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Damage caused by the rice striped stem borer (SSB), Chilo suppressalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is much more severe on indica/xian rice than on japonica/geng rice (Oryza sativa) which matches pest outbreak data in cropping regions of China. The mechanistic basis of this difference among rice subspecies remains unclear. Using transcriptomic, metabolomic and genetic analyses in combination with insect bioassay experiments, we showed that japonica and indica rice utilise different defence responses to repel SSB, and that SSB exploited plant nutrition deficiencies in different ways in the subspecies. The more resistant japonica rice induced patterns of accumulation of methyl jasmonate (MeJA—part of a defensive pathway) and vitamin B1 (VB1—a nutrition pathway) distinct from indica cultivars. Using gene‐edited rice plants and SSB bioassays, we found that MeJA and VB1 jointly affected the performance of SSB by disrupting juvenile hormone levels. In addition, genetic variants of key biosynthesis genes in the MeJA and VB1 pathways (OsJMT and OsTH1, respectively) differed between japonica and indica rice and contributed to performance differences; in indica rice, SSB avoided the MeJA defence pathway and hijacked the VB1 nutrition‐related pathway to promote development. The findings highlight important genetic and mechanistic differences between rice subspecies affecting SSB damage which could be exploited in plant breeding for resistance. Summary Statement: This manuscript demonstrates that striped stem borer (SSB) avoided one defence pathway and hijacked another nutrition‐related pathway to promote development. The findings highlight important genetic and mechanistic differences between rice subspecies affecting SSB damage which could be exploited in plant breeding for resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Danggui Longhui is a traditional Chinese medicine made from the dried root of Angelica sinensis. It is used in psychiatric patients in China to reduce associated constipation. In a population pharmacokinetic model in olanzapine patients from Beijing Anding Hospital, we demonstrate that dangguilonghui tablets doubled olanzapine clearance, indicating the induction of olanzapine metabolism. Olanzapine metabolism is similar to clozapine metabolism. Two cases of possible clozapine induction using dangguilonghui tablets 4 g/day were identified in Beijing Anding Hospital. Dividing the minimum therapeutic concentration of 350 ng/mL by the concentration-to-dose (C/D) ratio provides the minimum therapeutic dose. Case 1 was a female smoker on clozapine for 415 days. The mean of 6 clozapine C/D ratios associated with smoking provided a minimum therapeutic dose of 267 mg/day. There were 6 steady-state concentrations on the combination of valproic acid and dangguilonghui tablets, which provided a much higher minimum therapeutic dose of 833 mg/day. Four steady-state clozapine C/D ratios based on smoking and valproate after 4 months of carbamazepine 200 mg/day provided a minimum therapeutic dose of 603 mg/day. Case 2 was a female non-smoker on clozapine for 58 days. She had 3 clozapine C/D ratios on dangguilonghui tablets with a mean of 0.30 ng/mL providing a minimum therapeutic dose of 1167 mg/day. Future clinical studies with repeated measures need to replicate the possibility that dangguilonghui tablets are a moderate-to-strong inducer of clozapine metabolism as suggested by these two limited cases. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in the DDHD2 (DDHD domain containing 2) gene cause autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia type 54 (SPG54), a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the early childhood onset of progressive spastic paraplegia. DDHD2 is reported as the principal brain triacylglycerol (TAG) lipase whose dysfunction causes massive lipid droplet (LD) accumulation in the brains of SPG54 patients. However, the precise functions of DDHD2 in regulating LD catabolism are not yet fully understood. In a recent study, we demonstrate that DDHD2 interacts with multiple members of the Atg8-family proteins (MAP1LC3/LC3s, GABARAPs), which play crucial roles in lipophagy. DDHD2 possesses two LC3-interacting region (LIR) motifs that contribute to its LD-eliminating activity. Moreover, DDHD2 enhances the colocalization between LC3B and LDs to promote lipophagy. LD·ATTEC, a compound that tethers LC3 to LDs to enhance their macroautophagic/autophagic clearance, effectively counteracts DDHD2 deficiency-induced LD accumulation. These findings provide insights into the dual functions of DDHD2 as a TAG lipase and cargo receptor for lipophagy in neuronal LD catabolism, and also suggest a potential therapeutic approach for treating SPG54 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the establishment of the Ilkhanid Dynasty, Chinese painting has exerted a profound influence on various facets of Persian painting. This influence facilitated the divergence of Persian painting from Arab painting, fostering the gradual formation of an independent style. To explore whether Zen painting, which has been highly influential in contemporary China, also played a role in shaping Persian painting, this article first discusses the possibility that Zen books and Zen paintings were introduced to the Ilkhanid Dynasty. Subsequently, it delves into the illustrations of the Jāmiʿ al-Tavārīkh dating back to 1314–1315, analyzing Zen elements through three lenses: theme, brushwork, and compositional elements. Through this analysis, the article aims to provide insights into the impact of Chinese Zen art on Persian painting, offering a fresh perspective for scrutinizing the broader Chinese influence on Persian art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of compounds with low thermal conductivity and the understanding of their microscopic mechanisms are of great challenges and scientific significance. Herein, we report a unique ternary sulfide compound, Cu3BiS3, in which all Cu atoms are coordinated within a two‐dimensional [CuS3] triangle plane. This local coordination leads to efficient out‐of‐plane phonon scattering and an ultralow thermal conductivity. Through DFT phonon spectrum calculations and analyses, we reveal that the lowest vibration frequency decreases from 2 THz for high‐dimensional [CuS4] tetrahedral coordinated Cu atoms in CuBiS2 (CN=4, with an average Cu−S bond length of 2.328 Å) to 1.5 THz for low‐dimensional [CuS3] triangular coordinated Cu atoms in Cu3BiS3 (CN=3, with a shorter Cu−S bond length of 2.285 Å). This is due to the out‐of‐plane thermal vibration of the Cu atoms in the latter. Consequently,Cu3BiS3 exhibits one of the lowest values of κlat (0.32 W/m K) among its peer, with a 36 % reduction compared to CuBiS2 (0.50 W/m K). This groundbreaking discovery highlights the significant role of 2D local coordination in reducing thermal conductivity through characteristic out‐of‐plane phonon scattering, while also contributing to a large Grüneisen parameter (2.06) in Cu3BiS3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of compounds with low thermal conductivity and the understanding of their microscopic mechanisms are of great challenges and scientific significance. Herein, we report a unique ternary sulfide compound, Cu3BiS3, in which all Cu atoms are coordinated within a two‐dimensional [CuS3] triangle plane. This local coordination leads to efficient out‐of‐plane phonon scattering and an ultralow thermal conductivity. Through DFT phonon spectrum calculations and analyses, we reveal that the lowest vibration frequency decreases from 2 THz for high‐dimensional [CuS4] tetrahedral coordinated Cu atoms in CuBiS2 (CN=4, with an average Cu−S bond length of 2.328 Å) to 1.5 THz for low‐dimensional [CuS3] triangular coordinated Cu atoms in Cu3BiS3 (CN=3, with a shorter Cu−S bond length of 2.285 Å). This is due to the out‐of‐plane thermal vibration of the Cu atoms in the latter. Consequently,Cu3BiS3 exhibits one of the lowest values of κlat (0.32 W/m K) among its peer, with a 36 % reduction compared to CuBiS2 (0.50 W/m K). This groundbreaking discovery highlights the significant role of 2D local coordination in reducing thermal conductivity through characteristic out‐of‐plane phonon scattering, while also contributing to a large Grüneisen parameter (2.06) in Cu3BiS3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maltreatment is a significant predictive factor for self-harm in adolescents. Internalizing and externalizing problems are both common psychopathological issues in adolescents. This study aimed to look into the link between maltreatment and self-harm in a large sample of adolescents in the UK, as well as the mediating effects that internalizing and externalizing problems play in this link. Data were pulled from the UK Millennium Cohort Study, and a total of 8894 adolescents were included in this analysis. All variables were assessed by Questionnaires. Path analysis was performed to assess the mediating effects of internalizing and externalizing problems in the link between maltreatment and self-harm. 23.4 % of samples reported self-harm incidents during the preceding 12 months. Emotional abuse and physical abuse were significantly related to self-harm, and adolescents who had experienced multiple forms of maltreatment were more prone to self-harm. Mediation analysis revealed that internalizing problems were the primary mediator in the link between emotional abuse and self-harm, with the mediation effect size being 0.29. Internalizing and externalizing problems performed similarly in the link between physical abuse and self-harm, with mediation effect sizes of 0.23 and 0.19, respectively. The majority of the data was gathered through self-reporting. Emotional abuse and physical abuse were significant predictors of self-harm, and their links with self-harm were partially mediated via internalizing and externalizing problems. Better supervision of maltreatment, and timely intervention for both internalizing and externalizing problems, are critical in preventing self-harm among adolescents. • Emotional abuse had the highest incidence among UK adolescents. • Emotional abuse and physical abuse were significantly linked with self-harm. • Adolescents with multiple forms of maltreatment being more prone to self-harm • Internalizing/externalizing problems partially mediated the links between emotional/physical abuse and self-harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Meat quality holds significant importance for both consumers and meat producers. Various factors influence meat quality, and among them, mitochondria play a crucial role. Recent studies have indicated that mitochondria can sustain their functions and viability for a certain duration in postmortem muscles. Consequently, mitochondria have an impact on oxygen consumption, energy metabolism, and apoptotic processes, which in turn affect myoglobin levels, oxidative stress, meat tenderness, fat oxidation, and protein oxidation. Ultimately, these factors influence the color, tenderness, and flavor of meat. However, there is a dearth of comprehensive summaries addressing the effects of mitochondria on postmortem muscle physiology and meat quality. Therefore, this review aims to describe the characteristics of muscle mitochondria and their potential influence on muscle. Additionally, a suitable method for isolating mitochondria is presented. Lastly, the review emphasizes the regulation of oxygen consumption, energy metabolism, and apoptosis by postmortem muscle mitochondria, and provides an overview of relevant research and recent advancements. The ultimate objective of this review is to elucidate the underlying mechanisms through which mitochondria impact meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenylate kinases (ADKs) are one of the important enzymes regulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism in Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The objective of the present study was to explore the molecular characteristics and immunological properties of E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1) adenylate kinase 1 (EgADK1) and adenylate kinase 8 (EgADK8). EgADK1 and EgADK8 were cloned and expressed, and the molecular characteristics of EgADK1 and EgADK8 were analyzed through different bioinformatics tools. Western blotting was used to examine the reactogenicity of recombinant adenylate kinase 1 (rEgADK1) and recombinant adenylate kinase 8 (rEgADK8) and to evaluate their diagnostic value. The expression profiles of EgADK1 and EgADK8 in 18-day-old strobilated worms and protoscoleces were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR, and their distribution in 18-day-old strobilated worms, the germinal layer, and protoscoleces was determined by immunofluorescence localization. EgADK1 and EgADK8 were successfully cloned and expressed. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that EgADK1 and EgADK8 have multiple phosphorylation sites and B-cell epitopes. Compared with EgADK8, EgADK1 and other parasite ADKs have higher sequence similarity. In addition, both cystic echinococcosis (CE)–positive sheep sera and Cysticercus tenuicollis–infected goat sera could recognize rEgADK1 and rEgADK8. EgADK1 and EgADK8 were localized in protoscoleces, the germinal layer, and 18-day-old strobilated worms. EgADK1 and EgADK8 showed no significant difference in their transcription level in 18-day-old strobilated worms and protoscoleces, suggesting that EgADK1 and EgADK8 may play an important role in the growth and development of E. granulosus sensu lato. Since EgADK1 and EgADK8 can be recognized by other parasite-positive sera, they are not suitable as candidate antigens for the diagnosis of CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room‐temperature thermoelectric materials are the key to miniaturizing refrigeration equipment and have great scientific and social implications, yet their application is hindered by their extreme scarcity. BiTe exhibiting strong spin‐orbit coupling peaks ZT at 600 K. Herein, we discover the synergy effect of Sb doping in BiTe that eliminates the detrimental band inversion and leads to an overlap of conduction band (CB) and valence band that significantly increases the S from 33 to 124 μV K−1. In addition, this effect enhances the μ from 58 to 92 cm2 V−1 s−1 owing to the sharp increase in the CB slope along the Γ‐A in the first Brillouin zone. Furthermore, Sb doping increases the anharmonicity, shortens the phonon lifetime and lowers κlat. Finally, Se/Sb codoping further optimizes the ZT to 0.6 at 300 K, suggesting that Bi0.6Sb0.4Te1−ySey is a potential room‐temperature TE material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room‐temperature thermoelectric materials are the key to miniaturizing refrigeration equipment and have great scientific and social implications, yet their application is hindered by their extreme scarcity. BiTe exhibiting strong spin‐orbit coupling peaks ZT at 600 K. Herein, we discover the synergy effect of Sb doping in BiTe that eliminates the detrimental band inversion and leads to an overlap of conduction band (CB) and valence band that significantly increases the S from 33 to 124 μV K−1. In addition, this effect enhances the μ from 58 to 92 cm2 V−1 s−1 owing to the sharp increase in the CB slope along the Γ‐A in the first Brillouin zone. Furthermore, Sb doping increases the anharmonicity, shortens the phonon lifetime and lowers κlat. Finally, Se/Sb codoping further optimizes the ZT to 0.6 at 300 K, suggesting that Bi0.6Sb0.4Te1−ySey is a potential room‐temperature TE material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Adequacy of decompression for oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) is a real concern in patients with severe lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). With this in mind, we combined OLIF with spinal endoscopic technique to achieve a solid fusion and an adequate decompression after one operation. Methods: This is a technical note. The theoretical basis and operation process of this technique were introduced, and consecutive cases were retrospectively collected. Consecutive patients