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Abstract MnO 2 nanosheets and microflowers are prepared by a facile one-step hydrothermal method with a KMnO 4 -Na 2 SO 4 aqueous solution system in this paper. Photocatalytic properties of the as-prepared products for different organic dyes are investigated under ultraviolet light and visible light irradiation at room temperature. The MnO 2 nanostructures with mesoporous structures exhibit enhanced photocatalytic performance under UV light, the degradation efficiency up to 91.1% within 30 min for methylene blue and 89.8% for methyl orange within 120 min. Moreover, the possible mechanism of photocatalytic degradation for MB was proposed. MnO(OH) existing in the product provides more ˙OH during the degradation process, as well as influences the band gap of the product, which enhanced the separation of the photo-induced electron-hole pairs, thereby improved photocatalytic activity of MnO 2 nanostructure. The results reveal that the as-prepared MnO 2 nanostructures might have a potential application for organic contaminants degradation in water purification field. Highlights • MnO 2 nanostructures were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process. • Such MnO 2 nanostructures with mesoporous structure exhibit enhanced photocatalytic performance. • A possible mechanism of enhanced photocatalytic activity of MnO 2 nanostructures was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, to elucidate the synergistic extraction mechanism of cobalt(II) with dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acid (HDNNS) and 2-ethylhexyl 4-pyridinecarboxylate ester (L), hexaaquacobalt(II) naphthalene-2-sulfonate (compound 1) was prepared using naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid (HNS, the short chain analog of HDNNS) and di-methyl isonicotinate tetraaquacobalt(II) naphthalene-2-sulfonate (compound 2) was prepared using methyl isonicotinate (LI, a short chain analog of 2-ethylhexyl 4-pyridinecarboxylate ester) and HNS; the compounds were studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Moreover, 2 and the actual extracted cobalt(II) complex were further investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The results indicated that the actual extracted cobalt(II) complex possesses a similar coordination structure as 2. Combined with the results obtained by single crystal X-ray diffraction of 1 and 2, FT-IR and ESI-MS of 2 and the actual extracted cobalt(II) complex, it is reasonable to conclude that the extracted cobalt(II) complex with the actual synergistic mixture is much more stable than the cobalt(II) complex with HDNNS alone. Therefore, the extraction selectivity cobalt(II) is effectively enhanced with the addition of 2-ethylhexyl 4-pyridinecarboxylate ester to HDNNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granitoids, as a major component of the Earth's crust, have large K isotopic variations (δ41K = −1.0‰ to 0.4‰), but K isotope fractionation during granite differentiation is poorly constrained. Here, we examined K isotopic compositions of a suite of well-characterized crustal igneous rocks (quartz diorite, granodiorite and monzogranite) from the Tagong pluton, northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The rocks display increasing δ41K in the following order: quartz diorite (δ41K = −0.798‰ to −0.538‰) < granodiorite (δ41K = −0.520‰ to −0.378‰) < monzonite granite (δ41K = −0.439‰ and − 0.436‰). The δ41K values are positively correlated with SiO 2 and K 2 O contents and negatively with MgO and Al 2 O 3 contents, indicating up to ∼0.42‰ fractionation during magmatic differentiation. Taking into account mineral assemblage, fractional crystallization of K-rich phases (mica and K-feldspar) likely plays a dominant role in K isotopic variation. In addition, mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) commonly occurring in granitoid rocks show comparable δ41K values (−0.489‰ to −0.416‰) to their corresponding host rocks, implying their schlieren origin. These features demonstrate that K isotope heterogeneity of the crust could have been induced by magma differentiation in addition to source control. • K isotope fractionation during granite differentiation. • Fractional crystallization probably controlled fractionation of K isotopes. • Schlieren origin of mafic microgranular enclaves from perspective of K isotopes. • Contribution of magma differentiation to K isotopic heterogeneity of the crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NH 4 V 4 O 10 nanobelts were prepared by the hydrothermal method. As a cathode material for aqueous nickel ion batteries, NH 4 V 4 O 10 provides a high capacity of 144 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 and the capacity retention of 66 % after 200 cycles at 200 mA g−1. [Display omitted] • The NH 4 V 4 O 10 nanobelts were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. • The NH 4 V 4 O 10 cathode was first used as a cathode for nickel ion batteries. • The excellent structure stability of the NH 4 V 4 O 10 improved the cycle performance. • The co-intercalation/extraction of Ni2+ and H 2 O process was first observed. Rechargeable aqueous nickel-ion batteries have been developed due to the high volumetric capacity, smaller ionic radius and high safety. However, it is limited by the cathode materials, which require a stable host structure due to the strong electrostatic interaction with Ni2+. Herein, a novel ammonium vanadate NH 4 V 4 O 10 as a cathode for aqueous nickel-ion batteries is reported. A high specific discharge capacity of 144 mAh g−1 can be obtained at a current density of 50 mA g−1, and a good capacity retention of about 66 % is achieved after 200 cycles at 200 mA g−1. The NH 4 + in the host structure is irreversibly displaced by Ni2+, which is profit to improve the capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Printable silica aerogel ink configuration. • Gain silica aerogels with complex shapes by DIW. • Study the thermal insulation performance of silica aerogels with different types and contents of opacifiers at medium-high temperatures. Due to aerogel's network structure, specific surface area, and high porosity, SiO 2 aerogel has excellent thermal insulation and inferior mechanical properties. It is challenging to produce micro-objects and complex-shaped objects accurately by traditional manufacturing method because of the fragile mechanical properties. Here, we use 3D printing to fabricate SiO 2 aerogels. At the same time, we add opacifiers to reduce the aerogel's medium-high temperature thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of the SiO 2 aerogel printed in the experiment is as low as 0.028 W/(m·K) at room temperature. The aerogel doped with 10 wt% SiC has the best thermal insulation at medium-high temperatures. And the 3D printed aerogel doped with 10 wt% SiC has a compression performance of 1.19 MPa, which is more than 10 times better than the usual aerogel. This paper provides a method for creating micro-objects and complex-shaped objects with excellent medium-high temperature thermal insulation using Direct Ink Writing (DIW). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of Neisseria meningitidis has become less time- and resource-intensive with a monoplex direct real-time PCR (drt-PCR) to amplify genes from clinical specimens without DNA extraction. To further improve efficiency, we evaluated two triplex drt-PCR assays for the detection of meningococcal serogroups AWX and BCY. The sensitivity and specificity of the triplex assays were assessed using 228 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from meningitis patients and compared to the monoplex for six serogroups. The lower limit of detection range for six serogroup-specific drt-PCR assays was 178–5264 CFU/mL by monoplex and 68–2221 CFU/mL by triplex. The triplex and monoplex showed 100% agreement for six serogroups and the triplex assays achieved similar sensitivity and specificity estimates as the monoplex drt-PCR assays. Our triplex method reduces the time and cost of processing CSF specimens by characterizing six serogroups with only two assays, which is particularly important for testing large numbers of specimens for N. meningitidis surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The I Sonchus i genus in the family Compositae comprises 50 species, spread over Europe, Africa, and Asia [[1]]. As one part of our work on bioactive metabolites from the plant kingdom [[9]], the chemical constituents of I S. brachyotus i were studied and 17 compounds were isolated and characterized. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, including SP 1 sp H and SP 13 sp C NMR spectroscopy. Compounds B 2 b , B 4 b - B 10 b , and B 12 b - B 16 b were first separated from I Sonchus i genus, and all of the compounds were isolated from I S. brachyotus i for the first time. [Extracted from the article]

