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Catalyst support morphology strongly influences its surface and structural properties, therefore, may have a significant impact on their reactivity in heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, the Pd/In 2 O 3 /CeO 2 -x (loaded with 1 wt% Pd and In 2 O 3) catalysts with different morphologies of rods(r), cubes(c) and irregularity(w) shapes were prepared by hydrothermal method and impregnation method. At temperature of 275–425 °C, as-prepared catalysts were evaluated for hydrogen production from methanol steam reforming (MSR). The activity data showed the outstanding performance of the rod-shaped Pd/In 2 O 3 /CeO 2 catalysts, exhibiting the complete conversion of methanol and particularly low CO (1.3%) at 375 °C. The structural properties and physicochemical of Pd/In 2 O 3 /CeO 2 -x with different morphologies were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission microscopy (HR-TEM), CO pulse chemisorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature programmed desorption of methanol (CH 3 OH-TPD). Activity data and catalyst characterization results correlated, and indicated that the excellent reactivity for the rod-shaped Pd/In 2 O 3 /CeO 2 catalysts in MSR is ascribed to the large particle size of palladium nanoparticles and the abundant oxygen vacancies induced by the strong interaction between Pd, In and Ce. HR-TEM results revealed that rod-like CeO 2 mainly expose (110) crystalline surface with high mobility of surface oxygen and possess the most abundant surface oxygen vacancies with the low formation energy, facilitating the formation of active species of Pd0 on catalyst surface, and promoting the activation and adsorption of methanol and water molecules. Furthermore, the rod-shaped Pd/In 2 O 3 /CeO 2 catalysts showed excellent reactivity and stability in MSR for 30 h, demonstrating its potential of being used as catalysts in methanol steam reforming in PEMFC systems. Table of Contents. [Display omitted] • The morphology of CeO 2 greatly influence the catalytic performance over Pd/In 2 O 3 catalysts. • Nanorod-like Pd/In 2 O 3 /CeO 2 -r catalysts with mainly exposed (110) crystal facet exhibit high MSR activity. • The large size of palladium nanoparticles facilitates H 2 dissociation and methanol activation. • The synergistic effect between Pd/In 2 O 3 and of CeO 2 dominate the MSR catalytic performance. • The number of oxygen vacancies are vital for superior performance of Pd/In 2 O 3 /CeO 2 -r catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new terpenoid, mahuang acid C (1), and six known terpenoids were identified and isolated from the stem of Ephedra equisetina Bunge. The structures of terpenoids were analyzed using spectroscopic methods involving NMR spectra and HRESIMS analyses. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was confirmed by comparing its experimental and calculated ECD spectra. The vitro bioactive assay revealed that compounds 3 and 7 possessed potential antineoplastic activities. One undescribed compound was isolated from the stems of E. equisetina and assessed for its antineoplastic activity. [Display omitted] • Seven compounds were isolated from the stems of E. equisetina. • Their structures were elucidated by NMR and mass spectrometry. • The absolute configurations were deduced by interpretation of ECD. • The antineoplastic activities of all the isolated compounds were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low concentration coal mine methane is used as fuel for SOFCs. • Ce-doped LCSFN perovskite is employed as an anode internal reforming catalyst. • Ce-doped LCSFN can enhance the fuel conversion efficiency and coking tolerance of anode. • Single cells show 100 h-long-term stability fueled by low concentration coal mine methane. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) possess the potential to directly utilize abundant low concentration coal mine methane for power generation, which is crucial for energy conservation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Herein, Ce-doped La 0.55 Ce 0.15 Sr 0.3 Fe 0.9 Ni 0.1 O 3-δ (LCSFN) perovskite is firstly employed as an anode internal reforming catalyst to enhance the electrochemical performance, stability, and resistance against carbon deposition in SOFCs. The results demonstrate that Ni-Fe alloy nanoparticles can be effectively precipitated from LCSFN under reducing atmosphere, thereby significantly promoting the partial oxidation reaction of methane while preventing direct contact between methane and Ni particles for the anode. The anode-supported single cells demonstrated exceptional electrochemical performance using a composite catalytic layer consisting of LCSFN-Ce 0.9 Gd 0.1 O 2-δ (LCSFN-GDC). At 800℃, the utilization of both H 2 and 16 %CH 4 -1 %O 2 -N 2 resulted in the attainment of maximum power densities (MPD) measuring 881.66 mW·cm−2 and 824.69 mW·cm−2, respectively, with the recorded values for polarization resistance were 0.32 and 1.16 Ω·cm2. Additionally, the single cells equipped with LCSFN-GDC internal reforming catalytic exhibit remarkable resistance to carbon deposition, maintaining stable performance for a duration of 100 h using 16 %CH 4 -1 %O 2 -N 2. These findings underscore the efficacy of methane catalysts in SOFCs, as it not only enhances power generation efficiency through using internal reforming catalyst but also ensures long-term stability by mitigating carbon-related issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve undescribed compounds, including five flavonoids and seven phenols, were isolated from the stems of Ephedra equisetina Bunge. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including NMR spectroscopy and HRESIMS analysis. Their absolute configurations were elucidated by comparing their experimental and calculated ECD spectra. In the in vitro bioactive assay, all compounds were tested for their anti-asthmatic activities by releasing β -Hex in C48/80-induced RBL-2H3 cells. The β -Hex release rates of compounds 3 , 8 , 10 , and 11 were 0.8502 ± 0.0231, 0.8802 ± 0.0805, 0.7850 ± 0.0593, and 0.8361 ± 0.0728, respectively, suggesting that compounds 3 , 8 , 10 , and 11 have potential anti-asthmatic activities. Twelve undescribed compounds were isolated from the stems of E. equisetina and their anti-asthmatic activities were evaluated. [Display omitted] • Twelve undescribed compounds were isolated from the stems of E. equisetina. • Their structures were elucidated by NMR and mass spectrometry. • The absolute configurations were deduced by interpretation of ECD. • The anti-asthmatic activities of all the isolated compounds were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Five new phenylpropanoid glycosides were isolated from the flowers of Paulownia fortunei. • Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic data analyses. • Compound 1 , 3 , 5 exhibited excellent antioxidant activities on NRK52e cell compared with a positive control. In this study, we focused on the antioxidant activities in NRK52e cells, a rat renal proximal tubular cell line, of five new phenylpropanoid glycosides, paulowninosides B–F (Compounds 1 – 5), which were isolated from the n -BuOH soluble part of the 50 % acetone-H 2 O extract of the flowers of Paulownia fortunei. The structures of the compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses (UV and IR spectroscopy, HR-ESI-MS, 1D-, 2D-NMR). The levels of antioxidant activities of the compounds were determined by real-time cell analysis (RTCA) of NRK52e cells that underwent H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative injury. Compounds 1 , 3 and 5 exhibited excellent antioxidant activities compared with control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new alkaloids, rehmanalkaloid A-C ( 1 - 3 ), and a new iridoid glycoside, rehmaglutoside L ( 4 ), together with nine known compounds, including (8 S )-7,8-dihydrogeniposid ( 5 ), diglycoside ( 6 ), monomelittoside ( 7 ), mussaenoside ( 8 ), darendoside A ( 9 ), syringing ( 10 ), phenyl-6- O - β - d -xylopyranosyl- O - β - d -glucopyranoside ( 11 ), (7 R , 8 S )-4,9-dihydroxy-3,3′-dimethoxy-7,8-dihydrobenzofuran-1′-propanalneolignan ( 12 ), and trans -liovil ( 13 ), were isolated from a 95% EtOH extract of dried roots from Rehmannia glutinosa . Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic (UV, IR, HR-ESI–MS, and 1D and 2D NMR) analyses. Additionally, compounds 4 - 8 (iridoid glycosides) were evaluated for their protective effects on H714444444444444444444466666666669c2 cardiocytes impaired by doxorubicin. Among them, compounds 4-8 exhibited protective effects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, calcined ginger nuts (CGN) grouts admixed by fly ash (F) and quartz sand (S) was investigated on its suitability for anchoring use in earthen sites. According to requirement for the consistency of grout, the mix proportions were determined with 0.45 for CGN_F, 0.33 for CGN_S and 0.35 for CGN_F_S, by mass, to study their physical and mechanical property and durability. Test results indicated that use of fly ash can prolong the initial setting time of grout and admixture by fly ash and quartz sand leaded to lowest density and shrinkage, higher porosity, and highest strength. Accelerated aging tests indicated that admixture by fly ash led to a high resistance to fluctuation of temperature and humidity, sulfate attack and alkali environment; meanwhile, admixture by quartz sand resulted in high resistance to freeze-thaw action and water environment. As a compromise, CGN_F_S can get predominant durability. The paper shows that CGN_F_S grout is basically compatible to earthen sites and suitable for anchoring use in the conservation of earthen sites in terms of workability and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) in urban parks are associated with nature contact willingness and health outcomes of urban residents. However, practical knowledge on how to manage urban park features to enhance CES is still lacking, especially on more detailed scales. This study developed a practice-oriented workflow for exploring design-related indicators that affect CES by considering four aspects of urban park features, including distance to elements, density of elements, land cover proportion, and landscape diversity. Then the workflow was implemented