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In this study, Zn x Cd 1-x S/N-GQDs composites with different Zn/Cd ratios were synthesized via a facile solvothermal process. A series of techniques were introduced to investigate the effect of Zn/Cd ratios and N-GQDs on the performances of Zn x Cd 1-x S/N-GQDs. The results show that the crystal structure and photoelectric performance of the composites can be tuned via adjusting the Zn/Cd ratios. Zn x Cd 1-x S/N-GQDs composites transform from a hexagonal structure to a cubic structure with the increase of Zn content, and the diffraction peaks are located between hexagonal phase CdS and cubic phase ZnS. Meanwhile, the photocurrent responses and electrochemical impedance present good tunability via adjusting the Zn/Cd ratios. Zn 0.9 Cd 0.1 S/N-GQDs composites with the higher photocurrent value of 3.79 μA cm−2 and lower interfacial impedance are superior to Zn x Cd 1-x S/N-GQDs composites with other Zn/Cd ratios. Moreover, the introduction of N-GQDs obviously enhances the photoelectric properties of the semiconductor. • We successfully synthesized Zn x Cd 1-x S/N-GQDs composites by facile solvothermal process. • Zn x Cd 1-x S/N-GQDs composites exhibit alloyed Zn x Cd 1-x S structure instead of the independent ZnS and CdS. • The photoelectric properties of Zn x Cd 1-x S/N-GQDs present a good tunability via adjusting the Zn/Cd ratios. • The introduction of N-GQDs enhanced the photoelectric properties of Zn 0.9 Cd 0.1 S with the higher photocurrent intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were synthesized by a hydrothermal cutting method, and SnO 2 /GQDs composites were prepared by a one-step solvothermal method with SnCl 4 ·5H 2 O as a tin source. GQDs presented a size of 10 nm and a topographic height of 1 nm, indicating that GQDs are roughly 2–3 graphene layers. The interplanar spacing of 0.24 nm and 0.34 nm corresponded to the crystal plane of GQDs (1120) and (002), respectively. Owing to the electrostatic interaction, the incorporation of positive SnO 2 with negative GQDs results in the zeta potential decreased from 7.08 mV to −2.22 mV. The photoelectric properties of SnO 2 /GQDs composites were investigated. When the ratio of GQDs reached 0.30 wt%, the photocurrent value of SnO 2 /GQDs composites achieved a maximum of 3.008 × 10−4A/cm2 and the corresponding interface contact impedance reached a minimum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction of Ti from Ti-bearing blast-furnace slag (TBFS) via aluminothermic reduction to prepare Ti–Si–Al alloy has several promising applications. However, the refractories of the furnace lining can dissolve into the molten slag and change the composition of the slag, not only shortening the life of the refractories, but also influencing the preparation of Ti–Si–Al alloys for industrial applications. The main purpose of this study was to explore the corrosion behavior of refractories (carbon, alumina, and magnesia bricks) and determine the most suitable refractories for the aluminothermic reduction of TBFS. Herein, for the first time, the dissolution equilibrium of refractories during the aluminothermic reduction of TBFS and its effect on aluminothermic reduction were revealed. The results revealed that the alumina and magnesia bricks were more effective for obtaining bulk Ti–Si–Al alloy and avoiding high mass loss of the Ti–Si–Al alloy compared to the carbon bricks. Furthermore, the corrosion of alumina and magnesia bricks increased with an increase in the content of the added CaO; however, the corrosion of the alumina bricks was more severe compared to the magnesia bricks. In addition, the largest extraction ratio of Ti (maximum value: 99.85%) was achieved when magnesia bricks were employed. The results of this study indicate that magnesia bricks are the optimal refractory for the preparation of Ti–Si–Al alloy via the aluminothermic reduction of TBFS. This work provides important experimental information for the industrial application of the aluminothermic reduction of TBFS in the preparation of Ti–Si–Al alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Gallic acid is a substance that is widely found in nature. Initially, it was only used as a corrosion inhibitor to retard the rate of corrosion of metals. In recent years, with intensive research by scholars, the modification of coatings containing gallic acid has become a hot topic in the field of metal protection. This study aims to summarize the various preparation methods of gallic acid and its research progress in corrosion inhibitors and coatings, as well as related studies using quantum chemical methods to assess the predicted corrosion inhibition effects and to systematically describe the prospects and current status of gallic acid applications in the field of metal corrosion inhibition and protection. Design/methodology/approach: First, the various methods of preparation of gallic acid in industry are understood. Second, the corrosion inhibition principles and research progress of gallic acid as a metal corrosion inhibitor are presented. Then, the corrosion inhibition principles and research progress of gallic acid involved in the synthesis and modification of various rust conversion coatings, nano-coatings and organic resin coatings are described. After that, studies related to the evaluation and prediction of gallic acid corrosion inhibition on metals by quantum chemical methods are presented. Finally, new research ideas on gallic acid in the field of corrosion inhibition and protection of metals are summarized. Findings: Gallic acid can be used as a corrosion inhibitor or coating in metal protection. Research limitations/implications: There is a lack of research on the synergistic improvement of gallic acid and other substances. Practical implications: The specific application of gallic acid in the field of metal protection was summarized, and the future research focus was put forward. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper systematically expounds on the research progress of gallic acid in the field of metal protection for the first time and provides new ideas and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ● A new "treating waste with waste" approach to treat two wastes simultaneously. • ● DWSSK was used as a new collector to recycle PGMs, REEs, and Zr from SACs. • ● The SACs carrier was used as a slag to eliminate the key impurity O from DWSSK. • ● High-purity Si in DWSSK as well as valuable elements in SACs could be recycled. Spent automotive catalysts (SACs) and diamond-wire-saw silicon kerf (DWSSK) are classified as hazardous wastes. Currently, the two wastes are treated separately using unrelated approaches. More than two independent approaches are required to recover platinum group metals (PGMs), Zr and rare earth elements (REEs) from SACs, and recover Si from DWSSK, which is time-consuming and laborious. In this study, a new approach was proposed to co-treat the two wastes based on the concept of using waste treats waste: using DWSSK (∼89.85 wt% Si) as a new metal collector to extract PGMs, REEs, and Zr simultaneously from SACs to obtain a Si-VM alloy (VM: valuable metal); meanwhile, using the carrier of SACs to form molten slag to eliminate the main impurity, O, from DWSSK. The largest recovery ratios of Pd, Rh, Zr, Ce, La, and Nd from SACs were 99.50 ± 0.10%, 99.14 ± 0.14 %, 96.19 ± 0.76%, 67.18 ± 4.57%, 61.24 ± 4.93% and 47.65 ± 7.27%, respectively, and the largest removal ratio of O from DWSSK was 99.96%. After smelting, the Si-VM alloy was separated into high-purity Si and VM-containing acid solutions via acid leaching. The leaching ratios of Pd, Rh, Ce, La, Nd, and Zr were 99.78%, 98.15%, 99.93%, ∼100%, 99.76% and 99.98%, respectively. The purity of Si was upgraded from 89.85 wt% (in DWSSK) to 99.98 wt% after acid leaching. The new approach proposed in this study is considered more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than the regular approaches that treat the two wastes separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) decorated Al-doped ZnS composites were prepared using the solvothermal process, and the hydrothermal method was used to prepare GQDs. Various spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize the products, and the results show that Al-ZnS attached GQD composites present lattice fringes that can be assigned to ZnS and GQDs, respectively. The absorption peaks of Al-ZnS/GQDs are red-shifted because of the doping of aluminum and the incorporation of GQDs. The luminescence intensity of Al-ZnS/GQDs shows a downward trend with the addition of GQDs. As the GQD content changes from 0.6 wt % to 1.8 wt %, the photocurrent