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The Lamb waves in nematic elastomer plates are investigated by adopting the viscoelasticity theory in the hydro-dynamic (low frequency) limit. The Legendre polynomial series approach is employed to obtain the complex wave number solutions to characterize the wave propagation and attenuation. Some unique Lamb wave characteristics are revealed. Results show that the cutoff frequencies of all Lamb modes vanish due to the high viscoelasticity. Except for A0 mode, each mode has a minimal attenuation frequency. Besides, the attenuation of nematic phase is thousands of times greater than the isotropic phase, which would be significant in designing damping applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, multicolor electrochromic devices (ECDs) have attracted much attention due to their application potential for rich color similar to RGB mode. Although organic electrochromic (EC) materials are widely used in multicolor electrochromism because of their multicolor properties, remarkable weatherability remains challenging. Inorganic EC materials especially transition metal oxide are particularly attractive for excellent weatherability in ECD fabrication. Moreover, by selection of electrolytes, better ionic transfer efficiency can be rendered in the EC process. Although the morphology regulation of the EC film and the selection of electrolytes in the ion transmission layer play important roles in optimizing EC performance and have been extensively studied, a systematic and comprehensive review is lacking. In this review, the morphology regulation of the EC film and selection rules of electrolytes in the multicolor ECDs is focused, and the advantages and disadvantages of existing ways are discussed. The current application of multicolor ECDs is also outlined and it is hoped that this review can contribute some inspiration to designing and improving multicolor ECDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious inflammatory disease with high morbidity and mortality. Rosavin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phenylpropanoid and glucoside, which is isolated from Rhodiola rosea L. However, its potential molecular mechanisms and whether it has protective effects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI remain to be elucidated. To assess the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects and anti-lung injury activity of rosavin, RAW264.7 and A549 cells were stimulated using 1 μg/mL LPS. Rosavin attenuated LPS-induced activation of the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells and inhibited LPS-induced release of inflammatory factors in A549 cells. A mouse model of acute lung injury was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg LPS to observe the therapeutic effect of rosavin. Transcriptomics analysis and Western blot assays were utilized to verify the molecular mechanism, rosavin (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) dose-dependently ameliorated histopathological alterations, reduced the levels of inflammatory factors, and inhibited the TLR-4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway and apoptosis activation. Rosavin is a promising therapeutic candidate for acute lung injury by inhibiting the TLR-4/NF-κB/MAPK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes and analyzes the findings of children's observation records of block play with a focus on the wide range of mathematical outcomes resulting from children's block play. To this end, children's mathematical learning was analyzed in five areas: set and classification; pattern and symmetry; number and arithmetic; comparison and measurement; and geometry and space. It is found that symmetry accounts for the biggest proportion of mathematical concepts articulated, followed by attribute features and comparison, and graphic feature recognition. In comparison, children performed poorly in the categories of arithmetic, pattern expansion and creation, and measurement. Based on the performed analyses, it is found that investigating the types and frequency of mathematical knowledge that children acquire through block play is helpful to clarify the value and significance of block play in facilitating children's mathematical learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AG-MP-1M anion exchange resin is commonly used to separate and purify Cd from geological and environmental samples. However, a second column using anion exchange, TRU Spec, or BPHA extraction resins is also required to further purify Cd from the residual Sn for high-precision Cd isotope ratio measurements. In this study, a new and efficient single-stage separation method using AG-MP-1M (100–200 mesh) anion exchange resin was developed to separate Cd from geological and environmental samples for high-precision Cd isotope ratio measurements. Most of the Sn (>99%) is effectively stripped from the resin using a 2 M HCl + 4 M HF mixed eluent, unlike commonly used separation protocols with AG-MP-1M anion exchange resin, which only removes ∼65% of the Sn using HCl eluent. Furthermore, potential residual Sn is retained on the resin by elution of 0.04 M HCl + 2 M HF and 0.005 M HCl + 2 M HF, which allows quantitative collection of the Cd fraction (∼99.5%) without Sn tailing. The single-stage purification procedure takes advantage of the different affinities of Sn on AG-MP-1M anion exchange resin at different HCl and HF concentrations in mixed HCl + HF solutions, which allows direct and effective separation of Cd from Sn and other complex sample matrices. We used this procedure and the double-spike MC-ICP-MS method to determine the δ114/110CdNIST SRM 3108 values for Mn nodule, igneous rock, shale, soil, and sediment reference materials, and obtained results that agree within analytical uncertainty with the values reported in previous studies. In addition, the δ114/110CdNIST SRM 3108 values of soil (GSS-1a), sediment (GSD-4a), and dolomite (GSR-12) standard reference materials are reported for the first time in this paper. The described purification procedure allows efficient and rapid Cd isotopic analysis in different types of geological and environmental samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modular approach to highly functional acyl (MIDA)boronates is described. It involves the generation of the hitherto unknown radical derived from acetyl (MIDA)boronate and its capture by various alkenes, including electronically unbiased, unactivated alkenes. In contrast to the anion of acetyl (MIDA)boronate, which has not so far been employed in synthesis, the corresponding radical is well behaved and readily produced from the novel α‐xanthyl acetyl (MIDA)boronate. This shelf‐stable, easily prepared solid is a convenient acyl (MIDA)boronate transfer agent that provides a direct entry to numerous otherwise inaccessible structures, including latent 1,4‐dicarbonyl derivatives that can be transformed into B(MIDA) substituted pyrroles and furans. A competition experiment indicated the acyl (MIDA)boronate substituted radical to be more stable than the all‐carbon acetonyl radical but somewhat less reactive in additions to alkenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnSe with layered structure, as a member of 2D materials and transition metal chalcogenides, is a promising candidate of electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution. Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is an excellent substrate of electrocatalyst. In this work, SnSe nanosheets (NSs) had been prepared via liquid exfoliation, and the as-prepared SnSe NSs had been hybridized with RGO by a simple hydrothermal method. The SnSe/RGO hybrid shows superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance and charge transfer capability than SnSe NSs. In addition, it exhibits a superior HER performance in 1.0 M H2SO4 with overpotential of − 298.79 mV (vs. RHE) at a current density of 10 mA/cm2 and a Tafel slope determined to be only 97.56 mV/dec. Moreover, the SnSe/RGO hybrid as working electrode is provided with excellent durability, which is capable of maintaining working current for 10 h. As demonstrated above, relative high activity and stability and low price make the SnSe/RGO hybrid a promising electrocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using two-dimensional semiconductors to build heterojunction as photocatalyst for water splitting is an important green and clean energy technology and has wide development prospects. Here, the monolayered PtS 2 and g-C 3 N 4 are used to build the direct Z-scheme van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure, and the structure, electrical, Bader charge, optical properties and solar-to-hydrogen efficiency are calculated in detail through first-principle calculations. The direct Z-scheme PtS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 vdW heterostructure has an inherent type-II band alignment that enables it to reduce the photogenerated carriers aggregation, and it also possesses a decent band