Search

The structure–activity relationship of glyceryl oleate organic friction modifiers and the difference in interaction with antiwear additives significantly affect the friction and wear characteristics of the lubrication system. This paper comprehensively considered the differences between polar functional groups and hydrocarbon tail chains, the structure–activity relationship of three glyceryl oleate friction modifiers and the synergistic antiwear mechanism with phosphate ester additives were investigated by experiments and simulations. The results indicated that the substitution of hydroxyl groups in glyceryl oleate weakened the electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions with the metal interface, and the increase of hydrocarbon tail chains led to the enhanced steric hindrance effect, which in turn led to the deterioration of tribological properties. In addition, the binary additive system of glyceryl monooleate and phosphate ester exhibited significant synergistic antiwear effects. This is attributed to the chemisorption of additive O(C = O/P-O/P = O) active sites and Fe2O3 metal interface, GMO hydrogen bond interaction, the deprotonation of phosphate ester, and carbonate and phosphate protective film generated by tribochemical reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microscopic interaction between graphene and liquid lubricating oil molecules significantly affects the rheological and tribological properties of the solid–liquid lubricating system. In this study, the interaction between graphene and six kinds of alkane oil droplets with different chain lengths was investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. Interaction energy, atomic concentration distribution, mean square distribution, curvature, centroid, and inclination angle were used to quantitatively describe the effect of interaction differences on lubricating performance. The results demonstrated that with the increase of the carbon chain length, the alkane molecules transformed from a spherical oil droplet model to an ordered layered structure. At the same time, the interaction energy and the angle with the Z coordinate axis were further increased. The self-diffusion movement and the degree of molecular bending were reduced during the interaction, indicating that long-chain alkane molecules interact strongly with graphene, and a dense multilayer adsorption film was formed by horizontal adsorption on the surface of graphene, thus exerting a good lubricating effect. In addition, it was found that the increase in temperature was beneficial to the occurrence of the adsorption process, but high temperature is not conducive to the stable adsorption of alkane molecules on the surface of graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the sources and transport of carbon in two active karst systems in central Texas, Inner Space Cavern (IS) and Natural Bridge North and South Caverns (NB), to provide new insights into the interpretation of speleothem (cave calcite deposit) carbon isotope compositions. We have determined the δ 13 C values of soil CO 2 ( δ 13 C s ) in grassland and savanna above these caves with δ 13 C values of cave drip water ( δ 13 C HCO 3 − ) and modern speleothem calcite grown on artificial substrates ( δ 13 C cc ). We compare δ 13 C HCO 3 − values from direct drip sites, where water was sampled immediately upon discharging from the cave ceiling, to values from indirect sites, where water was sampled after flowing along a prolonged path within the cave that allowed for longer CO 2 degassing and have found that direct drip sites yield consistently lower δ 13 C HCO 3 − values. The δ 13 C HCO 3 − values of direct drip water below savanna (−10.6 ± 0.5‰ and −12.6 ± 0.2‰, in NB and IS, respectively) are indistinguishable from (IS) or similar to (NB) calculated δ 13 C HCO 3 − values in equilibrium with measured soil CO 2 beneath trees (−13.5‰ to −11.3‰ for juniper trees above NB, and −13.6‰ to −12.6‰ for mixed oak and elm trees above IS, respectively). At IS, the δ 13 C HCO 3 − values of direct drip water are higher below grassland (−9.7 ± 0.3‰) than below savanna (12.6 ± 0.2‰). These results suggest that the δ 13 C HCO 3 − values of drip waters that initially enter the caves are controlled by deep-rooted plants, where present, and are minimally influenced by host-rock dissolution and/or prior calcite precipitation (PCP). The δ 13 C HCO 3 − values of indirect drip water vary seasonally with relatively low values during the summer (−10.8 ± 0.8‰ and −9.2 ± 0.4‰ under juniper savanna at NB and under grassland at IS, respectively) that are similar to the direct drip δ 13 C HCO 3 − values (−10.6 ± 0.5‰ and −9.7 ± 0.3‰ under savanna at NB and under grassland at IS, respectively). The relatively high δ 13 C HCO 3 − values of indirect drip sites during the winter ( δ 13 C HCO 3 − = −8.6 ± 0.8‰ at NB and 8.0 ± 0.1‰ at IS) result from CO 2 degassing of water along in-cave flow paths. We also present decade-long records of modern calcite δ 13 C values from direct and indirect drip sites at IS. The δ 13 C cc values vary seasonally with lower values during the summer and higher values during the winter, and with smaller amplitude variations at the direct drip site. Such seasonal variations can be used as a geochronological tool in some speleothems that do not contain visible lamina. The summer δ 13 C cc values of direct drip calcite are similar to δ 13 C cc values predicted from soil CO 2 collected beneath trees above that drip site. The occurrence of highest δ 13 C cc values during the winter, when cave CO 2 concentrations are low, highlights the significance of ventilation-driven changes in cave-air p CO 2 . Modern calcite δ 13 C values are also negatively correlated with drip rate, which suggests that δ 13 C cc variations are controlled by kinetic effects during degassing and calcite precipitation associated with the drip water exposure time to a low- p CO 2 environment. In all, at the caves we investigated, variability in speleothem δ 13 C cc values primarily reflect presence/absence of deep-rooted vegetation and kinetic isotope effects. We therefore infer that increased