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Persistent mechanoluminescence (PML) is highly desirable for its ability to overcome transient‐emitting behavior, but its applications are hindered by the limited emission wavelengths. Herein, a universal chemical interlinkage‐assisted efficient energy transfer (ET) strategy is introduced to achieve color conversion from green to red in traditional PML materials. A straightforward chemical route to create the RhB@SiO2/SAOED system is established via covalent chemical interlinkage by depositing mesoporous silica‐encapsulated Rhodamine B (RhB) nanoparticles (RhB@SiO2) onto SrAl2O4:Eu, Dy (SAOED) particles. The resulting system exhibits a high ET efficiency of 53.5%. The multicolor PML of the RhB@SiO2/SAOED system remains visible to the naked eye for exceeding 28 s after mechanical stimulation. With this unique PML behavior, the RhB@SiO2/SAOED system demonstrates the potential applications ranging from visualized reading activities to multi‐mode anticounterfeiting. This universal PML color‐conversion strategy provides a new approach to high‐performance mechanical light energy‐conversion systems and may further inspire more diverse functional applications of classical PML materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cattle ticks (Rhipicephalus microplus) are important economic ectoparasites causing direct and indirect damage to cattle and leading to severe economic losses in cattle husbandry. It is common knowledge that R. microplus is a species complex including five clades; however, the relationships within the R. microplus complex remain unresolved. In the present study, we assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of clade C by next-generation sequencing and proved its correctness based on long PCR amplification. It was 15,004 bp in length and consisted of 13 protein genes, 22 transfer genes, and two ribosomal genes located in the two strains. There were two copies of the repeat region (pseudo-nad1 and tRNA-Glu). Data revealed that cox1, cox2, and cox3 genes were conserved within R. microplus with small genetic differences. Ka/Ks ratios suggested that 12 protein genes (excluding nad6) may be neutral selection. The genetic and phylogenetic analyses indicated that clade C was greatly close to clade B. Findings in the current study provided more data for the identification and differentiation of the R. microplus complex and made up for the lack of information about R. microplus clade C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: The color of purple carrot taproots mainly depends on the anthocyanins sequestered in the vacuoles. Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) are key enzymes involved in anthocyanin transport. However, the precise mechanism of anthocyanin transport from the cytosolic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the vacuoles in carrots remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the carrot genome, leading to the identification of a total of 41 DcGST genes. Among these, DcGST1 emerged as a prominent candidate, displaying a strong positive correlation with anthocyanin pigmentation in carrot taproots. It was highly expressed in the purple taproot tissues of purple carrot cultivars, while it was virtually inactive in the non‐purple taproot tissues of purple and non‐purple carrot cultivars. DcGST1, a homolog of Arabidopsis thaliana TRANSPARENT TESTA 19 (TT19), belongs to the GSTF clade and plays a crucial role in anthocyanin transport. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we successfully knocked out DcGST1 in the solid purple carrot cultivar 'Deep Purple' ('DPP'), resulting in carrots with orange taproots. Additionally, DcMYB7, an anthocyanin activator, binds to the DcGST1 promoter, activating its expression. Compared with the expression DcMYB7 alone, co‐expression of DcGST1 and DcMYB7 significantly increased anthocyanin accumulation in carrot calli. However, overexpression of DcGST1 in the two purple carrot cultivars did not change the anthocyanin accumulation pattern or significantly increase the anthocyanin content. These findings improve our understanding of anthocyanin transport mechanisms in plants, providing a molecular foundation for improving and enhancing carrot germplasm. Significance Statement: These findings improve our understanding of anthocyanin transport mechanisms in plants, providing a molecular foundation for improving and enhancing carrot germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halide perovskites have established their intriguing performances in optoelectronics and been expanded to energy harvesting application when incorporated into polymers due to their polarization related properties. Yet, fundamental understanding of the electrical conduction behavior of such composites has seldomly been addressed. Herein, composite films employing CH3NH3PbBr3 (MAPB) nanoparticles and ferroelectric polymer poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] have been investigated upon their conduction behaviors. Both electric field and temperature-dependent currents have been thoroughly analyzed based on hopping and space charge-limited current mechanisms in combination with trap energy and trap density calculation from thermal stimulated depolarization currents. The conduction mechanism of MAPB/P(VDF-TrFE) composite has been established within the frame of band diagram. Our studies, thus, are essential for developing high-performance optoelectronics and energy harvesters based on halide perovskites/polymer composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to develop a preoperative nomogram based on clinical and pathological characteristics to provide a more individualized and accurate estimation of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Methods: A total of 7,349 early-stage cervical cancer patients with pathologically confirmed between 1988 and 2015 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. All the patients were divided into training (n = 5,500) and validation (n = 1,849) cohorts randomly. A cohort of 455 patients from multicenter was used for the external validation. We established a multivariate logistic regression model based on preoperative clinicopathological data, from which a nomogram was developed and validated. A predicted probability of LNM < 5% was defined as low risk. Results: From multivariate logistic regression analysis, age at diagnosis, histologic subtype, tumor grade, tumor size and FIGO stage were identified as preoperative independent risk factors of LNM. The nomogram incorporating these factors demonstrated good discrimination and calibration (concordance index = 0.723; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.707–0.738). In the validation cohort, the discrimination accuracy was 0.745 (95% CI, 0.720–0.770) and 0.747 (95% CI, 0.690–0.804), respectively. The nomogram was well calibrated with a high concordance probability. We also established an R-enabled Internet browser for LNM risk assessment, which tool may be convenient for physicians. Conclusions: We developed an effective preoperative nomogram based on clinical and pathological characteristics to predict LNM for early-stage cervical cancer. This model could improve clinical trial design and help physicians to decide whether to perform lymphadenectomy or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a crucial indicator in food and water safety testing, the detection of Escherichia coli plays a significant role in maintaining environmental sanitation and promoting public health. Herein, based on the electrochemical activity characteristics of E. coli, we established an enhanced electrochemiluminescence aptasensor for E. coli analysis. This study presents a new method for accurate identification by utilizing a double aptamer recognition system. Specifically, a nano-cadmium sulfide (CdS) modified aptamer was used for primary labeling, while a second aptamer was immobilized on a graphene/chitosan composite electrode for re-capture. The use of two aptamers improves the accuracy of the identification process. Furthermore, the application of an electrode potential facilitates continuous electron transfer between the electrode and electrochemically active microorganisms, resulting in an enhanced electroluminescence signal in relation to the metabolic status. This strategy possesses better sensitivity, accuracy, and stability, demonstrating its potential for E. coli analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first domesticated carrots were thought to be purple carrots rich in anthocyanins. The anthocyanins biosynthesis in solid purple carrot taproot was regulated by DcMYB7 within P3 region containing a gene cluster of six DcMYBs. Here, we described a MYB gene within the same region, DcMYB11c, which was highly expressed in the purple pigmented petioles. Overexpression of DcMYB11c in 'Kurodagosun' (KRDG, orange taproot carrot with green petioles) and 'Qitouhuang' (QTHG, yellow taproot carrot with green petioles) resulted in deep purple phenotype in the whole carrot plants indicating anthocyanins accumulation. Knockout of DcMYB11c in 'Deep Purple' (DPPP, purple taproot carrot with purple petioles) through CRISPR/Cas9‐based genome editing resulted in pale purple phenotype due to the dramatic decrease of anthocyanins content. DcMYB11c could induce the expression of DcbHLH3 and anthocyanins biosynthesis genes to jointly promote anthocyanins biosynthesis. Yeast one‐hybrid assay (Y1H) and dual‐luciferase reporter assay (LUC) revealed that DcMYB11c bound to the promoters of DcUCGXT1 and DcSAT1 and directly activated the expression of DcUCGXT1 and DcSAT1 responsible for anthocyanins glycosylation and acylation, respectively. Three transposons were present in the carrot cultivars with purple petioles but not in the carrot cultivars with green petioles. We revealed the core factor, DcMYB11c, involved in anthocyanins pigmentation in carrot purple petioles. This study provides new insights into precise regulation mechanism underlying anthocyanins biosynthesis in carrot. The orchestrated regulation mechanism in carrot might be conserved across the plant kingdom and useful for other researchers working on anthocyanins accumulation in different tissues. Summary statement: Here, we described a MYB gene, DcMYB11c, which was highly expressed in the purple pigmented petioles. The orchestrated regulation mechanism in carrot might be conserved across the plant kingdom and useful for other researchers working on anthocyanins accumulation in different tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switchable passive radiative cooling (PRC) smart windows can modulate sunlight transmission and spontaneously emit heat to outer space through atmospheric transparent window, presenting great potential in building energy conservation. However, realizing stable and on‐demand control of the cooling efficiency for PRC materials is still challenging. Herein, an electro‐controlled polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) smart window showing PRC property is designed and prepared by adding mid‐infrared emitting reactive monomers into the conventional PDLC matrix. It is found that not only the electro‐optical properties but also the PRC efficiency of PRC PDLC film are tunable by regulating the content of the mid‐infrared emitting components, film thickness, and micromorphology. This advanced PRC PDLC material achieves a near/sub‐ambient temperature when the solar irradiance is below 400 W m−2 and can dynamically manage daytime cooling efficiency. Importantly, its PRC efficiency is capable of being tuned in an on‐demand and ultrafast millisecond‐scale way, whose controllable transparency enables multistage heat regulation. This study is hoped to provide new inspiration in the preparation of advanced optical devices and energy‐efficient equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Culex mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) can transmit a variety of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), causing human and animal diseases. Cx. vishnui, Cx. pseudovishnui, and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus are three representative species in Culex vishnui subgroup, which are widely distributed in southeast Asia, and they have been proved as the main vectors transmitting Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) that could cause human infectious mosquito-borne disease across Asia. However, the epidemiology, biology, and even molecular information of those mosquitos remain poorly understood, and only the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus has been reported in these species. In the present study, we sequenced and annotated the complete mitogenome sequence of Cx. vishnui which was 15,587 bp in length, comprising 37 genes. Comparisons of nucleotide and amino acid sequences between Cx. vishnui and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus revealed that most genes within Culex vishnui subgroup were conserved, except atp8, nad1, atp6, and nad6, with differences of 0.4 (rrnS) — 15.1% (tRNAs) and 0 (nad4L) — 9.4% (atp8), respectively, interestingly suggesting the genes nad4L and rrnS were the most conserved but atp8 gene was the least. The results based on nucleotide diversity also supported a relatively uniform distribution of the intraspecific differences in Cx. vishnui and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus with only one highly pronounced peak of divergence centered at the control region. Phylogenetic analyses using concatenated amino acid sequences of 13 protein-coding genes supported the previous taxonomic classification of the family Culicidae and the monophyly of tribes Aedini, Culicini, Mansoniini, and Sabethini. The present study revealed detailed information on the subgroup Culex vishnui, reanalyzed the relationships within the family Culicidae, provided better markers to identify and distinguish Culex species, and offered more markers for studying the molecular epidemiology, population genetics, and molecular phylogenetics of Cx. vishnui. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air gap defects inside a spacer reduce its insulation performance, resulting in stress concentration, partial discharge, and even flashover. If such gap defects are located at the interface between the insulation and conductor, a decrease in mechanical stress may occur. In this work, a finite element method-based simulation model is developed to analyze the influence of gap defects on the electrical and mechanical properties of a ±320 kV direct current gas insulated line (DC GIL) spacer. Present findings reveal that a radially distributed air gap produces a more significant effect on the electric field distribution, and an electric field strength 1.7 times greater than that of the maximum surface value is observed at the air gap. The axial distribution dominates the distortion of the surface stress by generating a stress concentration region in which the maximum stress of the air gap is twice the pressure in the surrounding area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, selenium nanoparticles have been drawing attention worldwide, and it is crucial to increase the stability of nano-Se. Morinda officinalis polysaccharides (MOP) are the main active component in Morinda officinalis radix. However, their low activity has limited their application. A novel selenium nanoparticle (Se-MOP) was prepared to solve these problems using MOP as a dispersant. The zeta potential was measured to evaluate the stability, and UV and ATR-FTIR were used to investigate the binding type of selenium and MOP. The morphology was observed by the TEM method. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect on five selected cancer cells (HepG2, MCF-7, AGS, PC9, and HCT8) was evaluated, showing remarkable inhibition of all five cancer cells. The mechanism of inhibition was also investigated by cell circle assay, and it was found that Se-MOP could induce cell circle G0/G1 phase arrest. Immune-enhancing activities were evaluated by measuring the proliferation and cytokines of mouse spleen lymphocytes in vitro and quantitative RT-PCR. The results indicated that single stimulation of Se-MOP and synergistic stimulation with PHA or LPS increased immune capacity and improved immune by increasing the expression of cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A label-free and efficient electrochemical (EC) sensing platform for di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was developed based on in situ probe nickel hexacyanoferrate nanoparticle (NiHCF NP)-decorated three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (3D rGO) composites. NiHCF NPs in the composites as an in situ probe show a pair of well-defined peaks with good reversibility and stability. Coupling 3D rGO with NiHCF NPs not only improved the electron transfer capability of NiHCF NPs but also provided more sites for aptamer immobilization. The synthesized NiHCF NP-decorated 3D rGO composites were used to act as a substrate for the immobilization of anti-DEHP aptamer by the covalent bonding method. The designed EC sensing platform displays excellent sensing performance for DEHP with a low detection limit of 3.64 pg/L, and a linear working range of 0.01 − 1000 ng/L. The application of the sensing platform to actual environmental samples was studied and satisfactory results were obtained. Thus, the proposed EC sensing platform would provide a potential tool for efficient detection of pollutants in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The family Capillariidae is a group of thread-like nematodes of 27 genera and over 300 species that infect a great variety of hosts including humans. Among these, some taxa such as the genus Aonchotheca have remained controversial regarding their systematic status for decades. The aim of the current study was to verify Aonchotheca's systemic status and to further determine whether it is a distinct genus from Capillaria using molecular and phylogenetic analyses. Results: We sequenced the mitochondrial (mt) genome and nuclear small subunit (18S) rRNA gene of Aonchotheca putorii, a representative species of the genus, and investigated its systematic status in Trichinellida using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The differences in amino acid sequences of 13 protein-coding genes were 12.69–67.35% among Aonchotheca, Capillaria, Eucoleus, and Pseudocapillaria with cox1 (12.69%) and atp8 (67.35%) as the most and the least conserved gene, respectively, and the difference of two mt rRNAs was 18.61–34.15%. Phylogenetic analyses of the complete mt genome and 18S rRNAs unequivocally showed that Aonchotheca was a distinct genus from Capillaria. Conclusions: Large difference exists among Aonchotheca, Capillaria, Eucoleus, and Pseudocapillarias. Aonchotheca putorii is the first species in the genus Aonchotheca for which a complete mitogenome has been sequenced. These data are useful for phylogenetics, systematics and the evolution of Capillariidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significance: Immunotherapy, which utilizes the patient's immune system to fight tumor cells, has been approved for the treatment of some types of advanced cancer. Recent Advances: The complexity and diversity of tumor immunity are responsible for the varying response rates toward current immunotherapy strategies and highlight the importance of exploring regulators in tumor immunotherapy. Several genetic factors have proved to be critical regulators of tumor immunotherapy. RNAs, including messenger RNAs and non-coding RNAs, play vital and diverse roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, drug resistance, and immunotherapy response. RNA modifications, including N6-methyladenosine methylation, are involved in tumor immunity. Critical Issues: A critical issue is the lack of summary of the regulatory RNA molecules and their derivatives in mediating immune activities in human cancers that could provide potential applications for tumor immunotherapeutic strategy. Future Directions: This review summarizes the dual roles (the light and dark sides) of RNA and its derivatives in tumor immunotherapy and discusses the development of RNA-based therapies as novel immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 1266–1290. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil-based drilling cuttings (OBDC) from shale gas wells is a kind of typical hazardous waste produced during the exploration and development of shale gas reservoirs, which will endanger the natural ecosystem and human health. This article summarized the OBDC treating and disposal methods commonly used all over the world. The treating methods were divided into restriction, separation, and degradation, while the disposal methods were divided into landfill, land farming, and resource recovery. The technical principles, technological process, advantages, and limitations of existing OBDC treating and disposal methods were overviewed in detail, and the development prospects of OBDC and resource recovery were illustrated as well. Finally, we proposed to maximize the resource recovery of OBDC by multitechniques processing, tracking the processed products to improve the reliability of product quality. In addition, the data system for original materials used for different methods should be established to service industrial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Metabolic fate of PHZ during in vitro incubation with microbiota was reveled; • Lactobacillus plays an important role in the catabolism of PHZ to PHT; • PHZ-enriched Lactobacillus supports its prebiotic properties. As ubiquitous components among fruits, polyphenols, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, are somewhat embarrassed on their health benefits but low bioavailability, triggering a hotspot on their interaction with microbiota. Due to its structural characteristics similar to flavonoids and phenolic acids, dihydrochalcone phlorizin (PHZ) was selected as a reference, to illustrate its step-by-step metabolic fate associated with microbiota. The results confirmed that the metabolic flux of PHZ starts with its conversion to phloretin (PHT), sequentially followed by the formation of 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid (PHA), and 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4-HPAA). Catabolic characteristics was comparatively elucidated by introducing apparent and potential kinetics. Besides, coupling catabolic processes with microbial changes suggested several potential bacteria involving in PHZ metabolism, as well as those regulated by PHZ and its metabolites. In particular, seven strains from Lactobacillus were selectively isolated and confirmed to be essential for deglycosylation of PHZ, implying a potential synergistic effect between PHZ and Lactobacillus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C24H76CuN8V10O34, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 22.416(4) Å, b = 11.7003(18) Å, c = 20.079(3) Å, β = 95.594(7)°, V = 5241.2(14) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0243, wRref(F2) = 0.1110, T = 296(2) K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cattle tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) is one of the most common ticks parasitizing livestock, causing diseases as the vector of pathogens. In this study, we amplified and sequenced the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of R. microplus from Hainan province of China and compared it with that of R. microplus from Guizhou province of China. The mt genome sequence of R. microplus from Hainan isolate was 15,163 bp in size, which was significantly longer (299 bp) than R. microplus from Guizhou isolate. Nucleotide sequence difference in the entire mt genome except for non-coding region was 5.6% between R. microplus from Hainan and Guizhou isolates. For the 13 protein-coding genes, this comparison revealed the sequence differences of nucleotide (3.8–10.1%) and amino acid (1.2–17.3%). Phylogenetic analysis of R. microplus indicated that R. microplus from Hainan isolate clustered in clade A, and R. microplus from Guizhou isolate clustered in clade B. Taken together, the findings support the recent proposal the existence of two lineages (clades A and B) of R. microplus in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a chronic inflammatory mastitis disease that requires long-term treatment and has a high recurrence rate. Case management has been proven to be an effective mechanism in assisting patients with chronic illness to receive regular and targeted disease monitoring and health care service. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of a hospital-to-community model of case management for granulomatous mastitis and explore the related factors associated with its recurrence.Methods: This was a prospective study on patients with granulomatous mastitis based on a case management model. Data on demographic, clinical and laboratory information, treatment methods, follow-up time, and recurrence were collected and analyzed. The eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used to investigate patients' adherence to medications. Logistic regression models were built for analysis of risk factors for the recurrence of granulomatous mastitis.Results: By October 2021, a total of 152 female patients with a mean age of 32 years had undergone the entire case management process. The mean total course of case management was 24.54 (range 15-45) months. Almost all the patients received medication treatment, except for one pregnant patient who received observation therapy, and approximately 53.9% of the patients received medication and surgery. The overall recurrence rate was 11.2%, and "high" medication adherence (RR = 0.428, 95% CI 0.224-0.867, P = 0.015) was significantly associated with a lower rate of recurrence, while the rate of recurrence with a surgical procedure + medication was higher than that with medication alone (RR = 4.128, 95% CI 1.026-16.610, P = 0.046).Conclusion: A case management model for patients with granulomatous mastitis was applied to effectively monitor changes in the disease and to identify factors associated with disease recurrence. "Low" medication adherence was a significant risk factor for the recurrence of granulomatous mastitis. Patients treated with medication and surgery were more likely to experience recurrence than those treated with medication alone. The optimal treatment approach should be planned for granulomatous mastitis patients, and patient medication adherence should be of concern to medical staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[3]Radialenes are the smallest carbocyclic structures with unusual topologies and cross‐conjugated π‐electronic structures. Here, we report a novel [1+1+1] cycloaddition reaction for the synthesis of aza[3]radialenes on the Ag(111) surface, where the steric hindrance of the chlorine substituents guides the selective and orientational assembling of the isocyanide precursors. By combining scanning tunneling microscopy, non‐contact atomic force microscopy, and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, we determined the atomic structure of the produced aza[3]radialenes. Furthermore, two reaction pathways including synergistic and stepwise are proposed based on density functional theory calculations, which reveal the role of the chlorine substituents in the activation of the isocyano groups via electrostatic interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[3]Radialenes are the smallest carbocyclic structures with unusual topologies and cross‐conjugated π‐electronic structures. Here, we report a novel [1+1+1] cycloaddition reaction for the synthesis of aza[3]radialenes on the Ag(111) surface, where the steric hindrance of the chlorine substituents guides the selective and orientational assembling of the isocyanide precursors. By combining scanning tunneling microscopy, non‐contact atomic force microscopy, and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, we determined the atomic structure of the produced aza[3]radialenes. Furthermore, two reaction pathways including synergistic and stepwise are proposed based on density functional theory calculations, which reveal the role of the chlorine substituents in the activation of the isocyano groups via electrostatic interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ticks, which are ectoparasites of animals, may carry multiple pathogens. The cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus is an important bovine parasite in China. However, the midgut microbiome of R. microplus from China has not been characterized via metagenomic methods. Methods: Rhipicephalus microplus were collected from cattle in the city of Changsha in Hunan province, China. The DNA of the midgut contents was extracted from fully engorged adult female R. microplus. A DNA library was constructed and sequenced using an Illumina HiSeq sequencing platform. SOAPdenovo software was used to assemble and analyze the clean data. The latent class analysis algorithm applied to system classification by MEGAN software was used to annotate the information on the species' sequences. DIAMOND software was used to compare unigenes with the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, and functional annotation was carried out based on the results of the comparison. Results: The dominant phyla in the five samples were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Streptococcus, Mycobacterium, Anaplasma, Enterococcus, Shigella, Lactobacillus, Brachyspira, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Bacillus, and Lactococcus were the dominant genera in the five samples. The endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia was also detected in all of the samples. Mycobacterium malmesburyense, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Enterococcus faecium, Shigella sonnei, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus casei, Brachyspira hampsonii, Pseudomonas syringae, Enterobacter cloacae, and Lactococcus garvieae were the dominant species in the five samples. In addition to these bacterial species, we also detected some eukaryotes, such as Rhizophagus irregularis, Enterospora canceri, Smittium culicis, Zancudomyces culisetae, Trachipleistophora hominis, and viruses such as orf virus, human endogenous retrovirus type W, enzootic nasal tumor virus of goats, bovine retrovirus CH15, and galidia endogenous retrovirus in all of the samples at the species level. The results of the annotated KEGG pathway predictions for the gene functions of the midgut microflora of R. microplus indicated genes involved in lipid and amino acid metabolism, infectious diseases (e.g., Streptococcuspneumonia infection, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, Shigellasonnei infection, Salmonella enterica infection, and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection), and cancer. Conclusions: Our study revealed that the midgut microbiome of R. microplus is not only composed of a large number of bacteria, but that a portion also comprises eukaryotes and viruses. The data presented here enhance our understanding of this tick's midgut microbiome and provide fundamental information for the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hedyotis pubicaulis, a new species from China is described and photographed. It resembles H. uncinella in having herbal habit, tetragonal stem, sessile glomerate inflorescences, and dehiscent capsules, but it can be easily distinguished by having densely pubescent stem, truncate to triangular stipules with 6-14 bristles and only axillary glomerate inflorescence. The molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that the new species was embedded in the genus Hedyotis. The new species is evaluated as Least Concern according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This is a retrospective case–control study to ascertain the factors influencing nosocomial infection (NI) in elderly patients with hip fractures. Methods: A total of 80,174 patients (≥ 60 years) who suffered hip fractures between 2006 and 2017 were identified through a national inquiry of 94 hospitals. The patients were divided into an NI group and control group according to the occurrence or lack of occurrence of NI within 48 hours after surgery, respectively. Age, gender, hip fracture pattern, whether to operate, surgical treatments, and comorbidities were recorded as variables. Results: A total of 9806 elderly hip fracture patients (60 years) were included, 1977 of whom were patients diagnosed with NI. The control group consisted of randomly drawn cases from the 9806 patients from different hospitals with a rate of one NI patient: four patients without NI. Patient gender, age, and in particular the number of comorbidities were associated with occurrence of NI. Using regression models to predict infection outcomes based on the number of comorbidities had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.714, while using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) yielded a smaller value of 0.694. The most common comorbidities of this elderly cohort were chronic respiratory disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, and coronary heart disease. Conclusions: Older age, male gender, and greater number of comorbidities were found to be associated with the occurrence of NI. In particular, the number of comorbidities was the most accurate predictor of NI occurrence, and when used to build a regression model, it had greater predictive capability than CCI to predict NI in elderly hip fracture patients. Additionally, the common diseases of the elderly should be primarily considered when investigating the relationship between comorbidities and NI in