edge position to fully induce the redox reactions of decomposed water. The charge density shows that PtS 2 monolayer is negatively charged while g-C 3 N 4 monolayer is positively charged, and the interface potential drop of PtS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 vdW heterostructure forms a built-in electric field with the direction from g-C 3 N 4 to PtS 2. The PtS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 vdW heterostructure has suitable optical property, outstanding solar-to-hydrogen efficiency, high catalytic activity and thus a promising application prospect for photocatalytic water splitting. Band edge alignments of the PtS 2 and g-C 3 N 4 monolayers as well as the PtS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 vdW heterostructure. [Display omitted] • PtS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 heterostructure is a direct Z-scheme heterostructure. • PtS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 heterostructure has a large built-in electric field from g-C 3 N 4 to PtS 2 layer. • PtS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 heterostructure has a maximum absorption of 5.82 × 10 5 c m − 1 near 400 nm. • PtS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 heterostructure has a high solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 31.64 %. • PtS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 heterostructure is a promising water-splitting photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TRU Spec resin is commonly used to purify Cd from residual Sn, however, this resin can induce anomalous interference on Cd isotopic measurement which may be attributed to phosphor bound organics that are eluted along with Cd fractions. In this study, progressive δ114/110CdNIST 3108 isotopic positive shifts are observed with the increase of the concentration ratio of [P/Cd] (e.g., ≥100), which further confirms the interference of P on Cd isotopic measurement. Furthermore, mass scans of the P solution reveals no interfering ion beams across the Cd mass range (masses 106 to 116). These results indicate that anomalous shifts in the Cd isotope measurement may be caused by P-related matrix effects. Here, BPHA extraction resin instead of TRU Spec resin is employed to further purify Cd from residual Sn after the separation of Cd using an anion exchange resin column (AG-MP-1M). The BPHA extraction resin is made of N-benzoyl-N-phenylhydroxylamine (BPHA) impregnation into a microporous acrylic ester polymeric resin (CG-71) without phosphorous organic compounds. This resin exhibits a good ability to purify Cd fractions from interference elements such as Sn, Mo, Zr, and Nb. Cd isotope ratios are determined using double spike MC-ICP-MS. The δ114/110CdNIST 3108 values of geological reference materials determined by the presented method are in agreement with previous results within analytical uncertainties. The results confirm that our proposed method is suitable for accurate and precise determination of Cd isotopic compositions in low-Cd geological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The crustacean hepatopancreas was reported to play important roles in ovarian maturation, providing not only energy but also essential fatty acids and cholesterol required for the synthesis of steroid hormones. In addition, it is also an important site of vitellogenin synthesis in crustaceans. The role of crustacean hepatopancreas in regulating ovarian maturation in crustaceans has attracted more attention. However, the molecular mechanisms about the regulation are little known in scientific research. Our data indicated the key proteins of carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lysosome pathways played important roles in hepatopancreas, as the ovaries developed to maturation in Macrobrachium nipponense. The results provide new insight into regulatory mechanisms of hepatopancreas in crustacean reproduction. A TMT-based (Tandem Mass Tag) liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomics approach was employed to explore differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and KEGG pathways in hepatopancreas of 5 ovary stages. In total, 17,999 peptides were detected, among which 3395 proteins were identified. Further analysis revealed 26, 24, 37, and 308 DEPs in HE-I versus HE-II, HE-II versus HE-Ⅲ, HE-Ⅲ versus HE-Ⅳ, and HE-Ⅳ versus HE-Ⅴ, respectively (HE-I, HE-II, HE-III, HE-IV, and HE-V means hepatopancreas sampled from ovary stage I to V.). Gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated that DEPs were significantly enriched in "catalytic activity", "metabolic process", and "cell" of 4 comparison groups in turn. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment results showed that in hepatopancreas, as the ovaries developed to maturation, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lysosome played important roles in turn. The mRNA expression of 15 selected DEPs were consistent with proteome results by qPCR analysis. Further mRNA expression investigation results suggested 4 proteins (fatty acid-binding protein, NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 1, Serine hydroxymethyltransferase, and Crustapin) were involved in ovary maturation. These results enhance the understanding of the regulatory role of hepatopancreas in M. nipponense ovary maturation and provide new insights for understanding the crustacean regulation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we explored way to improve the photocatalytic hydrogen production activity of C3N5. A spot of CdS precursor was doped into the prepared porous C3N5 precursor, and CdS/C3N5 compounds were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Compared with C3N5, the absorption range of the CdS/C3N5 materials decreased slightly (1.765 eV), but the charge carrier mobility increased. And the electron-hole recombination rate greatly decreased via heterojunction Type-I, which resulted in the better photocatalytic performance. Experimental results show that the optimal CdS/C3N5 can produce hydrogen more than 4 times than pure C3N5, and the stability is far better than that of single photocatalytic material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials have aroused widespread interest due to the high potential in modern photoelectronics. The strategy for improving the stability of 2D materials in the air, reinforcing formation, and transport of photoexcited carriers would open up promising routes toward flexible facilities. In this paper, surface engineering is executed on 2D InSe by decorating Au species for a lower bandgap allowing for efficient sunlight harvesting and decreased barrier with the substrate for improved electron transport. Moreover, hot electrons produced by Au nanoparticles under light irradiation pour into InSe for boosting photocurrent. Au nanoparticles also serve as conducting bridges in InSe−Au photoanode, where the contact resistance is two orders of magnitude lower than that of InSe electrode. Compared with InSe and other 2D counterparts, InSe−Au flexible photoelectrochemical detectors behave with outstanding performances under sunlight irradiation, including responsibility 55.4 µA W−1, detectivity 4.18 × 109 Jones. Importantly, the working electrode shows excellent ON/OFF switching stability after bending for 5000 times (3 months of storage in the air). This surface engineering provides a general strategy to tailor 2D materials for wearable photoelectronic devices in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melicope pteleifolia is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant that is thought to be developed as a biological insecticide. In this work, essential oils (EOs) of M. pteleifolia (collected in 2021 and 2022) over different extraction time (1 h, 2 h, 5 h) were investigated for their chemical composition and insecticidal activities. The EOs extracted from fresh leaves in 2021 were named A1h, A2h and A5h, and extracted from fresh leaves in 2022 were named B1h, B2h and B5h. The chemical components of EOs were analyzed by GC-MS. α-Thujene is the common primary compound of the EOs A1h, A2h and A5h, which contained 83.27%, 63.86% and 25.17%, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that sesquiterpenes were the primary representative components in EOs. The EOs that were extracted for 5 h were significantly different from other EOs. Moreover, the EOs and α-thujene showed obvious contact and repellent activities against Lasioderma serricorne and Liposcelis bostrychophila. The gray correlation degree explained that EOs A2h and A5h had the strongest repellency against L. serricorne, while EOs A1h and B1h had the most significant repellent effect on L. bostrychophila, with coefficients above 0.50. The comprehensive score of weighting coefficient revealed that the scores of EOs A1h and A5h were the highest and both reached 0.80. In general, M. pteleifolia have the potential to be exploited as biological insecticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in new cases of drug resistance