Calcium intercalation underneath epitaxial graphene on 6H-SiC(0001) were investigated by scanning tunneling microcopy (STM) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. After the preparation of calcium-adsorbed graphene on 6H-SiC(0001), annealing the sample to 900 °C activated the intercalation of the adsorbed calcium into buffer layer (BL), monolayer (1L) and bilayer epitaxial (2L) graphene. Subsequent DFT modeling show the dependence of the most stable intercalation sites for calcium underneath BL, 1L and 2L graphene on the intercalation density. Further DFT calculations indicate charge transfer from the intercalant into graphene layers, leading to the n-type doping of the calcium-intercalated BL, 1L and 2L graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorite of various occurrences could portray the hydrothermal metasomatism occurred in the giant Bayan Obo REE-Nb-Fe ore deposit. Two Mesoproterozoic and Paleozoic hydrothermal events with distinguished fluid origin and geochemical properties have been studied. In Mesoproterozoic, discrete fluorite from the dolomite-dominating REE-Nb ores and banded fluorite aggregates from the banded REE-Nb-Fe ores are extremely enriched in LREE and depleted in HFSE compared with the primitive mantle. In Paleozoic, fluorite from veined-breccia REE-Nb ores varies significantly in trace element components, ranging from LREE-enriched HFSE-depleted fluorite to fluorite with “flat” REE pattern and extremely depletion of Zr. The veined fluorites have variable and higher radiogenic Sr isotopic components (initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios: 0.703464–0.708208) than the discrete and banded fluorite (0.703183–0.705047), indicating crustal contamination in the Paleozoic hydrothermal fluids from Precambrian basement rocks and Bayan Obo Group. Fluorites of different occurrences and associated bastnäsite and monazite have similar Nd isotopic components and Nd evolution history, which is mostly consistent with whole rock of the ore-hosting dolomite. The Sm-Nd system of some fluorite and bastnäsite were reset during the Paleozoic alteration triggered by the closure of Paleo-Asian Ocean. In such geological setting, according to the δ 34 S of the dominating sulfur-bearing mineral, Paleozoic veined sulfides (∼0 ± 3‰), the prime sulfur source was oceanic crust/MORB. Relatively high δ 34 S of barite (∼13–14‰) was caused by fractionation of sulfur isotopes at an equilibrium temperature of 400–430 °C, rather than contribution from ancient seawater. The trace element, Sr-Nd isotope of fluorite and sulfur isotope characters of sulfides indicate carbonatitic origin of the Mesoproterozoic hydrothermal fluids, while the Paleozoic fluids, derived from subducted Paleo-Asian oceanic crust, carried sulfur components from MORB, scavenged high radiogenic Sr components from Precambrian basement rocks or Bayan Obo group, may leached a deep-seated carbonatite stock and finally altered the Mesoproterozoic mineralized ore-hosting dolomite. Both the Mesoproterozoic and Paleozoic hydrothermal fluids had initial temperature of ∼400–500 °C, and gangue minerals (fluorite, sulfide and sulfate) precipitated at the temperature of ∼320–440 °C. Preliminary thermodynamic calculations of the REE-F-C-Ca system constrained that the pressure of both fluids would not exceed 2 kbar. The drop of temperature and increase of pH are two critical factors to REE mineralization. Paragenesis of Fe-bearing minerals indicates an increase of fO 2 in the Mesoproterozoic hydrothermal fluids and a drop of fS 2 in the Paleozoic fluids in the Fe-O-S system. Furthermore, in the Ca-F-C-O system, the Mesoproterozoic hydrothermal fluids evolved with increasing aCa 2+ and decreasing aF − , while the Paleozoic fluids present characteristic of mixing origin again with significantly variable aCa 2+ and aF − . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mesozoic (∼120 Ma) Heilan’gou gold deposit, located in the Jiaodong gold province, eastern margin of the North China Craton (NCC), consists of several ultra-high grade (up to 600 g/t) auriferous quartz veins in the early Cretaceous Guojialing granodioritic pluton. Ore-related pyrite crystals from this deposit show complex textures. In this study, EMP, Nano-SIMS trace element mapping and in-situ sulfur isotope analyses were conducted to characterize the textural and compositional features. Two types of pyrite were identified. Type I crystals (Py-I), hosted in gold-quartz-pyrite veins, are generally homogeneous in chemical composition. They contain low concentrations of As (<0.2 wt.%) and Au (<0.06 wt.%), and have δ 34 S values ranging from 6.6‰ to 7.9‰. Minor amounts of visible gold grains were observed in fractures of Py-I. Type II pyrite crystals (Py-II), hosted in gold-polymetallic sulfide veins, are commonly composed of an As-poor core (Py-IIa) and an As-rich rim (Py-IIb), with clear boundaries between the two domains. Py-IIb grains normally show oscillatory or patchy zonings of arsenic, and are spatially associated with visible gold and As-Te-Ag-Cu-Pb mineral inclusions. The Py-IIa shows geochemical signatures similar to Py-I, whereas, Py-IIb contains relatively high concentrations of As (0.4–2.5 wt.%, 1.47 wt.% on average) and Au (0.1 wt.% on average), and elevated δ 34 S values (8.1–8.8‰). Based on the distinctive textural and compositional signatures between Py-IIa and Py-IIb, it is proposed that anomalously As-Au-rich fluids were injected into hydrothermal systems during the late ore-forming stage, which may have intensively interacted with certain sedimentary rocks. The involvement of these fluids, firstly documented in this study, can largely explain the occurrence of native gold ore shoots at Heilan’gou. In addition, the intimate association between As and Au highlights the important roles of As in enrichment of Au in the Jiaodong gold district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Guojialing and Aishan plutons in the northern Jiaobei Terrane represent the magmatic products of the lithospheric thinning of the North China Craton in the Early Cretaceous. The exhumation history of the terrane in response to the thinning process and its effect on the formation and preservation of coeval gold deposits remain poorly constrained. Granodiorites from the Guojialing pluton and monzogranites from the Aishan pluton contain zircon grains with U-Pb ages of ca. 130 Ma and ca. 116 Ma, respectively. Using the Al-in-hornblende barometry, the Guojialing and Aishan plutons had crystallization pressures of 3.2–5.4 kbar (∼12 km) and 1.5–2.6 kbar (∼5 km), respectively. Using the hornblende-plagioclase thermometry, the Guojialing and Aishan plutons had crystallization temperatures of 628–697 °C and 702–745 °C, respectively. Fluid inclusion microthermometric data show that auriferous quartz veins in the Daliuhang deposit formed at temperatures between 243 and 322 °C at a depth of 7–11 km which was similar to the emplacement depth of the Aishan pluton. These thermobarometric and geochronological data reveal ∼7 km uplift between 130 Ma and 116 Ma, but negligible exhumation for the gold deposits after its formation until 116 Ma. Combining previous results, we envisage that the exhumation magnitude of the Guojialing intrusions were nearly the same in the wide area with slight differences between the core and margin of a single pluton. Numerous gold deposits in the Jiaobei Terrane formed during or after the late stage of rapid exhumation of granitoids, and were uplifted with similar depths to the Aishan pluton since ca. 116 Ma. The rapid exhumation of the Guojialing pluton was with the regional extension, and might be genetically associated with the intensive delamination of destabilized lithospheric root and dense residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jintingling gold deposit, located in the Jiaodong peninsula, north China, contains vein-, dissemination- and stockwork-style ores hosted in the Jurassic Linglong granitic pluton. Hydrothermal activities in this deposit are divided into seven stages, including pre-ore massive K-feldspar alteration, specularite-quartz vein (V1), milky quartz ± sulfide vein (V2), quartz-pyrite vein (V3), massive quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration and gold mineralization, quartz-polymetallic sulfide vein (V4), and quartz-calcite vein (V5). Rhenium-Osmium dating was conducted on molybdenite from V2, yielding an isochron age of 123.3 ± 3.6 Ma. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating yielded 121.5 ± 1.5 Ma (1σ, MSWD = 0.010) for a pre-ore diorite porphyrite dyke and 117.6 ± 1.2 Ma (1σ, MSWD = 0.018) for a post-ore diorite porphyry dyke, respectively. Thus, gold mineralization occurred at 122–118 Ma. Four types of fluid inclusions were identified in quartz veins, including CO 2 -H 2 O ± CH 4 inclusions (type I), pure CO 2 inclusions (type II), mineral-bearing inclusions (type III) and aqueous inclusions (type IV). Fluid inclusion studies demonstrate that the primary ore-forming fluids contain CO 2 -rich vapor (357–420 °C, 7.2–11.3 wt% NaCl equivalent) and critical fluids (368–400 °C). The two phases were likely formed by immiscibility of magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. Later on, the fluids evolved to a H 2 O-CO 2 -NaCl ± CH 4 system which had temperatures of 300–364 °C and salinities of 2.0–9.7 wt% NaCl equivalent. The H 2 O-CO 2 -NaCl ± CH 4 fluid system may experience phase separation, forming coexisted CO 2 -H 2 O ± CH 4 inclusions (homogenized to vapor or liquid at temperature of 265–309 °C and 265–287 °C, salinities of 3.1–7.1 wt% and 4.3–7.1 wt% NaCl equivalent, respectively) and aqueous inclusions (homogenized to liquid at temperature of 255–294 °C and 3.7–7.6 wt% NaCl equivalent). Along with further evolution, the fluids shifted to a H 2 O-NaCl system, with temperatures of 163–258 °C and salinities of 0.5–9.0 wt% NaCl equivalent. Pyrite from the Jintingling deposit has δ 34 S values (5.5‰–6.1‰) similar to those of pyrite from other gold deposits in the Jiaodong district, indicating that they were related to the same hydrothermal ore-forming system. The δ 13 CPDB values of calcite (−4.5‰ to −5.4‰) in V5 are generally located in the range of magmatic-derived carbon. Fluids of V2, V3, V4 have δD from −64.4‰ to −87.1‰, and δ 18 O from 8.4‰ to 0.2‰, located in the compositional fields between magmatic water and meteoric water. Collectively, microthermonetric results and isotopic data indicate that the primary ore-forming fluids were most probably magmatic in origin, with incorporation of meteoric water in the later ore-forming stage. Precipitation of gold was triggered by cooling of fluids, fluid immiscibility and decrease of sulfur in the fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a