aridity may result in higher δ 13 C values of vegetation, lower drip rates and more drip water degassing, and thus higher δ 13 C cc values of speleothem calcite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of the oxygen isotopic composition (δ 18O value) of rainfall, drip-water and associated calcite (grown on artificial substrates and in a natural speleothem) at multiple drip sites in a well-ventilated cave in central Texas were conducted to investigate the potential use of speleothem δ 18O for quantitative temperature reconstructions. From 2009 to 2011, rainfall δ 18O varied by 11.5‰ (−10.5‰ to 1.0‰, V-SMOW), whereas drip-waters had a much narrower range of 0.3‰ (−4.7‰ to −4.4‰, V-SMOW). This contrast indicates that mixing processes along flow paths in the vadose zone above the cave produce a well-homogenized water reservoir that supplies drip-water to the cave. The δ 18O values for calcite grown on substrates over the same time period show seasonal variations (summer: ∼−6‰; winter: ∼−3‰) that are strongly correlated with surface air temperatures (t a) at all three monitored sites (r 2 =0.88-0.96; p <0.001). These results indicate that the dominant control on calcite δ 18O is temperature. An empirical relationship was established for one monitored site: t a =−9.1(±0.9)× δ 18O×103 −20.6(±4.1); r 2 =0.88, and applied to a δ 18O time series of the top 6.7mm of a stalagmite that grew at this drip site. This yields a temperature record that appears to reflect seasonal variations for the period 2005–2009. This speleothem-derived temperature record is offset to lower values (by 0-8°C) compared to the instrumental temperature record. This offset may be a result of differences between substrate and speleothem calcite in terms growth mechanism, extent of non-equilibrium isotopic effects, or temporal shifts in drip-water δ 18O values. Despite this offset, the speleothem-derived record reconstructs the amplitudes of seasonal variations and changes in inter-annual summer peak temperatures in the instrumental record. Results of this study have implications for reconstructing past temperatures, and for establishing a speleothem chronology with seasonal resolution, using speleothem calcite δ 18O. The results also suggest that relatively seldom-studied speleothem samples near the entrances of caves, where environmental conditions may be similar to surface conditions, could prove valuable as paleo-temperature archives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Speleothem δ 18O values can serve as a paleoclimate proxy, yielding information about past temperature and rainfall. An accurate determination of the equilibrium calcite–water oxygen isotopic fractionation factor and an assessment of kinetic isotopic fractionation are required for interpretation of speleothem δ 18O data. In this study, δ 18O values were measured for calcite deposited on artificial substrates at four sites in two central Texas caves monitored for over 10years. The results are used to evaluate the equilibrium isotopic fractionation factor and the impact of climatic and hydrologic conditions on kinetic isotopic fractionation. The δ 18O values of calcite from the four sites ranged from 24.8‰ to 26.7‰ (V-SMOW), and associated drip water values ranged from −4.6‰ to −3.9‰. A comparison of predicted equilibrium calcite δ 18O values, calculated using a commonly-used isotopic fractionation factor, with measured values indicates that 94% of the calcite samples are not in oxygen isotopic equilibrium with respect to their associated drip water. The departure from oxygen isotopic equilibrium (expressed as Δ18Occ-e) ranges from −0.7‰ to 1.4‰. Three of the four drip sites yield similar linear relationships between Δ18Occ-e and water temperature (t w), and can be collectively expressed as: Δ18Occ-e =0.3t w −4.7; r 2 =0.56 (n=93). Therefore, calcite deposited during time periods of lower t w, lower cave-air CO2 concentration and faster calcite deposition rates, have δ 18O values closer to equilibrium. This contradicts conceptual models, which predict that a faster calcite deposition rate leads to a larger departure of calcite δ 18O from equilibrium. If slower calcite deposition indeed facilitates equilibrium fractionation (i.e., Δ18Occ-e →0), then the results of this study support a larger than commonly accepted value for the equilibrium calcite–water oxygen isotopic fractionation factor. Adopting a larger published value for the fractionation factor yields negative Δ18Occ-e values of up to −2.4‰. These negative values cannot be explained by existing kinetic fractionation models. Alternatively, they may reflect the trapping of a calcite “surface layer” with a lower δ 18O value than that of calcite in isotopic equilibrium with ambient water. The relationship between deposition rates and Δ18Occ-e for this study is consistent with the same relationship using data for synthetic calcite from the literature. This relationship indicates a −0.8‰ shift of calcite δ 18O for every ten-fold increase in deposition rate at 5 to 25°C and a pH of 8.3. The significant kinetic fractionation observed in this study warrant consideration in applying measured speleothem calcite δ 18O values to interpret past climate conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Kaolinite, gibbsite and quartz are the dominant minerals in samples collected from two outcrops of a Cenomanian (∼95Ma) laterite in southwestern Minnesota. A combination of measured yields and isotope ratios permitted mass balance calculations of the δD and δ18O values of the kaolinite in these samples. These calculations yielded kaolinite δD values of about −73‰ and δ18O values of about +18.7‰. The δD and δ18O values appear to preserve information on the ancient weathering system. If formed in hydrogen and oxygen isotope equilibrium with water characterized by the global meteoric water line (GMWL), the kaolinite δD and δ18O values indicate a crystallization temperature of 22 (±5)°C. A nominal paleotemperature of 22°C implies a δ18O value for the corresponding water of −6.3‰. The combination of temperature and meteoric water δ18O values is consistent with relatively intense rainfall at that