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Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. This study aimed to establish novel multiclassification prediction models based on machine learning (ML) to predict the probability of malignancy in pulmonary nodules (PNs) and to compare with three published models. Methods: Nine hundred fourteen patients with PNs were collected from four medical institutions (A, B, C and D), which were organized into tables containing clinical features, radiologic features and laboratory test features. Patients were divided into benign lesion (BL), precursor lesion (PL) and malignant lesion (ML) groups according to pathological diagnosis. Approximately 80% of patients in A (total/male: 632/269, age: 57.73 ± 11.06) were randomly selected as a training set; the remaining 20% were used as an internal test set; and the patients in B (total/male: 94/53, age: 60.04 ± 11.22), C (total/male: 94/47, age: 59.30 ± 9.86) and D (total/male: 94/61, age: 62.0 ± 11.09) were used as an external validation set. Logical regression (LR), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) were used to establish prediction models. Finally, the Mayo model, Peking University People's Hospital (PKUPH) model and Brock model were externally validated in our patients. Results: The AUC values of RF model for MLs, PLs and BLs were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.73–0.88), 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82–0.99) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.67–0.88), respectively. The weighted average AUC value of the RF model for the external validation set was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.67–0.73), and its AUC values for MLs, PLs and BLs were 0.71 (95% CI: 0.68–0.79), 0.98 (95% CI: 0.88–1.07) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.61–0.74), respectively. The AUC values of the Mayo model, PKUPH model and Brock model were 0.68 (95% CI: 0.62–0.74), 0.64 (95% CI: 0.58–0.70) and 0.57 (95% CI: 0.49–0.65), respectively. Conclusions: The RF model performed best, and its predictive performance was better than that of the three published models, which may provide a new noninvasive method for the risk assessment of PNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • rTN activates glial cells in the vCA1, and increases extracellular adenosine, leading to anxiodepressive-like behaviors. • Activated astrocytes release excessive ATP by Cx43 and convert ATP into adenosine under the catalysis of microglial CD39. • Activated microglia release the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17A, promoting ATP release from astrocytes. • Adenosine enhances vCA1 pyramidal neuron excitability through A2A receptors and drives anxiodepressive-like behaviors. Glial activation and dysregulation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)/adenosine are involved in the neuropathology of several neuropsychiatric illnesses. The ventral hippocampus (vHPC) has attracted considerable attention in relation to its role in emotional regulation. However, it is not yet clear how vHPC glia and their derived adenosine regulate the anxiodepressive-like consequences of chronic pain. Here, we report that chronic cheek pain elevates vHPC extracellular ATP/adenosine in a mouse model resembling trigeminal neuralgia (rTN), which mediates pain-related anxiodepression, through a mechanism that involves synergistic effects of astrocytes and microglia. We found that rTN resulted in robust activation of astrocytes and microglia in the CA1 area of the vHPC (vCA1). Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of astrocytes and connexin 43, a hemichannel mainly distributed in astrocytes, completely attenuated rTN-induced extracellular ATP/adenosine elevation and anxiodepressive-like behaviors. Moreover, inhibiting microglia and CD39, an enzyme primarily expressed in microglia that degrades ATP into adenosine, significantly suppressed the increase in extracellular adenosine and anxiodepressive-like behaviors. Blockade of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) alleviated rTN-induced anxiodepressive-like behaviors. Furthermore, interleukin (IL)-17A, a pro-inflammatory cytokine probably released by activated microglia, markedly increased intracellular calcium in vCA1 astrocytes and triggered ATP/adenosine release. The astrocytic metabolic inhibitor fluorocitrate and the CD39 inhibitor ARL 67156, attenuated IL-17A-induced increases in extracellular ATP and adenosine, respectively. In addition, astrocytes, microglia, CD39, and A2AR inhibitors all reversed rTN-induced hyperexcitability of pyramidal neurons in the vCA1. Taken together, these findings suggest that activation of astrocytes and microglia in the vCA1 increases extracellular adenosine, which leads to pain-related anxiodepression via A2AR activation. Approaches targeting astrocytes, microglia, and adenosine signaling may serve as novel therapies for pain-related anxiety and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the association between β1 adrenergic receptor autoantibodies (β1-AA) and angiotensin II type-1 receptor autoantibodies (AT1-AA) and cardiac function in patients with hypertension complicated with left ventricular diastolic function limitation. Methods. A total of 120 patients with essential hypertension who were not taking drug treatment and were hospitalised in the Department of Cardiology at the authors' hospital from April 2018 to December 2018 were enrolled in this study and divided into a diastolic dysfunction group (65 cases) and a normal diastolic group (55 cases) according to their left ventricular diastolic function. The levels of cardiac parameters, β1-AA, AT1-AA, and other indicators were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the related factors affecting left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). The diagnostic efficacy of related factors in the diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction was evaluated. Results. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the left ventricular posterior wall diameter (10.29 ± 1.23 vs. 9.12 ± 1.53), left ventricular systolic dysfunction (10.56 ± 1.37 vs. 9.43 ± 1.44), systolic blood pressure (152.37 ± 10.24 vs. 140.33 ± 5.99), diastolic blood pressure (95.66 ± 6.34 vs. 87.33 ± 7.28), β1-AA (33 vs. 9 cases), and AT1-AA (35 cases vs. 12 cases) were higher in the dysfunction group than in the control group (all P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that β1-AA (odds ratio OR = 1.96 , 95% confidence interval CI : 1.369 – 4.345) and AT1-AA (OR = 2.02 , 95% CI: 1.332–6.720) were independent risk factors for cardiac diastolic dysfunction (P < 0.05). Both autoimmune antibodies had a certain predictive value, and the combined prediction value of the two was the highest, with an area under the curve of 0.942 (95% CI: 0.881~0.985). Conclusion. The positive rate of β1-AA and AT1-AA in essential hypertension patients with LVDD was higher than that in the normal group. Both β1-AA and AT1-AA could be used as early markers of LVDD in essential hypertension patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between the microlymphangiogenesis, microangiogenesis, and combined detection of the programmed cell death-1 protein (PD-1)/ki67 in patients with gastric cancer as well as the disease prognosis. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the microlymphatic density (MLD) and microvessel density (MVD) in the central and peripheral zones in 92 cases of gastric cancer, along with the number of PD-1- and ki67-positive tumor cells. Results: The central zone of the gastric cancer tissue contained fewer atretic cord-like lymphatic vessels than the peripheral zone, while the peripheral zone contained an increased number of lymphatic vessels compared with the central zone. In most cases, the lumen was also dilated. Compared with the MLD in the peripheral zone, the MLD in central zone was significantly decreased. Compared with the number of PD-1-positive cells in the peripheral zone, the number of PD-1-positive cells in the central zone was significantly decreased, and compared with the number of ki67-positive cells in the peripheral zone. The differences in the microlymphangiogenesis, microangiogenesis, and the number of PD-1- and ki67-positive cells among the different histological types were not statistically significant. The microlymphangiogenesis, microangiogenesis, and PD-1- and ki67-positive cells were significantly decreased in the gastric cancer tissues from the patients in stages T1 and T2 compared with the gastric cancer tissues from the patients in stages T3 and T4. Conclusions: The detection of the MLD and MVD as well as the positive expression of PD-1 and ki67 in gastric cancer tissue are important reference indicators for judging the prognosis of gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly regio-, chemo-, and stereoselective cascade process initiated by enantioselective iminium-catalyzed conjugate addition of 2-hydroxycinnamaldehydes and 2-oxocarboxylic esters is presented. Normal cinnamaldehydes are not reactive under the same reaction conditions. Bridged bicyclic ketals rather than acetals bearing stereocenters on both the bridge carbon and bridgehead ketal carbon are synthesized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia are often accompanied by