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With the development of wearable electronic technology, the flexible photodetectors have attracted widespread attention, and it is of great significance to develop flexible, eco‐friendly and low‐cost photodetectors. Cellulose paper, as a flexible, eco‐friendly, low‐cost, lightweight, customizable, biodegradable and renewable material, has received enthusiastic attention and rapid development in the field of photodetectors in recent years. In this review, it is focused on the research progress of paper‐based (PB) photodetectors. First, the fabrication methods of PB photodetectors are discussed, including electrode materials and optoelectronic functional materials. Then, this review systematically summarizes and analyzes the achievements of PB photodetectors on photoelectric performances (spectral response range, responsivity, detectivity, response/recovery times and on/off ratio) and flexibility characteristics (bending angle and bending cycle). In terms of key performance indicators, the PB photodetectors reported so far can detect multiple wavelengths of light from UV to near‐infrared with the maximum detectivity of 1013 Jones. In addition, the various applications of PB photodetectors is reviewed and discussed. Finally, it is look forward to the future development of PB photodetectors in terms of fabrication methods, photoelectric and flexible performances, and applications. With this review, it is hope that it will promoted the future development of PB photodetectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whisper speaker recognition (WSR) has received extensive attention from researchers in recent years, and it plays an important role in medical, judicial, and other fields. Among them, the establishment of a whisper dataset is very important for the study of WSR. However, the existing whisper dataset suffers from the problems of a small number of speakers, short speech duration, and lack of neutral speech with the same-text as the whispered speech in the same dataset. To address this issue, we present Whisper40, a multi-person Chinese WSR dataset containing same-text neutral speech spanning around 655.90 min sourced from volunteers. In addition, we use the current state-of-the-art speaker recognition model to build a WSR baseline system and combine the idea of transfer learning for pre-training the speaker recognition model using neutral speech datasets and transfer the empirical knowledge of specific network layers to the WSR system. The Whisper40 and CHAINs datasets are then used to fine-tune the model with transferred specific layers. The experimental results show that the Whisper40 dataset is practical, and the time delay neural network (TDNN) model performs well in both the same/cross-scene experiments. The equal error rate (EER) of Chinese WSR after transfer learning is reduced by 27.62% in comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For sustainable wearable applications, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) should have the features of flexibility, robustness, biocompatibility, and integration. For this purpose, flexible TENGs were proposed using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film with a porous structure and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was incorporated to enhance the output performance by forming microcapatitors. The conductive fabric was embedded in the friction layer as electrodes, convenient for integration and wearing. Benefiting from the porous structure and microcapatitor effect, the results showed that the output voltage and current of TENG based on the MWCNT@TPU porous composite film increased to 41 V, and 12.4 μA when the concentration of TPU was 18 wt% and the concentration of MWCNT was 0.3 wt%, from the original 9 V and 1.5 μA for TENG with dense TPU film. The harvested electric energy was enough to light up 148 LEDs or 18 COBs, as well as charging capacitors for powering micro‐electronics. In addition, the TENG could be used for sensing emergency situations and identifying objects. Generally, the designed TENG provides new insights into investigating porous materials with flexibility for high performance energy harvesters. Highlights: A wearable, integratable and durable triboelectric layer was developed.The triboelectric layer was optimized by incorporating carbon nanotubes.The outputs of TENG were improved by porous structure and microcapatitor effect.The TENG had a great potential in energy harvesting and protective alarm system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Prolonged exposure to plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) leads to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) which can progress to type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the absence of timely and effective interventions. High-fat diet (HFD) leads to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, impairing pancreatic beta cell (PBC) function. While Didymin, a flavonoid glycoside derived from citrus fruits, has beneficial effects on inflammation dysfunction, its specific role in HFD-induced IGT remains yet to be elucidated. Hence, this study aims to investigate the protective effects of Didymin on PBCs. Methods: HFD-induced IGT mice and INS-1 cells were used to explore the effect and mechanism of Didymin in alleviating IGT. Serum glucose and insulin levels were measured during the glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests to evaluate PBC function and insulin resistance. Next, RNA-seq analysis was performed to identify the pathways potentially influenced by Didymin in PBCs. Furthermore, we validated the effects of Didymin both in vitro and in vivo. Mitochondrial electron transport inhibitor (Rotenone) was used to further confirm that Didymin exerts its ameliorative effect by enhancing mitochondria function. Results: Didymin reduces postprandial glycemia and enhances 30-minute postprandial insulin levels in IGT mice. Moreover, Didymin was found to enhance mitochondria biogenesis and function, regulate insulin secretion, and alleviate inflammation and apoptosis. However, these effects were abrogated with the treatment of Rotenone, indicating that Didymin exerts its ameliorative effect by enhancing mitochondria function. Conclusions: Didymin exhibits therapeutic potential in the treatment of HFD-induced IGT. This beneficial effect is attributed to the amelioration of PBC dysfunction through improved mitochondrial function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese narcissus (Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis cv. 