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High discharged energy density and excellent flexible properties in dielectric materials are significantly sought to meet the rapid advancements in the electronics industry. In this study, covalent bonds are constructed between poly(vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene), which contains olefinic bonds, and thiol-modified BaTiO3 at the interface before the nanocomposite films are fabricated. The presence of the covalent bonds is proved to promote the dispersibility of the modified BaTiO3 and enhance the interfacial adhesion between the modified BaTiO3 and the polymer, followed by a remarkably positive effect in suppressing the dielectric loss (tanδ) and increasing the breakdown strength (Eb) of the nanocomposite films. In addition, the cross-linking treatment in the preparation process is found to be favourable for improving the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films, which benefits the enhancement of Eb. Furthermore, at 400% elongation, the stretched nanocomposite film doped with 5 vol% modified BaTiO3 exhibits an Eb 15.6% greater than that of the unstretched film, and the discharged energy density reaches 11.4 J/cm3 with a high discharge energy efficiency of 84.5%. This study provides a novel strategy for preparing flexible nanocomposites with powerful interfacial adhesion at high filler content to achieve high discharged energy density.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are highly associated with oxidative stress. We have recently shown that Disconnected-interacting protein homolog 2 A (DIP2A) functions in ASD pathophysiology by regulating cortactin acetylation for spine development and synaptic transmission. However, its role is not fully understood in the context of its abundant expression in mitochondria. In this paper, we found that DIP2A was involved in superoxide dismutase (SOD)-mediated antioxidative reactions. In mice, DIP2A knockout inhibited SOD activity and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the cerebral cortex. In vitro gain-of-function experiments further confirmed the positive role of DIP2A in scavenging ROS upon oxidative stress. Moreover, DIP2A knockout caused irregular mitochondrial morphology in the cerebral cortex and impaired mitochondrial metabolism with an over consumption of lipids for energy supply. Taken together, these results revealed unrecognized functions of DIP2A in antioxidative protection, providing another possible explanation for DIP2A-mediated ASD pathophysiology.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is important for lung development and function but ideal mouse models are limited to decipher the quantitative relationship between VEGF expression levels and its proper development and pathogenesis. Human SPC promoter has been used to faithfully express genes or cDNAs in the pulmonary epithelium in many transgenic mouse models. In the study, a mouse model of lung-specific and reversible VEGF repression (hspc-rtTRtg/+/VegftetO/tetO) was generated. Human SPC promoter was used to drive lung-specific rtTR expression, a cDNA coding for doxycycline-regulated transcription repression protein. By crossing with VegftetO/tetO mice, that has tetracycline operator sequences insertion in 5'-UTR region, it allows us to reversibly inhibit lung VEGF transcription from its endogenous level through doxycycline food, water or injection. The tissue-specific inhibition of VEGF is used to mimic abnormal expression levels of VEGF in lung. Reduced VEGF expression in lung is confirmed by quantitative real time PCR and immunoblotting. Lung development and structure was analyzed by histology analysis and found significantly affected under low VEGF. The pulmonary epithelium and alveolarization are found abnormal with swelling alveolar septum and enlargement of air space. Genome-wide gene expression analysis identified that immune activities are involved in the VEGF-regulated lung functions. The transgenic mouse model can be used to mimic human pulmonary diseases. The mouse model confirms the important regulatory roles of epithelial expressed VEGF in lung development and function. This mouse model is valuable for studying VEGF-regulated lung development, pathogenesis and drug screening under low VEGF expression.

To accurately assess the behavior and toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), it is essential to understand their subcellular distribution and biotransformation. We combined both nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) and electron microscopy to investigate the subcellular localization of Ag and in situ chemical distribution in the oyster larvae Crassostrea angulata after exposure to isotopically enriched 109AgNPs. Oyster larvae directly ingested particulate Ag, and in vivo dissolution of AgNPs occurred. The results collectively showed that AgNPs were much less bioavailable than Ag+, and the intracellular Ag was mainly originated from the soluble Ag, especially those dissolved from the ingested AgNPs. AgNPs absorbed on the cell membranes continued to release Ag ions, forming inorganic Ag-S complexes extracellularly, while Ag-organosulfur complexes were predominantly formed intracellularly. The internalized Ag could bind to the sulfur-rich molecules (S-donors) in the cytosol and/or be sequestered in the lysosomes of velum, esophagus, and stomach cells, as well as in the digestive vacuoles of digestive cells, which could act as a detoxification pathway for the oyster larvae. Ag was also occasionally incorporated into the phosphate granules, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. Our work provided definite evidence for the partial sulfidation of AgNPs after interaction with oyster larvae and shed new light on the bioavailability and fate of nanoparticles in marine environment.

Background The role of circular RNA (circRNA) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is largely unknown. This study aims to determine the function and mechanism of circPRMT5 in the regulation of PTC development. Methods PTC tissues and cell lines were used to determine circPRMT5 expression via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was utilized to knock down circPRMT5. Proliferation was analyzed through CCK8 and colony formation assays. Transwell assay was performed to determine cell migration and invasion. Luciferase assay and RIP assay were carried out to analyze the interaction between circPRMT5 and miR-30c. Results CircPRMT5 expression was upregulated in PTC tissues and cell lines. And circPRMT5 level was positively linked with advanced stage and lymph node metastasis. CircPRMT5 knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion while inducing apoptosis. CircPRMT5 worked as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-30c. By inhibiting miR-30c, circPRMT5 promoted the expression of E2F3. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that circPRMT5 acts as an oncogenic circRNA to promote PTC progression via regulating miR-30c/E2F3 axis.

The effects of two different humic acids (HAs), commercial Aldrich HA (AHA) and HA extracted from forest soils (FHA), on the dispersion and stability of three multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in water were investigated. The amount of MWCNTs suspended in pure water increased with increases in the MWCNT surface oxygen content and solution pH, and the amount decreased as the ionic strength increased. These results indicated that electrostatic repulsion drove the dispersion of MWCNTs. Adsorbed HA greatly enhanced the dispersion and stability of MWCNTs due to the increased steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion between individual MWCNTs. Suspended MWCNT concentrations and HA adsorption to MWCNTs were positively correlated with low ionic strengths (0–40 mM) and/or pH values between 3 and 7, which were independent of the change in electrostatic repulsion, suggesting that the dispersion of MWCNTs was primarily controlled by steric hindrance. At higher ionic strengths, MWCNTs rapidly precipitated due to the reduction of the electrostatic repulsion between individual MWCNTs. AHA could suspend more MWCNTs than FHA, which was ascribed to the higher molecular weight and aromatic carbon content of AHA that led to greater steric hindrance between individual MWCNTs. This result verified that steric hindrance was the dominant mechanism by which HAs disperse MWCNTs.

