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Intrinsic bursting neurons represent a common neuronal type that displays bursting patterns upon depolarization stimulation. These neurons can be described by a system of seven-dimensional equations, which pose a challenge for dynamical analysis. To overcome this limitation, we employed the projection reduction method to reduce the dimensionality of the model. Our approach demonstrated that the reduced model retained the inherent bursting characteristics of the original model. Following reduction, we investigated the bi-parameter bifurcation of the equilibrium point in the reduced model. Specifically, we analyzed the Bogdanov-Takens bifurcation that arises in the reduced system. Notably, the topological structure of the neuronal model near the bifurcation point can be effectively revealed with our proposed method. By leveraging the proposed projection reduction method, we could explore the bursting mechanism in the reduced Pospischil model with greater precision. Our approach offers an effective foundation for generating theories and hypotheses that can be tested experimentally. Furthermore, it enables links to be drawn between neuronal morphology and function, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of the complex dynamical behaviors that underlie intrinsic bursting neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil ecosystem provides a guarantee for the ecological environment. Soil salinization is a typical land degradation problem. In order to explore the applicability of GF-5, Sentinel-1, and Sentinel-2 remote sensing data in soil salinity research, this study selected Golmud of Qaidam Basin in China as the study area, using particle swarm optimization-artificial neural network (PSO-ANN), partial least squares regression (PLSR), and whale optimization algorithm-extreme learning machine (WOA-ELM) to predict soil salinity. The research results indicated that the correlation between Sentinel-2 and electric conductivity (EC) was higher than GF-5 and Sentinel-1. The simulation accuracy of models based on Sentinel-2 was slightly higher than that based on GF-5 and Sentinel-1. The three models' mean values of root mean square error (RMSE), R2, and mean absolute error (MAE) of Sentinel-2 were slightly better than those of GF-5 and Sentinel-1, and the fitting accuracy of GF-5 was similar to that of Sentinel-1 on the whole. The result proved that Sentinel-1, GF-5, and Sentinel-2 were suitable for salinity monitoring because the strong penetrability and sensitivity of Sentinel-1, the high spectral resolution of GF-5, and the high spatial resolution of Sentinel-2. The performance of PSO-ANN was the best, and that of PLSR was the worst. The salinity mapping result of Sentinel-2 coupled with PSO-ANN proved that machine learning methods and spaceborne data could be used to study large-scale soil salinization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation The discovery of the genetic features that underly a phenotype is a fundamental task in microbial genomics. With the growing number of microbial genomes that are paired with phenotypic data, new challenges, and opportunities are arising for genotype-phenotype inference. Phylogenetic approaches are frequently used to adjust for the population structure of microbes but scaling them to trees with thousands of leaves representing heterogeneous populations is highly challenging. This greatly hinders the identification of prevalent genetic features that contribute to phenotypes that are observed in a wide diversity of species. Results In this study, Evolink was developed as an approach to rapidly identify genotypes associated with phenotypes in large-scale multispecies microbial datasets. Compared with other similar tools, Evolink was consistently among the top-performing methods in terms of precision and sensitivity when applied to simulated and real-world flagella datasets. In addition, Evolink significantly outperformed all other approaches in terms of computation time. Application of Evolink on flagella and gram-staining datasets revealed findings that are consistent with known markers and supported by the literature. In conclusion, Evolink can rapidly detect phenotype-associated genotypes across multiple species, demonstrating its potential to be broadly utilized to identify gene families associated with traits of interest. Availability and implementation The source code, docker container, and web server for Evolink are freely available at https://github.com/nlm-irp-jianglab/Evolink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CRISPR-Cas system is an adaptive immune system for many bacteria and archaea to defend against foreign nucleic acid invasion, and this system is conserved in the genome of M. tuberculosis (Mtb). Although the CRISPR-Cas system-mediated immune defense mechanism has been revealed in Mtb, the regulation of cas gene expression is poorly understood. In this study, we identified a transcription factor, CasR (CRISPR-associated protein repressor, encoded by Rv1776c), and it could bind to the upstream DNA sequence of the CRISPR-Cas gene cluster and regulate the expression of cas genes. EMSA and ChIP assays confirmed that CasR could interact with the upstream sequence of the csm6 promoter, both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, DNA footprinting assay revealed that CasR recognized a 20 bp palindromic sequence motif and negatively regulated the expression of csm6. In conclusion, our research elucidates the regulatory effect of CasR on the expression of CRISPR-associated genes in mycobacteria, thus providing insight into gene expression regulation of the CRISPR-Cas system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the world's saline soils are found in arid or semiarid areas, where salinization is becoming serious. Ground laboratory hyperspectral data (analytical spectral devices, ASD) as well as spaceborne hyperspectral data, including Gaofen-5 (GF-5) and Huanjing-1A (HJ-1A), provide convenient salinity monitoring. However, the difference among ASD, GF-5, and HJ-1A spectra in salinity monitoring remains unclear. So, we used ASD, GF-5, and HJ-1A spectra as data sources in Gaotai County of Hexi Corridor, which has been affected by salinization. For a more comprehensive comparison of the three spectra datum, four kinds of band screening methods, including Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC), principal component analysis (PCA), successive projections algorithm (SPA), and random forest (RF) were used to reduce the dimension of hyperspectral data. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) was used to improve the random initialization of weights and thresholds of the back propagation neural network (BPNN) model. The results showed that root mean square error (RMSE) and determination of the coefficients (R2) of models based on ASD and HJ-1A spectra were basically similar. ASD spectra (RMSE = 4 mS·cm−1, R2 = 0.82) and HJ-1A (RMSE = 2.98 mS·cm−1, R2 = 0.93) performed better than GF-5 spectra (RMSE = 6.45 mS·cm−1, R2 = 0.67) in some cases. The good modelling result of HJ-1A and GF-5 data confirmed that spaceborne hyperspectral imagery has great potential in salinity mapping. Then, we used HJ-1A and GF-5 hyperspectral imagery to map soil salinity. The results of GF-5 and HJ-1A showed that extremely and highly saline soil mainly occurred in grassland and the southern part of arable land in Gaotai County. Other lands mainly featured non-saline and slightly saline soil. This can provide a reference for salinity monitoring research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many bacteria, the stabilities and functions of small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) that act by base pairing with target RNAs most often are dependent on Hfq or ProQ/FinO‐domain proteins, two classes of RNA chaperone proteins. However, while all bacteria appear to have sRNAs, many have neither Hfq nor ProQ/FinO‐domain proteins raising the question of whether another factor might act as an sRNA chaperone in these organisms. Several recent studies have reported that KH domain proteins, such as KhpA and KhpB, bind sRNAs. Here we describe what is known about the distribution, structures, RNA‐binding properties, and physiologic roles of KhpA and KhpB and discuss evidence for and against these proteins serving as sRNAs chaperones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between proteins and glycans are critical