'Jinzhanyintai') is one of the 10 most famous traditional flowers of China, having a beautiful and highly ornamental flower with a rich fragrance. However, the flower longevity affects its commercial appeal. While petal senescence in Narcissus is ethylene-independent and abscisic acid-dependent, the regulatory mechanism has yet to be determined. In this study, we identified a R2R3-MYB gene (NtMYB1) from Narcissus tazetta and generated oeNtMYB1 and Ntmyb1 RNA interference mutants in Narcissus as well as an oeNtMYB1 construct in Arabidopsis. Overexpressing NtMYB1 in Narcissus or Arabidopsis led to premature leaf yellowing, an elevated level of total carotenoid, a reduced level of chlorophyll b , and a decrease in photosystem II fluorescence (F v/ F m). A dual-luciferase assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation–quantitative PCR revealed that NtMYB1 directly binds to the promoter of NtNCED1 or NtNCED2 and activates NtNCED1/2 gene expression both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, overexpressing NtMYB1 accelerated abscisic acid biosynthesis, up-regulated the content of zeatin and abscisic acid, and down-regulated the level of β-carotene and gibberellin A1, leading to petal senescence and leaf yellowing in Narcissus. This study revealed a regulatory process that is fundamentally different between non-photosynthetic organs and leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexagonal boron nitride (h -BN) materials with excellent physicochemical stability and processibility have been considered as promising engineering materials. However, their practical applications are rather limited by the difficulty in constructing the well-bonded h -BN ceramic. Herein, we present a reaction welding strategy for facile preparation of well-bonded h -BN fibers (BNFs) network by using ethanolamine (ETA) containing alcoholic hydroxyl and primary amine groups as crosslinking agent. The formed >B-O-H 2 C-H 2 C-H 2 N|→B< bond bridges through the esterification and intramolecular coordination (N|→B) reactions between ETA molecules and BNFs containing surface hydroxyls, play an essential role in the construction of the thermodynamically stable >B-N-B< covalent bond between BNFs. Based on this synthetic strategy and a room-temperature molding process followed by a calcination step, a series of resilient BNFs ceramics with high processibility, typical diamagnetism, low dielectric constant (∼ 2.1) and loss, good resistance to temperature different, corrosion, oxidation and abrasion are produced. Besides, they also exhibit excellent strain and damage tolerance, the maximum compression strain and strength can reach up to 38% and ∼ 33 MPa, respectively. Significantly, the deliberately designed BNFs vessel can be successfully used for the alloying of high melting point metals, showing both structural/chemical robustness and good reusability. This ingenious design for well-bonded BNFs network not only is a good model for exploring the welding way for h -BN powders, but also opens up numerous opportunities for practical applications. • A well-bonded boron nitride fibers network is prepared via chemical welding approach. • Ethanolamine (ETA) with bifunctional groups is selected as crosslinking agent. • Bond bridges are formed through esterification and intramolecular coordination reactions. • BNFs ceramics with processibility and excellent physicochemical stability are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dextranase is a type of hydrolase that is responsible for catalyzing the breakdown of high-molecular-weight dextran into low-molecular-weight polysaccharides. This process is called dextranolysis. A select group of bacteria and fungi, including yeasts and likely certain complex eukaryotes, produce dextranase enzymes as extracellular enzymes that are released into the environment. These enzymes join dextran's α-1,6 glycosidic bonds to make glucose, exodextranases, or isomalto-oligosaccharides (endodextranases). Dextranase is an enzyme that has a wide variety of applications, some of which include the sugar business, the production of human plasma replacements, the treatment of dental plaque and its protection, and the creation of human plasma replacements. Because of this, the quantity of studies carried out on worldwide has steadily increased over the course of the past couple of decades. The major focus of this study is on the most current advancements in the production, administration, and properties of microbial dextranases. This will be done throughout the entirety of the review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar synthesized from algal biomasses acts as an efficient adsorbent to remove tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solutions. In this study, a mixture of Enteromorpha (EN) and Chlorella vulgaris (CV) was pyrolyzed at 500 °C, then activated with NaOH at 800 °C to prepare composite biochar (EC A -B). The effects of TC concentration (50–500 mg·L−1), pH (3–11), temperature (30 °C–50 °C), and contact time (0–960 min) on TC absorption were investigated. Results revealed that in aqueous solutions, the biochar (EC 4:1 -0.5)prepared with CV and EN at the mass ratio of 4:1 and the impregnation ratio of 0.5 had the optimal TC adsorption capacity (Q m = 376.878 mg·g−1). The removal rate of EC 4:1 -0.5 remained above 80 % after five cycles. The surface area of EC 4:1 -0.5 (583.329 m2·g−1) increased by three and four times that of EN and CV, respectively. Intraparticle diffusion was considered as the major limitation for the adsorption of TC onto EC 4:1 -0.5. This investigation provides a method for the synthesis and optimization of algal biomass-based activated carbon for the absorption of organic pollutants in wastewater. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because they have a high application potential in the thermal management of insulation environments, high-quality hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)-based multiphase ceramics have been highly desired. However, so far, their synthesis is still full of challenges. Here, a kind of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs)/glass (GS) composite ceramics was prepared by a pressureless sintering method at a lower temperature of 900 °C. Due to a tightly bonded interaction between BNNSs and GS, the formed BNNSs/GS ceramics exhibit excellent multifunction performance. They have an outstanding compressive strength in the range of 19 ∼ 64 MPa and Vickers hardness ranging from 50 to 179 HV. For the BNNSs/GS ceramics with BNNS's filling fraction of 90 wt%, their maximum side-surface TC values are 12.01 ± 0.18 W m−1 K−1 at 25 °C and 13.64 ± 0.37 W m−1 K−1 at 300 °C, respectively. In the ultra-high frequency range of 26.5 ∼ 40 GHz, the dielectric constant values of the BNNSs/GS ceramics are primarily between 2 and 3, and the corresponding loss tangent values are < 0.3. In addition, based on the remarkable integrity of their structure, these BNNSs/GS ceramics exhibit outstanding thermal-shock stability and prominent thermal management capacity during lots of heating/cooling-testing cycles. Therefore, we believe