anxiety and depression. Microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation is involved in the development of neuropathic pain and anxiodepression pathogenesis. Whether and how microglia are involved in trigeminal neuralgia‐induced anxiodepression remains unclear. Experimental Approach: Unilateral constriction of the infraorbital nerve (CION) was performed to establish trigeminal neuralgia in rat and mouse models. Mechanical allodynia and anxiodepressive‐like behaviours were measured. Optogenetic and pharmacological manipulations were employed to investigate the role of hippocampal microglia in anxiety and depression caused by trigeminal neuralgia. Key Results: Trigeminal neuralgia activated ipsilateral but not contralateral hippocampal microglia, up‐regulated ipsilateral hippocampal ATP and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) levels, impaired ipsilateral hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) and induced anxiodepressive‐like behaviours in a time‐dependent manner in rodents. Pharmacological or optogenetic inhibition of ipsilateral hippocampal microglia completely blocked trigeminal neuralgia‐induced anxiodepressive‐like behaviours. Activation of unilateral hippocampal microglia directly elicited an anxiodepressive state and impaired hippocampal LTP. Knockdown of ipsilateral hippocampal P2X7 receptors prevented trigeminal neuralgia‐induced microglial activation and anxiodepressive‐like behaviours. Furthermore, we demonstrated that microglia‐derived IL‐1β mediated microglial activation‐induced anxiodepressive‐like behaviours and LTP impairment. Conclusion and Implications: These findings suggest that priming of microglia with ATP/P2X7 receptors in the ipsilateral hippocampus drives pain‐related anxiodepressive‐like behaviours via IL‐1β. An asymmetric role of the bilateral hippocampus in trigeminal neuralgia‐induced anxiety and depression was uncovered. The approaches targeting microglia and P2X7 signalling might offer novel therapies for trigeminal neuralgia‐related anxiety and depressive disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a robust face recognition method based on adaptive image matching and a dictionary learning algorithm was proposed. A Fisher discriminant constraint was introduced into the dictionary learning algorithm program so that the dictionary had certain category discrimination ability. The purpose was to use this technology to reduce the influence of pollution, absence, and other factors on face recognition and improve the recognition rate. The optimization method was used to solve the loop iteration to obtain the expected specific dictionary, and the selected specific dictionary was used as the representation dictionary in adaptive sparse representation. In addition, if a specific dictionary was placed in a seed space of the original training data, the mapping matrix can be used to represent the mapping relationship between the specific dictionary and the original training sample, and the test sample could be corrected according to the mapping matrix to remove the contamination in the test sample. Moreover, the feature face method and dimension reduction method were used to process the specific dictionary and the corrected test sample, and the dimensions were reduced to 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150, respectively. In this research, the recognition rate of the algorithm in 50 dimensions was lower than that of the discriminatory low-rank representation method (DLRR), and the recognition rate in other dimensions was the highest. The adaptive image matching classifier was used for classification and recognition. The experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm had a good recognition rate and good robustness against noise, pollution, and occlusion. Health condition prediction based on face recognition technology has the advantages of being noninvasive and convenient operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to analyze the influence of tolerance values of key parameters for cylindrical roller bearings under combined axial and radial loads, a coupled model, incorporating a dynamic model of cylindrical roller bearings, contact model, and fatigue life model, is developed to investigate the effect of flange angle, roller-end radius, interval of roller length gauge, and roller profile on contact performance and fatigue life. The results show that the grouping design of flange angle and roller-end radius in the tolerance range was helpful for reducing contact ellipse truncation. The difference of the roller length would change the axial load distribution of the bearings. For the longest roller located in the bottom position, the bigger the difference, the bigger the roller tilt angle and carried-axial load. The (0, +2.5 μm) tolerance range of the crown drop can limit the difference of the fatigue life within 20% in the current analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IRF4 is a master member of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family playing vital regulatory roles in immune system development and function. Tetrapods have a single-copy IRF4 gene, while teleosts harbor duplicated IRF4 genes. This work describes three IRF4 paralogs from yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), designated PfIRF4A, PfIRF4B and PfIRF4B-like. These genes all contain a typical IRF structural architecture. Phylogenic and synteny analyses indicate that they should arise from the teleost-specific whole-genome duplication. PfIRF4 genes are abundantly expressed in the immune-related tissues and upregulated by PolyI:C, LPS, and Edwardsiella ictaluri. Ectopic expression of these genes inhibits the activation of fish type Ⅰ IFN promoters and downregulates the transcription levels of IFN-responsive genes, thus allowing the efficient replication of a fish rhabdovirus, spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV). PfIRF4s possess a repressive effect on MyD88-mediated activation of IFN and NF-κB. Some differences are observed between each individual paralog. PfIRF4B is the main form expressed across the tissues and the most up-regulated one after pathogen induction. It exerts a stronger inhibitory effect on IFN antiviral response than the other two paralogs. PfIRF4A and PfIRF4B-like are primarily present in the nucleus, while PfIRF4B displays colocalization and direct associations with MyD88 in the cytoplasm. Overall, the data demonstrate that three PfIRF4 paralogs show shared and individual functional properties in the negative regulation of type Ⅰ IFN response. • Three IRF4 paralog genes arose from gene duplication exist in yellow catfish. • PfIRF4s act as negative mediators of type Ⅰ IFN responses. • Three IRF4 paralogs display shared and individual properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although green light is not considered to contribute to the photosynthesis of plants, the photosynthesis of ginger, a dual-purpose vegetable used as a medicine and food, is affected by the green wave band. In this study, the supplementary green band of sunlight (SG) increased the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), and actual photochemical efficiency of PSII (Y(II)) compared with the sunlight treatment (S). The Pn and Fv/Fm of the SG treatment were higher than those of the white light (W) treatment, while the Pn and Fv/Fm of the green light (G) treatment alone were lower than those of the W treatment. Further analysis found that the minimal fluorescence (Fo) of the S treatment increased, especially at noon, while the Fo of the SG treatment decreased. Similarly, the Fo of the W treatment increased significantly, while the Fo of the white–green mixed light (WG) treatment decreased. The relative fluorescence values of the K-J-I bands in the SG and WG treatments were lower than those in the S and W treatments, respectively. The photochemical quenching (qP) of the WG treatment was higher than that of the W treatment, while the primary thermal losses corresponded to the sum of nonregulated heat dissipation and fluorescence emission (Y(NO)) of the WG treatment was lower than that of the W treatment. The SG treatment reduced the accumulation of plastoglobules but increased the accumulation of starch granules and leaf thickness. Moreover, the green band supplemented with white light significantly increased the biomass of the aboveground plant parts and promoted the active growth of the aboveground parts. Supplementing green light plays a regulatory role in ginger based on the following four points. First, it effectively promotes the transfer of electrons between the acceptor side of photosystem II; second, it optimizes ginger photosynthesis; third, it alleviates strong light stress by reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species; and fourth, it promotes heat dissipation and reduces the rapid burst of active oxygen in the chloroplast caused by excess energy. In summary, green light can significantly optimize the photosynthetic characteristics of ginger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study aims to compare the electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities and QT interval prolongation in 2,886 patients with viral hepatitis cirrhosis and 643 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis in order to understand the characteristics of