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• Invasive fungal infections are on the rise among immunocompromised populations. • Using whole-genome sequencing, we identified a novel etiology of palatal perforation. • This novel pathomycete of palatal perforation was found in an immunocompetent adolescent. • Multidisciplinary treatment helps the prompt diagnosis and specific treatment of invasive fungal infections. Opportunistic oral mucosal fungal infection caused by Alternaria alternata is extremely rare. Herein, we present a rare palatal perforation as a result of oral infection caused by A. alternata in an immunocompetent adolescent. An 18-year-old boy, who had previously been healthy, was admitted to our institution with persistent pain in the palate for the past 12 months. Upon impression of palatal bone resorption based on computed tomography imaging and chronic granulomatous inflammation based on biopsy (hematoxylin-eosin staining), the patient was examined for commonly relevant causes such as potential tumor and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. All test results were inconclusive. After a thorough diagnostic investigation, an unusual fungal infection, A. alternata infection, was confirmed by next-generation sequencing and biopsy (periodic acid-Schiff staining and immunofluorescence staining). The patient underwent surgical debridement and was subjected to voriconazole treatment postoperatively for over a period of 5 months. Thus, these findings highlight the importance of considering A. alternata as a potential pathogenic factor in an etiological palatal perforation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) adversely affects the neurobiological and behavioral functions of offspring. Increasing evidence indicates that alcohol-use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly co-occur. Enhanced function of hyperpolarization-activated gated channel 1 (HCN1) may be involved in the pathogenesis of PTSD. This study aimed to explore the effect of PAE on fear extinction, spontaneous recovery, alcohol preference, and function of HCN1 channels in offspring of both sexes. The PAE model was established with a 20 % (m/V) ethanol solution, and offspring were treated with 0.5, 1, and 2 μg/mL ZD7288 to block the HCN1 channel. Behavioral tests were used to detect the mental state and fear of extinction of the mice. Western blot was used to detect HCN1 expression in the synaptosomes. The BDNF/TrkB-pmTOR pathway was also examined. ZD7288 administration ameliorated PAE-induced impairment of fear extinction and depression-like behavior. ZD7288 administration also alleviated PAE-induced inhibition of the HCN1 channel in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the BDNF/TrkB-pmTOR pathway in the hippocampus of offspring. In addition, the therapeutic effect of ZD7288 in males was better than that in females. Overall, these results suggest that PAE enhances alcohol preference and susceptibility to PTSD through synaptic HCN1 channels in the PFC. In addition, ZD7288 may be a promising candidate for preventing alcohol-associated PTSD-like syndrome, particularly in males. The effects of ZD7288 were only studied in PAE animals and not in healthy animals. • PAE enhanced alcohol preference and susceptibility to PTSD in offspring mice. • HCN channel blocker ZD7288 attenuated PAE's effects on offspring. • PAE and ZD7288 affected offspring in a sex-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Off-policy reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms are known for improving sample efficiency by employing prior experiences in experience replay memory. However, most existing off-policy RL algorithms are bottlenecked by the slow convergence speed and demand of a large number of interaction samples. In contrast, on-policy RL algorithms converge fast and continuously generate new samples. However, their success heavily depends on the accuracy of the generated samples. To address these challenges, a novel RL framework called HI-FER (H uman-learning I nspired F requent E xperience R eplay) is proposed by mimicking the process of human learning. HI-FER employs a parallelized experience replay and repetitive training framework to expedite the convergence rate of off-policy algorithms, which imitates the function of the human brain's parallel information processing and repetitive learning. Additionally, a periodic network reset strategy and dynamic memory updating are leveraged by imitating the forgetting mechanism of humans to prevent overfitting triggered by repetitive updating on limited experiences. Extensive comparison experiments and ablation studies are performed on benchmark environments to evaluate the proposed method. The empirical results demonstrate that HI-FER outperforms the baselines in terms of sample efficiency on state-based (14% improvements) and image-based (51% improvements) tasks from DMControl. Project website and code: https://github.com/Arya87/HI-FER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change materials (PCMs) have the potential for heat storage and release, but low thermal conductivity limits their wide application in thermal systems. This work proposes a mathematical model to simulate the freezing process of water in porous media. Unlike traditional methods that solve for two temperatures in different materials, the hybrid finite element method computes a single temperature satisfying the jump on the interface. The effect of contact thermal resistance and skeleton parameters on solid-liquid phase change heat transfer was investigated. This model was validated by experiments in reference. Results show that increased contact thermal resistance decreases temperature gradient, phase interface deflection and freezing rate. Specifically, with contact thermal resistance of 0.0001 K/W, 0.0005 K/W, and 0.001 K/W, freezing rates decrease by 36.4 %, 52.35 %, and 54.14 %, respectively, compared to the case without resistance. Although the contact thermal resistance reduced the temperature gradient, it stabilized the phase change process. Moreover, higher thermal conductivity of the skeleton enhances the freezing rate. However, after a certain value is reached, the rate increases only marginally. Skeletons with lower density and specific heat capacity are favorable to enhancing phase change heat transfer. [Display omitted] • A novel mathematical model involving contact thermal resistance was proposed. • Hybrid finite element method simplified the temperature solution on the interface. • Thermal resistance affects freezing rates, phase interface, and temperature field. • Freezing rates rise with skeleton thermal conductivity, stabilized at the threshold. • Low density and specific heat capacity of porous skeletons enhance heat transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical oxo-precipitation (COP) is an enhanced precipitation method for boron removal with the conversion of boric acid to perborate anions. When using barium-based precipitant, the boron can be effectively precipitated as barium perborates (BaPBs). The phase transformation of BaPBs from amorphous (A-BaPB, Ba(B(OH) 3 OOH) 2) to crystalline (C–BaPB, BaB 2 (OO) 2 (OH) 4) form is crucial for effective boron removal. However, scaling up this phase transformation of BaPBs is hindered by poor diffusion. This study aims to promote the growth of C–BaPB through seed-induced crystal growth, eliminating the need for phase transformation. By examining the relationship between crystal growth rate and supersaturation, surface spiral growth was identified as the rate-limiting step of the growth of micron-sized seeds near pH pzc. To enable continuous crystal growth, granular seeds of C–BaPB were prepared and employed as the medium for fluidized-bed crystallization (FBC). The system reached steady state 3 hydraulic retention times, achieving 90% boron removal. The effect of surface loading, ionic strength, and dosages on steady-state crystal growth rate was studied, revealing a shift of the rate-limiting step in FBC to diffusion. Lastly, the system that constituted of two FBCs in-series for sequential crystallization of A-BaPB and C–BaPB was demonstrated. The integrated system provided 97.8% of boron removal from synthetic wastewater containing 500 mg-B/L, with 92.3% of boron crystallized on the granular seeds of BaPBs. [Display omitted] • Seed-induced crystal growth of C–BaPB enabled rapid boron removal. • Spiral surface growth was the rate-limiting step near pH pzc. • Continuous crystal growth of granular C–BaPB seeds removed 90% boron in FBC. • Two FBCs in-series eliminated boron from 500 to 8 mg-B/L, >92% on granular seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In latent heat storage, certain non phase change materials (non-PCMs) with high thermal conductivity are incorporated into the phase change materials (PCMs) with the aim of enhancing the efficiency of heat/cold storage. We term this type of non-PCMs as 'enhancer', which includes materials like graphite and copper foam, usually with a complex skeleton structure (He et al., 2023 [1] ; Yang et al., 2018 [2]).In this article, we propose a phase field model to describe the solidification and melting phenomena of PCMs with enhancer from a microscopic point of view. Our model is governed by the energy equation coupled with the Allen–Cahn equation. A penalty technique is applied in the Allen–Cahn equation to describe the complex structure of the non-PCMs. We use the concept of thermal resistance to define the boundary condition on the contact interface of two materials to ensure the temperature jump. Thanks to the hybrid dual formulation, the temperature can be solved as a monolithic function while satisfying the temperature jump on the material interface. In temporal discretization, a numerical scheme is developed to decouple the phase field from the temperature. In the spatial discretization, the hybrid finite element method, the Raviart–Thomas (RT0) and P0 elements are used to solve the temperature, to satisfy the temperature jump on the interface. Simulations are performed using the open source finite element software FreeFem++. To improve computational efficiency, under the framework of FreeFem++, the mesh refinement is conducted by the Mmg module, and the parallelization is performed by the domain decomposition library ffddm. 