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A near-infrared fluorescent probe (TX-P) for detecting peroxynitrite is constructed. The probe has a near-infrared emission (725 nm), large Stokes shift (125 nm) and excellent sensitivity and selectivity. In addition, TX-P can be used to visualize ONOO− in living cells, image ONOO− in paw edema mice and evaluate anti-inflammatory drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malnutrition is highly prevalent and associated with complications and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Patients with cirrhosis were screened using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, the Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool and the Skeletal Muscle Index. Then, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and consistency with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria results were calculated. We also analysed the association between nutritional status and short‐term prognosis. Results: We enrolled 125 patients with cirrhosis, of whom 59.20% and 60.00% were malnourished based on the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria and Skeletal Muscle Index. Some 53.60% and 65.60%, respectively, were classified medium‐to‐high nutritional risk by Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and the Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool. The Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool had the best predictive value, and it was more sensitive and had a better negative predictive value than the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 Tool. The Skeletal Muscle Index also had good sensitivity and predictive value. The Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool, Skeletal Muscle Index and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria showed high concordance. The 3‐ and 6‐month mortality rates were significantly higher for patients with moderate‐to‐high nutritional risk or malnutrition, regardless of the tool. Conclusions: When assessing cirrhosis with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria, the Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool is best for nutritional screening and the Skeletal Muscle Index is also a good nutritional assessment tool. Key points: Diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases were considered.The Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool score is not affected by the presence of oedema and ascites and is therefore more advantageous than the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, which is more commonly used in clinical practice in cirrhotic patients.The results of the present study show that the Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool is more valuable than the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 for determining the short‐term prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis.The study found good concordance between the Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria in patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, lumbar 3‐SMI can be used to assess the nutritional status of these patients.C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6 and procalcitonin levels significantly increased in patients with moderate‐to‐high nutritional risk or malnutrition compared to their counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the ageing of society's population, neurodegenerative diseases have become an important factor affecting the quality of life and mortality in the elderly. Since its physiopathological processes are complex and the authorized medications have recently been shown to have several adverse effects, the development of safe and efficient medications is urgently needed. In this study, we looked at how ginsenoside Rg1 works to postpone neural stem cell ageing and brain ageing, giving it a solid scientific foundation for use as a therapeutic therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological data suggest that individuals in all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have higher risks of developing cognitive impairment. The relationship between CKD and cognition has been assessed exclusively using glomerular function markers; however, kidney tubule injury has not been assessed. We assessed the association between urinary biomarkers of renal tubular injury and cognitive dysfunction in older patients with CKD Stages 3–4. According to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, participants were divided into cognitive dysfunction and control groups. Compared with the control group, the cognitive dysfunction group had significantly higher percentages of smokers, noticeably lower average education, and higher mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in the peripheral blood. Spearman correlation analysis showed that higher urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecule-1, and beta-2 microglobulin (β2M) levels were significantly associated with lower cognitive scores. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only increased urinary β2M levels were independently associated with cognitive worsening in CKD after adjusting for confounders. Logistic regression identified a promising role of urinary β2M combined with smoking and education for predicting cognitive impairment in CKD. Urinary β2M and cognitive function negatively correlated with mtDNA content, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction is a common pathophysiological mechanism linking CKD and cognitive dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Super-hydrophilic/underwater super-oleophobic materials composed of biomass show great advantages for the treatment of oily wastewater due to their inherent fouling resistance. However, the development of three-dimensional materials from biomass for oil–water separation is still a challenge. It is universally acknowledged that constructing a rough structure on the surface of hydrophilic substrates would significantly improve the underwater oleophobicity and oil–water separation performance. In this work, a three-dimensional lignin/cellulose aerogel (LCA) was developed through sol–gel method with freeze-drying. The rough microstructure and 3D interconnected network composed of lignin and cellulose impart excellent underwater superoleophobicity to LCA for efficient oil–water separation. The introduction of lignin to cellulose aerogel could effectively enhance its surface roughness, water permeation speed and underwater oil contact angle. Especially, the swelling properties of the hydrogel could be regulated by modulating the content of lignin, which could further control the pore size of aerogels to optimize the separation flux. The as-prepared aerogel showed remarkable performance in separating various oil–water mixtures and oil-in-water emulsions, with a separation flux of 7646 ± 167 L·m−2·h−1 and oil rejection rate >99 %. These excellent properties combined with its facile fabrication make LCA a promising candidate for the treatment of oily wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most significant issue influencing the preservation and sale of chicken is its oxidative behavior. The effect of hydroxyl radical oxidation on the hydrolysis of myofibrillar protein by μ‐calpain in vitro was explored in this work, which looked at the alteration of chicken myofibrillar protein by hydroxyl radical oxidation. The carbonyl, dimerized tyrosine content and surface hydrophobicity of myofibrillar protein increased significantly as H2O2 concentration increased, tryptophan fluorescence intensity and total sulfhydryl content decreased. Compared with the control group, the carbonyl content of 10 mmol/L H2O2 treatment group increased to 1.7 nmol/mg protein, the surface hydrophobicity and the dimer tyrosine content increased 32.41% and 14.73%, respectively, the total sulfhydryl content decreased to 67.93 nmol/mg protein. The protein cross‐linked and aggregated, and the oxidative modification of chicken myofibrillar protein promoted degradation. Desmin degradation by μ‐calcinase is inhibited by MHC, actin, and troponin‐T. The findings revealed that oxidation influenced the hydrolysis of myofibrillar protein and the tenderness of chicken after slaughter. Novelty impact statement: The chicken myofibrillar proteins were cross‐linked and aggregated by hydroxyl radical oxidation.The oxidative modification of hydroxyl radical changes the sensitivity of protein to μ‐calpain.The oxidative modification of chicken myofibrillar protein improved the tenderness of postmortem chicken by promoting the degradation of MHC, actin, and troponin‐T caused by μ‐calcium‐activating enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of circ_0002762 in CC. Design: This study was designed for silencing circ_0002762 in CC cells and xenograft tumor models to investigate the role of circ_0002762 in CC in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods: The relative expression levels of circ_0002762, miR-526b-5p, and hexokinase2 (HK2) in CC tissues and cells were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. Glycolysis-related extracellular acidification rate, glucose production, lactic acid consumption, and ATP levels were measured using the appropriate kits. Cell proliferation was assessed by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The binding relationship between miR-526b-5p and circ_0002762 or HK2 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. Tumor growth in vivo was detected by xenograft tumor model. Results: The expressions of circ_0002762 and HK2 were up-regulated and miR-526b-5p was down-regulated in CC tissues and cells. Circ_0002762 knockdown inhibited glycolysis and proliferation and promoted apoptosis of CC cells. In addition, miR-526b-5p suppression reversed the inhibition of CC development induced by circ_0002762 silencing. HK2 overexpression eliminated the inhibition of