Functionalized materials with reversible color switching are highly attractive in many application fields, especially as rewritable media for information storage. It is critical yet challenging to develop a cost-effective strategy for the fabrication of stimulus-responsive chromogenic systems. Herein, we present a versatile dip-coating approach to fabricate robust smart textile with acid/base-driven chromotropic capability. Owing to the introduction of novel maleimide-based copolymers bearing azobenzene derivative moieties, smart textiles possess rapid color switching between yellow and orange-red, which is triggered by acid-base stimulations with the resulting reversible protonation/deprotonation of maleimide moieties. As a proof of concept of the application of the smart textile for high-performance rewritable media, various rewritable elaborate patterns can be fast trifluoroacetic acid-printed/triethylamine-erased (within 20 s) with excellent cycling stability and long legible duration (>30 days). Meanwhile, the smart textile can be employed as a visual sensor for the detection of hydrogen fluoride gas leakage. It is highlighted that the as-prepared robust smart textiles with superhydrophobic surfaces have excellent antifouling properties and chemical/mechanical stabilities, which can tolerate harsh environmental conditions and repetitive mechanical deformation. The robust smart textiles with simple low-cost large-scale production may find more advanced potential applications besides information storage and sensors demonstrated.

Smart foams with tunable foamability exhibit superb applications in many fields such as colloidal and interface science. Herein, we have synthesized an azobenzene-containing surfactant with excellent photoresponsiveness by a simple thiol-maleimide click reaction between thioglycolic acid and 4-(N-maleimide) azobenzene (MAB). The structure and the photoresponsive behavior of the novel surfactant are characterized. Depending on the solution concentration, the synthesized surfactant demonstrated various speeds for the trans/cis photoisomerization varying from 9 to 24 s for the given concentration range and excellent reversible photoisomerization cycling stability (more than 20 cycles) upon light irradiation. Based on these conformational switches, a series of phototriggered obvious surface properties (e.g., critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface tension (γ), and surface excess concentration (Γ)) changes of the surfactant are achieved. More specifically, the smart foam system with tunable foamability is realized. As-formed smart foams with rapid photocontrolled reversible foaming/defoaming transition and excellent cycling stability make them very attractive candidates for applications in wastewater treatment, green textile, oil extraction, and emulsification.

The chemical constitution is a critical factor to the surface properties and the applications of polymers. In this paper, the random copolymers of trifluoroethyl methacrylate (FMA) and perfluoroalkyl ethyl acrylate (TEAc-8) with different feed molar ratios were synthesized by radical solution polymerization. The chemical structures of copolymers [poly(FMA-co-TEAc-8)] were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR and 19F NMR. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were performed to analyze thermal properties of copolymer. These copolymers demonstrated good thermal stability and lower glass transition temperature (Tg) by introducing the flexible perfluoroalkyl ethyl acrylate with long side chain. At the same time, the surface hydrophobicity of the prepared copolymer coatings was significantly improved, and the water contact angles could be raised to 117° when the molar ratios of TEAc-8 increased to 80%. Furthermore, superhydrophobic coatings were fabricated simply based on organic/inorganic hybrid. The water contact angle and the contact angle hysteresis of the composite coatings higher than 150° and lower than 5°, respectively, were achieved with blending of 2 wt% nano-silica. These superhydrophobic hybrid coatings have superb potential for large-scale and practical applications in self-cleaning and corrosion prevention owing to their simplicity in preparation.

A novel fluorinated surfactant, sodium 1 H, 1 H, 7H-dodecafluoro-1-heptyloxy acetate (DFHAS), was synthesized via a facile two-step synthetic procedure. The structure of product on each step was ch...

The effect of engineered nanoparticles on the mobility of co-existing contaminants has been increasingly studied, while the reverse effect receives little attention. This study provides results from investigating the effect of oxytetracycline (OTC) on the mobility of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (O-MWCNTs) in quartz sand (QS) columns at various solution ionic strengths (ISs) and pHs. The mobility of O-MWCNTs in QS columns was significantly enhanced by the presence of OTC under all of the tested solution conditions (IS: 0.1, 1.0, and 10 mM; pH: 3.0, 5.5, and 8.5), with an increase of 8.6–50.9%. Such enhancement was nonlinear over OTC concentration, which firstly increased (0 to 2.5 mg L−1 OTC) and then decreased (2.5 to 20 mg L−1OTC) at pH 5.5. The major contributor to the OTC-enhanced O-MWCNTs mobility was competition of the two analytes for adsorption sites on the QS surface. Batch attachment results show that the adsorption of O-MWCNTs in the presence of OTC onto QS was also nonlinear with OTC concentration (firstly decreased and then increased with increasing OTC) at pH 5.5, which gave the plausible explanation for the nonlinear enhancement of O-MWCNTs transport in QS columns by the presence of OTC. In turn, both the carrier and competition actions of O-MWCNTs determined the mobility of OTC in QS columns and the carrier action was stronger when more OTC was associated with O-MWCNTs in the influent. These results imply that the mobility of O-MWCNTs in OTC polluted water and soil can be significantly stronger than that in non-polluted area. Capsule OTC can increase the migration of O-MWCNTs mainly through the competition for adsorption sites on collectors.

An innovative strategy is devised to obtain poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes with splendid fouling resistance using amphiphilic block copolymer containing poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) segments as modification agent. The PVDF-based block copolymer with poly[2-(N,N-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate] as the hydrophilic segment (PVDF-b-PDMAEMA) was successfully fabricated by iodine transfer polymerization. This strategy not only improved the PVDF membrane structure and hydrophilicity but also assisted in fouling resistance properties as an ultrafiltration membrane. The obtained PVDF/PVDF-b-PDMAEMA blend membrane displayed excellent water flux, which was enhanced 3 fold compared with that of the original membrane. The bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection ratio (≥90%) was maintained at a reasonable level. Meanwhile, by incorporation of the amphiphilic block copolymer, the PVDF-based modified membrane possessed excellent protein resistance and high flux recovery ability. The blend membranes with high BSA ...

Obesity is the result of abnormal adipose development and energy metabolism. Using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) B-knockout and inducible VEGF downregulation mouse models, we have shown that VEGFB inactivation caused expansion of white adipose, whitening of brown adipose, an increase in fat accumulation, and a reduction in energy consumption. At the same time, expression of the white adipose-associated genes was increased and brown adipose-associated genes decreased. VEGF repression, in contrast, induced brown adipose expansion and brown adipocyte development in white adipose, increased energy expenditure, upregulated brown adipose-associated genes, and downregulated white adipose-associated genes. When VEGFB-knockout and VEGF-repressed mice are crossed together, VEGF and VEGFB can counteractively regulate large numbers of genes and efficiently reverse each other's roles. These genes, under counteractive VEGF and VEGFB regulations, include transcription factors, adhesion molecules, and metabolic enzymes. This balancing role is confirmed by morphologic and functional changes. This study reports that VEGF and VEGFB counteractively regulate adipose development and function in energy metabolism.

Anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are generally observed to have a higher cellular toxicity than rutile TiO2-NPs, which is mainly ascribed to the increased generated amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thereby the greater oxidative damage of anatase TiO2-NPs. However, close attachment between nanoparticles (NPs) and cells is a prerequisite for the inducement of intracellular ROS generation. Cell surface bound and soluble exopolymeric substances (B-EPS and S-EPS, respectively) can play an important role in the cell–NPs interaction and regulate the difference in the nanotoxicity of different NPs, which has not been specifically investigated. Interactions of S-EPS and B-EPS extracted from green algae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) with anatase and rutile TiO2-NPs and the effect of EPS on the algal accumulation and toxicity of the NPs were therefore investigated. Results show that the anatase TiO2-NPs had a significantly higher adsorption of B-EPS than the rutile TiO2-NPs, which could contribute to the greater heteroagglomeration with the algae and the higher algal toxicity of the anatase TiO2-NPs. S-EPS had a higher adsorption on the two NPs than B-EPS; and the adsorption of S-EPS in the bulk solution increased homoaggregation and sedimentation of the NPs, which could inhibit the algal accumulation and toxicity of the NPs. The association with B-EPS greatly increased the apparent algal accumulation of the NPs, but the accumulated NPs could mainly be located on cell surfaces rather than entering the cells, as evidenced by the transmission electron microscopy observation. Thus, B-EPS could act as a bio-barrier protecting the cell wall and membranes from the direct attack of NPs and limiting the cell internalization of NPs. However, the algal cell associated NPs would transfer through food chains with algae, which could cause potential ecological effects and warrants further study. These results will be helpful for assessing the fate and ecological effects of NPs.

Although many reports have demonstrated significant toxicity upon exposure to carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the interaction of these materials with microalgae and the resulting physiological responses are largely unknown. This study investigated the interaction between oxidized multi-walled CNTs (o-MWCNTs) and algal cells (Chlorella pyrenoidosa), with a focus on assessing CNT cellular internalization as well as physiological and molecular responses to exposure. The results show that o-MWCNTs exhibited greater algal toxicity than pristine MWCNTs and that the acute toxicity was positively correlated with the oxidation level of the o-MWCNTs. This enhanced acute toxicity was closely related to the greater agglomeration of o-MWCNTs with algal cells. CNT attachment to the cell surface facilitated internalization by direct penetration and by endocytosis. Algal cells experienced increased antioxidant defense upon CNT exposure/stress. Additional cellular responses included regulation of cell membrane fluidity and osmotic pressure, formation of polyphosphate bodies, accumulation of neutral lipids, and stimulation of cell division and the pentose phosphate pathway. When the protective responses were exhausted, toxicity in the form of membrane and organelle damage, denaturation of macromolecules, and metabolic disturbance occurred, resulting in compromised cell integrity and eventual death. The findings of this work provide new insights useful for understanding the fate and toxicity of CNTs in aquatic environments.

Graphical abstract, Disco-interacting protein 2 homolog B (Dip2B) is a member of Dip2 family encoded by Dip2b gene. Dip2B has been reported to regulate murine epithelial KIT+ progenitor cell expansion and differentiation epigenetically via exosomal miRNA targeting during salivary gland organogenesis. However, its molecular functions, cellular activities and biological process remain unstudied. Here, we investigated the transcriptome of Dip2B-deficient mouse embryonic lung fibroblasts (MELFs) isolated from E14.5 embryos by RNA-Seq. Expression profiling identified 1369 and 1104 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from Dip2b−/− and Dip2b+/− MELFs in comparisons to wild-type (Dip2b+/+). Functional clustering of DEGs revealed that many gene ontology terms belong to membrane activities such as ‘integral component of plasma membrane’, and ‘ion channel activity’, suggesting possible roles of Dip2B in membrane integrity and membrane function. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that multiple metabolic pathways are affected in Dip2b−/− and Dip2b+/− when compared to Dip2b+/+ MELFs. These include ‘protein digestion and absorption’, ‘pancreatic secretion’ and ‘steroid hormone synthesis pathway’. These results suggest that Dip2B may play important roles in metabolism. Molecular function analysis shows transcription factors including Hox-genes, bHLH-genes, and Forkhead-genes are significantly down-regulated in Dip2b−/− MELFs. These genes are critical in embryo development and cell differentiation. In addition, Dip2B-deficient MELFs demonstrated a reduction in cell proliferation and migration, and an increase in apoptosis. All results indicate that Dip2B plays multiple roles in cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis during embryogenesis and may participate in control of metabolism. This study provides valuable information for further understanding of the function and regulatory mechanisms of Dip2B.

Axonal development is essential to the establishment of neuronal morphology and circuitry, although the mechanisms underlying axonal outgrowth during the early developmental stages remain unclear. Here, we showed that the conserved disco-interacting protein B (DIP2B) which consists of a DMAP1 domain and a crotonobetaine/carnitine CoA ligase (Caic) domain, is highly expressed in the excitatory neurons of the hippocampus. DIP2B knockout led to excessive axonal outgrowth but not polarity at an early developmental stage. Furthermore, the loss of DIP2B inhibited synaptic transmission for both spontaneous and rapid release in cultured hippocampal neurons. Interestingly, DIP2B function during axonal outgrowth requires tubulin acetylation. These findings reveal a new conserved regulator of neuronal morphology and provide a novel intervention mechanism for neurocognitive disorders.

Dendritic spine development is crucial for the establishment of excitatory synaptic connectivity and functional neural circuits. Alterations in spine morphology and density have been associated with multiple neurological disorders. Autism candidate gene disconnected-interacting protein homolog 2 A (DIP2A) is known to be involved in acetylated coenzyme A (Ac-CoA) synthesis and is primarily expressed in the brain regions with abundant pyramidal neurons. However, the role of DIP2A in the brain remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that deletion of Dip2a in mice induced defects in spine morphogenesis along with thin postsynaptic density (PSD), and reduced synaptic transmission of pyramidal neurons. We further identified that DIP2A interacted with cortactin, an activity-dependent spine remodeling protein. The binding activity of DIP2A-PXXP motifs (P, proline; X, any residue) with the cortactin-Src homology 3 (SH3) domain was critical for maintaining the level of acetylated cortactin. Furthermore, Dip2a knockout (KO) mice exhibited autism-like behaviors, including excessive repetitive behaviors and defects in social novelty. Importantly, acetylation mimetic cortactin restored the impaired synaptic transmission and ameliorated repetitive behaviors in these mice. Altogether, our findings establish an initial link between DIP2A gene variations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and highlight the contribution of synaptic protein acetylation to synaptic processing., The autism candidate gene DIP2A is known to be involved in the synthesis of acetylated coenzyme A, but its precise role in the brain remains largely unknown. This study shows that loss of DIP2A in mice results in an imbalance in the acetylation of the synaptic protein cortactin, causing defects in spine morphogenesis and synaptic transmission that may establish a link to autism spectrum disorders.

