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The discovery of novel electrode materials based on two-dimensional (2D) structures is critical for alkali metal-ion batteries. Herein, we performed first-principles computations to investigate functionalized MXenes, Mo2BT2 (T = O, S), which are also regarded as B-based MXenes, or named as MBenes, as potential anode materials for Li-ion batteries and beyond. The pristine and T-terminated Mo2BT2 (T = O, S) monolayers reveal metallic character with higher electronic conductivity and are thermodynamically stable with an intrinsic dipole moment. Both Mo2BO2 and Mo2BS2 monolayers exhibit high theoretical Li/Na/K storage capacity and low ion diffusion barriers. These findings suggest that functionalized Mo2BT2 (T = O, S) monolayers are promising for designing viable anode materials for high-performance alkali-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) critically threatens the pig industry in China. Lineage 1 PRRSV, which is divided into L1A–L1F and L1H–L1J, is widely recognized as the most extensively genetically diverse lineage globally. L1A (NADC34-like) and L1C (NADC30-like) PRRSVs have become the current major circulating strains in China. Notably, strains from other branches of L1 have not been reported in China. During our epidemiological investigation of PRRSV, we identified a new strain named HLJDZD55. Phylogenetic analysis of the ORF5 gene revealed that HLJDZD55 belongs to the L1B branch. Alignment of deduced amino acid sequences based on the Nsp2 gene indicated that HLJDZD55 has a discontinuous deletion of 131 amino acids (111 + 1 + 19). We further sequenced the whole genome of HLJDZD55, and phylogenetic analysis based on the whole-genome sequence revealed that HLJDZD55 belongs to the L1C branch. Recombination analysis of the whole genome demonstrated that HLJDZD55 is a recombinant strain of TJZH-1607 (L1C, identified in China) and Minnesota 14 (L1B, identified in the USA). These findings suggested that HLJDZD55 is a newly emerged lineage 1 PRRSV in China and is closely related to L1B PRRSV in the US, which may have been introduced from the U.S. strain and subsequently recombined with the local Chinese strain and underwent evolution. Taken together, these results demonstrated the emergence of L1B PRRSV in China for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the tensile behavior of some prevalent synthetic fiber ropes made of polyester, polypropylene, and nylon polymeric fibers. The aim was to generate well-documented experimental statistics and develop simplified stress–strain constitutive laws that can describe the ropes' tensile response. The methodology involved analyzing the thermal history of the fibers using the DSC technique, tensile testing of fibers and yarn components of the rope, and conducting 196 rope tensile tests with optimum testing conditions. Based on the test results, an experimental database of the ropes' tensile characteristics was established, containing different parameters of material properties, rope construction, fiber processing, fiber tensile properties, and rope tensile responses. Subsequently, ANN models were developed and optimized using MATLAB based on the generated dataset's inputs and outputs to predict the studied ropes' tri-linear stress–strain profiles. The results showed that the ANN models accurately predicted the stress–strain properties of ropes represented by the tri-linear approximation with an error of about 5% for the failure strength and strain. The study provides insight into the process-structure–property relationship of synthetic fiber ropes and contributes to minimizing the cost and effort in designing and predicting their tensile properties while contributing to the practical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial substitution of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer with manure (organic substitution) is highly recommended to minimize environmental risks without compromising crop productivity in intensive agricultural systems. However, our understanding of the effect of organic substitution on soil organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TN) in deep soil and its impact on crop productivity remains limited. Here we investigated OC and TN changes in soil profile down to 100 cm, crop yield, and sustainable yield index under synthetic nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium fertilizers (NPK), NPK plus straw (NPKS), and organic substitution (NPKM) treatments over two decades in four upland fields across different climate zones. Compared with the initial values, two decades of NPKM treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased OC and TN stocks in either topsoil (by 25.6–103.8 and 15.8–89.8%) or deep soil (by 2.9–71.3 and 5.7–36.9%), respectively, across all sites. The increases in OC and TN stocks in 0–100 cm soil receiving NPKM were significantly higher than those receiving NPK at all sites and NPKS at three high-evaporation sites. Compared with NPKS and NPK treatments, crop yield and N uptake were significantly increased under NPKM treatment only at the Qiyang site. Furthermore, OC sequestration in the entire soil profile down to 100 cm and TN accumulation in topsoil exhibited significant positive correlations with crop N uptake, relative crop yield, and sustainable yield index. In conclusion, long-term partial substitution of synthetic N fertilizer with manure facilitates soil OC and TN sequestration in the entire 100 cm profile and thus maintains high crop productivity in upland areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wind tunnel balance signal detection system is widely employed in aerospace applications for the accurate and automated measurement of aerodynamic forces and moments. However, measurement errors arise under different environmental temperature. This paper addresses the issue of measurement accuracy under different temperature conditions by proposing a temperature compensation method based on an improved gray wolf optimization (IGWO) algorithm and optimized extreme learning machine (ELM). The IGWO algorithm is enhanced by improving the initial population position, convergence factor, and iteration weights of the gray wolf optimization algorithm. Subsequently, the IGWO algorithm is employed to determine the optimal network parameters for the ELM. The calibration decoupling experiment and high-low temperature experiment are designed and carried out. On this basis, ELM, GWO-ELM, PSO-ELM, GWO-RBFNN and IGWO-ELM are used for temperature compensation experiments. The experimental results show that IGWO-ELM has a good temperature compensation effect, reducing the measurement error from 20 % F S to within 0.04 % F S . Consequently, the accuracy and stability of the wind tunnel balance signal detection system under different temperature environments are enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the synthesis of novel narrow band gap phosphorus sulfide quantum dots (PSQDs)‐modified bismuth oxybromide (Bi24O31Br10) heterojunction (noted as BOB/PS) for the highly efficient photo‐degradation of hazardous organic pollutants including rhodamine B (RhB), methyl orange (MO), and malachite green (MG). Such a high photocatalytic activity of BOB/PSQDs heterojunction derives from the improved visible‐light response capacity, high surface area/pore volume, and suitable band structure for efficient electron transfer to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS trapping experiments demonstrate that hydroxy (⋅OH) and superoxide radicals (⋅O2−) play important roles in the photo‐degradation. A possible S‐scheme mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of BOB/PS is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the effects of iron tailings content on the mechanical properties and durability of concrete under dry–wet cycling and negative temperature conditions (−10 °C), where iron tailings replace river sand at rates of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. A variety of tests were conducted on the iron tailings concrete, including compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, mass loss, and relative dynamic modulus, and its pore characteristics were analyzed using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. The results reveal that when 20% of the river sand was replaced with iron tailings, the concrete achieved optimal splitting strength, compressive strength, and flexural strength at 28 days, improving by 0.46 MPa, 3.14 MPa, and 0.41 MPa, respectively, compared to conventional concrete. Furthermore, the concrete containing this proportion of iron tailings demonstrated superior mechanical properties and durability in both negative temperature conditions and dry–wet cycling experiments. Due to the excellent physical and chemical properties of iron tailings, they enhance the performance of concrete when incorporated in appropriate quantities. The fine granularity of iron tailings helps to compensate for the granularity defects in concrete aggregates by filling internal voids, optimizing the pore structure, and improving the concrete's density and integrity. This enhances the concrete's mechanical properties and its resistance to external solutions and harmful ion penetration. Additionally, the active substances in iron tailings promote the hydration reaction of cement, leading to the formation of an increased amount of C-S-H gel and other hydration products in the cement system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the high incidence of PRRSV mutation and recombination, PRRSV infection is difficult to prevent and control in China and worldwide. Two species of PRRSV, Betaarterivirus suid 1 (PRRSV-1) and Betaarterivirus suid 2 (PRRSV-2), exist in China, and PRRSV-1 has always received less attention in China. However, the number of PRRSV-1 strains detected in China has increased recently. To date, PRRSV-1 has spread to more than 23 regions in China. