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As a typical IV-VI compound, SnTe has aroused widely attentions in the thermoelectric community due its similar crystal and band structures with PbTe. However, both the large number of inherent Sn vacancies and high thermal conductivity result in inferior thermoelectric performance in intrinsic SnTe over a broad temperature. In this work, we successfully improved those disadvantages of SnTe via stepwisely Pb heavily alloying and then In doping. A significantly wide fraction of Pb into SnTe (0–50%) achieves multiple effects: (a) the carrier concentration of SnTe is reduced through decreasing Sn vacancies via alloying high solution Pb atoms in the matrix; (b) the band structure is optimized through promoting the convergence of the two valence bands, simultaneously enhancing the Seebeck coefficient; (c) HAADF-STEM coupled with EDS results illustrate that guest Pb atoms randomly and uniformly occupied Sn atomic sites in the matrix, concurrently strengthening the phonon scattering. Furthermore, we introduced indium into Sn0.6Pb0.4Te system to create resonant states further enlarging the power factors at low-medium temperature. The integration of bands convergence and DOS distortion achieves a considerably high ZTave of ∼0.67 over the wide temperature range of 300–823 K in (Sn0.6Pb0.4)0.995In0.005Te sample.

MXenes – In recent decades, great attention has been paid to the fast-growing two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides, in terms of their prominent mechanical and electrical properties. The tribological essence of MXene has not yet been entirely investigated, although researches on MXene were conducted in all aspects of its applications. Hence, a newly compound 2D MXene (Ti3C2Tx) is exploited to reinforce the wear resistance of the chemically bonded silicate ceramic coatings, which are utilized to protect component surfaces under severe conditions. The structural features, hardness, and tribological behaviors of the targeted coatings are investigated and analyzed. Results show that the micro-hardness of the coatings increases to 156.9 HV0.5 when added 1.2 wt% MXene. The increment of microhardness extraordinarily reaches 33.3%, compared with the original. The coating with 1.2 wt% MXene also indicates a 31.6% decrement of the coefficient of friction (COF) and a 73% reduction of the wear rate respectively. Furthermore, fatigue is found to be the main reason of the wear mechanism, through exploring the surface morphologies of wear traces and counterpart balls.

In this study, ZnO/ZnO nanocrystal-modified reduced graphene oxide (rGO) foam composites having various morphologies and mass ratios were synthesized using the hydrothermal and freeze-drying processes. The free Zn2+ present in the composites controlled their morphology by regulating the pH value, and the Zn2+ ions adsorbed onto the rGO sheets to form ZnO nanocrystals. The rGO sheets were dispersed by growing ZnO and ZnO nanocrystals on them, effectively preventing their agglomeration. The effects of the ZnO morphology and ZnO:rGO mass ratio on the complex permittivity and microwave absorption properties of the composites were systematically studied. The results revealed that the composite with small hexagonal cylindrical ZnO and the ZnO:rGO mass ratio of 8:1 (pH = 8.5) showed considerable microwave absorption, and the bandwidths of the reflection loss (≤−10 dB) were 8.7–11.1 and 11.5–12.4 GHz when the thickness was 3.4 mm. The microwave absorption mechanism of the composites was investigated systematically. The results indicated the potential of the composites as an absorber material with high performance, broad bandwidth, and light weight.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has recently emerged as an important regulatory mechanism for gene expression and aberrant m6A modification plays an important role in tumor progression. Emerging evidence has shown that aberrant m6A modification induced by cigarette smoking is involved in carcinogenesis, but whether cigarette smoking affects m6A modification and thus deteriorates to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still unclear. Here, we identified a tumor suppressor gene-DAPK2 which was significantly associated with poor prognosis of NSCLC patients, especially in patients with a smoking history. Low levels of DAPK2 were detected in smokers and in NSCLC tissues. Cigarette smoking induced aberrant N6-methyladenosine modification of DAPK2, which resulted in decreased DAPK2 mRNA stability and expression of its mRNA and protein. This modification was mediated by the m6A “writer” METTL3 and the m6A “reader” YTHDF2. Mechanistically, we further demonstrated that DAPK2 functions as a tumor suppressor and downregulation of DAPK2 substantially enhances the proliferation and migration abilities in vitro and in vivo by activating NF-κB signaling pathway. Notably, the BAY 11–7085, a NF-κB signaling selective inhibitor, was shown to efficiently suppressed downregulation of DAPK2-induced oncogenic phenotypes of NSCLC cells. Our study reveals that cigarette smoking induces aberrant N6-methyladenosine of DAPK2 to promote NSCLC progression, which provides new insight into the mechanisms of NSCLC progression and a specific therapeutic target for NSCLC patients with a smoking history.

Polyaniline nanofiber (PANI-f) was covalently linked with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) modified graphene oxide nanosheets (CTGO) to fabricate a smart composite coating for corrosion protection of carbon steel. In the copolymerization process, CTAB served both as a modifier for the modification of GO and a dispersant for the preparation of polyaniline nanofibers. The prepared PANI-f can avoid the accelerated corrosion of steel by a conventional synthesis method using hydrochloric acid as medium. The covalent binding between PANI-f and CTGO improved the compatibility of PANI-f-GO with the waterborne epoxy emulsion, which significantly enhanced the hydrophobicity and antipermeability of the coating. The PANI-f-GO waterborne epoxy coating exhibited excellent smart corrosion protection efficiency by catalyzing the formation of passivation film on the steel surface. Molecular adsorption energy on Fe(110) and radial distribution function confirmed the chemical adsorption of the PANI-f-GO composite on the steel surface. The superior smart protective performance can be ascribed to the synergistic effects of PANI-f and CTGO.

