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In this study, nine endophytic fungi capable of producing multiple phenolic compounds were screened and identified from 152 fungi isolated from pigeon pea in a natural habitat (Honghe, Yunnan Province, China). Talaromyces neorugulosus R-209 exhibited the highest potential for phenolic compound production. L-phenylalanine feeding was used to enhance phenolic compound production in T. neorugulosus R-209 cultures. Under the optimal feeding conditions (l-phenylalanine dose of 0.16 g/L and feeding phase of 6 days), the yields of genistein, apigenin, biochanin A, and cajaninstilbene acid increased by 15.59-fold, 7.20-fold, 25.93-fold, and 10.30-fold over control, respectively. T. neorugulosus R-209 fed with l-phenylalanine was found to be stable in the production of phenolic compounds during ten successive subcultures. Moreover, bioactivities of extracts of T. neorugulosus R-209 cultures were significantly increased by l-phenylalanine feeding. Overall, l-phenylalanine feeding strategy made T. neorugulosus R-209 more attractive as a promising alternative source for the production of health-beneficial phenolic compounds in the nutraceutical/medicinal industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypropylene is commonly used as a binder for ceramic injection molding, and rapid cooling is often encountered during processing. However, the crystallization behavior of polypropylene shows a strong dependence on cooling rate due to its semi-crystalline characteristics. Therefore, the influence of cooling rate on the quality of final product cannot be ignored. In this study, the fast differential scanning calorimetry (FSC) test was performed to study the influence of cooling rate on the non-isothermal crystallization behavior and non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of a copolymer polypropylene (PP BC03B). The results show that the crystallization temperatures and crystallinity decrease as the cooling rate increases. In addition, two exothermic peaks occur when cooling rate ranges from 30 to 300 K·s-1, indicating the formation of another crystal phase. Avrami, Ozawa and Mo equations were used to explore the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics, and it can be concluded that the Mo method is suitable for this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Ferroptosis, a newly form of regulated cell death (RCD), is characterized by iron dyshomeostasis and unrestricted lipid peroxidation. Emerging evidence depicts a pivotal role for ferroptosis in driving some pathological processes, especially in cancer. Triggering ferroptosis can suppress tumor growth and induce an anti-tumor immune response, denoting the therapeutic promises for targeting ferroptosis in the management of cancer. As an autophagic phenomenon, ferritinophagy is critical to induce ferroptosis by degradation of ferritin to release intracellular free iron. Recently, a great deal of effort has gone into designing and developing anti-cancer strategies based on targeting ferritinophagy to induce ferroptosis. Conclusion: This review delineates the regulatory mechanism of ferritinophagy firstly and summarizes the role of ferritinophagy-induced ferroptosis in cancer. Moreover, the strategies targeting ferritinophagy to induce ferroptosis are highlighted to unveil the therapeutic value of ferritinophagy as a target to manage cancer. Finally, the future research directions on how to cope with the challenges in developing ferritinophagy promoters into clinical therapeutics are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an accurate 2D/3D fabrication tool, inkjet printing technology has great potential in preparation of micro electronic devices. The morphology of droplets produced by the inkjet printer has a great impact on the accuracy of deposition. In this study, the drop-on-demand (DoD) inkjet simulation model was established, and the accuracy of the simulation model was verified by corresponding experiments. The simulation result shows that the velocity of the droplet front and tail, as well as the time to disconnect from the nozzle is mainly affected by density (1), viscosity (µ) and surface tension (s) of droplets. When the liquid filament is about to disconnect from the nozzle, the filament length and filament front velocity are found to have a linear correlation with s/µ and ln(/(µs 2 1)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the accuracy of mechanical simulation in the directional solidification process of turbine blades for heavy-duty gas turbines, a new constitutive model that employs machine learning methods was developed. This model incorporates incremental learning and transfer learning, thus improves the predictive accuracy and generalization performance. To account for the anisotropy of the directionally solidified alloy, a deformation direction parameter is added to the model, enabling prediction of the stress-strain relationship of the alloy under different deformation directions. The predictive capabilities of both models are evaluated using correlation coefficient (R), average relative error (δ), and value of relative error (RE). Compared to the traditional model, the machine learning constitutive model achieves higher prediction accuracy and better generalization performance. This offers a new approach for the establishment of flow constitutive models for other directionally solidified and single-crystal superalloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrocytes are intimately linked with brain blood vessels, an essential relationship for neuronal function. However, astroglial factors driving these physical and functional associations during postnatal brain development have yet to be identified. By characterizing structural and transcriptional changes in mouse cortical astrocytes during the first two postnatal weeks, we find that high-mobility group box 1 (Hmgb1), normally upregulated with injury and involved in adult cerebrovascular repair, is highly expressed in astrocytes at birth and then decreases rapidly. Astrocyte-selective ablation of Hmgb1 at birth affects astrocyte morphology and endfoot placement, alters distribution of endfoot proteins connexin43 and aquaporin-4, induces transcriptional changes in astrocytes related to cytoskeleton remodeling, and profoundly disrupts endothelial ultrastructure. While lack of astroglial Hmgb1 does not affect the blood-brain barrier or angiogenesis postnatally, it impairs neurovascular coupling and behavior in adult mice. These findings identify astroglial Hmgb1 as an important player in postnatal gliovascular maturation. Despite a wealth of knowledge on astrocytes, their contribution to cerebrovascular maturation is less known. Here, the authors identify a molecule produced by astrocytes which controls astrocyte morphology and their placement on brain blood vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A global crisis caused by unsustainable practices and their detrimental effects on civilization has compelled us to rethink the adoption of green consumption practices. This study aims to determine the determinants of green consumption behavior among Chinese youth. Based on the integrated frameworks of two renowned theories, the knowledge-attitude-practice model and the theory of planned behavior, this study proposes 11 hypotheses for empirical investigation. An online survey was used for a quantitative cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of young Chinese consumers. A dataset comprising 876 observations was examined by applying partial least squares structural equation modeling using Smart-PLS 4.0. The results show that green consumption intention and perceived behavioral control significantly affect green consumption behavior. Attitudes towards eco-social benefits, attitudes towards green consumption, and subjective norms positively affect green consumption intentions. In addition, environmental concern and knowledge positively affected all three attitude dimensions. The study further identified that green self-identity moderates the connection between green consumption intention and green consumption behavior, whereas ecolabelling is not a significant moderator of the same relationship. The theoretical contribution of this study is that it employs multigroup analysis to investigate gender- and income-based variations in the relationships, offering a comprehensive framework integrating theories along with dimensions of attitude, which offers nuanced insights into green consumption behavior. Regarding its policy implications, this study highlights the necessity of promoting environmental concern and knowledge through education and awareness campaigns while supporting eco-social benefits and green consumption practices, which can be a potent way to promote positive attitudes, intentions, and sustainable behaviors among the general population.

