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• The synergistic effect of urban blue-green infrastructure (UBGI) is comprehensively evaluated. • The significance intensity of influence of water and greenery factors on the synergistic effect is quantified. • Novel mathematical models of UBGI thermo-environment (BGTE) are established. • Efficient utilization strategies for urban water and greenery resources are proposed. Climate changes have led to increasing global energy consumption, detrimental to the sustainable development of society. Urban blue-green infrastructure (UBGI) can improve urban microclimate. However, influence intensity of UBGI on microclimate has not been quantified deeply to improve the use efficiency of water and greenery resources. To solve research deficiencies, this study numerically simulated the UBGI for 44 scenarios with different resource configurations (various water body areas and greenery coverages) in summer. Based on simulations, this study developed novel mathematical models of UBGI thermo-environment (BGTE) to quantify influence intensity of UBGI. The results indicated that daytime synergies of UBGI first increased and then decreased with time. The significance intensity of the influence of time (t), water body area (S w), tree coverage rate (TCR), shrub coverage rate (SCR), and grassland coverage rate (GLCR) on the synergy of water and greenery was quantified by artificial neural network: t (39.4 %), S w (22.6 %), TCR (22.0 %), SCR (13.2 %), and GLCR (2.8 %). To make the overall effect of UBGI on microclimate relatively efficient, S w should be less than 10,000 m2, SCR should be greater than 65 %, and TCR should be close to 15 %. This research provides practical ideas for efficient use of water and greenery resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the genotype and clinical characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) strains in southwest China and provide information on the treatment stopping the spread of the infection. The clinical information of CRE isolates was collected from 19 hospitals in 12 cities across Sichuan Province, China, between June 2018 and April 2019. The isolates were detected by DNA sequencing of genes encoding carbapenem enzymes and multilocus sequence types (MLSTs). A total of 166 nonrepetitive CRE isolates were isolated during the study period from sputum, blood, urine, and other samples. Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) was dominant in Klebsiella pneumoniae (53.9%), followed by New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) (42.1%). A total of 43 STs were detected. The most common ST of K. pneumoniae was ST11, and that of Escherichia coli was ST410. Pairwise single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) distances and the likelihood of local transmission by epidemiology were plotted for each species. About 65% of these pairs had ≤ 20 pairwise SNPs. A large number of CRE strains carried carbapenemase. Although NDM-ST12 K. pneumoniae should not be disregarded, KPC-ST11is the predominant strain. Thus, the possibility of transmission between E. coli and K. pneumoniae could not be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Klebsiella aerogenes is an understudied and clinically important pathogen. We therefore investigate its population structure by genome analysis aligned with metadata. We sequence 130 non-duplicated K. aerogenes clinical isolates and identify two inter-patient transmission events. We then retrieve all publicly available K. aerogenes genomes (n = 1,026, accessed by January 1, 2023) and analyze them with our 130 genomes. We develop a core-genome multi-locus sequence-typing scheme. We find that K. aerogenes is a species complex comprising four phylogroups undergoing evolutionary divergence, likely forming three species. We delineate remarkable clonal diversity and identify three worldwide-distributed carbapenemase-encoding clonal clusters, representing high-risk lineages. We uncover that K. aerogenes has an open genome equipped by a large arsenal of antimicrobial resistance genes. We identify two genetic regions specific for K. aerogenes , encoding a type VI secretion system and flagella/chemotaxis for motility, respectively, both contributing to the virulence. These results provide much-needed insights into the population structure and pan-genomes of K. aerogenes. [Display omitted] • Klebsiella aerogenes is a species complex comprising multiple taxa • A core-genome multi-locus sequence-typing scheme is established • Three carbapenem-resistant high-risk lineages are distributed worldwide • A T6SS and a motility-encoding region are specific and contribute to the virulence Feng et al. provide the genome sequence of 130 Klebsiella aerogenes clinical isolates with analysis of 1,026 additional publicly available genomes. The analysis uncovers K. aerogenes as a species complex with remarkable clonal diversity, identifies three worldwide-distributed carbapenemase-encoding clonal groups, and detects two specific genetic regions contributing to the virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trombe wall technology, a passive solar design strategy, has garnered significant interest for its potential to reduce building energy consumption. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the evaluation and optimization trends for Trombe walls. The historical evolution and recent advancements in Trombe wall systems are critically analyzed. Furthermore, key optimizing parameters are discussed in detail, including material selection, wall thickness, insulation characteristics, window specifications, vent dimensions, and intelligent control strategies. Common experimental methodologies and simulation approaches employed for Trombe wall optimization are summarized. Finally, current research limitations are identified and future research directions are proposed to fill existing knowledge gaps and facilitate the widespread adoption of optimized Trombe wall systems for improved energy efficiency in buildings. • One figure shows the timeline of Trombe wall development. • Subdivided statistical analysis of Trombe wall research trends in the past five years. • Rich and detailed original Trombe wall diagram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the use of PCM-TWS (phase change material Trombe wall) as a solution for improving energy efficiency in HSCW region buildings in China. The study found that the optimal parameters for PCM-TWS include a phase change temperature of 20–30° Celsius, a latent heat of 175–225 kJ/kg, and an air gap and indoor air exchange rate of 0.12 m³/s. The results indicate that the use of PCM-TWS can significantly reduce heat load and improve thermal comfort, with a 71.53% reduction in heat load during the heating season. The payback period for the PCM TWS investment ranges from 6.56 to 11.18 years, the investment in PCM TWS appears to be attractive and economically valuable. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge on the use of PCM TWS for improving energy efficiency in HSCW buildings in China. • This study analyzes PCM-TWS potential in improving HSCW building energy efficiency in China. • Optimal PCM-TWS parameters:20–30 °C phase change temp, 175–225 kJ/kg latent heat, 0.12 m³/s air gap & room air exchange rate. • PCM-TWS has high economic value, with payback periods of 6.56–11.18 years (depending on the discount rate). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most widely used polymers, the intrinsic brittleness and high flammability bring about a stringent requirement for the practical application of epoxy resins (EPs). It is difficult to toughen EP without compromising its mechanical and thermal properties for many conventional toughening agents. Here, a novel furan-derived bio-based polyphosphazene (PFMP) with a flexible backbone and rigid side groups was prepared by the nucleophilic substitution reaction between polydichlorophosphazene (PDCP) and furfuralcohol. The resultant PFMP was incorporated into EP to realize exceptional toughening, strengthening, and flame retardant function. By adding 15% of PFMP, the limit oxygen index value is from 25% (EP) to 33% (EP/PFMP-15) and reaches the UL-94 V-0 rating. According to the cone calorimeter results, EP/PFMP-15 exhibits exceedingly reduced peak heat release rate (pHRR) (50.2%) and total heat release (THR) (49.6%). The significantly increased fire performance index (FPI) and decreased fire growth rate index (FIGRA) of EP/PFMP-15 demonstrate an improvement in its flame retardancy. The catalytic carbonization effect (condensed phase) and radical quenching effect (gas phase) of PFMP account for the greatly improved flame retardancy. Moreover, the impact and tensile tests indicate that PFMP can ameliorate the mechanical performance of EP with a maximum increase of impact strength (111.8%) and elongation at break (35.2%) for EP/PFMP-5. With 15% PFMP added, the tensile strength of EP/PFMP-15 increases by 40.4%. This work demonstrates that PFMP is expected to overcome shortcomings (flammability, toughness, and strength) of EP and spread its applied fields. [Display omitted] • Bio-based polyphosphazene with furfuralcohol side groups (PFMP) was synthesized. • PFMP exhibits evident flame retardant and mechanical enhancement effect on epoxy resins (EP). • The peak heat release rate of EP/PFMP-15 was 50.2% lower than pure EP. • The impact strength of EP/PFMP-5 was 111.8% higher than pure EP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A multifunctional unimolecular micelle made of a hyperbranched amphiphilic block copolymer was designed, synthesized, and characterized for cancer-targeted drug delivery and non-invasive positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in tumor-bearing mice. The hyperbranched amphiphilic block copolymer, Boltorn® H40-poly(L-glutamate-hydrazone-doxorubicin)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (i.e., H40-P(LG-Hyd-DOX)-b-PEG), was conjugated with cyclo(Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Cys) peptides (cRGD, for integrin αvβ3 targeting) and macrocyclic chelators (1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N, N’, N’’-triacetic acid [NOTA], for 64Cu-labeling and PET imaging) (i.e., H40-P(LG-Hyd-DOX)-b-PEG-OCH3/cRGD/NOTA, also referred to as H40-DOX-cRGD). The anti-cancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX) was covalently conjugated onto the hydrophobic segments of the amphiphilic block copolymer arms (i.e., PLG) via a pH-labile hydrazone linkage to enable pH-controlled drug release. The unimolecular micelles exhibited a uniform size distribution and pH-sensitive