mid-paleolatitude location (∼40°N) on the eastern shore of the North American Western Interior Seaway. The inferred Cenomanian paleosol temperature of ∼22°C is in general accord with published mid-Cretaceous continental mean annual temperatures (MAT) estimated from leaf margin analyses of fossil plants. When compared with results from a published GCM-based Cenomanian climate simulation which specifies a latitudinal sea surface temperature (SST) gradient that was either near modern or smaller-than-modern, the kaolinite paleotemperature of 22°C is closer to the GCM-predicted MAT for a smaller equator-to-pole temperature difference in the mid-Cretaceous. Moreover, the warm, kaolinite-derived, mid-paleolatitude temperature of 22°C is associated with proxy estimates of high concentrations of atmospheric CO2 in the Cenomanian. The overall similarity of proxy and model results suggests that the general features of Cenomanian continental climate in that North American locale are probably being revealed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A mid-Cretaceous (∼95Ma) laterite in southwestern Minnesota contains pisolites that consist primarily of gibbsite, quartz, and kaolinite with smaller amounts of goethite (α-FeOOH) and hematite. The presence of minor berthierine (an Fe(II) sheet silicate) suggests that this Cenomanian laterite experienced some degree of low temperature reductive diagenesis during its burial history. The prospects for extracting useful paleoenvironmental information from the pisolitic goethite were explored by studying measured mole fraction (Xm) and δ13 C m values of the Fe(CO3)OH component in solid solution in the goethite using the method of incremental vacuum dehydration–decarbonation. Data arrays that occupy distinctly different domains in plots of δ13 C m vs. 1/X m suggest the existence of two generations of goethite in the pisolites. The apparently younger generation of goethite (“generation 2”) evolves CO2 at 170°C, while the older generation (“generation 1”) evolves CO2 at 220°C. The distribution of the data suggests that generation 2 goethite is a proxy for mixing of CO2 from three distinct CO2 sources in an oxidative environment which post-dated the reductive diagenesis. The small amount of generation 1 goethite seems to have persisted through the reductive diagenesis, and nine of the generation 1 goethite data appear to define a proxy, two-endmember, soil CO2 mixing line. Such two-component mixing is consistent with expectations for a highly evolved, carbonate-free laterite (i.e., the pre-diagenetic Cenomanian weathering system). The δ13 C m values of these nine data points range from −23.1‰ to −13.7‰, whereas X m values range from 0.0007 to 0.0222. Linear regression of these nine data yields a slope of 0.0064, which corresponds to an ancient tropospheric CO2 concentration of about 1900 ppmV. Isotopic data from pisolitic kaolinite indicate a paleotemperature of about 24°C at a paleolatitude of ∼40°N. This is substantially warmer than modern continental temperatures at such latitudes and is consistent with published indications of a generally warmer mid-Cretaceous climate. Moreover, the correspondence of a warmer mid-Cretaceous climate with the inferred, relatively high concentration of Cenomanian tropospheric CO2 (∼1900ppmV) is consistent with the idea that variations of atmospheric CO2 have a relation to climate change. The results of this study emphasize the importance of careful evaluation of incremental dehydration–decarbonation data from natural goethites to assess the possibility that more than one generation of goethite is present in a sample. However, the results also indicate that the carbon isotope information recorded in admixed goethite generations may be sorted out and used in paleoenvironmental interpretations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Twelve goethite samples with different degrees of substitution of Al for Fe were synthesized at 22–48°C and pH values of 1.5–14 under closed system conditions and used to study the effects of Al substitution on the hydrogen isotopic fractionation between goethite and its ambient water. The syntheses followed two pathways: (1) Fe3+ hydrolysis in high pH aqueous solutions; (2) oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ in mid to low pH solutions. XRD and SEM analyses indicated that, irrespective of temperature and pH, goethite was the predominant product of the syntheses in all of the experiments (with degrees of Al substitution as high as ∼13mol %). “High temperature nonstoichiometric” (HTN) water is present in all of the samples and rapidly exchanges D/H with ambient vapor at room temperature. Uncertainties in the value of the apparent D/H fractionation factor (α e–v) between HTN water and ambient exchange water at 22°C lead to significant uncertainties in determinations of the δD values of structural hydrogen (δDs) in goethites which contain high proportions of HTN water. As determined for the samples of this study, α e–v has a nominal value of 0.942 (±0.02). δDs values determined using an α e–v value of 0.942 indicate that Al substitution increases the δD value of structural hydrogen in goethite by about 1.4 (±0.4)‰ for each increase in Al of 1mol %. This dependence on Al is of the same sign as, but somewhat larger in magnitude than, the effect of Al predicted by a published model (∼0.7‰ per mol % Al). The overall uncertainties in the current results suggest that an increase of ∼1‰ per mol % Al, as adopted by previous studies, may be a reasonable estimate with which to adjust δ Ds values of natural goethites to those of the pure FeOOH endmember and could be valid for degrees of Al substitution of up to at least 15mol %. These synthesis experiments also yield a hydrogen isotopic fractionation factor (D α G–W) between pure goethite (α-FeOOH) and liquid water of 0.900 (±0.006), which is analytically indistinguishable from the published value of 0.905 (±0.004). Thus, use of an D α G–W value of 0.905 in applications to the FeOOH component of natural goethites is supported by the current study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Monoplacophoran Igorella-type