Vincristine (VCR), an alkaloid isolated from vinca, is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug. However, VCR therapy can lead to dose-dependent peripheral neurotoxicity, mainly manifesting as neuropathic pain, which is one of the dominant reasons for limiting its utility. Experimentally, we discovered that VCR-induced neuropathic pain (VINP) was accompanied by astrocyte activation; the upregulation of phospho-CaMKII (p-CaMKII), CaV3.2, and Connexin-43 (Cx43) expression; and the production and release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the spinal cord. Similar situations were also observed in astrocyte cultures. Interestingly, these alterations were all reversed by intrathecal injection of KN-93 (a CaMKII inhibitor) or l-Ascorbic acid (a CaV3.2 inhibitor). In addition, KN-93 and l-Ascorbic acid inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i associated with astrocyte activation. We also verified that knocking down or inhibiting Cx43 level via intrathecal injection of Cx43 siRNA or Gap27 (a Cx43 mimetic peptide) relieved pain hypersensitivity and reduced the release of inflammatory factors; however, they did not affect astrocyte activation or p-CaMKII and CaV3.2 expression. Besides, the overexpression of Cx43 through the transfection of the Cx43 plasmid did not affect p-CaMKII and CaV3.2 expressions in vitro. Therefore, CaMKII and CaV3.2 may activate astrocytes by increasing [Ca2+]i, thereby mediating Cx43-dependent inflammation in VINP. Moreover, we demonstrated that the CaMKII signalling pathway was involved in VCR-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial damage. Collectively, our findings show a novel mechanism by which CaMKII and CaV3.2 mediate Cx43-dependent inflammation by activating astrocytes in neuropathic pain induced by VCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge is one of the most frequently used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae for fighting COVID-19 infections, due to the presence of isoflavonoids and astragalosides associated with antiviral and immune-enhancing activities. For the first time, the exposure of A. membranaceus hairy root cultures (AMHRCs) to different colors of LED lights i.e., red, green, blue, red/green/blue (1/1/1, RGB), and white, was conducted to promote the root growth and accumulation of isoflavonoids and astragalosides. LED light treatment regardless of colors was found beneficial for root growth, which might be a result of the formation of more root hairs upon light stimulation. Blue LED light was found most effective for enhancing phytochemical accumulation. Results showed that the productivity of root biomass in blue-light grown AMHRCs with an initial inoculum size of 0.6% for 55 days was 1.40-fold higher than that in dark (control), and yields of high-value isoflavonoids and astragalosides including calycosin, formononetin, astragaloside IV, and astragaloside I increased by 3.17-fold, 2.66-fold, 1.78-fold, and 1.52-fold relative to control, respectively. Moreover, the photooxidative stress together with transcriptional activation of biosynthesis genes might contribute to the enhanced accumulation of isoflavonoids and astragalosides in blue-light grown AMHRCs. Overall, this work offered a feasible approach for obtaining higher yields of root biomass and medicinally important compounds in AMHRCs via the simple supplementation of blue LED light, which made blue-light grown AMHRCs industrially attractive as plant factory in controlled growing systems. Key Message: Blue LED light was found to simultaneously promote the root growth and accumulation of medicinally important compounds (calycosin, formononetin, astragaloside IV, and astragaloside I) in Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge hairy root cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study explores the factors influencing university students’ social entrepreneurial intentions based on the values-beliefs-norms theory. Data were collected from 769 Chinese university students through online surveys. The hypotheses were tested using partial least squares-structural equation modeling. The results confirmed the positive influence of altruistic and traditional values on normative beliefs. Awareness of the consequences and attribution of responsibility had no significant effect on personal norms among university students, which have been discussed in-depth in relation to the phenomenon of inadequate student socialization due to closed-loop management policies at Chinese universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the findings verified the positive and significant effects of personal, injunctive, and descriptive social norms on social entrepreneurship intentions. With the aim of promoting social entrepreneurship among university students and broadening the understanding of the phenomenon of social entrepreneurs, this study provides a favorable direction and expands the discussion on the topic. The results will help the government and universities foster more effective prosocial behaviors among university students.

The goal of non-rigid point set registration is to estimate the optimal correspondence between points, and then recover the non-rigid deformation between point sets in a specific way, typically by using a set of complex interpolation functions. Many non-rigid matching algorithms have been studied, but only a few algorithms fully exploit the local structure between point sets. To improve the accuracy of point set registration, this paper proposes a new non-rigid registration algorithm that uses both the global structure and the stable local structure of a non-rigid shape to constrain the registration. Specifically, we consider the point set registration problem as a probability assignment problem, with the probability determined by the Gaussian mixture model and the local structure of the point set. In particular, the Hausdorff distance can effectively measure the similarity of the local structure of the point set in the proposed algorithm. The transformation between the two-point sets is determined by the reproducing kernel Hilbert space based on the motion coherence theory once the correspondence is determined. A significant number of experiments show that the proposed technique has higher registration accuracy than several other state-of-the-art algorithms when dealing with non-rigid registration problems, especially when the point set contains outliers and severely missing points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigeon pea hairy root cultures (PPHRCs) have been proven to be a promising alternative for the production of health-beneficial phenolic compounds, such as the most important health-promoting compound, i.e., cajaninstilbene acid (CSA). In this study, PPHRCs were cocultured with live Aspergillus fungi for further improving phenolic productivity via biological elicitation. Aspergillus oryzae CGMCC 3.951 (AO 3.951) was found to be the optimal fungus that could achieve the maximum increment of CSA (10.73-fold increase) in 42-day-old PPHRCs under the inoculum size of mycelia 0.50% and cocultivation time 36 h. More precisely, the contents of CSA in hairy roots and culture media after fungal elicitation increased by 9.87- and 62.18-fold over control, respectively. Meanwhile, the contents of flavonoid glycosides decreased, while aglycone yields increased upon AO 3.951 elicitation. Moreover, AO 3.951 could trigger the oxidative stress and pathogen defense response thus activating the expression of biosynthesis- and ABC transporter-related genes, which contributed to the intracellular accumulation