specially designed universal molecular beacon (U-MB), combined with individual pertinence primer sets were developed to quantify the diverse microRNAs (miRNAs) with high sensitivity and specificity. The loop region of the designed U-MB was elaborately screened by our homebuilt software, with maximal similarity less than 70% to the human genome and human transcriptome, ensuring the high specificity in the human sample detection. The primer set, screened by homebuilt software, can double enhance the specificity of the developed approaches. The high sensitivity of the developed approaches were demonstrated on the in vitro detection of miR-21 and miR-155, with detection limit of 5.56 × 10 −16  M and 6.23 × 10 −16  M for miR-21 and miR-155, respectively. In particular, the high specificity of the developed approaches was prominently exhibited by discriminating single base differences in miRNA sequences. Finally, the developed miR-21 approach and miR-155 approach were successfully performed on the clinical tissue and serum specimens. Results indicated that miR-21 and miR-155 were significantly elevated in cancer tissue and serum specimens than that of normal samples, implying the developed approaches are sensitive and specific in miRNA detection and the detection set can be universally used in any miRNA investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dinorhynchus dybowskyi (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Asopinae) is used as a biological control agent against various insect pests for its predatory. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the species was sequenced using the next-generation sequencing technology. The results showed that the mitogenome is 15,952 bp long, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and a control region. Furthermore, the gene order and orientation of this mitogenome are identical to those of most heteropterans. There are 21 intergenic spacers (of length 1-28 bp) and 13 overlapping regions (of length 1-23 bp) throughout the genome. The control region is 1,291 bp long. The start codon of the PCGs is ATN, except cox1 (TTG), and stop codon is TAA, except nad1 (TAG). The 22 tRNAs exhibit a typical cloverleaf secondary structure, except trnS1, which lacks a dihydrouridine (DHU) arm and trnV, where the DHU arm forms a simple loop. The analyses based on nucleotide sequences of the 13 PCGs by Bayesian Inference and maximum likelihood methods. The results support the monophyly of five superfamilies Aradoidea, Pentatomoidea, Pyrrhocoroidea, Lygaeoidea, and Coreoidea. Within Pentatomoidea, the relationship observed is as follows: (Plataspidae + Urostylididae) + (Pentatomidae + (Acanthosomatidae + (Cydnidae + (Scutelleridae + (Dinidoridae + Tessaratomidae))))), and D. dybowskyi was placed in Pentatomidae and close to Eurydema gebleri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenitization, a unique type of alkali metasomatism related to carbonatite or alkaline igneous rocks, is widely distributed around the Mesoproterozoic carbonatite dykes in the Bayan Obo giant REE-Nb-Fe deposit. Meanwhile, represented by alkali silicates (sodic amphibole or aegirine) enriched REE-(Fe) ores, there is extensive alkali alteration in ores at Bayan Obo, whose similarity to fenitization has been proposed. Fenitization associated with carbonatite is an appropriate indicator of REE mineralizing process. Alkali silicates (sodic amphibole, aegirine and phlogopite) from the East and Main open pits, and fenite around the Wu dyke at Bayan Obo were collected for EMPA and laser ablation ICPMS analyses. Aegirine and phlogopite from the open pits and fenite around the Wu dyke contain similar major components. Sodic amphiboles from those two localities contain comparable trace element composition but with different Cao, MgO and F contents. Alkali silicates from fenites around the Wu dyke show systematic enrichment of Zr, Hf and Ti over alkali silicates from the open pits. Considering different wallrocks and other factors influencing the composition, combined with previous results of geochronology, mineralogy and fluid inclusion, the alkali alteration in the open pits is essentially fenitization in ore-hosting dolomite. A two-stage fenitization process is supported by the zonal texture of sodic amphiboles from Wu carbonatite dyke. The early stage fenitization was Mg, Na, K, F rich and Fe, La, Ce depleted, distributed in alkali silicates from the banded REE-Fe ores and in the core of sodic amphiboles from the Wu dyke. The late stage was Fe, LREE rich and Mg, Na, K, F depleted, distributed in the massive REE-(Fe) ores and the rim of sodic amphiboles from the Wu dyke. The initial alkali fluids derived from carbonatite commonly exhibits LREE-rich patterns. Therefore, the LREE-depletion and low La/Nd ratio of the early stage silicates indicates intense LREE-bearing mineral precipitation and the REE mineralization gradually weakened in the late stage when alkali fluids kept the initial REE patterns unchanged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Highly sensitive and selective detection against specific target gases, especially at low-ppb (part per billion) level, remain a great number of challenges in gas sensor applications. In this paper, we first present an ordered mesoporous NiFe 2 O 4 for highly sensitive and selective detection against low-ppb toluene. A series of mesoporous NiFe 2 O 4 materials were synthesized by templating from mesoporous silica KIT-6 and its framework thickness was reduced from 8.5 to 5 nm by varying the pore size of KIT-6 from 9.4 to 5.6 nm, accompanied with the increase of the specific surface area from 134 to 216 m2 g−1. The ordered mesoporous NiFe 2 O 4 with both ultrathin framework of 5 nm and large specific surface area of up to 216 m2 g−1 exhibits a highest response (R gas / R air − 1 = 77.3) toward 1,000 ppb toluene at 230 °C and is nearly 7.3 and 76.7 times higher than those for the NiFe 2 O 4 replica with thick framework and its bulk counterpart respectively, which also possesses a quite low limit of detection (<2 ppb), and good selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, one group of universal primer set frame, composed by one reverse transcription (RT) primer frame and a pair of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) primer frames, was elaborately screened and designed by homebuilt software for sensitive and specific quantification of diverse miRNAs. The universal primer set frame can be applied for multiplex miRNAs detection by simply changing the RT-X part of RT primer frame and RP-Y part of qRT-PCR reverse primer frame based on target sequence. The maximum similarity of RT-Y, RT-Z and qRT-PCR forward primer to the human genome and human transcriptome is less than 76%, ensuring the high specificity in human sample detection. The high sensitivity and broad dynamic linear range of the developed approaches by using designed primer set frame were demonstrated on the in vitro detection of miR-21 and miR-155, with dynamic range of 10 fM to 10 nM and detection limit of 3.74 × 10 −15 M and 5.81 × 10 −15 M for miR-21 and miR-155, respectively. In particular, the developed assays also have high sequence specificity which could clearly discriminate a single base difference in miRNA sequence. The contents of miR-21 and miR-155 in tissue and serum samples have been successfully detected using the developed assays. Results indicated that miR-21 and miR-155 were elevated in cancer tissue and serum specimens than that of normal samples, implying the developed assays hold a great promise for further application in biomedical research and early clinical diagnosis. More importantly, the primer set frame can be universally used in any miRNA investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to analyze the micro mechanisms underlying the wear of macroscale tools during diamond machining of SiCp/Al6063 composites and to develop the mechanism-based diamond wear model in relation to the dominant wear behaviors. During drilling, high volume fraction SiCp/Al6063 composites containing Cu, the dominant wear mechanisms of diamond tool involve thermodynamically activated physicochemical wear due to diamond-graphite transformation catalyzed by Cu in air atmosphere and mechanically driven abrasive wear due to high-frequency scrape of hard SiC reinforcement on tool surface. An analytical diamond wear model, coupling Usui abrasive wear model and Arrhenius extended graphitization wear model was proposed and implemented through a user-defined subroutine for tool wear estimates. Tool wear estimate in diamond drilling of SiCp/Al6063 composites was achieved by incorporating the combined abrasive-chemical tool wear subroutine into the coupled thermomechanical FE model of 3D drilling. The developed drilling FE model for reproducing diamond tool wear was validated for feasibility and reliability by comparing numerically simulated tool wear morphology and experimentally observed results after drilling a hole using brazed polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond coated tools. A fairly good agreement of experimental and simulated results in cutting forces, chip and tool wear morphologies demonstrates that the developed 3D drilling FE model, combined with a subroutine for diamond tool wear estimate can provide a more accurate analysis not only in cutting forces and chip shape but also in tool wear behavior during drilling SiCp/Al6063 composites. Once validated and calibrated, the developed diamond tool wear model in conjunction with other machining FE models can be easily extended to the investigation of tool wear evolution with various diamond tool geometries and other machining processes in cutting different workpiece materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An organometallic compound of ferrocene is first