drug release behavior. cRGD-conjugated unimolecular micelles (i.e., H40-DOX-cRGD) exhibited a much higher cellular uptake in U87MG human glioblastoma cells due to integrin αvβ3-mediated endocytosis than non-targeted unimolecular micelles (i.e., H40-DOX), thereby leading to a significantly higher cytotoxicity. In U87MG tumor-bearing mice, H40-DOX-cRGD-64Cu also exhibited a much higher level of tumor accumulation than H40-DOX-64Cu, measured by non-invasive PET imaging and confirmed by biodistribution studies and ex vivo fluorescence imaging. We believe that unimolecular micelles formed by hyperbranched amphiphilic block copolymers that synergistically integrate passive and active tumor-targeting abilities with pH-controlled drug release and PET imaging capabilities provide the basis for future cancer theranostics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Earlier reports suggest that protoapigenone showed remarkable anticancer activities. In the present study, the cytotoxic effect of a new flavonoid, 2-(cis-1, 2-dihydroxy 4-oxo-cyclohex-5-enyl)-5, 7-dihydroxy-chromone (DEDC), which is a protoapigenone analog, was investigated in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. We found that hepatoma cells were highly susceptible to DEDC in contrast with normal cells. The sustainable and rapid generation of reactive oxygen species was observed in DEDC-induced cell death. Following oxidative stress, DEDC sequentially decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), reduced Bcl-2 expression, increased cytochrome c release, and activated caspase-3, -8, and -9. Phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) was stimulated by treatment with DEDC. To further investigate the mechanisms of the DEDC-induced cell death, we examined the effects of reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and selective inhibitors for MAPK pathways on the cell death. The DEDC-induced cell death was significantly inhibited by both NAC and JNK inhibitor SP600125, but promoted by p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580. Together, DEDC may have antitumor effects in HepG2 cells through reactive oxygen species production as well as activation of MAPK signaling pathways. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this investigation, the fabrication, physico-chemical and biological characterization of a novel smart hydrogel had been evaluated for its potentials in effective controlling protein delivery. The hydrophilic pachyman-based hydrogel was generated facilely by crosslinking hydrosoluble carboxymethyl pachyman (CMP) with epichlorohydrin (ECH). The ECH concentration possessing maximum (99.7%) encapsulation efficiency and the most appropriate swelling characteristics was found to be 1.25% (w/v). The resultant hydrogel exhibited swelling ratios most favorable for drug release in simulated intestinal media. It could release two model protein drugs (bovine serum albumin and lysozyme) in the controlled manner and with full preservation of the protein stability and enzymatic activity. Importantly, the ECH-CMP hydrogel was confirmed to be biocompatible and biodegradable. From these findings, we were able to conclude that the synthesized pachyman-based hydrogel would be a promising delivery carrier candidate for site-specific delivery of protein drugs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Glass fiber (GF) can be deemed as a double-edged sword, which improves the strength of polymers but impairs the flame retardant efficiency and toughness. Herein, a novel phosphorus-containing polymeric compatibilizer (PPC) with multiple anhydride reaction sites was synthesized from radical copolymerization. PPC was directly compounded with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane modified GF, polyamide 6 (PA6) to prepare fire retarded glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (GFPA6) containing aluminium diethlyphosphinate. The multiple anhydride groups on PPC chain can react simultaneously with the amino groups on modified GF and the terminal amino groups on PA6 chain during processing. The modified GF and PA6 matrix are linked in this way, thereby enhancing the interface adhesion between GF and PA6 matrix. The addition of PPC can effectively heighten the tensile, flexural and Izod notched impact strength of GFPA6 composites. When GFPA6 burns, the addition of PPC leads to more continuous and dense carbonaceous char on GF surface, which weakens the "wick effect" and improves the flame retardant efficiency. This work also opens the door for new generations of inorganic reinforced polyamide, polyester and polyurethane. Image 1 • A novel phosphorus-containing polymeric compatibilizer (PPC) with multiple anhydride reaction sites was synthesized. • Both PA6 and silane-coated GF can be grafted onto the PPC backbone simultaneously during processing. • Adding PPC can simplify the preparation process and improve the mechanical properties and flame-retarded efficiency of GFPA6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a series of 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) derivative salts containing phosphorus and nitrogen were synthesized, and their effects on mechanical properties, thermal stability and flame retardancy of flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) were investigated. Studies have shown that the addition of DOPO derivatives will increase the tensile strength, compression set, and compression hardness of FPUF, but it will lead to a decrease in elongation at break. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the initial decomposition temperature of FPUF containing DOPO derivatives was reduecd, but the char reside was significantly improved. A series of combustion tests indicated that the addition of DOPO derivative salts can improve the flame retardancy of FPUF, of which 10-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide dicyandiamide salt (D-DICY) exhibited the best flame retardancy. When the load of D-DICY was 20 phr, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of foam reached 24.5%, and the peak heat release rate and total heat release were decreased by 55.7% and 52.9%, respectively. Furthermore, based on the analysis of the gas phase combustion products and the char residue of the condensed phase, the possible flame retardant mechanism was proposed. • Novel phosphorus-nitrogen-containing DOPO derivatives were synthesized. • Tensile strength and compression hardness of FPUF are enhanced with the addition of DOPO derivatives. • When the load of D-DICY is 20 phr, the LOI of FPUF reaches 24.5%. • The synthesis steps are simple, low cost and environmental-friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TCVD-TW improved the thermal performance of the room. • For winter, the supply air temperature setting should be 1 °C above the heating setpoint. • In winter, the energy efficiency of TCVD-TW ranges from 30.27% to 44.36%. • For summer, the supply air temperature setting should be 1 °C below the cooling setpoint. • In summer, the energy efficiency of TCVD-TW ranges from 31.18% to 53.04%. To study the energy performance of the temperature-controlled ventilated double-layer Trombe wall system (TCVD-TW) during winter and summer seasons, experiments and simulations were conducted in an experimental room in Qingdao where the system was installed. The experimental results demonstrate that the rooms equipped with this system exhibit favourable temperature performance in both winter and summer, with a positive impact on indoor humidity during the summer. The simulation results show that the performance of TCVD-TW is mainly affected by the supply air temperature, air volume flow rate, and indoor cooling and heating setpoints. For winter operating mode, the optimal supply air temperature setting should be 1°C higher than the heating setpoint. When the supply air temperature was set to 19℃(with a heating setpoint of 18 °C) and 21 °C (with a heating setpoint of 20 °C), the energy efficiency increased by 35.96 % and 32.38 %, respectively. When the supply air volume flow rate was set to 234 m3/h, the energy efficiency increased by 35.09 % (with a heating setpoint of 18 °C) and 30.27 % (with a heating setpoint of 20 °C), respectively. For summer operating mode, the optimal supply air temperature setting should be 1 °C lower than the cooling setpoint. When the supply air temperature was set to 25 °C (with a cooling setpoint of 26 °C), the energy efficiency improved by 33.62 %. When the supply air volume flow rate was set to 156 m3/h, the energy efficiency increased by 31.18 %. The experimental and simulation results of this study provide data support for the application of TCVD-TW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To tailor the enhancement strategies for polymers according to structure, inspired by the concept of "Cannikin's Law", this work proposes and exemplifies a novel strategy for reinforcing the carbonate linkages to simultaneously improve the thermal and fire safety of polycarbonate (PC). Herein, we introduce MIL-53(Al) to functionalize black phosphorus (BP@MIL-53) via a simple method of hydrothermal. As expected, the incorporation of BP@MIL-53 (1.0 wt%) in PC, resulted in an increase in T 1% of 32 °C and 41 °C under nitrogen and air respectively, along with the reduction of 49.4% and 19.3% for peak heat release rate and total heat release. Moreover, PC/BP@MIL-53-1.0 passed the V-0 rating of UL-94 with a high limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 30.5%, which achieved the dual purpose of simultaneously enhancing the thermal stability and flame retardancy of PC. In addition, the addition of flame retardants had no effect on the tensile strength of the PC. These results demonstrate the high flame retardant efficiency of BP@MIL-53 at ultra-low addition levels. Moreover, these results also illustrate the forward-looking nature of the strategy of tailoring flame retardants to the properties of the substrate. This work combines the advantages of black phosphorus (BP) and Mental organic frameworks (MOFs) materials. The carbonate linkages reinforcement approach provides a viable, new, and scalable idea for polyester compounds' thermal and fire safety properties. [Display omitted] • Novel flame retardants designed to suit the structure of polycarbonate. • Significantly improved thermal stability of polycarbonate. • Highly efficient flame retardant with ultra-low addition levels. • Ester-based reinforcement and char formation strategies inspired by the "Cannikin's Law". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early identification of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) is highly essential to prevent their dissemination within health care settings. This study aimed to compare 3 reported phenotypic assays for detecting carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE). 151 Enterobacterales isolates were collected, the sensitivity and specificity of each test was determined, with molecular genotype serving as the gold standard. The phenotypic evaluations were performed using EDTA-synergistic carbapenem inactivation method (esCIM), EDTA-carbapenem inactivation method (eCIM), and enzyme inhibitor enhancement experiment (EIE). The concordance rate was 98% for the EIE for the detection of KPC producer, and 100% for the esCIM and eCIM. Sensitivity differed among the 3 methods, and all assays had excellent sensitivity exceeding 90% for detecting metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs). The specificity of the eCIM, esCIM and EIE was 100%, 100% and 95%. Both eCIM and esCIM were unsatisfactory in detecting multi-enzyme strains (MBL and class A serine carbapenemase) (0/6). However, EIE increased the positive number to six (6/6). The eCIM, esCIM and EIE can be used to accurately detect and distinguish carbapenemase and is suitable for routine use in most clinical microbiology laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Au doping enabled the neutral pH photozymatic activity of C 3 N 4 nanosheets. • A colorimetric method for rapid and simple TAC detection at a neutral pH was developed. • Boosted ROS generation and higher substrate affinity are key to the neutral pH photozymatic activity. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) is vital for food quality evaluation. The emergence of various nanozymes with TMB as substrate offered a new avenue for TAC detection due to simple operation and fast response, but a long-standing challenge is its low activity at physiological pH, which may account for the discrepancy between the measured TAC and the actual antioxidant capacity in vivo. Herein, Au doping was explored to break the pH limitation of g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets (CNNS) photozyme. The catalytic activities of Au@CNNS at pH 4.0 and 7.4 were 14.9- and 6.2-fold higher than that of CNNS at pH 4. The neutral pH photozymatic activity (photosensitized oxidation of TMB, oxidase mimic) of Au@CNNS was explored for sensitivity TAC detection (LOD: 1.0 μM TE), which featured more convenient operations and higher sensitivity over the DPPH assay. The proposed Au@CNNS-based photozymatic colorimetric method was explored for accurate detection of TAC in drinks and juices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N doped carbon nanosheet and B N co-doped carbon (BNC) nanosheet are first prepared through exfoliation of carbon of Schiff based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) under ultrasound using sodium lignin sulfonate as the intercalation agent and modifier. Then poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/BNC nanocomposite with enhanced thermal oxidation stability, good mechanical performances and enhanced flame retardancy has been prepared through solution blending. The temperature at 5 wt% weight loss and peak heat release rate of PVA loaded with 4 wt% of BNC nanosheet increase by 31.9 °C and 57.3% compared with that of untreated PVA, respectively. A new fire hazard evaluation system based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is raised to comprehensively estimate fire risk of prepared sample. It is deduced from AHP that PVA loaded with 4 wt% BNC nanosheet shows the lowest fire risk (77.9 score). The effect of BNC nanosheet on pyrolysis mode of PVA in gaseous and condensed phase has also been investigated to figure out the reason for low fire risk of treated PVA. Image 1 • A novel strategy to prepare B and N doped carbon nanosheet derived from covalent organic frameworks. • The PVA/BNC nanocomposite with enhanced thermal oxidation stability and enhanced flame retardancy has been prepared. • A new fire hazard evaluation system based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is raised. • The effect of NBC nanosheet on pyrolysis mode of PVA in gaseous and condensed phase has been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) proteins form receptor-operated Ca2+-permeable channels, which have been thought to bring benefit to the treatment of diseases, including cancer. However, selective antagonists for TRPC channels are rare and none of them has been tested against gastric cancer. Compound 14a and analogs were synthesized by chemical elaboration of previously reported TRPC3/6/7 agonist 4o. 14a had very weak agonist activity at TRPC6 expressed in HEK293 cells but exhibited strong inhibition on both 4o-mediated and receptor-operated activation of TRPC6 with an IC50 of about 1 μM. When applied to the culture media, 14a suppressed proliferation of AGS and MKN45 cells with IC50 values of 17.1 ± 0.3 and 18.5 ± 1.0 μM, respectively, and inhibited tube formation and migration of cultured human endothelial cells. This anti-tumor effect on gastric cancer was further verified in xenograft models using nude mice. This study has found a new tool compound which shows excellent therapeutic potential against human gastric cancer most likely through targeting TRPC6 channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of climate change, urban blue-green infrastructure (UBGI), consisting of water and vegetation, has received extensive attention for urban microclimate improvement. However, the detailed quantification of spatial relationships between blue and green infrastructure elements has not been conducted about the thermal environment. To study the synergistic effect of water and vegetation, this paper conducted the field measurement and questionnaire on typical UBGI in Tianjin, China. The spatial characteristics and the current situation of the thermal environment of UBGI were obtained, and the thermal demands of UBGI users were established based on the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and heat index (HI). The results of the study indicated that the synergistic effect of the water body and vegetation was the most significant at a distance of 6 m from the water body. In the condition of light airflow (wind speed ≤1.5 m/s), the different orientations relative to the water body had no significant difference in the thermal environment. Based on the quantification of spatial relationships, the conversion factors (c T and c RH) of the synergistic effect at different locations in UBGI were obtained. Furthermore, synergistic effect (SE) models of the thermal environment of UBGI were established according to the conversion factors. Meanwhile, the thermal comfort benchmarks for SE models were quantified (WBGT : 25.76–27.96 °C and HI : 24.98–27.25 °C). This study provides scientific guidance and reference for the planning and redevelopment of UBGI. • The synergistic effect of urban blue-green infrastructure (UBGI) is analyzed quantitatively. • Synergistic effect (SE) models of the thermal environment of UBGI are proposed. • New thermal comfort benchmarks for SE models are revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riparian woodlands have recently been recognized as important carbon (C) storage regions with a considerable potential of sequestering C to mitigate global warming. Understanding soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in riparian woodland and the differences in SOC storage between riparian woodlands and other adjacent land types is important to effectively assess SOC storage in riparian woodlands and the influences of riparian land-use changes on SOC pool. Therefore, we thoroughly investigated C storage in the riparian woodlands along the Lijiang River watershed, located in a karst area in southwestern China. The goals of the study were to quantify the SOC density (SOCD) in the riparian woodland (0–20 cm depth of upper soil) [ N = 54, the plot area was 1130.88 ± 136.13 m 2 (mean value with standard deviation)]; to compare the differences in SOCD in the riparian woodland [bamboo-dominated ( N = 9) and non-bamboo-dominated woodlands ( N = 45)], the adjacent grasslands ( N = 13) and the farmlands [croplands ( N = 17) and orchards ( N = 17)]; and to assess the influence of soil texture, plant litter and soil root biomass on the SOCD of the riparian woodlands. The results showed that the average SOCD in the riparian woodlands of the Lijiang River watershed was 35.79 ± 9.51 t/ha. The SOCD in the non-bamboo-dominated woodland was 36.91 ± 9.63 t/ha, which was higher than that in the bamboo-dominated woodlands (29.86 ± 4.90 t/ha) by 7.05 t/ha (about 23.59%) ( p < 0.05) and was higher than that in the adjacent grasslands (27.77 ± 7.35 t/ha), croplands (28.93 ± 7.30 t/ha) and orchards (21.26 ± 8.20 t/ha) by 32.91%, 27.58% and 73.61%, respectively ( p < 0.01). However, the SOCD in the bamboo-dominated woodlands was only higher than that in the orchard by 8.60 t/ha (about 40.45%) ( p = 0.012). In the non-bamboo-dominated woodlands in the Lijiang riparian watershed, the SOCD showed a significant negative correlation with soil sand content ( r = − 0.69) and a significant positive correlation with the silt ( r = 0.59) and clay content ( r = 0.61) ( p < 0.01). The SOCD showed a significant positive correlation with plant litter ( r = 0.44) and soil root biomass ( r = 0.38) ( p < 0.05). Finally, the results indicate that the non-bamboo-dominated riparian woodland in the karst area stores more SOC compared with the adjacent grassland and farmland. However, converting riparian vegetation into bamboo woodland did not increase the accumulation of SOC and even caused some SOC loss in the Lijiang riparian area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near-infrared II (NIR-II) functional dyes can diagnose various diseases in non-invasive conditions. Dynamic visualization of ischemic stroke has the potential to expedite stroke diagnosis and facilitates timely treatment to alleviate cerebral injury in the continuum of stroke care. However, there is still a lack of effective imaging methods to visualize the infarct area of ischemic stroke. In this study, we report a near-infrared II (NIR-II, 1–1.7 μm) fluorophore HLX with the unique twisted donor-acceptor π-architecture, which exhibits strong aggregation induced emission characteristics and high fluorescence quantum yield in the NIR-II window and near-infrared IIb (NIR-IIb, 1.5–1.7 μm) region. The whole-body vascular imaging with superior clarity using HLX dots was achieved. Most importantly, HLX dots was utilized to realize NIR-IIb fluorescence imaging of ischemic