ECG in patients with cirrhosis and provide information and evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods. The ECG data of patients with viral hepatitis cirrhosis and alcoholic liver cirrhosis in the outpatients and inpatients of our hospital from August 2012 to July 2018 were reviewed. The ECG data were recorded, and the ECG report was issued by ECG experts to analyze the abnormal ECG and QT interval of patients in these two groups. Results. In the present study, 1,132 (39.22%) of the 2,886 patients with viral liver cirrhosis and 322 (50.08%) of the 643 patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis had an abnormal ECG (P < 0.001). Among patients with QT prolongation, 388 patients had viral liver cirrhosis (13.44%) and 170 patients had alcoholic liver cirrhosis (26.44%, P < 0.001). Conclusion. The hemodynamics and electrophysiology of the myocardium are often changed in patients with cirrhosis, and ECG changes may also occur. QT interval prolongation is one of the most common electrophysiological abnormalities in patients with cirrhosis, and QT prolongation is more common in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Prolonged QT is associated with severe arrhythmia and sudden death and can warn of malignant arrhythmia and sudden death. Therefore, the routine detection of abnormal ECG and QT interval in patients with liver cirrhosis is of significant importance for preventing malignant events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dopamine (DA) is an important neurotransmitter; however, any excess or deficiency of DA will cause several diseases in humans. To monitor DA efficiently and conveniently, a Ag nanozyme strengthened by bioactive folic acid (FA@AgNPs) was developed by homogeneous redox assembly. After the microstructure and performance were characterized in detail, it was noted that the proposed FA@AgNPs possessed superior peroxidase-like activity due to the ultra-small Ag nanoparticles and multiple amino, hydroxyl, and aromatic rings in FA. FA@AgNPs accelerated the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) with a low Michaelis constant (Km) and high maximal reaction rate (Vmax). Importantly, the characteristic absorbance intensity of FA@AgNPs-TMB-H2O2 at 652 nm (A652) was exclusively deteriorated in the presence of trace DA, accompanied by a visual color change from blue to colorless. Under the optimized conditions (pH 4.0, 300 μL 1.5 mM TMB, 300 μL 1.0 M H2O2 and incubated for 30 min at room temperature), there expressed an excellent linear relationship between lgA0/A652 and cDA from 1.0 ×10−8 to 6.67×10−6 mol/L with a low limit detection of 7.1×10−10 mol/L (S/N=3). When applied for monitoring of DA in real fruit juice and pharmaceutical samples, the recovery was between 96.6% and 104.9%, with RSD less than 2.2%. The enhanced peroxidase-like activity of the FA@AgNP system and its selective recognition mechanism for DA are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The melting at the magnesium/aluminum (Mg/Al) interface is an essential step during the fabrications of Mgâ€"Al structural materials and biomaterials. We carried out molecular dynamics simulations on the melting at the Mg/Al interface in a Mgâ€"Alâ€"Mg nanolayer via analyzing the changes of average atomic potential energy, Lindemann index, heat capacity, atomic density distribution and radial distribution function with temperature. The melting temperatures ( T m ) of the nanolayer and the slabs near the interface are significantly sensitive to the heating rate ( v h ) over the range of v h  ≤ 4.0 K psâˆ'1. The distance ( d) range in which the interface affects the melting of the slabs is predicted to be (âˆ'98.2, 89.9) Ă... at v h â†' 0 , if the interface is put at d  = 0 and Mg (Al) is located at the left (right) side of the interface. The T m of the Mg (Al) slab just near the interface (e.g. d = 4.0 Ă...) is predicted to be 926.8 K (926.6 K) at v h â†' 0 , with 36.9 K (37.1 K) below 963.7 K for the nanolayer. These results highlight the importance of regional research on the melting at an interface in the nanolayers consisting of two different metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new quaternary ammonium ionic liquid was synthesised and used to strip montmorillonite. • An environmentally friendly composite hydrogel has successfully prepared. • The composite hydrogel efficiently removes cationic dyes (MB, RhB), anionic dyes (MO, IC) and 4-nitrophenol. • The adsorption mechanisms involve electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding. • Selectivity and circulation experiments revealed the practical application of adsorbent. Herein, quaternary ammonium ionic liquids (DM) with different chain lengths was successfully synthesised for the removal of sodium montmorillonite (MMT) and a composite hydrogel (DMCHA) was prepared. The hydrogel was used for the synergistic removal of organic pollutants such as cationic dyes (methylene blue: MB, rhodamine B: RhB), anionic dyes (methyl orange: MO, indigo red: IC) and nitrobenzene compounds (4-nitrophenol: 4-NP) from wastewater. Notably, the maximum adsorption amounts of MB, MO, IC and RhB were 349.68, 325.42, 306.08 and 332.85 mg/g, respectively, at 298.15 K. The reduction of 4-NP by composite hydrogels loaded with Ni-NPs showed excellent catalytic performance (K app = 0.17). The adsorption process of DM 16 CHA on dyes conforms to the Langmuir model, obeys the proposed first-order model of intraparticle diffusion, and is spontaneous and heat-absorbing. Selectivity experiments with mixed dyes solutions indicate promising applications for DM 16 CHA. The adsorption mechanism of DM 16 CHA on the four dyes was mainly based on electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interaction. The cyclic adsorption experiments showed that DM 16 CHA has excellent recyclability. Furthermore, DM 16 CHA has excellent antimicrobial and mechanical properties that endow the gel-based adsorbent with contamination resistance and durability. The DM 16 CHA provides an economical, efficient, green and promising strategy for industrial wastewater treatment and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), as a good data dimensionality reduction method, is widely used in the field of image recognition. Incremental non-negative matrix factorization (INMF) as an improvement solves the problem of inefficiency caused by repeated running of data samples during online learning. However, in the traditional incremental non-negative matrix factorization algorithm, the newly added training samples do not contain label information. Some samples may be marked in both the initial sample and the new training sample in the real application scenario. In order to make full use of the label information carried by the dataset, in this paper, we propose a semi-supervised non-negative matrix factorization model for batch incremental data, incremental semi-supervised graph learning NMF with block diagonal (ISGDNMF). The model is divided into three cases according to the degree of label-carrying for the new batch data: all label-carrying, no label-carrying, and partial label-carrying. The label information is also used to add a diagonal structure to the coefficient matrix, which makes it possible to have stronger discriminatory ability and to distinguish different classes of images more easily. And graph regularization information is added in order to maintain the spatial-geometric structure of the data. Experiments on six image datasets show that this algorithm has superior performance relative to the other seven NMF-based algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution had exacerbated the global water crisis. Dye effluents posed a serious threat to the environment and human health, so there was an urgent need to develop sustainable methods to mitigate water pollution. In this work, sodium-based montmorillonite (MMT) was stripped using ionic liquids (ILs) with different chain lengths, and a pAAM/pAA/LMA/MMT@ILs-CS hydrogel adsorbent (MICHA) was prepared. The gel-based adsorbent was used to adsorb typical cationic (methylene blue: MB, rhodamine B: RhB) and anionic (methyl orange: MO, indigo carmine: IC) dyes from wastewater. The maximum adsorption capacities of MI 16 CHA for MB, MO, IC and RhB were 349.6817, 325.415, 316.0142 and 339.8154 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption kinetics and equilibrium data of MI 16 CHA for dyes were in accordance with the pseudo-first order and Langmuir isotherm models. The adsorption mechanism of MI 16 CHA on dyes were based on hydrogen bonding, electrostatic and π-π interaction. Thermodynamic studies showed that the adsorption of dyes on MI 16 CHA was spontaneous and heat-absorbing. The selective experiments demonstrated that MI 16 CHA has a promising application in real industrial conditions. Cyclic adsorption tests demonstrated the excellent recyclability of MI 16 CHA. In addition, MI 16 CHA had excellent antimicrobial and mechanical properties, which endowed the gel adsorbent with anti-pollution and durability. [Display omitted] • An environmentally friendly gel-based adsorbent has been successfully prepared. • The gel-based adsorbent showed high adsorption efficiency for cationic (MB, RhB) and anionic (MO, IC) dyes. • Adsorption mechanisms include hydrogen bonding electrostatic and π-π interaction. • Excellent