2D and 3D simulations are carried out for both melting and solidification processes of a fossil-based organic PCM, CRODATHERM60 in the graphite skeleton on different porous structures to validate our model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tectonic setting of Indosinian magmatism in West Qinling Orogen and the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Tethys remain hotly debated. Here we present SHRIMP zircon U Pb dating, major-trace elemental and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic data for four granitic and gabbroic plutons across the eastern West Qinling Orogen, from north to south including Guanshan, Fengxian, Mishuling and Miba. Our new data indicate that the Fengxian granitoids, emplaced at 238 Ma in a continental arc setting, show adakitic affinity and were formed by partial melting of subducted sediments. The southern Guanshan granitoids, emplaced at 235–229 Ma in a continental arc setting, also show adakitic affinity but were generated by partial melting of thickened (>50 km) lower crust. The northern Guanshan granites and gabbros were emplaced at 217–216 Ma in a back-arc setting, with the former generated by partial melting of normal (40–50 km) lower crust and the latter derived from asthenospheric mantle. The Mishuling granitic pluton contains abundant mafic microgranular enclaves, both emplaced at 214 Ma in a back-arc setting with the host granitoids formed by partial melting of normal (40–50 km) lower crust and the enclave magmas derived from asthenospheric-lithospheric mantle. The Miba granitoids, emplaced at 216 Ma in a continental arc setting, show adakitic affinity and were generated by partial melting of thickened (>50 km) lower crust. We suggest that the Paleo-Tethyan oceanic crust had subducted near the Shangdan suture by 238 Ma and successively advanced northward, approaching southeastern Qilian Orogen at 235–229 Ma. Then slab rollback initiated and gradually migrated southward. The slab subduction did not cease before 214 Ma. • We have investigated four Triassic granitic-gabbroic plutons in West Qinling Orogen. • The granitoids formed in a continental-arc setting during the Ladinian-Carnian. • The granitoids, enclaves and gabbros formed in a back-arc setting during the Norian. • The origin of these rocks recorded the Paleo-Tethyan oceanic crust advance to retreat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer hydrogels intended for use in bone repair need to be strong, elastic, and capable of enduring degradation. However, many natural polymer hydrogels lack these essential properties and thus, are unsuitable for bone repair applications. Here, a new type of multi-network hydrogel with improved mechanical and degradation-resistant properties has been developed for use in bone repair. The hydrogel is composed of thiolated chitosan (TCH), silk fibroin (SF), and thiolated bioglass (TBG) nanoparticles (NPs). The multi-networks are built through sulfhydryl self-crosslinking, diepoxide crosslinker-involved linkages of amino or hydroxyl groups, and enzyme-mediated phenol hydroxyl crosslinking. Additionally, mesoporous TBG NPs serve as a vehicle for loading stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) to provide the gel with cell-recruiting activity. The formulated TCH/SF/TBG hydrogels exhibit remarkably enhanced strength, elasticity, and improved degradation tolerance compared to some gels made from only TCH or SF. Furthermore, TCH/SF/TBG gels can support the growth of seeded cells and the deposition of matrix components. Some TCH/SF/TBG gels also demonstrate the ability to release SDF-1 in an approximately linear manner for a few weeks while retaining the chemotactic properties of the released SDF-1. Overall, the multi-network hydrogel has the potential as an in situ forming material for cell-recruiting bone repair and regeneration. • Thiol-functionalized mesoporous bioglass nanoparticles are synthesized. • Nanoparticles are combined with thiolated chitosan and silk fibroin to construct multi-network composite hydrogels. • Hydrogels show mechanically strong and elastic properties as well as degradation-tolerated characteristics. • Hydrogels have the ability to administer release of SDF-1 factor in an approximately linear manner. • Hydrogels support the growth and matrix deposition of seeded cells and preserve the activity of released SDF-1 factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A co-treatment of steelmaking slag and steel pickling waste liquor was proposed. • FePO 4 was prepared during the collaborative treatment. • After leaching, the residue can be reused as flux within the steel plant. • Comprehensive utilization of metallurgical wastes can be achieved. To prepare FePO 4 and to achieve resource utilization of metallurgical wastes, a collaborative treatment of P-bearing steelmaking slag and steel pickling waste liquor (SPWL) was proposed. The utilization of SPWL as a leachant for P separation from steelmaking slag facilitates P-removal residue recycling within steel plants, while also serving as a Fe source for the FePO 4 preparation. In this study, the effects of synthetic SPWL with various Fe2+ (or Fe3+) contents and leaching parameters on the dissolution behavior of steelmaking slag were investigated. Moreover, the impacts of H 2 O 2 oxidation and pH on the precipitation behavior of FePO 4 from leachate were studied. It was found that increasing Fe2+ concentration in SPWL resulted in a marginal reduction in the P dissolution ratio; however, it was significantly influenced by the pH and solid/liquid ratio. Furthermore, the change in Fe3+ concentration within SPWL exhibited a conspicuous impact on the P dissolution ratio. After leaching, the residue containing massive Fe 2 O 3 , MgO, and MnO could be reused as a flux within the steelmaking process. The FePO 4 precipitated predominantly at pH 2.0 ∼ 3.0, and the crude FePO 4 product containing 42.6 % Fe 2 O 3 and 35.8 % P 2 O 5 was obtained, providing a new solution for the utilization of metallurgical wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photonic jet (PJ) is generated by illuminating a dielectric scatterer with symmetric four Airy beams (SFAiB). The PJ properties have been systematically studied as a function of characteristic parameters of both the SFAiB and the scatterer, including the geometric parameter D that controls lateral position of each Airy beam component, decay factor, focal point position of the SFAiB, as well as the refractive index of the scatterer. The results show that the PJ performance can be optimized by all of these parameters as a result that the diffraction and self-focusing effects of the SFAiB itself, and the scatterer's focusing function simultaneously play roles in the PJ generation in case of SFAiB illumination. The illumination by SFAiB has advantages over that by plane wave or Gaussian beam in flexibility of tailoring the PJ performance and in possibility of generating a photonic hook with asymmetric illumination caused by transverse offset of focal point of incident SFAiB. In addition, the SFAiB illumination makes it possible to generate a PJ outside a scatterer in case that the scatterer has a higher refractive index of n s > 2.0, increasing the flexibility in both material choice and structural design of scatterer for generation of a PJ for some potential applications. • Photonic jet (PJ) is generated by symmetric four Airy beams (SFAiB) illumination. • SFAiB's diffraction and self-focusing, scatter's focusing effects enable to tailor PJ performance. • SFAiB illumination has advantages over that by plane wave or Gaussian beam. • The merits include flexibility in tailoring PJ performance and possibility of generating a photonic hook with asymmetric illumination. • SFAiB illumination enables to generate a PJ outside a scatterer with a higher refractive index of n s > 2.0, increasing flexibility in material choice and structural design of scatterer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer hydrogels intended for use in bone repair need to be strong, elastic, and capable of enduring degradation. However, many natural polymer hydrogels lack these essential properties and thus, are unsuitable for bone repair applications. Here, a new type of multi-network hydrogel with improved mechanical and degradation-resistant properties has been developed for use in bone repair. The hydrogel is composed of thiolated chitosan (TCH), silk fibroin (SF), and thiolated bioglass (TBG) nanoparticles (NPs). The multi-networks are built through sulfhydryl self-crosslinking, diepoxide crosslinker-involved linkages of amino or hydroxyl groups, and enzyme-mediated phenol hydroxyl crosslinking. Additionally, mesoporous TBG NPs serve as a vehicle for loading stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) to provide the gel with cell-recruiting activity. The formulated TCH/SF/TBG hydrogels exhibit remarkably enhanced strength, elasticity, and improved degradation tolerance compared to some gels made from only TCH or SF. Furthermore, TCH/SF/TBG gels can support the growth of seeded cells and the deposition of matrix components. Some TCH/SF/TBG gels also demonstrate the ability to release SDF-1 in an approximately linear manner for a few weeks while retaining the chemotactic properties of the released SDF-1. Overall, the multi-network hydrogel has the potential as an in situ forming material for