older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) regulate the biological processes of human diseases by genetic code expansion and cellular pathophysiology regulation; however, system-wide changes in PTM levels in the intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) brain remain poorly understood. Succinylation refers to a major PTM during the regulation of multiple biological processes. In this study, according to the methods of quantitative succinyllysine proteomics based on high-resolution mass spectrometry, we investigated ICH-associated brain protein succinyllysine modifications and obtained 3,680 succinylated sites and quantified around 3,530 sites. Among them, 25 succinyllysine sites on 23 proteins were upregulated (hypersuccinylated), whereas 13 succinyllysine sites on 12 proteins were downregulated (hyposuccinylated) following ICH. The cell component enrichment analysis of these succinylproteins with significant changes showed that 58.3% of the hyposuccinylated proteins were observed in the mitochondria, while the hyper-succinylproteins located in mitochondria decreased in the percentage to about 35% in ICH brains with a concomitant increase in the percentage of cytoplasm to 30.4%. Further bioinformatic analysis showed that the succinylproteins were mostly mitochondria and synapse-related subcellular located and involved in many pathophysiological processes, like metabolism, synapse working, and ferroptosis. Moreover, the integrative analysis of our succinylproteomics data and previously published transcriptome data showed that the mRNAs matched by most differentially succinylated proteins were especially highly expressed in neurons, endothelial cells, and astrocytes. Our study uncovers some succinylation-affected processes and pathways in response to ICH brains and gives us novel insights into understanding pathophysiological processes of brain injury caused by ICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a devastating disease characterized by remodeling of lung architecture and abnormal deposition of fibroblasts in parenchymal tissue and ultimately results in respiratory failure and death. Preclinical studies suggest that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) administration may be a safe and promising option in treating PF. The objective of our meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of MSC therapy in preclinical models of PF. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to March 17, 2021. Studies that assessed the efficacy of MSC therapy to animals with PF were included. The SYRCLE bias risk tool was employed to evaluate the bias of included studies. The primary outcomes included survival rate and pulmonary fibrosis scores. Meta-analysis was conducted via Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager (version 5.4) and Stata 14.0 statistical software. Results: A total of 1120 articles were reviewed, of which 24 articles met inclusion criteria. Of these, 12 studies evaluated the survival rate and 20 studies evaluated pulmonary fibrosis scores. Compared to the control group, MSC therapy was associated with an improvement in survival rate (odds ratios (OR) 3.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.06 to 4.67, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%) and a significant reduction in pulmonary fibrosis scores (weighted mean difference (WMD) 2.05, 95% CI −2.58 to −1.51, P < 0.001, I2 = 90%). Conclusions: MSC therapy is a safe and effective method that can significantly improve the survival and pulmonary fibrosis of PF animals. These results provide an important basis for future translational clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parainvolucrella R.J. Wang, a new monotypic genus for P. scabra (Wall. ex Kurz) M.D.Yuan & R.J.Wang, new combination, is segregated from the Hedyotis-Oldenlandia complex, based on morphological and molecular evidence. Phylogenetically, the new genus is sister to Scleromitrion, from which it differs by a combination of morphological characters: herbaceous habit, terminal inflorescence with subtended leaves, heterostylous flowers, indehiscent fruits and pollen with double microreticulate tectum. A key to the genera of the Hedyotis-Oldenlandia complex in China is provided for further identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanoluminescence (ML) is a fascinating phenomenon with diverse applications in pressure sensing, damage detection, and stress distribution visualization. However, most ML materials exhibit instantaneous photon emission that requires real‐time recording with a photodetector, and thereby circumscribing their applicability predominantly to real‐time stress‐sensing scenarios. In this work, a novel method is introduced for non‐real‐time stress sensing utilizing Li0.1Na0.9NbO3:Pr3+ phosphor, which allows for the retrieval of pressure location and intensity even 20 days after the event. The influence of heat and pressure on the trap depth distribution is analyzed using thermoluminescence (TL) and ML measurements, and it is proved that both heat and pressure release the captured electrons in the same traps. Leveraging the intricate competition between mechanical and thermal detrapping processes, stress information can be accessed through TL imaging. Furthermore, an algorithm is proposed based on this phenomenon to authenticate the stress information. This research not only advances the fundamental understanding of ML phenomena but also introduces a novel approach for applications such as mechano‐history indicators, security papers, and advanced data storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis was conducted to identify maternal risk factors for lactational mastitis. Studies published in English or Chinese were retrieved from Medline (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WANFANG, and VIP databases according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study quality was assessed by the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model was used for data pooling and I2 tests to assess study heterogeneity. Pooled data from 8 cohorts and 10 case–control studies identified previous mastitis during breastfeeding (P<0.00001), cesarean section (P=0.001), breast trauma (P<0.001), anemia (P=0.0001), latch problems ≤ 8 weeks post-delivery (P=0.003), milk overproduction (P=0.002), blocked duct (P<0.0001), cracked nipple (especially ≤ 4 weeks post-delivery) (P=0.0001), use of nipple shields (P<0.00001), nipple cream (P<0.0001), brassieres (P<0.0001), and breast pumps (P<0.00001), and breastfeed duration > 30 min (P=0.008) as significant risk factors. Washing nipples before breastfeeding decreased lactational mastitis risk. Identification of these risk factors may facilitate the development of nursing care protocols for reducing lactational mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although post‐functionalization is extensively used to introduce diverse functional groups into supramolecular polymers (SPs) in solution, post‐functionalization of SPs on surfaces still remains unexplored. Here we achieved the on‐surface post‐functionalization of two SPs derived from 5,10,15‐tri‐(4‐pyridyl)‐20‐bromophenyl porphyrin (Br‐TPyP) via cross‐coupling reactions on Au(111). The ladder‐shaped, Cu‐coordinated SPs preformed from Br‐TPyP were functionalized through Heck reaction with 4‐vinyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl. In the absence of Cu, Br‐TPyP formed chiral SPs as two enantiomers via self‐assembly, which were functionalized via divergent cross‐coupling reaction with 4‐isocyano‐1,1′‐biphenyl (ICBP). Surprisingly, this reaction was discovered as an enantioselective on‐surface reaction induced by the chirality of SPs. Mechanistic analysis and DFT calculations indicated that after debromination of Br‐TPyP and the first addition of ICBP, only one attack direction of ICBP to the chiral SP intermediate is permissive in the second addition step due to the steric hindrance, which guaranteed the high enantioselectivity of the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although post‐functionalization is extensively used to introduce diverse functional groups into supramolecular polymers (SPs) in solution, post‐functionalization of SPs on surfaces still remains unexplored. Here we achieved the on‐surface post‐functionalization of two SPs derived from 5,10,15‐tri‐(4‐pyridyl)‐20‐bromophenyl porphyrin (Br‐TPyP) via cross‐coupling reactions on