pore-channel structures from the Lower Cambrian Meishucunian Stage in China have been examined. A well-preserved shell shows that the pores are round or elliptical in transverse profile, elevated on the shell surface, and almost equally spaced and arranged along growth lines on the whole dorsal and lateral sides of the shell while the ventral side is smooth. The distribution of these Igorella-type pore-channel structures is different not only from the Maikhanella''s concentric distribution but also from the Auriculaspira''s spiral distribution. The pore is 10–20 μm in diameter, generally 15 μm, and the elevated shell wall is 0.1 μm thick. The pore peristome is slightly contracted and covered by a ring of granular crystals. These pores are apparently different in shape from the mastoids of Maikhanella and Auriculaspira. The pore channel arrangement is similar to that of recent molluskan bivalved shells, but the pore channels of the monoplacophoran Igorella-type shells are obviously bigger than those of the latter. It is speculated that the porosity of the shell may be useful for exchanging between the soft body and the surrounding water and relieving pressure on the thin shell from water. This study on pore-channel structures provides new evidence for understanding the skeletonization and ecological functions of early mollusks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Acrotretoids, one of the oldest brachiopod groups, are abundant in the Lower Cambrian Jiulaodong Formation. The shell of Linnarssonia sp. is composed of two layers: a primary layer and a columnar secondary layer. The primary layer is mostly exfoliated, resulting in exposure of the openings to the central canal of the columns. Filae are seen on the surface of the columnar layer, indicating that the columnar secondary layer has influenced changes in ornament on the shell surface. The larval shell has only very weak ripples; the post-larval shell has obvious concentric ribs. Small pits of variable shape cover almost the entire shell surface. The secondary layer is composed of several columnar laminations, each of which comprises both the upper and lower laminae and the cylindrical columns between them. On the inner side of shell the thin columnar laminations increase. The new microstructural data show that two shell layers are developed in Early Cambrian acrotretoid brachiopods; the columnar lamination may be a primitive feature of the microstructural development of the Brachiopoda and may help establish the affinity between different stem-group brachiopods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phosphatized bilaterally symmetrical, spirally coiled conch from the Lower Cambrian phosphates of the Meishucunian Stage of eastern Yunnan, China, is composed of two well-preserved layers. The outer one is built of longitudinal mineralized fibres not strictly parallel to each other, but may anastomose or branch. The fibres form comarginal ribs with transversal grooves between them, corresponding to growth stages. In the ribs, the fibres are arranged closely and are steeply inclined towards the apex, while in the grooves the fibres are subparallel to the conch surface and more loosely packed. Small elliptic and triangular holes are situated within and between the fibres of the outer layer. The inner layer consists of transversal fibres running around the conch. They are almost parallel to each other but partly separated by narrow discontinuous slits. Despite overall morphological similarity of the conch to shells of some early Cambrian molluscs, the observed orthogonal configuration of longitudinally oriented fibrous structures of the outer layer and transversal fibres of the inner layer is found in orthothecid hyoliths, phosphatized microstuctures of which have been described from the Lower Cambrian of the Siberian Platform. The new material from the Yangtze Platform supports a conclusion of a distinctive type of microstructure available in hyoliths different from molluscan microstructures available from the Lower Cambrian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive gastric cancer (GC) is a heterogeneous GC subtype characterized by the overexpression of HER2. To date, few specific targeted therapies have demonstrated durable efficacy in HER2-positive GC patients, with resistance to trastuzumab typically emerging within 1 year. However, the mechanisms of resistance to trastuzumab remain incompletely understood, presenting a significant challenge to clinical practice. Methods: In this study, we integrated genetic screening and bulk transcriptome and epigenomic profiling to define the mechanisms mediating adaptive resistance to HER2 inhibitors and identify potential effective therapeutic strategies for treating HER2-positive GCs. Results: We revealed a potential association between adaptive resistance to trastuzumab in HER2-positive GC and the expression of YES-associated protein (YAP). Notably, our investigation revealed that long-term administration of trastuzumab triggers extensive chromatin remodeling and initiates YAP gene transcription in HER2-positive cells characterized by the initial inhibition and subsequent reactivation. Furthermore, treatment of HER2-positive GC cells and cell line-derived xenografts (CDX) models with YAP inhibitors in combination with trastuzumab was found to induce synergistic effects through the AKT/mTOR and ERK/mTOR pathways. Conclusion: These findings underscore the pivotal role of reactivated YAP and mTOR signaling pathways in the development of adaptive resistance to trastuzumab and may serve as a promising joint target to overcome resistance to trastuzumab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombus formation, poor pregnancy outcomes, and a proinflammatory response. H3K4me3‐related monocytes activation are key regulators of APS pathogenesis. Therefore, H3K4me3 CUT&Tag and ATAC‐seq are performed to examine the epigenetic profiles. The results indicate that the H3K4me3 signal and chromatin accessibility at the FOXJ2 promoter are enhanced in an in vitro monocyte model by stimulation with β2GPI/anti‐β2GPI, which mimics APS, and decreases after OICR‐9429 