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Sea surface temperature (SST) responses have been perceived as crucial to consequential tropical cyclone (TC) intensity development. In addition to regular cooling responses, a few TCs could cause extreme SST drops (ESSTDs) (e.g., SST drops more than 6 °C) during their passage. Given the extreme temperature differences and the consequentially marked air–sea flux modulations, ESSTDs are intuitively supposed to play a serious role in modifying TC intensities. Nevertheless, the relationship between ESSTDs and consequential storm intensity changes remains unclear. In this study, satellite-observed microwave SST drops and the International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship TC data from 2001 to 2021 were used to elucidate the relationship between ESSTDs and the consequential TC intensity changes in the Western North Pacific typhoon season (July–October). Subsequently, the distributed characteristics of ESSTDs were systematically examined based on statistical analyses. Among them, Typhoon Kilo (2015) triggered an unexpected ESSTD behind its passage, according to existing theories. Numerical experiments based on the Regional Ocean Modeling System were carried out to explore the possible mechanisms that resulted in the ESSTD due to Kilo. The results indicate that heavy rainfall leads to additional SST cooling through the enhanced sensible heat flux leaving the surface layer in addition to the cooling from momentum-driven vertical mixing. This process enhanced the sensible heat flux leaving the sea surface since the temperature of the raindrops could be much colder than the SST in the tropical ocean, specifically under heavy rainfall and relatively less momentum entering the upper ocean during Kilo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brand communication activities and brand equity influence purchase intention; however, few studies have investigated the effects of the valence and intensity of brand communication activities on brand equity and purchase intention. The present study investigated how the intensity and valence (or attitude) of brand communication activities influenced brand awareness, brand image, and purchase intention in the beer market. Convenience sampling was used to collect beer consumer data, and valid data from 433 individuals were gathered. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Brand awareness and brand image were positively correlated with purchase intention, with brand image having the stronger association of the two. Furthermore, the intensity and valence of WOM and advertising attitude were associated with brand image, with advertising attitude having the stronger association of the three. Finally, advertising intensity and advertising attitude but not WOM intensity were associated with brand awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis-induced vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) occurs commonly in people over the age of 50, especially among menopausal women. Besides conservative therapy, minimally invasive percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and kyphoplasty (PKP) have been widely used in clinical treatment and achieved good efficacy. However, the leakage of bone cement (CL) during vertebroplasty (PV) is a major risk that can cause (serious) complications such as compression of the spinal cord, pulmonary embolism, or even paraplegia. In this study, we introduced a new aspiration technique with standard PV procedures (APV) to ameliorate the risk of leakage with quantitative verifications of its effectiveness. APV intends to create a differential pressure to guide the direction of cement flow within the vertebrae. To test this technique, Nubian goats' ex vivo vertebral bodies (VBs) were used to simulate the PV surgical process in humans. Results show that the proposed APV has a lower leakage rate of 13% compared to the 53% of conventional PV. Additionally, the APV approach achieves more uniform cement distribution via the 9-score method with a value of 7 ± 1.30 in contrast to 4 ± 1.78 by conventional PV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread all over the world and has impacted tourism globally, with countries taking various measures such as travel restrictions, border closures, lockdowns, or quarantines to contain the virus. Tourists' motivation has also been affected by COVID-19, but so far, the literature has not yet discussed their concern over COVID-19 as well as the relationships among their motivation, involvement, and behavior intention. Therefore, this study fills the gap in the literature by taking cycling tourism as an example to understand the involvement of tourists concerning COVID-19 and presents the depth and breadth of its effects upon tourism. Due to the challenge of face-to-face, on-site investigation, we employ an online survey for data collection, use exploratory factor analysis to extract the main factors of motivation, involvement, and behavior intention, and set up a structural equation model to examine the relationships among the three factors. The results show that COVID-19 has positively and significantly affected motivation and involvement. Motivation positively and significantly affects involvement, and involvement affects motivation and behavior intention. The main finding herein is that motivation does not affect behavior, but involvement does mediate between the motivation and behavior of cyclists during COVID-19. Therefore, people may perceive the risk of health and wellbeing through such involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological response triggered by a tropical cyclone (TC) passage has attracted much attention due to its possible impacts on regional oceanic, ecological environment, and regional climate balance. However, the detailed progress of TC-induced chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) responses (TICRs) remains unclear due to the inherent limitation of observations in ocean color with polar-orbiting satellites as used in previous studies. The appearance of the Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) onboard the Himawari-8 geostationary satellite opens the opportunity of correcting all our understanding of TICRs due to its hyper temporal image acquisition capability. In this study, the more real relationship between Chl-a response and TC is further clarified. Results show an essentially different reacting progress of TICRs given by AHI/Himawari-8. It shows a much quicker response relative to previous understanding. Chl-a concentrations reached the highest value on the first day under the severe influences of typhoons. The averaged Chl-a response (0–3 days behind TC passage) observed by AHI is approximately three (2.95) times stronger than that observed by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer onboard the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Terra/Aqua satellites. The spatial characteristics of TICRs by AHI show marked differences. Overall, the rapid and strong response sheds new light on the role of TICRs in influencing the regional oceanic environment, marine ecosystem, and local climate. Whole new estimations for the impacts of TICRs on the aforementioned issues are needed urgently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy was compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. • Propensity score matching was used to balance the prognostic factors. • The addition of chemotherapy to radiation therapy had no survival benefit. • The addition of chemotherapy to radiation therapy increased acute toxicities. Whether concurrent chemoradiotherapy would provide survival benefits in patients with stage II and T3N0 NPC with adverse factors remains unclear in IMRT era. We aimed to assess the value of concurrent chemotherapy compared to IMRT alone in stage II and T3N0 NPC with adverse features. 287 patients with stage II and T3N0 NPC with adverse factors were retrospectively analyzed, including 98 patients who received IMRT alone (IMRT alone group) and 189 patients who received cisplatin-based concurrent chemotherapy (CCRT group). The possible prognostic factors were balanced using propensity score matching (PSM). Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to evaluate the survival rates, and log-rank tests were employed to compare differences between groups. The median follow-up duration was 90.8 months (interquartile range = 75.6–114.7 months). The IMRT alone and the CCRT group were well matched; however, for all survival-related endpoints, there were no significant differences between them (5-year failure-free survival: 84.3% vs. 82.7%, P value = 0.68; 5-year overall survival: 87.3% vs. 90.6%, P value = 0.11; 5-year distant metastasis-free survival: 92.8% vs. 92.5%, P value = 0.97; 5-year locoregional relapse-free survival: 93.4% vs. 89.9%, P value = 0.30). The incidence of acute toxicities in the IMRT alone group was significantly lower than that in the CCRT group. For patients with stage II and T3N0 NPC with adverse features treated using IMRT, no improvement in survival was gained by adding concurrent chemotherapy; however, the occurrence of acute toxicities increased significantly. For those combined with non-single adverse factors, the comprehensive treatment strategy needs further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an acute tick-borne disease caused by SFTS virus (SFTSV). In this paper, we use difference equations to establish a discrete tick-borne disease model with systemic and transovarial transmission. Using the method of the next generation of matrix, we get the basic reproduction number R 0 to determine whether SFTS will die out. Furthermore, we analyze the existence and stability of equilibrium points by R 0 . In addition, the transcritical bifurcation property at the disease-free equilibrium point is discussed by deriving a equation describing the flow on the center manifold. Finally, we perform numerical simulations to verify the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we compare different measurement strategies for estimating coupling strength of a Hamiltonian. In particular, we estimate the coupling strength coefficient when the Hamiltonian couples the pointer (measuring device) momentum to an observable of the system. We compare the performance of the estimations via four different measurement strategies: measuring the position or the momentum of the pointer with or without postselection of the system state. Without postselection, it turns out that all the information of the coupling strength can be extracted by measuring the position of the pointer. As a contrast, no information of the coupling strength can be extracted if the momentum is measured without postselection. Hence, measuring the position is a better choice if postselection is not allowed. However, when postselection is employed, we find that no matter which observable is measured, one can always achieve a great amplification of the measurement outcome, which can be larger than the initial standard deviation of the pointer observable under certain circumstances, at an acceptable cost of losing a little accuracy for the estimation of the coupling strength. With postselection, the better choice of the observable to be measured depends on the characteristic of the measurement devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Chaperone and CRISPRi were first applied in algae under thermophilic condition. • Transcriptional result depicts temperature and CRISPRi effects on algal metabolism. • PGi strain showed 2.56 g/L, 23.5 and 893 mg/L of biomass, lutein and lipid at 35°C. • Thermophilic conditions affect the biomass, lipid, and CO 2 uptake in microalgae. • PGi strain had 1.08 g-CO 2 /g-DCW of CO 2 assimilation ability in mixotrophic culture. Microalgae are widely recognized as a promising bioresource for producing renewable fuels and chemicals. Microalgal biorefinery has tremendous potential for incorporation into circular bioeconomy, including sustainability, cascading use, and waste reduction. In this study, genetic engineering was used to enhance the growth, lipid and lutein productivity of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii including strains of CC400, PY9, pCHS, and PG. Notably, CRISPRi mediated on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC 1) gene to down-regulate the branch pathway from glycolysis to partitioning more carbon flux to lipid was explored under meso -thermophilic condition. The best chassis PGi, which has overexpressed chaperone GroELS and applied CRISPRi resulting in the highest biomass of 2.56 g/L and also boosted the lipids and lutein with 893 and 23.5 mg/L, respectively at 35°C. Finally, all strains with CRISPRi exhibited higher transcriptional levels of the crucial genes from photosynthesis, starch, lipid and lutein metabolism, thus reaching a CO 2 assimilation of 1.087 g-CO 2 /g-DCW in mixotrophic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Physical inactivity can cause physical frailty and sarcopenia. We investigated the effects of a hybrid intervention combining commercial exergaming with physical therapy, and clarified the reasons for physical inactivity among older adults. Methods: This was a pilot study of older participants recruited from a long‐term care facility assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group received a 90‐min hybrid intervention twice a week for 12 weeks, whereas the control group received only assessment. The outcomes included muscle strength, walking speed, endurance, the Timed Up and Go test, the Berg Balance Scale, flow state, and safety. Results: We enrolled 17 residents (42.5% of those eligible), with eight in the experimental group. After 12 weeks, the handgrip strength and Timed Up and Go test scores significantly improved in the experimental group. The number of participants with handgrip strength exceeding the cut‐off for sarcopenia, Timed Up and Go test scores exceeding the minimal detectable change, and walking speed exceeding the minimum clinically significant difference were greater in the experimental group than in the control group. Furthermore, no significant adverse events were reported; all participants in the experimental group entered the flow state. Overall, 32.5% of participants reported physical inactivity with common reasons, including laziness (77%), a lack of interest (69%) and the hassle of engagement (46%). Conclusions: The hybrid intervention is safe and feasible, and could delay disability in older adults. Approximately one‐third of the participants were physically inactive. Further study is required to reduce physical inactivity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 147–152. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How well can we manipulate the state of a particle via a discrete-time quantum walk? We show that the discrete-time quantum walk on a one-dimensional infinite chain with coin operators that are independent of the position can only realize product operators of the form e i ξ A ⊗ 1 p , which cannot change the position state of the walker. We present a scheme to construct all possible realizations of all the product operators of the form e i ξ A ⊗ 1 p . When the coin operators are dependent on the position, we show that the translation operators on the position can not be realized via a DTQW with coin operators that are either the identity operator 1 or the Pauli operator σ x . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of severe influenza virus-associated pneumonia complicated with bacterial infection in children. Methods: We retrospectively analysed data concerning 64 paediatric patients with severe influenza virus-associated pneumonia who had been treated at our hospital. The patients were divided into observation (44 patients) and control (20 patients) groups, based on the presence or absence of concomitant bacterial infection, and clinical data were compared between the groups. Results: The mean age in the observation group was 2.71 ± 1.44 years, 42 (95.45%) were aged ≤ 5 years, and 18 (40.9%) had underlying diseases. The mean age in the control group was 4.05 ± 2.21 years, 13 (65%) were aged ≤ 5 years, and 3 (15%) had underlying diseases. There was a statistically significant difference in patient age and the proportion of patients with underlying diseases (P < 0.05). The observation group had higher duration of fever values, a higher number of patients with duration of fever ≥ 7 days, a higher incidence of gasping, and a higher incidence of seizures/consciousness disturbance, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Secondary bacterial infections in the observation group were mainly due to gram-negative bacteria, with Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis being the most common pathogens. The observation group had a higher proportion of patients treated in the paediatric intensive care unit and a longer hospital stay, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Severe influenza virus-associated pneumonia complicated with bacterial infection was more common in children aged ≤ 5 years. Younger patients with underlying diseases were more susceptible to bacterial infection (mainly due to gram-negative bacteria). The timely administration of neuraminidase inhibitors and antibiotics against susceptible bacteria is likely to help improve cure rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnSb2Te4 has a similar structure to an emerging material, MnBi2Te4. According to earlier theoretical studies, the formation energy of Mn antisite defects in MnSb2Te4 is negative, suggesting its inherent instability. This is clearly in contrast to the successful synthesis of experimental samples of MnSb2Te4. Here, the growth environment of MnSb2Te4 and the intrinsic defects are correspondingly investigated. We find that the Mn antisite defect is the most stable defect in the system, and a Mn-rich growth environment favors its formation. The thermodynamic equilibrium concentrations of the Mn antisite defects could be as high as 15% under Mn-poor conditions and 31% under Mn-rich conditions. It is also found that Mn antisite defects prefer a uniform distribution. In addition, the Mn antisite defects can modulate the interlayer magnetic coupling in MnSb2Te4, leading to a transition from the ideal antiferromagnetic ground state to a ferromagnetic state. The ferromagnetic coupling effect can be further enhanced by controlling the defect concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cyanobacteria aponinum PCC10605 is a halophilic and meso -thermophilic alga. • Logistic and Gompertz models are best fitted for all algal growth conditions. • Salinity, nitrogen, phosphate, and light condition are vital factors for cell growth. • Optimal biomass, C-PC titer and CO 2 capture was obtained in wastewater culture. • COD removal, CO 2 reduction and C-PC are achieved by PCC10605 simultaneously. A newly halophilic Cyanobacteria aponinum PCC10605 is first explored as a robust blue alga compared to Chlorella sorokiniana (CS), Chlorella vulgaris (CV) and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CC400) that can be cultured at high salinity and mesophilic condition. The Logistic and Gompertz models were applied to evaluate cell growth of four algal strains under mixotrophic and autotrophic cultivation, thus the optimal condition for PCC10605 was indicated in autotrophic and 20 g/L seawater at 39°C. When nitrogen and phosphorus concentration was at the ratio of 3:1, PCC10605 grew fast and had the better C-phycocyanin (C-PC) productivity, achieving to 1.53 g/L of biomass and 0.492 g/L of C-PC under 25% light intensity and 12:12 light period. Finally, a feasible and negative carbon emission via PCC10605 which cultured in the mixed medium and wastewater at 1:2 vol ratio (i.e., M1W2), reaching to 1.227 g/L of biomass concentration, 0.503 g/L C-PC production, reducing 40.5% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), and capturing 1.71 g-CO 2 simultaneously in a Photo System Instruments (PSI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typhoon Fungwong, a category-2 but deadly typhoon in the 2008 Pacific typhoon season, made landfall first on Taiwan and then on Southeast China. During its approach toward Taiwan, it triggered an extreme sea surface temperature (SST) drop of 12.5 °C, which was the strongest SST drop recorded by Longdong buoy northeast of Taiwan coast from 1998 to 2017. In this study, including moored buoy temperature measurements, Argo float temperature profiles, satellite-observed SSTs, and a suite of numerical experiments performed using the Regional Ocean Modeling System were used to unveil the detailed processes of how Fungwong triggered such an extreme cooling. Subsequently, the source of the cold waters feeding the extreme cooling, possible mechanisms triggering the cooling, and consequential effects of cooling on the ambient ocean environment were systematically investigated. Results show that the extreme cooling was triggered mainly by a process of uplift of subsurface cold water tied to shore-ward Kuroshio intrusion driven by easterly/northeasterly winds and consequential entrainment mixing, while coastal upwelling driven by persistent longshore (southerly) winds plays a minor role. Nevertheless, the southerly winds still help the enhancement of entrainment mixing and thus the sea surface cooling. Finally, modeled float trajectories with temperature tracers identified where the cold water goes and indicate that the temperature drop might extend all the way toward the south end of Japan (Kyushu) along the flowing path of Kuroshio. • Typhoon Fungwong (2008) triggers an extreme sea surface cooling of 12.5 °C. • It is one of the strongest cooling responses ever recorded by in-situ instruments. • How Fungwong triggers such an extreme cooling was systematically resolved. • Combined effect of Kuroshio intrusion and enhanced entrainment triggers it. • Newly formed cold water impacts oceanic environment along Kuroshio downstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Genetic engineering will enhance microalgae application in carbon neutralization. • CRISPR technology provides a new insight to carbon fixation by microalgae. • Bioinformatics tools and techniques of microalgae and cyanobacteria are discussed. • Photosynthetic efficiency for carbon capture and flue gas has been summarized. • Artificial intelligence is a new trend to find pathway for redirect CO 2 in biomass. Carbon dioxide is the major greenhouse gas and regards as the critical issue of global warming and climate changes. The inconspicuous microalgae are responsible for 40% of carbon fixation among all photosynthetic plants along with a higher photosynthetic efficiency and convert the carbon into lipids, protein, pigments, and bioactive compounds. Genetic approach and metabolic engineering are applied to accelerate the growth rate and biomass of microalgae, hence achieve the mission of carbon neutrality. Meanwhile, CRISPR/Cas9 is efficiently to enhance the productivity of high-value compounds in microalgae for it is easier operation, more affordable and is able to regulate multiple genes simultaneously. The genetic engineering strategies provide the multidisciplinary concept to evolute and increase the CO 2 fixation rate through Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle. Therefore, the technologies, bioinformatics tools, systematic engineering approaches for carbon neutrality and circular economy are summarized and leading one step closer to the decarbonization society in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A conceptual design of dual promoters was evaluated to improving fluorescent signal. • A highly efficient dual promoters using strong–weak sequence were developed. • Human carbonic anhydrase II activity increased by the dual promoters of HSP70A-J23109. • A CO 2 storage of 57.9 mg-CaCO 3 and cadaverine of 36.7 g/L were simultaneously achieved. • CO 2 release from cadaverine synthesis in genetic E. coli was suppressed up to 95.9%. Human carbonic anhydrase II (hCAII) is a rapid-acting zinc-metalloenzyme that catalyzes CO 2 hydration reversibly, with encouraging applications in carbon capture, sequestration, and utilization (CCSU). However, biocatalyst durability is a major challenge. Herein, hCAII is emphasized in 4 different Escherichia coli strains and designated under dual promoters from sigma factor 70 (σ70) and heat shock protein (HSP70A) to suppress the usage of inducer and stimulate activity in heat environments. As a