSRC columns were conducted. • Post-fire design methods for axially-loaded square TSRC stub columns were proposed. The tubed steel reinforced-concrete (TSRC) column is an innovative type of steel-concrete composite column, the steel tube of which mainly provides confinement to concrete core without sustaining axial load directly. This paper presents the axial compressive behaviour of square TSRC stub columns after ISO 834 standard fire exposure, experimentally and numerically. Eighteen square TSRC stub columns were heated and cooled and subsequently loaded to failure under axial compression. The influences of heating time, concrete compressive strength and steel tube area ratio on the load vs. displacement response, failure mode, residual capacity and stiffness of the tested columns were investigated. Finite element analysis (FEA) models were then developed and validated against test results. The working mechanism, e.g. confinement effect and axial force distribution within the composite section, was studied via parametric studies. Both the residual ultimate capacity and axial stiffness of square TSRC stub columns decrease significantly with the increase in heating time. The negative effect of fire exposure on residual stiffness is more significant than on the residual capacity. Finally, practical equations for determining the residual ultimate capacity and residual compressive stiffness of square TSRC stub column were proposed, which remain consistent with the ambient-temperature methods given in current design standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal mRNA modification in eukaryotes. Loss of m6A demethylase FTO increases m6A levels and inhibits adipogenesis of preadipocytes. However, its underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that silencing FTO inhibited adipogenesis of preadipocytes through impairing cell cycle progression at the early stage of adipogenesis. FTO knockdown markedly decreased the expression of CCNA2 and CDK2, crucial cell cycle regulators, leading to delayed entry of MDI-induced cells into G2 phase. Furthermore, the m6A levels of CCNA2 and CDK2 mRNA were significantly upregulated following FTO knockdown. m6A-binding protein YTHDF2 recognized and decayed methylated mRNAs of CCNA2 and CDK2, leading to decreased protein expression, thereby prolonging cell cycle progression and suppressing adipogenesis. Our work unravels that FTO regulates adipogenesis by controlling cell cycle progression in an m6A-YTHDF2 dependent manner, which provides insights into critical roles of m6A methylation in adipogenesis. Highlights • Loss of FTO delays entry of MDI-induced 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into G2 phase. • FTO demethylates CCNA2 and CDK2 mRNA and enhance their expression. • YTHDF2 recognizes and destabilizes m6A-modified CCNA2 and CDK2 mRNA. • The FTO/m6A/YTHDF2 signaling is critical for 3T3-L1 preadipocytes adipogenesis and cell cycle progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]