density achieves a maximum at the addition of 1.2 wt %. The photocurrent of Al-ZnS/GQDs composites are about 700% and 200% of pure ZnS and Al-ZnS, respectively. The results indicate that Al doping can reduce the energy bandgap of ZnS and produce more photogenerated electrons. The photogenerated electrons from Al-ZnS can be extracted and transferred to GQDs, which act as conducting materials to decrease the recombination rate and improve the photogenerated electron-transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile boron doping strategy to improve the nitrogen retention in carbon-based catalysts is developed toward efficient oxygen reduction reaction via offsetting the electron migration. By considering the hetero-porous structure at the same time, this B, N co-doped catalyst outperforms commercial Pt/C in terms of both activity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET) with low background signal and high specificity has attracted much attention among researchers. Herein, we established a novel ECL-RET biosensor for PML/RARα fusion gene detection. In this ECL-RET system, carbon dots (CDs) with low toxicity and prominent electrochemical activity were used as donor and Au@Ag2S core–shell nanoparticles (Au@Ag2S NPs) were employed as ECL acceptor. The Au@Ag2S NPs possessed a wide ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectrum between 500 nm and 700 nm, which completely overlapped with the ECL spectrum of CDs. Furthermore, the CDs-decorated poly-amidoamine/reduced graphene oxide (CDs/PAMAM/rGO) nanocomposites were prepared to improve the ECL signals and served as a substrate to stably load capture probe deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Based on the ECL-RET biosensing strategy, the Au@Ag2S NPs-labeled assistant probes and target DNA could pair with capture probes to form the sandwich-type DNA structure and the distance between donor and accepter was closed, leading to quenching of the ECL signal of CDs. The ECL-RET biosensor represented eminent analytical performance for PML/RARα fusion gene detection with a wide linear relationship from 5 fM to 500 pM and a low detection limit of 0.72 fM, which provided a novel technical means and theoretical basis for detection and diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CSDE1 (cold shock domain containing E1) plays a key role in translational reprogramming, which determines the fate of a number of RNAs during biological processes. Interestingly, the role of CSDE1 is bidirectional. It not only promotes and represses the translation of RNAs but also increases and decreases the abundance of RNAs. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are still unknown. In this review, we propose a "protein-RNA connector" model to explain this bidirectional role and depict its three versions: sequential connection, mutual connection and facilitating connection. As described in this molecular model, CSDE1 binds to RNAs and cooperates with other protein regulators. CSDE1 connects with different RNAs and their regulators for different purposes. The triple complex of CSDE1, a regulator and an RNA reprograms translation in different directions for each transcript. Meanwhile, a number of recent studies have found important roles for CSDE1 in human diseases. This model will help us to understand the role of CSDE1 in translational reprogramming and human diseases. Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To comprehensively understand the mechanical response of a rock-coal combination structure containing a weak layer, a series of laboratory static loading and impact loading experiments were conducted. The results showed that under static load, the sliding process of the rock coal structure was relatively slow, and fragments can be observed. Under the action of horizontal impact loading, the whole coal stratum slipped out rapidly, and the process lasted only 0.05 s. Under the horizontal and axial impact loads, the coal stratum remained stable first, and then it slipped out as a whole under the action of static load. Additionally, a sliding instability criterion of a rock coal structure containing a weak layer was established based on theoretical analysis. The key parameter P value was checked through a numerical simulation experiment. It was found that the value was linearly related to the mechanical properties of the weak layer and overburden stress, and the experimental results coincided with the theoretical results. Finally, the relationship between sliding rockburst and strain rockburst was discussed, and these results can provide an important scientific basis for the prevention and control of dynamic disasters in deep mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the back-propagation (BP) network algorithm widely used in the short-term output prediction of photovoltaic power stations has the disadvantage of ignoring meteorological factors and weather conditions in the input. The existing traditional BP prediction model lacks a variety of numerical optimization algorithms, such that the prediction error is large. The back-propagation (BP) neural network is easy to fall into local optimization thus reducing the prediction accuracy in photovoltaic power prediction. In order to solve this problem, an improved grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm is proposed to optimize the photovoltaic power prediction model of the BP neural network. So, an improved grey wolf optimization algorithm optimized BP neural network for a photovoltaic (PV) power prediction model is proposed. Dynamic weight strategy, tent mapping and particle swarm optimization (PSO) are introduced in the standard grey wolf optimization (GWO) to construct the PSO-GWO model. The relative error of the PSO-GWO-BP model predicted data is less than that of the BP model predicted data. The average relative error of PSO-GWO-BP and GWO-BP models is smaller, the average relative error of PSO-GWO-BP model is the smallest, and the prediction stability of the PSO-GWO-BP model is the best. The model stability and prediction accuracy of PSO-GWO-BP are better than those of GWO-BP and BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of the fracture network in shale hydraulic fracturing is the key to the successful development of shale gas. In order to analyze the mechanism of hydraulic fracturing fracture propagation in cemented fractured formations, a numerical simulation about fracture behavior in cemented joints was conducted based firstly on the block discrete element. And the critical pressure of three fracture propagation modes under the intersection of hydraulic fracturing fracture and closed natural fracture is derived, and the parameter analysis is carried out by univariate analysis and the response surface method (RSM). The results show that at a low intersecting angle, hydraulic fractures will turn and move forward at the same time, forming intersecting fractures. At medium angles, the cracks only turn. At high angles, the crack will expand directly forward without turning. In conclusion, low-angle intersecting fractures are more likely to form complex fracture networks, followed by medium-angle intersecting fractures, and high-angle intersecting fractures have more difficulty in forming fracture networks. The research results have important theoretical guiding significance for the hydraulic fracturing design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Si purification mechanism was investigated by using Al Si solvent with small amounts of V to enhance B removal. The results indicated that a small amount of V enhanced the removal of B from the Al Si melt, as it formed the VB X compound. The VB X was determined to be VB 2 via EPMA. The solubility product of the VB 2 in the Al-43at. %Si melt at 1273 K and the Al-35at. %Si melt at 1173 K were initially measured experimentally with equilibrium technology, and were determined to be 8.15 × 10 - 11 (1273 K) and 5.97 × 10 - 12 (1173 K). The relationship between the solubility product of VB 2 and the liquidus temperature of Al Si melt was estimated, which indicated that an excessive V addition or a lower temperature is needed to enhance the efficiency of B removal from the Al Si melt. Based on the thermodynamic analysis, V was used as an additive in the Si purification process with the Al-35at. % Si solvent that had electromagnetic solidification. The results of the Si purification indicated that a small amount of V could enhance the B removal efficiently and VSi 2 was found in eutectic Al Si phase along the Si crystals boundaries. The maximum removal rate of B was about 76%. The supplementary V was completely eliminated together with the B and did not contaminate the refined Si. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preferential energy storage in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) confers protection against obesity-induced pathophysiology in females. Females also exhibit distinct immunological responses, relative to males. These differences are often attributed to sex hormones, but reciprocal interactions between metabolism, immunity, and gonadal steroids remain poorly understood. Here, we systematically characterized adipose tissue hypertrophy, sex steroids, and inflammation in male and female mice after increasing durations of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. After observing that sex differences in adipose tissue distribution before HFD were correlated with lasting protection against inflammation in females, we hypothesized that a priori differences in the ratio of subcutaneous to visceral fat might mediate this relationship. To test this, male and female mice received SAT lipectomy (LPX) or sham surgery before HFD challenge, followed by analysis of glial reactivity, adipose tissue inflammation, and reproductive steroids. Because LPX eliminated female resistance to the pro-inflammatory effects of HFD without changing circulating sex hormones, we conclude that sexually dimorphic organization of subcutaneous and visceral fat determines susceptibility to inflammation in obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, numerical and experimental methods were used to investigate the effects of the process parameters on the enrichment of primary Si by separation of hypereutectic Ti-89 wt.% Si alloy melts during directional solidification. The results indicated that the separation of the primary Si from Ti-89 wt% Si alloy melts significantly depends on the pull-down rate of the melts, and the flow velocity of the melts decreases as the pull-down rate increases, which reduces the separation and enrichment effects of the primary Si during the electromagnetic directional solidification process. Conversely, with the increase in power, the convection and heat transfer of the melt are enhanced, which promotes the separation and enrichment of primary Si. Furthermore, the enrichment of silicon was analyzed by ICP (Inductive coupled plasma emission spectrometer), and it was found that with the power increasing from 3.8 to 5.4 kW, the content of Ti in the silicon enrichment layer decreased from 4.16 to 2.08%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the outside cabin heat exchanger of wind power generation, the overall numerical simulation plays an important role in its design and optimization. The periodic iterative simulation method proposed in this paper makes up for the deficiency of analogy research using the local model in the previous research of plate-fin heat exchanger so that the research conclusions can be directly applied to practical engineering. The effectiveness of this method is verified by comparing 10 groups of simulation results with experimental results. It is concluded that the maximum relative error of the periodic iterative simulation method is 0.9%, which meets the requirements of engineering calculation. The number of iterations can be reduced to two when only the outlet average temperature is involved, which is more convenient than the dozens of iterations. Furthermore, the effects of altitude, air velocity, air temperature, wave fin structure parameters, and generator power on the performance of heat exchanger are comprehensively analyzed. The results show that larger naturally captured air volume, lower ambient temperature, and lower altitude can effectively reduce the outlet temperature of ethylene glycol solution. When the amplitude and wavelength of the corrugated fin on the airside of the heat exchanger are 0.6 mm and 20 mm respectively, the naturally captured air volume is effectively increased, the overall heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger is further improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Zn x Cd 1-x Se changed from hexagonal to cubic phase with increasing of × value from 0.1 to 0.9. • Zn x Cd 1-x Se reached the optimal photocurrent and interface impedance at the Zn/Cd ratio of 0.9/0.1. • GQDs doping promoted photoelectrons to separate and transfer, and increased the carrier density and lifetime. A hydrothermal method was employed to synthesize Zn x Cd 1-x Se and Zn x Cd 1-x Se /GQDs nanocomposites. The effects of various Zn/Cd ratios and GQDs doping on the performance of Zn x Cd 1-x Se were studied. The material composition, crystal structure and photoelectric properties could be adjusted by altering the Zn/Cd ratio. Zn x Cd 1-x Se material changed from hexagonal phase CdSe to near cubic phase ZnSe with the increased of Zn/Cd ratio from 0.1:0.9 to 0.9:0.1. At the same time, Zn x Cd 1-x Se material reached the higher photocurrent (3.82 μA cm−2) and lower interface impedance when the Zn/Cd atomic ratio was 0.9/0.1. Compared with the pre-doped, Zn 0.9 Cd 0.1 Se/GQDs composites exhibited up to a 2-fold increase in the photocurrent density, and achieved a smaller value in the electrochemical impedance, which indicated that the introduction of GQDs significantly improved the photoelectric performance of semiconductor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The acoustic critical absorption effect for high-efficiency broadband sound absorption is presented. • The structural design rules to achieve optimal sound absorption performance is investigated from the perspective of subunit arrangement. • A 50 mm thick high-efficient sound absorption meta-structure based on the acoustic critical absorption effect is proposed. • Reliable guarantee of broadband and efficient sound absorption structure design to supplement the limitations of foam. For resonant-type meta-structures with finite dimensions and consisting of multiple units, their sound absorption performance varies with the placement of the units. In order to reveal the physical mechanism of this phenomenon and obtain the structural design rules to achieve optimal sound absorption performance, the acoustic critical absorption effect is proposed in this paper. Based on this, a 50 mm thick meta-structure is proposed, which obtains an average sound absorption performance of 70 % from 1000 Hz to 2800 Hz. Compared with a structure of the same size but without considering the acoustic critical absorption effect, the sound absorption performance of the proposed meta-structure is increased by 30 %. The high agreement between finite element simulations and experimental results verifies the reliability of the conclusions. This work provides a potential avenue for enhancing noise reduction performance and reducing the dimension of the structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to optimize the comprehensive performance of woodbased electromagnetic shielding interference (EMI) materials and master the effect of heat treatment on its coating density, interfacial morphology, conductivity, and hydrophobic and electromagnetic shielding. The results showed that the surface roughness of composite coatings was 11.0 μm when the wood was conducted via electroless two deposition Cu and one Ni and the heat treatment temperature was 150 °C. The composite coating’s surface gradually became more uniform with increasing temperature. The coating’s thickness via 120 °C heat treatment was 97.5 μm. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) spectra verified the existence of Cu and Ni particles. The heat treatment had an obvious influence on conductivity of composite materials and the pore network structure. The contact angle of composite materials reached 119°. The average electromagnetic shielding efficiency via 180 °C heat treatment was up to 91.4 dB in the frequency ranging from 300 to 3.0 GHz, which verified that the composite materials can shield 99.99% of the incident electromagnetic wave energy. The conductivity gradient structure can realize multidielectric interface loss and multiple reflection loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a major risk factor for both metabolic and cardiovascular disease. We reported that, in obese male mice, histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) is upregulated in adipose tissues, and global deletion of HDAC9 protected against high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and metabolic disease. Here, we investigated the impact of adipocyte-specific HDAC9 gene deletion on diet-induced obesity in male and female mice. The HDAC9 gene expression was increased in adipose tissues of obese male and female mice and HDAC9 expression correlated positively with body mass index in humans. Interestingly, female, but not male, adipocyte-specific HDAC9 KO mice on HFD exhibited reduced body weight and visceral adipose tissue mass, adipocyte hypertrophy, and improved insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and adipogenic differentiation gene expression. Furthermore, adipocyte-specific HDAC9 gene deletion in female mice improved metabolic health as assessed by whole body energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, and adaptive thermogenesis. Mechanistically, compared to female mice, HFD-fed male mice exhibited preferential HDAC9 expression in the stromovascular fraction, which may have offset the impact of adipocyte-specific HDAC9 gene deletion in male mice. These results suggest that HDAC9 expressed in adipocytes is detrimental to obesity in female mice and provides novel evidence of sex-related differences in HDAC9 cellular expression and contribution to obesity-related metabolic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genetic variants associated with acute side effects of radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain largely unknown. Methods: We performed a two-stage genome-wide association analysis including a total of 1084 patients, where 319 individuals in the discovery stage were genotyped for 688,783 SNPs using whole genome-wide screening microarray. Significant variants were then validated in an independent cohort of 765 patients using the MassARRAY system. Gene mapping, linkage disequilibrium, genome-wide association analysis, and polygenic risk score were conducted or calculated using FUMA, LDBlockShow, PLINK, and PRSice software programs, respectively. Results: Five SNPs (rs6711678, rs4848597, rs4848598, rs2091255, and rs584547) showed statistical significance after validation. Radiotherapy toxicity was more serious in mutant minor allele carriers of all five SNPs. Stratified analysis further indicated that rs6711678, rs4848597, rs4848598, and rs2091255 correlated with skin toxicity in patients of EBV positive, late stage (III and IV), receiving both concurrent chemoradiotherapy and induction/adjuvant chemotherapy, and with OR values ranging from 1.92 to 2.66. For rs584547, high occurrence of dysphagia was found in A allele carriers in both the discovery (P = 1.27 × 10− 6, OR = 1.55) and validation (P = 0.002, OR = 4.20) cohorts. Furthermore, prediction models integrating both genetic and clinical factors for skin reaction and dysphagia were established. The area under curve (AUC) value of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were 0.657 (skin reaction) and 0.788 (dysphagia). Conclusions: Rs6711678, rs4848597, rs4848598, and rs2091255 on chromosome 2q14.2 and rs584547 were found to be novel risk loci for skin toxicity and dysphagia in NPC patients receiving radiotherapy. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Register (registration number: ChiCTR-OPC-14005257 and CTXY-140007-2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow properties of crude oil have been seriously affected by the aggregation behavior of asphaltenes. The single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) can exhibit positive alleviation effect as a dispersant for asphaltene aggregation, but the influence mechanism at the molecular level is still controversial. With the action of SWCNTs, the rate of asphaltene self-aggregation decreased, and the time to form asphaltene clusters came later. At the same time, the structure of asphaltene clusters became looser. Interestingly, when a small number of asphaltene molecules start to accumulate, the density of asphaltene molecules in the accumulation body is relatively low. In addition, the peak value of RDF between the SWCNTs and asphaltene is much higher than that between asphaltene molecules, which indicates that the interaction between SWCNTs and asphaltene molecules is stronger than that between asphaltene molecules, thus affecting the self-aggregation of asphaltene molecules. In addition to that, it is worth mentioning that in the vmd snapshot, we also observed that the aggregation mode of asphaltene would change to SWCNTs as the core. This work explains the decrease of asphaltene self-aggregation degree and speed with the addition of SWCNTs from the microscopic point of view, which is due to the strong interaction between SWCNTs and asphaltene molecules weakens the interaction between asphaltene molecules. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts on developing transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) drugs for pain management have been hampered by deleterious hypo- or hyperthermia caused by TRPV1 agonists/antagonists. Here, we compared the effects of four antagonists on TRPV1 polymodal gating and core body temperature (CBT) in Trpv1 +/+ , Trpv1 −/− , and Trpv1 T634A/T634A . Neither the effect on proton gating nor drug administration route, hair coverage, CBT rhythmic fluctuations, or inflammation had any influence on the differential actions of TRPV1 drugs on CBT. We identified the S4-S5 linker region exposed to the vanilloid pocket of TRPV1 to be critical for hyperthermia associated with certain TRPV1 antagonists. PSFL2874, a TRPV1 antagonist we discovered, is effective against inflammatory pain but devoid of binding to the S4-S5 linker and inducing CBT changes. These findings implicate that biased allosteric mechanisms exist for TRPV1 coupling to nociception and CBT regulation, opening avenues for the development of non-opioid analgesics without affecting CBT. [Display omitted] • TRPV1 analgesics' impact on proton gating does not contribute to CBT disturbance • Biased allosteric mechanisms of TRPV1 are coupled to nociception and CBT regulation • The S4-S5 linker's allostery is pivotal for hyperthermia in TRPV1 analgesics • Biased allosterism of TRPV1 facilitates the development of non-opioid analgesics Development of analgesics targeting TRPV1 receptors has been hampered by undesirable hypo- or hyperthermic effects induced by TRPV1 agonists/antagonists. Huang et al. suggest that biased allosteric mechanisms exist for TRPV1 coupling to nociception and CBT regulation, which may be selectively targeted for developing non-opioid analgesics without the confounding CBT alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sb 2 Se 3 is an emerging photovoltaic material. The non-radiative recombination loss at the surface and interface is one of the important reasons limiting the performance of Sb 2 Se 3 solar cells. In this paper, an ultra-thin layer of AlO x was used to physically and chemically passivate the ITO/Sb 2 Se 3 interface. The fixed negative charge in the AlO x layer created an electric field, which can block the diffusion of electrons from Sb 2 Se 3 to the ITO anode, and thus suppress the recombination near the anode. Moreover, the AlO x layer inhibited the chemical reaction between ITO and Sb 2 Se 3 , and thereby reduced the interfacial state. The open-circuit voltage (V oc) was improved from 0.32 V to 0.37 V and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) was enhanced from 3.37 % to 4.33 % by introducing an ultra-thin layer of AlO x. The AlO x layer was prepared by the thermal oxidation of aluminum film deposited by the vacuum evaporation. Sb 2 Se 3 solar cells were prepared by conventional vacuum evaporation. Our study provides a new method for interfacial passivation of Sb 2 Se 3 solar cells. [Display omitted] • An ultra-thin layer of AlO x was used to passivate the ITO/Sb 2 Se 3 interface in the Sb 2 Se 3 solar cell. • The AlOx layer was prepared by the thermal oxidation of aluminum film deposited by the vacuum evaporation. • The power conversion efficiency was enhanced from 3.37 % to 4.33 % by introducing an ultra-thin layer of AlOx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the foamed-concrete-backfilled-gas-pipeline project, the fluidity of foamed concrete has a great impact on the construction quality. This research studied the fluidity of foamed concrete through laboratory tests. By changing the water–cement ratio, admixtures, additives, foaming-agent content and other test parameters, foamed concrete with different fluidities was prepared, and the effects of the above parameters on the fluidity of foamed concrete were analyzed. At the same time, the construction equipment was improved in the three steps of transportation, production and pouring. The results show the factors affecting the fluidity of foamed concrete are, in order of importance, foaming-agent content > water–cement ratio > water-reducer content > admixture content. According to the orthogonal-test results, the control scheme meeting the fluidity requirements of the actual engineering