result, hCAII under high-efficient dual promoters regulation retained high residual activity in CO 2 biomineralization of 68.8 % after 4 cycles at 40 °C. Moreover, co-expression of CA C9 with lysine decarboxylase (CadA) simultaneously sequestered CO 2 release up to 95.7 % and increased cadaverine titer from 18.0 to 36.7 g/L by using E. coli MG1655. The remnant biomass from cadaverine synthesis sustained converting CO 2 to 57.9 mg-CaCO 3. Thus, the dual promoters design demonstrated the promising potential for CCSU through simultaneous CO 2 utilization and cadaverine synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and there is a need for the development of effective anti-melanoma therapies as it shows high metastatic ability and low response rate. In addition, it has been identified that traditional phototherapy could trigger immunogenic cell death (ICD) to activate antitumor immune response, which could not only effectively arrest primary tumour growth, but also exhibit superior effects in terms of anti-metastasis, anti-recurrence for metastatic melanoma treatment. However, the limited tumour accumulation of photosensitizers/photothermal agents and immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment severely weaken the immune effects. The application of nanotechnology facilitates a higher accumulation of photosensitizers/photothermal agents at the tumour site, which can thus improve the antitumor effects of photo-immunotherapy (PIT). In this review, we summarise the basic principles of nanotechnology-based PIT and highlight novel nanotechnologies that are expected to enhance the antitumor immune response for improved therapeutic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The opportunity of heterologous carbonic anhydrase in CC-400 was evaluated. • This is the first attempt to cultivate CC-400 strain under autotrophic condition. • The carbon capture was achieved to 2.75 g-CO 2 /g-DCW in the optimal condition. • The biomass, lutein, and lipid were increased 2-, 4- and 8-folds in modified CC-400. • Transcriptional levels of major genes in the pathway decipher CA effect in CC-400. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a model microalga that has a higher growth rate and produces high levels of lutein and lipids, but biomass production is limited. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) converts atmospheric CO 2 to bicarbonate which is crucial for carbon‐concentrating mechanism (CCM) in microalgae and boosts cell density. Therefore, C. reinhardtii harboring the heterologous CA from Mesorhizobium loti (MlCA) and Sulfurihydrogenibium yellowstonense (SyCA) were explored to increase CO 2 capture and utilization (CCU) through different culture devices. Genetically modified C. reinhardtii was able to grow from mixotrophic to autotrophic conditions. Subsequently, biomass, lutein, and lipid were maximized to OD 680 of 4.56, 21.32 mg/L and 672 mg/L using photo-bioreactor (PBR) with 5% CO 2. Moreover, CO 2 assimilation rate was 2.748 g-CO 2 /g-DCW and 2.792 g-CO 2 /g-DCW under mixotrophic and autotrophic conditions, respectively. The biomass accumulation correlated with CA activity. In addition, the transcript levels of major genes in metabolic pathways of lutein and lipid were dramatically increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antiferromagnetic-semiconductor extreme tensile strain (8%) states of La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 membranes was achieved by Hong et al. (2020) [23]. To understand such tunable magnetic and electronic properties in these La 2 3 M 1 3 MnO 3 (M=Ca, Sr) systems, we have investigated the magnetic and electronic behaviors of La 2 3 M 1 3 MnO 3 (M=Ca, Sr) under strain and charge doping using first-principles calculations. A ferromagnetic-semiconductor phase is predicted for La 2 3 Sr 1 3 MnO 3 beyond 4% biaxial tensile strain. Meanwhile, its energy gap and magnetic anisotropic energy increase as the strain increases. We also discover that the change of magnetic exchange energy in La 2 3 Ca 1 3 MnO 3 under charge doping is in analogy to the scenario directly changing the Ca concentrations. Based on the magnetic competition analysis, it is expected that the carrier concentration and strains dominate the magnetic ground state while the La/Ca distributions have little impact. The highly tunable magnetic-electronic properties offer opportunities for the future magnetic-electronic materials design and applications. • DFT SCAN calculations give excellent structure and magnetic moments of the studied systems. • A ferromagnetic semiconductor is predicted for La 2/3 Sr 1/3 MnO 3 under biaxial tensile strain. • Carrier concentration combined with strains dominate the magnetic coupling. • Magnetic anisotropic energy is enhanced by 30 μeV by strains for La 2/3 Sr 1/3 MnO 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming and climate change because carbon dioxide (CO 2) release to atmosphere is the forecasting challenges to human being. We are facing how to overcome the dilemma on the balance between economic and environment, thus taking more efforts on green processes to meet agreement of sustainable society are urgent and crucial. The absorption of CO 2 by microalgae reduces the impact of CO 2 on the environment. In this study, the CO 2 removal efficiency was the highest in the culture of Cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC7002 (also called blue-green algae), at 2% CO 2 to reach a value of 0.86 g-CO 2 /g-DCW. The main product of PCC7002 is C-phycocyanin (C-PC) which regarding to phycobilisome complex in all cyanobacterial species. A 160% increasing C-PC was achieved in the cultivation under 100 μmol/m2/s light intensity, 12:12 light-period with 2% CO 2 at 30 °C. The mix-culture of nitric and ammonia ions had positive effect on the cell growth and C-PC accumulation, thus realized the highest yield of 0.439 g-CPC/g-DCW. Additionally, the partial purified C-PC displayed 89% antioxidant activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) and 11% of superoxide free radical scavenging activity, respectively. The production of C-PC from PCC7002 reduced the CO 2 emission and exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and lead ion adsorption at room temperature, which has the great potential for eco-friendly application. • Synechococcus sp. PCC7002 is outstanding for CO 2 assimilation and C-PC production. • Extraction by cold-treatment for C-PC from PCC7002 were successfully established. • Optimal light intensity, light-period, and temperature improved C-PC production. • The highest C-PC was achieved 0.439 g-CPC/g-DCW by mixed nitrogen culture. • Partial purified C-PC has high potential in antioxidant activity and lead adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Halo-tolerant Cyanobacterium aponinum PCC10605 was first used in C-PC production. • Combined physical and chemical extraction enhanced C-PC extraction efficiency. • Nitrogen source and light intensity influenced cell growth. • PCC10605 is tolerant to high salt with C-PC of 0.652 g/g-DCW. • C-PC from PCC10605 exhibited high potential for antibacterial and antioxidant activity. A halo-tolerant Cyanobacterium aponinum PCC 10605 was applied for the first time to produce high-level C-phycocyanin (C-PC). Combined with chemical extraction with sodium phosphate buffer and physical treatment using high pressure homogenization, a higher titer of C-PC was achieved. The culture conditions were optimized by mixing nitrate and ammonia ions, 2% carbon dioxide, and conditional light intensity. Thus, strain PCC10605 produced the highest titer C-PC of 0.652 g/g-DCW in the N1A2 medium with 10% light intensity and 16:8 light-period on day 7. PCC10605 accumulated 0.51 g-CPC/g-DCW at 20 g/L NaCl, while it grew normally in seawater with 30 g/L salinity, thus confirmed that PCC10605 was halo-tolerant strain. Besides, PCC10605 survived in 0.12 g/L phosphate medium that has never been reported. Finally, the purified C-PC exhibited DPPH, superoxide scavenging activity and antibacterial activity, which displayed 87.6%, and 18.7% removal of free radical, and 1.98 cm of inhibition zone for Escherichia coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] It