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of ORF5 and the whole genome of PRRSV-1, Chinese PRRSV-1 can be divided into at least seven independent subgroups. Among them, BJEU06-1-like has become the mainstream subgroup in some regions of China. This subgroup of strains has a 5-aa (4 + 1) characteristic discontinuous deletion pattern at aa 357~aa 360 and aa 411 in Nsp2. Previous studies have indicated that the pathogenicity of PRRSV-1 in China is mild, but recent studies found that the pathogenicity of PRRSV-1 was enhanced in China. Therefore, the emergence of PRRSV-1 deserves attention, and the prevention and control of PRRSV-1 infection in China should be strengthened. PRRSV infection is usually prevented and controlled by a combination of virus monitoring, biosafety restrictions, herd management measures and vaccination. However, the use of PRRSV-1 vaccines is currently banned in China. Thus, we should strengthen the monitoring of PRRSV-1 and the biosafety management of pig herds in China. In this review, we summarize the prevalence of PRRSV-1 in China and clarify the genomic characteristics, pathogenicity, vaccine status, and prevention and control management system of PRRSV-1 in China. Consequently, the purpose of this review is to provide a basis for further development of prevention and control measures for PRRSV-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy resins are a kind of universal thermosetting plastics, which are widely used as structural materials in various applications. Thus, it is necessary to understand the network structure of epoxy resins. However, it is challenging to reveal the network heterogeneity of epoxy resins due to the permanent covalent crosslinking. Here, we provide a novel strategy to characterize the network heterogeneity of epoxy resins by using the dynamic covalent bonds to replace the conventional covalent bonds. The dynamic covalent bonds can reorganize under heat stimulus and the network keeps a constant crosslinking density during topological rearrangement, making it convenience to study the heterogeneity of epoxy resins. Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts (KWW) stretched exponential function is used to fit the stress relaxation data, and the parameters β and σperm/σ0 extracted from KWW equation indicate the network becomes more homogenous with the stoichiometric ratio of epoxy groups and amines decreases from 1/1 to 1/1.5. This method proves that the side reaction between epoxy and hydroxyl is the main origin of the structural heterogeneity in epoxy resins compared to the secondary amines network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The storage of soil organic carbon (SOC) in cropland soils is an essential strategy that serves the dual purpose of enhancing soil fertility and mitigating climate change. However, how the stability of stored carbon is altered under long-term fertilization has not been well understood, especially in the double rice cropping system in Chinese paddy soils. In this study, we explored the SOC storage and consequent stability of SOC under long-term fertilization. The soil samples were fractionated chemically to isolate various fractions and constituent pools of SOC (i.e., very labile C/VLC, labile C/LC, less labile C/LLC, and non-labile C/NLC). The following treatments were tested: control (CK), recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer (NPK), double the amount of recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer (2NPK), and NPK combined with manure (NPKM). The results showed that, relative to the initial level, the application of NPKM significantly improved the SOC storage as compared to the control. The long-term NPKM increased the total SOC in the paddy soil and this increased SOC was mainly stored in LLC, as revealed by the highest increase (142%) over the control. Furthermore, the highest proportion of labile pool was associated with unfertilized CK, while the reverse was true for the recalcitrant pool, which was highest under NPKM. This supports the role of combining manure with NPK to improve the stability of SOC, further verified by the high recalcitrance index under NPKM (56.75% for 0–20 cm and 57.69% for 20–40 cm) as compared to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-1 and PRRSV-2 have long been cocirculating in China. To date, all PRRSV-1 strains in China have been classified as subtype 1. We investigated the prevalence of PRRSV-1 in several areas of China from 2016 to 2022 and found that BJEU06-1-like strains comprised the main epidemic branch of PRRSV-1. Pathogenicity data for this subgroup are currently lacking. In this study, the Chinese BJEU06-1-like PRRSV-1 strain ZD-1 was isolated from primary alveolar macrophages (PAMs). ZD-1 has undergone no recombination and has a 5-aa discontinuous deletion in the Nsp2 protein, similar to other BJEU06-1-like strains; additionally, ZD-1 has a 26 aa C-terminal truncation in the GP3 gene. Pathogenicity studies revealed that ZD-1 causes obvious clinical symptoms: prolonged fever; reduced body weight; alveolar epithelial proliferation and moderate alveolar diaphragm widening in the lungs; diffuse lymphocytic hyperplasia in the lymph nodes; high levels of viremia in the serum; and elevated viral loads in the lungs, lymph nodes, and tonsils. These results suggested that the BJEU06-1-like PRRSV-1 strain ZD-1 is moderately pathogenic to piglets. This is the first study to evaluate the pathogenicity of the BJEU06-1-like branch in China, enriching the understanding of PRRSV-1 in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NADC34‐like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) strains were first detected in China in 2017, with epidemic potential. In this study, the phylogenetic, epidemic, and recombinant properties of NADC34‐like PRRSV in China were evaluated comprehensively. From 2020 to October 2021, 82 NADC34‐like PRRSV isolates were obtained from 433 PRRSV‐positive clinical samples. These strains accounted for 11.5% and 28.6% of positives in 2020 and 2021, respectively, and have spread to eight provinces. We selected 15 samples for whole‐genome sequencing, revealing genome lengths of 15,009–15,113 nt. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Chinese NADC34‐like strains cluster with American sublineage 1.5 strains and do not form an independent branch. Recombination analysis revealed that six of fifteen complete genome sequences were derived from recombination between NADC34‐like and NADC30‐like or HP‐PRRSV; all of the strains recombined with local strains in China, exhibiting a complex recombination pattern. Partial Nsp2 sequence alignment showed that nine of fifteen isolates had a 100 aa continuous deletion (similar to that in IA/2014/NADC34); other isolates had a 131 aa discontinuous deletion (similar to that in NADC30). Five of them also had additional amino acid deletions, all of which are reported for the first time here. In the last 2 years, NADC34‐like PRRSV has become one of the main epidemic strains in some areas of China; it has changed significantly, its homology has decreased significantly, and it has undergone complex recombination with local Chinese strains. These results are of great significance for understanding the current epidemic situation of PRRSV in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an important metabolite of arachidonic acid which plays a crucial role in vascular physiology and pathophysiology via its four receptors (EP1-4). However, the role of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) EP4 in neointimal hyperplasia is largely unknown. Here we showed that VSMC-specific deletion of EP4 (VSMC-EP4) ameliorated, while VSMC-specific overexpression of human EP4 promoted, neointimal hyperplasia in mice subjected to femoral artery wire injury or carotid artery ligation. In vitro studies revealed that pharmacological activation of EP4 promoted, whereas inhibition of EP4 suppressed, proliferation and migration of primary-cultured VSMCs. Mechanically, EP4 significantly increased the protein expression of tenascin C (TN-C), a pro-proliferative and pro-migratory extracellular matrix protein, at the translational level. Knockdown of TN-C markedly suppressed EP4 agonist-induced VSMC proliferation and migration. Further studies uncovered that EP4 upregulated TN-C protein expression via the PKA/mTORC1/Ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) pathway. Together, our findings demonstrate that VSMC EP4 increases TN-C protein expression to promote neointimal hyperplasia via the PKA-mTORC1-rpS6 pathway. Therefore, VSMC EP4 may represent a potential therapeutic target for vascular restenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers have an excellent effect in terms of moderating fast neutrons