administration. Furthermore, FOXJ2 is highly expressed in patients with primary APS (PAPS) and is the highest in patients with triple‐positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). Mechanistically, FOXJ2 directly binds to the SLAMF8 promoter and activates SLAMF8 transcription. SLAMF8 further interacts with TREM1 to stimulate TLR4/NF‐κB signaling and prohibit autophagy. Knockdown of FOXJ2, SLAMF8, or TREM1 blocks TLR4/NF‐κB and provokes autophagy, subsequently inhibiting the release of inflammatory and thrombotic indicators. A mouse model of vascular APS is established via β2GPI intraperitoneal injection, and the results suggest that OICR‐9429 administration attenuates the inflammatory response and thrombus formation by inactivating FOXJ2/SLAMF8/TREM1 signaling. These findings highlight the overexpression of H3K4me3‐mediated FOXJ2 in APS, which consequently accelerates APS pathogenesis by triggering inflammation and thrombosis via boosting the SLAMF8/TREM1 axis. Therefore, OICR‐9429 is a promising candidate drug for APS therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the analytical characteristics of a novel high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) test on the automatic light-initiated chemiluminescent assay (LiCA®) system, and validated its diagnostic performance for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Studies included an extensive analytical evaluation and established the 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL) from apparently healthy individuals, followed by a diagnostic performance validation for NSTEMI. Sex-specific 99th percentile URLs were 16.0 ng/L (1.7 % CV: coefficient of variation) for men (21–92 years) and 13.4 ng/L (2.0 % CV) for women (23–87 years) in serum, and 30.6 ng/L (0.9 % CV) for men (18–87 years) and 20.2 ng/L (1.4 % CV) for women (18–88 years) in heparin plasma. Detection rates in healthy individuals ranged from 98.9 to 100 %. An excellent agreement was identified between LiCA® and Elecsys® assays with a correlation coefficient of 0.993 and mean bias of −0.7 % (−1.8–0.4 %) across the full measuring range, while the correlation coefficient and overall bias were 0.967 and −1.1 % (−2.5–0.3 %) for the lower levels of cTnT (10–100 ng/L), respectively. At the specific medical decision levels (14.0 and 52.0 ng/L), assay difference was estimated to be <5.0 %. No significant difference was found between these two assays in terms of area under curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) for the diagnosis of NSTEMI. LiCA® hs-cTnT is a reliable 3rd-generation (level 4) high-sensitivity assay for detecting cardiac troponin T. The assay is acceptable for practical use in the diagnosis of NSTEMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alterations of the trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) mark in monocytes are implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to elucidate the role of H3K4me3‐mediated epigenetics in the pathogenesis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Methods: H3K4me3 Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation and Assay for Transposase‐Accessible Chromatin were performed to determine the epigenetic profiles. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull‐down, co‐immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation were performed for mechanistic studies. Transmission electron microscopy and propidium iodide staining confirmed cell pyroptosis. Primary monocytes from patients with primary APS (PAPS) and healthy donors were utilised to test the levels of key molecules. A mouse model mimicked APS was constructed with beta2‐glycoprotein I (β2GPI) injection. Blood velocity was detected using murine Doppler ultrasound. Results: H3K4me3 signal and open chromatin at the ARID5B promoter were increased in an in vitro model of APS. The epigenetic factor ARID5B directly activated LINC01128 transcription at its promoter. LINC01128 promoted the formation of the BTF3/STAT3 complex to enhance STAT3 phosphorylation. Activated STAT3 interacted with the NLRP3 promoter and subsequently stimulated pyroptosis and apoptosis. ARID5B or BTF3 depletion compensated for LINC01128‐induced pyroptosis and apoptosis by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation. In mice with APS, β2GPI exposure elevated the levels of key proteins of pyroptosis and apoptosis pathways in bone marrow‐derived monocytes, reduced the blood velocity of the ascending aorta, increased the thrombus size of the carotid artery, and promoted the release of interleukin (IL)‐18, IL‐1β and tissue factor. Patients with PAPS had the high‐expressed ARID5B and LINC01128, especially those with triple positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between ARID5B and LINC01128 expression. Conclusion: This study indicated that ARID5B/LINC01128 was synergistically upregulated in APS, and they aggravated disease pathogenesis by enhancing the formation of the BTF3/STAT3 complex and boosting p‐STAT3‐mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis, thereby providing candidate therapeutic targets for APS. Highlights: The H3K4me3 mark and chromatin accessibility at the ARID5B promoter are increased in vitro model mimicked APS.ARID5B‐mediated LINC01128 induces pyroptosis and apoptosis via p‐STAT3 by binding to BTF3.ARID5B is high‐ expressed in patients with primary APS and positively correlated with LINC01128 expression.OICR‐9429 treatment mitigates pyroptosis and related inflammation in vivo and in vitro models mimicked APS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate camphor tree ash (green biomass ash) supported K2CO3as a solid base catalyst for biodiesel production. The catalyst was prepared by way of first-calcination, K2CO3solution impregnation, and second-calcination method. The catalytic performance of the catalyst for the preparation of biodiesel was investigated. Under the optimal conditions of K2CO3loading of 50 wt%, first-calcination temperature of 800°C, second-calcination temperature of 500°C, catalyst concentration of 5 wt%, catalytic time of 210 min, methanol/oil molar ratio of 14:1, and catalytic temperature of 65°C, the biodiesel yield reached 92.27%. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Steel is the second-most commonly used building material, after concrete, which results in considerable amount of carbon emission. Growing number of studies have explored the opportunities of minimising the carbon emission of steel building products. Numbers of carbon reduction strategies (CRSs), such as coke dry quenching technology, blast furnace off gas recovery measures, biomass energy, and carbon capture technology have been proposed and investigated. Owing to the different aims, scopes, and methods of the existing studies, they have led to mixed conclusions and a question has been frequently asked: how to efficiently minimise the carbon emission of steel building products, especially from a cradle-to-site perspective? Therefore, the present study systematically reviews and critically analyses the relevant research literature. 286 peer-reviewed studies have been reviewed and 12 categories of CRSs have been identified. The most frequently studied CRSs include the recovery of furnace gas and waste heat, use of alternative fuels and energy, alternative/improved ironmaking technologies and etc. However, it is found that these studies have largely ignored the CRSs applicable to the upstream and downstream manufacturing processes, and have insufficiently examined, especially from a quantitative perspective, the carbon emission reduction potential of policy drivers and the cumulative effects of multiple CRSs. The results of this review also reveal the steady growth of research interest in this field with the significant research contributions made by Chinese academia. Last but not least, the best available technologies have been fully investigated in the reviewed literature, while the emerging cleaner production technologies, such as electrification of ironmaking, carbon capture and storage, clean fuel and energy, yet demand further investigation. The findings presented herein is expected to guide future research direction in this field and also to assist industry practitioners to formulate efficient CRSs. [Display omitted] • 221 steel manufacturing CRSs were identified from 286 peer-reviewed studies. • Research interest in the field increased steadily with great contribution by China. • CRSs for upstream & downstream processes and police drivers needs further research. • Co-effect of multiple CRSs and reduction potential is yet to receive in-depth study. • Research on BATs was abundant while emerging CRSs demand further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential interference of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on aquatic animals and humans has drawn wide attention in recent years. Reports have shown that some organophosphorus pesticides were a kind of EDCs, but their effects on fish species are still under research. In present study, flow cytometry data of HEC-1B cell line showed that chlorpyrifos (CPF) could increase cell proliferation index like 17β-estradiol (E2), but the effect of CPF was weaker than of E2 in the same concentration. Moreover, CPF altered the expression pattern of estrogen-responsive gene VTG and ERα in zebrafish embryos. When exposed to CPF at various concentrations (0, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 mg/L) for 48 h during the embryo stage, compared with controls, the hatching rate of treated groups significantly increased at the same time and the hatching rate of embryos was proportional to CPF concentration. The mRNA expression levels of c-myc, cyclin D1, Bax and Bcl-2, which are closely related to cell proliferation and cell apoptosis, were disturbed by CPF in zebrafish embryos after exposure treated for 48 h. In addition, acridine orange (AO) staining of zebrafish embryos showed that cell apoptosis was appeared in the 0.75, 1.00 mg/L CPF treated groups. Taken together, the results obtained in the present study indicated that chlorpyrifos is estrogenic and alters embryonic hatching, cell proliferation and apoptosis in zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cave calcite (i.e., speleothem) proxy records that span abrupt warming events, such as those of the last deglacial, may prologue regional responses of hydroclimate to 21st century warming. Proxy reliability is advanced by an understanding of the modern hydrologic system and controls on calcite growth. Here we integrate monitoring of Cave CWN in central Texas with high-resolution imaging and δ18O analysis of Stalagmite CWN-4 to understand how regional hydroclimate changed during a rapid deglacial warming event - the transition from Heinrich Stadial 1 (HS1) to the Bølling-Allerød (BA) warm period. This event is recorded in CWN-4 as a rapid negative δ18O excursion of 1.7‰ over ∼210 years (H S1- B A δ18 O excursion = 'HBO'), followed by a 6-fold growth rate increase. Monitoring demonstrates that modern calcite grows during cool seasons, growth rates follow drip rate, and drip water and calcite δ18O reflect the δ18O of recharge. Because drip waters have interannual epikarst residence times, their δ18O values are well-mixed averages of their Gulf of Mexico (GoM) moisture source δ18O values, which rapidly decreased during Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) melting events. Confocal laser fluorescence microscopy imaging indicates that growth lamina are seasonal within U-series age constraints. The timing of the HBO (14.75 ± 0.08 to 14.54 ± 0.08 ka), corresponds with 1) the onset of Bølling warming in Greenland (14.64 ka), 2) AMOC reinvigoration (∼14.61–14.25 ka), 3) Meltwater Pulse 1a (14.65–14.31 ka), and 4) Meltwater Flood 3 (MWF-3) - the most intense episode of LIS meltwater discharge into the GoM (14.97–14.46 ka). The rapid increase in growth rates following the HBO indicates an abrupt transition to a wetter hydroclimate in central Texas following these regional and global events. The HBO δ18O excursion occurred monotonically, consistent with meltwater discharge being continuous. This excursion also corresponds with climate change recognized across the HS1-BA transition in marine and terrestrial records influenced by changes in North Atlantic