in a case study by taking six urban parks in Beijing as study areas. Three CES types were identified with outdoor social media images, including recreation value, aesthetic value, and social interaction value. Statistical analyses indicated that a combination of the four aspects of urban park features within a specific service radius was the most significant factor in explaining CES. The importance of design-related indicators for enhancing different CES types was also identified. Density of facilities, proportion of tree canopy-shaded ground, and richness of land cover types were proved important for all the three CES types and therefore could be concerned in urban park design practices. Based on these findings, this study further proposed landscape site design strategies and three adaptive design cases for enhancing different CES types, which could provide evidence-based and practical solutions for managers and landscape architects. [Display omitted] • Three cultural ecosystem service (CES) types were mapped with outdoor social media. • Four aspects of urban park features were adopted for explaining CES. • Urban park features within a specific service radius can explain CES more thoroughly. • The importance of design-related indicators in explaining CES was identified. • Strategies and cases for urban park design practices to enhance CES were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel self-supervised US reconstruction method based on deep neural network. • An encoder-decoder architecture produces high-quality US images. • Various regularizations are used to improve the reconstruction quality. • Thousand times faster than the other sparse regularization methods. • Coherent compounding is applied to further enhance the image quality. Image reconstruction from radio-frequency (RF) data is crucial for ultrafast plane wave ultrasound (PWUS) imaging. Compared with the traditional delay-and-sum (DAS) method based on relatively imprecise assumptions, sparse regularization (SR) method directly solves the inverse problem of image reconstruction and has presented significant improvement in the image quality when the frame rate remains high. However, the computational complexity of SR is too high for practical implementation, which is inherently associated with its iterative process. In this work, a deep neural network (DNN), which is trained with an incorporated loss function including sparse regularization terms, is proposed to reconstruct PWUS images from RF data with significantly reduced computational time. It is remarkable that, a self-supervised learning scheme, in which the RF data are utilized as both the inputs and the labels during the training process, is employed to overcome the lack of the "ideal" ultrasound images as the labels for DNN. In addition, it has been also verified that the trained network can be used on the RF data obtained with steered plane waves (PWs), and thus the image quality can be further improved with coherent compounding. Using simulation data, the proposed method has significantly shorter reconstruction time (∼10 ms) than the conventional SR method (∼1-5 mins), with comparable spatial resolution and 1.5-dB higher contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Besides, the proposed method with single PW can achieve higher CNR than DAS with 75 PWs in reconstruction of in-vivo images of human carotid arteries. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High quality basic education resources are the important factors have a great influence on housing price. • School district housing premium in China has been discussed based on three aspects of education. • Connection between compulsory education and household registration is the key driving force of high housing premium. There are many studies examining the school district housing premium, and conclusions regarding the premium are quite diverse. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an integrated analysis of the relevant literatures to determine the factors causing the premium, and to explore logically the relationship between housing prices and high quality basic education resources. Based on this goal, a theoretical framework is designed to analyze the incremental effect of high quality basic education resources on housing prices. Using the meta-analysis method, this study discusses the problem of the Chinese school district housing premium based on three aspects of education, namely location, stage, and characteristics. The study finds that education resources in the compulsory education stage have a positive impact (5.5 %) on housing prices. Compared with distance and quantity, the quality of schools has the highest premium rate, which is 7.2 %. The premium rate of education resources in non-first-tier cities (5.8 %) is higher than that in first-tier cities (2.8 %). We conclude that the connection between compulsory education and household registration is the key driving force behind the high housing premium in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcined ginger nut (CGN) has been applied in grouting mortars for anchoring unstable earthen sites, but the lack of scientific research