mechanical and antimicrobial properties give the gel-based adsorbent resistance to contamination and durability. • Selectivity, continuity, and circulation experiments revealed the practical application of adsorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Foam concrete with 3D superhydrophobicity was developed by a one-step method. • PMHS reacted with Ca(OH) 2 to foam and contributed to the superhydrophobicity. • PMHS transformed as silicone films enhancing the robustness of superhydrophobicity. • The foam concrete possessed excellent chemical durability and weathering resistance. The poor durability of lightweight foam concrete, stemming from its highly porous and hydrophilic nature, is a major limitation for its wider application. Designing a superhydrophobic structure would be an effective approach to improving the durability of foam concrete. In this study, a facile strategy was developed to produce 3D superhydrophobic foam concrete using Poly(methyl hydrogen)siloxane (PMHS) by means of in-situ foaming and low surface energy characteristic. Results show that PMHS could be hydrolyzed and released hydrogen gas by reacting with the hydration product of Ca(OH) 2. The resulting self-foaming lightweight concrete exhibits controllable average pore sizes ranging from 229 to 430 μm, with a density between 610 and 1177 kg/m3. The hydrolyzed PMHS self-assembles on the foam films, and the micrometer pores are carried with gel-like silicone microfilms through PMHS liquid–solid phase transition after 90℃ steam curing. With the synergetic effect of the dense silicone films and the particular pore frame, the superhydrophobic foam concrete demonstrates good fundamental properties, including thermal insulation and sound absorption, mechanical robustness, chemical durability, and weathering resistance. This study provides a practical solution for developing superhydrophobic lightweight concrete, which substantially enhances the durability of porous cement-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Controlled catalytic activity by changing pH. • A systematic study of the kinetics of catalytic reactions. • Chemical cross-linking by the addition of non-toxic NH 2 -SiO 2. • Hydrogel with both physical and chemical crosslinking networks. • The first systematic study of the mechanical properties of hydrogels for catalysis. In catalytic reactions, achieving large specific surface area immobilisation of the catalyst is an important factor affecting the catalytic effect, however, the primary challenges in utilizing hydrogels as catalyst carriers are to enhance the mechanical properties of the hydrogel to improve the activity and controllability of the catalyst. In this study, a new structure of P(AM-co-AA)/SMA/NH 2 -SiO 2 hydrogels was synthesized via free radical polymerization, and the effects of the content of AA and NH 2 -SiO 2 on the mechanical properties of the hydrogels were investigated. Without the use of additional cross-linking agents, both a chemical cross-linking network and a hydrophobic linkage network were established, which effectively reconstructed the structure of the hydrogels and dissipated energy. As a result, P(AM-co-AA-1.5 %)/SMA/NH 2 -SiO 2 -0.5 % hydrogel exhibited high mechanical properties, with tensile strength, elongation, and toughness reaching 1456 KPa, 4605 %, and 23.59 MJ/m3, respectively. This hydrogel can be utilized as a template for in situ and stable Ag NPs. Additionally, P(AM-co-AA)/SMA/NH 2 -SiO 2 @Ag composite hydrogels were prepared using cation exchange and in situ reduction methods for the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The composite hydrogel exhibited fast catalysis, high efficiency, stable cycling, recyclability and adjustable catalytic activity at 35 °C with K app = 0.811 min−1. Furthermore, using this composite hydrogel alleviated the need for separating metal nanoparticle catalysts from the reaction system, thereby enabling the development of robust hydrogel materials with controlled catalytic activity for the wastewater treatment industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An organocatalytic multicomponent reaction of N-protected hydroxylamines, acrylaldehyde and acetal-containing enones was developed. Bisacetal-containing bicyclic isoxazolidine derivatives bearing four continuous stereocenters were formed with excellent stereoselectivities. A plausible reaction pathway was proposed based on 18O-labeling control experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diamond wire cutting polysilicon waste powder is a potential raw material for the preparation of α-Si3N4 fibers with its ultra-fine particle size and high reactivity. In this study, a new method for the preparation of α-Si3N4 fibers by additive-assisted nitridation was proposed, and the effects of type and content of additives, temperature and time on the nitridation of polysilicon waste powder were investigated in detail. The experimental results showed that compared to the samples without additive assistance, the samples containing 50 wt.% additive can obtain silicon nitride powders dominated by α-Si3N4 fibers after nitriding at 1250 °C for 8 h. Moreover, the growth of α-Si3N4 fibers obeys the VS mechanism. The decomposition of urea and melamine at low temperature produces a large number of pores, which in turn promotes the nitridation of polysilicon waste powder. The addition of α-Si3N4 acts as a diluent on the one hand, and provides nucleation conditions for the growth of α-Si3N4 fibers on the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional catalytic hydrogels were a promising catalyst carrier with the advantages of low cost, high efficiency and environmental friendliness. However, conventional hydrogels suffered from mechanical defects and brittleness. Acrylamide (AM) and lauryl methacrylate (LMA) were used as raw materials, SiO 2 -NH 2 spheres as toughening agents, and chitosan (CS) as stabilizers to form hydrophobic binding networks. p(AM/LMA)/SiO 2 -NH 2 /CS hydrogels exhibited superior stretchability and withstood strains up to 14,000 %. In addition, these hydrogels exhibited exceptional mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 213 kPa and a toughness of 13.1 MJ/m3. Surprisingly, the introduction of chitosan into hydrogels showed excellent antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. At the same time, the hydrogel served as a template for the formation of Au nanoparticles. This resulted in high catalytic activity for methylene blue (MB) and Congo red (CR) on p(AM/LMA)/SiO 2 -NH 2 /CS-8 %-Au hydrogels with K app of 1.038 and 0.76 min−1, respectively. The catalyst was also found to be reusable for 10 cycles while maintaining an efficiency of over 90 %. Therefore, innovative design strategies can be used to develop durable and scalable hydrogel materials for catalysis in the wastewater treatment industry. • A novel hydrogel encapsulation method for immobilizing metal nanoparticles and its application in industrial sustainable catalysis. • Hydrogels can be used as carriers to load Au nanoparticles and effectively prevent their agglomeration. • Hydrogel catalysts have high catalytic activity and reusability for dye reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inland East Asia encompasses particular landscapes, including discontinuous large deserts isolated by mountains, and these landscapes have been greatly impacted by the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) since the Pliocene. However, little research has been performed on the impact of desertification on the evolutionary history of animals in this area. We examined a widespread desert rodent species, Dipus sagitta, to better understand the influences of geological events on the evolutionary history and phylogeographic patterns. We sequenced two mitochondrial genes and three nuclear genes from 237 individuals collected from 43 populations across inland East Asia. Phylogenetic, network, intraspecific delimitation, and population structure analyses identified a structured pattern of geographic differentiation with six well-defined evolutionary clades. High mountains (such as the Tianshan Mountains) and important climate demarcation lines (such as the 200 mm isohyet) were inferred as genetic barriers among the six clades by BARRIER analysis. The most recent common ancestor of D. sagitta was estimated to have existed in late Miocene, and the first clade was estimated to have diverged at c. 7.57 Ma, whereas the later clade diversified rapidly at approximately 2.56–1.53 Ma during the Pleistocene. Demographic analyses suggested different demographic histories among the distinct clades, and the continuous expansion that occurred during the climate oscillation period appeared to be more closely related to the increasing aridification caused by orogeny rather than climate oscillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of exponential synchronization for neutral-type neural network with stochastic perturbation and Markovian switching parameters is considered in this article. Based on Lyapunov functional method and the theory of stochastic process, the exponential synchronism of the neural network is analyzed. By designing an adaptive state feedback controller, the exponential synchronization criterion of the neural network is obtained which can be represented as linear matrix