Au(111). The ladder‐shaped, Cu‐coordinated SPs preformed from Br‐TPyP were functionalized through Heck reaction with 4‐vinyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl. In the absence of Cu, Br‐TPyP formed chiral SPs as two enantiomers via self‐assembly, which were functionalized via divergent cross‐coupling reaction with 4‐isocyano‐1,1′‐biphenyl (ICBP). Surprisingly, this reaction was discovered as an enantioselective on‐surface reaction induced by the chirality of SPs. Mechanistic analysis and DFT calculations indicated that after debromination of Br‐TPyP and the first addition of ICBP, only one attack direction of ICBP to the chiral SP intermediate is permissive in the second addition step due to the steric hindrance, which guaranteed the high enantioselectivity of the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The alkaloid extract of Voacanga africana seeds was the main cytotoxic component. • Compound 1 obtained from the alkaloid extract was a new compound. • Compound 6 (tabersonine) had the best cytotoxic activity and broad spectrum cytotoxicity. • The cytotoxic activity of tabersonine may be attributed to the induction of apoptosis. • The compound 6 (tabersonine) could be considered as a potential anti-tumor agent. Voacanga africana is a medicinal tree used in Ghana in West Africa for treatment of various diseases. Using MTT assay-guided separation, 6 compounds were isolated and identified. Compound 1 was a new compound, and the rest 5 compounds were 3-oxo-tabersonine (2), 3α- acetonylvoafrine B (3), lochnericine (4), 17,18-dehydrovincamine (5) and tabersonine (6). Amongst these compounds, tabersonine exhibited a remarkable cytotoxic activity and the IC 50 value of tabersonine on 10 types of human cancer cell lines range from 4.8 ± 0.4 µg/mL to 22.5 ± 1.4 µg/mL. The cytotoxicity of tabersonine may be through inducing apoptosis. In conclusion, this study is the first report about the isolation and evaluation of anti-tumor components in Voacanga africana seeds. From these results, the alkaloid compound tabersonine could be considered as a potential anti-tumor agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanoluminescent (ML) materials have garnered significant attention due to their capacity for converting mechanical stress into light emission without the need for external power sources. However, very limited efforts have been cast on the response and utilization of water stimulation using ML materials. Herein, we present a highly efficient self-powered luminescent film that exhibits excellent water-responsive properties. The ML intensity of this film shows the zero-quenching performance when exposed to corrosive solutes (acid or saline solution) and within a broad temperature range of 0−100 °C. The ML intensity of the film remains unaffected by long-term water immersion and the impact of water (>1000 times), providing evidence of the durability of this film in humid environments. The COMSOL simulations aim to uncover the dynamic stress distribution of the ML film under two different modes of water stimulation (vibration and deformation). Furthermore, this ML film is used for water speed sensing, and its water speed sensing range is 0.8 m s−1 −6.02 m s−1. Meanwhile, the film's applications have been demonstrated in illumination and display under hydrodynamic force stimulation, human motion recognition, and underwater sensing and communication. The results show that the film can effectively realize the response and visualization to the hydrodynamic force and broaden the application field of mechanoluminescent materials. The water-driven mechanoluminescent film has successfully realized the collection and utilization of water energy and has been successfully applied in water velocity sensing, water-driven lighting, and underwater information communication. [Display omitted] • Robust self-powered mechanoluminescent films for harvesting and direct utilization of water energy. • First self-powered ML peed sensor applicable under harsh environments like high temperature, acid, and saline solution. • Water-driven sensing and underwater communication of the self-powered ML film are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is considered the best treatment and has the advantages of being minimally invasive for common bile duct (CBD) stones, the choice of T-tube drainage (TTD) or primary duct closure (PDC) after LCBDE is still controversial. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare the superiority of PDC versus TTD after LCBDE for choledocholithiasis. Methods: All potential studies which compare the surgical effects between PDC with TTD were electronically searched for in PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library databases up to November 2019. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were carried out using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: In total, six randomized controlled trials with 604 patients (307 in the PDC group and 297 in the TTD group) were included in the current meta-analysis. As compared with the TTD group, the pooled data showed that PDC group had shorter operating time (WMD = −24.30; 95% CI = −27.02 to −21.59; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%; p < 0.88), less medical expenditure (WMD = −2255.73; 95% CI = −3330.59 to −1180.86; p < 0.0001; I2 = 96%; p < 0.00001), shorter postoperative hospital stay (OR = −2.88; 95% CI = −3.22 to −2.54; p < 0.00001; I2 = 60%; p < 0.03), and lower postoperative complications (OR = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.31 to 0.78; p = 0.77; I2 = 0%; p = 0.003). There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning bile leakage (OR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.36 to 1.53; p = 0.42; I2 = 0%; p = 0.90) and retained stones (OR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.36 to 2.52; p < 0.93; I2 = 0%; p < 0.66). Conclusions: LCBDE with PDC should be performed as a priority alternative compared with TTD for choledocholithiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A transition-metal-free double addition/double rearrangement domino reaction affording CF3-substituted pyrimidines was developed, which enables the one-pot construction of five new bonds, namely three C–C bonds and two C–N bonds. The keys to achieve this highly efficient reaction include the delicate design of the bis-nucleophiles in situ generated from the dimerization of alkyl nitriles and the use of trifluoroacetimidoyl nitriles containing C＝N, C≡N, and CF3 groups as the reactant. The mechanistic studies by the experiments and DFT calculations reveal that the transformation involves two addition and two unprecedented rearrangement processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cenozoic continental strata of the Bohai Bay Basin are rich in shale oil resources, and they contain various types of reservoir spaces that are controlled by complex factors. Using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), automatic mineral identification and characterization system (AMICS), CO2 and N2 gas adsorption, and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM), the types of shale reservoir spaces in the Bohai Bay Basin are summarized, the spatial distribution and connectivity of the various types of pores are described in detail, the microscopic pore structures are characterized, and the key geological mechanisms affecting the formation and evolution of the reservoir spaces are determined. Three conclusions can be drawn in the present study. First, the shale reservoir spaces in the Bohai Bay Basin can be divided into three broad categories, including mineral matrix pores, organic matter pores, and micro fractures. Those spaces can be subdivided into seven categories and fourteen sub‐categories based on the distribution and formation mechanisms of the pores. Second, the complex pore‐throat structures of the shale reservoir can be divided into two types based on the shape of the adsorption hysteresis loop. The pore structures mainly include wedge‐shaped, flat slit‐shaped, and ink bottle‐shaped pores. The mesopores and micropores are the main contributors to pore volume and specific surface area, respectively. The macropores provide a portion of the pore volume, but they do not significantly contribute to the specific surface area. Third, the factors controlling the development of microscopic pores in the shale are complex. The sedimentary environment determines the composition