project had gains as follows: the water–cement-ratio range from 0.5 to 0.6, the amount of admixture from 35% to 40%, the water-reducer content at 1% and the foaming-agent content from 3% to 3.5% so as to ensure the automatic leveling of foamed concrete under the best flow state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel plays an important role in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes, and a comprehensive understanding of TRPV1 gating will create opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Recent incredible advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have yielded high-resolution structures of all TRPV subtypes (TRPV1–6) and all of them share highly conserved six transmembrane (TM) domains (S1–S6). As revealed by the open structures of TRPV1 in the presence of a bound vanilloid agonist (capsaicin or resiniferatoxin), TM helices S1 to S4 form a bundle that remains quiescent during channel activation, highlighting differences in the gating mechanism of TRPV1 and voltage-gated ion channels. Here, however, we argue that the structural dynamics rather than quiescence of S1–S4 domains is necessary for capsaicin-mediated activation of TRPV1. Using fluorescent unnatural amino acid (flUAA) incorporation and voltage-clamp fluorometry (VCF) analysis, we directly observed allostery of the S1–S4 bundle upon capsaicin binding. Covalent occupation of VCF-identified sites, single-channel recording, cell apoptosis analysis, and exploration of the role of PSFL828, a novel non-vanilloid agonist we identified, have collectively confirmed the essential role of this coordinated S1–S4 motility in capsaicin-mediated activation of TRPV1. This study concludes that, in contrast to cryo-EM structural studies, vanilloid agonists are also required for S1–S4 movement during TRPV1 activation. Redefining the gating process of vanilloid agonists and the discovery of new non-vanilloid agonists will allow the evaluation of new strategies aimed at the development of TRPV1 modulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rheological properties of waxy crude oil are important for its economical and safe pipeline transportation. In actual pipeline transportation, waxy crude oil often exhibits nonlinear rheological characteristics, among which viscoelastic-thixotropic characteristics are the main ones, while there are currently few related studies. This article carried out a study of large amplitude oscillatory shearing (LAOS) for typical Daqing waxy crude oil, and conducted analysis of the nonlinear rheological characteristics of the low temperature waxy crude oil based on the periodic strain loading mode. Using the Fourier transform rheology, Lissajous curve, and stress decomposition method, the effects of strain amplitude and frequency on the nonlinear rheological characteristics under LAOS conditions are analyzed. Results show that when the Fourier transform method analyzes the non-linear rheological characteristics area, the relative intensities of frequency triple and frequency quintuple increase with the increase of strain amplitude and frequency, and it cannot accurately reflect the non-linear rheological properties of waxy crude oil under high-frequency conditions. The Lissajous curve method is more suitable for the study of the nonlinear rheological characteristics of waxy crude oil under low frequency conditions and establishing a prediction formula of dissipated energy density. In addition, the nonlinear viscoelastic parameters obtained by the stress decomposition method can accurately characterize the nonlinear viscoelasticity of waxy crude oil. This research deeply explores the nonlinear rheological properties of waxy crude oil, which can provide theoretical guidance for practice. • The nonlinear rheological characteristics are studied by LAOS experiment. • The influencing factors of nonlinear characteristics are analyzed by three methods. • The applicability of different analysis methods of LAOS is analyzed. • The prediction formula of dissipated energy density is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The spent SCR catalyst was successfully converted into valuable W- and V- containing Ti–Al alloy. • Optimal catalyst conditions for Al reduction were obtained (The reaction time was 60 min, the addition of Al was 45 wt% and the CaO / Al 2 O 3 was 2 / 3). • After directional crystallization, P, Fe, and Si impurities in the alloy are removed obviously, and S impurities are difficult to remove. • The total impurities content of the resulting W- and V- containing TiAl alloys were less than 1.85% by directional crystallization. • By using hydrogen (90 % Ar + 10 % H 2) to remove O from Ti–Al alloy during directional crystallization, and the O content was reduced from 1500 to 140 ppmw. The wide spread application of NH 3 -selective catalytic reduction (NH 3 -SCR) process has led to the accumulation of large amounts of spent SCR catalyst. In this study, Al reduction–electromagnetic directional crystallization was used to recycle Ti, W, and V from spent SCR catalyst to prepare W- and V- containing TiAl alloys. The effects of the slag composition, reaction time, and amount of reductant added on the recovery ratios were investigated. The maximum recovery ratios of 94.16 %, 81.85 %, and 98.14 % for Ti, W, and V, respectively, were achieved at a reaction time of 60 min, addition of 45 wt.% Al, and CaO / Al 2 O 3 ratio of 2 / 3. Furthermore, directional crystallization was performed on Ti–Al alloy under different atmospheres (99.99 % Ar or 90 % Ar + 10 % H 2 gas) to investigate their effects on deoxygenation. 90 % Ar + 10 % H 2 gas could effectively remove O from the Ti–Al alloys. Si and P impurities were enriched at the bottom of the alloy and Fe impurities at the top. The Ca and Mg impurities contents are approximately 50 and 10 ppmw, respectively, and S was removed difficultly. The total impurities content of the resulting W- and V- containing TiAl alloys were less than 1.85 %. The entire process is low-carbon and environmentally friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the high probability of recurrence or metastasis after thyroidectomy, it is meaningful to develop a rapid, sensitive and specific method for monitoring thyrophyma-related biomarkers. In this study, a homogeneous electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (HO-ECLIA) coupled with magnetic beads (MBs)-based enrichment tactic was established for the determination of thyrophyma-related thyroglobulin (Tg). Importantly, owing to the abundant surface groups and good biocompatibility of carbon quantum dots (CQDs), the incorporation of CQDs onto the Tg antigen surface was achieved, resulting in the formation of Tg-encapsulated CQDs (CQDs-Tg), which served not only as an ECL probe but as a biorecognition element. Under optimal experimental conditions, the proposed platform demonstrated a wide linear range from 0.01 to 100 ng·mL−1 with a detection limit of 6.9 pg·mL−1 (S/N = 3), and performed well in real serum sample analysis against interference. Collectively, the proposed platform exhibited the rapid response, satisfactory sensitivity and specificity toward Tg in complex serum milieu, and held a considerable potential for clinical prognosis monitoring of thyrophyma. [Display omitted] • A HO-ECLIA platform was constructed based on CQDs and SA-MBs for detection of Tg in serum. • The HO-ECLIA exhibits excellent sensitivity and selectivity for detection of Tg with a detection limit of 6.9 pg mL−1. • This HO-ECLIA platform is expected to provide a scientific basis for the clinical prognosis monitoring of DTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Carry out wax deposit dissolution experiments under different conditions. • Propose five stages of wax deposit dissolution process. • Construct an empirical relationship calculating wax deposit dissolution rate. During the sequential transportation of waxy crude oil and light oil, the previous formed wax deposits on the pipe wall will dissolve by light oil, which brings risks to the flow safety of the pipeline. This paper adopted a Couette wax deposit dissolution experimental device to systematically study the effects of dissolution duration, oil temperature, rotation speed and wax deposit properties on the dissolution characteristics of wax deposits. It is found that the dissolution of wax deposits is a process that starts quickly and then slows down. Moreover, the wax content of wax deposit also decreased during the dissolution process. The wax deposit dissolution process is mainly divided into five stages such as diffusion of wax molecules from wax deposit to the light oil and from bottom layer deposit to the