to various biological processes. With databases of carbohydrate-interacting proteins and increasing amounts of structural data, the three-sided right-handed β-helix (RHBH) has emerged as a significant structural fold for glycan interactions. In this review, we provide an overview of the sequence, mechanistic, and structural features that enable the RHBH to interact with glycans. The RHBH is a prevalent fold that exists in eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and viruses associated with adhesin and carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) functions. An evolutionary trajectory analysis on structurally characterized RHBH-containing proteins shows that they likely evolved from carbohydrate-binding proteins with their carbohydrate-degrading activities evolving later. By examining three polysaccharide lyase and three glycoside hydrolase structures, we provide a detailed view of the modes of glycan binding in RHBH proteins. The 3-dimensional shape of the RHBH creates an electrostatically and spatially favorable glycan binding surface that allows for extensive hydrogen bonding interactions, leading to favorable and stable glycan binding. The RHBH is observed to be an adaptable domain capable of being modified with loop insertions and charge inversions to accommodate heterogeneous and flexible glycans and diverse reaction mechanisms. Understanding this prevalent protein fold can advance our knowledge of glycan binding in biological systems and help guide the efficient design and utilization of RHBH-containing proteins in glycobiology research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The co-assembly of different peptide chains usually leads to the formation of intricate architectures and sophisticated functions in biological systems. Although the co-assembly of stereoisomeric peptides represents a facile and flexible strategy for the synthesis of peptide-based nanomaterials with novel structures and potentially interesting properties, there is a lack of a general knowledge on how different isomers pack during assembly. Through the combined use of simulations and experimental observations, we report that heterochiral pairing is preferred to homochiral pairing at the molecular scale but self-sorting dictates beyond the molecular level for the mixtures of the short stereoisomeric β -sheet peptides I 3 K (Ile-Ile-Ile-Lys). Furthermore, we demonstrate that flat β -sheets and fibril morphology are always preferred to twisted ones during heterochiral pairing and subsequent assembly. However, the heterochiral pairing into flat morphology is not always at an equimolar ratio. Instead, a non-equimolar ratio (1:2) is observed for the mixing of homochiral L I 3 L K and heterochiral L I 3 D K, whose strand twisting degrees differ greatly. Such a study provides a paradigm for understanding the co-assembly of stereoisomeric peptides at the molecular scale and harnessing their blending for targeted nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CASA, RUSLE, and InVEST were utilized for ecological environment assessment. • We analyzed the ecological environment of Pingtan Island from multiple aspects. • We conducted correlation analysis from both natural and socio-economic perspectives. • The impact of GDP and population on ecological service is large in our study. In response to the needs of national ecological construction, especially the construction of high-quality marine space and reasonable use of the marine environment, Pingtan Island as a demonstration area of China's environmental construction, this study evaluates the quality of its ecological environment, which provides reference for the protection of the future ecological environment. In this study, CASA (Carnegie-ames-stanford approach), RUSLE (Revised universal soil loss equation) and InVEST (Integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs) models were selected for ecological environment assessment in the Pingtan Island. The NPP (Net primary productivity) calculated by CASA model, soil erosion data calculated by RUSLE and habitat quality, total carbon, water yield, and sediment delivery ratio calculated by InVEST model showed that the ecological environment quality and ecological service function of the study area had a weakening trend from 2000 to 2010. In particular, there was a tendency to weaken the water yield and sediment delivery ratio in the Pingtan Island between 2000 and 2010. The weakening trend during 2010 and 2020 was much higher than that during 2000 and 2010. The main influencing factor of each ecological service function is NDVI, which indicates that the degree of vegetation cover is the key factor determining the ecological service function. The impact of GDP and population on the ecological service functions is also large, which indicates that with the acceleration of urbanization, the ecological service function of the research area has been negatively affected. Changes in ecological services and ecological restoration functions are significant for local sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let ℳ (n , c) be the class of Moran sets with integer n ≥ 2 and real c satisfying n c < 1. It is well known that the Hausdorff dimension of any set in this class is s = − log c n. We show that for any E ∈ ℳ (n , c) , 2 s 2 (n − 1) c 1 − c s ≤ ℋ s (E) ≤ 1 , where ℋ s (E) denotes s -dimensional Hausdorff measure of E. For any a with 2 s 2 (n − 1) c 1 − c s ≤ a ≤ 1 , there exists a self-similar set E ∈ ℳ (n , c) such that ℋ s (E) = a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) drive extensive horizontal transfer in the gut microbiome. This transfer could benefit human health by conferring new metabolic capabilities to commensal microbes, or it could threaten human health by spreading antibiotic resistance genes to pathogens. Despite their biological importance and medical relevance, MGEs from the gut microbiome have not been systematically characterized. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of chromosomal MGEs in the gut microbiome using a method that enables the identification of the mobilizable unit of MGEs. We curated a database of 5,219 putative MGEs encompassing seven MGE classes called ImmeDB. We observed that many MGEs carry genes that could confer an adaptive advantage to the gut environment including gene families involved in antibiotic resistance, bile salt detoxification, mucus degradation, capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis, polysaccharide utilization, and sporulation. We find that antibiotic resistance genes are more likely to be spread by conjugation via integrative conjugative elements or integrative mobilizable elements than transduction via prophages. Horizontal transfer of MGEs is extensive within phyla but rare across phyla, supporting phylum level niche-adaptive gene pools in the gut microbiome. ImmeDB will be a valuable resource for future studies on the gut microbiome and MGE communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the tribological properties of Cu 36 Zr 48 Ag 8 Al 8 BMG against Cu 36 Zr 48 Ag 8 Al 8 BMG under H 2 SO 4 corrosive conditions with different concentrations. Results show that Cu 36 Zr 48 Ag 8 Al 8 BMG exhibits good tribological behaviors under H 2 SO 4 conditions. Especially, when the material was soaked in 15 wt% H 2 SO 4 solution, the friction coefficient and wear rate can be as low as 0.10 ± 0.01 and (0.28 ± 0.23) × 10−6 mm3 N−1m−1. It is mainly attributed to the existence of metal oxide films formed by surface oxidation and passivation actions as well as the fluid lubricating films formed by H 2 SO 4 solution and dissolution reaction products ( A l 2 (S O 4) 3 and CuS O 4 ) on the worn surfaces. These perfect properties promote Cu 36 Zr 48 Ag 8 Al 8 BMG to have the promise to replace the stainless steel under H 2 SO 4 corrosive condition. • Cu 36 Zr 48 Ag 8 Al 8 BMG possess higher corrosion resistance than 316 SS in H 2 SO 4 solution. • Self–mated BMG present low friction and wear rate under H 2 SO 4 conditions. • The formed metal oxides films and fluid lubricant films improve the tribological properties. • The formed metal oxides films promote BMG to have high corrosion resistance. • Metal oxides films and fluid lubricant films are changed with the variation of solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Waterborne PAI-graphite coatings are green lubricating materials. • Waterborne PAI-graphite coatings exhibit superior mechanical and tribological properties. • Tribological