and structure of the shale and provides the material basis for pore development. Diagenesis controls the types and characteristics of the pores. In addition, the thermal evolution of the organic matter is closely related to inorganic diagenesis and drives the formation and evolution of the pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The superb fairy‐wren, Malurus cyaneus, is one of the most iconic Australian passerine species. This species belongs to an endemic Australasian clade, Meliphagides, which diversified early in the evolution of the oscine passerines. Today, the oscine passerines comprise almost half of all avian species diversity. Despite the rapid increase of available bird genome assemblies, this part of the avian tree has not yet been represented by a high‐quality reference. To rectify that, we present the first high‐quality genome assembly of a Meliphagides representative: the superb fairy‐wren. We combined Illumina shotgun and mate‐pair sequences, PacBio long‐reads, and a genetic linkage map from an intensively sampled pedigree of a wild population to generate this genome assembly. Of the final assembled 1.07‐Gb genome, 975 Mb (90.4%) was anchored onto 25 pseudochromosomes resulting in a final superscaffold N50 of 68.11 Mb. This high‐quality bird genome assembly is one of only a handful which is also accompanied by a genetic map and recombination landscape. In comparison to other pedigree‐based bird genetic maps, we find that the fairy‐wren genetic map more closely resembles those of Taeniopygia guttata and Parus major maps, unlike the Ficedula albicollis map which more closely resembles that of Gallus gallus. Lastly, we also provide a predictive gene and repeat annotation of the genome assembly. This new high‐quality, annotated genome assembly will be an invaluable resource not only regarding the superb fairy‐wren species and relatives but also broadly across the avian tree by providing a novel reference point for comparative genomic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Companies use social media to communicate customers has been increasing recently. By analyzing the content generated by users online, companies obtain the information about market and use in product management and innovation, improving the competitiveness of enterprises. As the emerging of growing user-generated content (UGC), how to achieve effective information extraction and transform into product knowledge has posed a challenge to the enterprise. In the context of smart phone product innovation, with data fetched from websites and provided by the enterprise, by using natural language processing and semantic Web tools, this paper proposes an integrated method of innovation knowledge management based on UGC, which provide a systematic solution for the interactive innovation knowledge management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly efficient palladium-catalyzed cascade annulation of 2-vinylbenzaldehydes with indoles has been achieved to afford 6-(3-indolyl)benzo[b]carbazoles under mild conditions in good yield and with excellent regioselectivity. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the reaction proceeds via double addition of indoles, unexpected intramolecular 1,4-aryl and 1,2-hydrogen migrations, and oxidative aromatization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing ultrahigh stretchable, tough and self-healing electronic devices is the key component for the artificial intelligence apparatus which can produce high mechanical properties and prolong the service life. However, it has been a difficult issue to upsurge the mechanical property of hydrogel materials without declining their stretching, and toughness. Herein, we developed high stretchable and recoverable poly( ε -caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly( ε -caprolactone)/poly(acrylic acid) based Ac-PCEC/PAA-Fe(III) hydrogels with self-healable, conductive, and enhanced mechanical properties. Mechanical analysis indicates that Ac-PCEC/PAA-Fe(III) hydrogels have superior recoverable property, improved extensibility (4592 %), enhanced mechanical strength (0.38 MPa), and higher compressive performance. Simultaneously, the developed hydrogels are endowed with tunable mechanical properties by controlling the proportion of components. In addition, the designed hydrogels also exhibit self-healing and conductive properties due to the dynamic interactions (metal ions coordination bonds and hydrogen bonds) and conductivity, respectively. We hypothesize that the mechanical-reinforced, self-recoverable, self-healable and conductive hydrogels could be employed to large deformable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Penta-hexa-graphene (PHG) is the name given to a novel puckered monolayer of carbon atoms tightly packed into an inerratic mixing pentagonal and hexagonal network. Theoretically, it exhibits excellent electronic properties and can be rolled into penta-hexa-graphene nanotubes (PHGNTs). By using first-principles combined with density functional theory, the PHGNTs with two types of chirality and different diameters were studied. Studies show that not only the nanotubes have intrinsic magnetic properties, but also the magnetic ground state changes with the tube diameter. Interestingly, the nanotubes exhibit semiconducting properties that do not vary with chirality in the antiferromagnetic (AFM) state. And in the ferromagnetic (FM) state, the materials realize the transitions from metal to spin gapless semiconductors (SGS), and to semiconductor with the change of tube diameter. Furthermore, first-principles calculation shows that PHGNTs exhibit diverse electronic properties when the external electrical field is applied, ranging not only from semiconductor to SGS and to metal, but also from semiconductor to half-metal and to metal. Our simulations have an impact on their possible applications in spintronic devices. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • The electronic and magnetic properties of the penta-hexa-graphene nanotubes (PHGNTs) were studied. • The PHGNTs have intrinsic magnetic properties, and the magnetic ground state changes with the tube diameter. • All of the stable PHGNTs are semiconducting regardless of chirality in the AFM state. • In FM state, the PHGNTs transit from metals to spin gapless semiconductors, and to semiconductors with increasing diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenced by the anisotropy and water-softening characteristics of gently inclined layered shale, many tunnels have encountered bottom deformation issues during construction and operation, which severely impact the safety of tunnel structures. The energy evolution law during rock deformation and damage can provide support for the assessment and prediction of structure deformation. However, most studies have been conducted on enstatite, granite, and sandstone with limited research on shale. In this study, both conventional and single-cyclic loading-and-unloading uniaxial compression tests were conducted on shale specimens with varying dip angles of the structural plane (Dφ) and water content (Wc) in addressing the most typical layered shale in the Chaoyang Tunnel. The energy evolution features of rock samples at each stage of the tests were analyzed to determine the discriminating indicator (SC) for tunnel bottom deformation tendency. The indicator was based on the elastic strain energy (Uei) and the post-peak dissipation energy (Udi). The results demonstrated that the Dφ and Wc directly affected the energy storage and dissipation process of rock specimens, which in turn enabled them to exhibit different damage evolution features. The Uei and the total input energy (Uli) satisfied a linear relationship, which was determined by the Dφ and Wc of rock specimens. The energy evolution-based indicator SC can accurately characterize the bottom deformation of the tunnel constructed in a gently inclined layered shale stratum. The findings can offer a scientific foundation for rational evaluation of the structure deformation of tunnels under construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The N-CQDs-decorated TiO 2 NRs was first explored to develop a PEC aptasensor. • Exploring a BCP strategy greatly improved the detective performance of the sensor. • The PEC aptasensor exhibited outstanding performance for detection of DEHP. • The sensor was successfully applied to evaluate DEHP levels in environmental samples. Here, a