cell-recruiting bone repair and regeneration. • Thiol-functionalized mesoporous bioglass nanoparticles are synthesized. • Nanoparticles are combined with thiolated chitosan and silk fibroin to construct multi-network composite hydrogels. • Hydrogels show mechanically strong and elastic properties as well as degradation-tolerated characteristics. • Hydrogels have the ability to administer release of SDF-1 factor in an approximately linear manner. • Hydrogels support the growth and matrix deposition of seeded cells and preserve the activity of released SDF-1 factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demethylation is a chemical process widely distributed in nature to remove a methyl group from an organic molecule, which is a key aspect of diverse biological processes including biosynthesis of natural products, degradation of plant biomass and epigenetic regulation. This process is facilitated by diverse demethylases via distinct mechanisms. Recent studies have disclosed some novel demethylation reactions as well as their underlying demethylases in the biosynthesis of bacterial sterols, fungal terpenoids, and plant alkaloids. This article focuses on current advances in dissecting the demethylation reactions in biosynthesis of natural products and aims to point out the enzymatic mechanisms, which will further enhance our knowledge and understanding of demethylation process in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is calculated based on albumin and lymphocyte. • Patients with lower preoperative PNI were associated with adverse factors. • The low preoperative PNI was also associated with inferior oncological outcomes. The present study was performed to explore the prognostic value of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients following nephrectomy. A total of 660 patients were included. PNI was calculated based on the following formula: serum albumin level (g/L) + 0.005 × total lymphocyte count (per mm3). Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the log-rank test were conducted. Univariate analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to explore the prognostic factors. The patients in low PNI group were more likely to be older (P < 0.001), have a larger tumor (P < 0.001), higher pathological T stage (P < 0.001), positive lymph node (P = 0.038), distant metastasis (P = 0.005), higher tumor grade (P < 0.001) and tumor necrosis (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed low preoperative PNI was an independent predictor of overall survival (OS) (P = 0.034) and progression-free survival (PFS) (P = 0.004) for all patients. Besides, low preoperative PNI was also significantly associated with poor OS (P = 0.008), cancer-specific survival (CSS) (P = 0.032) and PFS (P = 0.003) for non-metastatic RCC patients. The patients with lower preoperative PNI were associated with adverse factors. Furthermore, the low preoperative PNI was also associated with inferior oncological outcomes in RCC patients who underwent nephrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological functions of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in gastric cancer (GC) remain largely unexplored. Here, we identified that circ-RanGAP1 was significantly upregulated in both GC tissues and exosomes from the plasma of GC patients. High circ-RanGAP1 expression was closely associated with an advanced TNM stage, lymph node metastases, and worse survival. Inhibition of circ-RanGAP1 decreased GC cell invasion and migration in vitro. Overexpression of circ-RanGAP1 had the opposite effect. Additionally, circ-RanGAP1 silencing remarkably suppressed tumor growth and metastasis of GC in vivo. Mechanistically, circ-RanGAP1 sponged miR-877-3p to upregulate VEGFA expression. Overexpression of miR-877-3p reversed the biological functions mediated by circ-RanGAP1 in GC cells. Interestingly, we demonstrated that circ-RanGAP1 was upregulated in plasma exosomes from preoperative GC patients. More importantly, the plasma exosomes derived from these patients enhanced the migration and invasion potential of GC cells. Overall, the circ-RanGAP1-mediated miR-877-3p/VEGFA axis promotes GC progression. Our findings suggest that circ-RanGAP1 might act as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response surface methodology (RSM) is an effective tool for process optimization with multi-complex operational factors. The present work aims to model and optimize the photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) parameters of Reactive Red 195 (RR195) dye decoloration with the SiO 2 -supported Fe–Co catalyst (FCS) derived from a novel catalyst synthesis method, fluidized-bed crystallization (FBC) process, using Box-Behnken design (BBD) as the RSM statistical model. The Fe–Co@SiO 2 catalyst was successfully fabricated using the FBC process, and it showed good catalytic activity and performance toward the degradation of RR195. The extent of the effects of pH, H 2 O 2 dosage (HD), catalyst loading (CL), and operating time (t) on the decoloration of RR195 was studied. Hence, the order of variable significance follows the sequence: pH > t > CL > HD. pH has the most significant effect among the variables for RR195 decoloration. The decoloration efficiency predicted by the BBD model was 88.3% under the optimized operation conditions of initial pH of 3.15, 0.76 mM H 2 O 2 , 1.18 g L−1 FCS and 59.4 min of operating time. The actual decoloration efficiency was very close to the predicted value indicating that BBD can efficiently be utilized to optimize RR195 degradation with FCS under the PCO system. [Display omitted] • FBC-derived Fe–Co catalyst exhibited good catalytic activity toward RR195 degradation. • pH has the most significant effect among the variables for RR195 decoloration. • BBD can be efficiently utilized to optimize the degradation of RR195 with FCS under the PCO process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding cellular and molecular processes underlying the human early post-implantation development represents one of the most fundamental questions in development and stem cell biology. As embryos implant into the uterus a week after fertilization, human development beyond the blastocyst stage is extremely difficult to study due to the inaccessibility of embryos and ethical concerns. The advents in the human embryo in vitro culture system provide an easily accessible, tractable, and perturbable platform to dissect key developmental events of human early embryonic development. However, these studies stopped around gastrulation to technical and ethical limitations, and our understanding of human gastrulation and early organogenesis remains poor. As closely related species to humans, non-human primates (NHPs) are suitable surrogate species to interrogate mechanisms underpinning human embryonic development. Here, we review the most recent advances in embryo in vitro culture systems of NHP and discuss their potential optimization strategies and applications. • The similarities and differences between the mouse, human and non-human primates (NHPs) in vitro embryo culture systems are compared. • Further optimization strategies of the NHP's embryo in vitro culture system are proposed. • The potential applications of the embryo culture system are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Increased type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) disrupts alveolar formation and affects alveolar development. • Excessive of amphiregulin (AREG) can have detrimental consequences. • AREG derived from ILC2 affects normal alveolar differentiation in BPD. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common complication in preterm infants characterized by alveolar growth arrest. Interleukin (IL)-33 and type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) affect type II alveolar epithelial cell (AECII) differentiation in BPD mice and may cause increased lung epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Amphiregulin (AREG) can be produced by ILC2 and is associated with tissue repair. However, the action mechanism of AREG produced by ILC2 to alveolar development in BPD is unclear. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the role and mechanism of AREG in influencing AECII transdifferentiation in the lung tissue of BPD mice. The effects of ILC2-derived AREG on AECII transdifferentiation were verified in vivo and in vitro, and the role of IL-33 on ILC2-derived AREG in AECII transdifferentiation in BPD mice and a preliminary investigation of the role of AREG's receptor-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on AECII transdifferentiation. The results showed that neonatal mice developed severe lung injury after hyperoxia, and IL-33 induced AREG production via ILC2 affected normal AECII differentiation and promoted EMT. In addition, the blockade of EGFR was found to alleviate the impaired AECII differentiation under hyperoxia in an in vitro study. In summary, our study demonstrates that AREG secreted by ILC2 affects AECII transdifferentiation in BPD mice, which provides a new idea for the clinical treatment of BPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The microscale dynamic X-ray tomography was used to observe the flow of asphalt. • The activation energy of the asphalt binder was calculated. • The contact angles between the asphalt binder and aggregates were analyzed. • Molecular Dynamics (MD) was used to simulate the flow process of asphalt. The objectives of this study are to explore the mechanism of the self-healing or flow of asphalt binder on the surface of the aggregates and evaluate the contact angle between the asphalt binder and aggregates. The mastic samples (small size) were prepared with asphalt binder and fine aggregates of a small size (below 0.3 mm). The microscale dynamic X-ray tomography was used to observe the flow of asphalt binder in