mechanisms of waterborne coatings were systematically investigated. • Tribological properties of waterborne coatings under different experimental conditions were explored. The purpose of this work is to fabricate novel green waterborne PAI-graphite bonded solid-lubricating coatings (BSLCs) with superior mechanical and tribological properties so as to replace the reported organic-solvent BSLCs to some extent, and further investigate the lubricating mechanisms. The work indicates that, the preparation of the waterborne PAI-graphite BSLCs have greatly reduced the utilization rate of organic solvents (without the usage of organic solvent). The basic physicochemical properties of the coatings have reached the corresponding level of the organic-solvent BSLCs. When the mass ratio of waterborne PAI resin and graphite is 1.2, the waterborne graphite-based BSLCs exhibit superior mechanical and tribological properties, which are comparable to those of the reported organic-solvent BSLCs. The variation of tribological properties of the waterborne PAI-graphite coatings under diversified applied loads and reciprocating frequencies were explored systematically for the sake of the better understanding of environmental adaptability of the waterborne PAI-graphite BSLCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of the work are to fabricate novel environment-friendly water-based polyamide-imide (PAI)-graphite-LaF 3 bonded solid-lubricating coatings (BSLCs), and investigate the corresponding tribological properties and mechanisms. The experimental results reveal that the preparation of the water-based PAI-graphite-LaF 3 BSLCs has significantly reduced the usage of organic solvent. When the mass percent of nano-LaF 3 is 5 wt%, the water-based PAI-graphite-LaF 3 BSLCs exhibit superior mechanical and tribological properties, which are comparable to those of the reported organic-solvent-based BSLCs. The tribological mechanisms were systematically investigated concerning the failure mechanism, the tribological reactions and structural fluctuations of graphite. Unlabelled Image • Water-based PAI-graphite-LaF 3 coatings are green lubricating materials. • Tribological properties of water-based coatings are comparable to those of the reported organic-solvent coatings. • Tribological mechanisms of water-based coatings are systematically investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase variation, the reversible alternation between genetic states, enables infection by pathogens and colonization by commensals. However, the diversity of phase variation remains underexplored. We developed the PhaseFinder algorithm to quantify DNA inversion–mediated phase variation. A systematic search of 54,875 bacterial genomes identified 4686 intergenic invertible DNA regions (invertons), revealing an enrichment in host-associated bacteria. Invertons containing promoters often regulate extracellular products, underscoring the importance of surface diversity for gut colonization. We found invertons containing promoters regulating antibiotic resistance genes that shift to the ON orientation after antibiotic treatment in human metagenomic data and in vitro, thereby mitigating the cost of antibiotic resistance. We observed that the orientations of some invertons diverge after fecal microbiota transplant, potentially as a result of individual-specific selective forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, a novel and facile method for hydrophilic modification of nano-lanthanum trifluoride particles was designed, the experimental results reveal that the surface of the nano-lanthanum trifluoride are absorbed with cross-linked molecules via electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonds to further improve the water-dispersion capacity of nano-lanthanum trifluoride. In addition, the modified nano-lanthanum trifluorides achieve nano-scale dispersion in water-based bonded solid lubricating coatings, and 5 wt.% of modified lanthanum trifluoride into coatings can greatly enhance the mechanical and tribological properties of water-based coatings, which are superior to that of organic-solvent based coatings. Furthermore, the modified lanthanum trifluoride for promoting the wear resistance of the coatings illustrates more significant compared to unmodified lanthanum trifluoride and lanthanum trifluoride wetted by acrylic surfactant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel environmental friendly bonded solid lubricating composite coatings were prepared via facile paint spray method and by virtue of adjusting the proportion of the composition of the coating (PTFE, water-based polyamide-imide (PAI) and LaF 3 ). The experimental results suggested that the physical, chemical and tribological properties of the water-based PAI-PTFE bonded solid lubricating composite coating with 5 wt% LaF 3 are comparable to that of organic-solvent resin composite coatings, additionally, the preparation of water-based resin bonded solid lubricating coatings have greatly minimized usage of fossil fuel. Furthermore, the work also explored the variation laws of tribological properties of the coatings under different applied load and slipping frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A linear arrangement is a labeling or a numbering or a linear ordering of the vertices of a graph. In this paper, we solve the minimum linear arrangement problem for bijective connection graphs (for short BC graphs) which include hypercubes, Möbius cubes, crossed cubes, twisted cubes, locally twisted cube, spined cube, -cubes, etc., as the subfamilies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given two metric spaces , it is well known that, where , denote, respectively, the Hausdorff and packing dimension of . In this paper, we show that, for any , there exist such that the following equalities hold simultaneously: This complete the related results of Wei et al. [C. Wei, S. Y. Wen and Z. X. Wen, Remarks on dimensions of Cartesian product sets, Fractals 24(3) (2016) 1650031]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated thirteen trace-level metals in a type of traditionally crafted rice-based product, namely Grape Well rice cake (GWRC), and in raw materials of Grape Well water (GWW) and Guichao rice, to study the potential impacts of these metals on its taste and flavour. For comparison purposes a second rice cake, Chengdu rice cake (CDRC) and its source water Chengdu water (CDW) were also assessed. Both Sr and Ba were found to have elevated concentrations in GWW samples with maximums of 482 and 92.0 μg L−1, respectively. Principal component analysis indicated Sr and Ba contributed significantly to distinguish GWRC from CDRC. Results of eTongue revealed differing taste of GWRC versus CDRC is likely due to distinct concentrations of metals (e.g., Sr and Ba) in these two groups of samples. Overall results warranted the necessity to develop appropriate quality control criteria for good manufacturing practices of traditionally crafted rice cake. • Elemental composition of traditionally crafted rice cakes was analyzed by ICP-MS. • Sr and Ba were detected with stable and high concentrations in Grape Well water. • Results of eTongue analysis differ Grape Well rice cake samples from other samples. • Sr and Ba contents enhance the taste of traditionally crafted rice cake. • Quality control criteria is required for good manufacturing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperspectral data has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its high accuracy in monitoring soil salinization. At present, most existing research focuses on the saline soil in a single area without comparative analysis between regions. The regional differences in the hyperspectral characteristics of saline soil are still unclear. Thus, we chose Golmud in the cold–dry Qaidam Basin (QB–G) and Gaotai–Minghua in the relatively warm–dry Hexi Corridor (HC–GM) as the study areas, and used the deep extreme learning machine (DELM) and sine cosine algorithm–Elman (SCA–Elman) to predict soil salinity, and then selected the most suitable algorithm in these two regions. A total of 79 (QB–G) and 86 (HC–GM) soil samples were collected and tested to obtain their electrical conductivity (EC) and corresponding hyperspectral reflectance (R). We utilized the land surface parameters that affect the soil based on Landsat 8 and digital elevation model (DEM) data, selected the variables using the light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), and