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In recent decades, considerable attention has been focused on the design and development of surfaces with defined or tunable properties for a wide range of applications and fields. To this end, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of organic compounds offer a unique and straightforward route of modifying and engineering the surface properties of any substrate. Thus, alkane-based self-assembled monolayers constitute one of the most extensively studied organic thin-film nanomaterials, which have found wide applications in antifouling surfaces, the control of wettability or cell adhesion, sensors, optical devices, corrosion protection, and organic electronics, among many other applications, some of which have led to their technological transfer to industry. Nevertheless, recently, aromatic-based SAMs have gained importance as functional components, particularly in molecular electronics, bioelectronics, sensors, etc., due to their intrinsic electrical conductivity and optical properties, opening up new perspectives in these fields. However, some key issues affecting device performance still need to be resolved to ensure their full use and access to novel functionalities such as memory, sensors, or active layers in optoelectronic devices. In this context, we will present herein recent advances in π-conjugated systems-based self-assembled monolayers (e.g., push–pull chromophores) as active layers and their applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques were used to study the chemical structure characteristics of oil sand and its pyrolysis oil. The FTIR results showed that the values of the CH 2 /CH 3 ratio, A-factor, and DOC1 of the pyrolysis oil decreased during the pyrolysis process, while the C-factor showed a maximum value with increasing pyrolysis temperature. The 13C NMR results showed that methylides and methylides were mainly contributed to oil production. The aliphatic chain in the pyrolysis oil has little alterations during pyrolysis, while the extent of aromatic ring substitution increases from 0.46 to 0.58. Furthermore, a correlation was obtained between the chemical structure of oil and the pyrolysis product yields of oil sand. Moreover, using chemical structure parameters investigated with FTIR and 13C NMR and kinetic parameters based on the thermogravimetric data, the chemical percolation devolatilization (CPD) model was applied to simulate the pyrolysis of oil sand. The results showed that the simulated results for tar and light gas were in good agreement with the experimental data, while those for char underpredicted the experimental data. Overall, the CPD model can effectively predict the pyrolysis of oil sand. • 13C NMR and FTIR techniques were used to study the chemical structure characteristics of oil sand and its pyrolysis oil. • Chemical structure parameters of the CH 2 /CH 3 ratio, A-factor, C-factor, and DOC1 of the oil sand oil were discussed. • A correlation was obtained between the chemical structure of oil and the pyrolysis product yields of oil sand. • The chemical percolation devolatilization (CPD) model was effectively applied to simulate the pyrolysis of oil sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: ZNF582-AS1 expression is lower in breast cancer compared to adjacent normal tissues, and low expression is associated with poor disease-free and overall survival. Bioinformatic interrogation of ZNF582-AS1 expression and methylation signatures suggests the lncRNA's involvement in cell cycle and cell death regulation. The lncRNA may act as a miR-940 sponge, and miR-940 is known to be an onco-miRNA suppressing PTEN. Elevation of transcription factor HIF-1 in cancer cells may repress the expression of ZNF582-AS1. Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in cellular activities and functions, but our understanding of their involvement in cancer is limited. Methods: TCGA data on RNA expression and DNA methylation were analyzed for lncRNAs' association with breast cancer survival, using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. Fresh tumor samples and clinical information from 361 breast cancer patients in our study were used to confirm the TCGA finding on ZNF582-AS1. A RT-qPCR method was developed to measure ZNF582-AS1 expression. Survival associations with ZNF582-AS1 were verified with a meta-analysis. In silico predictions of molecular targets and cellular functions of ZNF582-AS1 were performed based on its molecular signatures and nucleotide sequences. Results:ZNF582-AS1 expression was lower in breast tumors than adjacent normal tissues. Low ZNF582-AS1 was associated with high-grade or ER-negative tumors. Patients with high ZNF582-AS1 had a lower risk of relapse and death. These survival associations were confirmed in a meta-analysis and remained significant after adjustment for tumor grade, disease stage, patient age, and hormone receptor status. Correlation analysis indicated the possible suppression of ZNF582-AS1 expression by promoter methylation. Bioinformatics interrogation of molecular signatures suggested that ZNF582-AS1 could suppress tumor cell proliferation via downregulating the HER2-mediated signaling pathway. Analysis of online data also suggested that HIF-1-related transcription factors could suppress ZNF582-AS1 expression, and the lncRNA might bind to hsa-miR-940, a known oncogenic miRNA in breast cancer. Conclusions: ZNF582-AS1 may play a role in suppressing breast cancer progression. Elucidating the lncRNA's function and regulation may improve our understanding of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inexpensive catalyst sources are of great importance in the conversion of biomass to economically valuable monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and transition metals (Co, Ni, Fe and Mn) rich in catalytic effects in massive waste lithium battery cathode materials are not effectively reutilized currently. For this reason, the feasibility of employing the valuable metal oxides in the carbon-reduced waste lithium battery cathode materials (waste LiFePO 4 batteries, LFP, and waste LiNi x Co y Mn 1–x–y O 2 batteries, NCM) with HZSM-5 as coupled catalysts in the rape straw catalytic pyrolysis to produce aromatic hydrocarbons was explored. The carbon-reduced waste lithium battery cathode materials performed well at 5 wt% carbon loading, and the content of active components Fe 2 O 3 (SLFPC-5) and NiO (SNCMC-5) used for the reduction of large molecular oxygenates in biomass pyrolysis gas was increased by water leaching treatment. SLFPC-5 demonstrated superior bond-cutting performance, while SNCMC-5 exhibited strong deoxygenation performance. The selectivity of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs) catalyzed by SLFPC-5/HZSM-5 and SNCMC-5/HZSM-5 was as high as 63.69 % and 79.19 %, with BTX yields of 14.58 wt% and 16.68 wt% respectively. This coupled catalytic system offers a low-cost source of catalysts for biomass catalytic pyrolysis and broadens the possibility of high-value recycling of wasted lithium batteries. [Display omitted] • Battery cathode materials were used as cheap catalysts for biomass pyrolysis. • LFP and NCM cathodes were converted to metal oxides at 5 wt% carbon loading. • Fe 2 O 3 and NiO in cathode materials were aggregated after water leaching treatment. • Yield of benzene, toluene and xylene was promoted by 79.34 % over SLFPC-5/HZSM-5. • Selectivity of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon was up to 79.19 % over SNCMC-5/HZSM-5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prediction of combustion characteristics of aluminum particle is of great significance for a variety of propulsion and power systems to achieve optimal energy release within a limited residence time. In this study, a diffusion-controlled combustion model for micro aluminum particle was developed and validated to predict the