climate, AMOC, and ITCZ migrations. We infer that central Texas deglacial hydroclimate largely followed changes in AMOC, linked via meltwater input to the GoM. Periods of fast (slow) speleothem growth coincide with warmer (cooler) North Atlantic episodes, with the exception of the HS1 to BA transition. For this transition, slow growth rates during MWF-3 may reflect protracted cooling of GoM SST and corresponding atmospheric moisture reduction. The common timing and duration of the HBO with shifts toward wetter conditions across the HS1-BA transition in many northern Hemisphere climate records supports common ocean-atmosphere teleconnections related to AMOC intensity. • Multi-year cave monitoring and stalagmite high-resolution petrography elucidate the nature of seasonal growth increments. • Stalagmite δ18O tracks meltwater delivery to the Gulf of Mexico across the Heinrich Stadial 1-Bølling-Allerød transition. • Gulf of Mexico moisture delivery to the central Texas region was suppressed during MWP-1a and then dramatically increased. • Central Texas deglacial hydroclimate largely followed North Atlantic climate changes that perturbed thermohaline circulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a disease characterised by acute onset, high mortality, and poor prognosis, and is mainly caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Human urine-derived stem cells (USCs) exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic cytoprotective effects. Previously, we found that exosomes from USCs had the ability to inhibit apoptosis and protect kidneys from I/R injury. This study aimed to investigate the role of USC-derived exosomes (USC-Exos) in reducing pyroptosis and alleviating I/R-AKI. Models of HK-2 cells hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) and I/R kidney injury was established in Sprague Dawley rats to simulate AKI in vitro and in vivo. USC-Exos were isolated using ultracentrifugation and identified via electron microscopy and western blotting. USC-Exos were co-cultured with HK-2 cells and injected into rats via the tail vein. The expression of pyroptosis-related molecules (GSDMD, caspase-1, and NLRP-3) was verified using PCR and western blotting. Changes in renal function were reflected in the serum creatinine, urea, and cystatin C levels. The degree of renal injury was determined using haematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining. The levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to verify the role of USC-Exos in pyroptosis. Differentially expressed circRNAs in I/R rat kidneys were screened by transcriptome sequencing, and a dual-luciferase experiment was used to verify the interaction between upstream and downstream molecules. Ischemia-reperfusion resulted in significantly impaired renal function and expression of pyroptosis molecules, and significantly increased concentrations of inflammatory factors. These effects were reversed by injecting USC-Exos. Circ DENND4C was the most significantly decreased circRNA in I/R rat renal tissue, and knock-down of circ DENND4C can aggravate AKI in vivo and in vitro. DAVID(http://david.abcc.ncifcrf.gov) website showed that miR 138-5p/FOXO3a is a potential downstream target of circ DENND4C. Knock-down of circ DENND4C in HK-2 cells resulted in increased expression of miR 138-5p and increased miR 138-5p can reverse the regulation of FOXO3a. Dual-luciferase assay verified the reverse interaction between circ DENND4C, miR 138-5p, and FOXO3a. Exosomes promote cell proliferation and inhibit the activation of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 through the circ DENND4C/miR 138-5p/FOXO3a pathway, thereby reducing pyroptosis and AKI. Circ DENND4C may be a potential therapeutic target for AKI. • USCs exosomes played a protective role in inhibiting pyroptosis and alleviating AKI both in vitro and in vivo. • The accumulation of exosomes in the affected kidney with I/R injury in vivo contributed to the repair of kidney injury. • The differential expression of various circRNAs during renal injury may be related to the mechanism of renal I/R injury. • Circ DENND4C enriched in USCs exosomes inhibited pyroptosis and alleviated AKI by regulating miR 138-5p/FOXO3a. • Circ DENND4C may be a new potential therapeutic target for AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anabaritids, or angustiochreids, are extinct organisms with mineralised tubular and mostly triradially symmetrical exoskeletons known from Lower Cambrian beds worldwide. They are particularly abundant and diverse on the Siberian Platform, from where their first representatives have been formally described. About 70% of the published species names and all valid genera are known from Siberia, which makes this region particularly important for revision of the group. A few species of anabaritids are also reported from such crustal units as Western Mongolia, Kazakhstan, South and North China, Eastern and Western Gondwana, Avalonia, Laurentia and Baltica. This study is mainly based on the extensive collections available from the Siberian Platform, including material illustrated in publications, and it provides a systematic review of the diversity of the group. The evaluation of taxonomically important features by different authors is assessed in order to find a balance between taxonomic oversplitting of anabaritids, which has resulted in 72 species being named to date, and unsubstantiated lumping. Of the 19 published genera we place 14 in synonymy, on the basis of our analysis of the typematerial. The genera Anbarites, Cambrotubulus, Selindeochrea, Aculeochrea and Mariochrea may be retained. We are inclined to regard anabaritids as diploblastic-grade metazoans similar to, or located within, the Cnidaria. There is, however, no firm evidence for that and they are, therefore, collectively referred to herein as a group incertae sedis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water environment pollution caused by the widespread application of beta-cypermethrin (BCP) and chlorpyrifos (CPF) in agriculture has attracted extensive concern of the world. In this study, zebrafish was used as a model to investigate the