Using Martian resource to construct a site on Mars is a superior choice to instead of transporting all the construction materials from Earth to the Mas with incredibly high cost. This study proposes a developed Martian concrete composed of sulfur and magnetite, heated by microwave to meet the energy-poor environment on Mars. A lattice Boltzmann model is developed to determine the optimal microwave power and heating time for Martian concrete casting. The compressive strength and microstructure of Martian concrete casted by microwave are measured by test. Finally, a 3D printed device is conceived to prepare Martian concrete and the four-layered specimen is casted to simulate the 3D print process. The results indicate that the compressive strength of Martian concrete casted by microwave can reach 1.78 kgf/mm2 (17.44 MPa) on earth, which is corresponding to 4.62 kgf/mm2 on Mars. Since the heating rate of magnetite under microwave is very high, if possible, the low microwave power and long heating time should be chosen to reduce the temperature gradient in matrix and reduce the possibility of sulfur matrix boiling. In addition, the strength of four-layered (simulated 3D printed) Martian concrete can reach 1.21 kgf/mm2 (11.86 MPa) on earth, which is corresponding to 3.15 kgf/mm2 on Mars.

As a common chronic metabolic disease, the development of diabetes mellitus (DM) may also be accompanied by liver damage and inflammatory disorders. Sitagliptin is an inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4, also known as CD26), which is clinically used for DM treatment. However, the mechanism of sitagliptin’s efficiency in liver diseases is largely unknown. In this study, mice suffering from streptozotocin (STZ) exhibit elevated liver DPP4 expression and activity, as well as inflammatory and chronic liver injury phenotype, whereas specifically inhibiting the activity of DPP4 in mouse liver tissues and hepatocytes by sitagliptin contributes to decreased cytokines, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and inflammation in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Moreover, sitagliptin reduced TNFα or LPS-induced cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, cell apoptosis, and protein expression in the NFκB signaling pathway in HepG2 cells or primary mouse hepatocytes. Altogether, our study confirms that sitagliptin may protect liver tissue by alleviating ROS production and NFκB signaling activation, providing a putative mechanism for preventing the development of diabetic liver disease.

The reconstruction of irradiated bone defects after settlement of skeletal tumors remains a significant challenge in clinical applications. In this study, we explored radiation‐induced skeletal stem cell (SSC) stemness impairments and rescuing effects of ferulic acid (FA) on SSCs in vitro and in vivo. The immunophenotype, cell renewal, cell proliferation, and differentiation of SSCs in vitro after irradiation were investigated. Mechanistically, the changes in tissue regeneration‐associated gene expression and MAPK pathway activation in irradiated SSCs were evaluated. The regenerative capacity of SSCs in the presence of FA in an irradiated bone defect mouse model was also investigated. We found that irradiation reduced CD140a‐ and CD105‐positive cells in skeletal tissues and mouse‐derived SSCs. Additionally, irradiation suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation, and osteogenic differentiation of SSCs. The RNA‐Seq results showed that tissue regeneration‐associated gene expression decreased, and the Western blotting results demonstrated the suppression of phosphorylated p38/MAPK and ERK/MAPK in irradiated SSCs. Notably, FA significantly rescued the radiation‐induced impairment of SSCs by activating the p38/MAPK and ERK/MAPK pathways. Moreover, the results of imaging and pathological analyses demonstrated that FA enhanced the bone repair effects of SSCs in an irradiated bone defect mouse model substantially. Importantly, inhibition of the p38/MAPK and ERK/MAPK pathways in SSCs by specific chemical inhibitors partially abolished the promotive effect of FA on SSC‐mediated bone regeneration. In summary, our findings reveal a novel function of FA in repairing irradiated bone defects by maintaining SSC stemness and suggest that the p38/MAPK and ERK/MAPK pathways contribute to SSC‐mediated tissue regeneration postradiation., Irradiation caused significant impairment of skeletal stem cell (SSC) stemness via inactivation of MAPK pathways. Ferulic acid (FA) rescued the irradiated SSC partially via reactivated MAPK signaling.

p53 and NF-κBp65 are essential transcription factors (TFs) in the cellular response to stress. Two signaling systems can often be entwined together and generally produce opposing biological outcomes in a cell context-dependent manner. Inhibitor of apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 (iASPP) has the potential to inhibit both p53 and NF-κBp65, yet how such activities of iASPP are integrated with cancer remains unknown. Here, we utilized different cell models with diverse p53/NF-κBp65 activities. An iASPP(295–828) mutant, which is exclusively located in the nucleus and has been shown to be essential for its inhibitory effects on p53/NF-κBp65, was used to investigate the functional interaction between iASPP and the two TFs. The results showed that iASPP inhibits apoptosis under conditions when p53 is activated, while it can also elicit a proapoptotic effect when NF-κBp65 alone is activated. Furthermore, we demonstrated that iASPP inhibited the transcriptional activity of p53/NF-κBp65, but with a preference toward p53, thereby producing an antiapoptotic outcome when both TFs were simultaneously activated. This may be due to stronger binding between p53 and iASPP than NF-κBp65 and iASPP. Overall, these findings provide important insights into how the activities of p53 and NF-κBp65 are modulated by iASPP. Despite being a well-known oncogene, iASPP may have a proapoptotic role, which will guide the development of iASPP-targeted therapies to reach optimal outcomes in the future.