to first-line drugs such as ethambutol (ETB) makes it necessary to develop improvements for antituberculosis drugs. A new method for improving the bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) was investigated for preventing drug resistance and side-effects of antituberculosis drugs. In this study, an antituberculosis drug delivery system using β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as the supramolecular carrier of ETB was prepared using the kneading method. The inclusion behaviour of β-CD/ETB inclusion complex in solid and liquid state was investigated. The inclusion complex was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The 1H and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy NMR results indicated the hydrophobic interaction between β-CD and ETB. Meanwhile, the Benesi-Hildebrand equation was used to calculate the formation constant (K) of β-CD/ETB complex in natural condition, pH4, and pH9, which were 105.43, 107.06, and 119.11, respectively. The stoichiometry ratio of β-CD/ETB complex was proven to be 1:1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetylene detection plays an important role in fault diagnosis of power transformers. However, the available dissolved gas analysis (DGA) techniques have always relied on bulky instruments and are time-consuming. Herein, a high-performance acetylene sensor was fabricated on a microhotplate chip using In2O3 as the sensing material. To achieve high sensing response to acetylene, Pd–Ag core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized and used as catalysts. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image clearly shows that the Ag shell is deposited on one face of the cubic Pd nanoseeds. By loading the Pd–Ag bimetallic catalyst onto the surface of In2O3 sensing material, the acetylene sensor has been fabricated for acetylene detection. Due to the high catalytic performance of Pd–Ag bimetallic nanoparticles, the microhotplate sensor has a high response to acetylene gas, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10 ppb. In addition to high sensitivity, the fabricated microhotplate sensor exhibits satisfactory selectivity, good repeatability, and fast response to acetylene. The high performance of the microhotplate sensor for acetylene gas indicates the application potential of trace acetylene detection in power transformer fault diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In lignocellulose biorefineries, the profitability of the process is dependent on efficient feedstock use. To fully valorize all carbohydrates from corn cobs, a newly integrated strategy was developed as a two-step treatment with formic acid for simultaneous production of furfural and ethanol. Corn cobs were first treated with concentrated formic acid at 80 °C for 3 h, and an easily digestible residue with high purity cellulose was fractionated. Following post-treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation, 67.9 g/L ethanol was obtained at 160 g/L initial glucan loading with a high total yield of 75.6%. The fractionated spent liquor was then treated at a high temperature after recovering a large amount of formic acid and lignin by simple rotary evaporation and precipitation. The results showed that the remaining hemicellulose sugar could be converted into furfural using residual formic acid in syrup (31.3 g/L) as a self-catalyst. After optimization of the process, 49.3% furfural yield and 10.8 g/L furfural were achieved at 160 °C for 60 min with the aid of AlCl 3. The two-step approach based on formic acid pretreatment exhibited excellent performance in the efficient conversion of corn cobs into chemicals and energy, which shows enormous potential for biomass refining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a simple and efficient two-stage tandem protocol for separating Cu from geological samples for accurate and precise measurement of Cu isotopic ratios employing multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). The first column utilizes Cu-selective resin to separate Cu from the matrix by employing 0.001 mol L−1 and 0.5 mol L−1 HNO3 to elute the majority of matrix elements and Cu from the resin, respectively. The second column utilizes AG50W-X12 cation exchange resin (100–200 mesh, Bio-Rad) to further purify Cu from the remaining trace elements such as Ti, V, and Fe. A two-stage tandem column setup is utilized, with the Cu eluent from the Cu-selective resin column being allowed to directly pass onto the cation exchange column without an evaporation step. The presented column protocol only requires a total of 38 mL of dilute acid and takes ∼3 h for Cu separation, generating a low analytical blank level (0.37 ± 0.05 ng; 2SD, n = 8). The instrumental mass bias of Cu isotopic measurement induced by MC-ICP-MS is corrected by applying a sample-standard bracketing method. In light of repeated measurements of NIST SRM 976, NWU-Cu-A, and NWU-Cu-B, the long-term external reproducibility is better than ±0.07‰ (2SD, n = 277) for δ65Cu. The validation of the presented protocol is confirmed by analysis of twelve geological reference materials with accurate and precise results, which are identical to the published values within uncertainty. Therefore, the presented protocol can be employed efficiently for obtaining pure Cu fractions and determining Cu stable isotopic ratios in geological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • High proportion of di-rhamnolipid can enhance enzymatic hydrolysis. • Incorporation of di-rhamnolipid in enzymatic hydrolysis yielded 196 g/L glucose. • 89.1 g/L ethanol was obtained from the fermentation of enzymatic hydrolysate. High-solids enzymatic hydrolysis is the premise of obtaining high concentration ethanol by fermentation. In this study, corn stover was first pretreated with formic acid under mild conditions, and more than 70 % of xylan and lignin were removed within the first hour. 173.0 g/L glucose was achieved from total 30 % solid of the pretreated corn stover via fed-batch mode. Moreover, the glucose concentration rose to 194.5 g/L and the hydrolysis time was significantly reduced by 42.9 % with the addition of di-rhamnolipid. On this basis, 89.1 g/L ethanol was obtained by fermentation, and the presence of di-rhamnolipid had no negative effect on fermentation. The effective conversion of corn stover to high titer ethanol provides support for the conversion of stover to ethanol in industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the research of carbon dots (CDs) containing various nitrogen sources, it was first found that urea/citric acid-CDs showed a selective discolouration reaction with sulphide ions. Therefore, by optimizing various synthesis and detection conditions of the CDs determining sulfur ions, such as the raw material ratio, temperature, time, pH, and oxidation atmosphere in the CD synthesis, a discolour CD-probe method for trace-level sulphide ions was developed. The method is environmentally friendly, shows two linear-response ranges in 0.050–1.0 mg L−1 (A = −0.0827c + 0.8366) and 1.0–15 mg L−1 S2− (A = −0.0209c + 0.7587) and can be used for the high and low concentration quantification of sulphide in various wastewaters. Subsequently, in order to realize the separation and detection of sulphide ions in wastewaters or rich- and barren-liquids containing N-methyldiethanolamine and other substances in desulphurizing solutions, an automatic pretreatment system was also established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an effective semiconductor catalyst, cadmium sulfide (CdS) is used in the field of split water hydrogen evolution because of its suitable band gap (~2.4 eV), good photocatalysis activity. However, the rapid recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs limits the application of CdS in the field of catalytic hydrogen evolution. Here, we synthesize a CdS/MoS2 mixed‐dimensional heterojunction by a simple hydrothermal method. In this process, CdS nanoparticles were supported on MoS2 nanosheets, where MoS2 acts as a loading platform and co‐catalyst to improve the photocatalytic performance of CdS. A series of characterizations confirmed that CdS nanoparticles with a size of approximately 130 nm were uniformly grown on the surface of MoS2 nanosheets. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) tests show that this CdS/MoS2 mixed‐dimensional heterojunction has enhanced photocatalysis hydrogen evolution activity, which is due to the CdS/MoS2 mixed‐dimensional heterojunction can promote the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and positive synergy of MoS2 nanosheets as a co‐catalyst. In addition, a new electrically assisted method is used to enhance the photocatalytic activity, and the photocatalytic performance of the CdS/MoS2 mixed‐dimensional heterojunction is improved by nearly four times when a voltage of 0.6 V is applied. This phenomenon is attributed to the fact that providing an appropriate voltage can further promote the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and rapid carrier mobility, thereby effectively improve the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst. This work provides a good guiding significance for the design and construction of high‐performance hydrogen evolution catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an emerging imaging modality, transient imaging that records the transient information of light transport has significantly shaped our understanding of scenes. In spite of the great progress made in computer vision and optical imaging fields, commonly used multi-frequency time-of-flight (ToF) sensors are still afflicted with the band-limited modulation frequency and long acquisition process. To overcome such barriers, more effective image-formation schemes and reconstruction algorithms are highly desired. In this paper, we propose a compressive transient imaging model, without any priori knowledge, by constructing a near-tight-frame based representation of the ToF imaging principle. We prove that the compressibility of sensor measurements can be presented in the Fourier domain and held in the frame, and the ToF measurements possess multi-scale characteristics. Solving the inverse problems in transient imaging with our proposed model consists of two major steps, including a compressed-sensing-based approach for full measurement recovery, which essentially reduces the capture time, and a wavelet-based transient image reconstruction framework, which realizes adaptive transient image reconstruction and achieves highly accurate reconstruction results. The compressive transient imaging model is suitable for various existing multi-frequency ToF sensors and requires no hardware modifications. Experimental results using synthetic and real online datasets demonstrate its promising performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steam pretreatment at high temperatures enables fresh bamboo to possess antifungal and antiseptic properties. The process produces a large amount of wastewater that urgently needs to be recycled. Soluble bio-tars derived from wastewater under low-temperature (LTS-tar) and high-temperature (HTS-tar) steam pretreatments of moso bamboo were studied with a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG–FTIR) and pyrolysis–gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS). Thermogravimetric analysis showed that in the three stages of the thermal decomposition process, the final residue of the bamboo and HTS-tar had two main peaks of 0.88 wt% and 6.85 wt%. The LTS-tar had much more complicated thermal decomposition behavior, with six steps and a high residue yield of 23.86 wt%. A large quantity of CH4 was observed at the maximum mass loss rates of the bamboo and bio-tars. Acids, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and phenolic compounds were found in the pyrolysis products of the bamboo and soluble bio-tars. Both bio-tars contained carbohydrates and lignin fragments, but the LTS-tar under mild steam conditions had more saccharides and was much more sensitive to temperature. The lignin in the bamboo degraded under harsh steam conditions, resulting in high aromatic and polymeric features for the HTS-tar. The significant differences between LTS-tar and HTS-tar require different techniques to achieve the resource utilization of wastewater in the bamboo industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungsten disulfide (WS2) as a 2D layered material shows good application in the field of electrocatalysis due to its unique 2D structure, excellent electronic properties, and catalytic activity. However, the electrocatalytic performance of bulk WS2 materials is limited due to the lack of active sites. Hence, a few layers of WS2 nanosheets are prepared by a simple method of lithium (Li)‐ion intercalation exfoliation, and enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance is demonstrated compared to bulk WS2. This method can not only realize the large‐scale preparation of WS2 nanosheets, but also the obtained WS2 nanosheets have a larger lateral size, a good lattice structure, and no chemical impurities remain. Most importantly, it is realized that the reduction in the thickness of WS2 nanosheets will generate additional active sites from the ultrathin planar structure, thereby improving electrocatalytic activity. The exfoliated WS2 nanosheets show a smaller overpotential compared to the bulk WS2, the overpotential is about 320 mV at 10 mA cm–2. This work shows that Li‐ion intercalation exfoliated method is an efficient strategy to prepare 2D nanosheets materials and effectively improve its electrocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sample densification decreases as the volume fraction and unit cell become larger. • TPMS improved the load-carrying capacity of the lattice structure. • The collapse is discussed as leading to structural mechanical properties contrary to some studies. • Varying the geometric characteristics of the lattice structure can change the vibration performance. • TPMS lattice structure has better performance in low frequency vibration isolation. Several research has been done on the conventional strut-based lattice structures, which have the problem of stress concentration in the application. In recent years, a new lattice structure, the triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattice structure is increasingly gaining attention, but its vibrational properties have been less studied. In this study, the IWP-type TPMS lattice structures and ordinary body-centered cubic (BCC) counterparts with similar topology were prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) additive manufacturing (AM) technique. The compression behavior of the structures and the energy absorption capacity were determined by uniaxial compression tests. The frequency response and the damping ratio of the structure were calculated by dynamic vibration transfer rate tests. The results show that the stiffness and inherent frequency of the lattice structure are proportional to the volume fraction and inversely proportional to the cell size. Decreasing the volume fraction and increasing the cell size can be more beneficial to achieve low-frequency vibration isolation. Moreover, the IWP-type triply periodic minimal surface lattice structures have better mechanical properties than BCC structures and have good vibration isolation properties. Insights from this paper provide a reference for improving the load-carrying and vibration isolation performance of lightweight lattice structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An ordered pre-incubated strategy is key to the auxiliary effect of PEG in high-solids hydrolysis. • The viscosity in a high-solids system was greatly decreased by pre-incubating substrate with PEG. • PEG pre-incubated enzyme demonstrated the least lignin adsorption capacity. High-solids enzymatic hydrolysis for biomass has currently received considerable interest. However, the solid effect during the process limits its economic feasibility. This work presented an ordered polyethylene glycol (PEG) pre-incubated strategy for enhancing the auxiliary effect of PEG in a high-solids enzymatic hydrolysis system. The substrate and enzyme were separately pre-incubated with PEG in this strategy. The ordered PEG pre-incubated strategies yielded a maximum glucose concentration of 166.6 g/L from 32 % (w/v) pretreated corncob with an enzymatic yield of 94.1 % by 72 h hydrolysis. Using this method, PEG not only lessened the lignin adsorption to cellulase but also altered particle rheological characteristics in the high-solids enzymatic hydrolysis system as a viscosity modifier. This study offered a new insight into the mechanism behind the PEG synergistic effect and would make it possible to achieve efficient high-solids loading hydrolysis in the commercial manufacture of cellulosic ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three earthquake-resilient steel frame joints with different connection forms were investigated in this study. The three joints were first tested via cyclic loading tests. The test phenomena of the hinged joint were found to be similar to those of the bolted joint. Owing to the double-hinge connection, the instability of the energy dissipator occurred after its slippage. The cyclic performance of the bolted joint was the greatest among that of the three joints. Furthermore, the energy dissipation of the double-hinge joint was approximately identical with that of the hinged joint. The load–displacement relationships of the three joints were then deduced; a bilinear mechanical model was adopted for the joints. The theoretical results agreed with the test results. Thus, the monotonic load–displacement relationships can be used for evaluating the cyclic performance of the three joints. Ultimately, the test process was reproduced via finite element analysis, which was used to further analyze the difference of the three connection forms. The same amount of energy dissipation was observed for the energy dissipators. It was observed that