and extracellular secretion of phenolic compounds (especially CSA) in PPHRCs. And PAL2, 4CL2, STS1, and I3′H were likely to be the potential key enzyme genes regulating the biosynthesis of CSA, and ABCB11X1-1, ABCB11, and ABCG24X2 were closely related to the transmembrane transport of CSA. Overall, the cocultivation approach could make PPHRCs more commercially attractive for the production of high-value phenolic compounds such as CSA and flavonoid aglycones in nutraceutical/medicinal fields. And the elucidation of crucial biosynthesis and transport genes was important for systematic metabolic engineering aimed at increasing CSA productivity. Key points: • Cocultivation of PPHRCs and live fungi was to enhance CSA production and secretion. • PPHRCs augmented CSA productivity 10.73-fold when cocultured with AO 3.951 mycelia. • Several biosynthesis and transport genes related to CSA production were clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removal of trace heavy metal ions puts high demands on designing adsorbents with favorable surfaces. Crystal-plane engineering can provide controllable adsorption energy between surficial planes and adsorbents. Herein, we have creatively synthesized Mg-doped CaCO3 nanoarchitectures assembled by layered sheets (Mg-CaCO3 LSs) with high-index facets of ( 4 41 ¯ ) through a facile wet chemical process. Adsorption tests reveal that the layer-by-layer assembled sample exhibits a maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity of 1961.9 mg·g−1, agreeing with the monolayer-adsorption Langmuir model. At an initial Pb(II) ion concentration of 20 mg·L−1, the adsorption can achieve a high removal rate near 99.0% within 1 min, and the adsorption kinetics follows a chemisorption pseudo-second-order model. Interestingly, the Mg-CaCO3 LSs show much-improved adsorption properties towards low-concentration Pb(II) ions, which could reduce the concentration from 1 mg·L−1 to ~ 2.9 μg·L−1 in 3 h (within 30 min decrease to less than 10 μg·L−1, meeting drinking water standard from WHO). For comparison, the commercial CaCO3 and collected CaCO3 scale show much lower adsorption values with Pb(II) ion residual concentration of ~ 935.0 and ~ 944.9 μg·L−1 in 3 h, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) characterizations on the Mg-CaCO3 LSs before and after adsorbing Pb(II) confirm that the high removal performance could be ascribed to fast metal ion exchange and excellent physical adsorption contributed by high-index planes. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations also confirm that the much-enhanced adsorption kinetics benefits from the optimal adsorption of the ( 4 41 ¯ ) planes. This work will provide a feasible route to design high-efficient low-cost adsorbents through crystal-plane engineering. 摘要: 有效去除水中痕量重金属离子对吸附剂的结构设计提出了很高的要求。利用晶面构建工程对催 化剂结构进行设计是一个有效地解决方法。在本工作中，我们通过湿化学合成法，制备了由( 4 41 ¯ ) 高指数面组装的 Mg 掺杂 CaCO3 纳米结构(Mg-CaCO3 LSs)。实验结果证明，层状组装结构 的Mg-CaCO3LSs对Pb(II)的最大吸附容量为1961.9 mg·g-1, 并符合单层Langmuir 吸附模型。当 Pb(II)的初始浓度为20 mg·L-1时, Mg-CaCO3 LSs表现出接近于99%的去除效率(吸附时间为1 min)。该吸附动力学过程遵循化学吸附准二级动力学模型方程。同时，在极低Pb(II)浓度下, Mg-CaCO3 LSs还表现出优异的吸附去除性能。当Pb(II) 的浓度为1 mg·L-1 时, Mg-CaCO3LSs能够在3 小时内将浓度降至~2.9 μg·L-1。其中，在30 分钟内就能将Pb(II)浓度降至10 μg·L-1以下, 这是符合WHO 所颁布的饮用水标准的。作为对比，商业CaCO3 和收集的CaCO3 水垢在相 同的测试条件下却分别只能将浓度降低至~935 μg·L-1 和~944.9 μg·L-1。通过对吸附前后Mg-CaCO3 LSs样品进行XRD, EDS 和ICP 表征，我们发现其优异的去除效果可归因于高指数晶面 的快速金属离子交换和物理吸附过程。理论计算 (DFT)进一步证明了( 4 41 ¯ ) 高指数面具有更优 的吸附动力学行为。本工作通过晶面构建工程，提供了一种设计高性能低成本的吸附剂材料的设计思路。 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Excessive use of agrochemicals and the misuse of natural resources severely degrade farmlands. In addition to organic farming, conservative agricultural practices are one of the most viable methods for preventing environmental deterioration. Its adoption has remained relatively modest in developing countries as farmers rely exclusively on synthetic inputs to attain high yields and economic returns. Therefore, this study focuses on the factors that influence farmers’ intention and adoption of conservative agricultural practices. This study extended the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) framework with a new construct (green trust), and empirically evaluated all fundamental VBN components with their chained relationships among constructs. This cross-sectional study collected quantitative data from 349 farmers using structured interviews. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to statistically evaluate the relationship between the constructs. The analysis demonstrates that both biospheric and altruistic values have a positive impact on the new environmental paradigm, which, in turn, has a significant impact on people’s awareness of consequences and personal norms. Although awareness of consequences had a substantial positive influence on the ascription of responsibilities, it was demonstrated to have a statistically insignificant impact on personal norms. In parallel, the ascription of responsibility had a strong impact on personal norms, which, in turn, positively influenced the intention towards conservative agricultural practices. Remarkably, green trust was found to have the greatest effect on farmers’ intentions. Finally, farmers’ actual adoption was significantly influenced by their intention. The findings of this study will contribute to the strengthening of relevant factors among farmers that may enhance eco-friendly farming practices, develop solutions for regulating the protected utilization of natural resources, and effectively prevent environmental deterioration caused by hazardous agrochemicals. The study will also provide guidance to government regulators and other social organizations in the formulation of effective laws, policies, and strategies for the mass adoption of conservation practices and restoration of agricultural ecosystem balance.

Abstract Organic food production is recognized by most countries and regions worldwide as a method of ecological and environmental protection because traditional agricultural practices significantly use pesticides and other chemicals, creating severe issues regarding the ecological, environmental, and food safety issues. Most research on organic production focuses on large-scale organic production. This study focuses on growing noncommercial, small-scale urban organic food using the value-belief-norm (VBN) model to explore the pro-environmental behavior regarding organic food production from a psychological perspective. We employed nonprobability sampling because of the absence of a sampling framework for the target population. We obtained a sample of 621 respondents from noncommercial urban botanists in China followed by quantitative methods to examine the relationships among variables using partial least squares structural equation modeling. This study focused on organic food behavior by modifying the VBN theory, which built trust in organic food production methods and developed a structural equation model to explain the underlying motivational factors that influenced the propensity to grow organic food. Finally, the path analysis results demonstrated that all hypothesized associations were statistically significant, except for the ecological worldview on personal norms and trust in organic food production, and personal norms on intention toward organic food production. Overall, the results of this study verify the validity of the VBN theory in the context of organic food consumption as a pro-environmental behavior. Therefore, relevant departments and governments should take measures to promote organic food production in China from a psychological perspective.