investigated as a promising anode for lithium-ion batteries. The electrochemical properties of ferrocene are conducted by galvanostatic charge and discharge. The ferrocene anode exhibits a high reversible capacity and great cycling stability, as well as superior rate capability. The electrochemical reaction of ferrocene is semi-reversible and some metallic Fe remains in the electrode even after delithiation. The metallic Fe formed in electrode and the stable solid electrolyte interphase should be responsible for its excellent electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is one of the most important members in the Rhamnaceae family. The whole genome sequence and more than 30,000 proteins of Chinese jujube have been obtained in 2014. Mitogenactivated protein kinase cascades are universal signal transduction modules in plants, which is rapidly activated under various biotic and abiotic stresses. To date, there has been no comprehensive analysis of the MAPK and MAPKK gene family in Chinese jujube at the whole genome level. Results: By performing a series of bioinformatics analysis, ten MAPK and five MAPKK genes were identified from the genome database of Chinese jujube, and then compared with the homologous genes from Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic analysis showed that ZjMAPKs was classified into four known groups, including A, B, C and D. ZjMAPKs contains five members of the TEY phosphorylation site and five members with the TDY motif. The ZjMAPKK family was subsequently divided into three groups, A, B and D. The gene structure, conserved motifs, functional annotation and chromosome distribution of ZjMAPKs and ZjMAPKKs were also predicted. ZjMAPKs and ZjMAPKKs were distributed on nine pseudochromosomes of Chinese jujube. Subsequently, expression analysis of ZjMAPK and ZjMAPKK genes using reverse transcription PCR and quantitative real-time PCR was carried out. The majority of ZjMAPK and ZjMAPKK genes were expressed in all tested organs/tissues with considerable differences in transcript levels indicating that they might be constitutively expressed. Moreover, ZjMKK5 was specific expressed in early development stage of jujube flower bud, indicating it plays some roles in reproductive organs development. The transcript expression of most ZjMAPK and ZjMAPKK genes was down-regulated in response to plant growth regulators, darkness treatment and phytoplasma infection. Conclusions: We identified ten ZjMAPK and five ZjMAPKK genes from the genome database of Chinese jujube, the research results shown that ZjMPKs and ZjMKKs have the different expression patterns, indicating that they might play different roles in response to various treatments. The results provide valuable information for the further elucidation of physiological functions and biological roles of jujube MAPKs and MAPKKs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a nickel(II) synergist complex with methyl isonicotinate (BI, a short chain analog of n-hexyl 3-pyridinecarboxylate ester) and naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid (HNS, a short chain analog of dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acid) was synthesized and studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The nickel(II) complex crystallizes in the monoclinic P21/ n space group with the composition [Ni(H2O)4(BI)2](NS)2·2H2O. The Ni(II) ions of these crystallographically independent molecules lie on an inversion center, forming a trans-form distorted octahedral coordination structure. The nickel(II) ions can coordinate with four water molecules and two BI ligands, resulting in a mono-metallic structure [Ni(H2O)4(BI)2]2+. There is no direct interaction between nickel(II) and sulfonic oxygen atoms of the sulfonate anions, but hydrogen bonds form between sulfonic oxygen atoms and water molecules in the synergist complex. In order to further elucidate the solution structure of the nickel(II) complexes with the actual synergistic mixture containing n-hexyl 3-pyridinecarboxylate ester and dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acid in the nonpolar organic phase, the nickel(II) complexes were studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The results indicated that the extracted nickel(II) complexes in the nonpolar solvent have a similar coordination structure as that of the crystalline nickel(II) synergist complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, community detection is a hot topic. This paper, based on the self-organizing map (SOM) algorithm, introduced the idea of self-adaptation (SA) that the number of communities can be identified automatically, a novel algorithm SA-SOM of detecting communities in complex networks is proposed. Several representative real-world networks and a set of computer-generated networks by LFR-benchmark are utilized to verify the accuracy and the efficiency of this algorithm. The experimental findings demonstrate that this algorithm can identify the communities automatically, accurately and efficiently. Furthermore, this algorithm can also acquire higher values of modularity, NMI and density than the SOM algorithm does. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast and sensitive method was established for an in-solution selection of cancer cell-targeting peptides at “single-residue resolution” by using the switchable fluorescence of tetraphenylethylene. The selected peptides have potential for biomarker tracing and can be used for targeted delivery of different cargos into living cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a copper(II) synergist complex with methyl isonicotinate (LI, a short chain analog of 2-ethylhexyl 4-pyridinecarboxylate ester) and isobutyric acid (HBI, a short chain analog of Versatic10) was synthesized and studied by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The results indicated that the copper(II) synergist complex obtained with isobutyric acid and methyl isonicotinate crystallizes in the monoclinic C2/c space group and confirmed the composition [Cu(BI)2(LI)]2. The crystal structure consisted of centrosymmetric dimeric units, in which the two Cu ions are bridged in pairs by four carboxylate groups of the deprotonated isobutyric acid. In order to bridge the gap between the solid-state structure of the copper(II) synergist complex obtained with isobutyric acid and methyl isonicotinate and the solution structure of the extracted copper(II) complex in the non-polar organic phase, the two copper(II) complexes were further investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The results indicated that the extracted copper(II) complex in the non-polar organic phase has a similar coordination structure as the copper(II) synergist complex obtained with isobutyric acid and methyl isonicotinate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stratabound Cu deposits in the Zhongtiao Mountains district contain good records about the Precambrian tectonic evolution in the central North China Craton. Five stages of metamorphic and metallogenic processes are identified and the P-T conditions are constrained using mineral geothermobarometry and P-T pseudosection. Results revealed a prograde metamorphism (stage M − 1) from 565 to 630 °C, and peak metamorphism of 6.5 ± 0.5 kbar and 610 ± 20 °C (stage M − 2). The post-peak metamorphism consisted of a continued retrogression (stage M − 3) at 545 ± 5 °C and 6.0 ± 0.1 kbar, and Cu mineralizations (stages M − 4 and M − 5). Two distinct mineral assemblages of arsenopyrite-pyrrhotite-pyrite-chalcopyrite and bornite-chalcopyrite-parkerite- wittichenite-bismuth are observed in veinlets. The Cu mineralization occurred from 446 to 341 °C at a pressure of ∼5.0 to 4.4 kbar. We obtained laser ablation ICPMS monazite U-Pb ages of 1881 ± 15 Ma and 1863 ± 17 Ma for staurolite schist and mineralized veins, respectively. A Nano-secondary ion mass spectrometer zircon U-Pb age of 1815 ± 32 Ma for fluid-modified zircon rims from host schist. These ages are interpreted as the timing for the stages M − 2, M − 4 and M − 5, respectively. These results define a clockwise P-T-t path that displays nearly parallel prograde and retrograde trajectory (Franciscan type). The retrograde portion is similar to near-isobaric cooling (IBC) stage, which supports a relatively slow exhumation following a continental collision. It is proposed that the ore materials were mainly derived from the host rocks, which might have been pre-enriched. Cu mineralization formed during the retrograde cooling stage at greenschist facies, and was likely related to a post-orogenic sluggish exhumation at a rate of 0.31–0.05 mm/yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In continuation of our interest in the coordination structure of the nickel(II) complex with dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acid (HDNNS) and 2-ethylhexyl 4-pyridinecarboxylate ester (4PC), it was observed that the coordination sphere was completed by the coordination of two N atoms of pyridine rings in ligands 4PC and four water molecules while no direct interaction between Ni(II) and deprotonated HDNNS was observed. To investigate whether the coordination structure of nickel(II) with the synergistic mixture containing HDNNS and 4PC predominates or not in the copper(II) complex with the synergistic mixtures containing HDNNS and pyridinecarboxylate esters, a copper(II) synergist complex with n-hexyl 3-pyridinecarboxylate ester (L) and naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid (HNS, the short chain analogue of HDNNS), was prepared and studied by X-ray single crystal diffraction, elemental analyses and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. It was shown that the composition of the copper(II) synergist complex was [Cu(H 2 O) 2 (L) 2 (NS) 2 ] and formed a trans-form distorted octahedral coordination structure. Two