burning time and capture the evolution of particle size during combustion in environments with multiple oxidizers. Thereafter, the key factors influencing particle combustion were evaluated including particle size, ambient temperature, oxidizer concentration and characteristics of oxide cap. The burning time drops as the oxidizer concentration and the ambient temperature increase, and their influences on burning time become weakened gradually. The effect of oxidizer concentration presents more obvious than ambient temperature. As the number of oxide cap increases from 2 to 5, the burning time rises by 6.9%–27.4%. Then a non-linear empirical equation was proposed to describe the effective oxidizer, which is more accurate than the existing linear correlation, especially for H 2 O. Finally, a formula capable of predicting the burning time was proposed and validated, providing a convenient and accurate method for practical application. • A model is developed to simulate combustion of micro aluminum particle in multiple oxidizers. • Influences of environment and particle property on combustion behaviors are examined. • A non-linear correlation is proposed for the equation of effective oxidizer. • A more accurate prediction formula for burning time is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are known to be a great source of phytochemicals for centuries. Medicago, belonging to the Family Fabaceae, is a large and well spread genus comprising about 83 cosmopolitan species, of which one-third are annuals and span diverse ecological niches. Medicago species are rich in saponins mainly classified into three classes, namely, steroid alkaloid glycosides, triterpene glycosides, and steroid glycosides. These saponins are important compounds having diverse pharmacological and biological activities. As a whole, 95 of saponins are reported to date occurring in Medicago species using various latest extraction/isolation techniques. Considering the multiple biological and pharmacological potential of Medicago species due to saponins along with structural diversity, we compiled this review article to sum up the recent reports for the pharmacological potential of the Medicago's derived saponins in modern as well as traditional medication systems. The current manuscript produces data of chemical structures and molecular masses of all Medicago species saponins simultaneously. The toxicity of certain pure saponins (aglycones) has been reported in vitro; hederagenin appeared highly toxic in comparison to medicagenic acid and bayogenin against X. index, while soyasaponin I, containing soyasapogenol B as a glycone, appeared as the least toxic saponin. The diversity in the structural forms shows a close relationship for its biological and pharmacological actions. Moreover, saponins showed antioxidant properties and the mechanism behind antimicrobial potential also elaborated in this review article is mainly because of the side sugar groups on these compounds. The collected data presented herein include chemical structures and molecular masses of all saponins so far. Their biological activity and therapeutic potential are also discussed. This information can be the starting point for future research on this important genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host immunity involves various immune cells working in concert to achieve balanced immune response. Host immunity interacts with tumorigenic process impacting disease outcome. Clusters of different immune cells may reveal unique host immunity in relation to breast cancer progression. CIBERSORT algorithm was used to estimate relative abundances of 22 immune cell types in 3 datasets, METABRIC, TCGA, and our study. The cell type data in METABRIC were analyzed for cluster using unsupervised hierarchical clustering (UHC). The UHC results were employed to train machine learning models. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression survival analyses were performed to assess cell clusters in association with relapse-free and overall survival. Differentially expressed genes by clusters were interrogated with IPA for molecular signatures. UHC analysis identified two distinct immune cell clusters, clusters A (83.2%) and B (16.8%). Memory B cells, plasma cells, CD8 positive T cells, resting memory CD4 T cells, activated NK cells, monocytes, M1 macrophages, and resting mast cells were more abundant in clusters A than B, whereas regulatory T cells and M0 and M2 macrophages were more in clusters B than A. Patients in cluster A had favorable survival. Similar survival associations were also observed in other independent studies. IPA analysis showed that pathogen-induced cytokine storm signaling pathway, phagosome formation, and T cell receptor signaling were related to the cell type clusters. Our finding suggests that different immune cell clusters may indicate distinct immune responses to tumor growth, suggesting their potential for disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of microwave radiation is one of the most potential techniques in polysaccharide derivatives synthesis due to its advantages such as higher yields, milder reaction conditions and shorter reaction times. This study was aimed at producing sulfated polysaccharides by microwave irradiation using polar reagents and solvent. Six sulfated Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharide derivatives (SPAS) were obtained by using chlorosulfuric acid/pyridine method in the reaction duration range of 15–300 min at a fixed microwave power of 100W. Synthesis of SPAS under microwave filed was highly effective and characterized by time saving and high degrees of substitution (DS). The chemical structure of SPAS was confirmed by FT-IR and 13 C NMR that sulfation had occurred and the substitution position was mainly at C-6. Size-exclusion chromatograph combined with multi-angle laser photometer (SEC-MALLS) data indicated that short reaction time minimized acid-catalyzed degradation of polysaccharide chains. AFM observation demonstrated that low- M W derivative exhibited aggregation of polysaccharide chain as irregular spherical lumps. In anti-tumor activity assays, sulfation of PAS significantly improved the capacity to inhibit tumor cells growth by arresting the cell cycle progress in specific phases. It could be concluded that M W and molecular mass distribution had much greater influence on anti-tumor activities of SPAS against human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells, human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and human cervical cancer Hela cells. Microwave-assisted synthesis might possess widespread application in preparation of new polysaccharide derivatives with rich variety of structural features and bioactivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorylation is a key route to achieve varieties of biological activities for polysaccharides. Currently, conventional phosphorylation reagents are characterized by long processing times and high reaction temperatures. Here, we reported phosphorylation of Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharides (PASP) with the degrees of substitution (DS) of 0.34-0.54 in mild reaction conditions (3–4 h and 25 °C) by employing POCl 3 /pyridine technique. FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed the appearance of phosphate ester (P 5+ ) groups in PASP. Size exclusion chromatography combined with multi-angle laser light scattering (SEC-MALLS) result clearly showed temperature-dependent increment of weight average molecular mass ( M W ). High temperature facilitated the reaction of phosphoryl chloride with primary and secondary hydroxyl groups, favoring the crosslinking of polysaccharide chains by phosphate di-esters as further confirmed in 13 C NMR determination. Our results provide insight into the relationship between the structure and reaction conditions of phosphorylated polysaccharide, which is important for understanding and exploiting these derivatives in a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a sulfated Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharide (ASPs) was prepared and its antitumor activity was evaluated in tumor cells and Hepatoma 22 (H22) tumor-bearing mice. In vitro experiments, ASPs significantly inhibited the growth of HepG2 and Hela cells with the IC 50 values of 172.03 and 161.42 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, no direct cytotoxicity against mouse fibroblast L929 normal cells was observed in vitro. After oral administration for 12 days, the tumor growth was significantly suppressed by ASPs at the doses of 200 mg/kg (inhibition rate of 60.85%). Results of tumor histological morphology and cell cycle analysis showed that ASPs could arrest H22 cells at S phase and promote cell apoptosis. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that ASPs caused the down-regulation of mutant p53 protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, these findings proposed new insight into antitumor properties of sulfated polysaccharide as a promising agent in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situhigh-energy X-ray diffraction of Nd60Fe30Al10and Ce70Al10Cu20metallic glasses is carried out under high pressure. During compression, Ce70Al10Cu20and Nd60Fe30Al10exhibit a polyamorphic transition from low-density state below 2.0 and 10.0 GPa, to high-density state above 8.4 and 21.1 GPa, respectively. The intermediate hysteresis regions are the mixture of both phases. Electrical resistance measurements under high pressure show that Ce70Al10Cu20display a discontinuous change in pressure dependence curve of resistivity at around 1.7 GPa. The addition of Fe atom gives a significant standoff of phase transition pressure in Nd60Fe30Al10. The results in this work suggest that the solute element and microstructure of lanthanide solvent aggregates have implications on the polyamorphic transition in metallic glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, selenylation of Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharide (SeASP MW ) was studied by using H 2 SeO 3 /HNO 3 /BaCl 2 reaction system in microwave field. SeASP MW exhibited the Se content range of 111–264 μg/g with high yields (72.1–94.9%). 13 C NMR results indicated that the weak C-6 substitution was occurred. The decrease (from 7.348 × 10 4 g/mol to 1.736–4.667 × 10 4 g/mol) in weight average molecular mass ( M W ) of SeASP MW was observed in size exclusion chromatography combined with multi angle laser light scattering (SEC-MALLS) analysis. SeASP MW exhibited a more rigid solution conformation which might be due to the degradation of polysaccharide chains in acidic reaction reagent. This was also supported by atomic force microscopy (AFM) result that SeASP MW showed short chains and island-like topography. In anti-tumor activity assays, SeASP MW6 exhibited the inhibition rates of 32.381% and 39.776% against human non-small cell lung cancer cell line (H1650) at the concentration of 100 and 200 μg/mL, respectively. The relatively weak inhibition effect of SeASP MW was not related to cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, suggesting Se content might be a key factor to influence the anti-tumor activities of selenized polysaccharides in vitro . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the structural characterization of Sphallerocarpus gracilis polysaccharide (SGP) and its hypoglycaemic activities are reported for the first time. SGP, which has a weight average molar mass ( M w ) of 7.413 × 10 5 , was isolated from Sphallerocarpus gracilis and purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The polysaccharide is composed of rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, glucose and galactose, with the molar ratio of 4.12: 8.99: 5.45: 65.94: 15.50. The mechanism underlying the hypoglycaemic effect of SGP was evaluated. Experimental results showed that SGP protected pancreatic β-cells from alloxan damage by several possible mechanisms, including: (1) repairing free radical damage; (2) reducing the apoptosis of pancreatic β-cells by inhibiting the activities of caspase-3 and bax, and enhancing the activity of bcl-2; (3) stimulating insulin secretion and upregulating the pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 gene and the insulin gene and the pancreatic in pancreatic β-cells. The results obtained in this study suggest that SGP may be a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported in our previous work that selenized Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharides (SeASPs) with the Se content range of 168–1703 μg/g were synthesized by using Na 2 SeO 3 /HNO 3 /BaCl 2 system. In the present work, the solution property of SeASP was studied by using size exclusion chromatography combined with multi angle laser light scattering (SEC-MALLS). A decrease in d f values indicated that SeASPs with different conformational features that were highly dependent on M W . SeASPs exhibited a more rigid conformation ( d f value of 1.29–1.52) in low molecular weight range ( M W of 1.026–1.426 × 10 4 g/mol) and compact spherical conformation in high molecular weight range ( M W of 2.268–4.363 × 10 4 g/mol). It could be due to the degradation of polysaccharide chains in HNO 3 , which was supported in monosaccharide composition analysis. Congo red (CR) spectrophotometric method and atomic force microscopy (AFM) results also confirmed the conformational transition and the evidence on the shape of the rigid chains. In vitro anti-tumor assays, SeASP 2 displayed greater anti-proliferative effects against three tumor cell lines (hepatocellular carcinoma HepG-2 cells, lung adenocarcinom A549 cells and cervical squamous carcinoma Hela cells) in a dose-dependent manner. This suggested that selenylation could significantly enhance the anti-tumor activities of polysaccharide derivatives in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Knowledge of the fine root dynamics of different life forms in forest ecosystems is critical to understanding how the overall belowground carbon cycling is affected by climate change. However, our current knowledge regarding how endogenous or exogenous factors regulate the root dynamics of understory vegetation is limited. The aims of this study were to test the effects of soil moisture gradient and shading on the fine root production, phenology, and turnover rate of six shrub species from a subtropical forest. Methods: We selected a suite of study sites representing different habitats with gradients of soil moisture and solar radiation (shading or no shading). We assessed the fine root production phenology, the total fine root production, and the turnover among six understory shrub species in a subtropical climate, and examined the responses of the fine root dynamics to gradients in the soil moisture and solar radiation. The shrubs included three evergreen species, Loropetalum chinense, Vaccinium bracteatum, and Adinandra millettii, and three deciduous species, Serissa serissoides, Rubus corchorifolius, and Lespedeza davidii. Results We observed that variations in the annual fine root production and turnover among species were significant in the deciduous group but not in the evergreen group. Notably, V. bracteatum and S. serissoides presented the greatest responses in terms of root phenology to gradients in the soil moisture and shading: high-moisture habitat led to a decrease and shade led to an increase in fine root production during spring. Species with smaller fine roots of the 1+2-order diameter presented more sensitive responses in terms of fine root phenology to a soil moisture gradient. Species with a lower fine root carbon- to nitrogen ratio exhibited more sensitive responses in terms of fine root annual production to shading. Soil moisture and shading did not change the