Triazole-resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus has been frequently found in agricultural soils. We determined if triazole-resistance in A. fumigatus can be acquired in soil and earthworm guts after exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of formulated propiconazole (FPRO) and difenoconazole (FDIF). Acquired triazole-resistance was found in two strains of A. fumigatus after exposure to 2.5 mg/L of FPRO and three strains of A. fumigatus after induction by 0.1–2.5 mg/L of FDIF for 40 d in liquid medium. Resistance development depended upon exposure time and substrate concentration. There were one, three, and two resistant strains of A. fumigatus in soils receiving FPRO, FDIF, and their combination, respectively. Resistance was identified in two strains of A. fumigatus isolated from the guts of earthworms exposed in soils contaminated by FDIF and two strains of A. fumigatus isolated from the guts of earthworms exposed to the combination of FDIF and FPRO. We conclude that normal applications of FPRO, FDIF, and their combination are likely to induce triazole-resistance in A. fumigatus in agricultural fields. Earthworms may act as disseminators of triazole-resistant A. fumigatus.

To date mechanisms underlying co-transports of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) with contaminants have not been adequately explored, which involve complex interactions among ENMs, contaminants, and soils. This study investigated co-transport behaviors of 3 oxidized-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (o-MWCNTs) with phenanthrene (PHE) and oxytetracycline (OTC) in soil and sediment columns. Sorptions and desorptions of PHE and OTC by the o-MWCNTs were examined to facilitate the discussion of co-transport mechanisms. The results showed that mobilities of PHE and OTC in the columns were significantly enhanced by the presences of o-MWCNTs in the influents; the eluted o-MWCNTs were positively correlated to the eluted total PHE but negatively correlated to the eluted total OTC; the eluted PHE was mainly in the o-MWCNTs-associated form, while it was mainly the dissolved OTC breaking through the columns. It was thus concluded that the o-MWCNTs acted as vehicles facilitating the PHE transport, while besides the vehicle effect the o-MWCNTs also competed for the adsorption sites on soil particles with OTC and thereby enhancing the OTC mobility. These findings provide new insight into the mechanisms regulating co-transports of ENMs and contaminants in porous media.

A series of poly(dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PDFMA-b-PMMA) diblock copolymer nanoparticles were prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in supercritical carbon dioxide. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis confirmed an efficient and well-controlled block copolymerization. As the length of the PMMA block grows from the soluble PDFMA block it eventually becomes insoluble, which drives in situ polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). The influences of the length of CO2-philic PDFMA block, CO2-phobic PMMA block and polymerization pressure were investigated in this PISA process. Also spherical nano-objects were formed upon the synthesis of amphiphilic diblock copolymers in situ. It appeared that, as the length of CO2-philic block PDFMA was increased, there was a corresponding decrease in particle size and particle size polydispersity. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed that, during the microspheres formation, the greater degree of polymerization (DP) of MMA favoured well-controlled monodisperse microspheres.

With the increasing environmental application and discharge of iron-based nanoparticles (NPs), a comprehensive understanding of their fate and ecotoxicological effect in the aquatic environment is very urgent. In this study, toxicities of 4 zero-valent iron NPs (nZVI) of different sizes, 2 Fe2O3 NPs of different crystal phases, and 1 type of Fe3O4 NPs to a green alga (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) were investigated, with a focus on the effects of particle size, crystal phase, oxidation state, and environmental aging. Results show that the algal growth inhibition of nZVI increased significantly with decreasing particle size; with similar particle sizes (20–30 nm), the algal growth inhibition decreased with oxidation of the NPs with an order of nZVI > Fe3O4 NPs > Fe2O3 NPs, and α-Fe2O3 NPs presented significantly higher toxicity than γ-Fe2O3 NPs. The NP-induced oxidative stress was the main toxic mechanism, which could explain the difference in algal toxicity of the NPs. The NP-cell heteroagglomeration and physical interactions also contributed to the nanotoxicity, whereas the effect of NP dissolution was negligible. The aging in distilled water and 3 surface water samples for 3 months increased surface oxidation of the iron-based NPs especially nZVI, which decreased the toxicity to algae. These findings will be helpful for the understanding of the fate and toxicity of iron-based NPs in the aquatic environment.

A series of copolymers of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate (FMA) and methyl acrylate (MA) with different copolymer compositions were synthesized by solution polymerization. The chemical structure of copolymers was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H NMR, and 19F NMR. The reactivity ratios for FMA (r 1) and MA (r 2) were found to be 1.83 and 0.31 by the Fineman–Ross method and 1.91 and 0.34 by the Kelen–Tudos method, respectively. The glass transition temperature of the copolymers decreased with increasing MA content and ranged from 77.5 to 13.4°C for a feed composition of 90 mol% MA monomer, while, according to water contact angle data, the hydrophilic properties of the copolymer coatings increased with increasing MA feed composition. Remarkably, when the feed composition of MA was 60 mol%, the glass transition temperature was reduced to 29.2°C, while the obtained copolymer exhibited comparable hydrophobic property to the PFMA homopolymer.

In order to improve permeability and biofouling resistance of microfiltration (MF) membranes, quaternary ammonium and zwitterion dual-functionalized diblock polyelectrolyte copolymers, poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate-butylammonium bromide)-b-poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PDB-b-PSB) prepared via RAFT polymerization, were immobilized on commercial poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) MF membrane surface via using a versatile and facile mussel-inspired method to fabricate hierarchical copolymer brushes. Hierarchical PDB-b-PSB brushes contained bottom passive anti-adhesive zwitterionic PSB layer and upper active biocidal quaternary ammonium PDB layer. The surface chemical composition and morphology characterizations of pure and modified membranes demonstrated that PDB-b-PSB copolymers were successfully grafted to the dopamine-modified membrane surface via thiol mediated Michael addition reaction, which did not significantly change the membrane pore structure. However, the initial contact angle of PDB-b-PSB modified membrane (M/PDB-b-PSB) was changed from 128° for pure membrane (M/pure) to 43.2° and became 0° within 10 s, indicating the enhanced hydrophilicity. More importantly, the M/PDB-b-PSB membrane exhibited active biocidal effects against E. coli and S. aureus with inhibition rates over 98% and the E. coli and S. aureus suspension fluxes of M/PDB-b-PSB membranes were 1.61 times and 1.35 times higher than those of M/pure membranes. The M/PDB-b-PSB membrane had excellent anti-biofouling property with a better water flux recovery rate of 72%, which was 30% higher than that of the M/pure membrane. Moreover, PDB-b-PSB brushes showed a good immobilization stability. Therefore, the approach of poly(dopamine)-assisted fabrication of anti-biofouling MF membranes with quaternary ammonium and zwitterion dual-functionalized diblock copolymers had a prospect application in membrane-based separation technology and water purification.