oxygen atoms of the two coordinated water molecules and two N atoms of the pyridine rings in the ligands L defined the basal plane while two O atoms from two sulfonate anions of the deprotonated HNS ligands occupied the apical positions by direct coordination with Cu(II), which was distinguished from the coordination structure of the nickel(II) synergist complex as reported in our previous work. In the crystal lattice, neighboring molecules [Cu(H 2 O) 2 L 2 (NS) 2 ] were linked through the intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the hydrogen atoms of the coordinated water molecules and the oxygen atoms of the sulfonate anions in the copper(II) synergist complex to form a 2D plane. In order to bridge the gap between the solid state structure of the copper(II) synergist complex and the solution structure of the extracted copper(II) complex with the actual synergistic mixture containing L and HDNNS in the non-polar organic phase, the structures of the two copper(II) complexes were further investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and the results indicated that the extracted copper(II) complex in the non-polar organic phase might possess a similar coordination structure as the copper(II) synergist complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Albuminuria is an early sign but not a strong predictor of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Owing to their high stability, urinary exosomal miRNAs can be useful predictors of the progression of early-stage DKD to renal failure; fluid biopsies are ideal for detecting abnormalities in these miRNAs. The aim of this study was to identify novel differentially expressed miRNAs as urine biomarkers for type 2 DKD by comparing between patients of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with and without macroalbuminuria. Methods. Ten patients with T2D, including five who had no renal disease and five with macroalbuminuria (DKD G1-2A3), were selected for this study. Exosome- (UExo-) derived miRNA profiles were used to identify candidate biomarkers, a subset of which was verified using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Results. A total of 496 UExo-derived miRNA species were found to be differentially expressed (>2-fold) in patients with DKD, compared to those with T2D. A validation analysis revealed that three miRNAs (miR-362-3p, miR-877-3p, and miR-150-5p) were upregulated and one (miR-15a-5p) was downregulated. These miRNAs might regulate DKD through p53, mTOR, and AMPK pathways. Conclusions. In conclusion, UExo-derived miRNAs were altered in type 2 DKD. MiR-362-3p, miR-877-3p, miR-150-5p, and miR-15a-5p might be novel biomarkers for incipient DKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fufang E'jiao Jiang (FEJ) is a prominent traditional Chinese medicine prescription, which consists of Asini Corii Colla (Donkey-hide gelatin prepared by stewing and concentrating from the hide of Equus asinus Linnaeus., ACC) , Codonopsis Radix (the dried roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., CR), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra (the steamed and dried root of Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., GRR), Crataegi Fructus (the mature fruits of Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge., CF), and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (the steamed and sun dried tuber of Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey., RRP). It is a popularly used prescription for "nourishing Qi and nourishing blood". To explore the potential mechanism of FEJ on precancerous lesion of gastric cancer in rats by combining network pharmacology and metabolomics. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine were used to identify the ingredients and potential targets of FEJ. GeneCards database was used to define PLGC-associated targets. We built a herb-component-disease-target network and analyzed the protein-protein interaction network. Underlying mechanisms were identified using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis. In addition, 40% ethanol, N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitroguanidine and irregular eating were used to establish PLGC rats model. We also evaluated the efficacy of FEJ on MNNG-induced PLGC rats by body weight, histopathology, blood routine and cytokine levels, while the predicted pathway was determined by the Western blot. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based serum non-targeted metabolomics was used to select potential biomarkers and relevant pathways for FEJ in the treatment of PLGC. Network pharmacology showed that FEJ exhibited anti-PLGC effects through regulating ALB, TNF, VEGFA, TP53, AKT1 and other targets, and the potential pathways mainly involved cancer-related, TNF, PI3K-AKT, HIF-1, and other signaling pathways. Animal experiments illustrated that FEJ could suppress inflammation, regulate gastrointestinal hormones, and inhibit the expression of PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α pathway-related proteins. Based on serum non-targeted metabolomics analysis, 12 differential metabolites responding to FEJ treatment were identified, and metabolic pathway analysis showed that the role of FEJ was concentrated in 6 metabolic pathways. Based on network pharmacology, animal experiments and metabolomics, we found that FEJ might ameliorate gastric mucosal injury in PLGC rats by regulating gastrointestinal hormones and inhibiting inflammation, and its mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of excessive activation of PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α signaling pathway and regulation of disorders of body energy metabolism. This comprehensive strategy also provided a reasonable way for unveiling the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways in Traditional Chinese Medicine. [Display omitted] • Network pharmacology was applied to identify the potential bioactive components in FEJ and predict its pathways in PLGC. • We evaluated the efficacy of FEJ on PLGC rats by animal experiment, and the predicted pathway was determined by the Western blot. • Metabolomics was used to monitor the changes of endogenous substances in PLGC rats after FEJ intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) graphene networks are successfully fabricated on nickel (Ni) foam by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. Amorphous Ge layer is then deposited on the 3D graphene supporting skeleton via the facile radio frequency magnetron sputtering (RFMS) method. The Ge decorated on the 3D graphene (3D Ge@Gr) networks deliver improved electrochemical performance when employed as anode for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), which is obvious superior than the two dimensional Ge nanoelectrode directly coated on the bare Ni foam (2D Ge). Significantly enhanced electrochemical cyclability upon 1500 long-term cycles under the higher current density of 1.2 mA cm−2 is accomplished in the optimized 3D Ge@Gr hybrid electrode. The interconnected 3D graphene with enlarge surface area can not only effectively provide enough space to buffer the volume change of the Ge anode during cycling, but also bring improved electrical/ionic conductivity to promote the electrochemical kinetics, thus eventually bring superb stable cyclability. [Display omitted] • Successful construction of 3D interconnected graphene interlayer. • Novel binder-free 3D Ge@Gr composites for Li ion battery. • Improvement in cyclability in 3D Ge@Gr composites anode. • Systematic investigations in Li ions storage behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, there remains a lack of consensus regarding factors predictive of complication such as re-nonunion after primary revision in femoral shaft nonunion subsequent to failed intramedullary nailing (IMN). A better understanding of prognostic factors could potentially reduce the risk of re-nonunion happening and allow patients to maximize their recovery in the most expeditious manner. Our study aims to identify risk factors in the development of re-nonunion after primary revision inclusive of exchanging reamed nailing (ERN) and augmentative compression plating (ACP) with IMN in situ for femoral shaft nonunion subsequent to failed IMN. Methods: A retrospective study was performed for 63 cases (61 patients) of femoral shaft nonunion subsequent to failed IMN, who were made primary revision with either ERN or ACP from June 2007 to June 2015. The following set of variables was selected based on the speculation that they would contribute to the outcome: sex (male or female), age, body mass index(BMI), smoking, alcohol abuse, cause of injury, fracture type, type of IMN (antegrade or retrograde), use of IMN locking screws(dynamic or static), site of nonunion, primary nonunion time, pathological type of nonunion, bone defect (mm), primary revision method (ERN or ACP), and adjuvant autogenous bone grafting (ABG) (yes or no). Univariate analysis and multiple regression were used to identify risk factors in the development of re-nonunion after primary revision with either ERN or ACP for femoral shaft nonunion subsequent to failed IMN. The minimum follow-up time was 1.5 years (standard deviation [SD] = 1.2, range 1.5–8 years). Results: Of 63 cases (61 patients) of femoral shaft nonunion subsequent to failed IMN, primary revision with ERN was performed in 33 (52.4%) cases and primary revision with ACP was performed in 30 (47.6%) cases. Adjuvant ABG procedure was undertaken in 39 (61.9%) cases during primary revisions. Re-nonunion was diagnosed as in 18 (28.6%) cases after primary revision with either ERN or ACP. There was a significant difference in time to union between patients treated with primary ERN and those with primary ACP (log-rank, p = 0.006). Furthermore, the difference was also statistically