Due to the intrinsically plentiful Sn vacancies, developing n-type SnTe thermoelectric materials is a big challenge. Herein, n-type SnTe thermoelectric materials with remarkable performance were successfully synthesized through suppressing Sn vacancies, followed by electron-doping. Pb alloying notably depressed the Sn vacancies via populating Sn vacancies in SnTe (supported by transmission electron microscopy), and the electrical transports were shifted from p-type to n-type through introducing electrons using I doping. In the n-type SnTe, we found that the electrical conductivity could be enhanced by increased carrier mobility through sharpening conduction bands after alloying Pb, while the lattice thermal conductivity could be reduced via strong phonon scattering after introducing defects by Pb alloying and I doping. Resulting from these enhancements, the n-type Sn0.6Pb0.4Te0.98I0.02 achieves a notably high ZTmax ∼ 0.8 at 573 K and a remarkable ZTave ∼ 0.51 at 300-823 K, which can match many excellent p-type SnTe. This work indicates that n-type SnTe could be experimentally acquired and is a promising candidate for thermoelectric generation, which will stimulate further research on n-type SnTe thermoelectric materials and even devices on the basis of both n- and p-type SnTe legs.

Advanced materials and processes are required to separate halides and fission products from complex salt waste streams associated with the chemical reprocessing of used nuclear fuels and molten salt reactor technologies for immobilization into chemically durable waste forms. In this work, we explore an innovative concept using metal halide perovskites as advanced host phases to incorporate Cs and Cl with very high waste loadings. Wet chemistry-synthesized Cs2SnCl6 powders from CsCl salt solutions are successfully encapsulated into a silica matrix to form a composite using low-temperature spark plasma sintering with tunable Cs and Cl loadings up to 31 and 26 wt %, respectively. Chemical durability testing of the composite waste forms by semi-dynamic leaching experiments demonstrates that an incongruent leaching mechanism dominates the release of Cs and Cl. The metal halide perovskite-silica composite waste forms display exceptional chemical durability with the long-term release rates of Cs and Cl comparable to or outperforming the state-of-the-art waste form materials but with significantly higher waste loadings. The scalable synthesis of the metal halide perovskite from wet chemistry processes opens up new opportunities in designing advanced waste forms for salt wastes with very high waste loadings and exceptional chemical durability for the sustainable development of advanced fuel cycles and next-generation reactor technologies.

Replacement of pyrite by copper-bearing sulfides is widespread in mineral deposits, with zonation of chalcocite, bornite, and chalcopyrite being a common result of this process. Copper occurs predominantly as Cu(I) in hydrothermal fluids, but the mechanistic details of reactions between pyrite and aqueous Cu(I) and their relevance to the zonation of Cu sulfides in hydrothermal deposits remain poorly understood, because of a lack of relevant experimental constraints. In this study, we investigated the reactions between pyrite and aqueous Cu(I) chloride solutions over a wide range of physicochemical conditions (100–250 °C; pH = 1–8; saturated vapor pressure). The experimental results show that Cu-bearing sulfides form at temperatures of >150 °C, and that pH exerts an important control on the mineralogy of the reaction products. In strongly acidic conditions (pH = 1.1), pyrite dissolution occurs; in acidic-to-neutral conditions (pH = 3.0–6.0), chalcopyrite and bornite are the main products; in weakly alkaline conditions (pH = 8.2), the replacement products are chalcocite and bornite. Chalcopyrite, bornite, and chalcocite generally occur in a zoned sequence outward from the pyrite reaction front to the bulk solution, and the replacement of pyrite by chalcopyrite is heterogeneous. In situ Raman observation and S isotope analyses suggest that pyrite replacement by chalcopyrite is a redox-coupled dissolution–precipitation reaction, with the oxidative dissolution of pyrite to form sulfate, generating the electrons that maintain the reductive replacement of pyrite by chalcopyrite. The sites of oxidative dissolution and reductive replacement can be spatially separated, but coupled by electron transfer. By contrast, the further replacement of chalcopyrite by bornite and chalcocite does not involve the oxidative dissolution of sulfur, but release of iron and H+, which could be promoted at higher pH. Notably, when the zonation of sulfides is established in a hydrothermal experiment of pyrite replacement by Cu(I) solution, gradients of H2S (or HS–), Cu(I), and Fe(II) are developed between the pyrite reaction front and bulk solution via diffusion through interstitial pore space. As such, the inner zones of chalcopyrite and bornite are not in equilibrium with the bulk solution as confirmed by thermodynamic calculations. The results imply that the zonation of Cu-bearing sulfides in mineral deposits records heterogeneous chemical environments, from the mineral interface- to the ore deposit-scale during dynamic mineralization processes.

Background Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) produce lipid mediators with both anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution properties, including resolvins. The purpose of this study was to detect serum resolvin E1 (RVE1) levels in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) patients and healthy controls (HCs) and to evaluate the relationship of RVE1 with thyroid autoimmunity. Methods A total of 57 participants were recruited, including 30 untreated HT patients and 27 age- and sex‐matched HCs. The levels of RVE1 in serum were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used for the measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total T4 (TT4), TT3, free T4 (FT4), FT3, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) levels. Hemogram tests and routine biochemical analyses were performed on each sample. Results The serum level of RVE1 of HT patients (24.09, 15.76–34.38 pg/mL) was significantly lower than that of healthy controls (28.51, 20.76–51.23 pg/mL) (P = 0.027). RVE1 levels showed a downward trend with increasing TgAb levels (P for trend = 0.001). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that RVE1 levels were negatively correlated with increasing TgAb levels in both the unadjusted (OR = 0.9446, 95 % CI = 0.9111–0.9782, P = 0.002) and adjusted models (OR = 0.9380, 95 % CI = 0.8967–0.9811, P = 0.005). Conclusions Decreased RVE1 levels might be a sign that HT is associated with inflammatory resolution dysfunction. RVE1 may serve as a protective factor against increased TgAb levels.