limits its application. In this study, CGN-based grouts admixed with fly ash (F), quartz sand (S), or both are evaluated. To explore the optimal mixture ratios, three types of mixing groups (five proportion gradients in each group) are established. All the grout specimens are buried and maintained outdoors, and their physical (shrinkage rate, density, elastic wave velocity, and permeability) and mechanical properties are continuously examined over 180 days. The solidification processes at different ages are simultaneously observed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The results indicate that the physical properties of grouts are influenced significantly by initial moisture content but then remain steady for approximately 15 days. Quartz sand can effectively reduce the shrinkage rate of grouts as well as adjust their density and permeability, and might be considered as an ideal mixing material for CGN. In the solidification process, grouts are rapidly solidified after the initial hydration reaction, and the carbonation reaction in the later stage constantly improves their mechanical strength, with physical properties kept relatively stable. SEM images show fly ash and quartz sand particles are cemented by CaCO 3 crystals. Through comprehensive comparison, the grouts with the mass ratio of CGN and S at 1:1 are found to better satisfy requirements that grouts should be compatible with earthen sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) fueled by hydrogen-rich gas are promising systems to substitute fossil fuel resources. This review evaluates state of the art and perspectives for the catalysts such as supported Ni, noble metals, and base metal oxide catalysts used for catalytical CO purification (SMET, PROX) in H 2 -rich reformates for PEMFCs applications. The factors affecting activity like support effect, metal size effect, promoters, and metal-support interaction are assessed and thoroughly discussed. It is remarked that the challenges for their practical applications are to (i) achieve acceptable CO outlet concentration in ppm level with wide temperature window (ii) minimize undesired loss of H 2 and inhibit the occurrence of side reactions (iii) develop high performance catalysts with high resistance to CO 2 and steam under realistic conditions. Developing novel catalysts for catalytical CO purification based on the structure-activity relationship will resolve the challenges required for their practical applications. [Display omitted] • H 2 -fueled PEMFCs are promising to solve environmental pollution and energy shortage. • Selective CO methanation and oxidation are critical reactions for hydrogen purification. • Recent work to develop catalysts for CO clean-up in H 2 -rich reformate are reviewed. • The structure-activity relationship of the catalysts is comprehensively discussed. • State of the art and perspectives for CO clean-up catalysts are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To further improve the tensile and self-healing properties of engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) for their special uses such as harsh environments, plastic hinge regions, and old members strengthening, an innovative high-performance superelastic Ni-Ti shape memory alloy (SMA) cable grid-reinforced ECC (SMACG-ECC) was first proposed and tested in this study. The effects of water-binder ratio, cable grid material, and reinforcement ratio on the cyclic tensile properties and crack closure performance of the proposed SMACG-ECC were systematically examined. Test results revealed that the tensile strength, initial crack strength, ultimate tensile strain, dense crack, crack closure, and self-healing properties of the traditional ECC were obviously improved by being reinforced with the SMACG. Compared with the ordinary steel cable grid-reinforced ECC (SCG-ECC), the proposed SMACG-ECC exhibited approximately 50 % lower first crack strength, similar tensile strength and deformation ductility, but a 53.7 %-75.1 % greater energy dissipation, 75.8 %-80.2 % lower residual strain, and 80.4 %-83.4 % smaller maximum residual crack width. The tensile properties, cracking performance, and self-healing ability improved with the incorporation of SMACG as well as the increase in reinforcement ratio. Notably, most specimens showed satisfactory composite operation with no cable ends slipping during the entire cyclic loading process, with a maximum tensile strain amplitude of 8 %. ● Novel multifunctional SMA cable grid-reinforced ECC (SMACG-ECC) was first proposed and tested. ● Cyclic tensile response and crack closure performance of the SMACG-ECC were examined. ● Effects of water-binder ratio, cable grid material, and reinforcement ratio on the SMACG-ECC were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epimesatines A–I, nine undescribed prenylated flavonoids, along with ten known analogues, were isolated from the aerial parts of Epimedium sagittatum Maxim. The structures and absolute configurations of epimesatines A–I were determined using a combination of spectroscopic data, Rh 2 (OCOCF 3) 4 -induced electronic circular dichroism (ECD) experiments, ECD comparisons, and X-ray crystallography