significant between patients with adjuvant ABG procedure and those without it (log-rank, p = 0.009). The relative risk factors included smoking, BMI, site of nonunion, bone defect, primary revision method, and adjuvant ABG procedure. However, primary revision method and adjuvant ABG procedure were shown to be two independent risk factors in multiple logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Patients with excessive tobacco use, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, bone defect ≥ 5 mm, primary revision with ERN, and no adjuvant ABG procedure had a higher likelihood of developing re-nonunion. Of these risk factors, primary revision with ERN and no adjuvant ABG procedure were two strongest risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black phosphorus (BP) shows great potential in electronic and optoelectronic devices owing to its semiconducting properties, such as thickness-dependent direct bandgap and ambipolar transport characteristics. However, the poor stability of BP in air seriously limits its practical applications. To develop effective schemes to protect BP, it is crucial to reveal the degradation mechanism under various environments. To date, it is generally accepted that BP degrades in air via light-induced oxidation. Herein, we report a new degradation channel via water-catalyzed oxidation of BP in the dark. When oxygen co-adsorbs with highly polarized water molecules on BP surface, the polarization effect of water can significantly lower the energy levels of oxygen (i.e. enhanced electron affinity), thereby facilitating the electron transfer from BP to oxygen to trigger the BP oxidation even in the dark environment. This new degradation mechanism lays important foundation for the development of proper protecting schemes in black phosphorus-based devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black phosphorus (BP) shows great potential in electronic and optoelectronic devices owing to its semiconducting properties, such as thickness-dependent direct bandgap and ambipolar transport characteristics. However, the poor stability of BP in air seriously limits its practical applications. To develop effective schemes to protect BP, it is crucial to reveal the degradation mechanism under various environments. To date, it is generally accepted that BP degrades in air via light-induced oxidation. Herein, we report a new degradation channel via water-catalyzed oxidation of BP in the dark. When oxygen co-adsorbs with highly polarized water molecules on BP surface, the polarization effect of water can significantly lower the energy levels of oxygen (i.e. enhanced electron affinity), thereby facilitating the electron transfer from BP to oxygen to trigger the BP oxidation even in the dark environment. This new degradation mechanism lays important foundation for the development of proper protecting schemes in black phosphorus-based devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the cobalt( II) synergist complex with isobutyric acid ( HLI) and 5-hydroxy-4-octanone oxime ( HBI), which were the corresponding short-chain analogs of active synergistic mixture of Versatic10 ( HL) and Lix63 (5,8-diethyl-7-hydroxy-6-dodecanoneoxime, HB), was prepared and studied by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The crystal structure of the cobalt( II) synergistic complex showed that the composition of the complex was Co( HBI)2( LI)2 with a cis-form octahedron geometry structure. Both intra and intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the uncoordinated carbonyl oxygen atom of the deprotonated monodentate anionic ligand LI and the hydrogen atom of the α-hydroxy or the oxime hydroxyl group of HBI were observed in the crystal lattice. In order to bridge the gap between the solid-state structure of the cobalt( II) synergist complex and the solution structure of the extracted cobalt( II) complex with the actual synergistic mixture containing Versatic10 and Lix63 in the nonpolar organic phase, both the cobalt( II) synergistic complex and the extracted cobalt( II) complex were further investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy ( FT-IR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry ( ESI-MS). The results indicated that the extracted cobalt( II) complex in the nonpolar organic phase might possess a similar coordination structure as that of the cobalt( II) synergist complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xiadian gold deposit, located in the Zhaoyuan–Laizhou belt of the Jiaodong gold province, is a typical Jiaojia-type gold deposit, which is characterized by disseminated and stockwork ores enclosed by hydrothermally altered wall rocks. The exact age and the genesis of the gold deposit remain controversial. Here, we present precise in-situ monazite U-Pb dating to constrain the age of the gold mineralization, which we integrate with published geochronological work on the associated geological events to understand the genesis of the gold deposit. The Linglong granite represents the earliest magmatic event at Xiadian, and yielded a zircon LA–ICPMS U-Pb age of 159.5 ± 0.9 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.63). Subsequent geologic events were recorded by minor amounts of quartz–pyrite–molybdenite veins which are dated at 124.8 ± 2.1 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.01) by molybdenite Re–Os dating in a granitic pegmatite. The formation of such veins was close to the emplacement of adjacent Guojialing granodiorite (~130 Ma), and thus may be considered as a product of post–magmatic hydrothermal activity. It is proposed that the molybdenum–bearing hydrothermal fluids acted as a prelude to gold mineralization and participated in the formation of the latter ore fluids. Gold mineralization took place at 120.0 ± 1.4 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.59), determined by LA–ICPMS U–Pb dating on hydrothermal monazite from quartz–polymetallic sulfide veins. Prior to and post mineralization, voluminous hydrothermally altered porphyritic diorite and fresh quartz diorite porphyry dykes were emplaced, which yielded U–Pb ages of 121.3 ± 1.4 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.28) and 115.8 ± 1.9 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.71), respectively. Based on these geochronological data, we have established a comprehensive geochronologic framework, which suggests that the genesis of the Xiadian deposit might be related to the craton destruction and lithosphere thinning in the North China Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aggregation-induced emission (AIE), in which the luminophores are highly emissive in aggregate state, is one of the most unique photophysical phenomena and has shown interesting applications in many areas. The immobilization of AIE luminogens (AIEgens) into metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are inorganic-organic hybrid porous materials with tunable and predictable structures, has been investigated over the past few years. These well-defined porous frameworks cannot only provide an ideal platform for studying the mechanism of AIE phenomenon in solid state, but also show potential applications from sensing to white light-emitting diodes. In this highlight, we will summarize the recent progress of AIEgens-based MOFs, including ligand design, emission behavior, and applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1809-1817 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

APPLs (adaptor proteins containing the pleckstrin homology domain, phosphotyrosine binding domain and leucine zipper motif) are multifunctional adaptor proteins that bind to various membrane receptors, nuclear factors and signaling proteins to regulate many biological activities and processes, such as cell proliferation, chromatin remodeling, endosomal trafficking, cell survival, cell metabolism and apoptosis. APPL1, one of the APPL isoforms, was the first identified protein and interacts directly with adiponectin receptors to mediate adiponectin signaling to enhance lipid oxidation and glucose uptake. APPLs also act on insulin signaling pathways and are important mediators of insulin sensitization. Based on recent findings, this review highlights the critical roles of APPLs, particularly APPL1 and its isoform partner APPL2, in mediating adiponectin, insulin, endosomal trafficking and other signaling pathways. A deep understanding of APPLs and their related signaling pathways may potentially lead to therapeutic and interventional treatments for obesity, diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-channel responsive and AIE-active fluorescent probe was developed to selectively detect superoxide anions in living cells, which can be used to track the endogenous superoxide anion level when cells undergo apoptosis and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a synergist complex of Ni(ii) with naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid (HNS) and n-hexyl 4-pyridinecarboxylate ester (LI), which are corresponding short chain analogues of active synergistic extractants dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acid (HDNNS) and 2-ethylhexyl 4-pyridinecarboxylate ester (4PC, LII), was prepared and characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR), elemental analyses, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) spectroscopic studies. Single crystals of the nickel synergist complex have been grown from a methanol/water (10/1) solution and analyzed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure of the nickel synergist complex shows that Ni(ii) is coordinated by four water molecules and two monodentate LI ligands and there is no direct interaction of the Ni(ii) with sulfonic oxygen atoms of naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid anions, while hydrogen-bonded