wax deposit-oil interface, dissolution of wax crystal particles, weakening of wax deposit structural strength, and shear stripping of wax deposits. Finally, an empirical model of wax deposit dissolution was established and the undetermined parameters were fitted based on experimental data. The prediction results have good prediction accuracy with the experimental values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A complex mixed-wettability characterization method based on a complex pore structure is proposed. • Matrix numerical model for two-dimensional heterogeneous mixed-wettability rock is established. • After the phase transition of CO 2 , the wetting phase state changed from non-wetting to wetting. • Differences in the wetting phase of CO 2 and pore wall wettability led to different complex wettability behaviors. Complex pore structures and wettability affect CO 2 storage in underground reservoirs. Revealing the flow law of CO 2 in complex reservoirs is crucial for evaluating storage stability and security. Considering the complexity of the pore structure and wettability of rock, a complex mixed-wettability characterization method based on a complex pore structure is proposed. Matrix numerical models for two-dimensional heterogeneous complex mixed-wettability rock were developed to simulate CO 2 displacement in different phases. A comparative study found that, under single-phase wettability, the weaker the wettability, the better the effect of gaseous CO 2 displacement. Moreover, the stronger the wettability, the better the displacement effect of ScCO 2. The wetting phase of CO 2 was transformed from the non-wetting phase. At the late stage of gaseous CO 2 displacement, when the contact angles were 30° and 60°, the displaced water phase was absorbed back into the matrix owing to imbibition, resulting in the formation of a peak in the displacement efficiency curve. Compared to that at a contact angle of 60°, the displacement efficiency at a contact angle of 30° decreased more significantly after the peaks, while the suck-back phenomenon did not occur when the contact angle was 90°. Under mixed-wettability conditions, the flow law of CO 2 in different phases is directly affected by the contact angle of the pore walls. The displacement efficiencies of gaseous CO 2 and ScCO 2 increased by 9.58% and 17.96%, respectively, owing to the dual driving force caused by imbibition. The complexity of mixed-wettability is upgraded by providing pore walls with different proportions of contact angles (six types). The flow law of different phases of CO 2 showed that, the higher the proportion of walls with small contact angles (3:2:1), the worse the displacement effect of gaseous CO 2 and the better the displacement effect of ScCO 2. Compared with single-phase wettability and mixed-wettability, the displacement efficiency of gaseous CO 2 and ScCO 2 under complex mixed-wettability decreased by 4.26%, 1.00% and 20.41%, 3.37%, respectively. Therefore, ignoring complex mixed-wettability often leads to a higher displacement efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a scheme to investigate vector spatio-temporal soliton pairs via double Rydberg electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). We show that three dimensional (3D) vector monopole and vortex solitons, with ultralow generation power and ultraslow speed, have been found under three response regions. In particular, these spatio-temporal soliton pairs experience a significant Stern-Gerlach deflection when a gradient magnetic field is applied to the system. The results reported here are useful not only for extending the research realm of nonlinear magneto-optics but also for the application in the detection of microgradient magnetic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest East Asian medical systems. The present study adopted a systems biology-based approach to provide new insights relating to the active constituents and molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of dragon's blood (DB) tablets for the treatment of colitis. This study integrated chemical analysis, prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), and network pharmacology. Firstly, a rapid, reliable, and accurate ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method was employed to identify 48 components of DB tablets. In silico prediction of the passive absorption of these compounds, based on Caco-2 cell permeability, and their P450 metabolism enabled the identification of 22 potentially absorbed components and 8 metabolites. Finally, networks were constructed to analyze interactions between these DB components/metabolites absorbed and their putative targets, and between the putative DB targets and known therapeutic targets for colitis. This study provided a great opportunity to deepen the understanding of the complex pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effects of DB in colitis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to get a strong and sustained anti-tumour immune response induced by a tumour specific antigen have failed, but sipuleucel-T has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We noticed that exosomes secreted by tumour cells or immune cells may be crucially involved in the tumour immune response, whereas others have had inconsistent findings on exosome involvement. Based on immune network theory, we summarise research advances of exosomes and speculate that in the tumour immune response exosomes follow the immune response curve hypothesis. Exosomes activate simultabeously both immune activation and immune tolerance, but at different intensities. To obtain a desired anti-immune response, the initial point of immunity should be determined to achieve the strongest anti-tumour response, and repeated in vitro to extend and enhance this response. As a result, our hypothesis proposes that studies should now be directed at determining the exact time of exosome activity in maintaining a viable anti-tumour immune response in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Green and sustainable development: using vanillin as bio-based raw material. • Multifunction: easily reprocessing, ultrafast degradation rate, high recovery rate. • Safety: great flame retardancy with V0 rating in UL-94 test and LOI value of 29%. With the development of a circular economy and sustainable environment, efficient and sustainable recycling of useful chemicals from thermosets is of great significance. However, most commercial thermosetting materials are difficult to reprocess, degrade, and recycle due to their permanent cross-linked network, and the preparation process consumes much fossil energy and causes serious environmental pollution problems. Furthermore, the high flammability makes them unsafe during service life and limits their applications. Herein, we used renewable lignin derivative vanillin as bio-based materials to synthesize a trialdehyde monomer (TMP) with phosphorus element and developed the bio-based polyimine dynamic networks with excellent comprehensive properties including outstanding reprocess ability, degradation recyclability, and fire resistance performance based on polyetherimide and 4-aminophenyl disulfide. The prepared bio-based polyimine materials with the dual dynamic networks (BPDNs) exhibited outstanding mechanical property with tensile strength of 61.6 MPa, super-rapid degradation rate and high monomer recovery rates of 70.5 %. The prepared BPDNs samples showed great flame retardancy with V0 rating and V1 rating in UL-94 vertical burning test and high LOI value of 29 %. Moreover, BPDNs could be reprocessed within 10 min at elevated temperatures (150 °C). This work provides a very effective method to prepare bio-based advanced thermosetting materials with multiple functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a major risk factor for multiple chronic disorders in the elderly population, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Osteoporosis. AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss. In addition to dementia, several studies have shown that AD patients experience an increased rate of musculoskeletal co-morbidities, such as osteoporosis. Since tissue-specific macrophages contribute to both diseases, this study analyzed the microglia transcriptome of AD mice to determine a common gene signature involved in osteoclast biology. After comparing differentially regulated genes from GEO data sets (GSE93824 and GSE212277), there were 35 common upregulated genes and 89 common downregulated genes. Of these common genes, seven genes are known to play an important role in bone homeostasis. CSF1, SPP1, FAM20C, and Cst7 were