this kind of BNNSs/GS ceramic system will have great application potential in the new-generation thermal management and/or insulation packaging fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Apostichopus japonicus is a temperate marine invertebrate and an economically important aquatic echinoderm species in China. As a benthic organism, sea cucumbers feed on small benthic particulate matter and are easily affected by pollutants. Therefore, for conservation purposes, it is important to elucidate the effects of specific pollutants on these animals. Bisphenol A (BPA) has been identified as an endocrine disruptor that functions as an estrogen analog and typically causes reproductive toxicity by interfering with the endocrine system. We identified the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 in A. japonicus and found that both BPA and estradiol could activate the estrogen-receptor-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Using biological approaches, we have confirmed the estrogen-analog bioactivity of BPA on sea cucumbers by direct interaction with the estrogen receptor. We also determined that BPA affects the reproduction of sea cucumbers by metabolic disruption in ovary tissue. The sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus, is a marine benthic organism that feeds on small benthic particulate matter and is easily affected by pollutants. Bisphenol A (BPA, 4,4′-isopropylidenediphenol) has been identified as an endocrine disruptor. It is ubiquitously detectable in oceans and affects a variety of marine animals. It functions as an estrogen analog and typically causes reproductive toxicity by interfering with the endocrine system. To comparatively analyze the reproductive effects of estradiol (E2) and BPA on sea cucumbers, we identified a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) in A. japonicus and investigated its effects on reproduction. The results showed that BPA and E2 exposure activated A. japonicus AjGPER1, thereby mediating the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. High-level expression of AjGPER1 in the ovarian tissue was confirmed by qPCR. Furthermore, metabolic changes were induced by 100 nM (22.83 μg/L) BPA exposure in the ovarian tissue, leading to a notable increase in the activities of trehalase and phosphofructokinase. Overall, our findings suggest that AjGPER1 is directly activated by BPA and affects sea cucumber reproduction by disrupting ovarian tissue metabolism, suggesting that marine pollutants pose a threat to the conservation of sea cucumber resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving high energy storage performance at high power density is expected in lithium ion capacitors (LIC), but currently it is limited by the mismatched kinetics between capacitor-type cathodes and battery-type anodes. Herein, carbon nanotube (CNT)-mesoporous carbon (mpC) sponge is an elastic three-dimensional network and prepared by self-assembling phenol functionalized melamine-based micelles on the surface of CNTs and a carbonization process. The porous structures of the mpC layers can be tailored (key factors including the pore ordering degree, coating thickness) to investigate the effects of microstructures on electrochemical properties. Due to the densely packed ordered open mesopores with straight/short channels (13.2 nm) and high N (5.28 at%) and O (5.69 at%) doping, CNT-mpC sponge cathodes possess high specific capacitances of 142 F/g (0.1 A/g). The full carbon LICs (CNT-mpC//CNT) with pure CNT sponges as anodes can deliver a high energy density of 111.8 Wh/kg at 325 W/kg. Even at an ultrahigh power density of 32500 W/kg, our LICs still achieve a satisfactory energy density of 30.7 Wh/kg. We provide a structure design for high power LIC cathodes, and our CNT-mpC sponges are promising in other energy storage systems for high performances at high power density. CNT-mpC sponge cathodes consisting of elastic 3D networks and large amounts of densely packed ordered mesopores with short channels achieve high lithium ion capacitor performances. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As omics technologies, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, T cell receptor‐repertorie profiling, proteomics, metabolomics and microbiomics, have provided valuable insights into CAR T cell therapy, in our recent review, we discuss these multidimensional profiling technologies in CAR T cell research, and their potential to identify tumor‐specific antigens and molecular characteristics associated with anti‐tumour effects and toxicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste frying oil is a highly promising feedstock for biodiesel production due to its lower cost compared to refined vegetable oils. In this study, biodiesel was prepared by transesterification of mixed waste frying oil with dimethyl carbonate, utilizing immobilized recombinant lipase in tert -butanol as the medium. The activation energy (E a) and pre-exponential factor (k 0) were determined to be 73.8 kJ/mol and 1.62×106, respectively. Under optimal reaction conditions, the biodiesel yield can reach 88.5%. Subsequently, cottonseed oil was introduced into the feedstock to enhance the crystallization temperature of the product, which enables biodiesel production to meet the fuel property standards. The cold filter plugging point of biodiesel was reduced to 4.3 ℃. Ultimately, blending biodiesel with diesel significantly reduces smoke emissions from diesel engines, with the B80 blend demonstrating superior effectiveness. This study presents an efficient and cost-effective method for biodiesel production. • The waste frying oil-based biodiesel yield was more than 85%. • The incorporation of cottonseed oil reduced the cold filter plugging point to only 4.3 °C. • The use of biodiesel and diesel blend fuels greatly reduced the smoke emission. • More carbon in the form of CO 2 facilitates the carbon cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial cellulose (BC) was used as a reinforcing agent, citric acid (CA) as a cross-linking agent, and CMC@AgNPs as antibacterial nanomaterials, in which CMC@AgNPs were reduced from AgNO 3 in situ by carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a reducing agent and stabilizer to fight microbial corruption. Its potential application in packaging fresh meat has been investigated. Results showed that the antibacterial CMC@AgNPs/BC/CA aerogels with excellent structural integrity and outstanding water absorption were developed by adding 0.3% BC and 0.25% CA. The CMC@AgNPs/BC/CA aerogel significantly reduced the color change and the total viable bacterial counts (TVC) in fresh meat after 7 days of refrigerated storage. The results indicated that CMC@AgNPs/BC/CA aerogels can effectively extend the shelf life of fresh meat, and can be used for meat packaging as a biologically active absorption