annual fine root production as much as the turnover rate. Conclusions: The fine root dynamics of some understory shrubs varied significantly with soil moisture and solar radiation status and may be different from tree species. Our results emphasize the need to study the understory fine root dynamics in the achievement of a complete understanding of the overall belowground carbon cycling in a forest ecosystem, particularly ecosystems in which the understory fine root highly contributes to the belowground biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regioselective modification is an effective approach to synthesize polysaccharides with different structure features and improved properties. In this study, regioselective sulfation of Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharide (S RS ASP) was prepared by using triphenylchloromethane (TrCl) as protecting precursor. The decrease in fractal dimension ( d f ) values (1.56–2.04) of S RS ASP was observed in size-exclusion chromatography combined with multi angle laser light scattering (SEC-MALLS) analysis. Compared to sample substituted at C-6, S RS ASP showed a more expanded conformation of random coil, which was attributed to the breakup of hydrogen bonds and elastic contributions. Circular dichroism (CD), methylene blue (MB) and congo red (CR) spectrophotometric method and atomic force microscopy (AFM) results confirmed the conformational transition and stiffness of the chains after sulfation. S RS ASP exhibited enhanced antioxidant activities in the DPPH, superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. Sulfation at C-2 or C-3 was favorable for the chelation which might prevent the generation of hydroxyl radicals. It concluded that the degree of substitution and substitution position were the factors influencing biological activities of sulfated polysaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological activities of sulfated polysaccharides are related to the substitution positions of functional groups. In this study, regioselective sulfation of Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharides (S RS ASP) was prepared by using triphenylchloromethane (TrCl) as protecting precursor. FT-IR spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that SO 3− group (S 6+ , high binding energy of 168.7 eV) was widely present in sulfated polysaccharides. 13 C NMR spectroscopy showed that C-2 and C-3 substitution was occurred but not fully sulfation. Meanwhile, C-6 substituted signals near 65 ppm were not observed. The degree of substitution varied from 0.44 to 0.63 in S RS ASP which could be attributed to the low reactivity at secondary hydroxyl. Monosaccharide composition result showed a decrease in the ratio of mannose/glucose, indicating the change of chemical composition in sulfated polysaccharides. In size-exclusion chromatograph analysis, a decrease in molecular weight and broadening of molecular weight distribution of sulfated polysaccharides was also observed. It could be attributed to the hydrolysis of polysaccharide in the sulfated reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, sulfated derivatives of Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharide (SASP) with high degree of substitution (DS) were synthesized by using 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP)/dimethylcyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) as catalyst in homogeneous conditions. It was found that DMAP/DCC showed marked improvement in DS of sulfated samples. Compared to sulfated derivatives without catalyst, the DS of SASP increased from 0.91 to 1.28 with an increment in dosage of DMAP from 0 to 10 mg. The influence of DMAP/DCC on the DS of sulfated derivatives was depended on the content of DMAP. The effect of DMAP might be due to its strong coordination to the hydroxy group. The results of FT-IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that SO 3 − group (S 6+ , binding energy of 172.3 eV) was widely present in sulfated polysaccharide molecules. 13 C NMR results indicated that C-6 substitution was predominant for sulfated polysaccharide when compared with other positions. In the sulfation reaction, a sharp decrease in M W was observed. DMAP/DCC was an effective catalyst system in sulfated modification of polysaccharide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfated derivatives of galactomannan from locust bean gum (LBG) with the degree of substitution (DS) of 0.34–1.07 were synthesized using chlorosulfonic acid/pyridine (CSA/Py) method. Box–Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the reaction conditions. Results of FT-IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that SO 3 H groups were widely present in sulfated LBG (SLBG). 13 C NMR result revealed that sulfation had occurred and C-6 substitution was predominant in SLBG. All sulfated samples showed a decrease in M w and more broad molar mass distribution in size exclusion chromatography combined with laser light scattering (SEC-LLS) analysis. Results of M W – 〈 S 2 〉 z 1 / 2 showed a decrease in fractal dimension ( d f ) value. Laser light scattering results also showed a conformation transition from a compact chain conformation of branched clusters to a random coil conformation of SLBG. Compared to LBG and SLBG with low DS and molecular weight, SLBG 2 exhibited an internal structure of random coil with a DS of 1.07. DS and molecular weight had great influence on its conformation in aqueous solution. Our results confirmed that the degradation of polysaccharide and SO 3 H groups improved significantly the stiffness of the chains due to the electrostatic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile method of synthesizing polycrystalline rod-like γ-Fe2O3from inexpensive, nontoxic precursors FeC2O4via a thermal decomposition reaction of 300–500°C for 1 h has been developed. A ligand directed growth mechanism was proposed for the magnetic anisotropic structure formation and the aspect heat treatment temperatures change. The morphology and structure of the synthesized rod-like γ-Fe2O3were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that these rod-like γ-Fe2O3presents cubic structure and typical diameters of 1.0–2.0 μm with a self-assembly of nanoparticles and average diameter of about 36 nm. The as-prepared rod-like γ-Fe2O3have a high surface area of about 102.03 m2/g. Compared with previous methods; this present method shows an easy processing and can be applied on the large-scale produce of rod-like γ-Fe2O3. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharide was firstly sulfated by using DMAP/DCC as catalyst. [•] Chemical modification resulted in the change of conformational properties. [•] M W and DS can take a particular role in solution conformation. [•] Sulfation modification could enhance the antioxidant activities of ASP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The ellipsoidal and spherical α-Fe2O3 particles were single crystalline. [•] The ellipsoidal α-Fe2O3 particles were about 570nm and spherical α-Fe2O3 particles were about 300nm. [•] This procedure does not use any template or organic surfactant. [•] The formation mechanisms of ellipsoidal and spherical α-Fe2O3 particles were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We reported here a new synthesis of C-2 and C-3 sulfated guar gum (SRSGG) with low degree of substitution (DSS) of 0.58, employing triphenylchloromethane (TrCl) as a protected precursor. The yield and DSTr (calculated from the weight of triphenylmethanol) of triphenylmethylated GG (GGTr) was 165.6% and 0.71, respectively. In addition, low ratio (1:4) of chlorosulfuric acid to pyridine (1:4) was chosen in sulfation reaction since the protecting group was slightly sensitive to acid. Results of FT-IR and 13C NMR spectroscopy indicated that C-2 and C-3 substitution was predominant but not fully sulfated in SRSGG. Size-exclusion chromatograph combined