In this work, a facile click reaction strategy is employed to form hydrogels in situ with cytocompatibility, biodegradability, self-healing property and resistance to protein. The thiol-functionalized zwitterionic carboxybetaine methacrylate copolymer, which take part as a cross-linker in the "thiol-ene" click reaction with the methacrylated hyaluronic acid. The hydrogels are obtained under the physiological condition without the presence of any copper catalyst and UV light. The hydrogel consisting of zwitterionic component shows an obvious reduction in protein adsorption and cell adhesion and avoid non-targeted factor interference in the biological experiments. The hydrogels also demonstrate adjustable degradation behavior. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are easily encapsulated into the hydrogels and remains metabolically active, indicating the excellent biocompatibility of the hydrogels. Additionally, the result of the cytokine secretion assays (IL-6 and TNF-α) has shown that this clickable hydrogel can serve to suppress inflammatory reactions and is beneficial for in vivo applications. Based on the above results, this clickable hydrogel with excellent performance can be an amenable platform for 3D cell encapsulation.

In order to reduce membrane fouling and fabricate highly selective membranes with high water permeability, three kinds of comb-shaped amphiphilic triblock copolymers, poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate]-b-poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate] (PPEGMA-b-PMMA-b-PPEGMA, named as PEME), were synthesized via RAFT polymerization and used as modifiers to prepare poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) blend membranes by the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method. The effects of PEME with different hydrophilic PPEGMA length on the surface chemical structure, morphology, permeability and antifouling properties of the blend membranes were investigated detailedly. The results from ATR-FTIR and XPS tests confirmed that hydrophilic PPEGMA segments in PEME were enriched on the membrane surface due to PEME induced surface segregation. With the increase of the hydrophilic chain length in PEME, the mean pore size, porosity and roughness of the blend membrane increased gradually, indicating the modifier had the ability to adjust the membrane pore structure. Compared with pure membrane, the hydrophilicity of blend membranes was enhanced and the protein adsorption of representative bovine serum albumin (BSA) decreased obviously. After three cycles of the water-BSA-water, the M-2 blend membrane exhibited high BSA solution flux (150 L·m−2·h−1), excellent rejection (up to 99.99%) and satisfactory antifouling performance. In addition, compared with the recently published PVDF blend ultrafiltration membranes prepared by NIPS method, the M-2 membrane with surface small pore size, high flux, high selectivity and low fouling properties overcame the permeability-selectivity trade-off for BSA solution separation and showed a good application prospect for efficiently protein separation.

Inspired by nature, comprehensive understanding and ingenious utilization of the self-organized wrinkling behaviors of the sandwiched multilayer bonded on substrates are important for engineering and/or functional laminated devices design. Herein, we report a facile and effective strategy to regulate the wrinkles morphology evolution and the resultant hierarchical surface micropatterns on azobenzene-based laminated multilayers by visible-light irradiation. Revealed by systematic experiments, the photocontrolled dynamic wrinkle evolutions are triggered by the reversible photoisomerization of azobenzene in the top azopolymer film and are strongly dependent on the intermediate photoinert layers (e.g., polystyrene and oxygen plasma-induced SiOx layer) with the wrinkle-reinforcing effect or the stress relaxation acceleration effect. Interestingly, large-area well-defined hierarchical surface wrinkle patterns could be fabricated on the multilayers upon selective exposure. In the unexposed region, the wrinkles e...

Despite the extensive studies on silver nanoparticle (AgNP) toxicity, the contribution of released silver ions to the toxicity still remains debatable. This study investigated the toxicity of AgNPs with different sizes (20 and 60 nm) toward a phytoplankton Euglena gracilis, with a focus on evaluating the contributions of dissolved Ag to the toxicity by combining a newly developed aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen)-based imaging technique and a traditional inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. Smaller AgNPs, which dissolved much faster, exhibited greater toxicity, as evidenced by lower 50% growth inhibition concentration (EC50). However, the average Ag+ concentration at each EC50 was comparable to the EC50 of AgNO3, and similar subcellular Ag distribution patterns were observed in both AgNPs and AgNO3 exposed algae. More silver ions were internalized in algae treated with smaller AgNPs. With the application of luminogen imaging technology, we for the first time demonstrated that few Ag(I) were presented intracellularly in algae exposed to AgNPs when any released Ag in the medium was complexed by cysteine. Ag(I) was mainly distributed in cellular debris, organelles, and metal-rich granules fractions. No conclusive evidence for AgNP internalization was documented. Our results strongly suggested that Ag+ released from AgNPs extracellularly dominated the AgNP toxicity. The findings of this work provide new and useful insight into the toxicity of AgNPs in aquatic environments.

Obesity is the result of excessive energy accumulation and is associated with many diseases. We previously reported that universal repression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) leads to brown-like adipocyte development in white adipose tissues, and that these mice are resistant to obesity (Lu X et al. Endocrinology 153: 3123–3132, 2012). Using an adipose-specific VEGF repression mouse model (aP2-rtTR-krabtg/+/VEGFtetO/tetO), we show that adipose-specific VEGF repression can repeat the previous phenotypes, including adipose browning, increased energy consumption, and reduction in body weight. Expression of brown adipose-associated genes is increased, and white adipose-associated genes are downregulated under VEGF repression. Our study demonstrates that adipose-specific VEGF repression can lead to antiobesity activity through adipose browning and has potential clinical value.

In this study, four environmentally friendly succinic acid double-tailed sulfonate fluorinated surfactants were synthesized from maleic anhydride, fluoroalkyl alcohols, namely 1-(1H,1H,7H-Dodecafluoroheptyloxy) ethanol, 1-(1H,1H,5H -octafluoropentyloxy) ethanol, 1-(1H,1H,3H-tetrafluoropropoxy) ethanol, and 1-(1H,1H -trifluoroethyoxy) ethanol, and sodium hydrogensulfite. The surfactant structure was characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, and 19F NMR . Thermogravimetric results showed that the fluorinated surfactants were stable up to relatively high temperature. The Krafft points of the four novel succinic acid double-tailed sulfonate fluorinated surfactants were all below 0 °C. The lowest CMC value for the synthesized four double-tailed fluorine surfactants is about 0.076 mmol L−1, far less than that of ammonium perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), demonstrating that double-tailed surfactants have higher surface activity than surfactants with one fluoroalkyl chain. The replacement of alkyl groups with oxyethylene groups enhances the hydrophilicity of the obtained fluorinated surfactants. Based on these findings, the synthesized surfactants may be environmentally friendly alternatives to PFOA and exhibit promising potential in industry applications.