Abstract This study examined the factors influencing customers’ consumption intentions and willingness to pay a premium price for 3D-printed food by combining personal innovativeness, perceived compatibility, perceived product value, desire to eat, and willingness to pay a premium price for 3D-printed food into a conceptual framework. Applying the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework with personal innovativeness, perceived compatibility, and perceived product value, this study obtained data from 1540 respondents using an online cross-sectional questionnaire and utilized partial least squares structural equation modeling to verify the study hypotheses. The findings revealed that personal inventiveness, attitude, perceived compatibility, subjective norms, perceived product value, and perceived behavioral control exert a significant influence on the intention and willingness to pay a premium price for 3D-printed food. The result also showed that perceived behavior and intention significantly affect willingness to pay a premium price for 3D-printed food. Furthermore, the outcome confirmed that, with the exception of the link between perceived product value, subjective norms, and willingness to pay a premium price for 3D-printed food, intention serves as a significant mediator in the relationship between factors and willingness to pay a premium price for 3D-printed food. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of the factors that influence consumers’ intention to consume and willingness to pay a premium for 3D-printed food, providing new insights from new variables and broadening the scope of the TPB’s original model in the perspective of new food settings and Asian nations. These findings imply that 3D-printed food sellers in the Asian market need to pay more attention to the factors that stimulate customers’ intentions, which, in turn, affect consumers’ views of perceived product value and improve their readiness to pay a premium price for 3D-printed food.

Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of miR-26a and miR-26b in the management of AF. Methods: Real-time PCR was carried out to determine plasma microRNA expression in AF patients pre- and post-radiofrequency ablation. The correlation between the expression of SELP and miR-26a/miR-26b was also studied using luciferase assays to establish a miR-26a/miR-26b/SELP signaling pathway. Results: The relative expression of SELP reached its peak in pre-ablation AF (+) patients, while ablation treatment reduced the expression of SELP in AF (+) patients. Similarly, AF pigs showed dysregulation of miR-26a/b and SELP, thus verifying the involvement of miR-26a/b and SELP in AF. Meanwhile, the regulatory association between SELP and miR-26a/b was also investigated, and the results showed that the presence of pre-miR-26a/b increased the levels of miR-26a/b and inhibited the mRNA/protein expression of SELP. Finally, using bioinformatic tools and luciferase assays, SELP mRNA was confirmed as the target of miR-26a/b, which affected the effect of AF ablation treatment. Conclusions: RFA helped to restore circulating levels of miR-26, which were reduced in atrial fibrillation. Meanwhile, miR-26 is a potential cause for the elevated plasma levels of pro-thrombogenic SELP in that disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-step synthesis method was successfully applied to covalently immobilize cellulase Cellic CTec2 onto silicon dioxide-coated functionalized magnetic nano-Fe3O4 particle (Fe3O4@SiO2). The optimized immobilization parameters were as follows: 2% glutaraldehyde, 100 U CMCase activity of Cellic CTec2, pH 4.5, 20 °C for 4 h, holding a corresponding CMCase activity of 3341 U/g and protein loading of 50 mg/g, respectively. The morphology and composition of nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The TEM images showed that Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@SiO2 particles are spherical with non-uniform size (10–20 nm) and typical core–shell shaped (20–40 nm), respectively. The VSM value of Fe3O4, Fe3O4@SiO2, and immobilized cellulase was 91 emu/g, 64 emu/g, and 59 emu/g, respectively, along with notable superparamagnetism. The FTIR and XRD spectra confirmed that cellulase has been successfully immobilized onto the amino-functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2 particles. The polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed that there was no significant difference between free and immobilized cellulase. The immobilized cellulase showed good thermal, pH, and storage stability. In addition, the immobilized cellulase was employed for enzymatic saccharification of poplar wood, holding a maximum enzymatic saccharification rate of 38.4% at 72 h, indicating potential for lignocellulosic biomass deconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edaravone has been widely used in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. However, there has been no oral preparation of edaravone in the clinic. In this study, we assessed the effect and possible mechanisms of oral edaravone on the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rats. Highly bioavailable form of novel edaravone formulation developed using self-nanomicellizing solid dispersion strategy which showed up to 16.1-fold improved oral bioavailability was considered oral edaravone. The male rats (n = 84) were randomly divided into sham; model; oral edaravone in low dose (10 mg/kg), medium dose (20 mg/kg), and high dose (30 mg/kg); and edaravone by intraperitoneal administration group (IP group, 10 mg/kg). Rats were treated with different drugs 5 h after the operation, twice a day for 7 days. The behavioral data were dose-dependently improved by oral edaravone and sensorimotor functions of the high dose group were similar to those of the edaravone by IP route group. Furthermore, oral edaravone significantly reduced cerebral infarction area and downregulated the levels of caspase-3, GFAP, Iba1, 3-NT, and 4-HNE, whereas upregulated those of Vamp-2 and Map-2 in a dose-dependent manner. Especially effect of the high dose on these molecules was equal to that of edaravone by IP administration. Taken together, our data suggest that the improvement of sensorimotor deficits by oral edaravone in high doses after ischemia is similar to that in edaravone by IP administration. Neuroprotection of oral edaravone is at least partial by minimizing oxidative stress, the overactivation of glial cells, and the levels of the apoptosis-associated proteins, and alleviating synaptic damage in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The increasing recognition of environmental concerns has prompted both nations and corporations to adopt green innovation as a significant strategy for addressing environmental risks and promoting sustainable development. To excel in this pursuit, companies must cultivate green dynamic capabilities, infusing environmental considerations into their strategic decision-making processes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between strategic orientation components and green dynamic capabilities, as well as their impact on green product and process innovation, in medium-to-large-sized manufacturing firms in China. Employing a quantitative methodology, an online cross-sectional research design was used to gather 582 valid responses through a structured questionnaire. Results indicated a positive association between learning orientation and green dynamic capabilities. Furthermore, green dynamic capability was found to mediate the relationship between learning orientation and green product and process innovation. However, no significant relationship was observed between green entrepreneurial orientation, market orientation, internationalisation orientation, and green dynamic capabilities. By conducting multi-group analysis and studying the context of Chinese manufacturing firms, this research contributes new insights into the relationship between resource-based theory constructs and green innovation, including the integration of green dynamic capabilities. The results emphasise the significance of adopting a learning mindset, developing green dynamic capabilities, and fostering green innovation. These findings offer useful insights for the Chinese manufacturing industry, enabling it to strengthen its competencies in green innovation.