was thought that originally long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were a kind of RNAs without any encoding function. Recently, a variety of studies have shown that lncRNAs play important roles in many life activities. The abnormal expression of lncRNAs in tumor microenvironment (TME) usually promotes the proliferation, migration, and drug resistance of tumor cells through direct or indirect effects, which also usually predicts the poor prognosis. The regulation of lncRNAs expression in TME could significantly inhibit tumor progress. However, the interaction between lncRNAs and TME has not been fully defined at present. Therefore, this paper provided the systemic summary of their interaction and natural products and chemicals targeting lncRNAs in cancer treatment. Currently, the strategies of cancer treatment still have their limits. Understanding the relationship between TME and lncRNAs can help us to realize breakthrough strategy for tumor treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: By employing an ultrasonic deposition followed by heat treatment, magnetite (Fe3O4)–graphene nanosheet (GN) hybrid anode was synthesized to examine its electrochemical performance in Li-ion battery. The Fe3O4 nanocrystals with an average size of 10nm can be homogeneously incorporated into the GNs to form Fe3O4–GN composites. In comparison with fresh GN anode, the composite anode exhibits high reversible capacity of 753mAh/g at 0.1C, high rate capability (533mAh/g at 5C), and enhanced cyclic performance with high coulombic efficiency. This improvement can be attributed to the fact that since Fe3O4 acts not only as a redox site but also as a spacer, the Fe3O4–GN hybrid creates a three-dimensional architecture that effectively facilitates ionic diffusion, Li-storage, and electronic transport. This result opens an efficient route for synthesis and application of GN hybrid as anode material for Li-ion batteries with superior performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, thermal desorption-based ambient mass spectrometry (TDAMS) for the analysis of small organics was explored. A layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembled multilayer of a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based glass chip (Glass@AuNPs) with the absorption capacity in the near-infrared (NIR) region was used as the energy absorber and as the sample holder for sample deposition at ambient condition. An NIR laser diode (808 nm) was successfully employed as the thermal desorption source to liberate only small molecules from Glass@AuNPs chips. Followed by post-ionization, the resultant ions were monitored by an ion trap mass spectrometer. Post-ionization was assisted by a spray consisting of 50% deionized water–acetonitrile containing 0.1% acetic acid generated from a short tapered capillary by employing a high voltage (4 kV). Analytes with different polarities including small acids, amino acids, insecticides, and biodiesel samples such as ethyl esters can be directly analyzed using this approach. We demonstrated that this ambient mass spectrometric method was suitable for selectively analyzing small target organics directly from complex samples without any sample pretreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article provides proof of an efficient approach to adjust the behavior of Li+ intercalation into Li4Ti5O12 spinel structures prepared by spray-drying followed by solid-state calcination. The spherical Li4Ti5O12 powders consist of a number of grains with an average size of 300–500nm, showing high rate capability at various rates of 0.1–20C. The addition of Li-ions greatly modifies the Li4Ti5O12 crystallites with different relative intensity ratios of (311)/(400), R value, determined from X-ray diffraction results. The overall reversible capacity in the voltage range of 2.5–0.01V vs. Li/Li+ is limited by the vacant tetrahedral (8a) and octahedral (16c) sites. The decrease of capacity ratio of second plateau (1.0–0.01V) to first plateau (2.5–1.0V) with the R value proves that the ratio of site vacancy greatly affects the capacity contribution. At high C rates, the tetrahedral (8a) sites exhibit a better accessibility to accommodate Li-ions during the intercalation process, compared with the accessibility of octahedral (16c) sites. This extra capacity of Li4Ti5O12, originating from the Li+ insertion at low potential, facilitates not only an enhanced reversible capacity but also a wider working voltage, leading to a higher energy density for rechargeable Li-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we describe a novel technique—ultrasonication-assisted spray ionization (UASI)—for the generation of singly charged and multiply charged gas-phase ions of biomolecules (e.g., amino acids, peptides, and proteins) from solution; this method employs a low-frequency ultrasonicator (ca. 40 kHz) in place of the high electric field required for electrospray ionization. When a capillary inlet is immersed into a sample solution within a vial subjected to ultrasonication, the solution is continually directed to the capillary outlet as a result of ultrasonication-assisted capillary action; an ultrasonic spray of the sample solution is emitted at the outlet of the tapered capillary, leading to the ready generation of gas-phase ions. Using an ion trap mass spectrometer, we found that singly charged amino acid and multiply charged peptides/proteins ions were generated through this single-step operation, which is both straightforward and extremely simple to perform. The setup is uncomplicated: only a low-frequency ultrasonicator and a tapered capillary are required to perform UASI. The mass spectra of the multiply charged peptides and proteins obtained from sample solutions subjected to UASI resemble those observed in ESI mass spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Vertical ZnO nanorods have been cathodically deposited on conductive polymeric substrates from zinc nitrate electrolyte at low temperatures of 60–80°C. As-grown ZnO nanorods display a wurzite crystal structure that grows preferentially in the (002) direction. The interspacing between adjacent lattice fringes is approximately 0.261nm. The growth rate of ZnO pillars in c-axis is an increasing function of both growth temperature and period. Arrhenius plots determine different stages of apparent activation energy (5.51–8.95kJ/mol), showing an inhomogeneous surface reactivity on polymeric substrate during the ZnO growth process. This variation of activation energy can be ascribed to the two growth stages of ZnO pillars, the epitaxy and the texture growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrochemical activities of three bimetallic Pt–M (M=Fe, Co, and Ni) catalysts in methanol oxidation have been investigated. An efficient approach including chemical oxidation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), two-step refluxing, and subsequent hydrogen reduction was used to thoroughly disperse bimetallic nanopartilces on the oxidized CNTs. Three catalysts with a similar Pt:M atomic ratio, Pt–Fe (75:25), Pt–Co (75:25), and Pt–Ni (72:28), were prepared for the investigation of methanol oxidation. The Pt–M nanoparticles with an average size of 5–10nm are uniform and cover the surface of CNTs. Cyclic voltammetry showed that the three pairs of catalysts were electrochemically active in the methanol oxidation. On the basis of the experimental results, the Pt–Co/CNT catalyst has better electrochemical activity, antipoisoning ability, and long-term cycleability than the other electrocatalysts, which can be justified by the bifunctional mechanism of bimetallic catalysts. The satisfactory results shed some light on how the use of Pt–Co/CNT composite could be a promising electrocatalyst for high-performance direct methanol fuel cell applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This article reports an approach to prepare bimetallic Pt–M (M=Fe, Co, and Ni) nanoparticles as electrocatalysts and examines their electrochemical activities in 1M sulfuric acid. The approach consists of chemical oxidation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), two-step