the release of axial constraint has less effect on the cyclic performance of the joint. • Three earthquake-resilient joints with different connection forms were studied. • The load–displacement relationships of the three joints were deduced. • The three joints with the same size of T-shape energy dissipators were tested. • The test process of the three joints was reproduced via FE analysis. • The difference in the three connection forms was compared and summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrocatalytic oxygen evolution performance of Gr 2 Ge 2 Te 6 nanosheets was enhanced by an external magnetic field. [Display omitted] • The OER performance of Cr 2 Ge 2 Te 6 nanosheets was improved by reducing the thickness and adjusting the number of active sites on the surface. • The surface activity of Cr 2 Ge 2 Te 6 nanosheets was enhanced by applied magnetic field to improve the OER properties. • The physical mechanism of improving the electrocatalytic performance of Cr 2 Ge 2 Te 6 nanosheets by improving the surface charge transport was revealed. Two-dimensional materials as excellent candidates for noble metal electrocatalysis still face great challenges in the practical application of efficient water electrolysis. Recent reports have shown that applying external fields (such as magnetic field, light field, etc.) is a simple and effective strategy to improve the electrocatalytic water splitting performance of non-precious metal catalysts. In this work, we systematically studied the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution performance of magnetic Cr 2 Ge 2 Te 6 nanosheets through a series of strategies. Firstly, the number of layers of Cr 2 Ge 2 Te 6 nanosheets was reduced by liquid exfoliation, and the active specific surface area was increased, which effectively improved the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance of Cr 2 Ge 2 Te 6 nanosheets. Subsequently, the electrocatalytic performance of Cr 2 Ge 2 Te 6 nanosheets was further enhanced by the application of external magnetic field. The current density of 10 mA/cm2 corresponds to an overpotential of 231 mV and a Tafel slope as low as 64.1 mV/dec. Combined with the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the analysis of the electrochemcial active surface area (ECAS), the Lorentz force generated by magnetic field and the local heating induced by alternating magnetic field can improve the charge transfer efficiency in the electrocatalytic process, thus improving the performance of electrocatalytic oxygen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an intelligent soft material, nematic elastomers (NEs) possess both rubber elasticity and the unique properties of liquid crystals. Such combination gives NEs unusual mechanical response. In this paper, guided waves in nematic elastomer hollow cylinders are investigated. Based on the viscoelasticity theory, the wave governing equations are derived and solved by the Legendre polynomial series approach (LPSA). This approach can directly obtain eigenvalues/eigenvectors characterizing wave propagation and attenuation or field profiles. The effects of circumferential order and radius-thickness ratio on dispersion and attenuation curves are discussed. Besides, dispersion and attenuation curves with different initial director orientations are presented. It is found that the existence of the director results in mode conversions between adjacent flexural longitudinal modes and flexural torsional modes. The results provide important guidance for dynamic design and device analysis of cylinder-shaped nematic elastomer devices. • Through the minimum attenuation frequency of longitudinal modes, dominant displacement undergoes notable changes. • Harm of low-frequency axial waves is greater than that of high-frequency waves. • NE cylinders can withstand large torsional impacts or loads at the minimum attenuation frequencies. • The director results in mode conversions between adjacent flexural longitudinal and flexural torsional modes. • Soft elasticity leads to no cut-off frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a unique monoelemental 2D material, black phosphorus (BP) has attracted great research interest in the field of electrocatalytic oxygen release due to its special electronic structure and satisfactory catalytic activity. However, the limited catalytic activity of BP nanosheets limits its practical application. Here, a one‐pot hot solution method is used to synthesize a mixed‐dimensional hybrid of BP nanosheets loaded with Au nanoparticles (BP/Au). The electrochemical test results show the BP/Au exhibits excellent electrocatalytic oxygen evolution performance with an ultra‐low onset potential (1.36 V) and Tafel slope (68.1 mV dec−1). The first‐principles calculation results further support the experimental results, in which the loading of Au nanoparticles realizes the transition of BP from the semiconductor phase to the metal phase, which makes the BP/Au exhibit faster carrier mobility. The BP/Au also exhibits a Gibbs free energy closer to the optimal value of the OER. This is because Au nanoparticles can inject free electrons unto the surface of BP and realize the coupling effect between the local semiconductor and metal, thereby effectively improving the carrier mobility and catalytic activity. This work fully confirms that the BP/Au is a suitable candidate for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution, and provides effective strategies for constructing efficient electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Spirulina platensis is recognized as one of the most nutritious foods, containing a high protein content of up to 70%. Meanwhile, he interest in using natural protein resources to develop bioactive peptides is steadily increasing. Therefore, this study released the bioactive peptides from S. platensis by enzymatic hydrolysis using pepsin (1:3000 U g−1), and their amino acid sequences were determined by de novo sequencing. On this basis, the antioxidant activities of synthesized bioactive peptides were comprehensively evaluated by 2,2′‐azinobis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazolin‐6‐sulfonic acid assay, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryhydrazyl assay, and cell hemolysis assay induced by 2,2′‐azobis‐(2‐amidino‐propane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). RESULTS: The degree of hydrolysis and recovery percentage of pepsin hydrolysis were 172 and 825 g kg–1 respectively, and FFEFF (P1: m/z 736.4, 8%), EYFDALA (P2: m/z 828.4, relative intensity 18.5%), and VTAPAASVAL (P3: m/z 899.5, relative intensity 17.3%) were purified and identified. P2 possessed an excellent radical scavenging activity compared with P1, P3, and vitamin C, which was contributed to by its high β‐sheet conformation and specific amino acid compositions. Moreover, P2 significantly attenuated AAPH‐induced oxidative hemolysis of erythrocytes and protected the erythrocytes, because it reduced the formation of malondialdehyde and increased the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes. CONCLUSION: This study provided insights into the potential antioxidant function of the synthesized peptides originated from the bioactive peptides of S. platensis proteins, which would contribute to the development of natural antioxidant from new protein resources. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

D2 receptors (D2Rs) located in both pre- and postsynaptic membranes of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) are involved in the stress response and associated behaviors. The role of D2Rs in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-induced depression-like behaviors is not clear. Quinpirole (a D2R agonist) and eticlopride (a D2R antagonist) were stereotactically delivered into the NAc before Sprague Dawley rats underwent CUS. CUS-induced depression-like behaviors were accompanied by a significant decrease in both the dopamine (DA) level and D2R expression in the NAc. Eticlopride reversed CUS-induced depression-like behavior and rescued the DA levels in the NAc, and microinjection of DA into the NAc of CUS individuals had the same effect as eticlopride. By contrast, delivery of quinpirole into the NAc of control animals induced depression-like behaviors accompanied by a decrease in the DA level in the NAc. These results show that DA plays a key role in CUS-induced depression-like behaviors and the D2R exerts a presynaptic negative feedback on DA levels during CUS. Microinjection of quinpirole into the NAc also decreased the level of the kalirin-7 protein in the NAc of both control and stressed animals, while eticlopride increased its level in the NAc of rats. In agreement with these results, intraperitoneal injection of eticlopride in mice also caused an increase in both the kalirin-7 protein level in the NAc and spine density in MSNs, while quinpirole reduced them. These results suggest that regulation of kalirin-7 through D2R in the NAc is a general pathway in rats and mice, and is