miR-526b-5p on CC progression. Moreover, silencing of circ_0002762 inhibited CC tumor growth in vivo. Limitations: The practical application of circ_0002762 in clinical practice needs further investigation. Conclusion: Circ_0002762 knockdown inhibited CC progression by regulating miR-526b-5p/HK2 axis, suggesting that circ_0002762 was a promising therapeutic strategy for CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report on fracture behaviors of Al–Mg–Si alloys (LT21 Al) decommissioned from a research reactor in service for 30 years. Microscopic characterizations show that the initial microstructures of the long-term low-dose-rate neutron-irradiated LT21 Al are dominated by a large number of micrometer-sized voids and second-phase particles, different from short-term high-dose-rate neutron-irradiated materials. Quasi-static tensile and shock spall experiments on the irradiated and unirradiated LT21 Al reveal considerable irradiation-induced softening (larger than 40%) in both the tensile and spall strength. We attribute the irradiation softening to the over-aging process promoted by irradiation enhanced diffusion during the long-term service. Postmortem characterizations on shock-recovered samples indicate that the long-term low-dose-rate neutron irradiation-induced microstructures (micrometer-sized voids and second-phase particles) facilitate nucleation and growth of the dynamic damage in irradiated materials, thus playing an important role in the change in facture behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trigonobalanus doichangensis is a rare and endangered species with important evolutionary value and extremely small populations. We investigated the genetic diversity of T. doichangensis to provide information on its effective preservation. We used genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technology to assess the genetic diversity, genetic structure and gene flow of the six populations of T. doichangensis. Analysis of SNPs indicated that there was high genetic diversity in the ML and XSBN populations of T. doichangensis. FST values showed moderate genetic differentiation among the populations of T. doichangensis. Meanwhile, admixture, principal components and gene flow analyses indicated that the populations of T. doichangensis are not genetically separated in accordance with their geographical distributions. Habitat destruction and excessive exploitation may have led to a low gene flow, which has in turn resulted in the differences in seed and seedling morphological traits among populations. Based on these findings, we recommend that T. doichangensis be conserved through in situ approaches and artificial seedlings, including preservation of each extant population. Particularly, the ML and XSBN populations have high diversity and more ancestral information, so these two populations should be considered as conservation priorities, and seeds should be collected to obtain germplasm and increase the genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel bio-based benzoxazine-terminated hyperbranched polyester (HB-Dfa) was designed and synthesized using renewable diphenolic acid and furfurylamine as raw materials through self-polymerization and Mannich condensation reaction. Meanwhile, the copolymers based on HB-Dfa and benzoxazine monomer (P-ddm) were prepared to investigate the effect of HB-Dfa on the properties of traditional benzoxazine. The chemical structure of HB-Dfa was elucidated by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopies. The curing behavior and curing kinetics were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), showing that it possessed a low temperature of exothermic peak and activation energy value compared with the P-ddm. Hence, the curing process of P-ddm was facilitated by the introduction of HB-Dfa. The thermomechanical and thermal properties of P-ddm/HB-Dfa copolymers were determined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. Compared with the pure P-ddm resin, the introduction of HB-Dfa remained most of glass transition temperature (T g), cross-linking density and thermal stability, which could promote the curing reaction and reduce the curing temperature of the copolymers. In addition, HB-Dfa exhibited a low dielectric constant (2.46 ≥ k ≥ 2.16) and a low dielectric loss (f ≤ 0.05) at frequencies range of 2–18 GHz, which could effectively modify the dielectric properties of the copolymer system. [Display omitted] • Fully bio-based benzoxazine-terminated hyperbranched polyesters was prepared. • HB-Dfa exhibits low activation energy and and soluble in various organic solvents. • Poly(HB-Dfa)s shows low dielectric constant at frequencies range of 2–18 GHz. • Copolymers with low cure temperature and dielectric constant and improved toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Breathing exercise can help patients with dyspnea to change the wrong breathing pattern, improve the degree of freedom of respiratory muscles, increase alveolar ventilation, promote breathing, and relieve the symptoms of dyspnea patients. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the role of breathing training in alleviating postoperative pain in patients with spinal nerve root entrapment syndrome. Objective. To explore the effect of respiratory training in relieving postoperative pain in patients with spinal nerve root entrapment syndrome. Methods. Fifty-eight patients with spinal nerve root entrapment syndrome treated in our hospital from May 2020 to May 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were randomly divided into a control group (n = 29) and an observation group (n = 29). The control group was given routine postoperative pain nursing, and the observation group was given respiratory training on the basis of the control group. The scores of visual analogue scale (VAS), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), Oswestry dysfunction index questionnaire (ODI), the dosage of postoperative analgesics, and the time of first out-of-bed activity were recorded before pain nursing intervention and 3 days and 7 days after intervention. Results. The VAS, SAS, and ODI scores of the observation group after 3 d and 7 d of intervention were lower than those of the control group. Compared with the same group, the scores of VAS, SAS, and ODI after 3 d and 7 d of intervention were lower than those before intervention, and those after 7 d of intervention were lower than those after 3 d of intervention (P < 0.05). The dosage of postoperative analgesics and the time of first out-of-bed activity in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Respiratory training can effectively relieve postoperative pain, reduce anxiety, and improve spinal function in patients with spinal nerve root entrapment syndrome, which is beneficial to the prognosis of patients and is worthy of promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) as a worldwide chronic disease combined with the COVID-19 pandemic prompts the need for improving the management of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with preexisting T2D to reduce complications and the risk of death. This study aimed to identify clinical factors associated with COVID-19 outcomes specifically targeted at T2D patients and build an individualized risk prediction nomogram for risk stratification and early clinical intervention to reduce mortality. Methods. In this retrospective study, the clinical characteristics of 382 confirmed COVID-19 patients, consisting of 108 with and 274 without preexisting T2D, from January 8 to March 7, 2020, in Tianyou Hospital in Wuhan, China, were collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were performed to identify specific clinical factors associated with mortality of COVID-19 patients with T2D. An individualized risk prediction nomogram was developed and evaluated by discrimination and calibration. Results. Nearly 15% (16/108) of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with T2D died. Twelve risk factors predictive of mortality were identified. Older age (HR = 1.076, 95% CI = 1.014–1.143, p = 0.016), elevated glucose level (HR = 1.153, 95% CI = 1.038–1.28, p = 0.0079), increased serum amyloid A (SAA) (HR = 1.007, 95% CI = 1.001–1.014, p = 0.022), diabetes treatment with only oral diabetes medication (HR = 0.152, 95%CI = 0.032–0.73, p = 0.0036), and oral medication plus insulin (HR = 0.095, 95%CI = 0.019–0.462, p = 0.019) were independent prognostic factors. A nomogram based on these prognostic factors was built for early prediction of 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day survival of diabetes patients. High concordance index (C-index) was achieved, and the calibration curves showed the model had good prediction ability within three weeks of COVID-19 onset. Conclusions. By incorporating specific prognostic factors, this study provided a user-friendly graphical risk prediction tool for clinicians to quickly identify high-risk T2D patients hospitalized for COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To analyze the transmission and blocking intervention scheme of emotional disorders between cancer patients and their families. Methods. About 150 patients with cancer and 150 family members with mood disorders treated in a tertiary hospital in North China from March 2021 to Octobor2021 were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned into control group and study group. The control group received routine intervention, and the study group received the diagnosis, intervention, and treatment strategies of doctor-patient-affective disorder. The factors related to the transmission of emotional disorders between cancer patients and their families were analyzed, and the alterations of anxiety, depression, social support, and satisfaction of the two groups were compared under different blocking intervention schemes. Results. (1) Univariate analysis indicated that there were significant