inequality. Furthermore, the update rule for the adaptive controller is obtained. Finally, a simulation example is proposed to explain the availability of the results and method obtained in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A heterometallic 3d-4f complex with hepta-nuclear hexagonal cluster, [ErZn6(μ3-O)3(μ3-C2H4NO2)6(H2O)9]6+ (C2H4NO2 = glycine) was synthesized and characterized. The cluster belongs to hexagonal crystal system. It crystallizes in the P-6 space group. In each cluster, Er3+ ion is in the center of a prism, which is composed of six zinc atoms. Er3+ ion coordinates to nine oxygen atoms. Each glycine ligand chelates to two Zn2+ and one Er3+ ions using a μ3-coordination mode. Fluorescent, thermodynamic and magnetic studies of the cluster were performed. The complex does not show single molecule magnet behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of multiple‐path test cases can greatly enhance the efficiency of path‐wise testing. Various methods adopting meta‐heuristic algorithm to generate multiple‐path test cases have been proposed, but existing methods focus on improving the meta‐heuristic algorithm to get better test case generation efficiency, and test cases covering each path needs to be generated by meta‐heuristic algorithm searching. To improve efficiency, a test case generation method for multiple‐path coverage is proposed in this study, which combines a particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm with metamorphic relations (MRs). The method first generates a test case using the PSO algorithm, and then generates new test cases by repeatedly using MRs between test cases. This method reduces evolving numbers of PSO algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed method can significantly enhance the efficiency in terms of fitness evaluations and time consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the physicochemical double cross-linking nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared. Due to the addition of ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride salt), Laponite cannot spontaneously form a high thixotropic gel in water. The homogeneously dispersed Laponite nanosheets act as dynamic physical crosslinking sites, which cooperate with the chemical crosslinking center of MBA in the polymer chain segments and build a super-strong and super-tough hydrogel network structure. The PAM/Laponite/IL nanocomposite hydrogel achieves excellent tensile strength up to 1191 Kpa, a high tensile strain of 6842%, and a very high toughness of 26.62 MJ/m3. In this paper, an effective mechanism to enhance the mechanical properties of the hydrogel is proposed based on the structural evolution of Laponite. This highly flexible nanocomposite hydrogel shows excellent potential as a load-bearing material. [Display omitted] • Provides an easy and efficient method of promoting the dispersion of high contents of Laponite in water. • Compared to other acidic and chlorinated polymers, ionic liquids are the fastest and most influential in stripping Laponite. • Physico-chemical double cross-linked hydrogel with both high strength and high strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complex of copper perchlorate coordinated with imidazole Cu(CNH)(ClO) was synthesized and characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The complex is centrosymmetric in the monoclinic P2(1)/ c space group. The low-temperature molar heat capacities and thermodynamic properties of the complex were studied with adiabatic calorimetry (AC). The thermodynamic functions [ H - H ] and [ S - S ] were derived in the temperature range from 80 to 370 K with temperature interval of 5 K. Thermal decomposition behavior of the complex in nitrogen atmosphere was studied by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The mechanism of the decomposition was deduced to be the breaking up the two Cl-O bonds of the Cl-O-Cu and the Cu-N bonds of the imidazole rings in succession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of wireless sensor network can achieve real-time monitoring of the underwater environment. Nodes must be effectively deployed in the targeted monitoring area to gain full coverage of the resources in a monitored area of water. However, the variability of flowing water is likely to cause a delay in the transmission of the resource data. Node mobility also requires the use of a more advanced algorithm in the coverage control method of the WSN. What type of methods or measures should be used to deploy mobile sensor nodes to effectively meet the requirement of water resource monitoring tasks and realize the full coverage of water resources, thereby improving the monitoring quality? Moreover, how can the coverage capacity of mobile sensor nodes be improved in water resource monitoring? These are pressing research issues to resolve. This study proposes the deployment of an algorithm for an improved sensor network k-coverage based on probabilistic sensing; maximum weight matching is introduced to realize a centralized allocation strategy, which can effectively reduce the energy consumed in node allocation. The coverage results obtained in a simulation were higher than those of the event probability and the energy-efficient coverage algorithms. The energy consumed during sensor node movement was lower than that with the latter two approaches, indicating that the network node coverage algorithm based on probabilistic sensing that is proposed in this study can effectively meet the requirements for the application of WSNs in water resource monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 1, 8-naphtylimide-based probe 1 was developed for fluorescence sensing of uridine diphosphate (UDP). Probe 1 selectively recognized UDP in solvant system (DMSO-H 2 O) over other structurally similar nucleotides. Among all the tested targets, only the addition of UDP resulted in fluorescence enhancement of about 13-fold. Probe 1 , the first receptor moiety without metal center, could recognize UDP only by multi H-bonds formed between the organic ligand and the base group in nucleotide. Moreover, probe 1 exhibited excellent cell permeability. The fluorescence imaging of UDP by probe 1 in Hela cells and Caenorhabditis elegans ( C. elegans ) demonstrated its potential as a fluorescent sensor for in vivo imaging of UDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the nitroxide radicals, four-spin complexes [Mn(hfac) 2 (IMpPhCl)] 2 ·NITpPhCl ( 1 ) and [Mn(hfac) 2 (IMmPhCl)] 2 ·NITmPhCl ( 2 ) (IMpPhCl = 2-(4'-chlorophenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl, IMmPhCl = 2-(3'-chlorophenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl, hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate) have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The X-ray crystal structure analyses show that the structures of the two compounds are similar and the imino nitroxide radical ligand acts as a bridge ligand linking two Mn(II) ions through the oxygen atom of the N–O group to form a four-spin system. Two kinds of nitroxide radicals: nitronyl nitroxide and imino nitroxide radicals coexist in the cyclic Mn(II) complexes. The magnetic studies show that there exists an antiferromagnetic interaction between Mn(II) ions and the imino nitroxide radical ligands, which is explained by spin polarization mechanism. The antiferromagnetic interaction of Mn−Rad in complex 2 ( J 1 = −9.36 cm −1 ) is stronger than that in complex 1 ( J 1 = −9.19 cm −1 ), which is consistent with crystal structure of complexes (The bond length of the shortest Mn-O in complex 2 (2.1625 Å) is smaller than complex 1 (2.1898 Å)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, the spectral characterization and the crystal structure of 25,27-bis(2-isocyanoethoxy)-5,11,17,23-tetra- tert -butyl-26,28-dihydroxythiacalix[4]arene and of the reaction intermediate 25,27-bis(2-aminoethoxy)-5,11,17,23-tetra- tert -butyl-26,28-dihydroxythiacalix[4]arene are here described. The target diisonitrile compound crystallizes in the triclinic system with space group P -1 while the diamine intermediate is trigonal with space group R -3. In both structures, the thiacalix[4]arene units adopt a broadly similar pinched cone conformation, where two aromatic rings bearing an ethereal group are almost parallel while two phenolic rings lie near-vertically. In the supramolecular structure of both molecules, various intermolecular interactions involving C H⋯O, C H⋯C, C H⋯ π and weak C H⋯S interactions were found. Moreover, the Hirshfeld surface analysis of the target compound was made to further confirm the crystal packing driving forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles-encapsulation poly(ionic liquid) hydrogels possessed extraordinary mechanical strength, highly catalytic efficiency, antibacterial, self-adhesive and self-healing, which could serve as reusable catalysts for the sewage disposal industry. [Display omitted] • The hydrogel presented excellent mechanical and catalytic properties. • The hydrogel exhibited super-tough without the addition of other additives and cross-linking agents. • The hydrogel owned satisfactory self-adhesive and self-healing ability. • The hydrogel owned satisfactory antibacterial properties. The design and fabrication of functional hydrogel materials for catalysis environmental pollutants has