stroke in animals and dynamically monitor the therapeutic efficacy of salidroside for the first time. Our studies further demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of salidroside against cerebral ischemic injury through promoting angiogenesis. Superior biocompatibility enables HLX as a potential agent in the NIR-IIb region to light up the infarcted vessels and image-guided therapy of ischemic stroke. [Display omitted] • A near-infrared II functional dye HLX is synthesized with strong aggregation induced emission characteristics and high fluorescence quantum. • The whole-body vascular imaging with superior clarity using HLX dots was achieved. • HLX dots was utilized to dynamically monitor the ischemic stroke therapeutic efficacy of salidroside for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addressed the application of hydroxyethyl pachyman (HEP) as a novel matrix for sustained – release tablets, using diclofenac sodium (DS) as a model drug. The studies showed the HEP tablets prepared by wet granulation had much slower drug release as compared to those prepared by direct compression. Meanwhile, increasing the percentage of HEP in the formulations caused a decrease in drug release rates. Moreover, DS release from the HEP tablets was much higher at high pH (6.8) than that at low pH (1.2). Morphology studies proved the HEP tablet formed a continuous gel layer with porous inner structure in the dissolution media. Analysis of DS release profiles revealed that diffusion and matrix erosion occurred in simulated intestinal fluid(SIF, pH = 6.8) for all the tablets. The experimental results predict HEP has a potential as a hydrophilic matrix in tablets to prolong drug release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Devoting to coping with safety risk spreading with polymers, this work achieves dramatic synergistic improvements in composite toughness, photothermal healing, and fire safety through a novel targeted modification strategy for black phosphorus (BP). In detail, we herein use the emerging 2D BP as a template for in-situ growth by covalent triazine framework (HBP-CTF). Incorporating gradient increased HBP-CTF (1, 2, 4 wt%) into polystyrene (PS), the elongation at break increased by 61.59%, 74.60% and 62.82% for composites, respectively. This is attributed to the synergistic effects of two components of HBP-CTF as stress conduction unit and interface and dispersion improver, respectively. Furthermore, PS/HBP-CTF composites achieve photothermal healing over 96% in strength and elongation at break induced by outstanding photothermal properties (linearly quantifiable, R2 > 0.997). Noted, PS/HBP-CTF 2.0 and PS/HBP-CTF 4.0 achieve record reductions of 61.77% and 69.85% in peak heat release rate, accompanied by dramatically reduced total heat release. Taking the pyrolysis of HBP-CTF as an index, this work proposes the idea of using P 4 as the key product to monitor and distribute gas phase effects for BP-based flame retardants. The hybridization of CTF to HBP promotes the slow and continuous release of P 4 in the gas phase, revealing the structure and composition of char that cross-linking P and N. This work provides strategies for synergistically overcoming composite brittleness, crack failure, and high flammability, paving the way for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are widely used in surgery to achieve skeleton muscles relaxation under light anesthesia status. In this work, we synthesized a series of 3,16-bisquaternary ammonium steroidal NMBAs. Among them, three compounds exhibited higher in vitro activities than the commenced drug rocuronium. In addition, structure–activity relationship was unveiled. We found that the intact acetylcholine-like moiety in D-ring was not necessary for maintaining activity but both the acetyl group and the quaternary nitrogen were very essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new N -(2-(1,1-dimethyl-5,7-dioxo-4,6-diazaspiro[2.4]heptan-6-yl)ethyl) sulfonamide derivatives ( 8a – i ) and ethyl 2,2-dimethyl-1-(3-(2-(sulfonamido)ethyl)ureido) cyclopropanecarbox-ylate derivatives ( 9a – i ) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activities using maximal electroshock shock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole ( scPTZ ) seizure models in mice. N -(2-(1,1-dimethyl-5,7-dioxo-4,6-diazaspiro[2.4]heptan-6-yl)ethyl)-4-fluoroben- zenesulfonamide ( 8f ) and N -(2-(1,1-dimethyl-5,7-dioxo-4,6-diazaspiro[2.4]heptan-6-yl)ethyl)-4- methylbenzenesulfonamide ( 8e ) have shown promising anticonvulsant activities in MES model. The most active compound 8f has shown the MES-induced seizures with ED 50 value of 28.05 mg/kg and TD 50 value of 561 mg/kg after intraperitoneal injection to mice, which provided compound 8f with a protective index (TD 50 /ED 50 ) of 20 in the MES test. Further, rotarod toxicity method was used to study the acute neurotoxicity profile of selected compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tilorone is an interferon inducer with anticancer activity. Twenty-two novel tilorone analogs were synthesized by improvements of fluorenone skeleton, side chains and amino groups to screen new anticancer agents. In vitro evaluation showed that ten new compounds had better anticancer activities than tilorone. Among them, 2c (IC50 < 7 