visible-light driven and efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor for highly sensitive and specific detection of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was constructed based on N-doped carbon quantum dots-decorated TiO 2 nanorods (N-CQDs-decorated TiO 2 NRs) subtly integrated with biocatalytic precipitation (BCP). The N-CQDs-decorated TiO 2 NRs synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method possess enhanced visible-light absorption capability and excellent PEC performance. The synthesized composites were used as the sensing material for developing a PEC aptasensor. Amino-functionalized complementary strand (cDNA) was first covalently immobilized on the N-CQDs-decorated TiO 2 NRs, and then horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled aptamer molecules were introduced onto the surface of composites by hybridization with cDNA. HRP-induced biocatalytic precipitation (BCP) caused the decrease of PEC detection signal, playing a role of signal amplification. The proposed PEC aptasensor shows good detection performance for DEHP with high sensitivity, selectivity, stability and reproducibility, and the detection limit is as low as 0.017 ng/L. Moreover, satisfying results were achieved for the DEHP assays in real environmental samples using the proposed PEC aptasensor. Thus, this present method would contribute a fresh idea to monitor DEHP or other pollutants in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A scheme combining alkali‑oxygen cooking and ultrasonic etching cleaning was developed for the short range preparation of CNF from bagasse pith, which has a soft tissue structure and is rich in parenchyma cells. This scheme expands the utilization path of sugar waste sucrose pulp. The effect of NaOH, O 2 , macromolecular carbohydrates, and lignin on subsequent ultrasonic etching was analyzed, and it was found that the degree of alkali‑oxygen cooking was positively correlated with the difficulty of subsequent ultrasonic etching. The mechanism of ultrasonic nano-crystallization was found to be the bidirectional etching mode from the edge and surface cracks of the cell fragments by ultrasonic microjet in the microtopography of CNF. The optimum preparation scheme was obtained under the condition of 28 % NaOH content and 0.5 MPa O 2 , which solves the problem of low-value utilization of bagasse pith and environmental pollution, providing a new possibility for the source of CNF. • The ultrasonic etching path is firstly found in the preparation process of CNF. • The ultrasonic microjet mainly conducts bidirectional etching on the edges and cracks of fiber fragments. • Alkali-oxygen pulping combined with ultrasonic etching can achieve short-term and low-power preparation of CNF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heterobicyclic core retained hydroarylation of oxa/azabenzonorbornadienes with quinoline N-oxides has been achieved under rhodium catalysis, giving quinoline N-oxide substituted heterobicyclic structures with excellent regioselectivity and in good yields. As the first example of the direct introduction of quinoline N-oxides onto heterobicyclic structures, the strained heterobicyclic core was well retained in the reaction. The products could be successfully transformed into a series of useful compounds, including epibatidine analogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we are mainly concerned with 2 types of constrained matrix equation problems of the form AXB=C, the least squares problem and the optimal approximation problem, and we consider several constraint matrices, such as general Toeplitz matrices, upper triangular Toeplitz matrices, lower triangular Toeplitz matrices, symmetric Toeplitz matrices, and Hankel matrices. In the first problem, owing to the special structure of the constraint matrix L, we construct special algorithms; necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained about the existence and uniqueness for the solutions. In the second problem, we use von Neumann alternating projection algorithm to obtain the solutions of problem. Then we give 2 numerical examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corilagin, a gallotannin, is one of the major active components of many ethnopharmacological plants. It was isolated from Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd. (dividivi) by Schmidt in 1951 for the first time. In the past few decades, corilagin was reported to exhibit anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities, etc . However, little attention was paid to its pharmacological properties due to the complicated and inefficient extract method. In recent years, with the development of extraction technology corilagin was much easier to obtain than before. Thus, people return to pay attention to its anti-tumor, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities, particularly as an anti-tumor agent candidate. Our research team had focused on the distribution, preparation and anti-tumor activity of corilagin since 2005. We found corilagin showed good anti-tumor activity on hepatocellular carcinoma and ovarian cancer. What’s more, corilagin showed a low level of toxicity toward normal cells and tissues. Due to the extensive attention that corilagin has received, we present a systematic review of the pharmacological effects of corilagin. In this review, we summarized all the pharmacological effects of corilagin with a focus on the molecular mechanism of anti-tumor activity and show you how corilagin affected the signaling pathways of tumor cells as well as its physicochemical properties, distribution and preparation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine vision systems have been widely used on industrial production lines because of their advantages such as automation and contactless inspection. The detection of defects in a polymeric polarizer is a typical application of machine vision. Extremely slight transparent aesthetic defects (ESTADs) in a polymeric polarizer cannot be imaged using conventional illumination such as white light and structured light. Therefore, this study proposed a novel and automated inspection method for detecting ESTADs by employing the edge of light in structured light illumination, and this was found to drastically enhance the image contrast. An optical model was established to investigate the imaging enhancement mechanism. The simulation results were consistent with the experimental results, and the lighting principle was also determined to interpret the imaging phenomena. Finally, active lighting scanning was performed to demonstrate the feasibility of this inspection scheme; the proposed method is efficient for the real-time and in situ inspection of defects in polymer films and products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using density functional theory in combination with nonequilibrium Green's functions method, we design a molecular rectifier base on acene molecule, which is connected by the zigzag and armchair graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). The spin dependent electron transport studies show that the Large Rectification Ratios (10 4 ) and High-efficiency spin-filtering (100%) can be observed at low bias voltages. To further modulate the transport properties, we doped the device with N-pair in the different positions of acene molecule, and found that the rectification ratios are strongly dependent on the doping position. Interestingly, the perfect spin-filtering is still maintained in the doped devices. Our simulations suggest that the 4-acene supramolecular can be formed a promising nanoscale device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirteen new cantharidin derivatives including six cantharimide-amino acid adducts ( 1 – 6 ), five cantharimide dimers ( 7 – 11 ) and two cantharimide-aromatic compound hybrids ( 12 – 13 ) were isolated from Mylabris phalerata Pallas. Compounds 1 – 5 represent the first natural products combined through cantharimide and neutral amino acids. Compounds 7 – 11 are the first cantharimide dimers consisting of two different cantharimide cores. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by means of NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and semi-synthesis. Compound 6 showed weak cytotoxicity against HepG2, A549 and MDA-MB-231 cells with IC 50 values of 15.70 ± 3.06, 20.67 ± 4.05 and 23.79 ± 4.54 μ M, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]