pad. [Display omitted] • Preparation of an antibacterial aerogel decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). • Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were used to prepare CMC@AgNPs in situ. • Bacterial cellulose (BC) was used to strengthen the CMC@AgNPs/BC/CA aerogels. • The citric acid (CA) was used as non-toxic cross-linking agent. • The aerogels had high bacteriostatic effect and had good preservation for fresh beef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing attention paid to the treatment of flowback fluid, cost control, and environmental pollution in oil reservoir reconstruction and enhanced oil recovery, transforming fracturing fluid into oil displacement working fluid after fracturing has become a solution. In this paper, an EOS gel system is formulated using erucic acid amidopropyl betaine (EAPB), oleic acid amidopropyl betaine (OAPB), and sodium salicylate (NaSal). The system demonstrates high viscoelasticity and achieves ultra-low interfacial tension at low concentrations with dual purposes in fracturing and oil recovery. The comprehensive performance evaluation demonstrates that the EOS integrated working fluid exhibits excellent salt and temperature resistance. The viscosity of 2.8 wt% EOS remains above 24 mPa·s after 1 h of continuous shearing at 80 °C. The surface and interfacial tension of the gel breaking solution can be reduced to 26.84 mN/m and 4.54 × 10−3 mN/m, respectively. The contact angle on the lipophilic glass can be reduced by 22.3°, 22.4° and 21.0° at 60 °C, 70 °C and 80 °C, respectively. Due to the adsorption of surfactant molecules, which reduces the adhesive force of oil droplets and alters the wettability of the rock surface, the static oil recovery rate reaches 19.4% at 70 °C, and the dynamic water flooding oil recovery rate can be increased by 11.56%. The fracturing-oil displacement integrated working fluid formulations developed in this paper provides a useful reference for reducing cost to increase benefit as well as enhancement of recovery in the latter period of oilfield development. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Improve the recycling methods of biochar and discarded masks. • Reduce the need to filter biochar while increasing the removal of pollutants. • Regenerative biochar could achieve a better adsorption capacity. • Regenerative process without an activator and acid-washing process. • The bio-oil obtained through the recycling strategy has a high hydrocarbon content. Waste disposable masks cause serious environmental pollution due to their slow degradation. This study investigated a simple and efficient method to recycle masks for high-value additional utilization. Polypropylene-based waste masks were dismantled and combined with Enteromorpha clathrate biochar (AC) to produce mask-biochar packages (M-AC), which were applied to wastewater (containing methylene blue) treatment. The results showed that compared with AC alone, the removal rate of MB solution by mask-biochar packages (M-AC) increased by 18.50 %. Then, the used mask-biochar packages (M-AC) were pyrolyzed at 550 °C to obtain hydrocarbon-rich bio-oil and composite biochar (MAC). Compared to MAC alone, the mask-biochar package (M-MAC) increased the removal rate of MB by 10.16 %. The composite biochar has achieved a high adsorption capacity of 820.925 mg·g−1 without any activator and acid washing process. The hydrocarbon content is 55.31 % which makes it a hydrocarbon-rich bio-oil. This study provided effective experimental support for the combined use of biomass and mask for waste treatment and for the production of biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel leaf-like Co 3 O 4 composites were prepared by magnetic-field-assisted chemical deposition method for supercapacitor electrode. • The effect of the magnetic field on the morphology of leaf-like microstructure was studied. • The optimal Co 3 O 4 at 80 mT has the highest capacitance of 1295 Fg−1 at 1 A/g and good retention (94.1 % over 10,000 cycles). A novel leaf-like cobalt oxide particles were prepared by a magnetic field assisted chemical deposition method and subsequently sintering process. The phase structure, morphological changes, and electrochemical performance of the cobalt oxide particles were systematically tested and the effect of the magnetic field on the product morphology was studied. Owin to the unique leaf-like shape structure, the optimal Co 3 O 4 particles at 80 mT displayed the highest specific capacitance of 1247.4 Fg−1 at 1 A/g, with a retention rate of 94.1 % after 10,000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study a cross-cavity quantum Rabi model with ultrastrong coupling, and its analytical ground state is demonstrated to be approximately obtained by using the rotating-transformation method. Our method requires making three unitary transformations to the original Hamiltonian and ignoring the three-party cross interaction. In near-resonance and ultrastrong-coupling regimes, the ground-state fidelity is higher than 99% for a ±20% detuning range. We analytically demonstrate that the entanglement in ground state first quadratically increases with the qubit-oscillator coupling strength, then gets close to the maximum value 1. The oscillator's nonclassical property in the ground state is well explained by analytically solving the Wigner function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study promoted the cycling of carbon and nitrogen in wastewater systems. • The "adsorption-catalysis-adsorption" strategy improved the recovery of waste. • Improved quality of bio-oil obtained with regenerated catalyst. • The maximum adsorption capacity of regenerated bio-char was 554.38 mg·g−1. This study proposes an "adsorption-catalysis-adsorption" strategy to improve the recycling capacity of bio-char, which has implications for improving bio-char utilization and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A porous bio-char (EPAC) was prepared and used for effective methylene blue (MB) adsorption. The adsorbent after MB adsorption was used to fabricate a new carbon catalyst (EPMCC), which exhibited an excellent catalytic capacity for low N/O bio-oil. The nitrogen content of the bio-oil catalyzed by EPMCC decreased from 34.46 wt% to 17.04 wt%, and the hydrocarbon content increased from 15.52 wt% to 29.09 wt% compared to the pyrolysis of Enteromorpha clathrate alone. The used EPMCC was then regenerated to obtain a new EPMNC adsorbent with a high specific surface area (1097.99 m2·g−1). The maximum adsorption capacity of EPMNC was 554.38 mg·g−1, and the adsorption mechanisms involved electrostatic interactions, π-π interactions, and hydrogen bonding. This study promotes the cycling of carbon and nitrogen in organic wastewater systems containing nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The N pr -CNs is synthesized by pre-pelletizing