the mastic sample at 353.15 K (80 °C) using the Advanced Photon Source (APS) beamline 2-BM at Argonne National Laboratory. The activation energy for flow of the asphalt binder and the contact angle between the asphalt binder and aggregates were analyzed to explain the self-healing characteristics of the asphalt binder materials. The Molecular Dynamics (MD) method was employed to simulate the flow process of the molecules of asphalt binder at different temperatures and mimic the contact angle difference between the asphalt binder and aggregate models. Simultaneously, in the laboratory, the contact angle goniometer was selected to measure the contact angle between the asphalt binder droplet and aggregates at different temperatures. The results of tests and MD simulations show that (1) asphalt binder diffused after heating from the X-ray images, and the stages and mechanism of the flow process of asphalt binder on aggregates were investigated; (2) low contact angle was observed in the interface model of asphalt binder and aggregates at high temperatures using the MD method. The wetting condition changed from partial non-wetting to wetting after heating in the interface model; (3) contact angle results between the asphalt binder and aggregates demonstrated flow steps of the asphalt binder material. The test data was also compared with the MD simulation results at different temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The pollution of antibiotics, including tetracyclines (TCs), in aquatic environments has become an issue of concern in recent years. Herein, an in situ sampling of TCs in pig breeding wastewater that utilizes the technique of diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), based on commercial nanosized ZnO (nanoZnO) particles as the potential effective binding agent and a polyethersulfone (PES) membrane as the diffusion layer, was developed. The diffusion coefficients of tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC) and chlortetracycline (CTC) in a PES membrane at 25 °C were (1.37 ± 0.06) × 10−6 cm2 s−1, (1.29 ± 0.05) × 10−6 cm2 s−1 and (1.94 ± 0.07) × 10−6 cm2 s−1, respectively. The results showed that the adsorption capacities of a gel disc containing 2.5 g L−1 of nanoZnO particles were as high as 3.93 ± 0.20 mg disc−1 for TC, 3.21 ± 0.20 mg disc−1 for OTC and 4.62 ± 0.22 mg disc−1 for CTC. Both a solution pH in the range of 5–9 and an ionic strength (as pNaCl) in the range of 1–3 had an insignificant influence on the TCs uptake by nanoZnO−DGT samplers. There was no significant influence of fulvic acid or tannic acid on the TC uptake by nanoZnO−DGT samplers at the tested mass ratios. For all spiked freshwater samples, there was no notable interference of matrices on the performance of the nanoZnO−DGT samplers, suggesting that the nanoZnO−DGT samplers yielded satisfactory results for the uptake of TCs at concentrations existing in the spiked freshwater samples. Field deployment of the nanoZnO−DGT samplers in pig breeding wastewater also exhibited excellent precision and accuracy, indicating that the nanoZnO−DGT samplers could be used as a promising method for the in situ sampling of TC antibiotics in aquatic environments. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • A DGT sampler based on ZnO nanoparticles for in-situ sampling of tetracyclines in waters. • An inert polyethersulfone membrane as the diffusion layer of DGT technique • No notable influence on the uptake of nanoZnO−DGT for TCs in the range of pH 5–9 and pNaCl 1–3 • No interference of water matrices on the uptake of tetracyclines by DGT sampler • Reliable and accurate results in field deployment with relative good precision [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract BODIPY-based probes have excellent fluorescence properties. However, small Stokes shifts approximately 5–15 nm greatly affect their detection sensitivity. In this study, we compared the Stokes shifts of reported BODIPY-based probes with various of substituents, and found that the phenyl groups on the specific position of BODIPY core could expand the Stokes shift of BODIPY-based probes, and methoxy groups on these phenyl substituents could enhance such effects. Then, by quantum chemical calculations, we found that the number of methoxy groups might also have obvious effect on the Stokes shift of BODIPY. Taking nitric oxide (NO) as analyte, 4,4-difluoro-8-(3,4-diaminophenyl)-3,5-bis(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indancene (DMOPB) with diaminophenyl substituents has been designed and synthesized. Compared with monomethoxy-phenyl substituted BODIPY-based probes (MOPBs) in our previous work, Stokes shift of DMOPB was expanded by 10 nm when using dimethoxyphenyl instead of monomethoxyphenyl, which is basically consistent with the quantum chemistry calculation of 11 nm. DMOPB can react with NO in only 2 min to form the triazole DMOPB-T with a fluorescence quantum yield of 0.32. An excellent linear relationship was observed in the range of NO concentration from 0.5 μM to 4 μM and the detection limit was 1 nM. The experimental results indicate that DMOPB with high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, low toxicity and dark background can be a great candidate for imaging NO in cells and tissues. Considering the lack of practical way to increase Stokes shift of small-molecule fluorescent probes based on specific fluorophore, the proposed strategy has great potential for the designing of probes with large Stokes shift. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The effect of substituents on Stokes shifts of BODIPY has been studied systematically. • A new BODIPY probe DMOPB with large Stokes shift of 48 nm for NO has been designed and synthesized. • DMOPB has been successfully used for NO imaging in cells and tissues. • The proposed designing strategy is practical and has great potential for developing probes with large Stokes shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The formation of O -glycosidic linkage is arguably one of the most important topics in glycoscience due to the prevalence of O -glycosides in nature. Great efforts have been devoted to this field by many carbohydrate chemists to develop stereoselective/stereospecific glycosylation methodologies. Although glycosyl donor- and acceptor-controlled strategies have significantly progressed, the tedious design and pre-synthesis of substrates could not be avoided. On the other hand, reagent-controlled glycosylation can overcome these challenges and produce the desired selectivity by only altering external factors such as concentration, reagents or other reaction conditions. This mini-review discusses selected recent novel methodologies on reagent-mediated stereo-controlled glycosylation in the last decade, classified by the types of glycosyl donors. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Recent progress on reagent-mediated stereo-controlled glycosylation is reviewed. • Donors include thioglycosides, acetimidates, glycosyl halides, glycals and glycosyl epoxides. • Reagents include additives, solvents and catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is severely increasing with the aging. It has been proposed that NSCs (neural stem cells) help to control aging, but the mechanisms responsible remain unclear. Angelica polysaccharide is an active ingredient of Angelica sinensis in traditional Chinese medicine, which possesses versatile pharmacological activities including anti-oxidative and anti-aging effects. In this study, D-gal (D-galactose) was used to construct an aging model of Nestin-GFP transgenic mice brain tissues and NSCs. Mouse model was subcutaneously injected with D-gal, as we observed that mice consistently displayed acceleration of aging-like behavior change, energy metabolism decreased, the expression of aging-related genes was up-regulated. Conversely, aging retardation was achieved in Nestin-GFP mice Induced by D-gal that was locally injected with ASP (Angelica polysaccharide). Mechanistically, we isolated and cultured NSCs in vitro. ASP protected NSCs by increasing the cell proliferation; decreasing the number of SA-β-gal stained neurons; increasing the activity of SOD(superoxide dismutase) and T-AOC(total antioxidant capacity), decreasing the content of MDA(malondialdehyde); decreasing the levels of IL-1b,IL-6,TNF-a and ROS; and down-regulated the expression of cellular senescence associated genes p53, p21 in the aging NSCs. In conclusion, ASP can delay aging speed by protecting NSCs and promote neurogenesis by enhancing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity, up-regulation of p53/p21 signaling pathway. As to provide theoretical basis for treatment for brain aging related diseases, add new scientific connotation for "qi and blood theory" and "supplement blood and delay aging" of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Highlights • By constructing the model of mice brain aging, we studied the mechanism of ASP retarding brain aging and aging of NSCs. • The topic explains the connotation of "supplement blood and delay aging" of Traditional Chinese Medicine. • Mechanisms that regulate NSCs aging provide an important basis for the treatment of brain aging related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We theoretically study the thermoelectric transport properties through a triple quantum dots (QDs) device with the central QD coupled to a ferromagnetic lead, a superconducting one, and two side QDs with spin-dependent interdot tunneling coupling. The thermoelectric coefficients are calculated in the linear response regime by means of nonequilibrium Green's function method. The thermopower is determined by the single-electron tunneling processes at the edge of superconducting gap. Near the outside of the gap edge the thermopower is enhanced while thermal conductance is suppressed, as a