Multicomponent pyrochlore solid solutions with and without uranium incorporation were fabricated and their thermal-mechanical properties were characterized. Multicomponent pyrochlore solid solutions without uranium exhibit comparable thermal conductivity and higher mechanical strength compared to baseline single component rare-earth titanate pyrochlore (A2Ti2O7). Uranium incorporation reduces hardness as compared with single component compositions. High entropy pyrochlore with uranium displays the highest thermal conductivity within multicomponent pyrochlore solid solutions with significantly better mechanical properties than UO2. The measured thermal conductivity correlates well with A-site cation mixing entropy and a modified size disorder parameter, and thus the size disorder and mixing entropy could be good indicators for predicting thermal conductivity of multicomponent pyrochlore solid solutions. This work opens up the possibility of designing multicomponent oxide solid solutions by controlling their chemical disorder/mixing entropy to achieve acceptable thermal-mechanical properties, desired radiation and corrosion performance for potential nuclear waste form and inert matrix fuel applications.

Owing to the superimposition of water-rock interaction and external fluids, magmatic source signatures of ore-forming fluids for vein-type tin deposits are commonly overprinted. Hence, there is uncertainty regarding the involvement of magmatic fluids in mineralization processes within these deposits. Tourmaline is a common gangue mineral in Sn deposits and can crystallize from both the magmas and the hydrothermal fluids. We have therefore undertaken an in situ major, trace element, and B isotope study of tourmaline from the Yidong Sn deposit in South China to study the transition from late magmatic to hydrothermal mineralization. Six tourmaline types were identified: (1) early tourmaline (Tur-OE) and (2) late tourmaline (Tur-OL) in tourmaline-quartz orbicules from the Pingying granite, (3) early tourmaline (Tur-DE) and (4) late tourmaline (Tur-DL) in tourmaline-quartz dikelets in the granite, and (5 and 6) core (Tur-OC) and rim (Tur-OR), respectively of hydrothermal tourmaline from the Sn ores. Most of the tourmaline types belong to the alkali group and the schorl-dravite solid-solution series, but the different generations of magmatic and hydrothermal tourmaline are geochemically distinct. Key differences include the hundredfold enrichment of Sn in hydrothermal tourmaline compared to magmatic tourmaline, which indicates that hydrothermal fluids exsolving from the magma were highly enriched in Sn. Tourmaline from the Sn ores is enriched in Fe 3+ compared to the hydrothermal tourmaline from the granite and displays trends of decreasing Al and increasing Fe content from core to rim, relating to the exchange vector Fe 3+Al –1. This reflects oxidation of fluids during the interaction between hydrothermal fluids and the mafic-ultramafic wall rocks, which led to precipitation of cassiterite. The hydrothermal tourmaline has slightly higher δ 11B values than the magmatic tourmaline (which reflects the metasedimentary source for the granite), but overall, the tourmaline from the ores has δ 11B values similar to those from the granite, implying a magmatic origin for the ore-forming fluids. We identify five stages in the magmatic-hydrothermal evolution of the system that led to formation of the Sn ores in the Yidong deposit based on chemical and boron isotope changes of tourmaline: (1) emplacement of a B-rich, S-type granitic magma, (2) separation of an immiscible B-rich melt, (3) exsolution of an Sn-rich, reduced hydrothermal fluid, (4) migration of fluid into the country rocks, and (5) acid-consuming reactions with the surrounding mafic-ultramafic rocks and oxidation of the fluid, leading to cassiterite precipitation.

Background The aim of this study was to examine the possible association between serum micronutrients (vitamin D, retinol, zinc), C-reactive protein (CRP), and obesity among children and adolescents. Methods Weight and height were measured and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, serum retinol, serum zinc, and CRP were measured in 2818 children and adolescents (6–17 years of age), and the data of 10 investigation sites in Zhejiang Province were used. The difference of micronutrients (vitamin D, retinol, zinc) and CRP among different nutritional status were explored by ANOVA and Chi-square test. The associated factors of micronutrients and CRP of overweight and obesity were explored by multifactor analysis. Results There were significant differences between male students and female students on BMI, 25(OH)D3, and CRP, and there were significant differences between children and adolescents and between students living in urban area and rural area on BMI, 25(OH)D3, retinol, and zinc(t > 1.96, p F = 2.612, 15.022, p Conclusion Gender, living area, age, CRP concentration, and vitamin A status were associated with children and adolescents with overweight and obesity compared to low/normal BMI. More attention in the intervention of overweight and obesity should be paid to boys living in urban areas, and high serum concentration of CRP should also be concerned.