and subsequent pyrolysis process. • The N pr -CNs have dominate pyrrolic N-doping, unique structure and electronic state. • It can inhibit the shuttle effect and improve redox kinetics by synergistic effect. • The Li-S cell with N pr -CNs/PP deliver high discharge capacity of 932 mAh g−1 at 1C. The practical applications of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are rather limited by the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and sluggish redox reaction kinetics. Here, a kind of pyrrolic-N-rich carbon nanosheets (N pr -CNs) are prepared by introducing melamine cyanurate (MCA) into the carbonization process of polyacrylonitrile (PAN). As a mediator in Li-S batteries, hierarchical pores, dominant pyrrolic-N-doping, disorder/defective structures and unique electronic states endow N pr -CNs with synergistic adsorption-catalysis function for S species. Specifically, they can effectively inhibit LiPSs shuttle, catalyze the conversion of both liquid-phase LiPSs and solid-phase Li 2 S, reduce the charge transfer resistance and enhance Li-ions migration rate. Hence, it can make the Li-S batteries deliver excellent rate performance and cycling stability. The battery can reach ultrahigh discharge capacity of 932.0 mAh g−1 at the beginning under current density of 1C and even liberate a capacity as high as 1109.4 mAh g−1 at 0.2C with high sulfur loading of 3.8 mg cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• HSPA13 expression was elevated in DENV and other Flaviviruses (ZIKV, JEV, YFV) infected THP1 induced macrophages. • Over-expression of HSPA13 inhibited the replication of DENV and other Flaviviruses (ZIKV, JEV, YFV). • HSPA13 promoted IFN-I and ISGs production in DENV infection by interacting with RIG-I and up-regulating the expression of RIG-I. • HSPA13 enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β secretion by interacting with ASC in DENV infection. • HSPA13 is a promising drug target in DENV infection. Dengue virus (DENV) is a type of arthropod-borne Flavivirus , which leads to a series of serious diseases like dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). DENV has a devastating health and economic impact worldwide. However, there are no suitable drugs to combat the virus. Here we reported that HSPA13, also known as stress chaperone (STCH), is a member of the HSP70 family and is a key regulator of type I interferon (IFN-I) and pro-inflammatory responses during DENV infection. HSPA13 expression was increased in macrophages infected with DENV or other Flaviviruses like Zika virus (ZIKV), Yellow fever virus (YFV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Further, HSPA13 suppressed the replication of DENV and other Flaviviruses (ZIKV, JEV, YFV), which exhibited broad-spectrum antiviral effects. On the one hand, HSPA13 promoted production of IFN-β and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs, such as ISG15, OAS and IFIT3) by interacting with RIG-I and up-regulating RIG-I expression during DENV infection. On the other hand, HSPA13 enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β secretion by interacting with ASC in DENV infection. We identified HSPA13 as a potential anti-DENV target. Our results provide clues for the development of antiviral drugs against DENV based on HSPA13 and reveal novel drug target against Flaviviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reservoir heterogeneity is regarded as one of the main reasons leading to low oil recovery for both conventional and unconventional reservoirs. High-permeability layers or fractures could result in ineffective water or gas injection and generate nonuniform profile. Polymer microspheres have been widely applied for the conformance control to overcome the bypass of injected fluids and improve the sweep efficiency. For the purpose of examining the plugging performance of submicron-sized microspheres in high-permeability porous media, systematic investigations were implemented incorporating macroscale blocking rate tests using core samples and pore-scale water migration analysis via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Experimental results indicate that microsphere particle size dominates the plugging performance among three studied factors and core permeability has the least influence on the plugging performance. Subsequently, microsphere flooding was conducted to investigate its oil recovery capability. Different oil recovery behaviors were observed for cores with different permeability. For cores with lower permeability, oil recovery increased stepwise with microsphere injection whereas for higher permeability cores oil recovery rapidly increased and reached a plateau. This experimental work provides a better understanding on the plugging behavior of microspheres and could be employed as a reference for screening and optimizing the microsphere flooding process for profile control in heterogeneous reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To analyze the heterogeneity of fibroblasts isolated from the fibrous capsules of radicular cysts and explore the effects of fibroblast subsets on bone destruction. Methodology: Radicular cysts were divided into groups according to varying perilesional sclerosis identified by radiograph. Colony‐forming units (CFUs) were isolated from the fibrous capsules of cysts, by which Trap + MNCs were induced, and the expression of osteoclastogenesis‐related genes was compared among groups by real‐time PCR. The variances in gene profiles of CFUs were identified by principal component analysis, and then, CFUs were divided into subsets using cluster analysis. The induction of Trap + MNCs and related gene expression was compared among subsets, and osteoclastogenic induction was blocked by IST‐9 or bevacizumab. The fibroblast subsets in cysts were investigated by retrospective immunostaining with IST‐9, VEGF‐A, and CD34. A fibroblast subset that underwent gene editing by CRISPR/Cas was injected into the site of bone defects in animal models, and the in vivo effects on osteoclastogenesis were investigated. Results: The fibroblast CFUs isolated from radicular cysts with perilesional unsclerotized cysts induced more Trap + MNCs than those with perilesional sclerotic cysts (p <.05). Most fibroblast CFUs from unsclerotized cysts belonged to Cluster 2, which induced more Trap + MNCs (p <.05) and highly expressed genes facilitating osteoclastogenesis; these results were different from those of Cluster 1 (p <.05), in which most CFUs were isolated from perilesional sclerotic cysts or controls (p <.05). The high expression of EDA + FN and VEGF‐A was investigated in both the fibroblasts of Cluster 2 and the fibrous capsules of unsclerotized cysts (p <.05), and the number of Trap + MNCs induced by Cluster 2 was decreased by treatment with IST‐9 and bevacizumab (p <.05). Consistently, EDA exon exclusion significantly decreased