with rich hydrogen and carbon, which plays an indispensable role in shielding devices. As the shielding of neutrons is typically accompanied by the generation of γ-rays, shielding materials are developed from monomers to multi-component composites, multi-layer structures, and even complex structures. In this paper, based on the typical multilayer structure, the integrated design of the shield component structure and the preparation and performance evaluation of the materials is carried out based on the design sample of the heat-resistant lightweight polymer-based interlayer. Through calculation, the component structure of the polymer-based materials and the three-layer thickness of the shield are obtained. The mass fraction of boron carbide accounts for 11% of the polymer-based material. Since the polymer-based material is the weak link of heat resistance of the multilayer shield, in terms of material selection and modification, the B4C/TiO2/polyimide molded plate was prepared by the hot-pressing method, and characterization analysis was conducted for its structure and properties. The results show that the ball milling method can mix the materials well and realize the uniform dispersion of B4C and TiO2 in the polyimide matrices. Boron carbide particles are evenly distributed in the material. Except for Ti, the other elemental content of the selected areas for mapping is in good agreement with the theoretical values of the elemental content of the system. The prepared B4C/TiO2/polyimide molded plate presents excellent thermal properties, and its glass transition temperature and initial thermal decomposition temperature are as high as 363.6 °C and 572.8 °C, respectively. In addition, the molded plate has good toughness performs well in compression resistance, shock resistance, and thermal aging resistance, which allows it to be used for a long time under 300 °C. Finally, the prepared materials are tested experimentally on an americium beryllium neutron source. The experimental results match the simulation results well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the number of nuclear plants injecting zinc is increasing worldwide because zinc injection can reduce the corrosion rate of structural materials in the primary coolant circuit. However, at the initial stage of zinc injection, zinc can introduce a large amount of corrosion products entering into the coolant circuit by displacing other divalent species in oxide. These corrosion products will be carried into the core by the coolant and cause unevenness of the crud on fuel cladding surfaces, which can increase the probability of crud induced power shift (CIPS) and damage to fuel claddings. In this paper, the structural material corrosion model with or without zinc injection is built based on a mixed conduction model. The migration model of corrosion products in the primary circuit is established, and the relationship of crud amount with the time is obtained. The mechanism of interactions between zinc and formed oxide layers is analyzed. The extra amount of corrosion products due to zinc injection is calculated according to the different starting times. It is used to revise the crud mass. The influences of zinc injection on the crud amount are achieved, which can be the foundation of further research on the relationship between zinc injection and CIPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New complete light curves in B, V, R C, and I C bands for the short-period eclipsing binary V0627 Hya (period shorter than 0.22 d) are presented. From the longer wavelength to the shorter one, the amplitudes of the light variation become larger. The different height of the successive maxima in each band's light curve could be seen clearly. We analyzed those multi-wavelength light curves using the Wilson–Devinney code and derived the photometric solutions of V0627 Hya for the first time. It is found that V0627 Hya is a W-type shallow-contact binary. Combined with the GAIA parallax, the absolute parameters of this system are obtained: M 1 = 0.31  M ⊙, M 2 = 0.64  M ⊙, R 1 = 0.50  R ⊙, R 2 = 0.69  R ⊙, L 1 = 0.06  L ⊙, L 2 = 0.08  L ⊙. Thus, V0627 Hya is a new member of the red dwarf contact binary class. The asymmetry in the light curves could be explained by the spot model due to the magnetic activity of its late-type component. The amplitude differences in the different bands' light curves imply the existence of a cool third body, which is supported by the third light contribution in the photometric solutions. The third body in this system may play an important role in its formation and evolution by removing the angular momentum. More red dwarf contact binaries need to be found and studied, since they are rare and not enough is known to reveal their mysteries at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal shielding structure design plays a guiding role in the implementation of radiation protection engineering. The achievement of the optimal arrangement and thickness ratio for the layers of materials is the key to attaining a light-weight and small-volume shield but with the best shielding effect. In this research, the optimization design method is established by the genetic algorithm combined with the Monte Carlo N-particle code, and a four-layer neutron shield composed of iron (Fe), boron carbon (B4C), lead (Pb), and polyethylene (PE) is designed. When setting the total thickness of the shield to 20 cm, different arrangements and thickness combinations of these four layers are calculated. It is shown that the arrangement Fe-PE–B4C–Pb is the most radiological optimizing arrangement, and the optimal thickness combination is also obtained. Besides, it seems that the thicker the shield, the higher the requirement for the thickness ratio of Fe and Pb. In order to prove this, an optimal 80 cm thick shield is then designed, and the optimal thickness ratio is also obtained. It is found that the thickness ratio of Fe and Pb should also be increased in order to achieve the best shielding effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2011, PRV has resurged in China and is characterized by a mutated strain with significant alterations in antigenicity and virulence. Therefore, we hypothesized that antibody detection kits based on classic PRV strains may have limitations in detecting PRV variants. For more sensitive antibody detection of PRV variants, two MABs targeting the gB and gE proteins were developed. IFA revealed that these MABs exhibited strong reactivity toward both classic and variant PRV strains. MAB-gE recognizes a novel conserved linear B-cell epitope (41PSAEVWD47), while MAB-gB recognizes a conformational B-cell epitope. The binding of both MABs was effectively inhibited in the PRV-positive pig blood samples. Accordingly, we established blocking-ELISAs to detect anti-PRV gB and gE antibodies, which achieved higher sensitivity than commercial kits. Moreover, the clinical serum samples results of our method and that of IFA were in high agreement, and our test results had a higher coincidence rate than that of a commercial kit. Assessing antibody levels by our methods at various times following immunization and challenge accurately reflected the trend of antibody-level changes and revealed the conversion to positive antibody status before the commercial kit. Our method is crucial for monitoring PRV infections, assessing immune responses, and controlling disease. • Anti-gB and anti-gE monoclonal antibodies against PRV variants were prepared. • Novel antigenic epitopes of the PRV gE protein were identified. • Improved sensitivity of blocking ELISAs for detecting anti-gB and anti-gE antibodies in PRV variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oligodendrocytes are vulnerable to genetic and environmental insults and its injury leads to demyelinating diseases. The roles of ErbB receptors in maintaining the CNS myelin integrity are largely unknown. Here, we overactivate ErbB receptors that mediate signaling of either neuregulin (NRG) or epidermal growth factor (EGF) family growth factors and found their synergistic activation caused deleterious outcomes in white matter. Sustained ErbB activation induced by the tetracycline-dependent mouse tool Plp-tTA resulted in demyelination, axonal degeneration, oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) proliferation, astrogliosis, and microgliosis in white matter. Moreover, there was hypermyelination before these inflammatory pathologic events. In contrast, sustained ErbB activation induced by another tetracycline-dependent mouse tool Sox10+/rtTA caused hypomyelination in the corpus callosum and optic nerve, which appeared to be a developmental deficit and did not associate with OPC regeneration, astrogliosis, or microgliosis. By tracing the differentiation states of cells expressing tetracycline-controlled transcriptional activator (tTA)/reverse tTA (rtTA)-dependent transgene or pulse-labeled reporter proteins in vitro and in vivo, we found that Plp-tTA targeted mainly mature oligodendrocytes (MOs), whereas Sox10+/rtTA targeted OPCs and newly-formed oligodendrocytes (NFOs). The distinct phenotypes of mice with ErbB overactivation induced by Plp-tTA and Sox10+/rtTA consolidated their nonoverlapping targeting preferences in the oligodendrocyte lineage, and enabled us to demonstrate that ErbB overactivation in MOs induced necroptosis that caused inflammatory demyelination, whereas in OPCs induced apoptosis that caused noninflammatory hypomyelination. Early interference with aberrant ErbB activation ceased oligodendrocyte deaths and restored myelin development in both mice. This study suggests that aberrant ErbB activation is an upstream pathogenetic mechanism of demyelinating diseases, providing a potential therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formononetin, an isoflavone compound, has been extensively researched due to its various biological activities, including a potent protective effect on the cardiovascular system. However, the impact of formononetin on cardiac fibrosis has not been investigated. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were used to establish cardiac fibrosis animal models by subcutaneous injecting of isoproterenol (ISO) and formononetin was orally administrated. The results showed that formononetin reversed ISO-induced heart stiffness revealed by early-to-atrial wave ratio (E/A ratio). Masson staining, western blot, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR exhibited that the cardiac fibrosis and fibrosis-related proteins (collage III, fibronectin, TGF-β1, α-SMA, and vimentin) and genes (Col1a1 , Col3a1 , Acta2 and Tgfb1) induced by ISO were significantly suppressed by formononetin. Furthermore, by combining metabolomics and network pharmacology, we found three important targets (ALDH2 , HADH , and MAOB), which are associated with mitochondrial function, were involved in the beneficial effect of formononetin. Further validation revealed that these three genes were more abundance in cardiomyocyte than in cardiac fibroblast. The mRNA expression of ALDH2 and HADH were decreased, while MOAB was increased in cardiomyocyte upon ISO treatment and these phenomena were reversed by formononetin. In addition, we investigated mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS production in cardiomyocytes, the results showed that formononetin effectively improved mitochondrial dysfunction induced by ISO. In summary, we demonstrated that formononetin via regulating the expressions of ALDH2 , HADH, and MAOB in cardiomyocyte to improve mitochondrial dysfunction and alleviate β-adrenergic activation cardiac fibrosis. [Display omitted] • Formononetin ameliorates cardiac fibrosis induced by ISO. • New mechanisms were discovered by combining metabolomics and network pharmacology. • Formononetin regulates the expressions of ALDH2, HADH, and MAOB in cardiomyocytes. • Formononetin regulates mitochondrial function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitrimers offer possibilities for sustainable materials due to their reprocessability and recyclability. However, enhancing both their mechanical strength and network dynamics simultaneously remains a challenge. Previous attempts to address this issue have not achieved the desired mechanical strength comparable to traditional cured resins and have also fallen short in dynamic performance during compression molding and extrusion processing. In our study, we have successfully created an epoxy vitrimer, EOCY, by a rational design of the topology of a dual dynamic-covalent-bond (D-DCBs) network based on disulfide and imine bonds. The network of this design incorporates a high density of DCBs through the combined utilization of a rigid monomer containing imine bonds and a flexible crosslinker that carries disulfide bonds. The rigid epoxy monomers in EOCY result in superior tensile strength (85.35 MPa), high T g (112.01 °C), high Young's modulus (2.01 GPa) and improved solvent resistance. Moreover, the flexibility of the curing agent and plentiful D-DCBs lead to reduced activation energy (E a = 42.23 kJ/mol) and short relaxation time (τ = 4.84 s at 140 °C), enabling EOCY to withstand multiple cycles of compression molding and continuous extrusion processing. Our vitrimer also demonstrates recyclability through various chemical methods, leveraging the unique properties of disulfide and imine bonds. In summary, this study presents a rational approach to network structure design for vitrimers with exceptional mechanical and dynamic properties. [Display omitted] • An epoxy vitrimer containing dual dynamic-covalent-bonds (D-DCBs) of imine and disulfide was developed. • The D-DCBs network boasts a high DCB density and a balanced structure of rigidity and flexibility. • The obtained epoxy vitrimer exhibits superior tensile strength, high T g and high Young's modulus. • Multiple recycling methods and continuous extrusion processing were realized with high performance recovery efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As sessile organisms, plants rely on their roots for anchorage and uptake of water and nutrients. Plant root is an organ showing extensive morphological and metabolic plasticity in response to diverse environmental stimuli including nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrition/stresses. N and P are two essential macronutrients serving as not only cell structural components but also local and systemic signals triggering root acclimatory responses. Here, we mainly focused on the current advances on root responses to N and P nutrition/stresses regarding transporters as well as long-distance mobile proteins and peptides, which largely represent local and systemic regulators, respectively. Moreover, we exemplified some of the potential pitfalls in experimental design, which has been routinely adopted for decades. These commonly accepted methods may help researchers gain fundamental mechanistic insights into plant intrinsic responses, yet the output might lack strong relevance to the real situation in the context of natural and agricultural ecosystems. On this basis, we further discuss the established--and yet to be validated--improvements in experimental design, aiming at interpreting the data obtained under laboratory conditions in a more practical view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes an economically important disease affecting commercial pork production worldwide. NADC34‐like PRRSV has had a strong impact on the U.S. and Peruvian pig industries in recent years and also emerged in northeastern China in 2017. However, the endemic status of NADC34‐like PRRSV in China is unclear. In this study, we examined 650 tissue samples collected from 16 Provinces in China from 2018 to 2019. Six NADC34‐like PRRSV strains were detected in samples from three Provinces, and the complete genomes of four of these strains were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these novel PRRSV strains belong to sublineage 1.5 (or NADC34‐like PRRSV), forming two groups in China. Sequence alignment suggested that these novel strains share the same 100‐aa deletion in the Nsp2 protein that was identified in IA/2014/NADC34 isolated from the United States in 2014. Recombination analysis revealed that five of eight complete genome sequences are derived from recombination between IA/2014/NADC34 and ISU30 or NADC30. The number and distribution of NADC34‐like PRRSVs is increasing in China. Importantly, compared with the currently endemic strain NADC30‐like PRRSV, NADC34‐like PRRSV has the potential to be an endemic strain in China. This study will help us understand the epidemic status of NADC34‐like PRRSV in China and provide data for further monitoring this type of PRRSV in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laccase (LAC) belongs to the blue multi‑copper lignolytic oxidase enzymes, and has been regarded as an important tool to produce some important dimers in the application of biotechnology. In this study, sixteen coumarins 1 – 16 were screened to investigate the catalytic ability of LAC, and three coumarins 6 , 7 , and 16 could be catalyzed to produce three coumarin derivative coupling with acetone 6a , 7a , and 16a. The potential interaction mechanisms of three coumarins 6 , 7 , and 16 with LAC were analyzed by molecular docking. The kinetic analyses of catalytic reactions for coumarins 6 , 7 , and 16 with LAC were performed by using the transformed products 6a , 7a , and 16a as standard substances. Km values of coumarins 6 , 7 , and 16 were ranged from 0.87 ± 0.07 μM to 2.74 ± 0.29 μM, respectively. This finding suggested that LAC was a reliable method to catalyze oxidative coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we reported two novel polyoxovanadate-based metal−organic frameworks, formulated as {[Co(CH 3 OH) 2 (bbbm)][H 6 VIV 12 VV 6 O 42 (SO 4)]}·3CH 3 OH·3H 2 O (V 18 -Co), {[Mn(CH 3 OH) 2 (bbbm)][H 6 VIV 12 VV 6 O 42 (SO 4)]}·5CH 3 OH·2H 2 O (V 18 -Mn). Both V 18 -Co and V 18 -Mn featuring a ball-shaped octadecanuclear vanadium cluster as a node are discovered to be badly rare, which is different from those normally reported POV-based derivatives. More importantly, V 18 -Co displays CO generation rate of 10371 μmol g−1 h−1 with a high selectivity of 93.1 % for CO 2 photoreduction by virtue of the synergistic combination of the POV and MOF, which outperforms most of the reported MOF-based and POM-based catalysts in the field of photocatalytic CO 2 reduction. [Display omitted] • Synthesize two rare mixed valence POV-based MOFs featuring V 18 cluster as a node. • V 18 -Co exhibits remarkable catalytic activity for CO 2 photoreduction. • Synergistic effect of {VIV 12 VV 6 } and {Co(bbbm) 2 } for enhanced CO 2 photoreduction. The