differences in family age, family income, sex, location of tumor, course of disease, TNM stage, somatic symptoms, and the incidence of anxiety and depression. There exhibited no significant difference between the gender of the family, the years of education of the family, the occupational status of the family, the relationship between the family and the patient, the mode of payment of the patient's medical expenses, the age of the patient, the mode of treatment of the patient, the degree of knowledge of the disease, and the incidence of anxiety and depression (P > 0.05). The anxiety and depression status of relatives were taken as dependent variables, and the age of family members, family income status, sex of patients, location of tumor, course of disease, TNM stage, and physical symptoms of patients were taken as independent variables, and the data were analyzed by Logistic regression analysis. Logistic regression analysis indicated that family income, tumor location, disease course, TNM stage, and somatic symptoms were the risk factors of anxiety and depression in relatives. (2) Comparison of social support status and intergroup, the objective support, subjective support, support utilization, and total score of social support in the study group were higher compared to the control group. In terms of the depression score before intervention, there exhibited no significant difference (P > 0.05), but after intervention, the depression score of the two groups decreased, and the depression score of the study group was lower compared to the control group before intervention, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks after intervention (P < 0.05). In terms of the anxiety score before intervention, there exhibited no significant difference (P > 0.05), but after intervention, the anxiety score of the two groups decreased, and the anxiety score of the study group was lower compared to the control group before intervention, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks after intervention (P < 0.05). Comparison of the satisfaction between the two groups and the study group was very satisfied in 56 cases, satisfactory in 14 cases, and general in 5 cases, and the satisfaction rate was 100.00%. The control group was very satisfied in 35 cases, satisfactory in 23 cases, general in 12 cases, and dissatisfied in 5 cases, and the satisfaction rate was 93.33%. The satisfaction of the study group was higher compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Family income, tumor location, course of disease, TNM stage, and somatic symptoms are the risk factors of anxiety and depression in relatives. After establishing the diagnosis, intervention and treatment strategies of doctor-patient-affective disorder, the emotional disorder of family members of cancer patients, is significantly promoted, and the intervention satisfaction is high, so the scheme is worth promoting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study and analyze the regularized least squares for function-on-function regression model. In our model, both the predictors (input data) and responses (output data) are multivariate functions (with d variables and d ˜ variables respectively), and the model coefficient lies in a reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS). We show under mild condition on the reproducing kernel and input data statistics that the convergence rate of excess prediction risk by the regularized least squares is minimax optimal. Numerical examples based on medical image analysis and atmospheric point spread function estimation are considered and tested, and the results demonstrate that the performance of the proposed model is comparable with that of other testing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A negative expansion component SZM is used to balance the thermal expansion. • SNC/SZM heterogeneous interface is constructed by self-assembly. • Heterogeneous interface improves SNC-20SZM ORR kinetics. • The combined SZM increases the TPB length and the O2– transport pathways. • SNC-20SZM exhibits an impressive Rp value of 0.012 Ω cm2 at 700 °C. The discrepancy in thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) between the cobalt-based cathode and the electrolyte presents a notable obstacle in attaining optimal performance levels for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Here we propose to introduce negative thermal expansion (NTE) component Sm 0.85 Zn 0.15 MnO 3 (SZM) to SrNb 0.1 Co 0.9 O 3−δ (SNC) cathode to prepare SNC-xSZM (x = 0, 10, 20 and 30 %) composite cathode materials. The impact of incorporating negative thermal expansion material on the composition and properties of the matrix materials were examined by X-ray diffraction, thermal dilatometer, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical workstation. The results show that SNC-xSZM can achieve more ideal thermal matching with Ce 0.8 Gd 0.2 O 1.9 (GDC), and the thermal expansion coefficient decreases observably from 25.47 × 10−6 K−1 for x = 0 to 13.74 × 10−6 K−1 for x = 30 %. The optimal comprehensive electrochemical performance is obtained for SNC-20SZM, which possesses the minimum polarization resistance (Rp) of 0.012 Ω cm2 at 700 °C. The SNC-20SZM-based cell shows a maximum peak power density (PPD) of 1.22 W cm−2 while exhibiting stable operation for a continuous duration of 120 h at a constant current of 0.8 A cm−2, with performance remaining optimal. Moreover, SNC-20SZM demonstrates exceptional durability and stability over prolonged durations even in high CO 2 atmospheres. An innovative approach for enhancing the development of intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) involves incorporating SZM in the SNC cathode, thereby augmenting electrochemical performance and narrowing the gap in the thermal expansion coefficient among SOFC modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic involves the activation of antibiotic molecules and the photocatalytic oxidation process. However, the simultaneous improvement of these processes is still a challenge. Herein, S-scheme heterojunctions consisted of Cu 2 O nanocluster with defective WO 3 nanosheets were constructed for efficient photocatalytic degradation of levofloxacin (LVX). The typical CNS-5 composite (5 wt% Cu 2 O/WO 3) achieves an optimal LVX degradation efficiency of 97.9% within 80 min. The spatial charge separation and enhancement of redox capacity were realized by the formation of S-scheme heterojunction between Cu 2 O and WO 3. Moreover, their interfacial interaction would lead to the loss of lattice oxygen and the generation of W5+ sites. It is witnessed that the C–N of piperazine ring and C O of carboxylic acid in LVX are coordinated with W5+ sites to build the electronic bridge to activate LVX, greatly promoting the further degradation. This work highlights the important role of selective coordination activation cooperated with S-type heterojunctions for the photocatalytic degradation and offers a new view to understand the degradation of antibiotics at molecular level. Efficient photocatalytic degradation of LVX over CNS-5 via coordination activation [Display omitted] • Modulation of electron structure and construction of unsaturated W active sites on Cu 2 O/WO 3 S-scheme heterojunctions. • Improvement of O 2 adsorption and reduction facilitating by oxygen deficiency. • The coordination and activation of levofloxacin with active sites boosted the photodegradation performance. • The photodegradation mechanism of the synergistic effect of S-scheme heterojunction and coordination activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraordinary mechanical properties of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) hold great promise for their applications under extreme conditions (high pressure, high temperature, etc.). However, investigations on the mechanical properties of HEAs under extreme conditions (especially at high pressures) are extremely scarce, preventing their future applications. In this study, significant strength enhancement of Cantor (CoCrFeMnNi) HEA is achieved via phase engineering by using high-pressure techniques. The pressure-induced fcc - hcp phase transition of Cantor HEA leads to a strength increase of 65 % across the phase transition. Consequently, the hcp -Cantor HEA behaves as strongly as typical superhard ceramic B 4 C and surpasses corundum at moderate pressures. Moreover, the hcp -Cantor HEA quenched to ambient pressure is 47 % harder than the pristine fcc phase. In addition, by substituting the Mn atom with the Pd atom to introduce a severe lattice distortion in Cantor HEA, the CoCrFePdNi HEA turns out to be almost twice harder than Cantor HEAs at ambient pressure. The excellent mechanical properties of HEAs promise their potential applications at high pressures. These results also demonstrate that phase engineering and the introduction of severe lattice distortion represent two promising methods of developing high-strength HEAs in the future. [Display omitted] • The hcp -Cantor HEA quenched to ambient pressure is 47 % harder than the pristine fcc phase. • CoCrFePdNi HEA with large lattice distortion is almost twice harder than Cantor HEAs at ambient pressure. • Phase engineering and the introduction of severe lattice distortion represent two promising methods of developing high-strength HEAs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Recent progress in high spatial and energy resolution characterization techniques of water molecules on metal surfaces under ultra-high vacuum condition. • In-situ spectroscopic characterization of interfacial water during electrochemical processes. • Various discoveries on how interfacial water participate in electrocatalytic reactions. Water is a fundamental substance in the natural world, playing a central role in various fields such as energy, catalysis and the environment. Broadly speaking, the diverse applications of water in different