the osteoclastogenic induction of fibroblasts from Cluster 2 in vivo (p <.05). Conclusion: The fibrous capsules of radicular cysts contain heterogeneous fibroblasts that can form subsets exhibiting different effects on osteoclastogenesis. The subset, which depending on the autocrine effects of EDA + FN on VEGF‐A, mainly contributes to the osteoclastogenesis and bone destruction of radicular cysts. The regulation of the proportion of subsets is a possible strategy for artificially interfering with osteoclastogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new method developed for ancestral expression inference which can deal with various transcriptome data. • R package, AnceTran , which can perform transcriptome evolution analysis. • A case study for RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data analysis in mice species. With the help of high-throughput NGS (next-generation sequencing) technologies, ancestral transcriptome reconstruction is helpful to understand the complexity of transcriptional regulatory systems that underlies the evolution of multiple cellular metazoans with sophisticated functions and distinctive morphologies. To this end, we report a new method of ancestral state inference. The new method used Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (OU) model, which is more biologically realistic, to replace the Brownian motion (BM) model and is suitable for multi-transcriptome data. Implemented in the free R package, AnceTran is specially designed for RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data, which is feasible. It should be noticed that our work will be integrated to a unified, statistically-sound phylogenetic framework to study the evolution of many other molecular phenomes such as proteomics, chromatin accessibility, methylation status, and metabolomics. We exemplify our method by a case study, using the ChIP-seq binding data of three liver-specific transcription factors and the RNA-seq liver expression data in four closely related mice species, and some technical issues are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent innovations of next-generation sequencing such as RNA-seq have generated an enormous amount of comparative transcriptome data, which have shed lights on our understanding of the complexity of transcriptional regulatory systems. Despite numerous RNA-seq analyses, statistical methods and computational tools designed for phylogenetic transcriptome analysis and evolution have not been well developed. In response to this need, we developed software TreeExp2 specifically for RNA-seq data. The R-package TreeExp2 has implemented a suite of advanced, recently developed methods for transcriptome evolutionary analysis. Its main functions include the ancestral transcriptome inference, estimation of the strength of expression conservation, new expression distance, and the relative expression rate test. TreeExp2 provides an integrated, statistically sound framework for phylogenetic transcriptome analysis. It will considerably enhance our analytical capability for exploring the evolution and selection at the transcriptome level. The current version of TreeExp2 is available under GPLv3 license at the Github developer site https://github.com/jingwyang/TreeExp ; last accessed November 12, 2019, and its online tutorial which describes the biological theories in details and fully worked case studies with real data can be found at https://jingwyang.github.io/TreeExp-Tutorial ; last accessed November 12, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To improve the long-term storage stability of a bioactive protein and the subsequent colon-targeted release, a double-layer chitosan (CS)-based particle was developed. Methods: To form the double-layer CS-based particle, the second layer was crosslinked onto the single-layer bovine serum albumin (BSA)-loaded CS-based particle. The structure and properties of particles were further investigated. Results: With the second layer, the double-layer particles became more compact, which was important for the inhibition of bioactive protein leakage during storage through strong electrostatic interactions and swelling of the hydrogels. After 30 d of storage, there was only 43.74–49.32% BSA leakage from the C15-TPP/C15-HMP double-layer particles. Moreover, the BSA release in subsequent colon-targeted delivery after storage was 44.02–48.59%. Conclusions: With double-layer shielding and a more compact arrangement, it was possible to reduce bioactive protein leakage over long periods storage and achieve subsequent colon-targeted delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • BNNSs/rGO heterostructure is synthesized by self-assembly crosslinking approach. • The mediator can suppress the shuttle effect of LiPSs by superior adsorption. • It can markedly catalyze the conversion of liquid-phase LiPSs and solid-phase Li 2 S. • BNNSs/rGO-based Li-S batteries show improved electrochemical reaction kinetics. Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery with high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mAh/g), has been deemed as one of the most potential candidates of secondary energy storage system. However, the large-scale applications of Li-S batteries have been obstructed by internally sluggish multi-step redox reaction and terrible shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Herein, boron nitride nanosheets/reduced graphene oxide (BNNSs/rGO) heterostructure prepared by self-assembly crosslinking method has been designed to modify commercial separator for Li-S batteries. The hierarchical pores, physical and chemical cross-links within heterostructure can significantly enhance the adsorption capacity for LiPSs, uniquely physical and electronic interaction between BNNSs and rGO can effectively catalyze the conversion of sulfurated species. Benefiting from the synergistic adsorption-catalysis effect, BNNSs/rGO not only greatly inhibits the shuttle behaviors, but also considerably accelerates the electrochemical reaction kinetics for LiPSs and Li 2 S. Attributed to these merits, Li-S battery with BNNSs/rGO heterostructure mediator delivers superiorly reversible capacity as high as 915.0 mAh/g at 1 C. Even at high sulfur loading of 3.9 mg cm−2, the cell delivers ultra-stable specific capacity of 629.1 mAh/g at 1 C, and still maintains 605.5 mAh/g over 500 cycles corresponding to a capacity fade of merely 0.0075% per cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Record-high ZT of 0.85 at 623 K is achieved in (Cu 3 SbS 3 Se) 0.96 (AgSnSe 2) 0.04 hybrid material. • AgSnSe 2 is innovatively used as p-type narrow-gap nanoinclusions to accelerate carrier mobility. • First-principles DFT calculations are introduced to guide the overall material design. • Single parabolic band model confirms the optimized carrier density and ZT. Due to the eco-friendly and earth-abundant