upregulated and are associated with osteoclastogenesis and inflammation. Among the downregulated genes, LILRA6, MMP9, and COL18A1 are involved in bone formation and osteoclast regulation. We further validated some of these genes (CSF1, Cst7, and SPP1) in the cortex and the bone of AD mice models. The dysregulation of these microglial genes in AD might provide insights into the co-occurrence of AD and osteoporosis and offer potential therapeutic targets to combat disease progression. • GEO data set analysis showing alterations in AD microglia transcriptome • We identified 35 upregulated and 89 downregulated common genes in the two different AD microglia transcriptomes. • Of these common genes, seven genes (e.g., CSF1, SPP1) play an important role in bone homeostasis. • The bioinformatics analysis showed these genes are involved in the bone tissue remodeling. • Dysregulation of microglial genes in AD might provide insights into the co-occurrence of AD and osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an urgent issue, especially in treating infectious diseases. Nowadays, bacterial infections draw great attention to research and develop new antibacterial agents, while less attention was paid to trade the old for the new. Levofloxacin, as one of quinolones, has broad-spectrum and strong antibacterial effect. However, the clinical employment of levofloxacin is limited for drug resistance. Herein, levofloxacin-based carbon dots (LCDs) with enhanced antibacterial activities and low drug resistance were synthesized via a simple one-pot hydrothermal method. Results indicated that LCDs possessed effective antibacterial property by preserving the active groups of the levofloxacin. LCDs provided the dual-antibacterial mode to collapse bacteria based on the positive surface charge and the production of reactive oxygen species simultaneously. In addition, the in vitro and in vivo experiments suggested that the LCDs displayed excellent antibacterial activity and biocompatibility, as reflected by the improved curative effect in animal infected models and selectively eliminating bacteria over mammalian cells and tissues. Consequently, this work highlights the potential application of the above-mentioned LCDs with improved broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and resistance to drug resistance as an antibacterial nanomaterial on the field of antibacterial medicine. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GLO:F2H7/01nov21:ctm2586-fig-0001.jpg PHOTO (COLOR): 1 Pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing unit and characteristics of the participants, tested genes, drugs, diseases, and variants. Analytics of the clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics testing in 12 758 individuals Pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing is still not widely accepted in routine medical practice, with one of the major obstacles being the lack of evidence to support its clinical benefit.1,2 In the Chinese population, large-scale comprehensive analytics of clinical PGx testing are still lacking.3,4 Thus, we analysed clinical PGx testing for personalised drug treatment in 12,758 Chinese patients at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, which is one of the first institutions to conduct clinical PGx testing in China. All tested drugs and genes were sorted by the recommendation percentage, which was equal to that of the samples that received PGx recommendations (including risk warnings) divided by the total samples tested for each gene or drug. [Extracted from the article]

High waxy crude oil occupies an important proportion in oil resources, and its output is increasing year by year. At the temperature below the wax precipitation point, the wax in crude oil will precipitate and cross-link to form a spatial network structure, resulting in the gelation of crude oil. Once crude oil is gelled, it will exhibit viscoelastic-thixotropic characteristics, which will seriously affect the safety of crude oil pipeline transportation. In this paper, based on the principle of mechanical analogy, the elasticity, viscosity and structural strength of the gelled crude oil are characterized by springs, viscous pots, and structural parameters, respectively. On this basis, the viscoelastic-thixotropic model of waxy crude oil with 9 parameters is established. Meanwhile, the model applicability is verified by experimental data using two waxy crude oils under constant shear stress, shear stress step increase and shear stress hysteresis. Compared with the models in literatures, our model has clear physical meaning, relatively few parameters and high prediction accuracy. • Mechanical analogy is used to build a viscoelastic-thixotropic model of crude oil. • The model can describe the viscoelastic-thixotropic properties of waxy crude oil. • Genetic algorithm is used to obtain viscoelastic-thixotropic model parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the proof-of-principle of an amperometric method to monitor the progress of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in real-time. It is based on the finding that the intercalating redox probe Methylene Blue (MB) becomes less easily electrochemically detectable once intercalated into double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) compared to its free form. This was studied by cyclic voltammetry before and after addition of salmon sperm ds-DNA. Under optimized conditions, the products of the PCR of mitochondrial DNA fragments were quantitatively detected at different stages of amplification cycles. This strategy is potentially cheaper and easier to integrate into a hand-held miniaturized device than fluorescence-based real-time PCR. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To characterize the microRNAs that contribute to the development of brace root, Solexa high-throughput sequencing of three libraries derived from tissues of node (N), nodes with just-emerged brace roots (NR), and nodes with just-emerged brace roots after IAA treatment (NRI) was performed. Total 650,793, 957,303 and 1,082,948 genome-matched unique reads were obtained in N, NR and NRI libraries, respectively. Further analysis confirmed the authenticity of 137 known miRNAs and the discovery of 159 novel miRNAs in maize. 14 conserved and 16 novel miRNAs differentially expressed in brace root, as well as 15 target genes, were identified and validated by qRT-PCR during maize brace root development. Moreover, we identified 9 miRNA precursor-matched novel sRNAs that may form miRNA clusters, as well as 24nt siRNAs in the three libraries. In addition, we suggest that auxin represent a regulator in brace root development and can be regulated at the posttranscriptional level by miRNAs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To obtain the diagnostic accuracy of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in the preoperative assessment of cervical invasion in patients with endometrial cancer (EC). Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials were searched for relevant articles published from January 2000 to August 2020. Pooled estimation data were obtained by statistical analysis. In total, 24 articles were included. For assessing cervical invasion of EC, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) for T2WI were 0.70 (0.61–0.77), 0.92 (0.89–0.94), 8.7 (6.5–11.6), 0.33 (0.25–0.43), 26 (17–41), and 0.92 (0.89–0.94), respectively. For DCE-MRI, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC were 0.75 (0.60–0.85), 0.95 (0.89–0.98), 14.7 (6.6–32.9), 0.27 (0.16–0.44), 55 (18–165), and 0.92 (0.89–0.94), respectively; for T2WI combined with DCE-MRI, they were 0.58 (0.41–0.73), 0.98 (0.95–0.99), 28.1 (12.8–62.1), 0.43 (0.30–0.63), 65 (29–146), and 0.94 (0.91–0.96), respectively. DCE-MRI demonstrated higher diagnostic performance than T2WI in the prediction of cervical invasion in patients with EC. T2WI combined with DCE-MRI improved the pooled specificity, PLR, DOR, and AUC compared to T2WI alone or DCE-MRI alone. • T2WI and DCE demonstrated high specificity for detecting cervical invasion of EC. • DCE had higher diagnostic performance than T2 for detecting cervical invasion of EC. • T2 + DCE showed higher specificity than T2 or DCE for detecting cervical invasion of EC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to under the laboratory environment, the corrosion behavior of X80 pipeline steel in oilfield injection water in eastern China was studied by immersion test. Design/methodology/approach: First, the corrosion product film was immersed in oilfield injection water and the effect on the corrosion behavior and the corrosion reaction mechanism were constantly