design of efficient catalysts for photocatalytic CO 2 conversion is extremely significant to alleviate greenhouse effect and energy crisis. In this study, two novel structurally clear polyoxovanadates (POVs)-based metal–organic frameworks, that is, {[Co(CH 3 OH) 2 (bbbm)][H 6 VIV 12 VV 6 O 42 (SO 4)]}·3CH 3 OH·3H 2 O [ abbr. V 18 -Co , bbbm = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)-bis-1H-benzimidazole], {[Mn(CH 3 OH) 2 (bbbm)][H 6 VIV 12 VV 6 O 42 (SO 4)]}·5CH 3 OH·2H 2 O (V 18 -Mn), were successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions. It is noticed that the ball-shaped octadecanuclear vanadium cluster is quite rare as a building block in POV-based hybrids. The structural characterizations and the photocatalytic CO 2 conversion, are explored systematically. It can be confirmed that the cobalt-containing POV-based metal–organic frameworks can photoreduce CO 2 under visible light, and V 18 -Co has higher photocatalytic performance. In the heterogeneous catalytic system, V 18 -Co exhibited a robust CO formation rate up to 10371 μmol g−1h−1 with high CO selectivity of ca. 93.1%, which outperforms most reported polyoxometalate-based MOF systems. Moreover, cycling tests confirmed that V 18 -Co was a high-efficient and stable photocatalyst for CO 2 reduction, which could be repeatedly applied multiple cycles without losing its catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current traditional phenol production process has many shortcomings, and the efficient and clean photocatalytic one-step oxidation to phenol is gradually attracting attention. Heteropolyacids (PMo10V2) with high-density Lewis acid active sites and excellent photoelectron transfer ability are ideal choices for catalytic reactions. In this study, a copper-modified isolated dimeric hybrid nanocluster, [Cu(pyim)2]2[Cu(pyim)2(P2Mo VI20 Mo V2 V IV4 O82)]2·(H2O) (pyim = [2-(pyridin-2-yl)imidazole]), was synthesized by a convenient hydrothermal method. The structural analysis demonstrated that the compound was composed of metal–organic complexes containing pyim ligands, Keggin-type heteropolyacids, and transition metal copper ions. Remarkably, this not only solves the difficulty that the heteropolymeric acid cannot be recovered by dissolving in the solvent but also introduces the copper atom as a second active center. The catalyst exhibited a benzene conversion of 15.6% and a selectivity of 85.2% in a mixed solution of acetonitrile and acetic acid under optimal reaction conditions. After four catalytic cycles, the PXRD pattern proved that the catalyst was still stable. This study provides a good idea for photocatalytic reactions and other environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to improve gut dysbiosis in dogs; however, it has not completely been understood in police dogs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FMT on performance and gut microflora in Kunming police dogs. Twenty Wolf Cyan dogs were randomly assigned to receive physiological saline or fecal suspension at low, medium, or high doses through oral gavage for 14 days. Growth performance, police performance, serum biochemical profiling, and gut microflora were determined 2-week post-FMT. Dogs after FMT treatment were also subjected to an hour road transportation and then were evaluated for serum stress indicators. Overall, FMT enhanced the growth performance and alleviated diarrhea rate in Kunming dogs with the greatest effects occurring in the low dose FMT (KML) group. The improvement of FMT on police performance was also determined. These above alterations were accompanied by changed serum biochemical parameters as indicated by elevated total protein and albumin and reduced total cholesterol and glycerol. Furthermore, the serum stress indicators after road transportation in dog post-FMT significantly decreased. Increased bacterial diversity and modified bacterial composition were found in the feces of dogs receiving FMT. The fecal samples from FMT dogs were characterized by higher abundances of the genera Lactobacillus, Prevotella, and Fusobacterium and lower concentrations of Cetobacterium, Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus. The present study supports a potential benefit of FMT on police performance in Kunming dogs. Key points: • FMT improves the growth performance and reduces diarrhea rates in Kunming police dogs. • FMT alleviates the serum stress profiles after road transportation in Kunming police dogs. • FMT modifies the gut microbiota composition of Kunming police dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to improve gut dysbiosis in dogs; however, it has not completely been understood in police dogs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FMT on performance and gut microflora in Kunming police dogs. Twenty Wolf Cyan dogs were randomly assigned to receive physiological saline or fecal suspension at low, medium, or high doses through oral gavage for 14 days. Growth performance, police performance, serum biochemical profiling, and gut microflora were determined 2-week post-FMT. Dogs after FMT treatment were also subjected to an hour road transportation and then were evaluated for serum stress indicators. Overall, FMT enhanced the growth performance and alleviated diarrhea rate in Kunming dogs with the greatest effects occurring in the low dose FMT (KML) group. The improvement of FMT on police performance was also determined. These above alterations were accompanied by changed serum biochemical parameters as indicated by elevated total protein and albumin and reduced total cholesterol and glycerol. Furthermore, the serum stress indicators after road transportation in dog post-FMT significantly decreased. Increased bacterial diversity and modified bacterial composition were found in the feces of dogs receiving FMT. The fecal samples from FMT dogs were characterized by higher abundances of the genera Lactobacillus, Prevotella, and Fusobacterium and lower concentrations of Cetobacterium, Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus. The present study supports a potential benefit of FMT on police performance in Kunming dogs. Key points: • FMT improves the growth performance and reduces diarrhea rates in Kunming police dogs. • FMT alleviates the serum stress profiles after road transportation in Kunming police dogs. • FMT modifies the gut microbiota composition of Kunming police dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The xylanase can be detected as a soluble form when fused with MBP and Nus tags. • Small ratio of cells expressing HRV3C protease removed the tags of the fusion proteins efficiently with co-fermentation and post-fermentation methods. • The ratio of co-fermentation is smaller. • The tags were cleaved precisely and endogenous protease of E. coli had no obvious non-specific degradation to the target protein. Abstract Human rhinovirus 3C protease (HRV 3C protease) is commonly used as a tool to remove fusion tags from recombinant proteins in gene engineering due to its distinguished specificity and high activity at low temperature. This paper is aimed to simplify the strategy of removing epitope tags from target proteins with HRV 3C protease. Fusion proteins composed of a xylanase from Bacillus sp. HBP8 (xylHB) and double tags (MBP/Nus and 6×His, with an HRV 3C protease recognition site between them) were applied as substrates. To perform the cleavage and purification, strains expressing HRV 3C protease and the substrates were mixed before (co-fermentation method) or after (post-fermentation method) inducing with IPTG, followed by cell disruption and incubation at 4℃, overnight for cleavage. The soluble cytoplasmic fraction was added to Ni-NTA resin to recover the cleaved target protein. Because the process was carried out in the cell lysate, it was named as cell lysate purification system based on HRV 3C protease (CLP3C). Our data indicated small number of cells expressing HRV 3C protease was enough to remove the fusion tags efficiently with both co-fermentation and post-fermentation methods. More importantly, the tags were cleaved precisely with no obvious non-specific degradation to the target protein. Hence, active xylanase was recovered easily with this strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-crystal magnesium-doped spinel lithium manganate cathode materials are prepared by the hydrothermal method followed by the heat treatment. XRD patterns reveal that Mg2+ions have already diffused into the Li1.088Mn1.912O4 crystal structure and not affect the Fd3m space group. SEM images demonstrate that the magnesium-doped spinel lithium manganates show uniform polyhedral single crystals with 2-4 μm. Electrochemical performance demonstrates that the optimized composition of Li1.088Mg0.070Mn1.842O4 electrode exhibits the best electrochemical properties. It delivers 92.0 mAh g−1 at 8C rates and corresponds to 90.8% capacity retention (vs. 1C), far higher than those of the pristine electrode (70.4 mAh g−1 and 69.2%). In addition, the Li1.088Mg0.070Mn1.842O4 electrode also shows 95.5% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 1C, while the pristine electrode only shows 91.0% capacity retention. The excellent electrochemical performances of Li1.088Mg0.070Mn1.842O4 electrode are ascribed to the suppressed polarization, more stable crystal structure, and better