interactions of the coordinated water molecules with sulfonic oxygen atoms of naphthalene-2-sulphate anions were observed. In addition, in order to provide parallels to solvent extraction, the extracted Ni(ii) complex with HDNNS and 4PC is also prepared and studied using FT-IR and ESI-MS technology. Compared with their corresponding free ligand, similar shifts assigned to the stretching vibration of the pyridine ring and S=O in both the nickel synergist complex and the extracted Ni(ii) complex suggest that in the non-polar organic phase, Ni(ii) is also coordinated by LII ligands, while the sulfonic oxygen atoms of dinonylnaphthalene sulfonate anions not directly bonded to Ni(ii) form hydrogen bonds with water molecules (coordinated with Ni(ii) or/and solubilized in the non-polar organic phase). For the ESI-MS spectrum of the extracted Ni(ii) complex in non-polar organic phase, there exists a peak at m/z values of 1058.76, which indicates that the extracted Ni(ii) complex in the non-polar organic phase may have a coordination structure, [Ni(H2O)4(LII)2](DNNS)2, similar to the coordination structure of the nickel synergist complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dithieno[3,2- b :2′,3′- d ]pyrrole-based luminogen 1 has been synthesized by appending two twisted triphenylamine units to the rigid conjugated dithieno[3,2- b :2′,3′- d ]pyrrole core. This compound exhibits reversible mechanochromic luminescence in the solid state and near-infrared electrochromic switching behavior in solution. A reversible switching in fluorescence color between yellow-green and green can be observed through mechanical grinding and vapor fuming of solid powdered 1 , which involves an interconversion between a crystalline form and an amorphous phase according to X-ray diffraction analysis. The associated oxidized species of 1 show intense redox-switchable near-infrared absorption and different fluorescence colors in solution in spectroelectrochemical and luminescence measurements. Density functional theory calculations have confirmed that there is considerable electron delocalization between the dithieno[3,2- b :2′,3′- d ]pyrrole linker and two triphenylamine redox-active termini during the oxidation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical knowledge reasoning provides a new perspective for intelligent diagnosis and therapy. This study constructs a multi-relational medicine-attribute network, which refers to three different types of relationships: inter-medicine, inter-attribute, and medicine-attribute. Then, a multi-relation-based graph attention network (GAT) model combined with the spectral clustering (SC) algorithm, termed MGAT-SC, is presented to train the medicine embeddings and explore the regularity of medicine combinations. Based on real-world clinical data, the GAT model realizes the information aggregation of neighbor nodes and generates the embeddings of medicines and their attributes via a multi-head attention mechanism. Then, the SC method is utilized to divide the medicines and their embeddings. We design and conduct a series of experiments to verify the model's performance. The experimental results show that the MGAT-SC outperforms the representative baselines and their variants in terms of five evaluation metrics and achieves around 6. 0 % improvement in accuracy compared to the SC algorithm. [Display omitted] • A MGAT-SC is proposed to investigate the complex relations underlying medicines. • MGAT-SC aggregates neighbor nodes' information for medicine embedding learning. • This algorithm can effectively explore the regularity of medicine combinations. • It can provide theoretical support for clinical knowledge reasoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a locally observable robot pathfinding algorithm, conflict-based search with D* lite (CBS-D*), to realize automatic and effective pathfinding in mixed environments with dynamic obstacles. This algorithm takes Manhattan distance as the heuristic function and extends the incremental search range from 1 o r d e r to 3 o r d e r neighbors. It presents a prejudgment mechanism of collision avoidance and investigates a wait and circuity strategy to promote pathfinding performance. Compared with the D* lite, the experimental results demonstrate that CBS-D* achieves a higher success rate and obstacle avoidance number, and a lower time step. By this collision avoidance mechanism, CBS-D* gives all successes in pathfinding in various dynamic environments, while D* lite may result in some failures. Specifically, CBS-D* has around 31% in the average success rate of pathfinding improved to D* lite in a 32 × 32 map. Furthermore, CBS-D* gives a superiority of self-adaptability and intelligence in unknown dynamic environments. [Display omitted] • A CBS-D* algorithm is presented for robot path planning in unknown environments. • This algorithm extends the incremental search range from 1order to 3order neighbors. • A collision avoidance mechanism and a wait and circuity strategy are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying obesity and its comorbidities is key to designing new therapies and treatments. PPARγ is a master regulator of adipocyte biology but the functions of its isoforms are poorly distinguished. Here we demonstrated that PPARγ1 is preferentially expressed in catabolic fat depots while PPARγ2 presents itself at a higher level in browning-resistant depots. PPARγ2, but not PPARγ1, responds to endogenous ligands to induce adipogenesis, and the isoforms regulate distinct sets of white and brown adipocyte genes. Moreover, PPARγ1 negatively correlates while PPARγ2 positively correlates with adiposity in human subcutaneous and visceral fat. These results together indicate that PPARγ1 and PPARγ2 have distinct functions in regulating adipocyte plasticity, and future research should take into account the binary roles of both isoforms in order to identify druggable gene targets and pathways relevant for treatment of metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sanshandao deposit, located in the western end of the Jiaodong Peninsula, is a typical altered-rock type gold deposit. The hydrothermal alteration in the deposit commences from potassic alteration with mineral assemblage mainly composed of K-feldspar and quartz, with minor sericite. The potassic alteration is followed by silicification that is always weakly developed in this district with minor sericite and gold-absent pyrite. As sericite content increases, the silicification alteration is gradually giving its way to sericitization. Fine sulfide crystals occur in this zone scattering in sericite and quartz matrix, which turns to be sulfidation as hydrothermal alteration proceeding. Gold mineralization is mainly associated with the sulfidation, predominantly hosted by pyrite. The latest hydrothermal alteration and veins consist of quartz-calcite-siderite(-ankerite) crosscutting the former alteration zones. Some auriferous sulfide-quartz veins fill the fractures in the alteration zones, but its gold reserve is limited. Geochemical modeling is applied to examine the hydrothermal alteration and gold precipitation processes in the Sanshandao deposit. Modeling shows that a gold-bearing fluid is potential to form an economic gold deposit via various paths, including fluid cooling, water-rock interaction, and fluid mixing with groundwater. The simulation results indicate that the auriferous quartz veins located in the alteration zones are probably generated by fluid cooling and mixing, whereas gold mineralization in the sulfide-sericite alteration stage is primarily caused by water-rock reaction that also produces the hydrothermal alteration following the potassic alteration. To evaluate the roles of water-rock interaction in gold mineralization at different temperatures, we execute simulations at T = 400 °C and 300 °C at pressure of 2 kbar. Gold precipitation at >400 °C is driven by strong water-rock reaction with low water/rock ratio, during which the gold precipitation is associated with pyrrhotite rather than pyrite, and thus the pyrite at this temperature scale is always gold-absent; at low temperature (∼300 °C), the water-rock interaction is effective to precipitate gold from the fluids, and gold mineralization links to pyrite precipitation. The comparison between these two simulations with different temperatures indicates that water-rock interaction at moderate temperature is prior to precipitate gold from hydrothermal fluid, which can be invoked to interpret the fact that gold mineralization is always intense in shallow level and host majority of gold reserve in this deposit. The modeling suggests that pyrrhotite should be paid more attention in future deep exploration since its ability to host certain gold budget at relatively high temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hujiayu Cu deposit, located in the Zhongtiao Mountains district of southern North China Craton, is hosted by graphite schist and dolomitic marble with disseminated to veinlet (stage I) and thick vein (stage II) mineralization. Stage I mineralization, characterized by stratabound, disseminated pyrite and chalcopyrite within the graphite schist host rock, formed at the syn-metamorphic stage. Graphite geothermometry showed that the host rock was subjected to an upper-greenschist to lower amphibolite metamorphism at a temperature range of 486 to 596 °C, averaging of 546 ± 35 °C (1 σ, n = 19). Stage II mineralization, consisting of brecciated dolomitic thick veins cemented by quartz-sulfide assemblages, was a product of metamorphic hydrothermal activity. This thick vein was subdivided into an early hydrothermal dolomitic alteration composing of dolomitic breccia with some cobaltiferous pyrite (stage IIa) and a late siliceous-copper mineralization consisting of quartz-sulfide assemblages (stage