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MPKs) play essential roles in guard cell signaling, but whether MPK cascades participate in guard cell ethylene signaling and interact with hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), nitric oxide (NO), and ethylene-signaling components remain unclear. Here, we report that ethylene activated MPK3 and MPK6 in the leaves of wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana as well as ethylene insensitive2 (ein2), ein3, nitrate reductase1 (nia1), and nia2 mutants, but this effect was impaired in ethylene response1 (etr1), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase AtrbohF, mpk kinase1 (mkk1), and mkk3 mutants. By contrast, the constitutive triple response1 (ctr1) mutant had constitutively active MPK3 and MPK6. Yeast two-hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and pull-down assays indicated that MPK3 and MPK6 physically interacted with MKK1, MKK3, and the C-terminal region of EIN2 (EIN2 CEND). mkk1, mkk3, mpk3, and mpk6 mutants had typical levels of ethylene-induced H2 O2 generation but impaired ethylene-induced EIN2 CEND cleavage and nuclear translocation, EIN3 protein accumulation, NO production in guard cells, and stomatal closure. These results show that the MKK1/3-MPK3/6 cascade mediates ethylene-induced stomatal closure by functioning downstream of ETR1, CTR1, and H2 O2 to interact with EIN2, thereby promoting EIN3 accumulation and EIN3-dependent NO production in guard cells.

Solubility data for the quaternary system (KCl + MgCl2 + K2B4O7 + MgB4O7 + H2O) is very important for the separation of potassium and boron from the salt lake brines in Qaidam Basin. The solubility of the quaternary system (KCl + MgCl2 + K2B4O7 + MgB4O7 + H2O) at T = 308.15 K and p = 0.1 MPa has been investigated experimentally with the method of isothermal dissolution equilibrium, and meanwhile physicochemical properties including density, refractive index, and pH value have been determined. In the phase diagrams of the quaternary system at 308.15 K, there are three invariant points, seven univariant isothermal dissolution curves, and five crystallization regions corresponding to KCl, MgCl2·6H2O, K2B4O7· 4H2O, Mg2B6O11·15H2O, and double salt KCl·MgCl2·6H2O, respectively. The density, refractive index and pH value of the quaternary system at 308.15 K present a regular variation with the increasing of Mg2+ concentration.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic, resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality. Tocilizumab, an inhibitor of IL-6, has been widely repurposed as a treatment of severely ill patients without robust evidence supporting its use. In this study, we aimed to systematically describe the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of the cytokine storms in COVID-19 patients with tocilizumab. In this multicentered retrospective and observational cohort study, 65 patients with COVID-19 receiving tocilizumab and 130 not receiving tocilizumab were propensity score matched at a ratio of 2:1 based on age, sex, and comorbidities from January 20, 2020 to March 18, 2020 in Wuhan, China. After adjusting for confounding, the detected risk for in-hospital death was lower in the tocilizumab group versus nontocilizumab group (hazard ratio = 0.47; 95% confidence interval = 0.25–0.90; p = 0.023). Moreover, use of tocilizumab was associated with a lower risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (odds ratio = 0.23; 95% confidence interval = 0.11–0.45; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, patients had heightened inflammation and more dysregulated immune cells before treatment, which might aggravate disease progression. After tocilizumab administration, abnormally elevated IL-6, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and activated partial thromboplastin time decreased. Tocilizumab may be of value in prolonging survival in patients with severe COVID-19, which provided a novel strategy for COVID-19–induced cytokine release syndrome. Our findings could inform bedside decisions until data from randomized, controlled clinical trials become available.

Debio0932 is a promising lead compound in phase I clinical trials targeting the N-terminal ATP-binding pocket of the molecular chaperone heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90N). The absence of a crystal structure of the Hsp90N–Debio0932 complex, however, has impeded further structural optimization of Debio0932 and understanding of the molecular-interaction mechanism. Here, a high-resolution crystal structure of the Hsp90N–Debio0932 complex was successfully determined (resolution limit 2.20 Å; PDB entry 6lr9) by X-ray diffraction and the molecular-interaction mechanism was analysed in detail, which suggested that Debio0932 suppresses cancer cells by accommodating itself in the ATP-binding pocket of Hsp90N, disabling its molecular-chaperone capability. The results of a thermal shift assay (ΔT m = 8.83 ± 0.90°C) and isothermal titration calorimetry (K d = 15.50 ± 1.30 nM) indicated strong binding and favourable thermodynamic changes in the binding of Hsp90N and Debio0932. Based on the crystal structure of the complex and on molecular-interaction analysis, 30 new Debio0932 derivatives were designed and nine new derivatives exhibited increased binding to Hsp90N, as determined by molecular-docking evaluation. Additionally, Debio0932 suppressed cell proliferation (IC50 values of 3.26 ± 2.82 µM for A549, 20.33 ± 5.39 µM for H1299 and 3.16 ± 1.04 µM for H1975), induced cell-cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis in three non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. These results provide novel perspectives and guidance for the development of new anti-NSCLC drugs based on the lead compound Debio0932.

Ternary compound CuSbSe2-alloyed PbTe, CumPb100SbmTe100Se2m (CLAST), presents outstanding n-type thermoelectric transport behavior and features hierarchical Cu-based precipitates and interstitials that can balance phonon and carrier transport. Results show that a small amount of CuSbSe2 (∼3%) alloying in CLAST can realize a room-temperature carrier concentration of ∼1.7 × 1018 cm−3 and then optimize the power factor, and simultaneously precipitate out embedded Cu-based nanostructures in the matrix to lower the lattice thermal conductivity. Additionally, extra Cu atoms adding in CLAST can form interstitials and further improve both the carrier concentration to ∼3.0 × 1018 cm−3 and carrier mobility to ∼1227.8 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature, which benefits a maximum power factor of ∼20.0 μW cm−1 K−2 in Cu3.3Pb100Sb3Te100Se6. Moreover, the Cu interstitials together with massive Cu-based nanoprecipitates can strongly scatter a wide set of phonons, and largely lower the lattice thermal conductivity to ∼0.44 W m−1 K−1 in Cu3.4Pb100Sb3Te100Se6 at 623 K. Finally, these Cu-based hierarchical structures in CLAST samples can synergistically optimize the phonon and carrier transport properties and contribute to a high ZT of ∼0.5 at 300 K and a peak ZT of ∼1.4 at 723 K. A remarkably high ZTave of ∼0.94 at 300–723 K is achieved in Cu3.3Pb100Sb3Te100Se6 due to high ZT values in the low temperature range, outperforming other high-performance n-type PbTe-based thermoelectric materials.