analysis. Epimesatines A and I displayed notable activities on the viabilities of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells with IC 50 values of 1.77 and 9.97 μM, respectively. Furthermore, epimesatines A and I significantly inhibited the expression of sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) in A549 cells. In addition, none of these compounds showed obvious toxicity on normal human lung bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Nine undescribed prenylated flavonoids, named epimesatines A–I, were isolated from Epimedium sagittatum Maxim. Epimesatines A and I showed significant activities against SPHK1 in A549 cells. [Display omitted] • Nineteen prenylated flavonoids including nine undescribed ones were isolated. • Their absolute configurations were determined by Rh 2 (OCOCF 3) 4 -induced ECD experiments and X-ray crystallography analysis. • The complete NMR data of 5,7-dihydroxy-4′-methoxy-8-prenylflavonoid and honyucitrin were reported herein for the first time. • Epimesatines A and I s ignificantly inhibited the expression of SPHK1 in A549 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering structures and materials will undergo fatigue, aging, and other degradation behaviors during long-term service under the combined influence of complex boundary conditions. These service damages make the materials and structures no longer meet the initial design requirements and pose a potential risk to the service system. This study proposes a material mesoscopic model to decouple the microstructure into a system composed of matrix and void phases. The matrix phase has an invariant constitutive relationship as an ideally undamaged material, and the different evolutionary behaviors of the void phase are described as damage evolution functions and lead to different stress–strain behaviors of the actual material. First, the damage described by different definitions is proposed, and a nonlinear function of damage evolution consistent with the Weibull distribution characteristic of microstructural continuity is derived. Then, an experimental–numerical method is improved to accurately identify the accelerated damage evolution behavior under various strain rates. Finally, the ideally undamaged constitutive of the matrix phase and the damage evolution function of the void phase are established, which can cover the void nucleation, growth, and aggregation process. Besides, the damage sequence interaction model is established in conjunction with the mesoscopic physical mechanism, and the total damage evolution function for materials containing prior service damage in subsequent ductile deformation is achieved by measuring the apparent elastic modulus of the material only. Finally, the ideally undamaged constitutive and damage evolution function are calibrated for aluminum alloy 6005A-T6, commonly used in the car body structure of rail vehicles, and verified with damaged specimens that experienced certain service loads. The material's damage sequence interaction mode is determined, and the rate-dependent residual strength is predicted. • Material is decoupled into the matrix and void phases to describe undamaged constitutive and damage evolution separately. • The proposed experimental–numerical method decouples the stress weakening due to geometric necking and damage evolution. • The established damage sequence interaction model can predict the residual strength of materials with prior damage. • Only nondestructive testing is required to obtain the actual constitutive relationship of the service structure and material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hydrophobicity arising from PVA changes erosion in different parts of earthen site. • Drying temperature control is a feasible method to eliminate the hydrophobicity. • Soil wettability is a crucial evaluation criterion for protection of earthen sites. • Drying temperature, surface roughness, PVA and water contents affect the wettability. Earthen sites in northwest China represent a precious cultural heritage; however, these sites have been seriously damaged by weathering. Chemical consolidation treatment is a widely accepted conservation method, and PVA solution with a high degree of alcoholysis has exhibited potential for improving the strength of soil. However, research on the influence of the PVA solution on the wettability of these earthen sites is rarely reported. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the change in wettability of earthen sites protected with the PVA by laboratory experiments. First, the compressive strength and wettability of soil specimens are analysed with varying PVA content, water content, and drying temperature. The results indicate that the soil strength and hydrophobicity are highest when the PVA content in the soil is 1.0 wt%. The relationship between the soil hydrophobicity and water content follows a one-peak distribution, whereas the hydrophobicity decreases with increasing in drying temperature and is lost when the drying temperature is 80 °C or more. Second, factors influencing the wettability of the composite soil are discussed, and water vapour permeability of 1 cm thick composite soil is investigated in conjunction with exfoliation of surface crust. Finally, the feasibility of protecting different parts (i.e. the upper, middle, and lower parts) of earthen sites with PVA is briefly discussed, and it is emphasised that the wettability should be considered as crucial evaluation criterion for the protection of earthen sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H 2 S donors are substitutes of H 2 S with various biological activities like inhibiting the inflammatory response and protecting myocardial cells from injury. In order to confirm whether the H 2 S donors have drug-like properties, two series thiophosphamide H 2 S donors were evaluated including toxicity, bioactivity and pharmacokinetic properties in vivo and in vitro. The following results were obtained. Firstly, all the compounds released H 2 S under measuring condition; with the increase of pH value, the H 2 S release rate of all the compounds decreased and the amount reduced, but pH value had little effect on the maximum release of H 2 S. Secondly, in the organs and tissues of rats, the compounds released H 2 S in the same way as in PBS. In plasma, compound 1 reached the C max after administration 55 min, and no compound 1 was detected after 12 h; for compound 18 , the C max reached only after administration 100 min, and after 6 h, compound 18 was not detected; in organs and tissues, the H 2 S-release rates were different from those in PBS, but the mechanism of H 2 S release was the same. Thirdly, in the test of toxicity, all the compounds displayed low toxicities to 5 cancer cells and W138 cell lines; compounds 1 and 18 had slight effect on the physiological tissue and function of rat liver at low concentration; the compounds had almost no effect on the hatching rate, survival rate of zebrafish embryos, and the spontaneous movement of zebrafish embryos at below 0.5 μM, but when they were over 1 μM, the compounds displayed inhibitory effect in the manner of concentration dependence. Fourthly, in the course of anti-inflammatory test, all the tested compounds significantly reduced the level of TNF-α and increased the level of IL-10; when they were 100 μM, the levels of IL-10 were three times as high as those in the control group. Among them, compounds 10 and 18 displayed stronger activities than the others. In addition, the compounds protected H9c2 cells from injure and improved myocardial injury through anti-oxidation pathway. In summary, the compounds have druglike properties due to low toxicity, better activity and good pharmacokinetic property. Therefore, they have potential to be as candidates to investigate further. Image 1 • First evaluated the toxicity of two series of thiophosphoramide H 2 S donors. • Investigate the release mechanism of two series of thiophosphoramide H 2 S donors. • Exploring the pharmacokinetics of two series of thiophosphoramide H 2 S donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Firstly, based on the structures of nicotinic acid and chlorfibrate, a series of new H 2 S donors were synthesized. • Investigate the protective effects of HUVEC cells damaged by ox-LDL and the inhibition of foam cell formation. • Explore the synergistic effect of lipid lowering drugs and H 2 S donors. Based on the structures of nicotinic acid and chlorfibrate, a series of new H 2 S donors were synthesized and their anti-atherosclerosis activities using Ox-LDL RAW 264.6 cells as model were evaluated. The release test showed that all the compounds could release H 2 S effectively and showed low cytotoxicity. In the bioactivity experiments, compounds 1 , 3 , 9 and 14 increased the survival rate of HUVEC cells treated by ox-LDL; among four compounds, compounds 1 and 3 displayed higher activity than the others. In the foam cell model, compounds 1 and 3 were found to inhibit the formation of foam cells and significantly reduced the content of TC and FC in foam cells. They had more obvious effects on lipid reduction than those of nicotinic acid and chlorfibrate. In anti-oxidation, compounds 1 and 3 significantly reduced ROS and MDA and increased the expression level of SOD, whereas the precursor compounds, niacin and chlorfibrate had little antioxidant effect. In addition, both compounds also inhibited the inflammatory response in foam cells, with reducing pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. WB assay showed that the tested compounds inhibited the expression levels PI3K, Akt and NF-κb proteins. In conclusion, the compounds as H 2 S donors could protect HUVEC cells from damage and inhibit the formation of foam cells by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κb signal pathway. All these suggest the compounds have potential to be candidate for anti-atherosclerosis medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A series of H 2 S CO dual-donors [Mn(CO) 4 CS 2 NR 1 R 2 ] was synthesized, and evaluated from toxicity and bioactivity. The CO H 2 S measuring test showed all the complexes not only released CO, but released H 2 S. The resulting data of cytotoxicity showed all the complexes had activities against the cell proliferation; among them, complexes 1, 2 and 7 displayed