domains are all reliant on its interactions at surfaces. This mini-review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of advanced characterization techniques employed in the examination of interfacial water. Through the presentation of recent findings regarding water's behavior on various surfaces, we elucidate how these newly developed characterization methods enable precise determination of the physical and chemical properties of interfacial water. Additionally, we delve into how these discoveries enhance our comprehension of the physical and chemical processes involving water. Of particular interest is the intricate relationship between interfacial water and catalytic activity in electrocatalytic reactions. Furthermore, we offer insights into the challenges and prospects within this captivating field of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) as a worldwide chronic disease combined with the COVID-19 pandemic prompts the need for improving the management of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with preexisting T2D to reduce complications and the risk of death. This study aimed to identify clinical factors associated with COVID-19 outcomes specifically targeted at T2D patients and build an individualized risk prediction nomogram for risk stratification and early clinical intervention to reduce mortality. Methods. In this retrospective study, the clinical characteristics of 382 confirmed COVID-19 patients, consisting of 108 with and 274 without preexisting T2D, from January 8 to March 7, 2020, in Tianyou Hospital in Wuhan, China, were collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were performed to identify specific clinical factors associated with mortality of COVID-19 patients with T2D. An individualized risk prediction nomogram was developed and evaluated by discrimination and calibration. Results. Nearly 15% (16/108) of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with T2D died. Twelve risk factors predictive of mortality were identified. Older age (HR = 1.076, 95% CI = 1.014–1.143, p = 0.016), elevated glucose level (HR = 1.153, 95% CI = 1.038–1.28, p = 0.0079), increased serum amyloid A (SAA) (HR = 1.007, 95% CI = 1.001–1.014, p = 0.022), diabetes treatment with only oral diabetes medication (HR = 0.152, 95%CI = 0.032–0.73, p = 0.0036), and oral medication plus insulin (HR = 0.095, 95%CI = 0.019–0.462, p = 0.019) were independent prognostic factors. A nomogram based on these prognostic factors was built for early prediction of 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day survival of diabetes patients. High concordance index (C-index) was achieved, and the calibration curves showed the model had good prediction ability within three weeks of COVID-19 onset. Conclusions. By incorporating specific prognostic factors, this study provided a user-friendly graphical risk prediction tool for clinicians to quickly identify high-risk T2D patients hospitalized for COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fully biodegradable polymer blends remain challenges for the application due to their undesirable comprehensive performance. Herein, remarkable combination of superior mechanical performance, bacterial resistance, and controllable degradability is realized in the biodegradable poly(L-lactide)/poly(butylene succinate) (PLLA/PBSU) blends by stabilizing the epoxide group modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles (m-TiO2) at the PLLA-PBSU interface through reactive blending. The m-TiO2 can not only act as interfacial compatibilizer but also play the role of photodegradation catalyst: on the one hand, binary grafted nanoparticles were in situ formed and stabilized at the interface to enhance the compatibility between polymer phases. As a consequence, the mechanical properties of the blend, such as the elongation at break, notched impact strength and tensile yield strength, were simultaneously improved. On the other hand, antibacterial and photocatalytic degradation performance of the composite films was synergistically improved. It was found that the m-TiO2 incorporated PLLA/PBSU films exhibit more effective antibacterial activity than the neat PLLA/PBSU films. Moreover, the analysis of photodegradable properties revealed that that m-TiO2 nanoparticles could act as a photocatalyst to accelerate the photodegradation rate of polymers. This study paves a new strategy to fabricate advanced PLLA/PBSU blend materials with excellent mechanical performance, antibacterial and photocatalytic degradation performance, which enables the potential utilization of fully degradable polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of rutin (6, 30, and 150 μmol/gpro) on the physicochemical, structural properties and gel characteristics of myofibrillar protein (MP) under oxidative stress were investigated. The addition of rutin significantly promoted the formation of oxidized MP carbonyl derivatives and dimer tyrosine, but it cannot prevent the loss of sulfhydryl groups (−SH). With increasing rutin concentration, the hydrophobic area was gradually shielded and rutin acted as a quencher to reduce the fluorescence intensity of oxidized MP. Under the oxidative stress, rutin increased the particle size and aggravated the cleavage of protein molecules. SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that rutin further aggravated oxidized MP degradation and cross‐linked form polymer which cross‐linked with protein to the maximum extent at 150 μmol/gpro rutin content. Moderate cross‐linking between protein and rutin could improve the gel strength and water holding capacity (WHC) of oxidized MP gel. For rutin concentrations of 6 and 30 μmol/gpro, the gels had denser network structures, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Practical applications: Polyphenols of the type and dosage can change the properties of the product itself and optimize the quality of product processing. Certain polyphenols may promote the oxidation process of protein‐rich products, but this does not affect the improvement of product quality. The application of natural polyphenols is the promising business direction in the development of Coregonus peled industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface plasmon polaritons' (SPPs') frequency blue shift is observed in finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation of parallel electron excitation Au bulk structure. Comparing with cold dispersion of SPPs, an obvious frequency blue shift is obtained in low confinement region excitation simulation results. Then, according to SPPs' transverse attenuation characteristics, the excited frequency mode instead of cold dispersion corresponding frequency mode matches it. Thence, this excited mode is confirmed to be SPPs' mode. As is well known the lower the frequency, the smaller the confinement factor is and the lower the excitation efficiency, the wider the bandwidth of excited SPPs is. And considering the attenuation in whole structure, the excited surface field contains attenuation signal. In a low confinement factor region, the higher the SPPs' frequency, the higher the excitation efficiency is, while broadband frequency information obtained in attenuation signal provides high frequency information in stimulation signal. Thence, in the beam–wave interaction, as the signal oscillation time increases, the frequency of the oscillation field gradually increases. Thus, compared with cold dispersion, the frequency of excited SPP is blueshifted This hypothesis is verified by monitoring the time domain signal of excited field in low and high confinement factor regions and comparing them. Then, this frequency-blue shift is confirmed to have commonality of SPPs, which is independent of SPPs' material and structure. Finally, this frequency-blue shift is confirmed in an attenuated total reflection (ATR) experiment. Owing to frequency dependence of most of SPPs' devices, such as coherent enhancement radiation and enhancement transmission devices, the frequency-blue shift presented here is of great influence in the SPPs applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between structural and electronic phase transitions in V2O3 thin films is of critical importance for understanding of the mechanism behind metal–insulator transition (MIT) and related technological applications. Despite being extensively studied, there are currently no clear consensus and picture of the relation between structural and electronic phase transitions so far. Using V2O3 thin films grown on r-plane Al2O3 substrates, which exhibit abrupt MIT and structural phase transition, we show that the electronic phase transition occurs concurrently with the structural phase transition as revealed by the electrical transport and Raman spectra measurements. Our result provides experimental evidence for clarifying this issue, which could form the basis of theoretical studies as well as technological applications in V2O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ubiquitination is involved in the regulation of numerous cellular functions. Research works in the ubiquitin realm rely heavily on ubiquitination assays in vitro and require large amounts of ubiquitin-activating enzyme (UBA1) and keep ATP supplies. However, UBA1 is hard to be obtained with large quantities using reported methods. We fused Escherichia coli adenylate kinase (adk) and mouse UBA1 and obtained fusion protein adk-mUBA1. The expression level of adk-mUBA1 increased about 8-fold compared with mUBA1 in an E. coli expression system, and adk-mUBA1 was easily purified to 90% purity via 2 purification steps. The purified adk-mUBA1 protein was functional for ubiquitination and could use ATP in addition to ADP as energy supply and had a higher catalytic activity than mUBA1 in cell lysis. adk-mUBA1 can be applied to preparing ubiquitin-modified substrates and kinds of ubiquitin chains in a chemical synthesis process and is a