involved in CUS-induced depression-like behaviors. Kalirin-7 may be directly regulated through the D2R postsynaptic pathway or indirectly through the presynaptic pathway in the NAc. The interaction between D2R and kalirin-7 needs to be investigated further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The flammability of poly-acrylate (PA) resin is a major disadvantage in applications that require flame resistance. Many studies, including the authors' previous study, have proved that covalent-incorporated phosphorous-containing (P-containing) monomer onto the PA resin can exhibit better flame resistance than that by an additive approach. However, other properties such as thermal stability, coating properties are still deteriorated. To further improve the flame-retardancy and other comprehensive properties of the P-containing PA resin, in this study, melamine formaldehyde(MF) resin was used not only as a curing agent to enhance the coating properties of the PA resin, but also as a nitrogen-containing (N-containing) resin to form a P-N synergistic effect and therefore further improve its flame retardancy. Design/methodology/approach: Epoxy resin phosphorous acid-modified (EPPA-modified) PA (EPPA-PA) resin was first prepared and then using MF resin as curing agent. The flame retardancy of the cured resin was tested by the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and UL 94 methods. The thermal stability of the cured resin was studied by TGA. The coating technology such as adhesion property, pencil hardness and anti-solvent properties were characterized according to methods of International Standards ISO2409-1992, ISO 15184-1998 and ISO-15184-2012, respectively. The micro-char morphology of the char residue was observed by SEM. Findings: The results showed that by using MF resin as curing agent has provided the PA resin with excellent coating properties and thermal stability, but also gave a P-N synergistic effect which has greatly enhanced the flame retardancy of the cured resin. The cured resin system containing only 1.7 Wt.% P content and 5.3 Wt.% N content can reach a LOI of 26.9 per cent and pass the V-0 rating in the UL-94 test. Research limitations/implications: This resin system releases formaldehyde due to the MF resin. Practical implications: It is expected that the large-scale production of this EPPA-PA resin cured by MF resin system will enable practical industrial applications. Originality/value: This method for the synthesis of a P- and N-containing PA resin system is newfangled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, DICY (dicyandiamide)-containing novolac (NN) was first prepared, and then DOPO (9,10-Dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide) was introduced to react with the unsaturated bonds from DICY to obtain a novel phosphorus-nitrogen-containing novolac resin (PNN), which was used as a curing agent for epoxy resins. The curing condition was confirmed by a non-isothermal curing kinetics study. The thermal stability and flame retardancy of the cured epoxy resin system were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limited oxygen index (LOI) measurement, UL-94 test and cone calorimeter. The morphology of the burned chard residues was observed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that epoxy resin cured by the prepared PNN curing system presents excellent flame retardancy. The cured resin system, which contains only 1.31wt% phosphorus and 2.48wt% nitrogen, can achieve UL 94 V-0 rating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P)-containing monomer (P-monomer) was firstly prepared by condensation reaction between 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) and then used to prepare P-containing poly-styrene-acrylate (P-PSA) emulsion by semi-continuous emulsion polymerization. The components of the prepared P-monomer were characterized by potentiometric titration method. The chemical composition of the P-PSA co-polymer was studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectra. The storage stability properties of P-PSA emulsion were tested by Ca2+, centrifugal and mechanical stability tests. The thermal stability and flame retardancy of the P-PSA co-polymer were studied by thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen index and UL-94 method. The results show that stable P-PSA emulsions can be successfully prepared, and the latex particles present a spherical structure. When the P-monomer content is 30 wt%, the P-PSA co-polymer can pass the UL-94 test (V0 level) and the char yield is 54 wt% at 700°C. Scanning electron microscopy results indicate that incorporation of the P-monomer shows a condensed-phase flame-retardant effect. This study provides useful suggestions for the application of the flame-retardant P-PSA emulsion in the coating industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the expression pattern and mechanisms of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase Catalytic Subunit 1 (PDP1) in the progression of breast cancer (BC). PDP1, known for its involvement in cell energy metabolism, was found to be overexpressed in BC tissues. Notably, low PDP1 expression aligns with improved overall survival (OS) in BC patients. In this study, we found that PDP1 was overexpressed among BC tissues and low PDP1 expression showed a better prognosis for the patients with BC. PDP1 knockdown suppressed cell amplification and migration and triggered cell apoptosis in BC cells. In vivo assessments through a xenograft model unveiled the pivotal role and underlying mechanisms of PDP1 knockdown. RNA sequencing and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis of RNAs from PDP1 knockdown and normal MCF7 cells revealed 1440 differentially expressed genes, spotlighting the involvement of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in BC progression. Western blot results implied that PDP1 knockdown led to a loss of p‐STAT3, whereas overexpression of PDP1 induced the p‐STAT3 expression. Cell counting kit‐8 assay showed that PDP1 overexpression significantly raised MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF7 cell viability while STAT3 inhibitor S3I‐201 recovered the cell growth to normal level. To summarize, PDP1 promotes the progression of BC through STAT3 pathway by regulating p‐STAT3. The findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying BC progression, and opening avenues for targeted therapeutic approaches. Significance statement: The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression pattern and mechanisms of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase Catalytic Subunit 1 (PDP1) in the progression of breast cancer (BC). Our study found that PDP1 was elevated in BC tissues, and the low PDP1 expression showed better overall survival. PDP1 could regulate cell amplification, migration, cell apoptosis and cell‐cycling progression. Knockdown of PDP1 also inhibited in vivo tumor growth. Mechanism study showed that PDP1/STAT3 signaling pathway was involved in tumor progression and PDP1 regulated cell growth via regulating the expression of p‐STAT3. Therefore, PDP1 could be a prognostic marker for identifying the BC and might be one clinical treatment target for tumor therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NbOCl2 is an emerging ferroelectric layered material with unique optoelectronic properties, in which the built‐in electric field caused by spontaneous polarization can independently drive the separation and transport of photoexcited electrons and holes. However, the optoelectronic performance of NbOCl2 and its device application have remained elusive. Here, few‐layer NbOCl2 is prepared by the liquid exfoliation method and used to construct photoelectrochemical (PEC)‐type photodetectors. The photodetectors are self‐powered with broadband photoresponse and long‐term cycle stability. Due to the built‐in electric field generated by the spontaneous polarization, the whole system exhibits an open circuit potential of approximately 0.205 V. Interestingly, the open circuit potential can be significantly increased to 0.446 V after poling treatment. The responsivity without external bias is increased by about 2.5 times after 1 V poling and by about 4 times after a poling time of 500 s. Moreover, the tunable ferroelectric polarization shows memory effect and retains about 25% enhancement in photocurrent density even after 60 min. The tuneability of the built‐in electric field in PEC systems based on NbOCl2 offers numerous possibilities for the development of photodetectors and nonvolatile memory devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is the world's second largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter due to the use of fossil fuel-based fertilizers, agricultural machinery, and the burning of biomass. Meanwhile, the Group of Twenty (G20) countries, which include the world's top three agricultural markets, have a significant impact on world agricultural development. This study is the first attempt to examine the effects of