higher activities than the others, and their potencies were close to cis -platinum (DDP); whereas the precursors A 1 -A 22 had almost no activities against all five tumor cell lines and W138 cell line proliferation. It is worth noting that complex 1 displayed the highest activity to MCF-7, complex 2 displayed the highest activity to HePG2, and complex 7 showed selectivity inhibition to both A549 and HeLa. The developmental toxicities of the complex were assessed using zebrafish embryos. The results showed complexes 1 and 2 had effect on the mortality and hatching rate of zebrafish embryos in dose-dependent manner. They caused zebrafish malformations when they were over 10 μM. Meanwhile, they displayed dose-dependent toxicities to larval zebrafish. In the test of bio-activities, complexes 1 and 2 had strong anti-inflammatory activities; they not only down-regulated the expression levels of iNOS and TNF-α, up-regulated the expression of HO-1 and IL-10, but also up-regulated COX-2 levels. In contrast, the precursor compound (A 1 or A 2) displayed lower anti-inflammatory activity than the corresponding complex, which suggests both the CO and H 2 S from the complex took synergistic effects in the process of anti-inflammation. In addition, the complex showed antihypertensive effect and myocardial protection. This effect also possibly resulted from this synergistic effect. All these suggest the complexes have potential to be candidate medicines. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Firstly evaluate the toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of H 2 S CO dual donors. • Investigate antihypertensive effect and myocardial protection of the dual donors. • Explore the synergistic effect of H 2 S and CO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ten uridine derivatives (lepidiumuridine B–K) were isolated from the seeds of Lepidium apetalum Willd. Lepidiumuridine B–J were previously undescribed compounds, and were structurally characterized using analysis of their NMR and MS data. Lepidiumuridine C, D, I, and J increased cell proliferation and expression of ER α in the MCF-7 cell line. In addition, blockage of ER α completely abolished cell proliferation and expression of ER α in MCF-7 cells, suggesting that the proliferation effects of lepidiumuridine C, D, I, and J were ER α -mediated. The uridine derivatives might belong to undescribed phytoestrogens. Graphical abstract Ten uridine derivatives (lepidiumuridine B–K) were isolated from the seeds of Lepidium apetalum Willd. Lepidiumuridine B–J were previously undescribed compounds. Lepidiumuridine C, D, I, and J increased cell proliferation and expression of ER α in the MCF-7 cell line and the proliferation effects were ER α -mediated. The uridine derivatives might belong to undescribed phytoestrogens. Image 1 Highlights • Ten uridine derivatives (lepidiumuridine B–K) were isolated from the seeds of Lepidium apetalum Willd. • Lepidiumuridine B–J were previously undescribed compounds. • Lepidiumuridine C, D, I, and J increased cell proliferation mediated by ER α. • The uridine derivatives might belong to undescribed phytoestrogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The constitutive relationship of the material matrix phase is unique regardless of prior damage. • The proposed FEA–test method can decouple the stress weakening due to geometric necking and accelerated damage evolution. • The damage sequence interaction model applies to both irreversible thermodynamics and mesomechanics functions. • The residual strength of materials can be obtained by non-destructive testing of in-service engineering structures. In the long-term service process, materials and structures will bear fatigue, ageing, and other degradation behaviours under environmental factors such as temperature, vibration, and radiation. Service damage makes materials and structures gradually deviate from the original design expectations. In this study, the material is decoupled into a two-phase system consisting of matrix and void phases. The different mechanical behaviours of material by the evolution of the void phase are analysed under the premise of the constitutive uniqueness of the matrix phase. Different characterisation methods of damage are discussed, and a finite element analysis–test combination method is proposed to identify the damage evolution function and the undamaged hardening, avoiding the influence of the necking effect and the accuracy of the test apparatus. A damage interaction model associated with the physical mechanism of microstructure evolution is constructed based on the ductile damage evolution function, discussing the influence of different damage definitions on the sequence interaction. The aluminium alloy 6005A-T6 commonly used in car body structures of rail vehicles is studied. The damage evolution function and undamaged hardening are established by testing undamaged specimens and verified by testing service-damaged specimens that bore a certain service loading. Then the damage interaction mode was determined. The proposed damage sequence interaction model provides an effective non-destructive testing method to obtain the hardening behaviour