Abstract Growth in online impulsive buying and digital advertising have drawn the attention of researchers in developed countries, but it is still in its early stages, especially in China. China is positioned to overtake the world as the nation with the highest volume of online purchases owing to a variety of growth-related variables, including impulsive purchases. Surprisingly, there is a deficiency in the holistic understanding of Chinese customers in different age groups regarding the links between advertising value and online impulsive buying behavior. Thus, to advance the line of research, this study intends to determine the connection between advertising value and online impulse buying behavior along with the indirect connection between the urge to buy impulsively and moderation of anxiety. To achieve this objective, data were obtained from 1422 online consumers. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling. The results confirm that informativeness, credibility, creativity, entertainment, integration, and the urge to buy online significantly and consequently urge to buy online positively influence online impulsive buying among Chinese consumers. Surprisingly, this interaction was statistically insignificant. Furthermore, the proposed moderator, customer anxiety, also showed no moderating impact on the urge to buy online impulsively and online impulsive buying behavior. The mediation result suggests that urge to buy impulsively significantly mediates the relationship between informativeness, credibility, creativity, entertainment, and integration with online impulse buying behavior, except for interaction and online impulse buying behavior. These findings contribute theoretically by adding new information about Chinese motivational factors for impulsive buying. Empirically, it adds value to marketers, advertisers, and online retailers by considering informativeness, creativity, entertainment, integration, and the urge to buy online while communicating with Chinese consumers at all customer touch points.

Abstract Due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Chinese university lecturers have experienced increased levels of disappointment and powerlessness due to the changing work environment. An increasing number of lecturers exhibit quiet-quitting intention, which affects their work passion, teaching quality, and so on. However, it is little known about how work-related factors, influence quiet-quitting intention of lecturers. Drawing on the social exchange theory, this study proposes a conceptual model that investigates the effects of work overload, perceived career development opportunities, perceived pay-for performance, affective organizational commitment and work conditions on job burnout, employee well-being, and quiet-quitting intention. Using a quantitative cross-sectional approach, 698 responses were obtained from young Chinese university lecturers. We also employed partial least squares structural equation modeling to analyze and forecast the extent of the impact of this study’s independent variables. The findings revealed that work overload, perceived pay-for-performance, affective organizational commitment, and work conditions significantly affect job burnout and employee well-being. Additionally, job burnout and employee well-being significantly effect quiet-quitting intention, which are moderated by psychological empowerment. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the factors influencing quiet-quitting intention among Chinese university lecturers, providing theoretical and practical implications for addressing the challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Abstract This study explored the effect of perceived values on sustainability, problem awareness, the ascription of responsibility, sense of community, and anticipated guilt on reuse (sell and/or swap) intention of secondhand clothing through partial least squares structural equation modeling. This study adopted a cross-sectional design and collected quantitative data from 524 conveniently selected respondents in China through an online survey. The findings revealed that perceived values on sustainability, ascription of responsibility, sense of community, and anticipated guilt are the most important factors influencing reuse intention, whereas problem awareness is not a significant predictor. It has also been demonstrated that reuse intention promotes the development of reuse practices. Despite its large population, China is facing significant environmental challenges. The findings of this study may provide a viable option for the sustainable development of reusing secondhand clothing and also contribute to new knowledge on the factors that influence the reuse practices of secondhand clothing in China and even around the world.

Herein, lignin derived hierarchical porous carbon (LHPC) supported Pd nanoparticles (Pd/LHPC) were synthesized and developed as advanced electrocatalysts for ethanol oxidation. In the Pd/LHPC, the special hierarchical porous carbon with the interconnected micropores and mesopores uniformly distribute on the surface and walls of macropores can provide facile transport for electroactive species and more reaction available surface. The Pd/LHPC exhibits larger specific electrochemically active surface area, higher electrocatalytic activity and better stability toward the oxidation of ethanol than the black carbon (Vulcan XC-72) supported Pd (Pd/XC-72) and commercial Pd/C electrocatalysts. The strategy reported will open a new road to effectively use industrial waste to synthesize advanced carbon material for efficient electrocatalysts and other electrochemical energy-conversion devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the low permeability of tight reservoirs, throats play a significant role in controlling fluid flow. Although many studies have been conducted to investigate fluid flow in throats in the microscale domain, comparatively fewer works have been devoted to study the effect of adsorption boundary layer (ABL) in throats based on the digital rock method. By considering an ABL, we investigate its effects on fluid flow. We build digital rock model based on computed tomography technology. Then, microscopic pore structures are extracted with watershed segmentation and pore geometries are meshed through Delaunay triangulation approach. Finally, using the meshed digital simulation model and finite element method, we investigate the effects of viscosity and thickness of ABL on microscale flow. Our results demonstrate that viscosity and thickness of ABL are major factors that significantly hinder fluid flow in throats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil moisture is essential for plant growth in terrestrial ecosystems. This study investigated the visible-near infrared (Vis-NIR) spectra of three subgroups of purple soils (calcareous, neutral, and acidic) from western Chongqing, China, containing different water contents. The relationship between soil moisture and spectral reflectivity (R) was analyzed using four spectral transformations, and estimation models were established for estimating the soil moisture content (SMC) of purple soil based on stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR). We found that soil spectra were similar for different moisture contents, with reflectivity decreasing with increasing moisture content and following the order neutral > calcareous > acidic purple soil (at constant moisture content). Three of the four spectral transformations can highlight spectral sensitivity to SMC and significantly improve the correlation between the reflectance spectra and SMC. SMLR and PLSR methods provide similar prediction accuracy. The PLSR-based model using a first-order reflectivity differential (R') is more effective for estimating the SMC, and gave coefficient of determination root mean square errors of validation (RMSEV), and ratio of performance to inter-quartile distance (RPIQ) values of 0.946, 1.347, and 6.328, respectively, for the calcareous purple soil, and 0.944, 1.818, and 6.569, respectively, for the acidic purple soil. For neutral purple soil, the best prediction was obtained using the SMLR method with R' transformation, yielding R2v, RMSEV and