IIb). A clausthalite–siegenite–sphalerite–chalcopyrite mineral assemblage was observed in stage IIb, constraining the sulfur fugacity and selenium fugacity within − 18.7 to − 11.7 and − 21.7 to − 14.7, respectively. It was inferred stage IIb was marked by a drop in sulfur fugacity and a substantial increase in selenium fugacity after the major chalcopyrite precipitation. Calculations based on the compositions of cobaliterous pyrite and sphalerite reveal that the mineral assemblage at stage IIa formed at an approximately temperature range of 400 to 300 °C, whereas the minerals in stage IIb occurred at temperature of 256 ± 9 °C (1 σ, n = 7). Sulfides from stage I have δ 34 S value ranging from 10.1 to 22.2‰ with an average value of 16.9 ± 3.4‰ (1 σ, n = 27), supporting the model that sulfides precipitated through thermochemical reduction of sulfate at sedimentary stage followed by metamorphic homogenization of δ 34 S isotopic signatures. Sulfides from the stage II have δ 34 S values in highly variable ranging from 3.4 to 19.2‰, indicating a rather complex source. Four chalcopyrite samples yielded a weighted model age of 1952 ± 39 Ma (1 σ, MSWD = 1.5), suggesting that the copper mineralization formed synchronously with regional metamorphism (1970–1850 Ma) and hence a Paleoproterozoic metamorphogenic copper mineralization is implicated. Therefore, we envisaged disseminated-veinlet mineralization formed during a metamorphic peak and the major hydrothermal copper mineralization occurred during the retrograde cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cascade extraction of lithium and transition metals from the spent LiNi x Co y Mn z O 2 (NCM) batteries are achieved. • A synergistic roasting process is proposed based on the synergy between self-reduction of graphite anode and Na 2 SO 4 roasting. • The mechanism on the phase transformation of the valuable metals is elucidated. • The process provides a friendly way to utilize Na 2 SO 4 by-products generated from the lithium battery industry. A novel process was developed for the selective extraction of Li and efficient leaching of transition metals (TMs) from spent LiNi x Co y Mn z O 2 (NCM) batteries coupled with the synergistic disposal of Na 2 SO 4 byproducts generated from lithium battery industry. The NCM cathode was transformed into water-soluble LiNaSO 4 and acid-dissolved divalent oxides of (NiO) m (MnO) n and CoO based on the synergy between self-reduction of graphite anode and Na 2 SO 4 roasting. >85% Li was selectively extracted from the roasted product by water leaching. Subsequently, >95% Ni, >99% Mn and >99% Co were leached by H 2 SO 4 solution without additional reductant. During the self-reduction roasting of graphite anode, the addition of Na 2 SO 4 transformed Li from Li 2 CO 3 to LiNaSO 4 with higher solubility and also prevented the overreduction of Ni and Co oxides to the metallic states, which are prone to the deterioration of their acid leaching performance. Through the precise regulation of NCM phases during the synergistic roasting process, the efficient cascade extraction of Li and TMs from spent NCM batteries was realized, and a new way for the comprehensive utilization of the Na 2 SO 4 byproducts was determined. Moreover, the emission of toxic gases SO 2 and NO x generated in the acid roasting was avoided. The proposed process obeys the principles of circular economy and green chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The T cell-mediated immune responses associated with asymptomatic infection (AS) of SARS-CoV-2 remain largely unknown. The diversity of T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire is essential for generating effective immunity against viral infections in T cell response. Here, we performed the single-cell TCR sequencing of the PBMC samples from five AS subjects, 33 symptomatic COVID-19 patients and eleven healthy controls to investigate the size and the diversity of TCR repertoire. We subsequently analyzed the TCR repertoire diversity, the V and J gene segment deference, and the dominant combination of αβ VJ gene pairing among these three study groups. Notably, we revealed significant TCR preference in the AS group, including the skewed usage of TRAV1-2-J33-TRBV6-4-J2-2 and TRAV1-2-J33-TRBV6-1-J2-3. Our findings may shed new light on understanding the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 and help identify optimal TCRs for development of novel therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High-performance tracking of BEVs in living systems has been realized with an AIEgen. • The probe can illuminate BEVs and shows remarkable merits over traditional methods. • The spatial and temporal distributions of BEVs within host can be clearly visualized. The nano-sized, membrane-enclosed bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) released by bacteria are now regarded as important mediators involved in various physiological and pathological processes of human. To elucidate their roles in bacteria-to-host communication, methods for visualizing and tracking of these nano-vesicles are crucial, but ideal means are lacking currently. In this work, we report the development of a bioprobe, DPASP, for BEV bioimaging with superior performance. DPASP can target BEVs with boosted fluorescence due to its aggregation-induced emission (AIE) attribute, which allows BEV labeling with a high signal-to-background ratio. For BEV imaging, DPASP outperforms the commercial dyes in terms of labeling efficiency, retention time, photostability, and biocompatibility. The applications of DPASP in studying the spatial and temporal distributions of E. coli -derived BEVs within living cells and mice were also demonstrated. The approach developed here provides a valuable tool to better understand the roles of BEVs in health and diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High-performance tracking of BEVs in living systems has been realized with an AIEgen. • The probe can illuminate BEVs and shows remarkable merits over traditional methods. • The spatial and temporal distributions of BEVs within host can be clearly visualized. The nano-sized, membrane-enclosed bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) released by bacteria are now regarded as important mediators involved in various physiological and pathological processes of human. To elucidate their roles in bacteria-to-host communication, methods for visualizing and tracking of these nano-vesicles are crucial, but ideal means are lacking currently. In this work, we report the development of a bioprobe, DPASP, for BEV bioimaging with superior performance. DPASP can target BEVs with boosted fluorescence due to its aggregation-induced emission (AIE) attribute, which allows BEV labeling with a high signal-to-background ratio. For BEV imaging, DPASP outperforms the commercial dyes in terms of labeling efficiency, retention time, photostability, and biocompatibility. The applications of DPASP in studying the spatial and temporal distributions of E. coli -derived BEVs within living cells and mice were also demonstrated. The approach developed here provides a valuable tool to better understand the roles of BEVs in health and diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (NAb) is an indispensable reference for evaluating the acquired protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we established an ultrabright nanoparticles-based lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for one-step rapid semi-quantitative detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 NAb in vaccinee's serum. Once embedded in polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles, the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogen, AIE 490 , exhibited ultrabright fluorescence due to the rigidity of PS and severe inhibition of intramolecular motions. The ultrabright AIE 490 -PS nanoparticle was used as a fluorescent marker of LFIA. Upon optimized conditions including incubation time, concentrations of coated proteins and conjugated nanoparticles, amounts of antigens modified on the surface of nanoparticles, dilution rate of serum samples, and so on, the ultrabright nanoparticles-based LFIA could accurately identify 70 negative samples and 63 positive samples from human serum (p < 0.0001). The intra- and inter-assay precisions of the established method are above 13% and 16%, respectively. The established LFIA has tremendous practical value of generalization as a rapid semi-quantitative detection method of anti-SARS-CoV-2 NAb. Meanwhile, the AIE 490 -PS nanoparticle is also promising to detect many other analytes by altering the protein on the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing resistance among fungi to antimicrobials are posing global threats to health. Early treatment with appropriate antifungal drugs guided by the antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) can dramatically reduce the mortality of severe fungal infections. However, the long test time (24–48 h) of the standard AFSTs cannot provide timely results due to the slow growth of the pathogen. Herein, we report a new AFST that is independent of growth rate analysis using a luminogen with aggregation-induced emission characteristics (AIEgen) named DMASP. DMASP is a water-soluble small-molecule probe that can readily penetrate the dense fungal cell wall. Based on its mitochondria-targeting ability and AIE characteristics, fungal activity can be dynamically indicated via real-time fluorescence monitoring. This allows fungal susceptibility to various antimicrobials to be assessed within 12 h in a wash-free, one-step manner. This method may serve as a promising tool to rapidly detect possible drug-resistant fungal strain and guide the precise use of antimicrobial against fungal diseases. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]