kinetic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an effective design approach for quickly determining the specification, size and amount of components of a flexible rockfall protection barrier structure. The approach is based on a reliable numerical modelling validated by several experimental tests that include both component tests and full-scale impact tests. The interception structure made up of a steel wire-ring net is accurately investigated through a series of in-plane and out-of-plane quasi-static tests carried out on net specimens, to define the ring constitutive model and failure criterion. The accuracy of the numerical strategy for an overall barrier structure with nominal energy level of 1500 kJ is validated by a full-scale in-situ test including service energy level (SEL) and maximum energy level (MEL) impacts, according to the European guidelines. From the numerical models, it is inferred that the total energy of the impact is simultaneously dissipated in different ways, where the internal energy of the structure plays a significant role. The distribution of the absorbed energy among the different barrier components is explored and defined by means of the developed finite element model. Besides, the design values of the internal force in the ropes are derived with an adequate safety margin. The proposed design procedure, applied to a barrier structure with nominal energy level of 3500 kJ, is assessed by a full-scale impact test, proving that the design approach is reliable and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report the mercury ions (Hg 2 + ) mediated phosphorus-containing carbon dots (PCDs) as a selective "off–on" fluorescence probe for glutathione (GSH), cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcys). PCDs obtained by hydrothermal reaction are sensitive to Hg 2 + ions and its fluorescence can be significantly quenched owing to the electron transfer from the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of PCDs to Hg 2 + . Interestingly, the weak fluorescence of Hg 2 + -mediated PCDs could be gradually recovered with the addition of GSH, Cys and Hcys. This can be attributed to the formation of Hg 2 + –S complex due to the super affinity of Hg 2 + –sulfydryl bond. The formation of Hg 2 + –S complex extremely reduces the oxidation ability of Hg 2 + that inhibits the electron transfer from LUMO of PCDs to Hg 2 + and re-opens the native electron transition from LUMO to the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of PCDs. Thus, the green fluorescence of PCDs is switched on. Furthermore, the present Hg 2 + -mediated PCDs assay exhibits a high selectivity for GSH, Cys and Hcy and has been successfully used to detect the total biothiols content in human urine samples. Hg2+-mediated phosphorus containing carbon dots (PCDs) are developed for screening biothiols. The probing assay working in photoluminescence "off-on" mode exhibits the high selectivity to biothiols and is successfully used in detecting the total biothiols content in human urine samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant portion of the building stock in seismic regions all over the world is constituted by brick masonry structures that are well known to be prone to damage under seismic excitations. For evaluating the dynamic performance of masonry buildings, efficient numerical models are required. In this paper, considering the typical hysteretic behavior of brick masonry walls, a unified model for the static and dynamic analysis of masonry structures governed by ten key parameters is proposed. The model is able to simulate different kinds of walls such as unconfined unperforated and perforated walls, as well as confined unperforated and perforated walls subjected to horizontal reverse cyclic loadings and vertical compression. The identification procedure of each key parameter, that includes, among the others, lateral strength, loading and unloading stiffness, accumulated damage factor, shrinkage factor, as well as slipping factor, is presented by analyzing over one hundred results collected from literature. In order to validate the proposed approach, four different types of wall specimens were tested under cyclic loads. Furthermore, a two-storey half-scale structure was tested to verify the effectiveness of the presented model in reproducing the deformation response and global hysteretic behavior of the structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capturing real-time electron transfer, enzyme activity, molecular dynamics, and biochemical messengers in living cells is essential for understanding the signaling pathways and cellular communications. However, there is no generalizable method for characterizing a broad range of redox-active species in a single living cell at the resolution of cellular compartments. Although nanoelectrodes have been applied in the intracellular detection of redox-active species, the fabrication of nanoelectrodes to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of the probe remains challenging because of the stringent requirements of 3D fabrication. Here, we report an asymmetric nanopore electrode-based amplification mechanism for the real-time monitoring of NADH in a living cell. We used a two-step 3D fabrication process to develop a modified asymmetric nanopore electrode with a diameter down to 90 nm, which allowed for the detection of redox metabolism in living cells. Taking advantage of the asymmetric geometry, the above 90% potential drop at the two terminals of the nanopore electrode converts the faradaic current response into an easily distinguishable bubble-induced transient ionic current pattern. Therefore, the current signal was amplified by at least 3 orders of magnitude, which was dynamically linked to the presence of trace redox-active species. Compared to traditional wire electrodes, this wireless asymmetric nanopore electrode exhibits a high signal-to-noise ratio by increasing the current resolution from nanoamperes to picoamperes. The asymmetric nanopore electrode achieves the highly sensitive and selective probing of NADH concentrations as low as 1 pM. Moreover, it enables the real-time nanopore monitoring of the respiration chain (i.e., NADH) in a living cell and the evaluation of the effects of anticancer drugs in an MCF-7 cell. We believe that this integrated wireless asymmetric nanopore electrode provides promising building blocks for the future imaging of electron transfer dynamics in live cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile one-pot noninjection synthesis of CdTe magic-sized clusters (MSCs) and their use as building blocks for assembling two-dimensional (2D) quantum confined nanoplatelets (NPLs) are reported. Four distinct MSC families, with the first exciton absorption peaks at 447 nm (F447), 485 nm (F485), 535 nm (F535), and 555 nm (F555), are synthesized by the reaction between cadmium oleate and trioctylphosphine tellurium (TOP-Te) in octadecene media containing primary amine and TOP at appropriate intermediate temperatures. Especially, F447 is obtained in pure form and can self-assemble in situ into 2D NPLs in the reaction solution. The formation, growth, and transformation of CdTe MSCs are monitored mainly by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. The pure F447 and its assembled 2D NPLs are further characterized using transmission electron microscopy. The influence of various experimental variables, including reaction temperature, the nature, and amount of capping ligands, on the stability and growth kinetics of the obtained MSC families has been systematically investigated. Experimental results indicate that the appropriate reaction temperature and the presence of long hydrocarbon chain primary amines play a crucial role in the formation of MSCs and the subsequent assembly into 2D NPLs. Primary amines can also promote ultra-small sized CdTe regular nanocrystals to transform into MSCs, and therefore, CdTe MSCs can be obtained indirectly from regularly sized nanocrystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expression of estrogen receptors is correlated with breast cancer risk, but inconsistent results have been reported. To clarify potential estrogen receptor (ESR)-related breast cancer risk, we analyzed genetic variants of ESR1 in association with breast cancer susceptibility. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between rs2234693, rs1801132, and rs2046210 (single nucleotide polymorphisms of ESR1), and breast cancer risk. Our analysis included 44 case-control studies. For rs2234693, the CC genotype had a higher risk of breast cancer compared to the TT or CT genotype. For rs2046210, the AA, GA, or GA + GG genotype had a much higher risk compared to the GG genotype. No significant association was found for the rs1801132 polymorphism with breast cancer risk. This meta-analysis demonstrates association between the rs2234693 and rs2046210 polymorphisms of ESR1 and breast cancer risk. The correlation strength between rs2234693 and breast cancer susceptibility differs in subgroup assessment by ethnicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since controlling hydrogen ion concentration ( i.e. pH) is fairly important in various fields, developing a facile pH detection method is highly desired. Owing to the superior optical properties, semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have been developed as a promising alternative for organic fluorophores in fluorescence analysis. In this study, a hydrophilic p -aminothiophenol (pATP) capped CdSe/ZnS QDs (denoted as pATP-QDs) as a selective “turn-on” fluorescence probe for pH in aqueous media is reported. The pATP-QDs probe easily obtained via ligand exchange are characterized by various analytic techniques including ultraviolet-visible, fourier transform infrared, fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopies, and transmission electron microscope etc . pATP-QDs exhibits weak fluorescence since pATP acts as an effective hole trapper. As an organic base, pATP easily binds to proton and the formation of pATP-H + complex alters the energetic position of HOMO for pATP, which enables pATP-QDs unfavorable for the effective hole transfer. Thus, the QDs photoluminescence (PL) was switched on. PL “off-on” mode, high PL quantum yield of QDs as well as extremely high stability of pATP-H + complex (log K s =7.47) enables pATP-QDs to exhibit an excellent pH detection performance. Under optimal conditions, the present probe exhibits a good linear relationship between fluorescence response and pH values in pH range 3.2–6.0. Furthermore, the present probe exhibits a high selectivity for proton over other common cations and has been successfully used for pH detection in real water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a challenge to develop high-performance elastomers while maintaining good recyclability and self-healable ability. Here, we synthesis the recyclable and self-healable elastomers with excellent overall mechanical properties by introducing rigid structures (benzoic acid groups and imidazole groups) into the side chains of the acrylate polymer. By virtue of the rigid structures, the mechanical performance of the elastomers is greatly improved. Further, reversible hydrogen bonds can be formed between the rigid structures, endowing the network structures with good dynamics and providing elastomers with superior capability of recycling and self-healing. As a result, the elastomers reach the strength of 20.4 MPa, Young's modulus of 79 MPa, toughness of 72 MJ/m3 and self-healing efficiency up to 98%. Besides, the samples after three times of recycling can still keep great mechanical properties. [Display omitted] • An ingenious strategy is proposed to develop recyclable and self-healable elastomers with high mechanical performance. • The mechanical properties of the elastomers are greatly improved via the unique hydrogen-bonded rigid structure. • Hydrogen bonds between rigid structures endow elastomers with good capability of recycling and self-healing. • The elastomers reach high strength of 20.4 MPa, Young's modulus of 79 MPa and toughness of 72 MJ/m3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal spraying is a green solvent-free process with the potential of applying polymer coatings to large components in-house or on-site without the need for prolonged drying. Almost no systematic research has been undertaken on thermally spraying thermoset coatings owing to the complexity and difficulty of managing the curing process. An adequately cured thermoset coating could not be deposited by thermal spraying owing to insufficient cumulative time above the cure temperature. Preheating and post-heating the substrate under a constant heat source were not successful as they led to non-uniform curing, residual stress and the risk of overheating. This study develops and validates a computer model that simulates the deposition of thermoset coatings on metal substrates using thermal spraying and high-energy infrared irradiation. The model uses readily-available commercial software and enables precise control of the coating process to improve energy efficiency and coating quality. Further research showed that evenly cured coatings could be achieved by using variable heat fluxes and controlled utilization of inward conduction from the outer surface layers. Self curing during cooling was significant and may be employed to increase energy efficiency. The thickness of the metal substrate was shown to be an important variable as it acts as a heat sink and, for heavy sections, can substantially increase energy consumption. The results indicate a need for sufficiently accurate process control and provide a suitable methodology for the deposition of thermoset coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In real world decision making problems, real numbers, random numbers, and interval numbers are often used simultaneously to express the attribute values of alternatives. To solve these uncertain multi-attribute decision making problems, we propose a definition of interval number with probability distribution (INPD). This definition gives a uniform form for real numbers, interval numbers, and random numbers. Under certain conditions, an INPD can degrade to one of the three number forms. We then propose three weighted operators that aggregate opinions expressed by INPD. Furthermore, we propose a new stochastic dominance degree (SDD) definition based on the idea of almost stochastic dominance to rank two INPD. The new definition overcomes defects in traditional stochastic dominance methods. It takes all stakeholders’ preferences into account and can measure both standard and almost SDDs. For real numbers and interval numbers, results derived from SDD are consistent with traditional methods. On this basis, a method using INPD weighted operators and SDD is proposed to solve uncertain multi-attribute decision making problems. Finally, three numerical examples are given to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expression of microRNA-181b (miR-181b) has been investigated in various human cancers. However, the expression and functions of miR-181b in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are yet to be studied. In the present study, miR-181b expression in NSCLC tissues and cell lines was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and was shown to be recurrently downregulated. Following transfection of the H23 and H522 NSCLC cells lines with miR-181b, cell migration and cell invasion assays were performed to evaluate the effect of miR-181b overexpression on the cell motility. It was demonstrated that overexpression of miR-181b inhibited the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Subsequently, bioinformatics analysis, western blotting and luciferase reporter assays were conducted to investigate the mechanism underlying the miR-181b-mediated inhibition of NSCLC cell motility. It was found that miR-181b directly targeted high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) in NSCLC cells. These results reveal a novel therapeutic target, the miR-181b/HMGB1 axis, in NSCLC. Treatment approaches targeting this axis will be beneficial to prevent NSCLC from becoming invasive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of nine enmein-type ent-kaurane diterpenoid and furoxan-based nitric oxide (NO) donor hybrids (10a-i) were designed and synthesized from commercially available oridonin (1). These hybrids were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against Bel-7402, K562, MGC-803, and CaEs-17 human cancer cell lines and L-02 normal liver cells. The antiproliferative activity against tumor cells was stronger than the lead compound 1 and parent molecule 9 in most cases. Especially, compound 10f showed the strongest activity against human hepatocarcinoma Bel-7402 cell line with an IC50 of 0.81 μM and could also release 33.7 μmol/L NO at the time point of 60 min. Compounds 10a-i also showed cytotoxic selectivity between tumor and normal liver cells with IC50 ranging from 22.1 to 33.9 μM. Furthermore, the apoptotic properties on Bel-7402 cells revealed that 10f could induce S phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis at low micromolar concentrations. The effects of 10f on apoptosis-related proteins were also investigated. The potent antiproliferative activities and mechanistic studies warrant further preclinical investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentaerythritol tetrakis 3-mercaptopropionate (PTMP) grafted poly(acryl acid) (PAA) ionic hydrophilic oligomer PAA-PTMP (PP) and dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) grafted methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) nonionic hydrophilic oligomer mPEG-DHLA (PD) have been designed, synthesized and used as co-capping ligands in water-solubilization of hydrophobic quantum dots (QDs) via ligand exchange. The obtained oligomers with multi-thiol groups could bind strongly to the surface atoms of QDs. Meanwhile, the carboxyl groups (from PP) and mPEG segment (from PD) can render QDs water-soluble, and the free carboxylic groups can possibly be used for the further bioconjugation. The resulting water-soluble QDs have been characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The water-soluble QDs have relatively small hydrodynamic size (1012 nm), and importantly, retain high fluorescence quantum yields (up to 45%) compared with that of the originally hydrophobic QDs (49%). In addition, they have tunable surface charges and show excellent colloidal stability over a relatively broad pH range (), in high salt concentration, and even after thermal treatment at 100C. These results indicate that the water-soluble QDs coated by PP and PD