refluxing, and subsequent thermal reduction in hydrogen atmosphere. Three bimetallic pairs of Pt–M catalysts are found to deposit well onto CNT surface, forming Pt–M/CNT composites. The electrochemical behavior of Pt–M/CNT electrodes was investigated in 1M H2SO4 using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and ac electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The active surface coverage (=electrochemical surface area/geometric surface area) of Pt–M catalysts is significantly enhanced, i.e., Pt–Co (85.1%)>Pt–Ni (80.4%)>Pt–Fe (76.2%)>Pt (26.3%). This enhancement of electrochemical activity can be attributed to the fact that the introduction of Co and Ni may reduce the required potential for water electrolysis and thus the associated carbon oxidation, thereby contributing to hydrogen adsorption. Equivalent circuit analysis indicates that charge transfer resistance accounts for (i) the major proportion of the equivalent serial resistance of Pt–M/CNT electrodes, and (ii) Pt–Co and Pt–Ni catalysts not only improves the electrochemical capacitance but also lowers the equivalent serial resistance. The results shed some light on how use of Pt–M/CNT composite would be a promising electrocatalyst for high-performance fuel cell applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, we investigate the influence of Pt:Ru atomic ratio on the electrochemical activity of PtRu/carbon nanotube (CNT) catalysts in the electrooxidation of methanol. Bimetallic PtRu alloy nanoparticles were embedded onto the CNTs by chemical impregnation, followed by the refluxing of ethylene glycol. Four types of catalysts, namely Pt100Ru0, Pt75Ru25, Pt50Ru50, and Pt25Ru75, were synthesized for the investigation of the compositional effect. The crystalline size of PtRu nanocatalysts generally decreased with the Ru atomic ratio, i.e., from 4.34 to 2.77nm. The measurement of electrooxidation of methanol was carried out in 1M H2SO4 electrolyte containing 0.5M CH3OH with PtRu/CNT, catalysts using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and AC electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). CV analysis revealed that the Pt50Ru50/CNT electrode had the highest electrochemical activity, owing to its lower onset potential and higher ratio of the forward to reverse anodic peak current. EIS combined with equivalent circuit reflected that after cycling, Pt50Ru50/CNT electrode has not only a much lower charge-transfer resistance, but also higher capacitance than Pt100Ru0/CNT. This enhancement of electrochemical activity can be ascribed to the presence of Pt–Ru atomic pair sites in the bimetallic alloys, which play an important role in regenerating the inactive Pt–COads sites, according to the bifunctional theory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Titania nanotube arrays (NTA) generated from anodizing processes are tested as the substrate for surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI MS). The background generated from titania NTA is very low, making the approach suitable for the analysis of small molecules. The upper detectable mass is ∼29 kDa. Homogeneous sample deposition leads to good shot-to-shot reproducibility and suitability for quantitative analysis. Additionally, phosphopeptides can be selectively trapped on the titania NTA substrate, as illustrated by simply depositing a tryptic digest of β-casein followed by titania NTA SALDI MS analysis. The detection limit for small organics and peptides is in low fmol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition employed for growing secondary carbon nanotubes (CNTs) decorated with primary multi-walled CNTs was investigated. N2 physisorption indicated that the introduction of secondary nanotubes improves both of specific surface area and pore size distribution. The electrochemical behavior of the carbon electrodes in H2SO4 was examined using ac electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Equivalent circuit analysis indicated that the presence of secondary nanotubes not only reduces the equivalent series resistance but also improves the specific double-layer capacitance. There is ca. 204% capacitance increase achieved through the introduction of secondary nanotubes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Pyridoxal kinase (PdxY) is the first time to be cloned and transformed to CC-400. • The biomass and CO 2 assimilation have been reported in different reactors. • PY9 had the significant enhancement of biomass and CO 2 fixation in photo-bioreactor. • PY9 modulated the activity of carbonic anhydrase and reduced CO 2 emission. • PdxY has high potential used in microalgae to increase biomass intrinsically. Microalga served as the promising bioresources due to the high efficiency of carbon dioxide conversion. However, the application of microalga is still restricted by low biomass, easier contamination, and high cost of production. To overcome the challenge, engineered Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CC-400 with pyridoxal kinase gene (pdxY) has demonstrated in this study. The results indicated CC-400 with pdxY reached enhanced algal biomass in three different systems, including flask, Two-layer Photo-Reactor (TPR) and airlift Photo-Bioreactor (PBR). The genetic strain PY9 cultured with 1% CO 2 in the PBR showed a significant enhancement of biomass up to 1.442 g/L, a 2-times of that of the wild type. We also found the transcriptional levels of carbonic anhydrase (CA) dropped down in PY9 while higher levels of RuBisCo and pdxY occurred, thus the carbon dioxide assimilation under mixotrophic culture dramatically increased. We proofed that pdxY successfully mediated carbon dioxide utilization in CC-400. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Small Ras homologous guanosine triphosphatase (Rho GTPase) family proteins are highly associated with tumorigenesis and development. As intrinsic exchange activity regulators of Rho GTPases, Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs) have been demonstrated to be closely involved in tumor development and received increasing attention. They mainly contain two families: the diffuse B-cell lymphoma (Dbl) family and the dedicator of cytokinesis (Dock) family. More and more emphasis has been paid to the Dbl family members for their abnormally high expression in various cancers and their correlation to poor prognosis. In this review, the common and distinctive structures of Dbl family members are discussed, and their roles in cancer are summarized with a focus on Ect2, Tiam1/2, P-Rex1/2, Vav1/2/3, Trio, KALRN, and LARG. Significantly, the strategies targeting Dbl family RhoGEFs are highlighted as novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Oral administration is the most preferred and simplest route, but it is highly challenging due to the numerous barriers in the gastrointestinal tract. To overcome these barriers, nanocarriers have been developed to protect oral drugs. An increased understanding of viral infection has inspired researchers to mimic the viral structures and functions in the design of drug carriers. The virus-inspired nanoparticles (VINs) have been highly optimized based on the viral specific features to enhance the bioavailability of drugs. Herein, we have reviewed the development and design strategies of VINs, as well as a systematic summary for mechanisms and processes of oral absorption and the application of VINs, providing a new perspective on challenges to the clinical translation of oral nano-carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae produced lipids, pigments, lutein, and valuable chemicals under stressful conditions, making them as attractive feedstock for biorefineries. However, high cell density culture of microalgae in harsh condition using seawater is still a challenge. In this study, we used aminobutyric acid (GABA) from an in vitro biotransformation of monosodium glutamate (MSG) to alleviate salinity stress in Chlorella sorokiniana (Cs). Initially, Chlorophyll a/b content was suppressed under the stress of 20 g/L sodium chloride (NaCl), leading to an extreme decline in protein and pigment accumulation. While the biomass and protein of Cs cultured in 10 g/L NaCl reached 