RPIQ values of 0.973, 0.888 and 8.791, respectively. In general, PLSR is more suitable than SMLR for estimating the SMC of purple soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have indicated that rotavirus (RV) is a causative factor for diarrhea and gastroenteritis in pediatric and neonatal settings. Baicalin has many functions, including antibacterial, antiinflammatory, and antihypertensive activities. However, the immunological mechanism of RV-induced diarrhea with heat-dampness syndrome (RV-DH) remains unclear.Aims: The aim of this study is to explore the role of baicalin in RV-DH diarrhea and its underlying mechanism.Methods: A mouse model of pediatric RV-DH diarrhea was established and treated with baicalin. The concentrations of cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), while protein expression levels were determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometry was used to detect the frequency of lymphocytes.Results: The concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, RVvb, and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and colonic mucosa were significantly increased in the RV-DH group. Decreased expression of occludin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) indicated loss of tight junction function and disturbances in intestinal mucosal permeability in the RV-DH group. Flow cytometry analysis showed a high rate of CD8+ lymphocytes and low amount of CD4+ lymphocytes in the RV-DH group. Treatment of RV-DH mice with baicalin significantly reduced the duration of diarrhea and ameliorated the symptoms and pathological and immunological changes. Furthermore, baicalin inhibited STAT1 and activated STAT3 signaling pathways.Conclusions: These findings indicate the curative and immunoregulatory properties of baicalin and have direct practical and clinical relevance for the treatment of RV-DH enteritis in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonlinear optical switches that reversibly convert between on/off states by thermal stimuli are promising for applications in the fields of photoelectronics and photonics. Currently one main drawback for practical application lies in the control of their switch temperature, especially for the temperature range near room temperature. By mixed melting treatment, here we describe an alloy-like nonlinear optical switch with tunable switch temperature via a dual solid solution approach within the coordination polymer system. We initially prepare a coordination polymer (i-PrNHMe2)[Cd(SCN)3], which functions as a high-contrast thermoresponsive nonlinear optical switch originating from a phase transition at around 328 K. Furthermore, by taking advantage of a synergistic dual solid solution effect, the melt mixing of it with its analogue (MeNHEt2)[Cd(SCN)3], which features an unequal anionic chain templated by an isomeric ammonium, can afford coordination polymer solid solutions with switch temperatures that are tunable in a range of 273–328 K merely by varying the component ratio. Switching of nonlinear optical signals is attractive for photoelectronics and photonics, but development is hindered by a lack of control over the switch temperature. Here the authors report a coordination polymer system that serves as an alloy-like nonlinear optical switch with a tunable switch temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, Zn-air batteries have been widely applied in miniature electronic devices and power stations. However, it is imperative but challenging to synthesize efficient non-precious metal electrocatalysts for popularizing application of Zn-air batteries. Herein, the three-dimensional porous Co@Co-NPC is prepared by doping P into flower-like Co/Zn-MOF-derived Co-N-C during the carbonization process. The obtained 3D-Co@Co-NPC possesses an excellent catalytic activity, showing a half-wave potential of 0.872 V for ORR and potential of 1.692 V at 10 mA cm−2 for OER. When employed as air-cathode catalyst in Zn-air battery, 3D-Co@Co-NPC shows a high power density of 182.5 mW cm−2 and a high capacity of 764 mAh g−1. Besides, it displays an excellent charging-discharging cycle stability (over 90 h). The outstanding ORR/OER performance of 3D-Co@Co-NPC are mainly attributed to the doping of P element, which can tune the electronic structure of Co-N-C matrix. The pickling experiment proves that Co nanoparticle can make contribution to ORR/OER activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermosolutal convection can alter segregation pattern, change dendrite morphology and even cause freckles formation in alloy solidification. In this work, the multiphase-field model was coupled with lattice Boltzmann method to simulate the dendrite growth under melt convection in superalloy solidification. In the isothermal solidification simulations, zero and normal gravitational accelerations were applied to investigate the effects of gravity on the dendrite morphology and the magnitude of melt flow. The solute distribution of each alloy component along with the dendrite tip velocity during solidification was obtained, and the natural convection has been confirmed to affect the microsegregation pattern and the dendrite growth velocity. In the directional solidification simulations, two typical temperature gradients were applied, and the dendrite morphology and fluid velocity in the mushy zone during solidification were analyzed. It is found that the freckles will form when the average fluid velocity in the mushy zone exceeds the withdraw velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study is to research how miR-34-SIRT1 is regulated during hypoxia in lung cancer cells. Results: Analysis of publicly available datasets from patients with NSCLC did not reveal significant genomic alterations in RBM38, SIRT1, HIF1A, MIR34A, MIR34B, and MIR34C, but expectedly revealed alterations in TP53. Overall survival in NSCLC patients with or without alterations in these genes was not significantly different. When expanded to include all lung cancer patients, overall survival was significantly lower in patients with genomic alterations in these genes. Conclusions: Cumulatively, our results reveal a novel mechanism of RBM38-mediated regulation of the HIF1A/miR-34a/SIRT1/p53 axis under hypoxia in NSCLC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential roles of miR-943-3p and its target gene secreted frizzled-related proteins4 (SFRP4) in allergic asthma and elucidate its underlying mechanism, which may prompt a new clue about developing novel treatments of this disease. An allergic asthma mouse model was generated by challenging with ovalbumin (OVA); lung pathological features of mice were viewed using H&E staining; thickness of subepithelial fibrosis and smooth muscle was measured using Masson's trichrome staining. Inflammatory cells from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted based on Diff-Quik staining and morphometric analysis. Expressions of miR-943-3p, SFRP4 and Wnt signal pathway-associated proteins were detected using RT-PCR or immunoblotting, respectively. SFRP4 was downregulated in the bronchial biopsies of allergic asthma patients and represented a unique intersection between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and genes in the Wnt signal pathway. Both miR-943-3p upregulation and SFRP4 downregulation were detected in allergic asthma patients and OVA-induced mice. Besides, OVA-induced mice possessed more inflammatory cells in BALF including macrophage (mac), eosinophil (eos), lymphocyte (lym) and neutrophil (neu), higher expression of collagen, β-catenin and c-Myc as well as thicker subepithelial fibrosis and smooth muscle in lung than control mice. In vivo delivery of miR-943-3p agomir worsened these symptoms, while both miR-943-3p antagomir and Ad-SFRP4 administration effectively alleviated this disease. Taken together, miR-943-3p accelerated the progression of airway inflammation and remodeling in allergic asthma via suppressing the activity of SFRP4 through Wnt signaling pathway in asthma patients and OVA-induced mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) possessing chiral nematic structures have been developed as liquid crystal templates for optical materials and devices. These templates