diagnosed with monosegmental severe LSS (L4/5) and underwent oblique lateral endoscopic decompression and interbody fusion (OLEDIF) from January 2018 to February 2020 were retrospectively collected. Clinical outcomes were assessed by claudication distance, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. Secondary indicators included operation time, operative blood loss, and postoperative complications. Results: Ten patients were selected for the OLEDIF procedure. They were five women and five men ranging in age from 49 to 75 years (mean age of 63.9 years) and in BMI from 25.4 to 30.2 kg/m2 (mean BMI of 27.5 kg/m2). The preoperative claudication distance was 160.00 ± 68.96 m (range 70–250 m), which was significantly extended on the 3‐month and 1‐year follow‐up (1020.00 ± 407.70 m and 1040.00 ± 416.87 m, respectively). The preoperative VAS score of back pain and radiating leg pain was 5.50 ± 0.97 (range 4–7) and 6.40 ± 0.97 (range 5–8). The score on postoperative month 3 was 1.60 ± 0.52 (range 1–2) and 1.20 ± 0.79 (range 0–2), and the 1‐year follow‐up score was 1.90 ± 0.74 (range 1–3) and 1.60 ± 0.70 (range 1–3), respectively. The preoperative ODI was 72.23 ± 6.30 (range 64.4–82.2), the 3‐month follow‐up ODI was 31.12 ± 4.20 (range 24.4–35.6), and the 1‐year follow‐up ODI was 29.33 ± 5.92 (range 20.0–37.8). Compared with the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in the literature, the operation time was not prolonged (189.3 ± 32.5 min vs. 214.9 ± 60.0 min) but the amount of blood loss decreased significantly (113.3 ± 26.7 ml vs. 366.8 ± 298.2 ml). No complications were found except one case presented with dysesthesia of the left leg. Imaging results showed good fusion without cage subsidence during 1‐year follow‐up. Conclusion: OLEDIF can achieve complete ventral decompression of the spinal canal and solid fusion of the lumbar spine at one time. It is an effective minimally invasive technique for the treatment of monosegmental severe LSS, which is promising and worthy of further clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unprecedented threading kinetics were revealed between viologen‐based guests and conformationally adaptive oxatub[4]arene. Three representative conformations of oxatub[4]arene are involved in the kinetic and thermodynamic products which follow the opposite orders in their rankings. Consequently, error correction was involved and a complex kinetic process was observed in a simple two‐component system. Moreover, it was found that some viologen‐based guests have much faster threading kinetics than those of DABCO‐based with the same stoppers. This was enabled by an unprecedented threading mechanism in which a tilted conformation of the guests is adopted by involving one linear alkyl group on the 3,5‐dialkoxybenzyl stoppers, the viologen core, and the methylene spacers in the transition states. This new mechanism even allows the viologen‐based guests with the 3,5‐dicetyloxybenzyl stoppers to form a pseudorotaxane with oxatub[4]arene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unprecedented threading kinetics were revealed between viologen‐based guests and conformationally adaptive oxatub[4]arene. Three representative conformations of oxatub[4]arene are involved in the kinetic and thermodynamic products which follow the opposite orders in their rankings. Consequently, error correction was involved and a complex kinetic process was observed in a simple two‐component system. Moreover, it was found that some viologen‐based guests have much faster threading kinetics than those of DABCO‐based with the same stoppers. This was enabled by an unprecedented threading mechanism in which a tilted conformation of the guests is adopted by involving one linear alkyl group on the 3,5‐dialkoxybenzyl stoppers, the viologen core, and the methylene spacers in the transition states. This new mechanism even allows the viologen‐based guests with the 3,5‐dicetyloxybenzyl stoppers to form a pseudorotaxane with oxatub[4]arene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interventional cardiology procedure is an important type of minimally invasive surgery that deals with the catheter-based treatment of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery diseases, strokes, peripheral arterial diseases, and aortic diseases. Ultrasound imaging, also called echocardiography, is a typical imaging tool that monitors catheter puncturing. Localising a medical device accurately during cardiac interventions can help improve the procedure's safety and reliability under ultrasound imaging. However, external device tracking and image-based tracking methods can only provide a partial solution. Thus, we proposed a hybrid framework, with the combination of both methods to localise the catheter tip target in an automatic way. The external device used was an electromagnetic tracking system from North Digital Inc (NDI), and the ultrasound image analysis was based on UNet, a deep learning network for semantic segmentation. From the external method, the tip's location was determined precisely, and the deep learning platform segmented the exact catheter tip automatically. This novel hybrid localisation framework combines the advantages of external electromagnetic (EM) tracking and the deep learning-based image method, which offers a new solution to identify the moving medical device in low-resolution ultrasound images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to obtain high dielectric silicone rubber (SR)-based nanocomposites, graphene (Gr) was added by ultrasonication and mechanical mixing for the preparation of a microporous structure. It was discovered that the Gr content and the expansion rate had a great impact on the cellular structure. Based on the effects of the Gr content and the expansion rate on the dielectric property, hybrid materials were prepared and better properties appeared, as expected. For all samples, the dielectric constant increased with the Gr content until 3 wt% and then decreased. When the Gr content was 3 wt% and the expansion rate was 2, the dielectric constant reached 18.14 (1 kHz), which was 55% higher than that of the non-expansion sample (11.74) and several times that of the pure sample (3~6). Meanwhile, the dielectric loss was less than 0.01. This work proposed a method for producing high dielectric materials with important applications in the field of capacitors, sensors, and micro-resistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial evidence indicates that experiencing physical abuse and neglect during childhood significantly elevates the likelihood of developing depression in adulthood. Nevertheless, there remains a dearth of understanding regarding the mechanisms underpinning this correlation. In this study, we aimed to examine the associations of childhood physical abuse and physical neglect with depression using follow-up data from UK Biobank and quantified the contribution of smoking, insomnia, and BMI in these associations. This study included 144,704 participants (64,168 men and 80,536 women) from UK Biobank, most of whom were white (97 %). Physical abuse and physical neglect were measured using two items of Childhood Trauma Screener (CTS). Data on the incidence of depression were obtained from primary care, hospital inpatient records, self-reported medical conditions, and death registries. We used a sequential mediation analysis based on the "g-formula" approach to explore the individual and joint effects of potential mediators. The depression incidence rate was 1.85 per 1000 person-years for men and 2.83 per 1000 person-years for women, respectively. Results of Cox proportional risk regression showed that physical abuse (HRs: 1.39–1.53, P < 0.001) and physical neglect (HRs: 1.43–1.60, P < 0.001) are associated with depression. Smoking, insomnia, and BMI together mediated 3 %–26 % of the associations. These findings contribute to our understanding of how physical abuse and physical neglect influence depression. Furthermore, a more effective reduction in the burden of depression can be achieved by managing modifiable mediators. • Large sample data from UK