preferable application than mUBA1 in vitro ubiquitination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a major pathogen in shrimp culture because of its high infectivity, fast transmission speed, and high fatality rate. White spot disease (WSD), caused by WSSV poses a substantial threat to shrimp production. Therefore, it is crucial to identify effective antiviral agents to mitigate the economic loss caused by WSD. In this study, we prepared 20 ethanol extracts of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) and evaluated their anti-WSSV effectiveness using Litopenaeus vannamei larvae as a model. Among the tested extracts, Punica granatum L. exhibited the highest inhibition of WSSV infection at 85%, followed by Gentiana macrophylla at 79% and Isatis tinctoria L. at 63%. Quercetin, an active ingredient found in P. granatum at a concentration of 6.3 μM, increased the survival rate of WSSV-infected larvae by 30% after 72 hpi, and significantly inhibited WSSV infection. Further data from pre-incubation assays indicated that quercetin exhibited a potentially destructive effect on WSSV virions, thereby reducing the virulence and blocking viral horizontal transmission. Moreover, the high stability of the aquacultural water facilitated the continuous exchange of quercetin treatment, which further prolonged the survival time of WSSV-infected shrimp such that the survival rate was still at 13% after 5 days. These results highlight the potential application of quercetin in eliminating WSSV during shrimp larval production. • Pomegranate and quercetin showed anti-WSSV activity in water. • Quercetin blocked horizontal transmission of WSSV virions by reducing its infectivity. • Quercetin was stable in water and had therapeutic effect on WSSV-infected shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional transition-metal sulfides (2D-TMS) have caused great attention due to their possible high Curie temperature and promising application in spintronics. However, few half-metallic 2D-TMS have been found so far. In this paper, based on the first-principles calculation, a promising intrinsic d0f0-type half-metallic 2D-TMS LaS 2 with high Curie temperature and the ferromagnetic ground state was predicted. Its primitive magnetic moment is 1.00 μ B , which origins mainly from the S-ions. In a strain range from −5% to +5%, its half-metallic character remains stable. Its half-metallic stability may be improved the tensile strains, absorption of Cl/F atoms bilaterally and charge states, respectively. After Cl/F atoms absorb on surface of this nanosheet bilaterally, its primitive magnetic moment may be raised up to 3.00 μ B. With the increase of positive charge states, its magnetic moments are also raised. Thus, the absorption of Cl/F atoms and charged states both evidently improve the magnetic properties of this nanosheet. The calculated magnetic moments agree well with those analyzed by the molecular orbital theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel vanadium-doped f.c.c. medium-entropy alloy (MEA) Ni 42.4 Co 24.3 Cr 24.3 Al 3 Ti 3 V 3 was designed to achieve excellent cryogenic mechanical properties. The vanadium was added in order to increase the temperature-dependent friction stress, and aging of the MEA, which had been given a homogenization anneal at 1150 °C followed by cold-rolling to 80% reduction, at 700–900 °C was used both to produce partial recrystallization and precipitate L1 2 nanoparticles. Aging produced a heterogeneous microstructure composed of fine, soft recrystallized grains surrounded by harder, relatively-large non-recrystallized grains, containing L1 2 -precipitates. Increasing the aging temperature from 700 °C to 900 °C promoted V partitioning into the f.c.c. matrix with the partitioning coefficient increasing from 0.8 to 1.9; the grain size increasing from 2.3 μm to 4.6 μm; an increase in the precipitate size from 10.5 nm to 80.0 nm; a reduction in the residual geometrically-necessary dislocation (GND) density from 9.0 × 1014 m−2 to 2.8 × 1014 m−2; and a decrease in the volume fraction of precipitates fraction from 28% to 14%. All three aged MEAs showed extraordinary cryogenic mechanical properties with an increase in the aging temperature resulting in an increase in strength but a decrease in ductility, viz, a yield strength (YS) of 1929 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 2147 MPa, and an elongation to failure (ε) of 6.6% at 700 °C, YS ∼ 1735 MPa, UTS ∼ 1976 MPa, ε ∼ 9.0% at 800 °C, and YS ∼ 1274 MPa, UTS ∼ 1694 MPa, ε ∼ 24.8% at 900 °C. The dislocation back stress rose progressively with increasing strain and was invariably higher than the effective stress, accounting for 51–59% of the flow stress i.e. the back stress played a dominant role in the ultrahigh flow stress. Increasing the aging temperature also produced a greater abundance of nanoscale deformation twins, stacking faults, and dislocation networks, which are responsible for excellent strain hardening capacity and greater ductility. After deformation, the density of low-angle grain boundaries increased by 3–6 times to 0.6–1.3 μm/μm2, and the GND density increased by 4–6 times to 1.2–2.0 × 1015 m−2. • V addition enhanced the cryogenic strength by 240–290 MPa and dcreased elongation. • V partitioned to the f.c.c. matrix instead of L1 2 -precipitates and thus improved friction stress. • MEA shows exceptional YS of 1274–1929 MPa, UTS of 1694–2147 MPa, and elongation of 6.6–24.8% at 77 K. • Increasing aging temperature produced more deformation twins, stacking faults, and dislocation networks. • Back-stress account for 51–59% of flow stress and was invariably higher than effective stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in water storage of the large freshwater lakes in Arid Central Asia (ACA) have significant implications for the regional social and ecological systems. Here we present a lake‐level record of the past 2,000 years from Bosten Lake, a large freshwater body in the region, using the sedimentary Cladoceran microfossil. The results suggest that a lower lake level and a higher salinity occurred during the cold, high‐precipitation periods of 280–450 AD and 1570–1850 AD, and that a higher lake level and a lower salinity occurred during the warm, low‐precipitation period of 450–1570 AD. The findings show that on the centennial timescale, the water‐level fluctuations of Bosten Lake were modulated mainly by temperature‐driven meltwater input. In addition, the shortage of freshwater during the cold period may have contributed to the collapse of the ancient cities and the depression of the trade along the Silk Road. Plain Language Summary: Bosten Lake, the largest inland freshwater lake of China, is located in the northeast part of Tarim Basin. The lake is important freshwater resources and plays an important role in sustaining regional social and ecological systems. In this study, we reconstructed the water‐level fluctuations of the lake over the past 2,000 years, based mainly on the Cladoceran microfossil analyses of a sediment core. The results suggest that a lower lake level occurred during the cold, high‐precipitation periods of 280–450 AD and 1570–1850 AD, and that a higher lake level occurred during the warm, low‐precipitation period of 450–1570 AD. The findings show that on the centennial timescale, the water‐level fluctuations of Bosten Lake were modulated mainly by temperature‐driven meltwater input. In addition, historical documents reveal that a large number of ancient cities in the Tarim Basin were abandoned in the third‐sixth centuries and that the trade along the ancient Silk Road was relatively depressed during that time, coinciding with the salinization and the shrinking of Bosten Lake. This suggests that the shortage of freshwater during this cold period may have contributed to the collapse of the ancient cities and the depression of the trade along the Silk Road. Key Points: On the centennial timescale, the water‐level fluctuations of Bosten Lake were modulated mainly by temperature‐driven meltwater inputThe shortage of freshwater during the cold period may have contributed to the collapse of the ancient cities along the Silk Road [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A qualitative study was conducted in a secondary school to evaluate student learning processes and outcomes by examining their inquiry questions, journals, and maker artifacts in a curriculum-based maker learning environment supported by the Guided Inquiry Design (GID). Thirteen 8th-grade students in a suburban middle school in the southwest of the United States participated in the study. Inquiry questions, maker artifacts, and inquiry journals were collected and analyzed with rubrics that were developed based on a critical review of literature drawn from different bodies of literature. The objectives of this study were three-fold: (1) evaluate the quality of students' inquiry questions and maker artifacts, (2) assess students' internal knowledge representation (IKR) and external knowledge representation (EKR), and (3) develop a robust and valid assessment framework for maker learning considering students' expertise development over time. The findings revealed that the students progressed at different developmental levels; therefore, expertise development should be incorporated into the assessment framework for maker learning. This study also implied that scaffolding should be tailored to meet special needs of each student in a maker learning environment. The originality of this research is that the assessment framework takes into account individuals' development and progress towards expertise over time, instead of focusing on their learning outcomes at a specific time point. An additional value of this study is that the tools and supporting materials that serve as instructional scaffolds also serve as tools to collect evidence about student learning performance, processes, and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation heterogeneity is considered as one of the major factors limiting the application of foam flooding. In this paper, influences of formation properties, such as permeability, permeability distribution, interlayer, sedimentary rhythm and 3D heterogeneity, on the mobility control capability and oil displacement efficiency of foam flooding, were systematically investigated using 2D homogeneous and 2D/3D heterogeneous models under 120 °C and salinity of 20 × 104 mg/L. The flow resistance of foam was promoted as the permeability increased, which thus resulted in a considerable oil recovery behavior. In the scenario of the vertical heterogeneous formations, it was observed that the permeability of the high-permeable layer was crucial to foam mobility control, and the positive rhythm appeared favorable to improve the foam flooding performance. The additional oil recovery increased to about 40%. The interlayer was favorable for the increases in mobility reduction factor and oil recovery of foam flooding when the low permeability ratio was involved. For the 3D heterogeneous formations, foam could efficiently adjust the areal and vertical heterogeneity through mobility control and gravity segregation, and thus enhancing the oil recovery to 11%–14%. The results derived from this work may provide some insight for the field test designs of foam flooding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (Baizhu) is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine, and medicines of that type originating from Zhejiang province are the most famous and much more expensive than those from other regions. Driven by the great difference in prices, fraudulent labeling often occurs. In order to protect the interests of consumers, producers and honest traders, reliable techniques for the geographic authentication of Baizhu are needed urgently. Methods: The stable isotope ratios of five light elements (C, N, H, O and S) in Baizhu samples originating from four provinces of China were determined with an elemental analyzer coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry, and the concentrations of 45 elements in these samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Chemometric approaches including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthodox partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) were applied to the obtained data. Results: The PCA results showed that the techniques enabled clear classification of the Baizhu samples into three clusters: A (Zhejiang province), B (Shaanxi province) and C (Hebei and Ahui provinces). Furthermore, OPLS‐DA using 27 key variables provided 100% correct discrimination between samples originating from Zhejiang province and those from the other three provinces. Conclusions: Stable isotope ratio and multielement analyses in combination with chemometric approaches showed great potential for the geographic authentication of Baizhu, providing a promising method for the control of fraudulent labeling that frequently occurs with traditional herbal medicines in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most popular woody species that blooms in summer, Lagerstroemia speciosa has been used abundantly in urban landscape for its excellent floral beauty. For the first time, we discovered a double-flower variant with all petaloid stamens. To understand the molecular basis of this variation, we contrasted the transcriptomes of single- and double-flower buds at three stamen development stages. In total, 73,536 unigenes were mapped and 30,714 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the tissues. We focused on the DEGs expressing in both phenotypes and investigated the association of their expression profiles with their functions in transcription pathways. Furthermore, we performed WGCNA and identified co-expressed genes with four floral homeotic genes as hubs (MADS16 , Unigene0026169; AP2 , Unigene0042732; SOC1 , Unigene0046314; AG , Unigene0056437). The expression of these hub genes has been conserved across the three developmental stages but significantly different between the two floral phenotypes. As a result, the robust transcriptional regulation of stamen petaloidy in double flowers was deduced. These findings will help to unravel the regulatory mechanisms of several specific genes, thereby providing a basis to study double-flower molecular breeding in L. speciosa. Image 1 • All stamens are converted into petals in our first discovered double-flower Lagerstroemia speciosa. • Phytohormone signals and transcription factors involve in the conversion of stamen petaloidy. • Floral homeotic genes are co-expressed and take a conservatively significant role in the regulatory network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is rapid onset and high mortality, which has caused a devastating blow to shrimp culture around the world. However, there are no effective measures to prevent and control the WSSV. Thus, it is urgent to find a safe and efficient measures to prevent the outbreak of WSSV. Here, the anti-WSSV activities of 20 Chinese herbal medicine ethanol extracts were evaluated in Litopenaeus vannamei. Among these, the ethanol extract of cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia Presl) had the highest inhibition rate of 91% on WSSV genome replication. Surprisingly, cinnamaldehyde, the main component of cinnamon extract, has a simple structure and could reduce the copy level of viral genome in shrimp, with the strongest inhibitory effect of 93% at 72 h, and more than 40% of diseased shrimp survived. Further experiments showed that cinnamon extracts and cinnamaldehyde could prolong the cumulative survival time of WSSV-infected larvae, and continuous treatment with cinnamaldehyde could maintain the replication of WSSV genome at a low level. In addition, cinnamon extracts and cinnamaldehyde could significantly inhibit the horizontal transmission of virions at 72 h by 71% and 42%, respectively. Obviously, this further reduces the risk of WSSV outbreak. Similarly, cinnamaldehyde pre-incubated shrimp and virions could improve the tolerance of shrimp to WSSV and reduce the infectivity of virions. Taken together, cinnamon extract and cinnamaldehyde could inhibit WSSV genome replication and reduce mortality rate of WSSV-infected shrimp. The results provided a scientific basis for the use of cinnamon extract and cinnamaldehyde to unlock the outbreak of WSSV, and were worthy of further study and consideration. • Cinnamon ethanol extract and cinnamaldehyde exhibited anti-WSSV activity. • Cinnamaldehyde could reduce the infectivity of WSSV virions and has therapeutic effect on WSSV-infected shrimp. • The structure of cinnamaldehyde is simple and could block the horizontal transmission of WSSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The unique Co 3 O 4 / N -GO structure suffices competent stress relaxation and fast Na+ and electron transfer during discharge/charge cycles. • Benefiting from the 2D structure of graphene oxide and N doped, the newly designed Co 3 O 4 / N -GO exhibits a high reversible capacity of 323 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A/g, good cycle capability of 199 mA h g−1 at 1.0 A/g. • The Na-ion storage mechanism, structure changes, and reaction kinetics have been investigated to reveal the outstanding electrochemical property of Co 3 O 4 / N -GO electrode. Co 3 O 4 has been diffusely researched for high theoretical capacities and superior security. However, its poor intrinsic conductivity and serious volume effects during Na-ion insertion/extraction restrict its actual applications. Herein, graphene oxide coated Co 3 O 4 nanoparticle are integrated through a straightforward hydrothermal method and freeze-drying treatment followed by annealing process. The characterization results indicate that the Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles (∼20 nm) were loaded onto N -GO (∼75 nm), and nitrogen element was successfully introduced through urea. The unique Co 3 O 4 / N -GO structure suffices competent stress relaxation and fast Na+ and electron transfer during discharge/charge cycles. Consequently, the Co 3 O 4 / N -GO electrode displays a high discharge capacity of 323 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. When coupled with Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 (NVP) cathode), the NVP//Co 3 O 4 / N -GO battery exhibits significant energy density (249.9 Wh kg−1) and power density (163.3 W kg−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal stability of the coherent, nanoscale, L1 2 precipitates and fine grains in a strong, ductile medium-entropy alloy (MEA) Ni 43.4 Co 25.3 Cr 25.3 Al 3 Ti 3 were analyzed and related to the room-temperature mechanical properties. Increasing the aging temperature and prolonging the soaking time produced more L1 2 precipitates and reduced the matrix lattice constant. The fine grains exhibit excellent thermal stability with a very low coarsening rate (1.73 × 10−24 m3/s at 700 °C, 4.78 × 10−23 m3/s at 800 °C, and 4.32 × 10−22 m3/s at 900 °C), which mainly results from the strong pinning from the high density of precipitates and high activation energy for grain growth (∼272 kJ/mol). The L1 2 precipitates remain spherical and have a coherent relationship with the matrix during ripening from tens to hundreds of nanometers. They exhibit better thermal stability (6.45 × 10−30 m3/s at 700 °C, 2.03 × 10−28 m3/s at 800 °C, and 7.16 × 10−27 m3/s at 900 °C) than the L1 2 precipitates in nickel-based superalloys by 1–2 orders of magnitude with an activation energy of 341 kJ/mol. The critical size for the transition from dislocation shear of the L1 2 precipitates to dislocation looping is 23.5–30.4 nm. No significant coarsening of either the grain size or L1 2 precipitates caused a small decrease in the YS and UTS of MEA aged at 700 °C. In comparison, both the YS and UTS of MEA aged at 800–900 °C dramatically