μM against cancer cell lines and IC50 > 35 μM against non-cancer cell lines) and 5d (IC50 < 10 μM against cancer cell lines and IC50 > 53 μM against non-cancer cell lines) exhibited the best anticancer activities and selectivities. Pharmacophore modeling of highly active compounds was carried out by Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) to generate a visualized model for compound design in future study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of steroidal 3,16-bis-quaternary ammonium salts were synthesized and screened on mouse hemi-diaphragm to explore new steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents. There were two compounds, 3β-piperidino derivate 8d (IC50 = 3.49 μM) and 3β-N-methylbenzylamino derivate 8g (IC50 = 4.54 μM), showing activity close to rocuronium (IC50 = 2.50 μM). The preliminary structure–activity relationship was deduced from the bioactivity results with the aid of the calculated N–N distance and log P. Meanwhile, the interactions between the ligand and binding pocket were revealed by docking 8d to the ligand binding domain of the mouse muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). This nAChR was modeled using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) package indirectly from mollusca acetylcholine binding protein with mouse neuron α7 nAChR as intermediary template. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study on the development of new anticonvulsants, twenty three 1-(2-arylhydrazinecarboxamido)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate derivatives were synthesized and tested for anticonvulsant activity using the maximal electroshock (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) screens, which are the most widely employed seizure models for early identification of candidate anticonvulsants. Their neurotoxicity was determined applying the rotorod test. Three compounds 6g, 6m and 6w showed promising anticonvulsant activities in both models employed for anticonvulsant evaluation. The most active compound 6m showed the MES-induced seizures with ED50 value of 9.8 mg/kg and TD50 value of 332.2 mg/kg after intraperitoneally injection to mice, which provided compound 6m with a protective index (TD50/ED50) of 33.9 in the MES test. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study on the development of new anticonvulsants, 16 new1-(8-(benzyloxy)quinolin-2-yl-6-substituted-4,6-diazaspiro[2,4]heptane-5,7-diones were synthesized and tested for anticonvulsant activity using the maximal electroshock (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) screens, which are the most widely employed seizure models for early identification of candidate anticonvulsants. Their neurotoxicity was determined applying the rotorod test. Two compounds 8e and 8j showed promising anticonvulsant activities in both models employed for anticonvulsant evaluation. The most active compound 8e showed the MES-induced seizures with ED50 value of 8.6 mg/kg and TD50 value of 365.3 mg/kg after intraperitoneally injection to mice, which provided compound 8e with a protective index (TD50/ED50) of 26.8 in the MES test. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of new 16β-azolyl-3β-amino-5α-androstane derivatives were synthesized and characterized. The new compounds were screened for their anticancer activity against the human cancer cell lines SW480, A549, HepG2, HeLa and SiHa in vitro using the MTT assay. The results of the in vitro study showed that a number of compounds have shown IC50 values lower than 20 μM against the five cancer cell lines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Multifunctional and water-soluble superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanocarriers were developed for targeted drug delivery and positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) dual-modality imaging of tumors with integrin αvβ3 expression. An anticancer drug was conjugated onto the PEGylated SPIO nanocarriers via pH-sensitive bonds. Tumor-targeting ligands, cyclo(Arg-Gly-Asp-d-Phe-Cys) (c(RGDfC)) peptides, and PET 64Cu chelators, macrocyclic 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N, N′, N″-triacetic acid (NOTA), were conjugated onto the distal ends of the PEG arms. The effectiveness of the SPIO nanocarriers as an MRI contrast agent was evaluated via an in vitro r2 MRI relaxivity measurement. cRGD-conjugated SPIO nanocarriers exhibited a higher level of cellular uptake than cRGD-free ones in vitro. Moreover, cRGD-conjugated SPIO nanocarriers showed a much higher level of tumor accumulation than cRGD-free ones according to non-invasive and quantitative PET imaging, and ex vivo biodistribution studies. Thus, these SPIO nanocarriers demonstrated promising properties for combined targeted anticancer drug delivery and PET/MRI dual-modality imaging of tumors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of new 16E-arylidene androstane derivatives were synthesized and characterized. The new compounds were screened for their anticancer activities against the human cancer cell lines SW480, A549, HepG2 and HeLa in vitro using the MTT assay. The results of the in vitro study showed that a number of compounds have shown IC50 values lower than 20μM against the four cancer cell lines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]