result, the charge figure of merit can be greatly improved as the gap appropriately increases. In the same way, charge figure of merit also can be greatly improved near the outside of the gap edge by adjusting interdot tunneling coupling and asymmetry coupling of the side QDs to central QD. Moreover, the appropriate increase of the interdot tunneling splitting and spin polarization of ferromagnetic lead not only can improve charge thermopower and charge figure of merit, but also can enhance spin thermopower and spin figure of merit. Especially, the interdot tunneling splitting scheme provides a method of controlling charge (spin) figure merit by external magnetic field. Highlights • The gap suppresses thermal conductance and enhances thermopower, and improves figure of merit in F-TQD-S system. • The interdot tunneling splitting scheme provides a way of controlling charge figure of merit by external magnetic field. • The interdot tunneling coupling greatly enhances charge figure of merit in F-TQD-S system compared to F-QD-S system. • The spin polarization of electrode and interdot tunneling splitting can improve spin thermopower and spin figure of merit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The hyper-activation of PI3K/AKT signaling is common in many kinds of malignant tumors and promotes cell growth. Moreover, FBXL5 is reported to play an important role in the progression of gastric cancer and cervical cancer. In this view, this study aims to explore the function of FBXL5 in the progression of colon cancer and determine if PI3K/AKT signaling pathway involves in this process. Western blotting, RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression pattern of FBXL5 in colon cancer tissues and cell lines. Immunofluorescence, Duolink, and immunoprecipitation (IP) assays were performed to evaluate the interaction between FBXL5 and PI3K/AKT signaling. Results showed that FBXL5 was elevated in colon cancer tissues and cells, which had physical interaction with PTEN protein and negatively regulated its expression, whereas positively modulated PI3K, AKT and mTOR expression and their phosphorylation. Besides, FBXL5 promoted cell proliferation and tumorigenesis and inhibited apoptosis by modulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that FBXL5 functioned as an oncogene in the progression of colon cancer through regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The greatest difficulty of grouting fractures under flowing condition was that the slurry was easily washed out by the flowing. To raise the sealing efficiency (SE) and dynamic flowing resistance of slurry, carbon fiber was added into the grout and a new grout for flowing water environmental was provided. Contrast tests and SEM tests were conducted to investigate the effect of carbon fiber. The result showed that the solidification velocity and dynamic flowing resistance increased with an increase of carbon fiber content due to the stochastic distribution and great surface friction of carbon fiber. In addition, a series of orthogonal tests were conducted to investigate the effect of some factors on the SE. The result showed that the SE decreased with the increase of initial flow speed and aperture width, and it increased with the increase of cement water ratio and additive content. Finally a fitting equation was acquired to provide reference to the practical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nickel foam-supported Ni(OH) 2 /NiOOH electrode, synthesized in-situ at a specific electrode overpotential, was used to study the oxidation of ammonia in aqueous solution. Results of voltammetric analysis showed the formal potential of Ni(OH) 2 /NiOOH transition at +0.6 V (vs. Hg/HgO, pH 11) at which the current profile was improved by electron transfers of NH 3 in the electrolyte. Selectivity of NH 3 conversion to NO 3 − and N 2 was evaluated by batch constant current experiments. Electrochemical parameters, including solution pH (6–12), temperature (20–40 °C), current density (0.2–3 mA cm −2 ), and initial NH 3 -N concentration (20–450 mg-L −1 ), that may affect ammonia oxidation toward nitrogen selectivity were studied. At constant current density of 1.5 mA cm −2 A, ammonia removal reached 98.5% and NO 3 − was the major product at initial NH 3 -N concentration of 50 mg-L −1 in 7 h. By contrast, N 2 evolution dominated at low current density (<1 mA cm −2 ) and high initial NH 3 -N concentration (i.e., >100 mg-L −1 ). A surface steady-state approach, with NH 3 deprotonation as the rate-limiting step, provided the reaction pathways of NH 3 conversion to molecular nitrogen byproduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • BOF slag and phosphate tailings were synergistically treated to recover P. • P 2 O 5 was concentrated in a specific mineral phase in the synthetic slag. • Selective leaching was applied for separation of the P-rich phase. • Undissolved synthetic slag can be reutilized as a flux in steel plants. • The precipitate extracted from the leachate can be used as a P-Si fertilizer. To efficiently recover phosphorus from industrial solid wastes, the collaborative processing of P-bearing steelmaking slag and phosphate tailings was proposed. Steelmaking slag and phosphate tailings were remelted to make P enrich in a specific mineral phase and then selective leaching was adopted to separate the P-concentrating mineral phase. The P-concentrating leachate can be used to recover calcium phosphate by chemical precipitation. It shows that the P was mainly concentrated in the dicalcium silicate after remelting of steelmaking slag and phosphate tailings and it could be selectively leached. When the mass ratio of the original BOF slag to phosphate tailings was 7:3, the mixed slag with basicity of 2.3 was obtained. The dissolution efficiency of P from this mixed slag reached 89.2% whereas Fe was barely leached at pH 1. The residue containing 68.6% Fe t O and 15.6% MgO can be reused in the metallurgical process. When the pH of leachate was adjusted to 7, more than 89.3% of phosphate ions precipitated in the form of calcium phosphate, and the obtained precipitate containing 28.8% CaO, 19.8% P 2 O 5 , and 47.2% SiO 2 , could be a potential P-Si fertilizer. The total recovery ratio of P from mixed slag was approximately 80% and other components could be reused in steel plants, achieving the comprehensive utilization of steelmaking slag and phosphate tailings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study are, 1) to simulate asphalt binder modified with exfoliated multi-layered graphite nanoplatelets (xGNP) using the Molecular Dynamics (MD) method, and 2) to analyze different modulus properties of these asphalt binder models compared with those of the control asphalt binder model. The multi-layered graphene model was used to represent the xGNP particles, which were used to modify the control asphalt in the laboratory. The three-component control asphalt binder model was used as in the authors’ previous study. The xGNP modified asphalt binder model was built by incorporating the xGNP model and control asphalt binder model and controlling mass ratios to represent the laboratory prepared samples. After the xGNP modified asphalt binder model was generated, the densities of the control and xGNP modified asphalt binder models were computed and verified. Mechanical properties of these models were simulated and calculated in MD simulations using procedures similar to those in the experiments, which include the bulk modulus, Young’s modulus, shear modulus and Poisson’s ratio. The simulation results indicate that the temperature-modulus trends of these asphalt binder models were comparable to those of the laboratory data. The MD simulation data were larger than the laboratory results due to limitations of the current MD simulation, which are discussed in this study. In addition, Poisson’s ratios calculated from the MD simulations coincided with the laboratory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct electrocatalytic oxidation of ammonia was carried out using an open-pore structured nickel foam electrode via electrochemical formation of Ni(OH) 2 /NiOOH nano-flowers (theophrastite phase) on the nickel substrate at specific overpotentials. The electrode surface was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman spectrometer (RS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Cyclic voltammograms gave information on the nature of electron transfer between nitrogen species and nickel foam electrode and revealed the potential dependence nature of ammonia oxidation over the potential window of +0.7 V to +0.85 V (vs. Hg/HgO). Batch controlled potential experiments using nickel foam as the working anode in a three-electrode system were conducted to study the oxidation of ammonia in solution containing 0.1 M of Na 2 SO 4 electrolyte, at pH 11 and temperature of 25 °C. Based on the current efficiency and reaction kinetics, it was possible to establish the mechanism of selective ammonia conversion to gaseous nitrogen and nitrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphite-supported α- and β- PbO 2 electrodes (PbO 2 @G) were prepared by electrochemical deposition at appropriate potentials with regard to Pb(II)/PbO 2 redox couple under alkaline and acidic conditions, respectively, for studying the direct electro-oxidation of ammonia in aqueous solutions. Results of surface characterization including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated the presence of polymorphs of PbO 2 @G. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) of the electrolyte containing NH 3 indicated mediation of electron transfer by PbO 2 . At the onset potential of ca. +1.0 to +1.45 V (vs. Hg/HgO), a pathway of NH 3 oxidation to nitrogen byproducts, namely, N 2 , NO 2 − , and NO 3 − was proposed. The removal efficiency and selective conversion of ammonia (0.1 M Na 2 SO 4 , pH 11, 25 °C) on PbO 2 @G was determined based on controlled potential experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is a new endogenously generated gasotransmitter and has implicated in many physiologies and pathologies closely related to its intracellular and intercellular signaling transduction. Although many fluorescent probes have been exploited to track and quantify H 2 S in living systems, none of them could be used for monitoring intercellular transmission of H 2 S. Herein, we developed a cell surface specific H 2 S probe, 4-azido-6-sulfo- N -hexadecyl-1,8-naphthalimide, sodium salt (ASNHN-N 3 ), trying to investigate the behaviors of extracellular release of H 2 S. ASNHN-N 3 is week fluorescent and could react with H 2 S at 37 °C in pH 7.4 buffer solutions to form product ASNHN-NH 2 with strong fluorescence (Φ = 0.22). Using ASNHN-N 3 as H 2 S probe, excellent linear correlation versus the concentration of NaHS was obtained ranging from 0 to 10 μM and the detection limit was 0.75 μM. With the lipid anchor and the hydrophilic sulfonic group introduced into the 1,8-naphthalimide (a skeleton of two-photon fluorescent probe), the amphiphilic probe is located at the surface of living cells which can record H 2 S efflux from the cell diffusing across the plasma membrane in living cells and deep-tissue by using two-photon microscopy. Thus we present a new strategy for further studying the mechanism of signaling molecules in cell communication and signal pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gut microbiota regulate the behavior and emotion through microbiota-gut-brain axis. • Changes in gut microbiota are closely associated with depression disorder. • Gut microbiota connects with the brain through many ways in depression disorder. The microbiota-gut-brain axis is a bidirectional regulatory pathway between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, which plays an important role in maintain homeostasis. Gut microbiota could influence the behavior, cognition, stress response and others via the axis. Depression is a complex psychiatric disease, giving rise to heavy social health and economic burden. In recent years, studies have shown that the gut microbiota are closely linked to the pathophysiological processes of depression. In this article, the interaction and its underlying mechanisms between depression and gut microbiota were summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spin-coupled interface (SI) resistance plays a crucial role in the interpretation of the giant magnetoresistance with current perpendicular to the plane. Recently, a theoretical work showed that its Joule heat also equals the total spin-dependent heat generation in a conceptual spin valve. Here we reexamine this conclusion in a practical spin valve with a finite nonmagnetic spacer layer and spin-selective interfaces. It turns out that this conclusion does not hold except for some special segments. The SI resistance has a more serious limitation: it may be negative in certain situation. In-depth analysis shows that its “Joule heating” should be interpreted actually as the extra energy supplied only in the ferromagnetic layers and at the interfaces. This extra energy is stored in the chemical-potential splitting due to spin accumulation and only part of it converts into heat locally. The rest flows to other layers, especially the nonmagnetic layer, in which the inflowing energy compensates exactly for the spin-dependent heat generation. In essence, this kind of energy transport makes the SI resistance unsuitable for a simple description of the heat generation, and thus we propose a new effective resistance as an alternative to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrocoagulation (EC) using metallic Ni foam as electrodes was studied for the removal of boron from solution. The electrolytic parameters were pH (4–12), current density (0.6–2.5 mA cm −2 ), and initial concentration of boron (10–100 mg L −1 ). Experimental results revealed that removal efficiency was maximized at pH 8–9, and decreased as the pH increased beyond that range. At particular onset potentials (0.5–0.8 V vs. Hg/HgO), the micro-granular nickel oxide that was created on the surface of the nickel metal substrate depended on pH, as determined by cyclic voltammetry. Most of the crystallites of the precipitates comprised a mixed phase of β-Ni(OH) 2 , a theophrastite phase, and NiOOH, as revealed by XRD and SEM analyses. A current density of 1.25 mA cm −2 was effective in the EC of boron, and increasing the concentration of boric acid from 10 to 100 mg L −1 did not greatly impair removal efficiency. A kinetic investigation revealed that the reaction followed a pseudo-second order rate model. The optimal conditions under which 99.2% of boron was removed from treated wastewater with 10 mg L −1 -B, leaving less than 0.1 mg L −1 -B in the electrolyte, were pH 8 and 1.25 mA cm −2 for 120 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensively industrial applications and ever-accelerated anthropogenic activities have resulted in the dramatic accumulation of Sb 2 O 3 contaminant in the environment, leading to adverse health effects on humans and ecosystems. Although arsenite has been subjected to numerous studies and ArsR-based whole-cell biosensors have been successfully applied in field testing of arsenite, there is limited information on the biological recognition element of Sb 2 O 3 and its actual application in biosensor construction and environmental monitoring. In this study, we identified a specific recognition element of Sb 2 O 3 , SxArsR, in Sphingobium xenophagum C1 by the induced bioluminescent signal analysis of gene expression in response to Sb 2 O 3 exposure. Compared to the other four groups of characterized ArsRs, the novel SxArsR lacks the third cysteine residue for binding of arsenite and has a conserved histidine-cysteine "HCXC" binding site that directly and specifically binds for Sb 2 O 3. Sb 2 O 3 can remove SxArsR from the core operator/promoter binding sequence in the −79 region upstream of the start codon of sxarsR. Based on the specificity of SxArsR protein and the sensitivity of SxArsR-binding DNA sequence, SxArsR-based whole-cell biosensor was constructed and showed a linear relationship (R 2 = 0.99) from 0.01 to 6.0 μM of Sb 2 O 3 with a detection limit of 0.01 μM. The novel bacterial biosensor also exhibited a good performance in the detection of Sb 2 O 3 in environmental water and sediment samples. Overall, SxArsR-based biosensor represents a promising strategy for Sb 2 O 3 detection and may have a profound impact on further practical application of ArsR biosensor in the dual-signal simultaneous detection of arsenite and Sb 2 O 3. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaline intrusions such as ultrapotassic syenites are typically formed in extensional tectonic settings including continental rift, post-orogenic and post-collisional regimes. Here we present two early Mesozoic ultrapotassic syenite plutons (Tieshan and Yangfang) in South China that were formed in a continent collisional setting. LA-ICP-MS zircon U Pb chronological, major and trace elemental, and Sr Nd isotopic data of these syenites are used to explore their origin and to further constrain the geodynamics of early Mesozoic magmatism in South China. Our new data indicate that the Tieshan and Yangfang plutons were formed in Early Triassic (249 Ma) and Middle Triassic (240 Ma), respectively. The Tieshan and Yangfang syenites have SiO 2 contents of 50.84–56.95 wt% and 59.13–68.34 wt%, respectively, both are enriched in alkalis with very high K 2 O (5.60–9.68 wt%) and K 2 O/Na 2 O (1.8–15.7) and in LILE (Ba = 2464–8813 ppm; Sr = 652–3499 ppm), REE (498–1355 ppm) and HFSE (Zr = 264–766 ppm). They show enriched Sr Nd isotopic compositions with 87Sr/86Sr (t) and ε Nd (t) of 0.7096–0.7102 and − 5.2 to −6.5, respectively for Tieshan and of 0.7112–0.7119 and − 8.8 to −9.7, respectively for Yangfang. Geochemical data suggest that the studied ultrapotassic syenites were derived by partial melting of ancient subduction-modified lithospheric mantle including slab-derived melt hybridization and slab-derived carbonate fluid metasomatism, with the source depth of 60–90 km for Tieshan and at least 90 km for Yangfang. We further suggest that their origins are related to the transtension of the regional NE–trending strike-slip faults caused by continental collisions during the early Mesozoic amalgamation in East Asia. • Tieshan and Yangfang ultrapotassic syenites emplaced during Early to Middle Triassic. • Both syenites formed by partial melting of ancient subduction-modified mantle. • Their origin was related to transtension of regional NE–trending strike-slip faults. • Their formation was coupled with Late Permian to Triassic amalgamation in East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate vulnerability of complex networks including model networks and real world networks subject to three-level-tree attack. Specifically, we remove three different three-level-tree structures: RRN (Random Root Node), MaxDRN (Max Degree Root Node) and MinDRN (Min Degree Root Node) from a network iteratively until there is no three-level-tree left. Results demonstrate that random network is more robust than scale-free network against three tree attacks, and the robustness of random network decreases as the 〈 k 〉 increases. And scale-free network shows different characteristics in different tree attack modes. The robustness of scale-free is not affected by the 〈 k 〉 parameters for RRN, but increases as the 〈 k 〉 increases for MinDRN. The important thing is that MaxDRN is the most effective in the three tree attack modes, especially for scale-free network. These findings supplement and extend the previous attack results on nodes and edges, and can thus help us better