of in-service engineering materials. It can also extend to various existing constitutive equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies reported the chlorite dissolution kinetics in acidic pH—resulting in the development of chlorite dissolution rate law covering the pH and temperature dependence—but they rarely discussed how various intrinsic factors, including chlorite types, structural complexity, and surface roughness (refers specifically to the ratio between Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area, BET SA, and geometric surface area, GSA, in this paper), influenced the chlorite dissolution rate or the mechanism for dissolution congruency. In this study, results obtained from mixed-flow reactor experiments performed on a Mg-rich chlorite, over a pH range of 2–6 at 25 °C and 95 °C, indicated that pH and temperature control not only the chlorite dissolution rate but also the congruency of element release. Low pH facilitated the dissolution of Fe from chlorite interlayers and caused incongruent element release rates at 25 °C, while higher temperature experiments at the same pH overcame the differences in surface reactivity between the interlayer and the tetrahedral-octahedral-tetrahedral (TOT) layer, and finally evolved into congruent dissolution. The lower pH also made chlorite dissolution more resistant to varying flow rates. A dissolution rate constant of 10–10.51 mol/m2/s, a reaction order of 0.32, and activation energy of 42.03 kJ/mol were determined for the Mg-rich chlorite dissolution kinetics at 25 °C, in an acid-enhanced mechanism. Longer-term reactive transport modeling (RTM) on the chlorite dissolution demonstrated that low pH and large specific surface area (SSA) decreased the chlorite percentage, bulk surface area, and saturation index quicker, and in a non-linear fashion. Chlorite with higher SSA lost more bulk surface area (BSA) than that with lower SSA, when the same mass of chlorite was dissolved. Through tabulating and recalculating a series of data from the literature, the combined effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors—including chlorite type, BET SA/GSA ratio, and temperature—were explored. Fe-rich chlorite dissolves faster than Mg-rich chlorite in acid and neutral pH, due to the oxidative dissolution mechanism. The chlorite dissolution rate constant is linearly and positively correlated to BET SA/GSA for the same type of chlorite (Fe-rich and Mg-rich). Higher temperatures help reduce the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on chlorite dissolution rates. • Dissolution kinetics for a type of Mg-rich chlorite was determined in the acid pH range. • Effects of temperature and crystal structure on chlorite dissolution congruency were assessed. • RTM was applied to simulate chlorite dissolution under different pH and SSA. • Effects of intrinsic factors on chlorite dissolution kinetics in the acidic pH were explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Synthesized a series of cobalt carbonyl complexes based on Glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives. • Evaluated anti-tumor activities and their anti-tumor mechanism of complexes. • Evaluated the development toxicity of complexes by zebrafish model. Based on our previous research, a series of targeting hepatocellular carcinoma complexes, [R-Glycyrrhetinic acid-CH 2 C 2 H-[Co 2 (CO) 6 ] (R = H, 1 ; R = NSAIDs-COOH, 2 – 4 ; R = Aromatic acid, 5 – 7 ; R = Amino acid, 8 – 10), were synthesized. The test showed they are slow CO releasers. Using HeLa, A549, HT-29, SMMC7721 and HepG2 cells as models, their activities against tumor cell proliferation were firstly evaluated. The resulting data show all the complexes displayed a good anti-proliferation activity against the HepG2 and SMMC-7721 liver cancer cells, and their IC 50 values were in the range of 10.07–66.06 µM; compared with cis -platin (DDP), their activities were comparable or even better under the same condition. Among them, complexes 3 , 4 , 6 and 9 exhibited higher anti-proliferation activities against HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cell lines than the other cell lines. To confirm further these complexes have selectivity to the liver cells, the uptakes of complexes 3 , 4 , 6 and 9 by HepG2, HT-29, A549 and SMMC7721 cell lines were studied. The results show the cell uptake rates of the complexes by HepG2 cells and SMMC7721 cells were much greater than by other cells under the same condition. In following tests, the tested complexes displayed higher activities in inhibiting NF-kB, COX-2 and iNOS; and they induced HepG2 cells apoptosis by mitochondrial pathway, which assessed by staining with different fluorescent reagent DAPI, PI, Mito-Tracker Green and DCFH-DA. Meanwhile, the tested complexes up-regulated the expression levels of caspase-3 and Bax, down-regulated the Bcl-2 expression. In addition, they had no effect on zebrafish embryo survival, embryo hatching, embryonic movement, zebrafish malformation and zebrafish movement at below 0.5 µM. This suggests the complexes are potential candidates to be used in clinic for liver cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]