provide materials with advanced structural and optical properties, leading to numerous promising discoveries of new functional materials. In this work, the chiral nematic CNC/silver nanoparticles (CNC/AgNPs) composite membranes were prepared and displayed striking iridescent colors. The addition of AgNPs strengthened the chiral structure of CNC-based composites by adjusting the pitch of the chiral nematic structure. As the AgNPs content decreased from 8 to 2 wt%, a redshift of the reflection wavelength was observed from 475 to 773 nm, and the distance between the two adjacent layers of the membrane increased from 155 to 254 nm, according to a fitted linear function. Therefore, this composite membrane exhibited excellent chiral optical properties, and the chiral reflectance could be tuned accurately by regulating the content ratio of CNCs to AgNPs. New insights into designing advanced functional optics were provided, herein to show their potential applications, such as in smart windows and anti-counterfeit labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant cell and organ cultures via the implementation of effective elicitation strategies can offer attractive biotechnological platforms for the enhanced production of phytochemicals of pharmaceutical interest. For the first time, the elicitation of exogenous signal molecules was conducted to enhance the production of pharmacologically active alkaloids and flavonoids in Isatis tinctoria L. hairy root cultures (ITHRCs). ITHRCs III and V correspondingly possessing high alkaloid and flavonoid productivity were adopted for elicitation treatments. The maximum accumulation of alkaloids in ITHRCs III elicited by 142.61 µM salicylic acid for 28.18 h and flavonoids in ITHRCs V elicited by 179.54 µM methyl jasmonate for 41.87 h increased 5.89- and 11.21-folds as compared with controls, respectively. Moreover, expressions of 11 genes involved in alkaloid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways were significantly up-regulated following elicitation, among which YUCCA, CHI and F3′H genes might play a crucial role in the target phytochemical augmentation. Overall, two effective elicitation protocols were provided here to improve the yields of bioactive alkaloids and flavonoids in ITHRCs, which was useful for the scale-up production of these valuable compounds to meet the demands for natural bioactive ingredients by pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With wide use of biomass in various industries and enterprises, large amounts of biomass waste are being produced. This causes severe environmental issues and inadequate utilization of renewable resources. In this work, a sustainable and green process approach is proposed to utilize lignocellulosic biomass residues from biofuel conversion proceeding via direct mechanical treatments. The obtained nanofibers containing cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose were directly isolated from lignocellulosic biomass residues and had diameters of approximately 21 nm. After being treated via ultra-micro grinding for 0.5 h with a millstone gap of approximately 5 μm, and undergoing ultrasonication for 20 min at 1000 W as well as high-pressure homogenization shearing for 15 times in a chamber with 87 μm diameter, partially hydrogen and covalent bonds between cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose chains could be broken down. Lignin and hemicellulose were wrapped around the cellulose bundles, thus the residue nanofiber aerogels became easy to redisperse and redry in water. Additionally, the specific capacitance of carbonized nanofiber aerogels was up to 73.2 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. A remarkable reduction of specific capacitance happened along with the fermentation process prolongation and which is mainly related to the fermentation degree. With characteristics, such as special composite texture, high specific surface area, and excellent electrochemical performances, lignocellulosic biomass residue nanofibers displayed positive attributes in terms of energy storage and nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Producing heterologous enzymes in the animal digestive tract to improve feed utilization rate is a new research strategy by transgenic technology. In this study, transgenic pigs specifically expressing β-glucanase gene in the intestine were successfully produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer technology in order to improve digestibility of dietary β-glucan and absorption of nutrients. The β-glucanase activity in the intestinal juice of 4 transgenic pigs was found to be 8.59 ± 2.49 U/mL. The feeding trial results showed that the crude protein digestion of 4 transgenic pigs was significantly increased compared with that of the non-transgenic pigs. In order to investigate the inheritance of the transgene, 7 G1 transgenic pigs were successfully obtained. The β-glucanase activity in the intestinal juice of 7 G1 transgenic pigs was found to be 2.35 ± 0.72 U/mL. The feeding trial results showed the crude protein digestion and crude fat digestion were significantly higher in 7 G1 transgenic pigs than in non-transgenic pigs. Taken together, our study demonstrated that the foreign β-glucanase expressing in the intestine of the transgenic pigs could reduce the anti-nutritional effect of β-glucans in feed. In addition, β-glucanase gene could be inherited to the offsprings and maintain its physiological function. It is a promising approach to improve feed utilization by producing transgenic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: Oleanolic acid glucuronosyltransferase (OAGT) genes synthesizing the direct precursor of oleanane-type ginsenosides were discovered. The four recombinant proteins of OAGT were able to transfer glucuronic acid at C-3 of oleanolic acid that yields oleanolic acid 3-O-β-glucuronide.Ginsenosides are the primary active components in the genus Panax, and great efforts have been made to elucidate the mechanisms underlying dammarane-type ginsenoside biosynthesis. However, there is limited information on oleanane-type ginsenosides. Here, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis demonstrated that oleanane-type ginsenosides (particularly ginsenoside Ro and chikusetsusaponin IV and IVa) are the abundant ginsenosides in Panax zingiberensis, an extremely endangered Panax species in southwest China. These ginsenosides are derived from oleanolic acid 3-O-β-glucuronide, which may be formed from oleanolic acid catalyzed by an unknown oleanolic acid glucuronosyltransferase (OAGT). Transcriptomic analysis of leaves, stems, main roots, and fibrous roots of P. zingiberensis was performed, and a total of 46,098 unigenes were obtained, including all the identified homologous genes involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis. The most upstream genes were highly expressed in the leaves, and the UDP-glucosyltransferase genes were highly expressed in the roots. This finding indicated that the precursors of ginsenosides are mainly synthesized in the leaves and transported to different parts for the formation of particular ginsenosides. For the first time, enzyme activity assay characterized four genes (three from P. zingiberensis and one from P. japonicus var. major, another Panax species with oleanane-type ginsenosides) encoding OAGT, which particularly transfer glucuronic acid at C-3 of oleanolic acid to form oleanolic acid 3-O-β-glucuronide. Taken together, our study provides valuable genetic information for P. zingiberensis and the genes responsible for synthesizing the direct precursor of oleanane-type ginsenosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, a coupled crystal plasticity finite-element (CPFE) and cellular automaton (CA) model was developed to predict the microstructure of recrystallization in single-crystal (SX) Ni-based superalloy. The quasi-static compressive tests of [001] orientated SX DD6 superalloy were conducted on Gleeble3500 tester to calibrate the CPFE model based on crystal slip kinematics. The simulated stress-strain curve agrees well with the experimental results. Quantitative deformation amount was introduced in the deformed samples of simulation and experiment, and these samples