built SCA–Elman and DELM from the hyperspectral reflectance data combined with land surface parameters. The results revealed the following: (1) The soil hyperspectral reflectance in QB–G was higher than that in HC–GM. The soils of QB–G are mainly the chloride type and those of HC–GM mainly belong to the sulfate type, having lower reflectance. (2) The accuracies of some of the SCA–Elman and DELM models in QB–G (the highest MAEv, RMSEv, and R v 2 were 0.09, 0.12 and 0.75, respectively) were higher than those in HC–GM (the highest MAEv, RMSEv, and R v 2 were 0.10, 0.14 and 0.73, respectively), which has flatter terrain and less obvious surface changes. The surface parameters in QB–G had higher correlation coefficients with EC due to the regular altitude change and cold–dry climate. (3) Most of the SCA–Elman results (the mean R v 2 in HC-GM and QB-G were 0.62 and 0.60, respectively) in all areas performed better than the DELM results (the mean R v 2 in HC–GM and QB–G were 0.51 and 0.49, respectively). Therefore, SCA–Elman was more suitable for the soil salinity prediction in HC–GM and QB–G. This can provide a reference for soil salinization monitoring and model selection in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterborne bonded solid lubricating coatings (BSLCs) are normally prepared by physical blending, the basic components of which, however, exhibit poor wetting and dispersing properties and interfacial bonding strength. This article focuses on the structural design and chemical modification of waterborne polyurethane to optimize the adhesion of BSLCs thereof. By virtue of further compounding with polytetrafluoroethylene emulsions, a series of novel environmentally-friendly waterborne BSLCs have been successfully prepared, and then by adjusting the interface bonding between the resin and the lubricant in the coatings, the lubrication and wear resistance of the prepared BSLCs are systematically optimized. Experimental results demonstrate that the prepared waterborne BSLCs can effectively reduce the consumption of fossil resources and show superior physicochemical properties, lubrication and wear resistance, which are comparable to those of the organic solvent-based coatings. Furthermore, through systematic analysis of the damage morphology, structural variations and chemical compositions of the wear marks, the tribological mechanisms of the prepared BSLCs are illustrated. The current study help to promote the development of environment-friendly solid lubricating materials, and provides alternatives for the use of organic solvent-based BSLCs for reducing pollutions. [Display omitted] • Adhesion strength of the waterborne polyurethane is enhanced via chemical modification from level 5 to level 1. • Waterborne polyurethane BSLCs are novel green lubricating materials with superior physicochemical properties. • Tribological performances of waterborne coatings with mass ratio of 0.9 are comparable to the organic-based coatings. • Tribological mechanisms are systematically investigated concerning the wear marks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concrete circular columns are among the most common vertical load-bearing members in structural engineering. Because of the change of service loads or environmental factors, the strengthening of deteriorated members is often demanded to restore and maintain their performance. In view of the limitations of the traditional strengthening methods and the superior mechanical properties of the new material, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), this study analyzed the stress–strain state of concrete circular columns confined by UHPC jackets under axial compression in the elastic stage. Since elastic analysis is the basis for the service limit state design, the elastic stress solution was derived through the theory of elasticity, and experimental verification of the effectiveness of the UHPC jackets in circular concrete columns was performed. Theoretical bases and references for practical strengthening works are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The objective of this study was to examine the utility of protein kinase N1 (PKN1) as a biomarker of cardiac surgery-associated AKI (CSA-AKI). Methods: A prospective cohort study of 110 adults undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery was conducted. The associations between post-operative PKN1 and CSA-AKI, AKI severity, need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), duration of AKI, length of ICU stay, and post-operative hospital stay were evaluated. Results: Patients were categorized into three groups according to PKN1 tertiles. The incidence of CSA-AKI in the third tertile was 3.4-fold higher than that in the first. PKN1 was an independent risk factor for CSA-AKI. The discrimination of PKN1 to CSA-AKI assessed by ROC curve indicated that the AUC was 0.70, and the best cutoff was 5.025 ng/mL. This group (>5.025 ng/mL) was more likely to develop CSA-AKI (p < 0.001). The combined AUC of EuroSCORE, aortic cross-clamp time, and PKN1 was 0.82 (p < 0.001). A higher level of PKN1 was related to increased need for RRT, longer duration of AKI, and length of ICU and post-operative hospital stays. Conclusions: PKN1 could be a potential biomarker for the prediction of CSA-AKI. The combination of PKN1, EuroSCORE, and aortic cross-clamp time was likely to predict the occurrence of CSA-AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equol, an isoflavonoid metabolite with possible health benefits in humans, is known to be produced by some human gut bacteria. While the genes encoding the equol production pathway have been characterized in a few bacterial strains, a systematic analysis of the equol production pathway is currently lacking. Results: This study presents an analysis of the taxonomic distribution and evolutionary history of the gene cluster encoding the equol production pathway. A survey for equol gene clusters within the Genome Taxonomy Database bacterial genomes and human gut metagenomes resulted in the identification of a highly conserved gene cluster found in nine bacterial species from the Eggerthellaceae family. The identified gene clusters from human gut metagenomes revealed potential variations in the equol gene cluster organization and gene content within the equol-producing Eggerthellaceae clades. Subsequent analysis showed that in addition to the four genes directly involved in equol production, multiple other genes were consistently found in the equol gene clusters. These genes were predicted to encode a putative electron transport complex and hydrogenase maturase system, suggesting potential roles for them in the equol production pathway. Analysis of the gene clusters and a phylogenetic reconstruction of a putative NAD kinase gene provided evidence of the recent transfer of the equol gene cluster from a basal Eggerthellaceae species to Slackia_A equolifaciens, Enteroscipio sp000270285, and Lactococcus garvieae 20–92. Conclusions: This analysis demonstrates that the highly conserved equol gene cluster is taxonomically restricted to the Eggerthellaceae family of bacteria and provides evidence of the role of horizontal gene transfer in the evolutionary history of these genes. These results provide a foundation for future studies of equol production in the human gut and future efforts related to bioengineering and the use of equol-producing bacteria as probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new strategy based on dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) was used to prepare bimetallic MOFs. • The proposed method was fast, facile, energy-saving and green compared to the conventional methods. • The prepared UiO-66(Zr/Ce) was applied to atomic spectrometry with high selectivity in Se(IV) absorption. • The prepared Tb 1.7 Eu 0.3 BDC 3 (H 2 O) 4 was used as the probe for ratiometric fluorescent sensing of DPA. Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) has recently been validated by us as a fast, facile and green strategy for the preparation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), while the so-prepared MOFs still await further application as functional materials. Moreover, bimetallic MOFs have been reported to be advantageous over their single-metal counterparts for diverse applications, which were for the first time synthesized based on DBD in this work, with UiO-66(Zr/Ce) and Tb 1.7 Eu 0.3 (BDC) 3 (H 2 O) 4 obtained within 20 min, much shorter than that for the conventional methods. The UiO-66(Zr/Ce) showed highly selective absorption of Se(IV), and the determination and speciation analysis of Se by atomic spectrometry were accomplished with improved sensitivity and good selectivity if using UiO-66(Zr/Ce) as the absorbent for Se(IV) preconcentration prior to the measurement. The Tb 1.7 Eu 0.3 (BDC) 3 (H 2 O) 4 acted as the probe for ratiometric fluorescent sensing of dipicolinic acid (DPA), with the performance similar to other Tb-Eu MOFs synthesized by the conventional methods. This work demonstrated that bimetallic MOFs could be efficiently synthesized by the DBD-based strategy and further applied to spectrometric analysis, with similar performance to or even expanded application scope of the previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bulk metallic glass has the potential application used in mechanical moving parts serving in corrosive environments because of its excellent mechanical, tribological properties and corrosion resistance. Here, Zr 48 Cu 36 Al 8 Ag 8 BMG/graphite composites with a 3D lubricating layer are prepared via an in-situ integrated technique. The synergism of the graphite lubrication and the micro-texture effect could significantly smooth the friction coefficient curve and reduce wear. Although seawater has a lubricating effect, the corrosion affects the reliability of BMG/graphite composites. By applying an external potential to the friction system, the effect of preventing galvanic phenomena at the interface between the alloy and graphite and improving the wear resistance of the composite material can be effectively achieved. • BMG/graphite self-lubricating composite was prepared via an in-situ integrated technique. • The material has a 3D lubricating layer near surface. • Graphite lubricating films and micro-textured effect improve tribological properties. • Corrosion and wear resistance in seawater can further improved by applying an potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equol, an isoflavonoid metabolite with possible health benefits in humans, is known to be produced by some human gut bacteria. While the genes encoding the equol production pathway have been characterized in a few bacterial strains, a systematic analysis of the equol production pathway is currently lacking. Results: This study presents an analysis of the taxonomic distribution and evolutionary history of the gene cluster encoding the equol production pathway. A survey for equol gene clusters within the Genome Taxonomy Database bacterial genomes and human gut metagenomes resulted in the identification of a highly conserved gene cluster found in nine bacterial species from the Eggerthellaceae family. The identified gene clusters from human gut metagenomes revealed potential variations in the equol gene cluster organization and gene content within the equol-producing Eggerthellaceae clades. Subsequent analysis showed that in addition to the four genes directly involved in equol production, multiple other genes were consistently found in the equol gene clusters. These genes were predicted to encode a putative electron transport complex and hydrogenase maturase system, suggesting potential roles for them in the equol production pathway. Analysis of the gene clusters and a phylogenetic reconstruction of a putative NAD kinase gene provided evidence of the recent transfer of the equol gene cluster from a basal Eggerthellaceae species to Slackia_A equolifaciens, Enteroscipio sp000270285, and Lactococcus garvieae 20–92. Conclusions: This analysis demonstrates that the highly conserved equol gene cluster is taxonomically restricted to the Eggerthellaceae family of bacteria and provides evidence of the role of horizontal gene transfer in the evolutionary history of these genes. These results provide a foundation for future studies of equol production in the human gut and future efforts related to bioengineering and the use of equol-producing bacteria as probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: We aimed to explore the clinical factors associated with glycemic variability (GV) assessed with flash glucose monitoring (FGM), and investigate the impact of FGM on glycemic control among Chinese type 1 diabetes mellitus patients in a real‐life clinical setting. Materials and Methods: A total of 171 patients were included. GV was assessed from FGM data. A total of 110 patients wore FGM continuously for 6 months (longitudinal cohort). Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting and 2‐h postprandial C‐peptide, and glucose profiles were collected. Changes in HbA1c and glycemic parameters were assessed during a 6‐month FGM period. Results: Individuals with high residual C‐peptide (HRCP; 2‐h postprandial C‐peptide >200 pmol/L) had less GV than patients with low residual C‐peptide (2‐h postprandial C‐peptide ≤200 pmol/L; P < 0.001). In the longitudinal cohort (n = 110), HbA1c and mean glucose decreased, time in range (TIR) increased during the follow‐up period (P < 0.05). The 110 patients were further divided into age and residual C‐peptide subgroups: (i) HbA1c and mean glucose were reduced significantly only in the subgroup aged ≤14 years during the follow‐up period, whereas time below range also increased in this subgroup at 3 months (P = 0.047); and (ii) HbA1c improved in the HRCP subgroup at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). The mean glucose decreased and TIR improved significantly in the low residual C‐peptide subgroup; however, TIR was still lower and time below range was higher than those of the HRCP subgroup at all time points (P < 0.05). Conclusions: HRCP was associated with less GV. FGM wearing significantly reduced HbA1c, especially in pediatric patients and those with HRCP. Additionally, the mean glucose and TIR were also found to improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribological behaviors of the high-performance Cu 36 Zr 48 Ag 8 Al 8 bulk metallic glass (BMG) under dry-sliding, deionized water and NaOH solution conditions were systematically investigated and the corresponding wear mechanisms were revealed via analyzing the chemical composition and topography of wear track. The results illustrate that the Cu 36 Zr 48 Ag 8 Al 8 BMG exhibits tribological properties superior to those of 316 stainless steel under different friction conditions, especially in a NaOH solution. During friction sliding, the formation of uniform and continuous metal-oxide layers on the surface can enhance its wear resistance and protect it from further corrosion by OH−. Furthermore, the NaOH solution and the dissolved products on the frictional surface form fluid-lubricating films, which may also reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate of the material. • Self–mated CuZr–based BMG present low friction and wear rate under NaOH conditions. • The formation of metal oxides layers and fluid lubricating films improve properties. • Corrosion resistance benefit from amorphous structure and metal oxide layers. • Cu 36 Zr 48 Ag 8 Al 8 BMG exhibit good environmental adaptability under NaOH conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two kinds of aqueous PTFE based coatings are green lubricating materials. • The basic physicochemical properties of two aqueous PTFE based coatings are comparable to that of organic-solvent based coatings. • Aqueous PTFE-ADPs based coatings exhibit superior mechanical and tribological performances to that of PTFE-PPs based coatings. • Tribocorrosive properties and active mechanism under diversified environments are thoroughly investigated. In the paper, the two kinds of environment-friendly aqueous PTFE based bonded solid lubricating coatings were prepared via facial paint spraying method, significantly reducing the waste of organic solvents. The basic physicochemical properties of two kinds of aqueous PTFE based coatings are comparable to that of organic-solvent based coatings. In addition, the tribocorrosive properties and active mechanism of two kinds of aqueous PTFE based coatings were thoroughly investigated under diversified environments, and the results illustrate that aqueous PTFE-ADPs based coatings exhibit superior mechanical and tribological performances to that of PTFE-PPs based coatings, and the tribocorrosive properties of two PTFE based coatings show major variation under different environments, which provides valuable references for environmental adaptability of the aqueous PTFE-based coatings, and further promotes the development