Slightly crosslinked monodisperse poly(maleic anhydride-cyclohexyl vinyl ether-divinylbenzene) (MA-CHVE-DVB) microspheres were prepared via precipitation polymerization while using 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator in a mixture of methyl ethyl ketone and n-heptane without any stabilizer. The number-average diameter of the resultant poly(MA-CHVE-DVB) microspheres ranged from 0.478 to 1.386 μm with a polydispersity index of 1.00 to 1.02 that depended on the feed ratios of the MA/CHVE/DVB monomers. The introduction of one electron donor monomer cyclohexyl vinyl ether strongly affected the yield, size, and morphology of these slightly crosslinked microspheres. Quinoline-type chelating resins were obtained after combining the poly(MA-CHVE-DVB) with 8-hydroxyquinoline; the adsorption properties of these materials were measured through their ability to remove Cu2+ ions from water. The poly(MA-CHVE-DVB) microspheres with low degrees of crosslinking provided more effective functional groups and therefore better ion removal capabilities. These slightly crosslinked microspheres may have applications in water treatment as well as in sensing and drug delivery.

Ubiquitous dissolved organic matter (DOM) from various sources can interact with discharged multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and pose distinct effects on the toxicity of MWCNTs to aquatic organisms. This study for the first time compared effects of a natural originated humic acid (HA) and two synthetic surfactants (sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate – SDBS, octyl phenoxy polyethoxyethanol – TX100) on the toxicity of MWCNTs to a unicellular green alga ( Chlorella pyrenoidosa ). Algal growth inhibition, cell surface hydrophobicity, oxidative stress, MWCNT-cell agglomeration, and cell morphology change and internalization of MWCNTs were assayed to investigate individual and combined toxicities of MWCNTs and DOMs, and mechanisms underlying different effects of DOMs on the toxicity of MWCNTs were specifically addressed. It is shown that SDBS and TX100 were capable of promoting cell internalization of MWCNTs and triggering higher oxidative stress, and thereby increasing the toxicity of MWCNTs; while HA could alleviate the toxicity of MWCNTs through limiting cell internalization of MWCNTs and reducing oxidative stress. The outcomes of this work shed new light on the assessment of ecological toxicity of discharged nanomaterials.

Natural organic matter (NOM) has a profound effect on the colloidal stability of discharged C60 nanoparticles in the water environment, which influences the environmental behaviors and risks of C60 and therefore merits more specific studies. This study investigates the effects of humic acid (HA), as a model NOM, on the aqueous stabilization of C60 powder and the colloidal stability of a previously suspended C60 suspension (aqu/nC60) with variations of pH values and ionic strengths. Our results reveal that HA could disperse C60 powder in water to some degree, but was unable to stably suspend them. The aqu/nC60 could remain stable at pH>4 but was destabilized at lower pH values. However, the colloidal stability of aqu/nC60 in the presence of HA was insensitive to pH 3–11, owing to the adsorption of HA onto nC60 and the increased electrosteric repulsions among nC60 aggregates. The colloidal stability of aqu/nC60, with and without HA, decreased as we increased the valence and concentration of the added cations. HA was found to mitigate the destabilization effect of Na+ on the colloidal stability of aqu/nC60 by increasing the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) of Na+, while HA lowered the CCCs of Ca2+ and La3+ probably by the bridging effect of nC60 with HA aggregates formed through the intermolecular bridging of the HA macromolecules via cation complexation at high concentrations of cations with high valences.

Background and Purpose Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) channels are expressed in brain endothelial cells, but their role in regulating cerebrovascular tone under physiological and pathological conditions is still largely unknown. Experimental Approach Wild-type (WT) mice and mice that overexpress a mutated form of the human amyloid precursor protein (APP mice, model of increased amyloid β), a constitutively active form of TGF-β1 (TGF mice, model of cerebrovascular fibrosis) or both (APP/TGF mice) were used. Dilations to the selective TRPV4 channel opener GSK1016790A (GSK) or to ACh were measured in posterior cerebral artery segments. Key Results Both GSK- and ACh-induced dilations virtually disappeared following endothelium denudation in WT mice. These responses were impaired in vessels from APP, TGF and APP/TGF mice compared with WT. Pre-incubation of WT vessels with the selective TRPV4 channel blocker HC-067047, or with small-conductance (SK channel, apamin) and/or intermediate-conductance (IK channel, charybdotoxin, ChTx) Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel blocker abolished GSK-induced dilations and massively decreased those induced by ACh. These treatments had no or limited effects on ACh-induced dilation in vessels from APP, TGF or APP/TGF mice, and IK and SK channel function was preserved in transgenic mice. Antioxidant superoxide dismutase or catalase normalized GSK- and ACh-mediated dilations only in APP brain arteries. Conclusion and Implications We conclude that endothelial TRPV4 channels mediate ACh-induced dilation in cerebral arteries, that they are impaired in models of cerebrovascular pathology and that they are sensitive, albeit in the reversible manner, to amyloid β-induced oxidative stress.

In this work, a thermo-responsive and cross-linked fluoropolymer poly(2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl) methacrylate (PTFEMA) was successfully prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) mediated aqueous polymerization with a thermo-responsive diblock poly(dimethylacrylamide-b-N-isopropylacrylamide) (PDMA-b-PNIPAM) that performed a dual function as both a nanoreactor and macro-RAFT agent. The cross-linked polymer particles proved to be in a spherical-like structure of about 50 nm in diameter and with a relatively narrow particle size distribution. 1H-NMR and 19F-NMR spectra showed that thermo-responsive diblock P(DMA-b-NIPAM) and cross-linked PTFEMA particles were successfully synthesized. Influence of the amount of ammonium persulfate (APS), the molar ratio of monomers to RAFT agent, influence of the amount of cross-linker on aqueous polymerization and thermo-responsive characterization of the particles are investigated. Monomer conversion increased from 44% to 94% with increasing the molar ratio of APS and P(DMA-b-NIPAM) from 1:9 to1:3. As the reaction proceeded, the particle size increased from 29 to 49 nm due to the consumption of TFEMA monomer. The size of cross-linked nanoparticles sharply decreased from 50.3 to 40.5 nm over the temperature range 14–44 °C, suggesting good temperature sensitivity for these nanoparticles.

Exopolymeric substances (EPS) have an important role in bioaccumulation and toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) to algae, which warrants specific studies. The interaction of EPS with citrate and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) coated AgNPs (C-AgNPs and P-AgNPs, respectively) and its roles in bioaccumulation and toxicity of the AgNPs to Chlorella pyrenoidosa were investigated. The amino and aromatic carboxylic groups in the EPS were involved in the EPS-AgNP interactions. Compared with Ag+, C-AgNPs had comparable total bioaccumulation but greater absorption by intact algae with EPS; P-AgNPs had the smallest total bioaccumulation and were mainly adsorbed on algal surfaces. With EPS removed, the total bioaccumulations and surface adsorptions for the three Ag species decreased but the cell internalizations increased; the 96 h half growth inhibition concentrations decreased, indicating EPS alleviated the algal toxicity of Ag. The cell-internalized but not the adsorbed AgNPs could contribute to the nanotoxicity. The EPS could bind both AgNPs and Ag+, and thus inhibited the cell internalization and the nanotoxicity. However, the EPS-bound Ag on the cell surfaces would migrate along with the algae and be biologically amplified in the aquatic food chains, presenting ecological risks. These results are helpful for understanding the fate and ecological effects of NPs.