features, p-type Cu 3 SbS 4 -based sulfides have shown great potential as cost-effective thermoelectric materials for practical applications in power generation and refrigeration. However, low electrical conductivities of p-type Cu 3 SbS 4 -based sulfides result in insufficient thermoelectric properties. In this work, a high average ZT of 0.45 and a maximum ZT of 0.85 at 623 K were obtained in Cu 3 SbS 4 -based sulfides through rational electronic and nano/microstructural engineering, achieved by mechanical alloying combined with fast spark plasma sintering techniques. Guided by theoretical calculations, we first study the physical properties of Cu 3 SbS 4- x Se x to explore the best composition (Cu 3 SbS 3 Se) that balances high thermoelectric performance, high thermal stability, and high mechanical performance. Based on this composition, we employed 4 % p-type AgSnSe 2 with a narrow bandgap of ∼0.15 eV to further boost the electrical conductivity of Cu 3 SbS 3 Se, generating a high power factor of 12.65 μW cm−1 K−2 at 623 K. In addition, comprehensive nano/microstructural characterizations indicate that a combination of dense grain boundaries, phase boundaries, and multi-dimensional lattice defects acts as rich sources to intensely scatter multi-frequency phonons, leading to a decreased thermal conductivity of 0.93 W m−1 K−1 at 623 K. This work provides a new route to boost the thermoelectric properties of sulfides for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anti-cancer role of local anesthetics has garnered attention in recent years because increasing evidence show that local anesthetics reduce the risk of tumor metastasis and recurrence. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is fundamental for tumor growth and metastasis. The role of local anesthetics on tumor angiogenesis still remains unknown. Using human lung tumor-associated endothelial cell (HLT-EC) and angiogenesis models, our work shows that ropivacaine at the clinically relevant concentration is active against multiple biological functions of HLT-EC but not lung tumor cells. Ropivacaine inhibits HLT-EC capillary network formation, growth and survival. The anti-angiogenic activity of ropivacaine is further confirmed in in vivo angiogenesis mouse model. Mechanistically, we show that ropivacaine inhibits HLT-EC mitochondrial respiration via specifically targeting mitochondrial respiratory complex II. As a consequence of mitochondrial respiration inhibition, we observe the energy depletion, oxidative stress and damage in HLT-EC after ropivacaine exposure. Additionally, an antioxidant agent completely reverses the inhibitory effects of ropivacaine, suggesting that oxidative stress is required for the action of ropivacaine in HLT-EC. Interestingly, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by ropivacaine is sodium channel-independent. Our work demonstrates the potent inhibitory effects of ropivacaine in lung tumor angiogenesis by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings provide significant insight into the potential mechanisms by which local anaesthetics may negatively affect tumor reoccurrence and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as important regulators of neurodegenerative diseases. However, research into ocular intracellular miRNAs, though possessing great potential to uncover novel and valuable therapeutic targets for glaucoma, is only at an early stage. Here we show that expression levels of miR-211 were significantly induced in aqueous humor (AH) samples from patients with glaucoma when compared to normal AH samples. Notably, oxidative stress-elicited miR-211 potentiated high pressure-induced retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) death by impairing ERK activation but enhancing P38 activation, an effect mediated by direct downregulation of fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2 (Frs2) signaling pathway in a sequence complementarity-dependent fashion. In support of the concept of a fundamental connection between miR-211 upregulation and augmented pressure-induced cell death in RGCs, we showed that ectopic expression of the exogenous FRS2 was sufficient to neutralize the miR-211-induced decrease in the cell viability and significantly improved miR-211-inhibited cell survival, in high pressure-challenged RGC-5 cells. Together, our findings show that miR-211 negatively modulates cell survival programs upon high pressure challenge by regulating Frs2 signaling, and they define roles for miR-211/Frs2 cascade in a regulatory feedback loop that mediates the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Highlights • miR-211 expression is upregulated in aqueous humor samples from glaucoma patients. • Oxidative stress induces miR-211 expression in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). • miR-211 potentiates high pressure-induced RGCs death via distinct MAPK pathways. • miR-211 directly targets Frs2 3′UTR in RGCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • B/N co-doping rGO/BNNSs heterostructure is prepared by an in-situ reaction strategy. • The heterostructure has fast thermal diffusion and strong LiPSs-blocking capability. • It can significantly enhance the catalytic conversion of both LiPSs and Li 2 S. • The heterostructure-based Li-S cell delivers advanced rate and cycling performances. The practical applications of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are obstructed by low sulfur utilization and poor cycling stability caused by notorious shuttle effect of soluble lithium polysulfide (LiPSs) and sluggish redox reaction kinetics. Herein, a creative B/N co-doping reduced graphene oxide/boron nitride nanosheets (B/N co-doping rGO/BNNSs) heterostructure prepared by a facile in-situ pyrolysis reaction strategy, is rationally designed as a multifunctional coating for high-performance Li-S batteries. The modified separator with B/N co-doping rGO/BNNSs displays excellent flexibility, thermal conductivity and electrolyte wettability. The superior shielding effect to LiPSs provided by the high density of B-N, B-C and C-N polar bonds and hierarchical pore structures, not only enhance the utilization of sulfur but also prevent the Li-anode from corrosion by LiPSs. Meanwhile, the improved electrochemical kinetics resulting from B/N co-doping sites and rGO/BNNSs heterostructure, effectively promote Li-ions diffusion and catalyze the redox kinetics of Li 2 S and LiPSs. Encouraged by the synergistic effect, the Li-S battery with B/N co-doping rGO/BNNSs coating shows a reversible capacity of 966.6 mAh g−1 at 1C. Upon increased current density of 4C, a desirable initial discharge capacity of 741.5 mAh g-1can be acquired with ultralow capacity decay of 0.015% per cycle after 500 cycles. Even under high sulfur areal loading configuration, the cell still has remarkable cycling stability. The fundamental explorations