gained immense interest. However, fabricating a hydrogel with both excellent mechanical and catalytic properties remains a challenge. Herein, we successfully achieved polyacrylamide/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate bromododecane p(AM/DMLB) hydrogel with poly(ionic liquids) microspheres as toughened point and catalytic sites. Under the dual effect of ionic crosslinking network and hydrophobic association network, p(AM/DMLB)/PILs-MPs hydrogels exhibit excellent mechanical properties, such as the tensile strength (1.38 MPa), elongation (2000%), and toughness (1.15 MJ∙m−3). Simultaneously, the hydrogel could act as a template for loading of Pd nanoparticles without the addition of other additives and crosslinking agents. The metal-loaded composite hydrogels exhibits excellent catalytic property in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reaction, and reduction rate constants (K app) was 0.226 min−1. The strategy offers a novel economically feasible route to catalytic use in the sewage-disposal industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex [Cu( μ -Gly)Im(ClO 4 )] n (Im = imidazole, and Gly = glycine) with μ -glycine-briged copper (II) chain, containing six-coordination distorted elongated octahedron, was synthesized and characterized. The complex belongs to space group P 21/ c measured by X-ray single crystal diffraction. In the cluster, each Cu 2+ ion are six-coordination by one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms of glycine, one nitrogen atoms of imidazole, and two of oxygen atoms of two perchlorate. Each Cu 2+ ion has an N 2 O 4 donor set, which forms the distorted elongated octahedron due to the Jahn–Teller (JT) effect. The magnetic and thermodynamic properties were researched. Magnetic susceptibilities of the complex showed that ferromagnetic interactions occurred between the Cu (II) atoms. The Curie–Weiss constant C = 0.565 cm 3 K·mol −1 and the Weiss constant θ = 1.0585 K were given by the Curie-Weiss law The ferromagnetic nature of the interaction could be deduced as the exchange pathway of Cu O C O Cu, which involved an equatorial position at one copper (II) ion and an axial position of the nearest copper (II). The complex decomposed from 511 to 538 K as two steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyl etherified amino resin is widely used in steel plate and automotive coatings. Since it is hard and brittle, it often needs to be compounded with other film-forming materials to improve the performance. In this study, waterborne acrylic resin was crosslinked with total-methyl etherified amino resin to form a film, and the pyrolysis kinetics of the product under optimal conditions was studied. The kinetic activation energy and pre-exponential factor of thermal degradation were calculated by Kissinger method, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method and Kissinger-Akahira-Suunose method. In addition, the corresponding thermal degradation mechanism function was deduced by Coats-Redfern method. Comparing the film-forming properties and pyrolysis properties of waterborne acrylic resin before and after cross-linking, it was found that the flexibility, adhesion and thermal stability of the products were improved. This study provides quantitative data for the application of total methyl etherified amino resin in resin matrix. [Display omitted] • The crosslinking curing conditions of acrylic acid and amino resin were optimized. • The cross-linking degree of the newly formed resin is high, and the hardness, thermal stability, water resistance and corrosion resistance are improved. • Thermal degradation kinetics were calculated by Kissinger, FWO, KAS and C-R method, and the results showed that the properties were improved after cross-linking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a ratiometric electrochemiluminescence (ECL) lab-on-paper platform, based on enhancing effect of the N-(4-aminobutyl)-N-ethylisoluminol-functionalized glutathione-coated cobalt/gold bimetallic nanoclusters (GCAL) and quenching effect of carbon quantum dots (CQDs), as well as benefiting from high conductivity copper paper electrode, was developed to achieve accurate and sensitive analysis of DNA methylation. Concretely, due to one-to-multiple amplification effect, one target DNA could initiate the formation of supersandwich structure with multiple signal probes labeled with GCAL. Thus, the GCAL signal enhancement effect was realized. Simultaneously, multiple signal probes are connected to hinder the electron conduction rate on the electrode surface, which results in the quenching of CQDs signal. With the method proposed here, wide linear relationship in the range of 1 fM to 10 pM with a low detection limit of 0.27 fM for sensitive detecting methylated DNA was achieved. It is believed that this work provided a rapid, low-cost and stabilized method for specific determination of methylated DNA, and the immediate detection of cancer in the clinic will become possible in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climatic niche conservatism shapes patterns of diversity in many taxonomic groups, while ecological opportunity (EO) can trigger rapid speciation that is less constrained by the amount of time a lineage has occupied a given habitat. These two processes are well studied, but limited research has considered their joint and relative roles in shaping diversity patterns. We characterized climatic and biogeographic variables for 102 species of arvicoline rodents (Arvicolinae, Cricetidae), testing the effects of climatic niche conservatism and EO on arvicoline diversification as lineages transitioned between biogeographic regions. We found that the amount of time a lineage has occupied a precipitation niche is positively correlated with diversity along a precipitation gradient, suggesting climatic niche conservatism. In contrast, shift in diversification rate explained diversity patterns along a temperature gradient. Our results suggest that an indirect relationship exists between temperature and diversification that is associated with EO as arvicoline rodents colonized warm Palearctic environments. Climatic niche conservatism alone did not fully explain diversity patterns under density-dependence, highlighting the additional importance of EO-related processes in promoting the explosive radiation in arvicoline rodents and shaping diversity pattern among biogeographic regions and along climatic gradients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mongolian Plateau (MP), which is situated in the interior of Asia and possesses a typical continental climate, experienced harsh climatic conditions during the Quaternary glacial fluctuations. Although these events likely had huge impacts on the local animal populations, the current effects have hardly been explored. To investigate whether the MP supported a refugium along an oceanic-continental gradient (ROCG), and whether this refugium was glacial or interglacial, we investigated the demographic and phylogeographic history of an endemic mammal species, the desert hamster Phodopus roborovskii. We reconstructed the demographic variation, the phylogeographic diffusion, and modelled the potential habitat during historical periods. The genetic diversity in the MP was the highest among all the localities, and the MP was a suitable habitat throughout the modelled historical periods. A phylogeographic diffusion analysis emphasized the importance of the MP as the centre of origin, preservation and spread for P. roborovskii. The homogeneous landscape provided the opportunity for a wide gene flow, which resulted in low resolution of the phylogenetic relationships. Moreover, P. roborovskii was favoured by the interglacial condition, with both its demographical and geographical ranges expanded within the interglacial periods. The range variation from the Last Glacial Maximum to the current condition reflects a distinct longitudinal shift, while both ranges largely contracted from that of the Last Interglacial. Our results support that the MP served as a refugium and spread centre for P. roborovskii during the Quaternary climate fluctuations. The interglacial expansion and the longitudinal shifts highlighted the important effects of precipitations on the distribution range of species adapted to arid and semi-arid during glacial oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The mortality from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is high, and its exact pathogenesis remains unclear, which forms a major obstacle for prevention and treatment of this disease. In the present study, we used digital gene expression (DGE) to detect the differentially expressed genes of the lung at 4 h after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure in a mouse model. Methods Mice were treated with LPS or control saline by intratracheal instillation for 4 h, and their lung tissues were collected for DGE analysis. We used a false discovery rate ≤ 0.001 and an absolute value of the log 2 ratio ≥ 1 as the thresholds for judging the significance of any difference in gene expression between the two members of each pair of mice. Results We obtained 3,387,842 clean tags (i.e., after filtering to remove potentially erroneous tags) and about 84,513 corresponding distinct clean tags (i.e., types of tag). Approximately 91.20% of the clean