observed during this period. The effect was displayed by potentiodynamic polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectrums (EIS) measurements. Second, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to observe and test the corrosion product film immersed in the oilfield water for 30 days. Findings: The results indicate that the tendency of metal corrosion becomes weaker at an early stage, but strengthened later, which means the corrosion rate is accelerating. Besides, it is indicated by impedance spectroscopy that with the decreasing of the capacitance arc radius, the reaction resistance is reducing in this progress. Meanwhile, the character of Warburg impedance could be found in EIS, which means that the erosional components are more likely to penetrate the product film to reach the matrix. The corrosion product is mainly composed of the inner Fe3O4 layer and outer shell layer, which contains a large number of calcium carbonate granular deposits. It is this corrosion under fouling that produces severe localized corrosion, forming many etch pits on the metal substrate. Originality/value: The experiment chose the X80 steel, the highest-grade pipeline steel used in China, to conduct the static immersion test in the injection water coming from an oilfield in eastern China. Accordingly, the corrosion mechanism and the effect of corrosion product film on the corrosion of pipeline steel were analyzed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To determine the genetic cause of sex reversal in a Chinese family. Methods. Two sisters aged 21 and 20 years old were referred for primary amenorrhoea and poor secondary sexual development. They were subjected to clinical, endocrinologic and ultrasonographic investigation, and molecular analysis including cytogenetics, array CGH, SRY and SF-1 mutation screening. Results. A novel 15bp micro-duplication in the SF-1 gene in patients affected by 46,XY sex-reversal phenotype without dysgenesis. Conclusion. The novel 15bp duplication of SF-1 gene affecting 46,XY females with diverse phenotypic spectrum. This provides new information for genetic counselling of disorders of sex development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two enantiomeric Schiff base ligands R-/S-H2Lin situgenerated from the condensation of o-vanillin with R- or S-2-phenylglycinol were applied to assemble chiral multinuclear transition metal magnetic clusters for the first time. Four new enantiomerically pure chiral clusters, [NaMn4(μ3-O)(N3)1.75Br0.25(R-L)3(MeOH)2(H2O)2][NaMn4(μ3-O)(N3)2(R-L)3(MeOH)2(H2O)2]Br4(1R), [NaMn4(μ3-O)(N3)1.75Br0.25(S-L)3(MeOH)2(H2O)2][NaMn4(μ3-O)(N3)2(S-L)3(MeOH)2(H2O)2]Br4(1S), [Cu6(R-L)2(R-HL)2(N3)5(MeOH)]NO3·2MeOH·H2O (2R) and [Cu6(S-L)2(S-HL)2(N3)5(MeOH)]NO3·2MeOH·H2O (2S), have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography and CD spectroscopy. Three Mn(iii) in the MnIIMnIII3clusters of 1Rand 1Sare joined together through the μ3-O bridge to form an oxo-centered Mn3O unit. Three L2−link four manganese atoms viathe μ2-O,N,O-bridging manner into a MnIIMnIII3cluster in a distorted tetrahedral geometry. Enantiomeric 2Sand 2Rare hexanuclear copper(ii) clusters composed of a cubane-like Cu4L4part with a dinuclear Cu2(N3)2unit capped on one of the faces of the Cu4L4cubane viathe μ1,1-azide and phenolate bridges from the chiral ligands. Magnetic analysis reveals intracluster antiferromagnetic interaction between adjacent manganese ions in chiral oxo-centered MnIIMnIII3magnetic clusters for 1Rand 1S, and dominating antiferromagnetic over weak ferromagnetic interactions in Cu6clusters in 2Rand 2S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal reactions of 2,3,5-trimethylpyridine (2,3,5-tmpy) yielded two pyridinecarboxylates, 3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinecarboxylate (2-dmpya) and 3-methyl-2,5-pyridine dicarboxylate (2,5-mpyda) in the presence of copper nitrate. The in situgenerated pyridinecarboxylates were derived from copper-mediated stepwise oxidation of 2- or/and 5-methyl groups on the pyridine by nitrate in acidic aqueous solution. The selectivity might be due to the different electronic distribution resulting from the asymmetric substitution on the aromatic ring and steric hindrance between two neighboring methyl groups. When 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine (2,4,6-tmpy) was used in the reactions, the three evenly-distributed methyl groups were oxidized simultaneously to form 2,4,6-pyridine tricarboxylate (2,4,6-pyta). Interestingly in nearly neutral solution a new ligand 3-hydroxy-2,4,6-pyridine tricarboxylate (2,4,6-Opyta) was yielded and trapped in the compound [Cu4(2,4,6-Opyta)2(H2O)6]·2H2O (4). The in situcopper-mediated oxidation of 2,4,6-tmpy to 2,4,6-Opyta4−via2,4,6-pyta3−can be further supported by the formation of 4from a hydrothermal reaction of 2,4,6-pyridine tricarboxylic acid with copper nitrate at 185 °C for 4 days. The new Opyta ligand was isolated as an ammonium (NH4)(2,4,6-OpytaH3)·H2O and characterized by NMR, MS and X-ray crystallography. The magnetic property of 4was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Optimisation of the performance of fuels has focused attention on the use of oxygen containing additives to improve octane or cetane numbers. A systematic study of the synthesis of one such additive (1,1-dimethoxyethane) from the catalysed reaction between acetylene and methanol has been carried out. An amorphous catalyst prepared from zinc oxide on silica has been found to be an efficient catalyst with excellent catalytic life. Methyl vinyl ether is the primary product, reacting further via an equilibrium reaction to form dimethoxyethane. The reaction kinetics of the first reaction has been measured at various temperatures as a basis for process optimisation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sepsis is a life-threatening multi-organ failure syndrome, with bacterial infections being the most common cause. Rapid Gram-typing is imperative to assist in antibiotic intervention. C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are effective biomarkers for discerning the Gram type of bacteria but differ by several orders of magnitude in clinical detection, thereby impeding their simultaneous detection. And two independent methods are time-consuming and laborious. In this study, a dual-channel electrochemical biosensor was developed for simultaneous detection of LPS and CRP. Under optimal conditions, linear ranges of LPS (0.5–1000 pg/mL) and CRP (0.1–20 μg/mL) were obtained in line with the clinical evaluation scopes. In simulated sample tests, Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and healthy plasma samples were clearly distinguished by the developed biosensors, and these results were consistent with that of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, the results of the plasma samples tested by the electrochemical biosensor matched those derived from blood cultures in the laboratory. Collectively, the electrochemical biosensor was expected to provide the scientific basis for the rapid Gram-typing and point-of-care detection of bacterial sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the behavior of asphaltene molecules and their aggregation processes is essential to optimize the performance of crude oil transport pipelines. However, the effect of cooling rate on asphaltene aggregation behavior has rarely been studied. To this end, this study conducted an investigation using molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the influence of cooling rates on the aggregation degree, microscopic behavior, and underlying mechanisms of C5Pe asphaltene molecules from the configuration evolution, gyration radius, radial distribution function (RDF), cluster size distribution, number of clusters, and diffusion coefficients. Results show that asphaltene molecules exhibit two primary aggregation modes: nucleation aggregation and coalescence aggregation. Under slower cooling rates, asphaltene molecules exhibit nucleation aggregation behavior, where certain molecules aggregate into compact nuclei, followed by the accumulation of additional asphaltene molecules around these nuclei. In contrast, faster cooling rates induce coalescence aggregation, whereby asphaltene molecules initially form multiple small aggregates that subsequently merge into larger structures as the temperature decreases. These findings contribute to understand the kinetic characteristics of asphaltene aggregation and the complexity of aggregation mechanism, and provide theoretical support for the flow assurance of pipeline transportation of crude oil. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]