explain the vulnerability of different networks, and provide an insight into more tolerant real complex systems design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal and human studies have suggested that phthalate alters thyroid hormone concentrations. This study investigated the associations between phthalate exposure during the first trimester and thyroid hormones in pregnant women and their newborns. Pregnant women were enrolled from the prospective Ma’anshan Birth Cohort study in China. A standard questionnaire was completed by the women at the first antenatal visit. Seven phthalate metabolites were measured in one-spot urine at enrolment (10.0 ± 2.1 gestational weeks), as were thyroid hormone levels in maternal and cord sera. Multivariable linear regression showed that 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in natural log (ln)-transformed mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) was associated with 0.163 μg/dL ( p = 0.001) and 0.173 μg/dL ( p = 0.001) decreases in maternal total thyroxine (TT 4 ). Both MEHP and MEHHP were negatively associated with maternal free thyroxine (FT 4 ; β: −0.013, p < 0.001 and β: −0.011, p = 0.001, respectively) and positively associated with maternal thyroid-stimulating hormone (β: 0.101, p < 0.001; β: 0.132, p < 0.001, respectively). An inverse association was observed between monobenzyl phthalate and maternal TT 4 and FT 4 . A 1-SD increase in ln-transformed monoethyl phthalate was inversely associated with maternal TT 4 (β: −0.151, p = 0.002). By contrast, the concentrations of phthalate metabolites in urine were not associated with those of thyroid hormone in cord serum. Our analysis suggested that phthalate exposure during the first trimester disrupts maternal thyroid hormone levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the consideration of energy conservation and emission reduction, Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) is used in construction and foamed asphalt is a common agent in WMA. The objective of this paper is to explore the foaming mechanism and distribution law of asphalt and its components, as well as its basic properties. The expansion rate and half-life were used to describe the foaming properties of the foamed asphalt and to determine the optimum water content. The microscopic images were aided to study morphological changes in the foamed asphalt. Moreover, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations were widely used in the study of asphalt materials such as self-healing, interfacial behaviors, and mechanical properties. Based on intermolecular interactions, energies, and trajectories, the mechanism and performance of foamed asphalt can also be investigated. The molecular model of the foamed asphalt was established, and the foaming process of the foamed asphalt was discussed based on the perspectives of the energy, density, and intermolecular agglomerations. The simulation results can be a valuable reference for industry and fundamental research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of A-type granites is purely circumstantial. Granitic complexes are quite common and generally composed of different type granites. I- and A-type granite association in a granitic complex is often described in the literature. Here we present a granitic complex, i.e. the Pitou complex in southern Jiangxi province, South China that is composed of different varieties of A-type granites. Detailed zircon LA-ICP-MS U Pb chronology and in situ Hf isotope, mineral chemistry and whole-rock element and Sr Nd isotope data of this granitic complex are used to explore their origin and to further constrain the geodynamics of Mesozoic magmatism in South China. Our new data indicate that the Pitou complex was emplaced during the Late Triassic (237 Ma) (central to northern part) and Early Jurassic (188–185 Ma) (southern part), respectively and that both the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic granites belong to A-type but show contrasting origins. The Late Triassic granites show an association of alkali-feldspar granite-syenogranite-monzogranite and the rock type of the Early Jurassic granites is alkali-feldspar granite. All the granites are composed mainly of K-feldspar, quartz, plagioclase and biotite (ferri-biotite or annite) with biotite occurring as anhedral crystal, interstitial to quartz and feldspar. Both the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic granites have high SiO 2 (>70 wt%) and total alkalis (K 2 O + Na 2 O > 8 wt%) with high FeO T /(FeO T + MgO) and low Mg#. They are enriched in rare earth elements (except Eu) and depleted in Sr and Ba. They display Zr + Y + Ce + Nb >350 ppm, 10,000 × Ga/Al >2.6 and have high zircon saturation temperatures (>800 °C). Biotites in the granites are Fe-rich with very low Fe3+/Fe2+, indicating fairly reducing conditions. However, the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic granites also show some geochemical differences. The Late Triassic granites have lower FeO T /(FeO T + MgO) and higher Mg# than the Early Jurassic granites, with the Mg# of the former consistent with pure crustal melts and the Mg# of the latter much lower than pure crustal melts. In addition, the Late Triassic granites have lower zircon saturation temperatures (up to 843 °C, average 823 °C) than the Early Jurassic granites (up to 946 °C, average 875 °C). Furthermore, the Late Triassic granites have high 87Sr/86Sr (t) (0.7132–0.7226) and negative ε Nd (t) (−10.3 to −10.9) and ε Hf (t) (in situ zircon) (−11.5 to −11.6) that are similar to those of the early Paleozoic granitoids in the region whereas the Early Jurassic granites have low 87Sr/86Sr (t) (down to 0.7034) and positive ε Nd (t) (up to +3.0) and ε Hf (t) (in situ zircon) (up to +8.3) that are similar to those of the Early Jurassic gabbroic rocks in the region. Geochemical data and major element modeling suggest that the Late Triassic A-type granites were formed by shallow (ca. 15–20 km depth) dehydration melting of the early Paleozoic granitoids triggered by intraplating of basaltic magmas and the Early Jurassic A-type granites were produced by extensive fractionation (ca. 90% to 95%) from gabbroic magmas by removal of plagioclase, amphibole, K-feldspar, clinopyroxene and magnetite. We further suggest the origin of the Late Triassic A-type granites was related to the transtension of the regional NE–trending strike-slip faults caused by the early Indosinian continental collisions and the Early Jurassic A-type granites were emplaced in a back-arc extensional setting coupled with the slab rollback and subsequent slab break-off of the subducted Palaeo-Pacific plate. Our new data confirm that the early Mesozoic magmatism in South China was controlled by continental collisions during the Late Permian to Triassic amalgamation in Southeast Asia whereas the late Mesozoic magmatism was related to the northwestward subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate. A transition in the dominant tectonic regime from the Tethyan to the Pacific tectonic domain most likely took place during the Rhaetian. • The Pitou granitic complex emplaced during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic. • Both Late Triassic and Early Jurassic granites are A-type but show contrasting origin. • Late Triassic granites formed by shallow dehydration melting of Paleozoic granitoids. • Early Jurassic granites formed by extensive fractionation from gabbroic magmas. • Origin of both A-type granites suggests different geodynamic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to use multiple-layer graphite nanoplatelets to modify the asphalt due to the special features of the graphite nanoplatelets. These include the high optical absorption, self-lubrication, and high thermal stability and conductivity. The graphite nanoplatelets with different weight contents (1% and 2%) were slowly added into the asphalt. The modified asphalt binder was mixed in the high shear mixer. Different tests were used to evaluate the properties of the modified asphalt binder, including the Rotational Viscometer (RV), Modular Compact Rheometer (MCR), Asphalt Binder Thermal Cracking (ABCD) Test, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and electromagnetic radiation absorption tests. The test results demonstrate that 1) the viscosity of the modified asphalt binder increases at various temperatures and the activation energy of the modified asphalt binder decreases compared to the control one; 2) the complex shear modulus of the modified asphalt binder also rises at different temperatures and frequencies and the high-temperature of the modified asphalt binder improves; 3) the cracking temperatures, fracture stresses, and strains of the modified asphalt binder improve and the low-temperature performance of the modified asphalt binder is enhanced; 4) the aging groups increase in the modified asphalt binder and more aging groups in asphalt may help to increase the resistance to the rutting and moisture damage in asphalt mixtures; and 5) the absorption of lights with different wavelengths increases in the modified asphalt binder compared to the control one. Therefore, the resistance to rutting and cracking of graphite nanoplatelets modified asphalt binder is improved and they can be applied to the field for different purposes considering the advanced properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TEV protease is of great importance for in vitro and in vivo site-specific cleavage of proteins. The proteolytic efficiency of TEV protease is often regulated by mutation of the substrate, which is irreversible and hard to be modulated. Herein, a facile and reversible method, based on phosphorylation in the substrate, is developed to regulate the cleavage capability of TEV protease. Phosphorylation at P3 tyrosine hinders the recognition of TEV protease to the substrate by using a robust fluorescent protease sensor. Moreover, the phosphate group can be easily removed by alkaline phosphatases for recovering the proteolytic efficiency of TEV protease. Additionally, 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein and pyrene have been used as high-efficiency mutual fluorophore-quencher pair in the peptide-based protease sensor for the first time, which provides a chance to simultaneously monitor the cleavage process in two respective fluorescence channels. Further studies indicated both dynamic and static components contributing to the mutual quenching system. The phosphorylation-regulated TEV protease proteolysis system can be used in conditional cleavage of protein or peptide tag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive study of zircon U–Pb dating and in situ Hf isotopes, whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopes was carried out for three late Mesozoic granitic plutons (Waitun, Shipi and Taiyuan) in northwestern Fujian province, SE China. We assess the origin of the granites and their relationship to the evolution of the late Mesozoic volcanic–intrusive complex belt in SE China. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating shows that three plutons were emplaced in the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (168–109 Ma), in which the Waitun and Shipi plutons are intrusive complexes. All the plutons are composed of high-K calc-alkaline I-type granites with a great diversity in elemental and isotopic compositions. The granites have SiO 2 contents of 68.3–78.5 wt.%, showing a gradual decrease in initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr (0.7181 to 0.7091) and increase in ε Nd (T) (− 16.7 to − 8.1) and ε Hf (T) (in-situ zircon) (− 20.6 to − 6.9) with decreasing emplacement ages. Geochemical data suggest that the Middle Jurassic (~ 168 Ma) Waitun granites are of purely crustal origin, derived by partial melting of a mixed source of Paleoproterozoic metaigneous (~ 78%) and metasedimentary (~ 22%) rocks at a depth of 30–40 km triggered by underplating of basaltic magma. Mixing of such crustal melts with about 10% basaltic magma could account for the origin of the Late Jurassic (~ 161 Ma) Waitun granites. The Late Jurassic (~ 156 Ma) Shipi and Early Cretaceous (~ 134 Ma) Taiyuan granites were produced by extensive fractional crystallization of primary crustal melts, the source of which show relatively high proportion (~ 82%) of metaigneous rocks. The Early Cretaceous (~ 109 Ma) Shipi granites were generated by partial melting of a mixed source of Paleoproterozoic metaigneous (~ 92%) and metasedimentary (~ 8%) rocks at a depth of ~ 30 km plus additional (~ 15%) input from coeval basaltic magma. The granites were formed in a continental arc setting induced by northwestward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate. Progressive slab rollback since the Middle Jurassic from inland to the coastal area is the most likely mechanism for the generation of the granites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (POELE10)-NaH 2 PO 4 aqueous two-phase extraction system (ATPES) is coupled with HPLC to analyze chloramphenicol (CAP) in aquatic product. Response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted in the multi-factor experiment to determine the optimized conditions. The extraction efficiency of CAP ( E %) is up to 99.42% under the optimal conditions, namely, the concentration of NaH 2 PO 4 , the concentration of POELE10, pH and temperature were 0.186 g·mL −1 , 0.033 g·mL −1 , 3.8 and 25 °C respectively. The optimal value of enrichment factor of CAP (F) was 22.56 when the concentration of NaH 2 PO 4 was 0.192 g·mL −1 , the concentration of POELE10 was 0.024 g/ml, pH was 4.2 and temperature was 30 °C. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of this method are 0.8 μg·kg −1 and 1 μg·kg −1 , which meet the needs of determining trace or ultratrace CAP in food. The E % and F of this technique are much better than other extraction methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this molecular dynamics study are to simulate the asphalt model using the common components from the references, and to predict the physical properties of asphalt material. The asphalt model consists of three components: the asphaltene, aromatic, and saturate, at the ratio of 5:27:41. The docosane and 1,7-dimethylnaphthalene represents the saturate and naphthene aromatic, respectively. The Amber Cornell Extension Force Field was adopted and utilized in the asphalt model system, and the experimental parameters associated with this force field were obtained from the General Amber Force Field (GAFF). The geometry and energy optimizations of the molecular components were used to establish the stable asphalt model system. The density of the asphalt model system was calculated with the Amber Cornell Extension Force Field. The predicted densities were compared with the laboratory data to verify the model. Moreover, the glass transition temperature range of the molecular asphalt model was computed from the relationship between the specific volumes and temperatures after the molecular dynamics experimental simulation. The glass transition temperature range had a good correlation with the experimental data. The viscosity data of the molecular asphalt model was calculated using the Muller-Plathe algorithm. The predicted viscosities at specific temperatures were also compared and discussed with the laboratory data and other published results. In addition, the bulk modulus of the molecular asphalt model was determined and obtained by applying the infinitesimal strain in the model boundaries. The results of the analysis of the bulk modulus in the asphalt model were compared to the reference data, and these predicted results were better than the reference values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of aging on asphalt binders under the conditions of dry and sufficient oxygen, and to identify the functional groups related to the fatigue and rutting of asphalt mixtures. During the asphalt aging process, the six functional groups (carboxylic acids, aldehydes, amides, anhydrides, esters and ketones) containing the carbonyl group can be found in the asphalt binders based on the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) test results and references. The functional groups containing the carbonyl group in the asphalt binders can be also used to correlate to the oxidation extent of asphalt binders. Three nanomaterials were added into the control asphalt binder to study the effect of aging. The three materials included polymer modified nanoclay (PMN), non-modified nanoclay (NMN) and nanosilica (NS). The rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and pressure aging vessel (PAV) aging effects of the asphalt binders were analyzed to understand the functional polar groups in the asphalt system under short- and long-term aging conditions, respectively. The different asphalt binders were tested by FTIR to obtain the spectra of chemical groups. The FTIR characterization results indicate that the carboxylic acids and ketones are the main aging components in the asphalt when exposed to air and oxygen. The esters and aldehydes in the asphalt are kept to a limited amount. Furthermore, these functional groups, along with the carbonyl group are closely related to the susceptibility of rutting and the fatiguing of asphalt mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the moisture susceptibility of nano hydrated lime (NHL) modified asphalt mixtures and determine the fundamental factors of moisture damage in asphalt mixtures using the molecular dynamics (MD), as well as analyze the effect that the aging of asphalt binders has on the moisture damage in asphalt mixtures. The NHL was added to the control asphalt to make NHL modified asphalt. The modified asphalt was mixed with aggregates to form NHL modified asphalt mixtures. The tensile strength ratio (TSR) test was used to evaluate the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures. When the TSR test was done, different solutions were used to extract the polar groups from the tested asphalt mixtures, and the polar groups were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) attenuated total reflection (ATR). When asphalt oxidizes, the six functional groups (ketones, carboxylic acids, anhydrides, aldehydes, amides and esters) with the carbonyl group can be found in the polar part of asphalt based on FTIR ATR spectral data and references. The polar groups with the carbonyl group also indicate the oxidation extent of asphalt binders. The FTIR test results indicate that carboxylic acids and ketones were the primary aging products in asphalt, and these two carbonyl groups relate to the rutting resistance and moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures. Furthermore, the MD interface systems of asphalt–aggregate and aggregate–water were created, as well as the separated systems (asphalt, water, and aggregates). The essential mechanisms for the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures were explored with MD simulations. The potential energies of the interface systems and each separated system were computed to obtain the adhesion energies of the interface MD models. The differences in adhesion energy between the asphalt–aggregate and aggregate–water systems show that water tends to bond to the aggregate rather than the asphalt. This also explains the displacement of water that occurs in asphalt mixtures when there is moisture damage. In addition, the effect of asphalt aging on the moisture susceptibility of the asphalt mixture was also analyzed using MD interface models. The MD results demonstrate that the aging group in asphalt is helpful in reducing the moisture damage in asphalt mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]