Alternative copolymers of maleic anhydride (MA) and ethyl vinyl ether (EVE) [P(MA-alt-EVE)] were prepared in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The chemical structure of the obtained P(MA-alt-EVE)s was characterized by FT-IR and 13C NMR spectroscopy and showed that the copolymers possess strictly alternating structure. The influences of MA/EVE feed ratio, reaction time, and solvent as well as the initial initiator concentration on the copolymerization were also studied. It was indicated that the increase rate of reaction pressure could be related with good accuracy to monomer conversion, providing a simple and efficient method for monitoring the reaction processes. Gel Permeation Chromatography examination of the alternative copolymers revealed that the molecular weights of P(MA-alt-EVE) synthesized in scCO2 at different pressures were all higher than those prepared in organic solvents. Thermal properties were investigated by TGA and showed P(MA-alt-EVE) has good thermal stability (T d = 251 °C). Compa...

Two environmentally friendly succinic acid monofluoroalkyl sulfonate surfactants were synthesized from maleic anhydride and polyethylene glycol mono (1H,1H,7H-dodecafluoroheptyl) ether, i.e. H(CF2)6CH2OCH2CH2OCOCH(SO3Na)CH2COOH (FEOS-1) and H(CF2)6CH2(OCH2CH2)3OCOCH(SO3Na)CH2COOH (FEOS-3). The obtained surfactants were characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 19F NMR in detail. The synthesized fluorinated surfactants have a high thermal stability on the basis of thermogravimetric analysis. Their surface properties were examined and the results show that FEOS-1 and FEOS-3 surfactants can reduce the surface tension of water to 25.55 mN m−1 at 10.25 mmol L−1 and 21.63 mN m−1 at 8.33 mmol L−1, respectively; meanwhile, the introduction of oxyethylene groups enhances the hydrophilicity and micellar forming ability and the longer oxyethylene chains the better surface properties. The Krafft points (K p) of FEOS-1 and FEOS-3 were both below 0 °C, which was lower than perfluoro-n-heptanesulfonic acid sodium salt (n-C7F15SO3Na, K p = 56.5 °C) at a similar length of fluorocarbon chains. Comparison studies on two surfactants above and the conventional fluorocarbon surfactants, perfluorooctanoate of ammonium (PFOA) show that the surfactants have comparable properties to PFOA, thus offering an environmentally friendly synthesizing alternatives to PFOA.

A fluorinated monomer of 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)ethyl methacrylate (FEMA) was prepared by a “one pot” process and then a novel fluorinated methacrylate polymer, poly[2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)ethyl methacrylate] (PFEMA), was successfully synthesized via miniemulsion polymerization using cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as emulsifier, hexadecane (HD) as co-stabilizer and 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. The chemical structure of PFEMA was characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR and 19F NMR. GPC results show that the number average molecular weight (Mn) of PFEMA was as high as 8.5 × 105 g/mol and the polydispersity index (PDI) was only 1.3. SEM and DLS characterizations showed that the morphology of PFEMA latex was uniform spheres with the diameter of about 110–125 nm. It was also found that PFEMA has high thermo-stability (Td > 200 °C), low glass transition temperature (Tg = 13.0 °C), and nice hydrophobicity (θwater = 99.9°). Comparison studies on PFEMA and poly(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate) show that an introduced functional group (–CH2CH2O–) has a significant effect on lowering Tg and improving hydrolysis resistance without impairing surface properties.

Two novel environmentally friendly fluorinated surfactants, disodium monofluoroalkyl phosphates were synthesized using phosphorus pentoxide, i.e. H(CF2)6CH2OPO(ONa)2 and H(CF2)6CH2OCH2CH2OPO(ONa)2. The novel synthesized fluorinated surfactants have a high thermal stability on the basis of Thermogravimetric Analysis. Their surface properties were also examined with the aim to have similar surface tensions of dilute aqueous solutions when compared with the conventional fluorocarbon surfactants, ammonium perfluorooctanoate. The two synthesized monofluoroalkyl phosphates can respectively reduce the surface tension of water to 23.73 mN/m at 78.3 mmol/L and 21.38 mN/m at 20.93 mmol/L. In addition, the Krafft points are both below 0 °C.

The design of core-shell structure is considered as a facile approach to obtain polymer composites with excellent dielectric properties and high breakdown strength (Eb). In this work, thiol-terminated poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF-SH) and polystyrene (PS-SH) are synthesized by a two-step process. The as-prepared polymers are applied to modify BaTiO3 (BT) nanoparticles. The subsequent morphologies, dielectric properties, and Eb of PVDF-based composites are investigated systematically. PVDF encapsulated BT (PVDF@BT) fillers carries more desirable compatibility with matrix compared with PS encapsulated BT (PS@BT) and raw BT. For instance, the Eb of the 30 vol% PVDF@BT composites slightly decreased from 150.6 to 117 kV/mm for PVDF matrix, as compared to the raw and PS@BT composites, for those the values intensively reduced to 58.5 kV/mm and 107 kV/mm, respectively. It is also observed that PVDF polymer shells play a significant role in the improvement of composites dielectric constant (εr). Moreover, the design of the polymer shell also contributes to the suppression of dielectric loss. The results are of great importance for understanding the effect of polymer shells and fluorinated filler on composite properties. This study provides a strategy for preparing composites with high εr while maintaining high Eb for the next generation of dielectric capacitors. Keywords: Dielectric nanocomposites, PVDF shell, Breakdown strength, Dielectric constant

Five complete caverns were discovered in Longyou in 1992. They were manually caved in argillaceous siltstone at shallow depths more than 2000 years ago. When they were un-watered, their integrity was maintained completely, and their interior rock surfaces were free of old cracks. Since then, however, the rock’s interior faces have initiated and propagated more and more cracks. This paper attempts to address the question of why the rock interior faces were free of old cracks once they were unearthed. To address this question, this paper proposes a hypothesis that the argillaceous siltstone has the ability of self-healing its cracks over a short period of time under weak acid water environment. Data and evidence are presented herewith to prove the hypothesis. They include observations and measurements in the field and test results in the laboratory. Specifically, a three-point bending test is used to form a tensile crack in a rectangular rock specimen and a dead load test for the specimen immersed in initially weak acid water is used for self-healing its crack. The results have shown that the argillaceous siltstone is in a state of weak alkalinity and the rain water at the site is in a state of weak acidity. Therefore, when it is immersed in weak acid water for some time, the argillaceous siltstone would be able to make chemical reactions to generate new minerals such as calcite. The new minerals would be able to infill the cracks and then heal the crack within a few years. Once the crack is self-healed, the rock can regain its strength and integrity. Consequently, the rock interior surfaces could be free of old cracks when the water was pumped out of the caverns.