of bonded solid lubricating coatings toward the direction of low carbon and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Approximately 50% of breast mucinous carcinomas (MCs) are oval and have the possibility of being misdiagnosed as fibroadenomas (FAs). We aimed to identify the key features that can help differentiate breast MC with an oval shape from FA on ultrasonography (US). Methods: Seventy-six MCs from 71 consecutive patients and 50 FAs with an oval shape from 50 consecutive patients were included in our study. All lesions pathologically diagnosed. According to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), first, the ultrasonographic features of the MCs and FAs were recorded and a final category was assessed. Then, the differences in ultrasonographic characteristics between category 4 A (low-risk group) and category 4B-5 (medium-high- risk group) MCs were identified. Finally, other ultrasonographic features of MC and FA both with an oval shape were compared to determine the key factors for differential diagnosis. The Mann-Whitney test, χ2 test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare data between groups. Results: MCs with an oval shape (81.2%) and a circumscribed margin (25%) on US were more commonly assessed in the low-risk group (BI-RADS 4 A) than in the medium-high-risk group (BI-RADS 4B-5) (20%, p < 0.001 and 0%, p = 0.001, respectively). Compared with those with FA, patients with MC were older, and tended to have masses with non-hypoechoic patterns, not circumscribed margins, and a posterior echo enhancement on US (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: The oval shape was the main reason for the underestimation of MCs. On US, an oval mass found in the breast of women of older age with non-hypoechoic patterns, not circumscribed margins, and a posterior echo enhancement was associated with an increased risk of being an MC, and should be subjected to active biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies suggest that desmoid tumors can be managed more conservatively rather than undergoing wide surgical resection (SR). Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (UGVAB) is a minimally invasive technique. This retrospective study aimed to compare the outcome in patients with breast desmoid tumor (BDT) who received UGVAB alone versus SR. The pathology database was searched for patients diagnosed with BDT ≤ 3 cm from 2007 to 2019. All patients underwent breast ultrasound examination and were then performed UGVAB alone or local SR. The Kaplan–Meier method with a log-rank test was used as a univariate analysis to compare the relapse-free survival (RFS) rates between UGVAB and SR groups. Cox regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. A total of 39 patients were included. The median follow-up was 41 mo (range, 5-110 mo). The incidence of tumor recurrence was 23.1% (9/39). The 3-y cumulative RFS was 83.1% and 95.8% in the UGVAB and SR group, respectively, which was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.131, log-rank test). Multivariate analysis also revealed that treatment strategy (UGVAB versus SR) was not associated with an increased risk of relapse events (P = 0.274). Small desmoid tumors (≤3 cm) after UGVAB alone did not have a significantly compromised RFS compared with those who underwent SR. UGVAB may be an alternative and relatively conservative method for the diagnosis and local control of BDT with a smaller size. A prospective, randomized study with large sample size is needed to confirm this observation. • The treatment of breast desmoid tumors can be more conservatively. • Radical surgery may result in complication in some patients. • Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy is widely used in breast benign tumors. • Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy is an option for breast desmoid tumor patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Propose a new method to calculate fracture number and length of methane deflagration fracturing technology. • Conduct fracturing experiments with large-sized samples to verify the technical feasibility of methane deflagration fracturing technology. • The methods have high accuracy and are also suitable for other fracturing technologies. The innovative Methane in-situ deflagration fracturing technology offers several benefits. It can prevent formation pollution and eliminates the need for complex treatment procedures for backflow materials. Additionally, it reduces ground transportation expenses and is poised to become a highly effective and eco-friendly waterless fracturing technology. This paper suggests methods for determining the number and length of fractures in oil and gas well stimulation, considering the main influencing factors. The fracture number is calculated using mass conservation principles, while the fracture length is determined using the crack propagation model. The fracturing experiments with large-sized samples were conducted to verify the technical feasibility of the new fracturing technology and fill the gap in large-scale physical model experimental research for deflagration fracturing technology. Following the experiment, compare experimental data with calculated data, and analyze the factors that affect the fracture number and length. The results indicate that both methods are highly feasible and possess strong predictive accuracy. It is advised that to enhance the fracturing effect on formations with high crustal stress, it is beneficial to appropriately increase the peak pressure, reduce the pressure rate, and increase the fracturing time while ensuring that the wellbore remains undamaged. Moreover, these proposed methods are versatile and adaptable, making them suitable for explosive fracturing within hydraulically fractured formations and high-energy gas fracturing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported data of measured slip lengths in nanostructures span several orders of magnitude, from a few nanometers to tens of micrometers. Small roughness on surfaces caused by structural defects or thermal fluctuations dramatically reduces slippage. Tiny bubbles entrapped on rough surfaces can also affect slippage. We used an asymptotic solution and a high density-ratio pseudopotential lattice Boltzmann model to systematically study the drag resistance of a rough surface with attached bubbles. As bubbles nucleate and grow, drag resistance is slightly reduced until the tri-phase contact line reaches the edges of roughness, where bubbles with small angles substantially reduce drag resistance. As bubbles grow to become a continuous gas layer on the surface, the drag resistance greatly decreases. However, the interface deformation from flat to curved shape greatly hinders liquid flow, and the vortex structures cause a wave-like fluctuation in the effective slip length. This finding sheds light on the controversies of reported large variations in the slip length of super-hydrophobic surfaces in nanostructures, e.g., carbon nanotubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advantages of facile one-pot synthesis and THF-irrigating purification, we first developed novel cyclic compounds with deep blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) dual emission even in the as-spun films. Careful crystal analysis, combined with theoretical calculations, reveal that abundant inter- and intra-molecular interactions, whatsoever the molecular packing, are obligated to unique RTP properties. These results open up a new study of compounds with multiple acceptors and donors, and represent an important step in the further development of deep blue TADF and easy RTP emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