3.44 g/L and 1.14 g/L with 5 mM GABA, with 56.3% and 171% increase compared to control. The optimal conditions were 10 mM GABA and 20 g/L NaCl in modified BG11 medium, with a biomass, protein, lutein and β-carotene content of 4.56 g/L, 2.07 g/L, 24 mg/L and 27.48 mg/L, respectively. Finally, protein from Cs was used as a prebiotic for cultivating Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus ZY (LGG). We provided an effective and sustainable approach for the simultaneous production of biomass and high-end products by microalgae using GABA and seawater for the first time. [Display omitted] • In vitro GABA exhibited synergistic effect against salt stress in algal culture. • Maximum chlorophyll accumulation was 25 mg/L with in vitro GABA addition. • A significant augment of biomass and protein was obtained with GABA and salt. • Lutein and β-carotene were simultaneously enhanced at optimal conditions. • Chlorella sorokiniana protein boosted cell growth of probiotic EcN and LGG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanoparticles were designed to encapsulate drugs to alter their pharmacological behaviors, therefore, it is very essential to monitor the pharmacokinetic profile of drug encapsulated in nanoparticles in order to clarify and predict their efficacy and side effects. In this paper, we reported a simple, rapid μ-elution 96-well solid phase extraction (μSPE) method combining with ultra high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) for determination of nanoformulated drug in rat plasma. This method presented satisfactory results in terms of sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and recovery, for the first time, of quantitatively analyzing clarithromycin (CLA) in rat plasma after intravenous administration CLA-loaded ultrafine PLGA nanoparticles for pharmacokinetic study. This method has been proved to be fast, reliable and reproducible to accurately analyze drug encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles sample for a pharmacokinetic study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, the deposition of microwave-assisted Zn layers onto spinel lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) crystals as superior anode materials for Li-ion batteries has been investigated. Microwave heating is capable of rapidly depositing Zn layers over the surface of spinel Li4Ti5O12 within 6min. The thickness of Zn layer (i.e., 1–10nm) is an increasing function of zinc nitrate concentration under the microwave irradiation. The charge–discharge curve of Zn–Li4Ti5O12 anode still maintains the plateau at 1.5V, contributing to the major portion in the overall specific capacity. The presence of Zn coating significantly facilitates the capacity retention (78.1% at 10 C/0.2 C) of the composite anodes with high Coulombic efficiency (>99.9%), indicating an excellent reversibility of insertion/de-insertion of Li ions. This can be ascribed to the fact that well-dispersed Zn layer offers an electronic pathway over the Li4Ti5O12 powder, thus imparting electronic conduction and reducing cell polarization. Accordingly, the deposition of Zn coating, prepared by the rapid microwave heating, shows a positive effect on the rate-capability improvement of Li4Ti5O12 anodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A composite of graphene nanosheets (GNs) supported by MnO nanocrystals has been fabricated through a simple chemical-wet impregnation followed by the thermal reduction route. The hybrid contains MnO nanoparticles with an average size of 20nm uniformly dispersed on GNs as observed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The MnO-attached GN anode delivers a reversible capacity of 635mAh/g at 0.2 C in the voltage range between 0.01 and 3.5V. The MnO doping in the GN network plays a positive role in improving the Coulombic efficiency (92.7%) at the 1st cycle and rate capability (capacity retention (5 C/0.2 C): >70%). The superior cell performance of the GN anodes is ascribed to its unique framework, which intimately combines the conductive GNs with well-dispersed MnO nanoparticles. This present work sheds some light on the feasibility of the MnO-attached GN anodes for high-performance Li-ion batteries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study examines the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) equipped with 1-D carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and 2-D graphene nanosheets (GNs) carbon counter electrodes. Imperfect defects were attached to the sidewall or both the ends of the CNTs, and the edges of the GNs were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. When compared with the GN-based counter electrode, CNT-based counter electrodes showed a better improvement in the incident photon-to-current efficiency and power conversion efficiency of the cells. This enhancement of cell performance can be attributed to the combination of CNT network and spherical graphite bottom layer, favoring dye adsorption, catalytic redox activity, and 1-D charge-transfer path length. Such carbon configuration as counter electrode provides a potential feasibility for replacing metallic Pt counter electrodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have investigated a one-step fabrication of fluoro-containing silica coating on wooden substrates, showing multi-functions including super repellency toward water and sunflower oil, low sliding angles, good durability, and low adsorption capacity of moisture. The repellent slurry, consisting of well-mixing silica nanospheres and perfluoroalkyl methacrylic copolymer, is simply prepared and subsequently sprayed over wooden substrates with good adhesion. It has shown that the decoration of silica nanospheres on microscaled wooden texture acts as a crucial role in improving the repellency toward water and sunflower oil droplets. The maximal contact angles can reach as high as 168.3° and 153.6° for water and sunflower oil drops, respectively. These analyses of wetted fraction and work of adhesion also demonstrate the improved repellency due to the addition of silica. This improvement of the repellencies is ascribed to the fact that the drops partially sit on F-coated silica spheres, leaving a layer of air underneath the droplet (i.e., Cassie state). On the basis of the results, the multi-functional coating on wooden substrates delivers a promising commercial feasibility on a variety of woodworks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrochemical activities of three types of Pt–Co/CNT catalysts, prepared from different Co depositions, in methanol oxidation have been investigated. X-ray diffraction reveals that these Pt–Co/CNT catalysts possess not only different crystalline sizes but also different levels of atomic distribution. The use of strong reducing agent (NaBH4) enables the formation of a cobalt layer over the Pt surface, inducing bimetallic Pt–Co particles, whereas direct thermal reduction enables the formation of Pt–Co nanoalloy with a high degree of alloying. It has been shown that the normalized active surface coverage increases the alloying degree of Pt–Co catalysts, indicating the importance of atomic distribution. Cyclic voltammetric measurement also reveals that the Pt–Co/CNT catalyst with a good alloying degree exhibits a better electrochemical activity, high CO tolerance, and long-term durability (>100 cycles). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Vertically aligned ZnO nanorod arrays with different heights are grown on the ZnO seeded indium tin oxide substrate by cathodic electrochemical deposition from zinc nitrate at two temperatures of 60°C and 80°C. As-grown ZnO nanorods exhibit wurzite crystal structure and their heights can be well controlled by different deposition times. The fluorination coating tends to induce a superhydrophobicity of ZnO nanorods, i.e., the maximal value of contact angle: 166.9°. The super water repellency can be attributed to the fact that an air layer is confined in the nanorod arrays, and thus leads to water droplets sitting on the ZnO surfaces, referring as Cassie state. Interestingly, their water contact angles are found to vary with the heights of ZnO nanorods, ranged from 99.8 to 746nm. The superhydrophobicity of ZnO surfaces can be well predicted by a proposed model that is capable of determining the wetted fraction of ZnO pillars. This satisfactory result would shed one light on how the variation of rod height would induce the superhydrophobic behavior of ZnO nanorod arrays. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Multi-layered carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been successfully synthesized by using the catalytic chemical vapor deposition over Ni- and Co-supported CaCO3 catalysts at different reaction temperatures in a fluidized bed reactor. The as-grown CNTs were characterized by N2 physisorption, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The CNT products are found to be mainly mesoporous, i.e., mesopore fraction: 84–92%. After chemical-wet purification, the CNTs appear as a multi-layered crystalline structure and their layer numbers show an increasing trend with growth temperature according to the calculation of Debye–Scherrer''s equation. Through the calculation of Arrhenius plots, the apparent activation energies are found to be 104.6kJmol−1 for Ni-catalyst and 61.6kJmol−1 for Co-catalyst. Additionally, a linear relationship between the growth rate and the partial pressure of acetylene indicated that the reaction order of CNT growth is of first order in the fluidized bed reactor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigated the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation behavior of Mg2Co nanoparticles and carbon nanotube (CNT) composites using temperature-programmed deposition, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). We used the mechanical alloying method to prepare nanosized Mg2Co particles on CNTs with three loadings of alloys. The introduction of CNTs showed dehydrogenation, hydrogen desorption starting at 370°C, with the majority of hydrogen being below 500°C. This can be explained by the fact that Mg2Co alloy deposited on CNT surface induced the dissociation of hydrogen into two atoms, which were spilt over and then intercalated into the interlayer of CNT. Accordingly, the atomic intercalation enabled the reduction of the hydrogen desorption activation barrier. The spillover mechanism of hydrogen storage can be confirmed by XRD and Raman spectroscopy because of larger interspacing (d 002) and weaker graphite degree (I D/I G) of CNTs after hydrogenation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrochemical activity of an electrode of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) attached with Ni nanoparticles was investigated. A surface modification technique enabled different Ni particle densities to coat onto the CNT surface, which was chemically oxidized by nitric acid. It was found that each nickel nanoparticle has an average size of 30–50 nm, and the Ni-attached CNTs still possessed a similar pore size distribution. Cyclic voltammetry measurements in 6 M KOH showed that the electrochemical adsorption and desorption amount of hydrogen is a linearly increasing function of the Ni loading. This enhancement of electrochemical activity was ascribed to a fact that Ni particle acts as a redox site for hydrogen storage, thus leading to a greater specific peak current. According to our calculation, the electrochemical capacitance of nickel nanocatalyst in KOH electrolyte was estimated to be the value of 217 F/g. Charge/discharge cycling demonstrated that the Ni-attached CNT electrode maintains fairly good cycleability during 50 cycles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Breast cancer (BC) remains the foremost cause of cancer mortality globally, with neutrophils playing a critical role in its pathogenesis. As an essential tumor microenvironment (TME) component, neutrophils are emerging as pivotal factors in BC progression. Growing evidence has proved that neutrophils play a Janus- role in BC by polarizing into the anti-tumor (N1) or pro-tumor (N2) phenotype. Clinical trials are evaluating neutrophil-targeted therapies, including Reparixin (NCT02370238) and Tigatuzumab (NCT01307891); however, their clinical efficacy remains suboptimal. This review summarizes the evidence regarding the close relationship between neutrophils and BC, emphasizing the critical roles of neutrophils in regulating metabolic and immune pathways. Additionally, we summarize the existing therapeutic approaches that target neutrophils, highlighting the challenges, and affirming the rationale for continuing to explore neutrophils as a viable therapeutic target in BC management. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is rare and potentially life-threatening; its etiology remains unclear. Imaging characteristics on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and their prognostic significance have rarely been studied. We sought to determine CMR's prognostic value in PPCM by using T1 and T2 mapping techniques. Methods: Data from 21 PPCM patients from our CMR registry database were analyzed. The control group comprised 20 healthy age-matched females. All subjects underwent comprehensive contrast-enhanced CMR. T1 and T2 mapping using modified Look-Locker inversion recovery and T2 prep balanced steady-state free precession sequences, respectively. Ventricular size and function, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), myocardial T1 value, extracellular volume (ECV), and T2 value were analyzed. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline and during follow-up. The recovered left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was defined as LVEF ≥50% on echocardiography follow-up after at least 6 months of the diagnosis. Results: CMR imaging showed that the PPCM patients had severely impaired LVEF and right ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF: 26.8 ± 10.6%; RVEF: 33.9 ± 14.6%). LGE was seen in eight (38.1%) cases. PPCM patients had significantly higher native T1 and ECV (1345 ± 79 vs. 1212 ± 32 ms, P < 0.001; 33.9 ± 5.2% vs. 27.1 ± 3.1%, P < 0.001; respectively) and higher myocardial T2 value (42.3 ± 3.7 vs. 36.8 ± 2.3 ms, P < 0.001) than did the normal controls. After a median 2.5-year follow-up (range: 8 months-5 years), six patients required readmission for heart failure, two died, and 10 showed left ventricular function recovery. The LVEF-recovered group showed significantly lower ECV (30.7 ± 2.1% vs. 36.8 ± 5.6%, P = 0.005) and T2 (40.6 ± 3.0 vs. 43.9 ± 3.7 ms, P = 0.040) than the unrecovered group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed ECV (OR = 0.58 for per 1% increase, P = 0.032) was independently associated with left ventricular recovery in PPCM. Conclusions: Compared to normal controls, PPCM patients showed significantly higher native T1, ECV, and T2. Native T1, ECV, and T2 were associated with LVEF recovery in PPCM. Furthermore, ECV could independently predict left ventricular function recovery in PPCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micelles are self-assembled nanoscaled aggregates from amphiphilic unimers and can be used to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs. However, the dynamic exchanging of unimers between micelles and bulk solution often leads to micelle destabilization and subsequent leaking of the encapsulated substances. Thus, we incorporated a hydrophobic polymer into the micellar core for interlacing the unimers and stabilizing the micelle structure. The polymer-stabilized and non-polymer-stabilized micelles have similar physicochemical properties including small sizes (~35 nm), negative surface charges (~−35 mV), and high drug contents (~15%). Drugs encapsulated in polymer-stabilized micelles are released in a slower rate than are non-polymer-stabilized micelles. From in vivo pharmacokinetic studies, drugs loaded in polymer-stabilized micelles have lower clearance and higher plasma concentration and lower volume distribution than non-polymer-stabilized micelles have. In conclusion, polymer-stabilized micelles can reduce rapid drug clearance via strengthening of the micellar structure and increase in the available drug amount in plasma, thus broadening pharmaceutical applications of micelles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]