Based on the fragment coupling strategy, the novel macrocycles, para-linked azacalix[n]pyridine[n]pyrazines (n = 2 and 4) with coexisting different heteroaromatics, were synthesized readily starting from 2,5-dibromopyrazine and 2,6-dibromopyridine. According to the X-ray diffraction analysis, the macrocycle azacalix[4]pyridine[4]pyrazine adopted a unique boat-type conformation with a large rectangular cavity in the solid state. The complexation between the azacalix[n]pyridine[n]pyrazines and uranyl ions was investigated by DFT calculations and 1H NMR and UV-vis titration experiments. It was found that they were strong host molecules to form 1 : 1 complexes with uranyl ions with an association constant of up to (1.38 ± 0.04) × 105 M−1.

NdFeB magnetic nanoparticles with a main phase of Nd2Fe14B have successfully been synthesized. The preparation includes the following processes. First, the NdFeB intermediate was synthesized by a wet-chemical method. The NdFeB intermediate was annealed at 800 °C, which resulted in the formation of an NdFeB oxide. Then, the NdFeB oxide was reduced into NdFeB nanoparticles by a second-step reduction annealing with a CaH2 reductant. The second-step reduction annealing temperature was a key factor in preparing the NdFeB nanoparticles. A lower reduction temperature of 900 °C could not completely reduce the NdFeB oxide into Nd2Fe14B. There were some residual unreduced nonmagnetic phases in the prepared materials, which resulted in obvious decreases of coercivity. A sufficiently high second-stage reduction temperature resulted in an increased reduction, and more of the Nd2Fe14B phase could be obtained. In this work, nanoparticles with a uniform morphology and an increased Nd2Fe14B phase could be obtained at an optimum reduction temperature of 940 °C, achieving a high coercivity of 5.4 kOe.

The metallic engineering structures were commonly covered and protected by the anti-corrosion coatings. The early corrosion under the coatings and at the defects was concealed. Once the corrosion was visible to the naked eye, it indicated that the corrosion has developed seriously. Therefore, it was practical significant to detect the early corrosion of the metal under the coatings and at the defects. The formation of iron ions and anodic acidification were the characteristics of local corrosion process. Based on this fact, iron ions and protons responsive fluorescent on-off probes Rhodamine B Acylhydrazone (RBA) were prepared for the detection of corrosion. In the prepared supramolecules of RBA/LDHs, RBA intercalated and was loaded between layered double hydroxide (LDHs) to protect RBA from premature exposure to corrosive environment and fluorescence quenching. When corrosive Cl− was presented, the RBA loaded by LDHs exchanged with Cl− in corrosive environment, and RBA was released, and Cl− intercalated and was loaded between layers of LDHs. Therefore, the response to corrosion factors and release of RBA were realized, and was accompanied by the capture of Cl− and treatment of corrosion region. In the epoxy coatings, RBA/LDHs indicated the occurrence of corrosion and accurately locate the corrosion site and coating defects in form of fluorescence. Simultaneously, the sheet morphology and dispersion distribution of RBA/LDHs enhanced the shielding performance of the coatings.

The Hf(OTf)4-catalyzed three-component reaction (3CR) was employed as a powerful tool for facile access to a library of 23 pyrimido[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole (PBT)-based AIEgens with full-color tunability, solid-state fluorescence quantum yields of up to 86.8%, and high crystallizability. As atypical propeller-shaped molecules, PBT AIEgens were experimentally determined to dissipate the energy of the excited state via the rotation of the exocyclic carbonyl (ester/ketone) rather than the commonly known phenyl group. Theoretical calculations and crystallographic analysis of PBT AIEgens provide insights into their unique structure–property relationships and AIE mechanism from orbital and molecular aspects, respectively.

Background Hypertrophic scars are common pathologic processes emerged during wound healing process. The receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIP) might participate in keloid formation. Aims This study aimed to investigate necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), a RIP1/RIP3 inhibitor, in the formation of hypertrophic scar. Methods Human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSF) were extracted from patients with hypertrophic scar. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was performed to induce wound healing process including cell proliferation (CCK-8, Flow cytometry, and western blot), migration (Transwell assay, western blot), collagen production (western blot) and extracellular matrix dysfunction (Western blotting and immunofluorescence). Results Our results reported that Nec-1 inhibited TGF-β1 induced cell proliferation and promoted G0/G1 phase arrest in HSF. In addition, Nec-1 attenuated TGF-β1 induced cell migration and inhibited expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in TGF-β1 induced HSF. Besides, Nec-1 also reduced TGF-β1 induced collagen production and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in HSF. Conclusions The present data in this study showed the potential role of Nec-1 as a novel treatment for hypertrophic scars.