the agriculture-economic growth-renewable energy nexus on carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions within the framework of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) in a panel of 19 nations of the G20 countries from 1990 to 2014. To do so, panel data unit root tests, cointegration tests, and the panel fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) estimator are used. The main findings are as follows: (1) Panel data unit root and cointegration tests confirm the existence of a long-run relationship among the selected variables, (2) agriculture significantly increases CO 2 emissions in the full sample and the developing economies of the G20, while renewable energy consumption reduces the CO 2 emissions in the full sample and the developed economies of the G20, (3) the EKC indeed exists in the full sample and developed economies, while economic growth only exerts a positive impact on CO 2 emissions for developing economies, indicating that the peak of CO 2 emissions for developing economies has not yet been reached, and (4) varied causality links exist among the variables across the different income levels of the G20 countries. Based on the above findings, to suppress the greenhouse effect, the G20 countries' policymakers should not only promote the development of sustainable agriculture, but also stimulate renewable energy consumption, especially in developing economies. Unlabelled Image • Greenhouse effect of the agriculture-growth-renewable energy nexus is examined in the G20. • Agriculture increases CO 2 emissions in the G20 and its developing economies. • Renewable energy decreases CO 2 emissions in the G20 and its developed economies. • The validity of the EKC hypothesis is investigated in the G20. • Various causality links exist among the variables in developed and developing economies in the G20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A majority of excitatory synapses in the brain are localized on the dendritic spines. Alterations of spine density and morphology are associated with many neurological diseases. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying spine formation is important for understanding these diseases. Kalirin7 (Kal-7) is localized to the postsynaptic side of excitatory synapses in the neurons. Overexpression of Kal-7 causes an increase in spine density whereas knockdown expression of endogenous Kal-7 results in a decrease in spine density in primary cultured cortical neurons. However, the mechanisms underlying Kal-7-mediated spine formation are not entirely clear. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) plays a vital role in the formation of spines and synaptic plasticity. Kal-7 is phosphorylated by CDK5 at Thr1590, the unique Cdk5 phosphorylation site in the Kal-7 protein. This study was to explore the role of CDK5-mediated phosphorylation of Kal-7 in spine formation and the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed expression of Kal-7T/D (mimicked phosphorylation), Kal-7T/A mutants (blocked phosphorylation) or wild-type (Wt) Kal-7 caused in a similar increase in spine density, while spine size of Wt Kal-7-expressing cortical neurons was bigger than that in Kal-7 T\A-expressing neurons, but smaller than that in Kal-7T/D-expressing neurons. The fluorescence intensity of NMDA receptor subunit NR2B (GluN2B) staining was stronger along the MAP2 positive dendrites of Kal-7T/D-expressing neurons than that in Kal-7T/A- or Wt Kal-7-expressing neurons. The fluorescence intensity of AMPA receptor subunit GluR1 (GluA1) staining showed the same trend as GluN2B staining. These findings suggest that Cdk5 affects the function of Kal-7 on spine morphology and function via GluN2B and GluA1 receptors during dendritic spine formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A high gain antenna with multibeam radiation for terahertz application is proposed based on holographic artificial impedance surface. By modifying the design method of artificial impedance surface, four different parts of artificial impedance surfaces are obtained. Combining the four parts of artificial impedance surfaces together, multibeam radiation can be achieved. The detailed design procedure of the artificial impedance modulation surface and the simulation results are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Molybdenum Telluride (MoTe 2) is widely used in the field of optoelectronics because of its excellent electron mobility and good environmental stability. Recent advances have shown that the reduction in the thickness of two-dimensional (2D) layered materials allows for greater surface area and more active sites to enhance electrocatalytic performance. Here, we prepared MoTe 2 nanosheets by liquid exfoliation. Characterization of the morphology and lattice structure of MoTe 2 nanosheets by a series of characterization methods. A three-electrode electrochemical system test results demonstrated that the MoTe 2 nanosheets have excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability in H 2 SO 4 solution compared to bulk MoTe 2. In addition, the MoTe 2 nanosheets also exhibited optimal electrocatalytic properties for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with −309 mV overpotential at a current density of 10 mA/cm2 and a low Tafel slope of 118.9 mV/dec in a 0.5 mol/L (M) H 2 SO 4 solution. Our work demonstrates that MoTe 2 nanosheets have good prospects for use in electrocatalytic devices as high-performance electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes the design of a holographic artificial impedance surface antenna, which is capable of beam forming at a desired direction with improved gain for terahertz communications applications. By modifying the design method of artificial impedance surface, two parts of artificial impedance surface with out of phase impedance modulation function are obtained. Combining the two parts of artificial impedance surface together, the split in the main lobe direction of the radiation pattern can be cancelled. Then, an improved gain at the desired direction can be achieved. The design procedure of the surface, with simulation results, is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protective role of fibrinogen‑like‑protein 1 (FGL1) in liver injury has been reported previously. However, there are few studies on FGL1 expression in gastric cancer (GC) tissues, and the role of FGL1 in GC remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between FGL1 expression and prognosis in GC patients. Data was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and 50 pairs of GC tissues and the corresponding non‑tumor tissues were collected between 2008 to 2011. Furthermore, FGL1 expression was silenced in order to explore its role in SGC‑7901 cell proliferation, invasion and migration using Cell Counting Kit‑8, wound healing, Transwell invasion and migration assays, respectively. Finally, whether FGL1 is involved in epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulation in SGC‑7901 cells was determined by western blotting. The results revealed that FGL1 expression was upregulated in GC tissues, and the overall survival time of GC patients with high FGL1 expression levels was markedly shorter than that of GC patients with low FGL1 expression levels (P=0.005). In addition, silencing FGL1 significantly inhibited SGC‑7901 cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro. Finally, western blot analyses indicated that knockdown of FGL1 markedly increased E‑cadherin expression levels (P<0.01), and significantly decreased N‑cadherin (P<0.01) and vimentin expression levels (P<0.01), thereby suggesting that FGL1 may promote EMT. These results indicated that FGL1 has the potential to be a predictor in GC patients as well as a target for the treatment of GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of total flavonoids from Eupatorium odoratum L. (TFEO) on serum (IgM, IgG) and duodenal mucosa (Secretory IgA-SIgA) immunoglobulins and cecal microflora composition in broiler chicken were investigated. Test groups received diets supplemented with 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg TFEO for 21 and 42d. At 21d, IgM levels were higher in the 200 and 400 mg/kg groups compared to control group. IgG and SIgA levels were increased in all test groups (P<0.05). At 42d, IgG content in all test groups were higher (P<0.05), IgM in all test groups was higher (P>0.05). SIgA in all test groups increased at 200 and 400 mg/kg (P<0.01) >100 mg/kg (P<0.05) compared to the controls. Significant increases (P<0.05) in Firmicutes phylum and Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Lachnospira genera gut microbes and significant decreases in pathogenic Escherichia and Clostridium of the test groups were observed at 21 and/or 42d. TFEO flavonoids are suggested for use as a feed additive for broilers to improve cecal microflora and humoral immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense, is an important commercial aquaculture resource in China. In order to overwinter, M. nipponense displays decreased physiological activity and less consumption of energy. Sudden warming would trigger molting and cause an extensive death, resulting in huge economic losses. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to study the molting mechanism of oriental river prawns. Molt-inhibiting hormone gene (MIH) plays a major role in regulating molting in crustaceans. In this study, a full length MIH cDNA of M. nipponense (Mn-MIH) was cloned from the eyestalk. The total length of the Mn-MIH was 925 bp, encoding a protein of 119 amino acids. Tissue distribution analysis showed that Mn-MIH was highly expressed in the eyestalk, and that it had relatively low expression in gill, ovary, and abdominal ganglion. Mn-MIH was detected in all developmental stages, and changed regularly in line with the molting cycle of the embryo and larva. Mn-MIH varied in response to the molting cycle, suggesting that Mn-MIH negatively regulates ecdysteroidogenesis. Mn-MIH inhibition by RNAi resulted in a significant acceleration of molting cycles in both males and females, confirming the inhibitory role of MIH in molting. After long-term RNAi males, but not females had significant weight gain, confirming that Mn-MIH plays an important role in growth of M. nipponense. Our work contributes to a better understanding of the role of Mn-MIH in crustacean molting and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new tetranuclear gadolinium clusters, [Gd 4 (μ 3 -OH) 2 (L1) 6 (beac) 4 ] ( 1 ) and [Gd 4 (μ 3 -OH) 2 (L2) 6 (tmhd) 4 ] ( 2 ) (HL1 = 5-(3-chlorobenzylidene)-8-hydroxylquinoline, HL2 = 5-(2-thenylidene)-8-hydroxylquinoline, beac = 1-benzoylaceton, tmhd = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione), have been synthesized, then structurally and magnetically characterized. The X-ray structural analysis showed that both clusters 1 and 2 contain one Gd 4 center with a rhombus-shaped arrangement, and all of the Gd(III) ions are located in a distorted square-antiprismatic coordination sphere. Magnetic property measurements indicate that 1 and 2 show magnetic refrigeration with −Δ S m  = 20.43 J kg −1  K −1 for Δ H  = 7 T at 2.0 K for 1 and −Δ S m  = 19.94 J kg −1  K −1 for Δ H  = 7 T at 2.5 K for 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We successfully combined electrospinning with in situ polymerization methods to synthesize the PANI-coated ZnFe 2 O 4 nanofibers which possess the abundant pore structure. The lithium storage properties of PANI-coated ZnFe 2 O 4 nanofibers as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries have been discussed for the first time. PANI nanoparticles were directly coated on the surface of the ZnFe 2 O 4 nanofibers, increasing the electrical conductivity, and also acting as the protect shell to enhance the mechanical strength of material. The electrochemical performance showed that 15% PANI incorporated ZnFe 2 O 4 composite nanofibers (ZP-15) exhibited the highest reversible capacity of 1142 mAhg −1 after 50 cycles, which was much higher than that of pure ZnFe 2 O 4 nanofibers (628 mAhg −1 ), 10% PANI incorporated ZnFe 2 O 4 composite nanofibers (ZP-10, 975 mAhg −1 ), and 20% PANI incorporated ZnFe 2 O 4 composite nanofibers (ZP-20, 536 mAhg −1 ). Additionally, the ZP-15 composite nanofibers achieved outstanding cycling rate capacity of 852, 738, 609 and 539 mAhg −1 with current densities range from 500 to 5000 mA g −1 , and exhibited a specific capacity of 1082 mAhg −1 when the current reverted to 50 mA g −1 from the high rate charge-discharge cycles. The enhanced electrochemical performance of PANI-coated ZnFe 2 O 4 nanofibers can be attributed to the PANI providing a highly electrical conductive medium, which can promote electron transfer and facilitate the Li + transport in the lithiation/delithiation process, also can reduce self-discharge; moreover, the PANI layer covered on the surface of ZnFe 2 O 4 nanofibers can be as buffer matrix to restrain the stress of volume expansion to get stable structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The band gap of few‐layered 2D material is one of the significant issues for the application of practical devices. Due to the outstanding electrical transport property and excellent photoresponse, 2D InSe has recently attracted rising attention. Herein, few‐layered InSe nanosheets with direct band gap are delivered by a facile liquid‐phase exfoliation approach. We have synthesized a photoelectrochemical (PEC)‐type few‐layered InSe photodetector that exhibits high photocurrent density, responsivity, and stable cycling ability in KOH solution under the irradiation of sunlight. The detective ability of such PEC InSe photodetector can be conveniently tuned by varying the concentration of KOH and applied potential suggesting that the present device can be a fitting candidate as an excellent photodetector. Moreover, extendable optimization of the photodetection performance on InSe nanosheets would further enhance the potential of the prepared InSe in other PEC‐type devices such as dye‐sensitized solar cells, water splitting systems, and solar tracking equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opsins are photoreceptors with important roles in reproductive regulation in birds and fishes. In the present study, we identified an opsin gene from the eyes of the oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense using expressed sequence tag analysis and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The full-length transcript contained 1382 base pairs, encoding 375 amino acids. It was classified into the long-wavelength opsin group by phylogenetic analysis, and designated Mn-LW. Mn-LW expression demonstrated significant seasonal variation in somatic tissues from both male and female prawns, with the highest expression in the eyes, and expression also shown in the ovary. The expression profiles of Mn-LW in eyes and ovary were positively related to ovarian development. In situ hybridization showed that Mn-LW was present in retinular cells in the eye and oocytes in the ovary. Injection of Mn-LW dsRNA in vivo effectively down-regulated Mn-LW expression levels compared with control levels. Mn-LW dsRNA injection also significantly reduced vitellogenin (Vg) expression, indicating a close relationship between Mn-LW and Vg in ovarian development. These results suggest that Mn-LW may play an important role in Vg synthesis and accumulation during ovarian maturation in M. nipponense . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SnSe/reduced graphene oxide (SnSe/RGO) hybrid was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal reduction method using tin selenide (SnSe) nanosheets (NSs) and graphene oxide (GO), in which the two-dimensional SnSe NSs were peeled off by hydrothermal intercalation and exfoliation process, and GO was synthesized through an improved Hummers' method. The characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy verified a large-size SnSe NSs and SnSe/RGO hybrid. Meanwhile, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra were carried out and confirmed the inherent optical and physical properties of SnSe NSs. In addition, the photoelectrochemical tests were carried out and proved that the photoresponse performances of as-prepared SnSe/RGO hybrid were greatly improved compared to that of sole SnSe NSs. When the bias potential was 0.8 V, the photocurrent density of SnSe/RGO hybrid was about 6.42 μA/cm, which was approximately four times that of sole SnSe NSs (about 1.58 μA/cm). Meanwhile, SnSe/RGO hybrid possessed faster photoresponse compared to sole SnSe NSs. The improvement in photoresponse performance is due to the hybridization of SnSe/RGO with good conductivity and the coupling between SnSe/RGO and SnSe NSs, which would be beneficial to promote the effective separation of photo-generated electron-hole pairs. Our results show that SnSe/RGO hybrid has a good application prospect in the field of photodetection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial cellulose (BC) has been reported widely. Although there are many methods to modify BC, such as the oxidized BC, which is biodegradable and can be used as wound dressing. However, the nanostructure of BC makes it difficult to be oxidized. Importantly, high oxidation degree makes the content of aldehyde high, which make the cell biocompatibility poor. Herein, we fabricated a novel bio-composite based on microporous oxidized BC (MOBC) and in-situ grafted with Arg. The micropores can increase the contact area between BC and oxidizing agent and the reaction between MOBC and Arg, which will enhance the biocompatibility. The roughness and surface energy of MOBC/68.68%Arg are 1.5 and 1.16 times than that of BC respectively. We applied a microfluidic chip to evaluate the cell migration. Comparing with BC, MOBC/Arg promoted proliferation, migration and expression of Collagen-I of fibroblasts and endothelial cells. It prospects the MOBC/Arg can be used as wound dressing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]