Most studies on the behavior and toxicity of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) have been conducted in artificial water with well-controlled conditions, which are dramatically different from natural waters with complex compositions. To better understand the fate and toxicity of NPs in the natural water environment, physicochemical transformations of four NPs (TiO2, ZnO, Ag, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)) and their toxicities towards a unicellular green alga (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) in four fresh water and one seawater sample were investigated. Results indicated that water chemistry had profound effects on aggregation, dissolution, and algal toxicity of the NPs. The strongest homoaggregation of the NPs was associated with the highest ionic strength, but no obvious correlation was observed between the homoaggregation of NPs and pH or dissolved organic matter content of the water samples. The greatest dissolution of ZnO NPs also occurred in seawater with the highest ionic strength, while the dissolution of Ag NPs varied differently from ZnO NPs. The released Zn(2+) and especially Ag(+) mainly accounted for the algal toxicity of ZnO and Ag NPs, respectively. The NP-cell heteroagglomeration occurred generally for CNTs and Ag NPs, which contributed to the observed nanotoxicity. However, there was no significant correlation between the observed nanotoxicity and the type of NP or the water chemistry. It was thus concluded that the physicochemical transformations and algal toxicities of NPs in the natural water samples were caused by the combined effects of complex water quality parameters rather than any single influencing factor alone. These results will increase our knowledge on the fate and effects of NPs in the aquatic environment.

Summary Aims The present study evaluated the combined treatment effects of aerobic exercise and antioxidative stress on moderate-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods Ten-month-old APP/PS1 mice were given antioxidative treatment with acetylcysteine, along with aerobic exercise for 6 weeks. Spatial learning and memory were tested using the Morris water maze, and β-amyloid (Aβ) plaque deposits in the forebrain were quantified by Thioflavin-S staining. Levels of soluble Aβ1-42, β-secretase enzyme, ү-secretase enzyme, oxidative and antioxidant stress markers nitrotyrosine and peroxiredoxin-1, glial markers glial fibrillary acidic protein and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, and synaptic protein synaptophysin in the hippocampus were all measured by western blotting and/or immunohistochemistry. Results APP/PS1 mice showed severe declines in spatial learning and memory compared with their wild-type littermates, which were not attenuated by aerobic exercise combined with antioxidative treatment. The pathologic analysis revealed that Aβ deposition and production, oxidative stress, glial inflammation, and synaptic loss were not mitigated in the brain of exercised APP/PS1 mice, compared with the sedentary APP/PS1 animals. Conclusion This study reveals that a combined treatment of aerobic exercise plus antioxidative stress does not counteract pathophysiology in the moderate- or mid-stages of AD.

Uterus development during pre-implantation stage affects implantation process and embryo growth. Aberrant uterus development is associated with many human reproductive diseases. Among the factors regulating uterus development, vascular remodeling promoters are critical for uterus function and fertility. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as one of the major members, has been found to be important in endothelial cell growth and blood vessel development, as well as in non-endothelial cells. VEGF mediation in reproduction has been broadly studied, but VEGF-induced transcriptional machinery during implantation window has not been systematically studied. In this study, a genetically repressed VEGF mouse model was used to analyze uterus transcriptome at gestation 2.5 (G2.5) by Solexa/Illumina's digital gene expression (DGE) system. A number of 831 uterus-specific and 2398 VEGF-regulated genes were identified. Gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated that genes actively involved in uterus development were members of collagen biosynthesis, cell proliferation and cell apoptosis. Uterus-specific genes were enriched in activities of phosphatidyl inositol phosphate kinase, histone H3-K36 demethylation and protein acetylation. Among VEGF-regulated genes, up-regulated were associated with RNA polymerase III activity while down-regulated were strongly related with muscle development. Comparable numbers of antisense transcripts were identified. Expression levels of the antisense transcripts were found tightly correlated with their sense expression levels, an indication of possibly non-specific transcripts generated around the active promoters and enhancers. The antisense transcripts with exceptionally high or low expression levels and the antisense transcripts under VEGF regulation were also identified. These transcripts may be important candidates in regulation of uterus development. This study provides a global survey on genes and antisense transcripts regulated by VEGF in the pre-implantation stage. Results will contribute to further study the candidate genes and pathways in regulating implantation process and related diseases.

Adipose tissues are classified into white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). WAT is responsible for energy storage, and malfunction is associated with obesity. BAT, on the contrary, consumes fat to generate heat through uncoupling mitochondrial respiration and is important in body weight control. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A is the founding member of the VEGF family and has been found highly expressed in adipose tissue. A genetic mouse model of an inducible VEGF (VEGF-A) repression system was used to study VEGF-regulated energy metabolism in WAT. VEGF-repressed mice demonstrated lower food efficiency, lower body weight, and resistance to high-fat diet-induced obesity. Repression of VEGF expression caused morphological and molecular changes in adipose tissues. VEGF repression induced brown-like adipocyte development in WAT, up-regulation of BAT-specific genes including PRDM16, GATA-1, BMP-7, CIDEA, and UCP-1 and down-regulation of leptin, a WAT-specific gene. VEGF repression up-regulated expression of VEGF-B and its downstream fatty acid transport proteins. Relative levels of VEGF/VEGF-B may be important switches in energy metabolism and of pharmaceutical significances.

Retinoic acid (RA) plays crucial roles in vertebrate embryogenesis. Four retinal dehydrogenases (Raldhs) that are responsible for RA synthesis have been characterized in mammals. However, only Raldh2 ortholog is identified in zebrafish. Here, we report the identification of raldh3 and raldh4 genes in zebrafish. The predicted proteins encoded by zebrafish raldh3 and raldh4 exhibit 70.0% and 73.5% amino acid identities with mouse Raldh3 and Raldh4, respectively. RT-PCR analyses reveal that both raldh3 and raldh4 mRNAs are present in early development. However, whole mount in situ hybridization shows that raldh3 mRNA is first expressed in the developing eye region of zebrafish embryos at 10-somite stage. At 24 hpf (hours post fertilization), raldh3 mRNA is expressed in the ventral retina of eye. At 36 hpf, the mRNA is also expressed in otic vesicle in addition to ventral retina, and it maintains its expression pattern till 2 dpf (days post fertilization). At 3 dpf, raldh3 mRNA becomes very weak in ventral retina but is present in otic vesicle at a high level. At 5 dpf and 7 dpf, raldh3 is no longer expressed in eyes but is expressed in otic vesicles at a very low level. raldh4 mRNA is initially detected in developing liver and intestine regions at 2 dpf embryos. Its expression level becomes very high in these two regions of embryos from 3 dpf to 5 dpf. Analysis on the sections of 5 dpf embryos reveals that raldh4 is expressed in the epithelium of intestine. At 7 dpf, raldh4 mRNA is only weakly expressed in the epithelium of intestinal bulb.