Blood glucose levels are associated with the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reflects the average blood glucose level. The purpose of the study was to evaluate HbA1c as a prognostic indicator for ACS. In total, 27,337 ACS patients from the CCC-ACS (Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China - Acute Coronary Syndrome) project were enrolled in this study and divided into three groups according to HbA1c level: Group I, HbA1c level

Zygosaccharomyces rouxii plays important roles in the brewing process of fermented foods such as soy sauce, where salt stress is a frequently encountered condition. In this study, effect of heat preadaptation on salt tolerance of Z. rouxii and the protective mechanisms underlying heat preadaptation were investigated based on physiological and transcriptomic analyses. Results showed that cells subjected to heat preadaptation (37 °C, 90 min) prior to salt stress aroused many physiological responses, including maintaining cell surface smooth and intracellular pH level, increasing Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Cells subjected to heat preadaptation increased the amounts of unsaturated fatty acids (palmitoleic C16:1, oleic C18:1, linoleic C18:2) and decreased the amounts of saturated fatty acids (palmitic C16:0, stearic C18:0) which caused the unsaturation degree (unsaturated/saturated = U/S ratio) increased by 2.4 times when compared with cells without preadaptation under salt stress. Besides, salt stress led to increase in contents of 5 amino acids (valine, proline, threonine, glycine, and tyrosine) and decrease of 2 amino acids (serine and lysine). When comparing the cells pre-exposed to heat preadaptation followed by challenged with salt stress and the cells without preadaptation under salt stress, the serine, threonine, and lysine contents increased significantly. RNA sequencing revealed that the metabolic level of glycolysis by Z. rouxii was weakened, while the metabolic levels of the pentose phosphate pathway and the riboflavin were enhanced in cells during heat preadaptation. Results presented in this study may contribute to understand the bases of adaptive responses in Z. rouxii and rationalize its exploitation in industrial processes. Key points • Heat preadaptation can improve high salinity tolerance of Z. rouxii. • Combined physiological and transcriptomic analyses of heat preadaptation mechanisms. • Provide theoretical support for the application of Z. rouxii.

Low temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts were prepared by using acetic acid modified fly ash (ACFA) and TiO2 with the loading of Mn-Ce. The powder catalysts were characterized by BET, XRD and SEM. The effects of Mn-Ce molar ratio on the NO conversion of SCR catalyst were investigated under different atmospheres of N 2 and CO2, respectively. The 8% Mn-Ce/ACFA-TiO2 catalyst with Mn-Ce molar ratio of 1:1 showed good performance of NO conversion at 300 °C, 84.28% in N 2 atmosphere and 74.29% in CO2 atmosphere. N 2 O was observed in the experiments of 8% Mn/ACFA-TiO2, 95.3 ppm in N 2 atmosphere and 103.6 ppm in CO 2 atmosphere, respectively.

Hydrothermal and solid-state reaction methods are commonly used to prepare the delafossite CuCrO2 photocatalyst. It has been reported that the photocatalytic performances of CuCrO2 samples prepared by these methods are quite different. In order to explore the possible influence of different preparation processes on the photocatalytic performance and the corresponding improvement strategies, this work compares the microstructure and physicochemical properties of the samples prepared by these two methods on the basis of optimizing the process conditions. A CuCrO2 sample prepared by a hydrothermal method is characterized by high purity, low crystallinity, small grain size, and relatively higher photocatalytic activity. A CuCrO2 sample prepared by a solid-state reaction method is characterized by low purity, high crystallinity, large grain size, and relatively lower photocatalytic activity. In combination with DFT calculations, it is confirmed that the CuCrO2 sample prepared by a solid-state reaction method contains a certain amount of interstitial oxygens. Due to the presence of interstitial oxygens, CuCrO2 has strong light absorption in the visible region, presents semimetallic ferromagnetism, and changes the carrier transport, reaction process, and rate on the electrode surface. These findings will contribute to the further development of efficient CuCrO2-based photocatalysts.

Direct arylation methods have been used to polymerize thienylmethylene oxindoles (TEIs) and 3,3-bis[[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]methyl]-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno-[3,4-b][1,4]dioxepin (ProDOT) for new donor-acceptor conjugated polymers. The polymers exhibited blue hues in neutral-state with distinct color-to-transmissive reversible electrochromic switching under applied potentials from 0 V to +1.5 V, and showed high coloration efficiencies (436–438 cm2·C−1) in near-infrared regions with high switching speeds around 1–2 s under ambient conditions.

Owing to their low density, high porosity and unique micro-nanostructures, aerogels are attractive for application in various fields; however, they suffer from shrinkage and/or cracking during preparation, mechanical brittleness, low production efficiency and non-degradation. Herein, we introduce the concept of dynamic covalent polymer chemistry to produce a new class of aerogels—referred to as DCPAs. The resulting lightweight DCPAs have the potential to be prepared on a large scale and feature high porosity (90.7%–91.3%), large degrees of compression (80% strain) and bending (diametral deflection of 30 mm) without any cracks, as well as considerable tensile properties (an elongation with a break at 32.7%). In addition, the DCPAs showcase the emergent characteristics of weldability, repairability, degradability and closed-loop recyclability that are highly desirable for providing versatile material platforms, though hardly achieved by traditional aerogels. Taking advantage of their robust porous structures, we demonstrate the potential of DCPAs for applications in thermal insulation and emulsion separation. These findings reveal that the dynamic covalent bond strategy would be generalized for the production of a new generation of aerogels with customized features for functioning in the field of intelligent and sustainable materials.