decreased, which is caused by the coarsening of the L1 2 nanoparticles and the average grain size. This decrease in strength was accompanied by a slight increase in ductility at all three aging temperatures. • Activation energy for L1 2 precipitates growth of 341 kJ/mol caused good thermal stability. • High dense precipitates resulted in strong pinning pressure for fine grains coarsening. • Activation energy for grain growth is as high as 272 kJ/mol. • Transition from dislocation shearing/looping L1 2 precipitates is 23.5–30.4 nm. • Significant coarsening of grains and L1 2 precipitates occurs at 800–900 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure, room-temperature deformation mechanisms, and weldability of the medium-entropy alloy (MEA) NiCoVAl 0.2 have been investigated. Defect-free welded joints have been produced with good mechanical properties, indicating excellent weldability. The microstructure consists of f.c.c. grains containing many b.c.c. Ni 2 VAl (Ni 26.1 Co 33.5 V 27.8 Al 12.6) and few σ-type precipitates (Ni 15.5 Co 21.3 V 62.7 Al 0.5). Decreasing the aging temperature from 1100 °C to 900 °C, produced a higher area fraction of Ni 2 VAl precipitates (8 → 25%), much smaller L2 1 precipitates (7.2 → 1.4 μm), finer grains (17.1 → 2.4 μm), and presence of σ-type precipitate, resulting in simultaneous improvements in both the strength and ductility for both the thermo-mechanically treated (TMT) and electron beam welded (EBWed) MEA. The TMT MEA shows an excellent combination of strength (YS∼993 MPa, UTS∼1478 MPa) and ductility (30.3%), while the EBWed MEA shows slightly lower strength (YS∼822 MPa, UTS∼1194 MPa) and significantly reduced ductility (12.3%), i.e. a YS, UTS, and ductility of 83%, 81%, and 41%, respectively, of those of the TMT MEA. With increasing strain, both low-angle grain boundaries and geometrically-necessary dislocation (GND) densities increased. The TMT MEA has a higher GND density (1.6 × 1015 m−2) than the 9.1 × 1014 m−2 of EBWed MEA after strained to fracture. For both the TMT and EBWed MEA aged at 900 °C, the deformation was accommodated by dislocation slip, dislocation looping around precipitates, and nano-twinning. However, for both the TMT and EBWed MEA aged at 1100 °C, more abundant deformation twinning and an fcc→hcp shear transformation appeared, which may originate from a lower stacking fault energy due to differences in the f.c.c. matrix composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the thickness-dependent transport properties of SrMoO 3 thin films deposited on LaAlO 3 substrates. Metal–insulator transitions (MITs) were observed in SrMoO 3 thin films with thickness below 10 nm. The low-temperature resistivity of these films can be explained by quantum corrections of the conductivity. An insulating behavior is observed when the thickness becomes 3.5 nm, and the resistivity can be described by the variable range hopping model with 2D fitting. The magneto-transport measurement of an SrMoO 3 thin film with small positive magnetoresistance confirms that the driving force behind MIT is the renormalized electron–electron interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Small molecules emitting in the NIR for tracking mitochondrial pH alteration with super-resolution are expected to play an essential role in biomedical applications. Herein, two small molecules based on pyridinium salt (P1 and P2) have been synthesized and systematically investigated. It was found that pyridinium salts P1 and P2 emitted in the NIR (about 610 nm), which could detect pH changes from 2.0 to 11.0 with good linearity and high sensitivity. Importantly, P2 could precisely target cellular mitochondria in a real-time manner under stimulated emission depletion (STED). These results implied a chemical strategy with a potential application in super-resolution imaging and mitochondrial pH determination. Graphic abstract fx1 Highlights • Synthesis and investigation of small molecules based on pyridinium salt (P1 and P2). • Detection of pH changes from 2.0 to 11.0 with a good linearity and high sensitivity. • Uniform distribution of P2 within the cytosolic region and excluded from the nucleus. • Localization of P2 into mitochondria and sensitivity to mitochondrial environment. • Monitoring mitochondrial pH variation in a real-time under stimulated emission depletion (STED). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this research was to design dexamethasone palmitate (DP) loaded sialic acid modified liposomes, with the eventual goal of using peripheral blood neutrophils (PBNs) that carried drug-loaded liposomes to improve the therapeutic capacity for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: A sialic acid – cholesterol conjugate (SA-CH) was synthesized and anchored on the surface of liposomal dexamethasone palmitate (DP-SAL). The physicochemical characteristics and in vitro cytotoxicity of liposomes were evaluated. Flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy were utilized to investigate the accumulation of liposomes in PBNs. The adjuvant-induced arthritis was adopted to investigate the targeting ability and anti-inflammatory effect of DP loaded liposomes. Results: Both DP-CL and DP-SAL existed an average size less than 200 nm with remarkably high encapsulation efficiencies more than 90%. In vitro and in vivo experiments manifested SA-modified liposomes provided a reinforced accumulation of DP in PBNs. As well, DP-SAL displayed a greater degree of accumulation in the joints and a stronger anti-inflammatory effect in terms of RA suppression. Conclusions: SA-modified liposomal DP was a promising candidate for RA-targeting treatment through the neutrophil-mediated drug delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of free and hidden fumonisins in raw maize and maize-based products from China was investigated. A total of 58 samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Among all the samples, 66% were contaminated with free fumonisins above limits of quantitation, and a higher percentage of 86% was found for total fumonisins (free + hidden). The highest contamination levels were observed in dried maize kernels which appeared mouldy, with mean levels of 15,737 and 30,785 µg/kg for free and total fumonisins, respectively. Frozen maize kernels, fresh maize kernels, and maize starch samples exhibited the lowest contamination levels, with no more than 200 µg/kg of total fumonisins. Except for one sample, the concentrations of total fumonisins were greater than those of free fumonisins with all the samples, the ratios of total-to-free fumonisins varied between 1.1 and 5.2, with an average ratio of 2.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-N austenitic stainless steel (HNASS) was fabricated using a novel approach, in which duplex stainless steel powders were firstly gas nitrided in the temperature range of 700–900 °C and then consolidated using spark plasma sintering, resulting in an FCC matrix with average grain sizes of 1.6–8.2 μm. The Cr 2 N precipitates transformed from cellular precipitates (lamellar within the grains) to intergranular precipitation (equiaxed along the grain boundaries) as the nitriding temperature rose from 700 °C to 750 °C, and the N content rose from 0.68 wt% to 1.71 wt%. The 700 °C-treated alloy exhibits a yield strength of 783 MPa, a high tensile strength of 1091 MPa, and an elongation of 41% while the 900 °C-treated alloy exhibits an ultra-high compressive strength of 3017 MPa, and hardness of 520 HV. These values dramatically exceed the published values of similar HNASSs. Quantitative calculations showed that these superior mechanical properties could be attributed to increased solid solution and grain boundary strengthening. Furthermore, it can be inferred that while the equiaxed Cr 2 N phase increased the yield strength, it greatly degraded the fracture toughness. • A novel method, nitriding and followed spark plasma sintering, was used to fabricate HNASS. • The morphology of Cr 2 N phase changed from lamellar (within the grains) to equiaxed (along the grain boundaries). • The alloy features superior mechanical properties of yield strength (783 MPa) and ultimate tensile strength (1091 MPa). • Solid solution and grain boundary strengthening are dominant strengthening mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosynthesis in non‐foliar organs plays an important role in crop growth and productivity, and it has received considerable research attention in recent years. However, compared with the capability of photosynthetic CO2 fixation in leaves, the distinct attributes of photosynthesis in the non‐foliar organs of wheat (a C3 species) are unclear. This review presents a comprehensive examination of the photosynthetic characteristics of non‐foliar organs in wheat. Compared with leaves, non‐foliar organs had a higher capacity to refix respired CO2, higher tolerance to environmental stresses and slower terminal senescence after anthesis. Additionally, whether C4 photosynthetic metabolism exists in the non‐foliar organs of wheat is discussed, as is the advantage of photosynthesis in non‐foliar organs during times of abiotic stress. Introducing the photosynthesis‐related genes of C4 plants into wheat, which are specifically expressed in non‐foliar organs, can be a promising approach for improving wheat productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Universal control of quantum systems is a major goal to be achieved for quantum information processing, which demands thorough understanding of fundamental quantum mechanics and promises applications of quantum technologies. So far, most studies concentrate on ideally isolated quantum systems governed by unitary evolutions, while practical quantum systems are open and described by quantum channels due to their inevitable coupling to environment. Here, we experimentally simulate arbitrary quantum channels for an open quantum system, i.e. a single