o‐Chlorobenzaldehyde (CBA) is a derivative of chlorobenzene (CB). The boiling point of CBA is 212 °C, much lower than 332 °C for 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO). With CBA as solvent additive in CB host solvent, CBA could be fast removed during spin‐coating 100, 200, and 300 nm thick thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene/benzodithiophene polymer (PTB7):[6,6]‐phenyl C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) active layers, achieving power conversion efficiencies of 9.11%, 8.24%, and 7.11%, respectively, much higher than 7.53%, 5.71%, and 4.93% for corresponding DIO control devices with vacuum drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish two preoperative nomograms to evaluate the risk for axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis in early breast cancer patients based on ultrasonographic-clinicopathologic features. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 593 consecutive female participants who were diagnosed with cT1-3N0-1M0 breast cancer between March 2018 and May 2019 at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital. The participants were randomly classified into training and validation sets in a 4:1 ratio for the development and validation of the nomograms, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of ALN status. We developed Nomogram A and Nomogram B to predict ALN metastasis (presence vs. absence) and the number of metastatic ALNs (≤ 2 vs. > 2), respectively. Results: A total of 528 participants were evaluated in the final analyses. Multivariable analysis revealed that the number of suspicious lymph nodes, long axis, short-to-long axis ratio, cortical thickness, tumor location, and histological grade were independent predictors of ALN status. The AUCs of nomogram A in the training and validation groups were 0.83 and 0.78, respectively. The AUCs of nomogram B in the training and validation groups were 0.87 and 0.87, respectively. Both nomograms were well-calibrated. Conclusion: We developed two preoperative nomograms that can be used to predict ALN metastasis (presence vs. absence) and the number of metastatic ALNs (≤ 2 vs. > 2) in early breast cancer patients. Both nomograms are useful tools that will help clinicians predict the risk of ALN metastasis and facilitate therapy decision-making about axillary surgery. Key Points: • We developed two preoperative nomograms to predict axillary lymph node status based on ultrasonographic-clinicopathologic features. • Nomogram A was used to predict axillary lymph node metastasis (presence vs. absence). The AUCs in the training and validation groups were 0.83 and 0.78, respectively. Nomogram B was used to estimate the number of metastatic lymph nodes (≤ 2 vs. > 2). The AUCs in the training and validation group were 0.87 and 0.87, respectively. • Our nomograms may help clinicians weigh the risks and benefits of axillary surgery more appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electrically switchable multi-stable liquid crystal device is demonstrated based on a non-uniform cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) structure in a single cell. The non-uniform CLC structure consists of a polymer stabilised CLC layer and a non-polymer stabilised CLC layer. By taking advantage of the difference in driving electric field strength of the two layers, the device can be switched electrically to four different states: the reflecting state, the reflecting and scattering co-existing state, the scattering-only state and the transparent state. The optical properties of the four states and the transition conditions between the states were elucidated. Moreover, all states with reflecting and/or scattering properties are stable for an extended period of time after switching off the electric field. Thanks to its multi-stability, this device can be used for energy-saving smart windows of automobiles, buildings and in architectural aesthetics. An electrically switchable multi-stable liquid crystal device is demonstrated based on a non-uniform cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) structure in a single cell. The device can be switched electrically to four different states. All states with reflecting and/or scattering properties are stable for an extended period of time after switching off the electric field. Thanks to its multi-stability, this device can be used for energy-saving smart windows of automobiles, buildings and in architectural aesthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biogenic histamine plays an important role in immune response, neurotransmission, and allergic response. Although endogenous histamine production has been extensively studied, the contributions of histamine produced by the human gut microbiota have not been explored due to the absence of a systematic annotation of histamine-secreting bacteria. Results: To identify the histamine-secreting bacteria from in the human gut microbiome, we conducted a systematic search for putative histamine-secreting bacteria in 36,554 genomes from the Genome Taxonomy Database and Unified Human Gastrointestinal Genome catalog. Using bioinformatic approaches, we identified 117 putative histamine-secreting bacteria species. A new three-component decarboxylation system including two colocalized decarboxylases and one transporter was observed in histamine-secreting bacteria among three different phyla. We found significant enrichment of histamine-secreting bacteria in patients with inflammatory bowel disease but not in patients with colorectal cancer suggesting a possible association between histamine-secreting bacteria and inflammatory bowel disease. Conclusions: The findings of this study expand our knowledge of the taxonomic distribution of putative histamine-secreting bacteria in the human gut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biogenic histamine plays an important role in immune response, neurotransmission, and allergic response. Although endogenous histamine production has been extensively studied, the contributions of histamine produced by the human gut microbiota have not been explored due to the absence of a systematic annotation of histamine-secreting bacteria. Results: To identify the histamine-secreting bacteria from in the human gut microbiome, we conducted a systematic search for putative histamine-secreting bacteria in 36,554 genomes from the Genome Taxonomy Database and Unified Human Gastrointestinal Genome catalog. Using bioinformatic approaches, we identified 117 putative histamine-secreting bacteria species. A new three-component decarboxylation system including two colocalized decarboxylases and one transporter was observed in histamine-secreting bacteria among three different phyla. We found significant enrichment of histamine-secreting bacteria in patients with inflammatory bowel disease but not in patients with colorectal cancer suggesting a possible association between histamine-secreting bacteria and inflammatory bowel disease. Conclusions: The findings of this study expand our knowledge of the taxonomic distribution of putative histamine-secreting bacteria in the human gut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halide perovskite materials have emerged as a new type of optoelectronic materials serving as key active layer for next‐generation photovoltaics, light‐emitting diodes, lasers, and photodetectors. Manipulating the crystal size toward the so‐called perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) will endow new properties due to quantum confinement and ligand effect. However, like their bulk crystalline film, the lead toxicity is still one of decisive concerns that holds‐back their public acceptance. Design of lead‐free (LF) PNCs requires efforts on replacing the B‐site element with other metal candidates from the periodic table. In the past half‐decade, hundreds of new LF PNCs have been developed with various sizes, subdimensionalities, ligands, and electron/quantum confinements, as well as wide applications. Although the lead‐based perovskites still dominate the ongoing research fields, the LF PNCs can have a large potential if novel nonlead B‐site element is introduced to render new type of LF PNCs material that is more stable, less toxic, and more efficient in device performance. In this review, recent progresses on the LF PNCs are revisited to seek these opportunities. The paper is organized in subtopics on material structures, synthesis, properties, and their state‐of‐the‐art applications of different LF PNCs, coupled with an in‐depth discussion on the perspectives and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lead-free all-inorganic Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 double perovskite nanocrystals photocatalyst exhibits excellent ability to eliminate NO gas under visible light irradiation. [Display omitted] • Lead-free Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 double perovskite nanocrystals were first applied to NO photocatalytic field. • Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 NCs show excellent stability toward air and heat. • The removal efficiency of NO can reach up to 97.22% under visible light. • The photocatalytic mechanism of Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 NCs was proposed. Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have been recognized as a rather competitive candidates for potential advanced optoelectronic applications. But the toxicity of lead and the intrinsic instability are the key concerns for their large-scale commercialization. For addressing these tricky issues, we synthesized lead-free all-inorganic Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 double perovskite NCs adopting a facile hot injection approach. The as-prepared NCs could keep their structure stable either in air for more than two months or being heated at 300 °C in ambient atmosphere for 3 h. Moreover, Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 NCs were investigated for photocatalytic NO removal under visible-light irradiation, achieving an exciting removal rate of 97%, which is much higher than the previous reports as we know. In addition, the Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 NCs demonstrated outstanding recyclability for at least four cycles in NO removal. The photocatalytic mechanism of Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 NCs was further proposed. This investigation offers a new environmental photocatalyst to purify the air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cyclic test on prestressed precast piers with high-strength bars is performed. • Effects of high-strength ED bars on seismic resilience are firstly witnessed. • Proposed fiber-based FE model is efficient for the novel PPC pier system. Precast segmental bridge piers are vigorously pursued, especially in low- and medium- seismicity regions, for their merits in accelerating construction, reducing environmental/traffic disturbances, enhancing quality control, etc. Recently, unbonded tendons are utilized to reduce the residual displacement and to facilitate fast rehabilitation of key bridges in the urban traffic system. To further enhance the resilience, prestressed precast segmentally-erected (PPC) piers were fabricated and tested, reinforced with a hybrid of unbonded tendons and high-strength (H) energy dissipation (ED) bars. In this study: (1) cyclic loading tests for the PPC piers with "H" ED bars were reported, and the seismic resilience was quantitatively evaluated and compared with the PPC piers with normal-strength (L) ED bars; (2) the computationally efficient fiber-based finite element (FE) model is developed for the tested PPC piers. Experimental results demonstrated that the "H" ED bars brought out apparent amelioration, in terms of load-carrying, ductility and self-centering capacities. In consideration of rising seismic resilience, "H" ED bars are recommended to replace currently large-scale adopted "L" ED bars in the PPC pier of vital bridges. Through validation with experimental results, the proposed fiber-based FE model is able to provide satisfactory predictions for seismic responses of the tested PPC piers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cerium (Ce)-based UiO-66 metal-organic frameworks were employed for the first time as an effective catalyst for both oxidation and reduction. On one hand, selenium (Se)(VI) was efficiently photo-reduced to volatile species derived from the low lying of Ce 4f orbital and efficient generation of photo-electrons through the frameworks of UiO-66(Ce); on the other hand, the chromogenic substrate, 3, 3′, 5, 5′-tetramethylbenzydine (TMB), was oxidized based on the oxidase-like behavior of UiO-66(Ce) derived from the Ce4+/Ce3+ spontaneous redox couple. The photo-reduced Se(VI) was determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry, with a linear range of 5.0–200.0 μg/L−1, correlation coefficient of 0.998, and detection limit of 1.5 ng/mL−1 obtained. The colorimetric sensing of mercury (Hg)(II) was accomplished based on the inhibition of TMB oxidation via Hg (II)-TMB interaction, with two linear ranges of 0.1–2.0 μM and 2.25–4.1 μM obtained, and a correlation coefficient of 0.993 and 0.995 obtained, respectively. The catalytic activity of UiO-66(Ce) was demonstrated to be satisfactory for both oxidation and reduction, which further explored the application of UiO-66(Ce) in the field of catalysis. • UiO-66(Ce) was first used as a single catalyst for both oxidation and reduction; • The Se(VI) reduction was derived from the low lying Ce 4f orbital in UiO-66(Ce); • UiO-66(Ce) and TMB was first used for colorimetric sensing of Hg(II); • This work explored limited applications of Ce-based MOFs in catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural composites have very simple compositions and complex hierarchical architectures consisting of several different levels. These features simultaneously endow them with strength, toughness, functional adaptation, and damage‐healing characteristics. Inspired by the microstructural features of natural materials, this work successfully fabricated Al2O3/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) fibrous monolithic ceramics with bamboo‐like structures by introducing a thin graphene oxide around Al2O3 fiber cells to form the rGO boundary phase. The detailed evolutions of the crack extension and fracture responses were investigated by a J‐integral method, and these bamboo‐like composites demonstrated high structural reliability with excellent damage tolerance and progressive plastic failure behavior. With the fiber cell diameter of 0.6 mm, such composites exhibited fracture toughness (29.46 ± 3.04 MPa m1/2) and work of fracture (799 ± 127 J m−2) that were 475% and 1075% higher than those of the monolithic Al2O3 ceramic, respectively. Their excellent fracture‐resistant behavior was attributed to the hierarchical architectures that provide crack deflection, delamination, and load redistribution. The results also established the structure‐activity relationships to guide the design and fabrication of these bamboo‐like composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonlinear optical limiting, which enables dynamic radiation filtration, has important implications for photonics, medicine, and advanced manufacturing. A major challenge is the scalable fabrication of all‐inorganic materials with good stability, high optical quality, and excellent optical limiting performance. Herein, a topological engineering strategy is presented for constructing all‐inorganic composite titanate glass with robust performance in optical radiation control. Notably, the rational control of the topological configuration of highly polarized species and their local organization leads to the considerable enhancement of two‐photon absorption coefficients (≈7 times). Mechanical response can also be improved with an estimated elastic modulus and hardness of 10.5 and 115.4 GPa, respectively. This improvement allows the creation of novel all‐inorganic composite materials with excellent ability for dynamic optical radiation filtration. Results suggest that the proposed topological engineering strategy for constructing titanate glass can be extended to other highly polarized glass systems to develop a new generation of nonlinear photonic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carrier diffusion length (LD) is of great relevance to the quantum efficiencies of organic-inorganic perovskites. However, so far there is no direct and noncontact measurement of the carrier diffusion length in this emerging material. Herein, we directly visualize the carrier diffusion length of organic-inorganic perovskites via spatial mapping of photoluminescence. Our results reveal that the carrier diffusion length (LD) is 6.25 μm for three-dimensional FAPbBr3 single crystals. Further, we discover that nonlinear and nonradiative effects can be neglectable during the diffusion process of photogenerated carriers in FAPbBr3 single crystals. In contrast, two-dimensional BA2PbI4 single crystals display shorter LD (2.40 μm) due to the transport barrier from their insulating organic layer. Our work simplifies the complicated operation for carrier diffusion length measurements, which is fundamentally important for technical development and scientific research on organic-inorganic perovskites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently developed UiO-66(Ce) was firstly endowed with greatly improved redox photocatalytic activity based on titanium incorporation, which for the first time induced the formation of oxygen vacancies in Ce-MOFs, and then promoted the generation of oxidative ˙OH/˙O2− and reductive electrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]