tags could be mapped, and 82.71% could be uniquely mapped, to the reference tags, and 3.82% were unknown tags. At least 2200 differentially expressed genes were identified and analyzed for enrichment of Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway. Twenty genes with the greatest difference in expression levels between the two members of every pair of mice were chosen. The majority of these genes are involved in signaling transduction, molecular adhesion, and metabolic pathways. Conclusions Using the powerful technology of DGE, we present, to our knowledge, the first in-depth transcriptomic analysis of mouse lungs after LPS exposure. We found some differentially expressed genes that might play important roles in the pathogenesis of ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A weighted graph is one in which every edge e is assigned a nonnegative number, called the weight of e. The sum of the weights of the edges incident with a vertex v is called the weighted degree of v, denoted by d( v). The weight of a cycle is defined as the sum of the weights of its edges. Fujisawa proved that if G is a 2-connected triangle-free weighted graph such that the minimum weighted degree of G is at least d, then G contains a cycle of weight at least 2 d. In this paper, we proved that if G is a 2-connected triangle-free weighted graph of even size such that d( u) + d( v) ≥ 2 d holds for any pair of nonadjacent vertices u, v ∈ V ( G), then G contains a cycle of weight at least 2 d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Co(II) complexes based on different nitronyl nitroxide radicals were synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically: [Co(hfac) 2 (NITPh p -Cl)(phenol)]( 1 ) and [(Co(hfac) 2 (NITPh-(OCH 3 ) 3 ) 2 )(Co(hfac) 2 (H 2 O) 2 )] ( 2 ) [hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate, NITPh- p -Cl = 2-(4′-chlorophenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimida-zoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, NITPh(OCH 3 ) 3 = 2-(3′,4′,5′-trimethoxyphenyl) -4,4,5,5-tetramethylimida-zoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide]. X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed that the Co(II) ions in complexes 1 and 2 are six-coordinated with slightly distorted octahedral geometry. The packing diagram of complex 2 shows a 3D supermolecular structure formed by intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurement studies revealed that complexes 1 and 2 exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions between Co(II) and radicals with J = − 0.1 cm − 1 ( 1 ) and J = − 3.43 cm − 1 ( 2 ), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A drying powder coating for concrete protection was fabricated by PMS modifying AAS. • PMS had an assisted alkali-activated and hydrophobic-modification effect. • The modifying mechanism was studied correlated with alkali-activated reaction. • The effect of PMS on the physical-chemical properties of AAS was investigated. • The protection mechanism of coating of reinforced concrete was discussed. Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) have attracted extension attention as a promising material for protective coating, while its protective efficiency was limited due to inherent poor anti-permeability when subjected to aggressive marine environments. In this work, a novel strategy for hydrophobic modification of alkali-activated slag (AAS) by compositing potassium methyl silicate (PMS) to produce a protective coating for reinforced concrete was reported. Results show that PMS had an assisted-alkali activation, and could graft hydrophobic groups (–CH 3) on the C-A-S-H/C-S-H gel chemical structure by condensation reaction. While PMS had a retard effect and reduced mechanical property due to the decreased binding energy of atoms and condensation degree of gel. The coating with 5 wt% PMS obtained a compacted microstructure, where gel production increased 26 %, porosity decreased 54 %, and harmless pore volume improved 14 %. The fabricated coating had excellent protective properties, which showed a bonding strength of 1.60 MPa, water contact angle of 128°, water absorption of 2.8 %, chloride ion penetration coefficient of 5.453 × 10-12 m−2/s, and the corrosion rate of reinforced rebar decreased by 97 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lab-on-paper (LOP) devices are urgently required for the rapid development of point-of-care diagnoses and environmental assays. Herein, an all-sealed paper-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) platform was developed to achieve lead ions (Pb2+) sensitive analysis via incorporating convenient plastic package technology. Benefiting from transparent plastic encapsulation, the sealed devices effectively avoided the interference of O 2. Meanwhile, myrica rubra-like Pt nanomaterials (MPNs) prepared by an economical and easy-to-operate ultrasound method were employed to catalyze H 2 O 2 decomposition. With the help of Pb2+-specific DNAzymes, the oligonucleotide probe functionalized via MPNs could be detached from the device in the presence of target, resulting in the reduced ECL intensity. Moreover, the combination of modified paper electrode with functional regions separated by multiple layers of wax enhanced the practicability of the LOP device for rapid detection. Under the optimal conditions, the all-sealed platform achieved wide linear relationship ranging from 0.01 nM to 0.05 μM with a low detection limit of 0.004 nM for sensitive detecting Pb2+. It is believed that this platform could provide a robust, simple and versatile strategy for sensitive determination of heavy metal ions, and be applied in on-site contamination analysis in the future. • An all-sealed paper-based ECL platform was constructed for Pb2+ detection. • The all-sealed device adopts plastic package to avoid the interference of O 2. • Myrica rubra-like Pt nanomaterials (MPNs) were rapidly synthesized via ultrasound. • The Pb2+-specific DNAzymes with MPNs realized efficient signal amplification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogel sensors exhibited high conductivity, antibacterial properties, and self-healing ability. [Display omitted] • The hydrogel sensors presented excellent electrical conductive and antibacterial properties. • The hydrogel sensors exhibited high electric conductivity without adding inorganic salt. • The hydrogel sensors owned satisfactory self-healing ability. Hydrogel wearable sensors with multifunctional characteristics are highly desirable in the development of the current environment. Besides the constant concern of high conductivity and good mechanical properties, antibacterial properties and self-healing capability are also essential to hydrogel strain sensors. Herein, inspired by the purslane, the multifunctional hydrogel sensors (p(AAm/DMLB)/IL-LPs/c-MWCNTs) were mainly constructed by the copolymerization of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMLB) and polyacrylamide p(AAm) without adding external antimicrobial agents in a facile strategy. The results exhibited DMLB could contribute not only the antimicrobial properties, but also interact with the carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (c-MWCNTs) and ionic liquid (IL)-latex particles (LPs) by hydrogen bond cross-linking and physical entanglement, respectively, which significantly enhanced the mechanical strength and resilience of the hydrogel sensors. Notably, without adding inorganic salt, the obtained hydrogel sensors owned a wide spectrum of sensory properties and high strain sensitivity (gauge factor = 12.71 at 100–1100%, quick response = 500 ms) owing to the synergistic effect between IL and c-MWCNTs. Moreover, the hydrogel sensors exhibited anti-piercing for efficient energy dissipation, together with self-healing properties. Therefore, the integration of self-healing, conductive and antibacterial hydrogel-based strain sensors will display broad application in sophisticated intelligence, soft robotics, bionic prosthetics, personal health care, and other fields using inexpensive, green, and easily available biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tunable grating-coupled external cavity (EC) laser is realized by employing a GaN-based laser diode as the gain device. A tuning range of 4.47nm from 403.82 to 408.29 nm is achieved. Detailed investigations reveal that the injection current strongly influences the performance of the EC laser. Below the free-running lasing threshold, EC laser works stably. While above the free-running lasing threshold, a Fabry-Pérot (F-P) resonance peak in the emission spectrum and a smooth kink in the output power-injection current characteristic curve are observed, suggesting the competition between the inner F-P cavity resonance and EC resonance. Furthermore, the tuning range is found to be asymmetric and occurs predominantly on the longer wavelength side. This is interpreted in terms of the asymmetric gain distribution of GaN-based quantum well material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A complex of lanthanum perchloric acid coordinated with glutamic acid, La(Glu)(Im)6(ClO4)3·4HClO4·4H2O was synthesized and characterized. The biological effect of the complex was evaluated by microcalorimetry on the growth of E. coli DH5α. Power–time curves of the growth metabolism of E. coli DH5α were studied