individual and joint toxicity of BCP and CPF. In the acute toxicity test, 3 hpf embryos were exposed to various concentrations of CPF, BCP and their binary mixtures (MIX) for 96 h. The results indicated that these two pesticides and mixtures induced malformation and death in larvae, and affected hatchability. These two pesticides in mixtures were verified to act together in a synergistic manner under experimental conditions. Oxidative stress assaying manifested that CPF, BCP and MIX altered CAT, SOD and GST activities and MDA content, resulting in oxidative damage in larvae. By pathology analysis, CPF (236 μg/L), BCP (5.9 μg/L) and MIX (236 μg/L CPF + 5.9 μg/L BCP) were found to trigger liver lesions and promote apoptosis in tissues. The transcriptome sequencing suggested that ECM- receptor interaction, focal adhesion, cell cycle, DNA replication, phototransduction and adherens junction pathways were closely associated with the toxicity of these two pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first thiol-specific turn-on probe, BODIPY-TS, utilizing a thiosulfonate scaffold as the thiol recognition unit was reported. BODIPY-TS displays low toxicity, and features high sensitivity, fast response and quantitative reaction towards thiols. The structural novelty of BODIPY-TS would guide the development of novel thiol probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The aim was to study the properties of novel "light fertilizer", photo-conversion film, in order to evaluate its effect on the environmental factors and morphogenetic process of crops in the high tunnel. [Method] Photo-conversion film and longevous anti-dropping film were compared in terms of light, air and soil temperature utilizing the Facilities of leafy agriculture high tunnel intelligent monitoring system. Verifying the results by farmland experiment. [Result] Photo-conversion film indeed improved the light quality of high tunnel compared with the longevous anti- dripping film. The air and soil temperature was raised several degrees. Results of farmland experiment show that the average value of brassica chinensis fresh weight increased 19.15% compared to the control. [Conclusion] Photo-conversion film promotes more crop growth than longevous anti-dropping film due to improvement of light quality, air and soil temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To maintain the balance of byproduct gas holder is an important task in optimal scheduling of byproduct energy in steel industry. However, this is often influenced by many factors and is difficult to obtain a precise mechanism model for analysis. In this paper, an optimal method for prediction and adjustment on byproduct gas holder is proposed. Considering the different operation styles of gasholders, both single and multiple gasholders level prediction models are established by machine learning methodology. And, a hybrid parameter optimization algorithm is developed to optimize the model for high prediction accuracy. Then, based on the predicted gasholder level, the optimal adjustment amount is calculated by a novel reasoning method to sustain the gasholder within safety zone. This method has been verified in the Energy Center of Baosteel, China. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach can precisely predict and adjust gasholders and provide a remarkable guidance for reasonable scheduling of byproduct gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore ways to improve wear of friction pairs and the efficiency of nano additives, a magnetic lubricating particle, Fe 3 O 4 @MoS 2 core–shell nanocomposite, was developed as solid additive for polyalphaolefin (PAO) 6, and a magnetic field was applied to steel/steel friction interface for enhancing lubrication effect. The effect of magnetic field on the tribological properties of PAO 6 containing the nanocomposites was investigated using an adapted tribometer. The friction results indicate that although the prepared Fe 3 O 4 @MoS 2 nanocomposites exhibits good lubrication performance in PAO 6, the friction reduction and anti-wear effect could be further enhanced after applying a magnetic field, and the effect of the magnetic field on tribological properties is closely related to the concentration of nanocomposites in PAO 6. The mechanism of magnetic field on lubrication effect of the magnetic nanocomposites in PAO 6 was analyzed by simulation software, coupling the technology of SEM and XPS. Image 1 • A feasible way to enhance tribological performance of rubbing surfaces is proposed. • Magnetic field could target good magnetic solid lubricant to rubbing surfaces. • Fe 3 O 4 @MoS 2 nanoparticles could be migrated actively in polyalphaolefin basestock. • The role of magnetic field on friction property of PAO6 with Fe 3 O 4 @MoS 2 is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the roles and tribological mechanisms of onion-like carbon nanoparticles derived from biodiesel soot (BDS) when applied in water (H2O) and liquid paraffin (LP). In this study, we prepared nitric acid-treated BDS (NA-BDS) as an additive to H2O and NA-BDS modified with oleylamine (NA-BDS-OLA) as an additive to LP. Raman spectroscopy, field-emission transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potentiometry were used to characterize the results of the nitric acid treatment and oleylamine modification. The tribological behaviors and corresponding mechanisms of the new onion-like carbon nanoparticles were evaluated using a ball-on-disc reciprocating tribometer, as well as field-emission scanning electron microscopy, three-dimensional laser scanning microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicated that the additives NA-BDS and NA-BDS-OLA, which were onion-like carbon nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 35 to 40 nm, enhanced the antiwear and friction reduction properties of H2O and LP, respectively. Through tribo-mechanisms, these types of soot can serve as spacers and ball bearings between the rubbing surfaces. Moreover, exfoliation under a high load as a result of the formation of a graphitic layer facilitates easy shearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]