were subsequently subjected to the standard solution heat treatment (SSHT). Results of CA simulation show that the recrystallization (RX) nucleation tends to occur at the third stage of SSHT process due to the high critical temperature of RX nucleation for the samples deformed at room temperature. The inhomogeneous RX grains gradually coarsen and compete to reach more stable status by reducing the system energy. Simulated RX grain density decreases from 7.500 to 1.875 mm−1, agreeing well with the value of 1.920 mm−1 from electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) detection of the experimental sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turbine blades, produced by the directional solidification (DS) process, often require high dimensional accuracy and excellent mechanical properties. A critical step in their production is the fabrication of wax patterns. However, the traditional manufacturing process has many disadvantages, such as long-term production, low material utilization rate, and the high cost of producing a complex-shaped wax pattern. Selective laser sintering (SLS) is one of the most extensively used additive manufacturing techniques that substantially shortens the production cycle. In this study, SLS was adopted to fabricate the wax pattern instead of the traditional manufacturing process. The orthogonal experiment method was carried out to investigate the effects of laser power, scanning speed, scanning space, and layer thickness on the dimensional precision and morphologies of the SLS parts. The SLS parts showed a minimum dimensional deviation when laser power, scanning speed, scanning space, and layer thickness were 10 W, 3000 mm ⋅ s[sup -1] , 0.18 mm, and 0.25 mm, respectively. In addition, the tensile strength and fracture morphologies were closely associated with the laser volumetric energy density (VED). The tensile strength reached a maximum when the VED was 0.0762 J ⋅ mm[sup -3] , with an evident brittle fracture morphology. The wax pattern manufactured in this way meets the accuracy and strength requirements for investment casting. This research offers a novel path for the production of wax patterns for complex-shaped turbine blades by SLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a powerful additive manufacturing (AM) technology, of which the most prominent advantage is the ability to produce components with a complex geometry. The service performances of the SLM-processed components depend on the microstructure and surface quality. In this work, the microstructures, mechanical properties, and fracture behaviors of SLM-processed Ti-6Al-4V alloy under machined and as-built surfaces after annealing treatments and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) were investigated. The microstructures were analyzed by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical properties were measured by tensile testing at room temperature. The results indicate that the as-deposited microstructures are characterized by columnar grains and fine brittle martensite and the as- deposited properties present high strength, low ductility and obvious anisotropy. After annealing at 800-900°C for 2-4 h and HIP at 920°C/100MPa for 2 h, the brittle martensite could be transformed into ductile lamellar (α+β) microstructure and the static tensile properties of SLM-processed Ti-6Al-4V alloys in the machined condition could be comparable to that of wrought materials. Even after HIP treatment, the as-built surfaces could decrease the ductility and reduction of area of SLM-processed Ti-6Al-4V alloys to 9.2% and 20%, respectively. The crack initiation could occur at the columnar grain boundaries or at the as-built surfaces. The lamellar (α+β) microstructures and columnar grains could hinder or distort the crack propagation path during tensile tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic two-dimensional (2D) polymers have totally different topology structures compared with traditional linear or branched polymers. The peculiar 2D structures bring superior properties. Although, from linear to 2D polymers, the study of these new materials is still in its infancy, they already show potential applications especially in optoelectronics, membranes, energy storage and catalysis, etc. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of the 2D materials from three respects: (1) Chemistry--different types of polymerization reactions or supramolecular assembly to construct the 2D networks were described; (2) Preparation methods--surface science, crystal engineering approaches and solution synthesis were introduced; (3) Functionalization and some early applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the fundamental solution for m-th powers of the sub-Laplacian on the Heisenberg group. We use the representation theory of the Heisenberg group to analyze the associated m-th powers of the sub-Laplacian and to construct its fundamental solution. Besides, the series representation of the fundamental solution for square of the sub-Laplacian on the Heisenberg group is given and we also get the closed form of the fundamental solution for square of the sub-Laplacian on the Heisenberg group with dimension n = 2, 3, 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Glucan is the predominant anti-nutritional factors in monogastric animal feed. Although β-glucanase supplementation in diet can help to eliminate the adverse effects, enzyme stability is substantially modified during the feed manufacturing process. To determine whether the expression of endogenous β-glucanase gene (GLU) in vivo can improve digestibility of dietary β-glucan and absorption of nutrients, we successfully produced transgenic pigs via nuclear transfer which express the GLU from Paenibacillus polymyxa CP7 in the parotid gland. In three live transgenic founders, β-glucanase activities in the saliva were 3.2, 0.07 and 0.03 U/mL, respectively, and interestingly the enzyme activities increased in the pigs from 178 days old to 789 days old. From the feed the amount of gross energy, crude protein and crude fat absorbed by the transgenic pigs was significantly higher than the non-transgenic pigs. Meanwhile the moisture content of the feces was significantly reduced in transgenic pigs compared with the non-transgenic pigs. Furthermore, in all positive G1 pigs, β-glucanase activity was detectable and the highest enzyme activity reached 3.5 U/mL in saliva. Also, crude protein digestion was significantly higher in G1 transgenic pigs than in control pigs. Taken together, our data showed that the transgenic β-glucanase exerted its biological catalytic function in vivo in the saliva, and the improved performance of the transgenic pigs could be accurately passed on to the offspring, indicating a promising alternative approach to improving nutrient availability was established to improve utilization of livestock feed through transgenic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presented a novel process for production of furfural by hydrothermal degradation of corncob over biochar catalyst, in which it was prepared with the recycling degradation solution and lignocellulosic solid residues. The biochar catalyst was papered by lignocellulose residues and concentrated saccharide solution, and then impregnated in 0.5 mol/L sulphuric acid at room temperature for 24 h assisted by the ultrasonic vibration. In the system of recycling, 8.8 % lignocellulose residues and 100 % concentrated saccharide solution from corncob hydrolysis have been recycled. Hydrolysis of corncob was carried out at 180 °C for duration of 170 min over the biochar catalyst. The experimental results have shown that the furfural yield of up to 37.75 % and overall corncob conversion rate of 62.00 % could be achieved under optimum operating conditions for the catalysts preparation and the corncob hydrolysis. It is believed that the acid density of 4.27 mmol/g of biochar catalyst makes the SOH groups cleave β-1,4 glycosidic linkages effectively and hydrolyze the cellulose and hemicellulose to water-soluble sugars, as well as to facilitate dehydration of xylose to give the product of furfural. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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