Tourmaline often occurs in boron-rich granites and its genesis is still in dispute either formed from residual boron-rich silicate melt or from magmatic hydrothermal fluids with or without external fluid involvement. Here, we present a systematic investigation of in-situ major, trace elemental and boron isotopic variations of tourmaline from the Sanfang granite in Guangxi Province of South China, which demonstrate both the magmatic and hydrothermal origin for the formation of the tourmalines. The tourmaline occurs mainly in quartz-tourmaline nodules and tourmaline pegmatitic segregations within the Sanfang granite. Four types of tourmaline are identified: (1) isolated and disseminated tourmaline (Tur-D type) distributed in granite; (2) euhedral and subhedral tourmaline in quartz-tourmaline nodules (Tur-N type); (3) the earlier stage tourmaline (Tur-PE type) in pegmatitic segregations and (4) the later stage tourmaline (Tur-PL type) which replaced the Tur-PE type tourmaline in pegmatitic segregations. All the tourmalines belong to the alkali group representing dravite-schorl solid solution series with the former three types being schorl and the Tur-PL type being dravite. Petrography, chemical discrimination diagrams and Al occupations in the Y-site suggest that the Tur-D, Tur-N and Tur-PE type tourmalines are of magmatic origin and the Tur-PL type tourmalines are of hydrothermal fluid origin. Elemental and boron isotopic composition variations of tourmalines reflect the compositional and environmental evolution from late boron-rich magma to exsolved hydrothermal fluids. Chemical variations from the Tur-D to the Tur-N tourmalines are controlled by magma differentiation. The increase of Mg/(Mg + Fe) and Ca/(Ca + Na) ratios from the Tur-N to the Tur-PE tourmalines suggests the contamination of surrounding strata (e.g. the Sibao Group). Hydrothermal tourmalines have higher Mg/(Mg + Fe) and lower Na/(Na + Ca) ratios than the magmatic tourmalines. There is clear correlation at least in some trace elements (e.g. Sr, Pb) with major elements for all tourmalines, indicating the potential crystal chemical effects on their incorporation. Other trace element incorporation in tourmaline is largely controlled by melt and fluid composition. Hydrothermal tourmalines have high and stable V, Co and Ni contents, indicating relatively constant partition coefficient between hydrothermal tourmalines and the fluid. Hydrothermal tourmalines exhibit lower total REE contents but more pronounced positive Eu anomalies than the magmatic tourmalines. The δ11B values of all tourmalines from the Sanfang granite vary from −14.4‰ to −9.3‰, which indicate the boron in the Sanfang granite was mainly derived from partial melting of the metasedimentary source rocks. Boron isotopic variations of tourmaline are controlled by fractionation between melt-fluid and Rayleigh fractionation.

A novel epoxy composite with flame retardance and fire resistance was prepared by adding silicate glass frit (SGF) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) into the epoxy resin. In the combustion test, epoxy composites displayed obvious flame retardance feature, showing much lower heat release rate, total heat release and total smoke production than epoxy resin. The composite residue formed at 900 °C had a flexural strength of 19.05 MPa. In addition, possible mechanisms for the phase separation and crystallization reactions at high temperatures were also investigated in detail through thermogravimetric analyzer, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, and scanning electron microscopy. It was suggested that phosphorus element tends to migrate to the surface of the composite residue during firing process, and sodium element from SGF is selectively combined with the phosphorus element to obtain crystalline phases. With this unique phase separation and crystallization reactions, the fire resistance of the epoxy composite was significantly improved.

Cytotoxicity of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) are an impediment in utilizing them as an effective nanocarriers of chemotherapeutic drugs for targeted drug delivery in nasopharyngeal cancer. In our current study, we have designed a two-step synthesis and coating of CuO NPs with different concentrations of PLGA (polylactide-co-glycolide) to reduce the cytotoxicity. This was further conjugated with folic acid to enhance targeting to specific tissue. The multiple drugs loaded in the NPs were two potent anticancer drugs doxorubicin and docetaxel. A complete characterization studies including micrographic analysis, zeta potential measurements, polydispersity index, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), encapsulation and loading efficiencies, stability and in vitro release studies were done. Cytoxicity studies were done with MTT 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, acridine orange/ethidium bromide and DAPI (4, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, dihydrochloride) staining procedures. Impediametric studies were also carried out to reinforce the reduction in cytotoxicity. Finally the cellular uptake of the NPs was seen. It was evident from the results that the multiple drugs loaded CuO NPs formed with PLGA coating were uniform, non-agglomerated in size ranging from 180 to 195 nm. The FTIR revealed no major changes in drug peaks. Encapsulation and loading efficiencies showed sufficient amount of drug being loaded into the NPs. The drug loaded NPs showed no change in size or zeta potential even after a period of 30 days. The cytotoxicity studies revealed significant reduction in toxicity after coating the surface treated with PLGA as evident from the microscopic analysis of cells. Hence the current study may be prioritized and further in vivo/in vitro studies may be carried out.

Pyridine acylhydrazone derivatives of isopimaric acid were synthesized and characterized. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the compounds against five bacteria were determined and most of the compounds displayed some degree of antibacterial activity. The results showed that antimicrobial activity against

To explore the sociodemographic disparity in the nutritional status including BMI, vitamin D and vitamin A status among children and adolescents in Zhejiang Province. Weight, height serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and serum retinol were assessed in 2818 children and adolescents (6–17 years of age), using ten investigation sites in Zhejiang Province including urban and rural areas data from the China National Nutritional Study 2016–2017, which is a nationally representative cross-sectional study, to form provincial representative sample of Zhejiang Province. Sociodemographic disparity was explored. The prevalence of low weight, eutrophic, overweight and obese were 6.7%, 70.4%, 11.6%, and 11.2%, respectively. Significant difference was observed on BMI between males and females (P