oligomers have potential applications in cellular imaging and biosensor. Ionic and nonionic hydrophilic ligands have been successfully synthesized and were used as capping ligands for the access to water-soluble quantum dots. The resulting QDs possess relatively small hydrodynamic size, high fluorescence quantum yield, and exhibit excellent colloidal stability over a relatively broad pH range, in high salt concentration, and even after thermal treatment at high temperature. Furthermore, the free carboxylic groups at terminal of ligands (PP) may be suitable for further bioconjugation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we reported on a series of synthetic nitric oxide-releasing enmein-type diterpenoid hybrids (9a-i). All the target compounds showed potent antibacterial activity against selected Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus and B. subtilis. The antiproliferative activity against human tumor K562, MGC-803, CaEs-17 and Bel-7402 cells, and human normal liver cells L-02 was tested and the structure activity relationships (SARs) were also concluded. Compounds 9b and 9d showed the best activity against S. aureus and B. subtilis with the same minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 4 and 2 μg/mL, respectively. The derivative 9f displayed IC50 values of 1.68, 1.11, 3.60 and 0.72 μM against the four cancer cell lines above and 18.80 μM against normal liver cells L-02; meanwhile, 9f also released a high level of NO at the time point of 60 min of 22.24 μmol/L. Furthermore, it was also found that 9f induced apoptosis via the mitochondria-related pathway and arrested cell cycle of Bel-7402 cells at S phase. These findings might be important to explore new chemical entities for the main causes of in-hospital mortality of S. aureus infection, combined with a solid tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel cyanine-based 1-amino-1-deoxy-β-glucose conjugates (Glu-1N-Cy3 and Glu-1N-Cy5) were designed, synthesized and their fluorescence characteristics were studied. Both Glu-1N-Cy3 and Glu-1N-Cy5 accumulate in living HT29 human colon cancer cells, which overexpress glucose transporters (GLUTs). The cellular uptake of the bioprobes was inhibited by natural GLUT substrate d -glucose and 2-deoxy- d -glucose. The GLUT specificity of the probes was validated with quercetin, which is both a permeant substrate via GLUTs and a high-affinity inhibitor of GLUT-mediated glucose transport. Competitive fluorometric assay for GLUT substrate cell uptake revealed that Glu-1N-Cy3 and Glu-1N-Cy5 are 5 and 10 times more sensitive than 2-NBDG, a leading fluorescent glucose bioprobe. This study provides fundamental data supporting the potential of these two conjugates as new powerful tools for GLUT-mediated theranostics, in vitro and in vivo molecular bioimaging and drug R&D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiomyocytes are long-lived post-mitotic cells with limited regenerative capacity. Proper cardiomyocyte function depends critically on the maintenance of a healthy homeostasis of protein expression, folding, assembly, trafficking, function, and degradation, together commonly referred to as proteostasis. Impairment of proteostasis has a prominent role in the pathophysiology of ageing-related neurodegenerative diseases including Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. Emerging evidence reveals also a role for impaired proteostasis in the pathophysiology of common human cardiac diseases such as cardiac hypertrophy, dilated and ischaemic cardiomyopathies, and atrial fibrillation (AF). Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have recently been recognized as key modulators which control cardiac proteostasis by deacetylating various proteins. By deacetylating chromatin proteins, including histones, HDACs modulate epigenetic regulation of pathological gene expression. Also, HDACs exert a broad range of functions outside the nucleus by deacetylating structural and contractile proteins. The cytosolic actions of HDACs result in changed protein function through post-translational modifications and/or modulation of their degradation. This review describes the mechanisms underlying the derailment of proteostasis in AF and subsequently focuses on the role of HDACs herein. In addition, the therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibition to maintain a healthy proteostasis resulting in a delay in AF onset and progression is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term manure application is recognized as an efficient management practice to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation and nitrogen (N) mineralization capacity. A field study was established in 1979 to understand the impact of long-term manure and/or chemical fertilizer application on soil fertility in a continuous maize cropping system. Soil samples were collected from field plots in 2012 from 9 fertilization treatments (M0CK, M0N, M0NPK, M30CK, M30N, M30NPK, M60CK, M60N, and M60NPK) where M0, M30, and M60 refer to manure applied at rates of 0, 30, and 60 t ha−1 yr−1, respectively; CK indicates no fertilizer; N and NPK refer to chemical fertilizer in the forms of either N or N plus phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Soils were separated into three particle-size fractions (2000–250, 250–53, and <53 μm) by dry- and wet-sieving. A laboratory incubation study of these separated particle-size fractions was used to evaluate the effect of long-term manure, in combination with/without chemical fertilization application, on the accumulation and mineralization of SOC and total N in each fraction. Results showed that long-term manure application significantly increased SOC and total N content and enhanced C and N mineralization in the three particle-size fractions. The content of SOC and total N followed the order 2000–250 μm > 250–53μm > 53 μm fraction, whereas the amount of C and N mineralization followed the reverse order. In the <53 μm fraction, the M60NPK treatment significantly increased the amount of C and N mineralized (7.0 and 10.1 times, respectively) compared to the M0CK treatment. Long-term manure application, especially when combined with chemical fertilizers, resulted in increased soil microbial biomass C and N, and a decreased microbial metabolic quotient. Consequently, long-term manure fertilization was beneficial to both soil C and N turnover and microbial activity, and had significant effect on the microbial metabolic quotient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dissociation of a hydrogen molecule on perfect MgO(0 0 1) films deposited on Mo(0 0 1) surface is investigated systematically using periodic density-functional theory (DFT) method. The unusual adsorption behavior of heterolytic dissociative hydrogen molecule at neighboring surface oxygen and surface magnesium, is clarified here. To our knowledge, this heterolytic dissociative state has never been found before on bulk MgO(0 0 1) or metal supported perfect MgO(0 0 1) surfaces (without low coordination sites). The results confirm that, in all cases, the heterolytic dissociation is much more favorable that homolytic dissociation both energetically and kinetically. The energy differences between two dissociative states are very large, in the range of 1.1 eV–1.5 eV for Mo supported 1 ML–3 ML oxide films, which inhibits, to a great extent, the homolytic dissociation in the respect of reaction thermodynamics. The energy barriers of heterolytic dissociation are about 0.5 eV, much lower that the barrier of homolytic dissociation. The transformation reaction on thick films will be more endothermic. Passing through heterolytic dissociation state has significantly lowered the reaction heat and the energy barrier for obtaining homolytic dissociative structure, which makes the homolytic splitting of H 2 easier on 2 ML oxide films. The results provide a useful strategy for enhancing the reactivity of the nonreducible metal oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine whether the combined blockade of IL-1β and TNF-α can alleviate the pathological allergic inflammatory reaction in the nasal mucosa and lung tissues in allergic rhinitis (AR) guinea pigs. Healthy guinea pigs treated with saline were used as the healthy controls. The AR guinea pigs were randomly divided into (1) the AR model group treated with intranasal saline; (2) the 0.1% nonspecific IgY treatment group; (3) the 0.1% anti-TNF-α IgY treatment group; (4) the 0.1% anti-IL-1β IgY treatment group; (5) the 0.1% combined anti-IL-1β and TNF-α IgY treatment group; and (6) the fluticasone propionate treatment group. The inflammatory cells were evaluated using Wright’s staining. Histopathology was examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The results showed that the number of eosinophils was significantly decreased in the peripheral blood, nasal lavage fluid, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (P<0.05), and eosinophil, neutrophil, and lymphocyte infiltration and edema were significantly reduced or absent in the nasal mucosa and lung tissues (P<0.05) in the combined 0.1% anti-IL-1β- and TNF-α IgY-treated guinea pigs. The data suggest that topical blockade of IL-1β and TNF-α could reduce pathological allergic inflammation in the nasal mucosa and lung tissues in AR guinea pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]