using a TAM Air Isothermal Microcalorimeter at 37°C. From the power–time curves, the parameters such as growth rate constants (k), inhibitory ratio (I), the maximum heat power (P m) and the time of the maximum heat power (t m) were obtained. The results show that the concentrations of the complex affect obviously the growth metabolism of E. coli DH5α. The stimulatory effect on growth of E. coli DH5α was observed when the concentration of the complex was kept in the range of (0–0.5μgmL−1). In contrast to the lower concentration, in the case of higher concentration of the complex (0.5–5.0μgmL−1), an inhibitory effect occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A geopolymer based zinc coating with micro rough structure was prepared by sand particles. • Nano silicon filaments can in situ grow on geopolymer to form a superhydrophobic surface. • Geopolymer as binder enhance the anti-abrasion and durability of the coating. • Superhydrophobic zinc coating can be readily applied for steel. • The prepared coating possesses drag reduction, corrosion protection and repairable ability. Superhydrophobic surfaces are expected to be an effective technology for protecting marine metals. However, most of the reported methods are difficult to apply on steel surfaces. Herein, this study proposes a facile method of constructing a composite coating consisting of a zinc coating and superhydrophobic surface on a steel surface. A geopolymer-based zinc coating was precoated on the steel surface, and sand particles were used to form a rough micro structure. Then, the inherent alkaline species existing in the pore solution of the geopolymer trigger the hydrolysis-polymerization reaction of poly(methylhydrogen)siloxane (PMHS). After thermal curing, a superhydrophobic interface with a hierarchical micro/nanostructure can be assembled in situ on the coating surface. The prepared mechanism of the coating was characterized by SEM/EDS, XRD, CLSM, XPS, and the superhydropohocity performances were tested by water contact angle, drag reduction measurement and electrochemical analysis. The results show that the designed steel coating displayed a 45% drag reduction rate, 98% superhydrophobic repairable ability and excellent corrosion protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Supplementing green light under strong sunlight caused stem elongation and branching increase in ginger. • Supplementing green light under strong sunlight increased expression of photosynthetic gene photosynthesis rate. • Supplementing green light under strong sunlight reduced chloroplast senescence caused by excess light energy in summer. • Supplementing green light under strong sunlight increased biomass and improved rhizome quality. The green light for ginger growth may not be as unimportant as often assumed, but still now the roles of green light in ginger remain poorly understood. To investigate this issue, the 'Shandong No. 1'ginger cultivar was grown and treated with two contrasting light environments: sunlight (CK treatment), supplementing green light under strong sunlight (T1 treatment), and this study explored morphological alterations, photosynthetic responses and gene expression of ginger in response to supplementing green light under strong sunlight, based on ginger's own species characteristics. The results showed as follows. One hand, supplementing green light under strong sunlight promoted expression of gibberellin biosynthesis gene and altered the morphological characteristics of ginger. In response to supplementing green light under strong sunlight, ginger presented not only shade avoidance symptoms characteristics, but also promotion of number of shoots, and thus rendered higher crown density and greater crown volume. When exposed to supplementing green light under strong sunlight condition, the strategies implemented by ginger to deal with stem elongation and branching increase seemed to be a species-specific response. On the other hand, the positive effect of supplementing green light under strong sunlight on ginger also depends on the growth conditions. Previous research confirmed that ginger did not grow well under green light only treatment. In contrast, supplementing green light under strong sunlight resulted in higher crown density and greater crown volume, which played a role in shading for the inner leaves and young pseudostems under summer sunlight, although strong summer light posed a threat to ginger growth. In addition, supplementing green light under strong sunlight led to upregulation of chlorophyll metabolism gene and an increase in Chlorophyll a content. Also, the enhancement of green light radiation effectively increased expressions of photosynthetic genes and photosynthesis rate. These all contributed to the improvement of photosynthetic efficiency of ginger leaves, as a way to increase light energy consumption, and thus reduced chloroplast senescence caused by excess light energy in summer. Furthermore, higher photosynthesis rate contributed to accumulation of photosynthetic products, and supported the material requirements for increasing biomass and improving rhizome functional ingredients. Taken together, this study will lay the foundations of a better understanding of the importance of green light to ginger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A sensitive method based on the fluorescence quenching effect of the Tb3+-Tiron complex is proposed for the determination of alkali-labile phosphoprotein phosphorus (ALP) released from fish plasma. The detection limit was 5.4 ng/ml (S/N=2), and the relative standard deviation of the quenching effect (6 replicates) was 4.6%. The results obtained by the proposed method were in good agreement with those obtained by the colorimetric assay. The advantages of the present method are its relatively simple detection procedure, the lack of toxic organic solvents, and high sensitivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The molar heat capacity Cp,m of 1-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride was measured in the temperature range from T=(80 to 360) K with a small sample automated adiabatic calorimeter. The melting point Tm, the molar enthalpy ΔfusHm and the entropy ΔfusSm of fusion for the compound were determined to be (343.46 ± 0.24) K, (11.88 ± 0.02) kJ · mol-1 and (34.60 ± 0.06) J · K-1 · mol-1, respectively. The thermodynamic functions [H(T)-H(298.15)] and [S(T)-S(298.15)] were derived in the temperature range from T=(80 to 360) K with temperature interval of 5 K. The mass fraction purity of the sample used in the adiabatic calorimetric study was determined to be 0.9928 by using the fractional melting technique. The thermal stability of the compound was investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TG) technique, and the process of the mass-loss of the sample was due to the evaporation, instead of its thermal decomposition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is closely associated with the onset of diabetes, with obesity being a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the association between the AIP and T2DM in overweight and obese populations has been infrequently studied. Therefore, this study aimed to explore this association in overweight and obese individuals with T2DM. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis utilized data from 40,633 participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m2 who were screened from January 2018 to December 2023 at Henan Provincial People's Hospital. Participants were categorized into groups of overweight and obese individuals with and without diabetes according to the T2DM criteria. The AIP, our dependent variable, was calculated using the formula log10 [(TG mol/L)/HDL-C (mol/L)]. We investigated the association between the AIP and T2DM in overweight and obese individuals using multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, generalized additive models, smoothed curve fitting, and threshold effect analysis. Additionally, mediation analysis evaluated the role of inflammatory cells in AIP-related T2DM. Results: Overweight and obese patients with T2DM exhibited higher AIP levels than those without diabetes. After adjusting for confounders, our results indicated a significant association between the AIP and the risk of T2DM in overweight and obese individuals (odds ratio (OR) = 5.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.69–5.69). Notably, participants with a high baseline AIP (Q4 group) had a significantly greater risk of T2DM than those in the Q1 group, with an OR of 3.18 (95% CI 2.94–3.45). Subgroup analysis revealed that the association between the AIP and T2DM decreased with increasing age (interaction P < 0.001). In overweight and obese populations, the association between AIP and T2DM risk displayed a J-shaped nonlinear pattern, with AIP > – 0.07 indicating a significant increase in T2DM risk. Various inflammatory cells, including neutrophils, leukocytes, and monocytes, mediated 4.66%, 4.16%, and 1.93% of the associations, respectively. Conclusion: In overweight and obese individuals, the AIP was independently associated with T2DM, exhibiting a nonlinear association. Additionally, the association between the AIP and T2DM decreased with advancing age. Multiple types of inflammatory cells mediate this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]