Biobank reduced the probability of random error. • Sequential mediation methods can be used to quantify effects of mediators and adjust for exposure-affected confounders. • Quantification of pathway effects facilitated the development of more cost-effective interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A QD-CRISPR-MNP biosensor was established for Salmonella detection. • Two different cleavage strategies for Salmonella detection were studied. • The biosensor was able to detect Salmonella as low as 86 CFU mL−1 with satisfactory specificity. • The biosensor showed the feasibility for Salmonella detection in spiked chicken breast extracts. Rapid detection methods are urgently needed to help prevent the spread of Salmonella among food products. Herein, a CRISPR-Cas12a-powered, quantum dot-based and magnetic nanoparticle-assisted (QD-CRISPR-MNP) biosensor was proposed for the screening of Salmonella. The QD-CRISPR-MNP biosensor was designed and fabricated relying on the CRISPR-Cas12a system for better guidance of the coupling between magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and quantum dots (QDs). In this biosensor, the activity of the CRISPR-Cas12a system was unlocked by Salmonella and displayed collateral cleavage activity towards linker DNAs, which inhibited the coupling of the MNPs and QDs. Then, Salmonella could be quantitatively detected by simply measuring the fluorescence emitted by the QDs on the MNPs surface. This biosensor showed good detection performance for Salmonella with a detection limit of 86 CFU mL−1, and exhibited a satisfactory specificity as well. Moreover, it overcomes the low fluorescence quantum yields and the possible high fluorescence background noise in conventional dye-based CRISPR detection platforms, acting as a powerful alternative for the detection of foodborne pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban landscape design is of great significance to the development of the city. To solve the problem of manual acquisition characteristics of urban landscape design systems and low target detection accuracy, a new idea based on neural network and multi-objective testing technology construction urban landscape design system is proposed. By analyzing key technologies, the database establishment proposes to build a city landscape design system. Establish a city landscape design 3D model library using neural network and multi-objective testing technology. The system enables terrain measurements, GIS, visualization, massive data processing, virtual reality technology, etc., so that users can more and more effectively feel the rationality of space design and the feasibility of planning program. Through the experimental test, the following conclusions were obtained. First, the accuracy of multi-objective detection technology is maintained at around 88%. Second, the system landscape generation module generates fast, and the calculation time is between 0.57 and 46 s. Third, through analysis of the evaluation results of ecological suitability, the A-city landscape ecological function partition is divided into the plan for the plan to provide reliable data protection. The fourth is based on satisfaction evaluation indicators, which is conducive to the choice of the optimal plan of urban landscape design, thereby promoting the sustainable development of the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), an important bioactive compound, is synthesized through the decarboxylation of L -glutamate (L -Glu) by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD). Particularly, most bacterial GADs are robust only under acidic conditions and sharply lose their activity when shifted to near-neutral pH. In this work, to broaden the pH dependence of GadB from Levilactobacillus brevis , five C-terminal truncated mutants were constructed based on the investigation of its C-terminal loop region, and their catalytic activities were compared at near-neutral pH. Subsequently, site-specific mutagenesis was performed to the selected GadB ΔC11 , and several mutants with substantially improved activity were thus obtained. Among these mutants, GadB ΔC11 K17T/D294G/E312S/Q346H exhibited the highest catalytic efficiency (k cat / K m , 3.91 s−1mM−1), which was 4.95-fold and 17-fold higher than that of WT enzyme (0.79 s−1mM−1) and GadB ΔC11 (0.23 s−1mM−1) at pH 4.8 and 37 °C. Furthermore, the GABA synthesis system using dormant E. coli cells expressing the best mutant GadB ΔC11 K17T/D294G/E312S/Q346H gene as the biocatalyst and pure water as a sole medium was constructed, and its GABA productivity was investigated. After 7.5 h of reaction, GABA production reached a concentration of 270.42 g/L with a 99.9% conversion ratio under the investigated conditions. Overall, refactoring the GAD system of E. coli through broadening the pH dependence of intracellular GadB is an effective approach for improving its GABA production. [Display omitted] • The active pH range of L. brevis GadB was broadened by removing the C-plug. • Improving the catalytic activity of GadB via site-specific mutagenesis. • Enhancing the production of GABA in E. coli by refactoring its GadB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the interference problems of complex on‐site installations attached to shield tunnel lining surface, deep learning models, developed for leakage datasets of shield tunnels, are not prepared to meet engineering requirements. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to optimize the original model based on the characteristics of leakage datasets. For this purpose, the present study adopted Mask R‐CNN as the baseline and improved its performance from two aspects, including the properties of shield tunnel leakage datasets and detection errors of the original model in the testing set. With reference to the properties of leakage datasets, the model compression technique was implemented to remove the redundant parameters in the training stage and enhance the detection accuracy and speed of the original model. Besides, three error types were grouped to explore the optimization direction in practical application. Accordingly, four different optimization measurements were fulfilled step‐by‐step to improve the model performance. It was concluded that the compressed model with 62% sparsity reached average precision (AP) of 0.399 at the detection speed of 7 frames per second (FPS), which was 0.144 higher and 2 FPS faster than that of the original model, respectively. The improvements in the model concerned were also quite different with the three error types moderated, indicating that the optimization direction of the original model needed to be focused on the error types with higher AP promotion. In addition, the AP value of the original model significantly augmented from 25.5% to 51.1% upon minimizing the detection errors on shield tunnel leakage datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surfactants are ubiquitous in formulated products and technologies. As one of the most important commodity chemicals, their remarkable consumption leads to the necessity of finding sustainable alternatives. Although the use of renewable sources limits the available chemical space for a "Green" production, the great variety of naturally occurring precursors, i.e., fatty acids and sugars, opens a myriad of possibilities to create biosurfactants capable of replacing the fatigued fossil-derived amphiphiles. Here, we visit the concept of isomer-directed assembly applied to sugar-based surfactants, wherein amphiphile assembly and function are fine-tuned through changes in the stereochemical and regiochemical configuration of the molecule. As such, we show how isomerism defines directional interactions and solvation, ultimately dictating the assembly of surfactants. However, a general framework to understand the structure-function relationship for these is still missing, which is key to realizing this divergent set of tools for the design of new surfactants. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brush polymers have emerged as components of novel materials that show huge potential in multiple disciplines and applications, including self‐assembling photonic crystals, drug delivery vectors, biomimetic lubricants, and ultrasoft elastomers. However, an understanding of how this unique topology can affect the properties of highly solvated materials like hydrogels remain under investigated. Here, it is investigated how the high functionality and large overall size of brush polymers enhances the gelation kinetics of low polymer weight percent gels, enabling 100‐fold faster gelation rates and 15‐fold higher stiffness values than gels crosslinked by traditional star polymers of the same composition and polymer chain length. This work demonstrates that brush polymer topology provides a useful means to control gelation kinetics without the need to manipulate polymer composition or crosslinking chemistry. The unique architecture of brush polymers also results in restrained or even nonswelling behavior at different temperatures, regardless of the polymer concentration. Brush polymers therefore are an interesting tool for examining how high‐functionality polymer building blocks can affect structure–property relationships and chemical kinetics in hydrogel materials, and also provide a useful rapidly‐setting hydrogel platform with tunable properties and great potential for multiple material applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brush polymers have emerged as components of novel materials that show huge potential in multiple disciplines and applications, including self‐assembling photonic crystals, drug delivery vectors, biomimetic lubricants, and ultrasoft elastomers. However, an understanding of how this unique topology can affect the properties of highly solvated materials like hydrogels remain under investigated. Here, it is investigated how the high functionality and large overall size of brush polymers enhances the gelation kinetics of low polymer weight percent gels, enabling 100‐fold faster gelation rates and 15‐fold higher stiffness values than gels crosslinked by traditional star polymers of the same composition and polymer chain length. This work demonstrates that brush polymer topology provides a useful means to control gelation kinetics without the need to manipulate polymer composition or crosslinking chemistry. The unique architecture of brush polymers also results in restrained or even nonswelling behavior at different temperatures, regardless of the polymer concentration. Brush polymers therefore are an interesting tool for examining how high‐functionality polymer building blocks can affect structure–property relationships and chemical kinetics in hydrogel materials, and also provide a useful rapidly‐setting hydrogel platform with tunable properties and great potential for multiple material applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To predict the nonlinear stress‐strain behavior and the rupture strength of orthotropic ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) under macroscopic plane stress, a concise damage‐based mechanical theory including a new constitutive model and two kinds of failure criteria was developed in the framework of continuum damage mechanics (CDM). The damage constitutive model was established using strain partitioning and damage decoupling methods. Meanwhile, the failure criteria were formulated in terms of damage energy release rate (DERR) in order to correlate the failure property of CMCs with damage driving forces, and the maximum DERR criterion and the interactive DERR criterion were suggested simultaneously. For the sake of model evaluation, the theory was applied to a typical CMC with damageable and nonlinear behavior, that is, 2D‐C/SiC. The damage evolution law, strain response and rupture strength under incremental cyclic tension along both on‐axis and off‐axis directions were completely investigated. Comparison between theoretical predictions and experimental data illustrates that the newly developed mechanical theory is potential to give reasonable and accurate results of both stress‐strain response and failure property for orthotropic CMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRISPR (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) has been a cutting-edge biotechnology in both gene editing and biosensing due to its desirable features, such as high base resolution and set-and-forget operation. However, as a nucleic acid detection method, an DNA/RNA amplification procedure is still inevitable in CRISPR biosensors. In this study, a highly-ordered nanopore array SERS substrate, coated with silver nanoparticles, was fabricated and utilized as a platform for the specific detection of Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) without the time-consuming DNA amplification step. The smart sensing strategy was established by introducing an ssDNA labeled with a Raman active molecule as a signal report probe to show the changes during target identification and detection. The CRISPR-SERS biosensor was developed by combining the ultra-sensitive sensing mechanism of CRISPR technology with the SERS analytical method, aiming at detecting the invasin A gene (invA) of S. Typhimurium. The sensing materials and operation conditions were optimized to maximize the output signal and minimize the cost. The results showed that the proposed biosensor could specifically detect S. Typhimurium with a limit of detection (LOD) of 110 CFU/mL in poultry samples within 2 h. This CRISPR-SERS sensing strategy could provide an alternative way for pathogen detection in food safety monitoring. • The ultra-sensitivity sensing mechanism of the CRISPR-SERS were fully investigated and the CRISPR-SERS sensor was reported. • The CRISPR-SERS sensor overcomes the drawbacks of the low specificity of SERS sensor in bacteria detection. • The CRISPR-SERS sensor can selectively detect Salmonella typhimurium in complex samples with a LOD of 110 cfu/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the molecular and physiological mechanism underlying the heat stress in maize, transcriptional and physiological response to heat stress in the heat-resistant Huangzaosi (HZS) and heat-sensitive Lv-9-Kuan (L9K) inbred lines at seedling stage were analyzed and compared at seedling stage. Our results indicated that MDA content of the two inbred lines increased significantly under heat stress; the values of MDA in L9K was significantly higher than that in HZS. The level of SOD, CAT, and POD enzyme activities in HZS was higher than those in L9K for both the heat-treated group and controls. The values of Fv/Fm, qP, and ФPSII reduced by heat stress in L9K were higher than the respective values in HZS. RNA-seq data showed that heat stress induced more heat stress-related genes in HZS (257 heat stress-related genes) than in L9K (224 heat stress-related genes). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that HZS and L9K changed their physiological and biochemical mechanisms in response to heat stress through different molecular mechanisms. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis showed that HZS might obtain stronger heat resistance than L9K through a unique transcriptional regulatory network. Our findings provide insights into the molecular networks that mediate the tolerance of maize heat stress and also help us to mine key heat stress-related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleic acids have not been widely considered as an optimal material for drug delivery. Indeed, unmodified nucleic acids are enzymatically unstable, too hydrophilic for cell uptake and payload encapsulation, and may cause unintended biological responses such as immune system activation and prolongation of the blood coagulation pathway. Recently, however, three major areas of development surrounding nucleic acids have made it worthwhile to reconsider their role for drug delivery. These areas include DNA/RNA nanotechnology, multivalent nucleic acid nanostructures, and nucleic acid aptamers, which, respectively, provide the ability to engineer nanostructures with unparalleled levels of structural control, completely reverse certain biological properties of linear/cyclic nucleic acids, and enable antibody-level targeting using an all-nucleic acid construct. These advances, together with nucleic acids' ability to respond to various stimuli (engineered or natural), have led to a rapidly increasing number of drug delivery systems with potential for spatiotemporally controlled drug release. In this review, we discuss recent progress in nucleic acid-based drug delivery strategies, their potential, unique use cases, and risks that must be overcome or avoided. Unlabelled Image • Nucleic acids are being increasingly considered as drug carriers. • The area has three pillars: DNA nanotech, spherical nucleic acids, and aptamers. • Challenges remain in areas of in vivo stability and immune response control. • The unique features of nucleic acids demand exploration of unique use cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conformationally adaptive macrocycles possess multiple well-defined conformations through quickly flipping their aromatic sidewalls. The macrocycles combine the binding power of all the conformations. Upon binding a guest, one or a combination of conformations are selected to achieve the maximized binding affinity. In addition, the complex conformational network is responsive to changes in temperature or solvent. It has been demonstrated that these macrocycles have unique properties in chirality sensing, stimuli-responsive self-assembly, and molecular switches. In this tutorial review, we summarize recent advances on conformationally adaptive macrocycles with an emphasis on our own research. We believe that this class of macrocycles will have a bright future in supramolecular chemistry and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploration of new property/function of nanomaterials is always a strong impetus in the nanoscience field. Here, a new method of electrochemical conversion (ECC) of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is proposed to endow MNPs with signal generation ability for sensing. Briefly, high potential was applied to split H2O to generate acid, while Fe3O4 MNPs reacted with H+ and produce ferric/ferrous ions, which further reacted with K4Fe(CN)6 to yield Prussian blue (PB) through potential cycling. The ECC method worked well on both home‐made and commercial MNPs with different sizes. The generated PB possessed strong electrochemical activity for further applications. Interestingly, an uneven deposition of PB on working electrode and undesired contamination of the reference and counter electrodes were found when using commercial integrated three‐electrode chip. A 3D‐printed electrochemical cell was designed to facilitate the ECC and avoid drawbacks of commercial integrated electrode. The 3D‐printed electrochemical cell was proven to solve the problem above through spatial separation of electrodes and thus facilitated the ECC process. An electrochemical sensor for H2O2 detection based on the catalysis ability of ECC‐based PB exhibited a linear response from 5 μM to 1 mM, a high sensitivity of 269 μA mM−1 cm−2 and a low detection limit of 0.16 μM (S/N=3), which suggests its promising application prospect in electrochemistry‐related analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to explore the performance of Revolution CT virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) combined with the multi-material artifact reduction (MMAR) technique in reducing metal artifacts in oral and maxillofacial imaging. Results: There were significant differences in image quality scores between VMI + MMAR images and VMI+MARS (multiple artifact reduction system) images at each monochromatic energy level (p = 0.000). Compared with the MARS technology, the MMAR technology further reduced metal artifacts and improved the image quality. At VMI90 keV and VMI110 keV, the SD, CNR, and AI in the Revolution CT group were significantly lower than in the Discovery CT, but no significant differences in these parameters were found between two groups at VMI50 keV, VMI70 keV, and VMI130 keV (p > 0.05). The attenuation was comparable between two groups at any energy level (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Compared with the MARS reconstruction technique of Discovery CT, the MMAR technique of Revolution CT is better to reduce the artifacts of dental implants in oral and maxillofacial imaging, which improves the image quality and the diagnostic value of surrounding soft tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Manufacturing TFP contributes to economic growth directly. • Manufacturing TFP contributes to growth by increasing capital and labour input. • Non-manufacturing TFP does not contribute to economic growth. Applying the methods of growth accounting decomposition and econometric regressions to a sample of developed economies over the period of 1970–2011, this study examines the differential role of manufacturing TFP growth and non-manufacturing TFP growth in the long-run economic growth by affecting aggregate TFP growth and by influencing capital and labour input growth. The results show that manufacturing TFP growth contributes to economic growth directly but also through the contributions of capital input growth and labour input growth indirectly. In contrast, such direct and indirect effects are not observed for non-manufacturing TFP growth. The findings suggest that despite the declining share of manufacturing in GDP, maintaining the growth of manufacturing TFP is critical for economic growth. The study provides a useful explanation of why many developed economies have started to engage in 'reindustrialization' strategy after the global financial crisis in 2008 and carries important policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are permanently microporous materials. MOFs have become promising candidates as drug delivery hosts because of high specific surface area. In this work, we control preparation of a new core–shell microsphere NaYF4:Yb,Er@NaYF4:Nd@MIL-53 by layer-by-layer self-assembly method. Here upconverting fluorescent nanoparticles (UCNPs) NaYF4:Yb,Er@NaYF4:Nd has potential for bioimaging due to excellent NIR optical property. MIL-53 as a drug carrier for DOX delivery. Folic acid as targeting agent is encapsulated into the above core-shell structured to form new nanocomposite (UCNPs@ MIL-53/FA). We have found that the new core–shell nanocomposites are nontoxic toward human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) and can simultaneously achieve targeted therapy and drug delivery are used for the treatment of cancer. This result is expected to provide new ideas and perspectives for the treatment of cancer of the tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Choosing an optimal distal fusion level for adult spinal deformity (ASD) is still controversial. To compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of distal fusion to L5 versus the sacrum in ASD, we conducted a meta-analysis.Methods: Relevant studies on long fusion terminating at L5 or the sacrum in ASD were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases. Then, studies were manually selected for inclusion based on predefined criteria. The meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3.Results: Eleven retrospective studies with 1211 patients were included in meta-analysis. No significant difference was found in overall complication rate (95% CI 0.60 to 1.30) and revision rate (95% CI 0.59 to 1.99) between fusion to L5 group (L group) and fusion to the sacrum group (S group). Significant lower rate of pseudarthrosis and implant-related complications (95% CI 0.29 to 0.64) as well as proximal adjacent segment disease (95% CI 0.35 to 0.92) was found in L group. Patients in S group obtained a better correction of lumbar lordosis (95% CI - 7.85 to - 0.38) and less loss of sagittal balance (95% CI - 1.80 to - 0.50).Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggested that long fusion terminating at L5 or the sacrum was similar in scoliosis correction, overall complication rate, revision rate, and improvement in pain and disability. However, fusion to L5 had advantages in lower rate of pseudarthrosis, implant-related complications, and proximal adjacent segment disease, while fusion to the sacrum had advantages in the restoration of lumbar lordosis, maintenance of sagittal balance, and absence of distal adjacent segment disease. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation on the interaction mechanism between pesticide pyriproxyfen (PPF) and serum albumin has great implications in clinical detection, gene mutation and pathological analysis of pesticide poisoning. In this paper, the binding behavior of PPF with bovine serum albumin (BSA) have been assessed through various spectroscopic techniques combined with computer simulation. The findings confirmed that PPF quenched the endogenous fluorescence of BSA in the means of static quenching and formed the stable PPF‐BSA complex with the stoichiometry of 1:1. The affinity of PPF on BSA was moderate due to its binding constant of 4.15×103 M−1 (298 K). It was confirmed from replacement experiments and molecular docking that PPF bound preferentially onto the Site I region of BSA. The findings from thermodynamic parameter analysis and the replacement experiments of ANS and sucrose confirmed the driving‐forces for forming PPF‐BSA complex was hydrogen bonding, van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions. Meantime, it was also confirmed from synchronous fluorescence and FT‐IR spectra that the hydrophilicity surrounding Trp residues and α‐helix of BSA declined due to binding with PPF. And, it is confirmed from in silico finding the dipole moment, atomic charge distribution, molecular conformation, and frontier orbital of PPF also significantly altered after binding with BSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whole-genome sequencing on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) at the single cell level has recently been found helpful for precision medicine, as the oncogenic profiles of single CTCs are useful for discovering oncogenic mutation heterogeneities and guiding/adjusting cancer treatment. To overcome the limits of existing methods of single CTC sequencing, in which CTC enrichment, identification and gene amplification are performed by discrete modules, this study presents a novel method in which all processing steps from blood sample collection to preparation of gene amplification products for sequencers are finished in a single microfluidic chip. This microfluidic chip comprehensively performs blood filtering, CTC enrichment, CTC identification/isolation, CTC lysis and whole genome amplification (WGA) at the single cell level. By sequencing single CTCs from clinical blood samples with pointing key driver and drug-resistance mutations, the novel microfluidic chip was validated to be capable of genetically profiling single CTCs with minimum cell loss/human labor, and more importantly, high accuracy and repeatability, which are crucial factors for promoting clinical application of single CTC sequencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure, thermal stability, and crystalline behavior of (Fe0.9Co0.1)67.5Nb4Gd3.5B25 glassy alloy, which exhibits a two-stage-like glass transition phenomenon, were investigated using x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The nanoscale metastable (Fe,Co)23B6 phase precipitated in the glassy matrix after annealing, while the two-stage-like glass transition disappeared, indicating the two-stage-like glass transition results from the overlap of the endothermic reaction for the glass transition with the exothermic reaction for the formation of the (Fe,Co)23B6 phase in the supercooled liquid region. The (Fe0.9Co0.1)67.5Nb4Gd3.5B25 glassy alloy exhibits high glass-forming ability, enabling the formation of glassy alloy rods with diameters exceeding 3.0 mm, rather high saturation magnetization of 0.91 T, low coercive force of 2.5 A/m, and high fracture strength of 3870 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cypermethrin (CYP) has been identified as one kind of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to induce male reproduction damage. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of miR-30a-5p on CYP induced apoptosis of TM4 mouse Sertoli cells in vitro. In the present study, 0 μM, 10 μM, 20 μM, 40 μM and 80 μM CYP were used to treat TM4 cells for 24 h. The apoptosis of TM4 cells, the expression level of miR-30a-5p, the protein expressions and the interaction between miR-30a-5p and KLF9 were detected by flow cytometry, quantitative Real-Time PCR, Western blot and luciferase reporter assays. CYP induced apoptosis of TM4 cells, inhibited expression of miR-30a-5p in TM4 cells, and overexpression of miR-30a-5p partially recovered CYP induced cells apoptosis. Furthermore, KLF9 was a potential downstream target of miR-30a-5p predicted by publicly available databases. KLF9 expression level in TM4 cells was significantly elevated after treatment with CYP, and the induction was inhibited by miR-30a-5p mimics transfection. Meanwhile, dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-30a-5p directly targeted KLF9–3′UTR. Moreover, in the presence of CYP, the apoptosis regulator p53 expression was also increased in TM4 cells. Overexpression miR-30a-5p or down-regulation of KLF9 both attenuated the induction of CYP on p53 expression. Overall, the present study demonstrated that miR-30a-5p regulated CYP induced TM4 cells apoptosis by targeting KLF9/p53 axis. • miR-30a-5p regulated cypermethrin-induced apoptosis of TM4 cells. • KLF9 was a downstream target of miR-30a-5p. • miR-30a-5p regulated TM4 cells apoptosis by targeting KLF9/p53 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Studying dynamic characteristics of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) during startups/shutdowns is of great importance to proposing strategies to improve fuel cell performance and durability. In this study, internal current during startup and shutdown processes in PEMFC is investigated, and effects of gas supply/shutoff sequences and backpressure are analyzed by measuring local current densities and the cell voltage in situ. The experimental results show that when reactants were fed/shut off, internal current occurs and variation patterns of local current densities along the flow channel are different. During startups, local current densities in the downstream drop to negative values and internal current can be eliminated when air is first supplied into the cell. While during shutdowns, the results show that negative currents occur in the upstream, and if hydrogen is shut off first, all local current densities remain constant at zero, indicating the effectiveness of gas shutoff sequence in eliminating/mitigating internal current in PEM fuel cells. Further experimental results show that the magnitude of internal current increases with the pressure difference between the anode and the cathode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upconversion fluorescent nanoparticles have attracted a lot of attention from scientists with a series of excellent fluorescence properties and have become a research hotspot in the field of bioimaging. In this article, upconversion fluorescent nanoparticles were successfully prepared and their biological toxicity was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upconverting nanoparticles can be excited by near-infrared light and have a high tissue penetration depth, and have a wide range of applications in the field of bioimaging. The commonly prepared NaYF4:Yb,Er are oil soluble, which limits their further biological applications and requires surface modification. In this article, we describe in detail the methods of PVP-modified NaYF4:Yb,Er and successfully modify oil-soluble NaYF4:Yb,Er to be water-soluble. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is known as an imbalance in bone catabolism and anabolism. Overactive bone resorption causes bone mass loss and increased incidence of fragility fractures. Antiresorptive drugs are widely used for osteoporosis treatment, and their inhibitory effects on osteoclasts (OCs) have been well established. However, due to the lack of selectivity, their off-target and side effects often bring suffering to patients. Herein, an OCs' microenvironment-responsive nanoplatform HA-MC/CaCO 3 /ZOL@PBAE-SA (HMCZP) is developed, consisting of succinic anhydride (SA)-modified poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) micelle, calcium carbonate shell, minocycline-modified hyaluronic acid (HA-MC) and zoledronic acid (ZOL). Results indicate that HMCZP, as compared with the first-line therapy, could more effectively inhibit the activity of mature OCs and significantly reverse the systemic bone mass loss in ovariectomized mice. In addition, the OCs-targeted capacity of HMCZP makes it therapeutically efficient at sites of severe bone mass loss and allows it to reduce the adverse effects of ZOL, such as acute phase reaction. High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) reveals that HMCZP could down-regulate a critical osteoporotic target, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), as well as other potential therapeutical targets for osteoporosis. These results suggest that an intelligent nanoplatform targeting OCs is a promising strategy for osteoporosis therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 2‐Aryltellurophenols substituted in the aryltelluro or phenolic parts of the molecule were prepared by lithiation of the corresponding tetrahydropyran‐protected 2‐bromophenol, followed by reaction with a suitable diaryl ditelluride then deprotection. In a two‐phase system containing N‐acetylcysteine as a co‐antioxidant in the aqueous phase, all of the compounds quenched lipid peroxyl radicals more efficiently than α‐tocopherol, with three to five‐fold longer inhibition times. Thus, these compounds offer better and longer‐lasting antioxidant protection than recently prepared alkyltellurophenols. Compounds with electron‐donating para substituents in the aryltelluro or phenolic part of the molecule showed the best results. The mechanism for quenching peroxyl radicals was considered and discussed with respect to the calculated O−H bond‐dissociation energies, deuterium‐labelling experiments and studies of thiol consumption in the aqueous phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The separation of cobalt ions (Co 2+ ) by vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) process with commercial polypropylene hollow fibers membrane was investigated. The effect of operational parameters, including feed temperature (30–70 ° C), permeate vacuum degree (0.10–0.98 atm) and feed flow rate (10.5–41.8 L/h), on the membrane flux was examined. The Pearson correlation analysis was employed to evaluate the significance of different operating parameters to the permeate flux. The results showed that permeate vacuum was the most significant to membrane flux (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.621). The mass transfer mechanism during Co 2+ separation was analyzed and Knudsen diffusion was proved to be the dominant mass transfer mechanism during VMD process. Dusty gas model could estimate the membrane flux well with average relative error of 5.21%. VMD method has shown its potential in the treatment of cobalt-containing wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High efficiency and compact design of the desulfurization technology is necessary to meet the strict emission requirement of the marine environment. A rotating packed bed (RPB), having high mass transfer efficiency and small size, is an excellent choice for SO2 removal from the exhaust gas in ships. In this work, SO2 removal in a laboratory and a pilot RPB with sodium sulfite solution were investigated. Experimental results show that the SO2 concentration at the gas outlet of the RPB can decrease sharply and it has no obvious scale up effect. A correlation of the mass transfer coefficient (Kya) was proposed and the predicted Kya agrees with the experimental data with a deviation within ±15%. Compared with the spray tower, the RPB has a higher SO2 removal efficiency and a quarter volume, which displays a bright future for the offshore application of SO2 removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unfertilized chicken eggs within 24 h of laying were chosen and stored at 25 °C and 45% humidity for 0, 20, and 40 days. The experimental group (EG) was the carbon dioxide-modified atmosphere packaging (CDMAP) group, whereas the control group (CG) contained eggs without special handling. Egg freshness indexes were measured. The proteome of the egg whites was determined by LC-MS/MS using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). A total of 87 proteins were detected. The results indicated that CDMAP can control the change in protein abundance. Using a correlation analysis between the protein abundance and freshness indexes of the EG, Beta-hexosaminidase, Trypsin inhibitor ClTI-1 and Apolipoprotein D were determined to be potential predictors of egg freshness. In comparing the proteomes of the EG and CG, it was concluded that CDMAP could affect the proteins related to egg vitelline membranes, eggshell matrix and metabolic intensity to maintain egg freshness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment process for flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater was investigated using an integrated nanofiltration–membrane distillation (NF-MD) technology for near-zero liquid discharge. The whole system could achieve over 99.99% salt rejection ratio and over 92% of water reclamation ratio. The salinity of the MD permeate was low (Cl-less than 3 mg/L and SO42-less than 1 mg/L) and the permeate could be reused by thermal power plants directly. High-purity (over 97%) brine (10% NaCl, w/w) was produced after MD concentration. It was found that chemical softening and NF pretreatment could decrease MD membrane scaling significantly. No wastewater was discharged during the whole process. Such hybrid NF-MD system has the potential for practical application in FGD wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this work, the shear horizontal (SH) wave dispersion in two dissimilar nanolayers is investigated by using the surface elasticity theory in which the surface effects are featured by surface elastic constants. It is found that the SH wave dispersion shows distinct dependence on the nanolayer thickness as well as the surface elastic constants. The larger the surface elastic modulus and/or the smaller the thickness, the higher the phase velocity. In particular, as the wave frequency approaches zero, the analytical relation between the phase velocity in the first mode dispersion and the surface elastic constants is deduced. Thereby, a facile method is suggested to determine the surface elastic constants from the phase velocity of SH waves scattered in nanolayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the new triaxial testing system developed to generate passive confinement, 117 normal-weight concrete cubes were tested under 13 loading schemes, including biaxial compression and triaxial compression with both uniform and non-uniform passive confinement. The distinct failure patterns were observed under different monotonic loading schemes. The characteristics of peak strength and corresponding axial strain were investigated and compared with data for concrete under traditional triaxial testing. The peak strength and corresponding axial strain have been observed to be related to the confinement stiffness, non-uniform stiffness ratio and the maximum lateral strain. On comparison, it revealed that the models calibrated from the traditional triaxial testing could predict the peak strength with an error within ±10% but cannot well predict the corresponding axial strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of oxatub[4]arenes with different alkyl side chains have been synthesized. The conformational interconversion, molecular recognition and macroscopic self-assembly behaviour of oxatub[4]arene derivatives were investigated. The difference in side chains slightly changes the binding affinities, but results in different self-assembly morphologies at the solid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]