photonic qubit in a superconducting quantum circuit. The arbitrary channel simulation is achieved with minimum resource of only one ancilla qubit and measurement-based adaptive control. By repetitively implementing the quantum channel simulation, we realize an arbitrary Liouvillian for a continuous evolution of an open quantum system for the first time. Our experiment provides not only a testbed for understanding quantum noise and decoherence, but also a powerful tool for full control of practical open quantum systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(sialic acid) (PSA) is a natural hydrophilic biodegradable and non-immunogenic biopolymer, receptors for its monomer are expressed on peripheral blood neutrophils (PBNs), which plays important roles in the progression and invasion of tumors. A poly(sialic acid)-octadecylamine conjugate (PSA-ODA) was synthesized and then anchor it on the surface of liposomal pixantrone (Pix-PSL), to achieve an improved anticancer effect. The liposomes were prepared using a remote loading method via a pH gradient, and then assessed for particle size, zeta potential encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release, and in vitro cytotoxicity. Simultaneously, in vitro and in vivo cellular uptake studies confirmed that PSA-decorated liposomes provided an enhanced accumulation of liposomes in PBNs. An in vivo study presented that the anti-tumor activity of Pix-PSL was superior to that of other Pix formulations, probably due to the efficient targeting of PBNs by Pix-PSL, after which PBN containing Pix-PSL (Pix-PSL/PBNs) in the blood circulation are recruited by the tumor microenvironment. These findings suggest that PSA-decorated liposomal Pix may provide a neutrophil-mediated drug delivery system (DDS) for the eradication of tumors, which represents a promising approach for the tumor targeting of chemotherapeutic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-functional florescent dyes capable of acting as molecular probes in living systems under two-photon microscopy, as well as super-resolution nanoscopy, are of great interest. Herein, a novel donor–π–acceptor (D–π–A) type pyrimidine imidazole derivative with a flexible alkyl chain molecule (EX-1) has been efficiently synthesized through improved Knoevenagel condensation with high yield and relatively large 2PA cross-sections. Furthermore, a cytotoxicity assay and photo-resistance evaluation indicated that such small organic dyes could not only effectively target the endoplasmic reticulum in living cells, but also reveal its ultrastructure under stimulated emission depletion (STED) nanoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Dehydration of serine/threonine residues necessitates the activity of a dehydratase enzyme (domain) during the biosynthesis of RiPP. Recently, it was reported that dehydration in the thioviridamide pathway relies on a distinct dehydratase complex that showcases the activities of a phosphotransferase TvaC for serine/threonine phosphorylation and a lyase TvaD for subsequent phosphate elimination. Herein, we report that dehydration reactions in the pathway of lantibiotic cacaoidin involves a similar dehydratase complex, CaoK/CaoY. Remarkably, this dehydratase complex exhibits flexible enzymatic activity and tolerates significant variations in its substrate peptide sequence. By binding with the leader peptide (LP) sequence of precursor peptide CaoA, the dehydration reactions proceed in a directional manner from the C‐terminus of the core peptide (CP) to the N‐terminus, and C‐terminally truncated variants of CP are acceptable. We show that fusing CaoK to CaoY in a 1 : 1 molar ratio enables the resulting enzyme CaoYK to exert enhanced dehydration activity. CaoK binds with the LP to improve its own solubility and to ensure the phosphate transfer activity, while CaoY functions in a manner independently of LP. This work advances our understanding of the dehydration process during cacaoidin formation, and provides useful enzymes and methods for the studies of the rapidly emerging RiPPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginseng black spot, caused by Alternaria panax, is one of the most common diseases of Panax ginseng, which usually causes serious yield loss of ginseng plants. However, the pathogenic mechanism of A. panax has not been clarified clearly. Mycotoxins produced by phytopathogens play an important role in the process of infection. Previous study reported that dibutyl phthalate (DBP) identified from the metabolites of A. panax is a potent mycotoxin against P. ginseng. However, more evidence suggests that DBP is one of the constituents of plasticisers. To identify mycotoxins from A. panax and evaluate their phytotoxicity on the leaves of P. ginseng, different chromatographic, spectral and bioassay-guided methods were used together in this report. As a result, tyrosol (1), 3-hydroxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) propanoic acid (2), and 3-benzylpiperazine-2,5-dione (3) were isolated and characterised from the extract of A. panax, in which compounds 1 and 2 showed phytotoxic activity on ginseng leaves. Furthermore, DBP was confirmed to come from the residue of ethyl acetate through UPLC-MS/MS analysis, and displayed no phytotoxicity on ginseng leaves based on biological experiments. The results in this report first revealed that tyrosol (1), and 3-hydroxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) propanoic acid (2) not DBP were the potent mycotoxins of A. panax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a pathogen that can infect many crustaceans, and that has caused huge economic losses in the shrimp industry. No effective prevention and control measures are currently available. In the present study, the ethanolic extract of Scutellaria baicalensis (SBEE) at 200 mg/L provided >50% protection for WSSV-infected shrimp larvae, and baicalein at 100 μM, one of the main anti-WSSV active substances in S. baicalensis , was 66.7% effective. When shrimp larvae were infected with WSSV after 8 h of SBEE and baicalein preincubation, the respective copy numbers of the viral genome were decreased by 31% and 46% versus the control group. Similarly, WSSV genome copy number reductions of 49% and 55% were observed in WSSV-infected shrimp larvae after 72 h of SBEE and baicalein immersion, respectively. In addition, SBEE or baicalein continuous treatment significantly reduced the viral loads in vivo , effectively blocking the horizontal transmission of WSSV between hosts. SBEE or baicalein also enhanced the expression of Toll4, Dorsal and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to restrict WSSV infection. In conclusion, S. baicalensis and baicalein are promising feed additives and immune enhancers for the control of WSSV infection. • Baicalein from Scutellaria baicalensis exhibits an anti-WSSV activity. • Baicalein blocks WSSV transmission in shrimp. • Baicalein enhances the immune resistance of shrimp to WSSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water deficit is one of the major factors limiting crop productivity worldwide. Plant roots play a key role in uptaking water, perceiving and transducing of water deficit signals to shoot. Although the mechanisms of drought-tolerance have been reported recently, the transcriptional regulatory network of wheat root response to water stress has not been fully understood. In this study, drought-tolerant cultivar JM-262 and susceptible cultivar LM-2 are planted to characterize the root transcriptional changes and physiological responses to water deficit. A total of 8197 drought tolerance-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are identified, these genes are mainly mapped to carbon metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, and phytohormone signal transduction. The number and expression level of DEGs involved in antioxidative and antiosmotic stresses are more enhanced in JM-262 under water stress. Furthermore, we find the DEGs related to root development are much more induced in JM-262 in phytohormone signal transduction and carbon metabolism pathway. In conclusion, JM-262 may alleviate the damage of drought by producing more osmoprotectants, ROS scavengers, biomass and energy. Interestingly, hormone signaling and cross-talk probably play an important role in promoting JM-262 greater root systems to take up more water, higher capabilities to induce more drought-related DEGs and higher resisitance to oxidative stresse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia has been reported to be a critical microenvironmental factor that induces cancer metastasis and proliferation in gastric, liver and hepatic cancers; however, the underlying mechanisms of this are largely unknown. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial factors of several aspects of tumor malignancy, including tumorigenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance. However, the potential association of lncRNAs with hypoxia-induced cancer malignancy remains to be determined. In the present study, the differential expression of lncRNAs following the induction of hypoxia in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells was analyzed reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. It was identified that the lncRNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT-1) was upregulated significantly by hypoxia in A549 cells. By considering its promotive effects on malignant tumor behaviors, in the present study, it was identified that upregulated MALAT-1 released the binding of PTB-associated splicing factor (PSF) to its target gene, GAGE6, and thus promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 cells following hypoxia exposure. These results advance the overall understanding of the mechanism of hypoxia-induced lung cancer metastasis and may assist in the development of novel therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]