with multi-angle laser photometer (SEC-LLS) showed a decrease in molecular weight in the reaction. This might be due to the degradation in sulfation and deprotection process. Finally, we investigated the effect of structure features on the antioxidant activities in vitro. Vitro antioxidant experiments revealed that the regioselective sulfation at C-2 and C-3 and low molecular weight afforded strong antioxidant activities showing a much higher scavenging abilities of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical than that by the known C-6-sulfated derivative. The antioxidant activities of sulfated polysaccharides were not a function of a single factor but a combination of molecular weight, DSS and substitution positions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We reported here a regioselective synthesis of non-C-6 phosphorylated guar gum (PRSGG) with a degree of substitution (DS) 0.34. Triphenylchloromethane (TrCl) was employed as a key protected precursor. Detritylation was performed by treatment with an excess of dichloroacetic acid. Phosphorylated GG was successfully characterized by FT-IR and 13C NMR spectroscopies. It was indicated that C-2 and C-3 substitution was predominant in phosphorylated polysaccharide. A decrease in weight average molar mass (M w) was observed in the reaction due to the acid environment in deprotection procedure. The results of vitro antioxidant experiments revealed that regioselective phosphorylation at C-2/C-3 and low M w afforded strong antioxidant activities. Non-C-6 phosphorylated guar gum showed a much higher scavenging abilities of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical than C-6-phosphorylated derivative. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• For coconut shell-based AC preparing, freezing pretreatment reduced the amount of KOH needed for activation by 40%. • Besides KOH consumption reduction, AC from frozen coconut shell has larger S BET (2410 m2 g−1) and wider D aver (3.35 nm). • Besides KOH consumption reduction, AC from frozen coconut shell has higher C g (395 F g−1) and better power performance. To reduce the KOH consumption during the activating process of activated carbon (AC) preparing, freezing pretreatment was carried out on coconut shell (CS), which resulted in increased specific surface area and total pore volume in the pyrolysed carbon from frozen CS (FCS). ACs were prepared from CS and FCS with different KOH/carbon ratios. Compared with AC from CS with KOH/carbon ratio of 5:1, Frozen AC from FCS with KOH/ carbon ratio of 3:1 possesses larger specific surface area (2410 m2 g−1), wider average pore diameter (3.35 nm), higher specific capacitance (395 F g−1 at a discharging current density of 0.3 A g−1) and better power performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for human beings and many other forms of life. Organic Se from natural foods has higher bioavailability and is safer than inorganic Se species. In the present study, selenium-containing derivatives of Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharide with the highest Se content of 1703μg/g were synthesized using H2SeO3/HNO3 and BaCl2 as a catalyst. The effects of the ratio of HNO3 concentration and reaction temperature were investigated. Results of Raman and 13C NMR spectroscopy indicated that C-6 substitution was predominant in selenized polysaccharide. A sharp decrease in M w was observed in the selenized reaction due to the acid environment. The in vitro antioxidant results suggest that selenium-containing polysaccharide should be applied as a novel selenium source in dietary supplements, with potent antioxidant properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It was essential to understand the chemical structure of polysaccharides for further research and biochemical or medical application of this natural biopolymer. In the present study, sulfated derivatives of guar gum with high degree of sulfation (DS) were synthesized using 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP)/dimethylcyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) as catalyst in homogeneous conditions. The effects of the ratio of chlorosulfuric acid to pyridine, the content of catalyst and reaction temperature were investigated. Results of FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR indicated that C-6 substitution was predominant in sulfated polysaccharide. In the sulfation reaction, a sharp decrease in M W was observed. The enhanced antioxidant activities of sulfated polysaccharides were not a function of a single factor but a combination of high DS and low molecule weight. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sulfated polysaccharides exerted potent biological property which was relative to degree of sulfation (DS), M w, substitution position and chain conformation. In the present study, sulfated derivatives of Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharide (ASP) with different DS were synthesized by chlorosulfuric acid/pyridine method. FT-IR and 13C NMR analysis indicated that C-6 substitution was predominant in sulfated ASP (SASP) compared with other positions at C-2. In the sulfation reaction, a sharp decrease in M w was observed in SASP. The d f values from 1.96 to 2.77 indicated that the –SO3H groups leading to the relatively expanded conformation of SASP. Antioxidant assays showed that SASP had better antioxidant activities. The data obtained in vitro models indicated that high DS and moderate M w showed the best antioxidant capacities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A water-soluble polysaccharide isolated from Cynomorium songaricum which is a traditional Chinese food was purified by Ultrahydrogel 500 gel filtration chromatography. The structural characterisation and hypoglycaemic activity of the purified polysaccharide fraction (CSPA) were evaluated. CSPA (Mw of 1.394×105 Da) was a heteropolysaccharide consisting of Ara, Glu and Gal. The conformation of CSPA was characterised as a compact chain of sphere-like structure in aqueous solution with a df value of 2.86. Linkage analysis and NMR (1D and 2D) revealed the presence of the following unit:. Pharmaceutical experiments showed that the administration of CSPA could significantly decrease blood glucose levels, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine activities, and effectively increase serum insulin level and the content of liver glycogen in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Histopathology studies showed that the reduced islet cells were restored to near normal upon treatment with CSPA. The results suggest CSPA could be considered as a potential candidate for developing a new anti-diabetic agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The conventional extraction methods for polysaccharides were time-consuming, laborious and energy-consuming. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique was employed for the extraction of Potentilla anserina polysaccharides (PAPMAE), which is a traditional Chinese functional food. The extracting parameters of PAPMAE were optimized by Box–Behnken design. The optimum conditions were ratio of water to raw material 14.5:1, microwave power 369W, extraction temperature 63.3°C and extraction time 76.8min with an enhanced yield of 13.33%. In microwave heating process, a sharp decrease in M w was detected in SEC-LLS measurement. A d f value of 3.03 indicated that PAPMAE exhibited a compact hard sphere conformation in an aqueous solution. Furthermore, it showed stronger antioxidant activities compared with hot water extraction by evaluating in superoxide radical (), hydroxyl radical ( OH), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, reducing power and metal chelating assay. The data obtained clearly showed that the molecular weights played a more important role in antioxidant activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sulfated polysaccharides exerted potential biological property which was relative to degree of sulfation (DS), M w, substitution position and chain conformation. In the present study, commercial guar gum was purified and its sulfated derivates with different DS and M w were synthesized. FT-IR and 13C NMR analysis indicated that C-6 substitution was predominant in sulfated samples compared with other positions. In the sulfation reaction, a sharp decrease in M w was observed. The d f values from 1.92 to 2.85 indicated that the –SO3H groups led to the relatively expanded conformation of sulfated polysaccharides. Antioxidant assays showed that sulfated polysaccharides had better antioxidant activities. The data obtained in in vitro models indicated that high DS and low M w showed the best antioxidant capacities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The conventional extraction methods for polysaccharides were time-consuming, laborious and energy-consuming. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique was employed for the extraction of Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharides (ASP), which is a traditional Chinese food. The extracting parameters were optimized by Box-Behnken design. In microwave heating process, a decrease in molecular weight (M w) was detected in SEC-LLS measurement. A d f value of 2.85 indicated ASP using MAE exhibited as a sphere conformation of branched clusters in aqueous solution. Furthermore, it showed stronger antioxidant activities compared with hot water extraction. The data obtained showed that the molecular weights played a more important role in antioxidant activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One problem of polymer modified bitumens (PMBs) is the poor compatibility between polymer and bitumens. In this paper, the improved properties of bitumen binders containing various kinds of additive including styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), weathered coal (WC) and carbon black (CB) under different concentrations are investigated. To assess the effects of the type and concentration of the additive on classical properties of bitumen binders, the softening points, penetration, penetration index (PI), ductility and Fraass breaking points before and after RTFOT aging are tested. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of these binders before and after ageing had been characterized by dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) using a combination of temperature and frequency sweeps. With higher polymer concentrations, it produced a highly elastic network which increases the viscosity, complex modulus and elastic response of the PMBs, particularly at high service temperatures. However, ageing of PMBs tended to result in a decrease in the elastic response of the modified bitumens. It also has been confirmed that the morphology observed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed the compatibility among SBR, WC and bitumen. The storage stability of binder was also improved significantly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Microwave irradiation synthesize organic palygorskite has been successfully prepared. FTIR, XDR and morphology analysis indicate that 5min microwave irradiation of palygorskite (PA) is an appropriate time to improve the structure of PA. PA and organic palygorskite (OP) had marked effect on the high-temperature property of increasing softening point at the content of 1% while SBR had significant effect on the low-temperature properties and improvement of aging resistance with SBR content of 3–4% in SBR/PA and SBR/OP modified asphalts. TG analysis shows that an increase in the size between layers is found. OP has the high mass loss temperature than PA in the presence of SBR. The morphology in accordance with TG analysis indicate that compatibility and storage stability are improved with a homogeneous and stable mix of wavelike structure in modified asphalts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Investigations have shown that storage bugs seriously harm grains during storage. In the interim, essential oils (EOs) have been proven to be a good botanical pesticide. The anti-Lasioderma serricorne properties of Elsholtzia ciliata essential oil, which was obtained by steam distillation, were evaluated using DL-limonene, carvone, and their two optical isomer components using contact, repelling, and fumigation techniques. Simultaneously, the fumigation, contact, and repellent activities of carvone and its two optical isomers mixed with DL-limonene against L. serruricorne were evaluated. The results showed that E. ciliata, its main components (R-carvone, DL-limonene), and S-carvone exhibited both fumigations (LC50 = 14.47, 4.42, 20.9 and 3.78 mg/L) and contact (LD50 = 7.31, 4.03, 28.62 and 5.63 µg/adult) activity against L.serricorne. A binary mixture (1:1) of R-carvone and DL-limonene displayed an obvious synergistic effect. A binary mixture (1:1) of carvone and its two optical isomers exhibited an obvious synergistic effect, too. Furthermore, the repellent activity of the EO, carvone, and its two optical isomers, DL-limonene, and a combination of them varied. To stop insect damage during storage, E. ciliata and its components can be utilized as bio-insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases such as hyperlipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The underlying mechanisms linking obesity to metabolic diseases are still less understandable. Methods: Previously, we screened a group of spontaneously obese rhesus monkeys. Here, we performed a plasma lipidomic analysis of normal and obese monkeys using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (UPLC/MS). Results: In total, 143 lipid species were identified, quantified, and classified into free fatty acids (FFA), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and sphingomyelin (SM). Data analysis showed that the obese monkeys had increased levels of fatty acids palmitoleic acid (C16:1) and arachidonic acid (C20:4), FFA especially palmitic acid (C16:0), as well as certain PC species and SM species. Surprisingly, the plasma level of LPA-C16:0 was approximately four-fold greater in the obese monkeys. Conversely, the levels of most PE species were obviously reduced in the obese monkeys. Conclusion: Collectively, our work suggests that lipids such as FFA C16:0 and 16:0-LPA may be potential candidates for the diagnosis and study of obesity-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional β-diketones are rarely used as fluorescent emitters. Here, two novel triphenylamine-modified β-diketonate derivatives containing either a furan or thiophene unit (TPA-DK-O and TPA-DK-S) have been designed, synthesized and fully characterized. Both of the emitters have D-A type configuration, and show abnormal dual-state emissive characters with high quantum efficiency both in dissolved and aggregate state owning to rational design strategy. Additionally, owing to their molecular conformational flexibility and inherent intramolecular charge transfer characteristics, TPA-DK-O and TPA-DK-S show intriguing optical features such as solvatochromism, vicosity-dependent fluorescence and temperature response characteristics. The solvatochromism is derived from the intramolecular charge transfer effect which is confirmed by density functional theory calculation and fluorescence in solvents of different polarities. These unique optical properties of TPA-DK-O and TPA-DK-S are expected to be utilized for detecting local viscosity, polarity of system and temperature sensing. Moreover, the excellent dual-state emissive characters of TPA-DK-O are utilized for chemical sensors and cell imaging. The metal ion detection experiments indicated that TPA-DK-O has a fluorescence response capability to Fe3+ and Mg2+, and has a good linear relationship in the concentration range of 48–800 μM and 0–30 μM for Fe3+ and Mg2+, respectively. The cell incubation experiments shows that TPA-DK-O has low toxicity and good biocompatibility for cells. The cell imaging experiments reveals that TPA-DK-O not only stains and images cells, but also responds to Fe3+ in living cells. Making a contrast between TPA-DK-O and TPA-DK-S, it is found that replacing furan with thiophene in the β-diketonate derivatives showed slight effects on optical properties. [Display omitted] • ICT strategy was used to create β-diketonate derivatives with DSE characteristics. • Two DSE dyes that are used in cell imaging and metal ion sensing. • The molecular design principle for DSE characteristics is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ventilation work is an important step to be completed before the start of the positive pressure explosion-proof robot. The existing explosion-proof technology uses constant pressure inflation, which will cause explosive gas to accumulate in the corner area of the cavity for a long time. In order to solve this problem, a ventilation method with periodic pulse intake is proposed. Based on the finite element method, the cleaning and ventilation process of the positive pressure explosion-proof robot is simulated and analyzed. The concentration of explosive gas in the robot cavity with time under constant pressure intake and pulse intake with different periods and amplitudes is compared. The simulation results show that the pulse intake is beneficial to the ventilation of the corner position. The period and amplitude of the pulse intake has an effect on the ventilation efficiency, when the period is the same, the greater the amplitude of the pulse intake, the higher the ventilation efficiency; when the amplitude is the same, the smaller the period of the pulse intake, the higher the ventilation efficiency. After experimental verification, the validity of the simulation results is proved. This study helps to improve the ventilation efficiency of positive-pressure explosion-proof robots and provides guidance for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, radiative cooling has garnered widespread attention due to its energy-independent and environmentally friendly nature. However, one major challenge in the field of radiative cooling faces is the lack of artificial control over the cooling effect, which not only impacts cooling comfort but also leads to unnecessary energy waste during heating in cold environments. In this paper, a novel approach to address this challenge is proposed by a radiative cooling device with a three-layer structure consisting of vanadium dioxide (VO 2), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and silver. The transition of VO 2 between the metallic and insulating states results in the formation and disappearance of the Fabry-Pérot resonator, thereby facilitating the transition between different cooling modes. Additionally, the stretchability of the PDMS enables the device to achieve different radiative cooling power by applying varying levels of stress. In high-temperature environments, it achieves an average net radiative cooling power of 96.2 W/m2 throughout the day, highlighting its exceptional energy-saving capabilities. In low-temperature environments, the cooling effect can be suppressed to prevent excessive cooling, achieving a temperature reduction as low as 0.4 °C. This device offers controllable cooling power, and its diverse control modes in different environments contribute to its excellent environmental adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanadium dioxide (VO 2) is a promising material for energy-saving smart windows due to its reversible metal-to-insulator transition near room temperature, concomitantly with a structural phase transition between monoclinic VO 2 (M) phase and rutile VO 2 (R) phase. However, the fact that VO 2 has a complex crystalline phase makes its reliable synthesis an obstacle to its practical application. Machine learning (ML), a specific subset of artificial intelligence, can be utilized to generate virtual representations of experimental conditions and outcomes for the purpose of predicting experiments. Therefore, in the paper, four machine learning models were trained to perform optimization of the VO 2 hydrothermal synthesis. A random forest model achieved a classification accuracy of 87.27%. The synthetic parameter space was explored to filter combinations with a synthetic probability above 90%. Random forest models were used to guide the experimental synthesis, and the obtained products were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that phase-pure VO 2 (B) and VO 2 (M) were successfully synthesized, demonstrating the effectiveness of machine learning in optimizing material synthesis, alleviating the stochasticity of material synthesis caused by the control of synthesis conditions, and promoting the application research of VO 2 materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to ensure the efficiency of power user's requirements processing, an automatic classification method for demand test of power users based on parallel naive Bayesian algorithm is proposed. Polynomial naive Bayes is selected to build Hadoop cluster, and the feature words of power user's requirements are selected through chi square test. The weight of each feature item is calculated by word frequency-inverse text frequency index method, and the weight sum of each category is calculated. The weight sum is input into naive Bayes algorithm to output the text classification results of power user's requirements. At the same time, The naive Bayes classification algorithm is parallelized and encapsulated to reduce the cost of data movement and exchange in the classification process, and improve the operation efficiency of demand text classification of power user. The experimental results show that this method can accurately extract the feature words of power user's requirements, effectively realize the automatic classification of power user's requirements text, and have a more accurate classification effect. The average fitness value of the proposed method tends to be stable after more than 20 training times, and the number of network convergence steps is 7. When the ratio of energy function is about 0.4 and 0.6, the average IU value is the highest. When the required number of texts ranges from 500 to 1500, the delay time of text classification is 0.02 s, and the peak signal-to-noise ratio is more than 33, among which the highest peak signal-to-noise ratio is 42.52, and the normalization coefficient is 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Surface modifying MIL-125(Ti) with functional organic molecular is a useful way. • The adsorption and visible light catalytic properties of the nanocomposite is obviously enhanced. • Calcination further improves the adsorption and photocatalytic performance. • TPE-2Py@DSMIL-125(Ti) has great applicability, reproducibility and stability. A multi-nitrogen conjugated organic molecule (TPE-2Py) was selected to surface modify the calcined MIL-125(Ti) to prepare a nanocomposite (TPE-2Py@DSMIL-125(Ti)) for adsorption and photodegradation of organic pollutant (tetracycline hydrochloride) under visible light. A novel reticulated surface layer was formed on the nanocomposite, and the adsorption capacity of TPE-2Py@DSMIL-125(Ti) for tetracycline hydrochloride can reach 157.7 mg/g under neutral conditions, which is higher than that of most other reported materials. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies show that the adsorption is a spontaneous heat absorption process, dominated by chemisorption, in which electrostatic interaction, π-π conjugation and Ti-N covalent bonds played dominant roles. The photocatalytic study shows that the visible photo-degradation efficiency of TPE-2Py@DSMIL-125(Ti) for tetracycline hydrochloride can further reach 89.1% after adsorption. Mechanism studies reveal that •O 2 − and h+ play a major role in the degradation process, and the separation and transfer rate of photo-generated carriers increase, improving its visible photocatalytic performance. This study revealed the relationship between the adsorption/photocatalytic properties of the nanocomposite and the structure of the molecular as well as the calcination, providing a convenient strategy to regulate the removal efficiency of MOFs materials towards organic pollutants. Furthermore, TPE-2Py@DSMIL-125(Ti) exhibits good reusability and even better removal efficiency for tetracycline hydrochloride in real water samples, indicating its sustainable treatment of pollutants in contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium, a major phytopathogen damages field crops causing huge losses to agriculture. This study evaluated the anti- Fusarium effects of essential oil distilled from artemisinin extraction residues (EOAR). The chemical composition of EOAR was analyzed and its growth inhibition effect was examined against four Fusarium species. The underlying molecular mechanism was uncovered by studying the changes in growth rate, mycelial morphology, biomolecular leakage, electrical conductivity, and transcriptome of the fungi. The results indicated that the main components of EOAR (such as camphor, borneol, etc.) significantly inhibited the growth of Fusarium by destroying the morphology and structure of cytomembrane, and promoting the leakage of intracellular biomolecules. Transcriptome analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes after treatment with EOAR were mainly related to the transmembrane transport pathway and activity, carbon metabolism, and ribosome function of F. graminearum. Our findings suggest that oily waste from Artemisia annua after extraction of artemisinin can be recycled for the production of EOAR, which can be a potential green and effective fungicide against Fusarium. [Display omitted] • Anti- Fusarium activity of the oil distilled from artemisinin residues was evaluated. • EOAR showed strong inhibitory activity against the phytopathogenic Fusarium. • The main components of EOAR include camphor, deoxyartemisinin and β-caryophyllene oxide etc. • EOAR inhibits the Fusarium growth by interfering carbon metabolism and transmembrane transport. • EOAR has the potential to be developed as an anti- Fusarium agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lidocaine patches in Chinese patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods: Patients were randomized to receive lidocaine patches or placebo every day for 4 weeks. Efficacy endpoints included the decrease of analogue scale score (VAS) value at week 4, 2 and 1 and the percentage of patients that achieved a 30% decrease of VAS value. Safety analyses were conducted as well. Results: Two hundred forty Chinese patients were randomized. At week 1, lidocaine patch-treated patients had a higher clinical response versus placebo, and at week 4, the mean (SD) decreases of VAS value compared to the baseline were 14.01 (14.35) in the treatment group and 9.36 (12.03) in the placebo group (p = 0.0088). Overall, the safety profile in the treatment group was consistent with that observed in the placebo group [adverse event (AE) incidence rate: 33.33% versus 37.29%, p = 0.5857]. Conclusions: Lidocaine patches resulted in improved clinical response versus placebo in the treatment of PHN patients and were well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an improved split-ring resonator (ISRR) cell is proposed to realize wide stopband and miniaturization. This cell comprises a transverse microstrip branch in middle and two gaps on both sides with tapped-line input and output. The transmission coefficient is derived for ISRR based on the distributed circuit theory and odd-even mode theory. Then the novel low-pass filter (LPF) is designed by cascading several ISRR cells in terahertz and millimeter. The ISRR LPF possesses great characteristics such as wide stopband, deep transmission zeros and small size. Finally, the proposed filter was processed and tested in millimeter. The measured results show that the proposed filter has low insertion loss from 0.5 to 0.7 dB in U-band and a stopband inhibition at 31.7 dB in 110 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels are widely used in drug delivery systems and outperform traditional biomaterials. However, it is still a challenge to develop targeted antitumor function in hydrogels with good stability and strong mechanical properties for drug carriers. Herein, we constructed novel composite polysaccharide drug-loaded hydrogels (FA–ASA–FG/MTX) from fenugreek gum (FG) and sodium alginate conjugated with folate (FA–ASA). The interpenetrating entanglement between FG and sodium alginate could improve the mechanical properties of the composite hydrogels. Additionally, the introduction of folate endowed the hydrogels with tumor-targeting properties. The composite hydrogels were determined to have a porous structure, water absorption, good stability and a sustained release effect by the determination of load ratio, rheological characterization, swelling behavior and drug release rate. Notably, the inhibition rate of the composite hydrogels against tumors was evaluated on HepG2 cells in vitro, which confirmed the targeting function of FA–ASA–FG/MTX with dose- and time-dependent behavior. Our results indicated that the composite hydrogels were a promising targeted anti-tumor agent and represented potential advances in the field of tumor-targeted drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermochromic smart windows are optical devices that can regulate their optical properties actively in response to external temperature changes. Due to their simple structures and as they do not require other additional energy supply devices, they have great potential in building energy-saving. However, conventional thermochromic smart windows generally have problems with high response temperatures and low response rates. Owing to their great effect in photothermal conversion, photothermal materials are often used in smart windows to assist phase transition so that they can quickly achieve the dual regulation of light and heat at room temperature. Based on this, research progress on the phase transition of photothermal material-assisted thermochromic smart windows is summarized. In this paper, the phase transition mechanisms of several thermochromic materials (VO2, liquid crystals, and hydrogels) commonly used in the field of smart windows are introduced. Additionally, the applications of carbon-based nanomaterials, noble metal nanoparticles, and semiconductor (metal oxygen/sulfide) nanomaterials in thermochromic smart windows are summarized. The current challenges and solutions are further indicated and future research directions are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of surface morphologies of Al insert, including smooth surface (SS), straight knurling (SK) and hatching knurling (HK) on interfacial microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture behaviour of Al/Mg bimetallic composites by a novel compound casting was studied in this work. The thicknesses of the interface layers of the SK-s and HK-s bimetallic composites, respectively, increased by 11.5% and 4.8% than that of the SS's composite. The interfacial phase compositions were similar for all the bimetallic composites, mainly consisting of eutectic layer (EU) and intermetallic compound layer (IMC). Therein, the proportion of the EU layer in the entire interface layer for the SK's and HK's bimetallic composites was larger than that of the SS's sample. The EU layer had a lower hardness than the IMC layer. The shear strengths of the SK's and HK's bimetallic composites increased by 34.2% and 50.2%, respectively, compared to that of the SS's bimetallic composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]