on inhibiting LiPSs shuttle and promoting various sulfur species conversion demonstrate the great potential of B/N co-doping rGO/BNNSs in practical Li-S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prebiotics play an important role in biological processes, which has stimulated great interest in their synthesis. This paper reports a levansucrase from Bacillus subtilis , demonstrating high catalytic selectivity for the synthesis of prebiotic lactosucrose with sucrose as a donor and lactose as an acceptor. The product was purified and the structure was characterized. The effects of lactosucrose on the proliferation and acid production of bifidobacterium and lactobacillus were better than that of lactulose and galactooligosaccharides(GOS). The short chain fatty acid (SCFA) content in the fermentation broth was also measured. It contains large amounts of SCFAs that act roles in intestinal homeostasis. The lactosucrose affected inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages since they suppressed inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 well as compared to the control. Also, lactosucrose had no cytotoxicity in the concentration range of 10 mg/mL. These results indicate that lactosucrose was effective in promoting the proliferation of intestinal probiotics and have anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, lactosucrose has positive prebiotic activity. [Display omitted] • Enzymatic production is a promising strategy for preparing functional lactosucrose. • Lactosucrose exhibits high prebiotic activity. • Lactosucrose has an obvious anti-inflammatory effect and low cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has a pivotal role in the regulation of many physiological processes. In this study, the gene encoding a NPY receptor-like from the common Chinese cuttlefish Sepiella japonica (SjNPYR-like) was identified and characterized. The full-length SjNPYR-like cDNA was cloned containing a 492-bp of 5′ untranslated region (UTR), 1 182 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a protein of 393 amino acid residues, and 228 bp of 3′ UTR. The putative protein was predicted to have a molecular weight of 45.54 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 8.13. By informatic analyses, SjNPYR-like was identified as belonging to the class A G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family (the rhodopsin-type). The amino acid sequence contained 12 potential phosphorylation sites and five predicted N-linked glycosylation sites. Multiple sequence alignment and 3D structure modeling were conducted to clarify SjNPYR bioinformatics characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis identifies it as an NPYR with identity of 33% to Lymnaea stagnalis NPFR. Transmembrane properties of SjNPYR-like were demonstrated in vitro using HEK293 cells and the pEGFP-N1 plasmid. Relative quantification of SjNPYR-like mRNA level confirmed a high level expression and broad distribution of SjNPYR-like in various tissues of female S. japonica. In addition, the transcriptional profile of SjNPYR-like in the brain, liver, and ovary during gonadal development was analyzed. The results provide basic understanding on the molecular characteristics of SjNPYR-like and its potentially physical functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports a novel thermophilic β-glucosidase (TN0602) from Thermotoga naphthophila RKU-10, demonstrating exceptionally high catalytic selectivity (100%) for the exclusive synthesis of prebiotic galactotrisaccharides (GOS3) in a high volumetric production yield of 23.28 g L −1 h −1 (higher than the highest value ever reported) at pH 6.5 and 75 °C, with milk processing waste lactose as both the galactosyl donor and acceptor. A comparative study with commercial β-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae (AO) with respect to reaction kinetics, enzyme-substrate thermodynamic binding (substrate induced fluorescence quenching) and molecular docking simulation studies showed that β-glucosidase TN0602 has a deep catalytic “pocket” with a narrow entrance that prevents simultaneous access of lactose and GOS3 to the catalytic site, explaining its distinct catalytic specificity and reaction kinetics. The findings revealed in this work offer an improved understanding of how enzyme protein structure determines catalytic specificity, which serves as new knowledge to engineer β-glucosidase for the biosynthesis of designer GOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrolysis is a significant problem in enzymatic production of galactooligosaccharide (GOS) via β-glucosidase catalyzed transgalactosylation. 7 Mutant β-glucosidases engineered from hyperthermophilic Thermotoga naphthophila RKU-10 (TN0602) are created through site(F414)-directed mutagenesis scenario with modeling-assisted design, for the purpose of obtaining new enzyme species for improved production of GOS. The enhancement in GOS production is achieved by continuous accumulation of GOS with less degradation as the hydrolysis activity of the mutants is strongly suppressed. The mutant F414S is found to be the most promising engineered glucosidase. Compared to the wild-type (WT), the hydrolytic activity of the mutant F414S deducts by up to 350-fold and the molecular catalytic efficiency ( k cat /K m ) for hydrolysis deducts by 22-fold, whereas the production of GOS increases from 138.58 (WT) to 207.63 mM (F414S) by 50%. Most of the mutants result in alteration of catalytic specificity, yielding both galactooligotetrasaccharide (GOS4) and galactooligotrisaccharide (GOS3) compared to the sole product GOS3 by the WT. The molecular docking study presents a plausible explanation for reaction specificity alteration and hydrolysis inhibition for most of the mutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe–based metal–organic frameworks (Fe–MOFs) have been widely used in heterogeneous Fenton-like processes. However, the catalytic performance of Fe-MOFs is limited by the relatively slow Fe (III)/Fe (II) redox cycle. For Fe-MOFs, increasing the interfacial electron transfer and reducing the electron density of Fe-MOFs are expected to accelerate the reduction of Fe (III) and improve the catalytic performance. Here, by mixing Fe/Cu metal species and introducing bromine groups, we successfully prepared bromine-functionalized bimetallic MOFs–FeCu(BDC-Br), and we used it to effectively degrade phenol in a Fenton-like process. Compared with most other catalysts, FeCu(BDC-Br) achieved a higher phenol degradation kinetic rate of 0.106 min–1 at a low dose. Effects of pH, humic acid (HA) and coexisting ions on the degradation of phenol were examined. The FeCu(BDC-Br) /H 2 O 2 system can remove phenol in the near neutral pH range of 4–6 and 0–50 mg/L HA range. Chloride ion, sulfate, or phosphate with a concentration of 100 mg/L showed an inhibitory effect on the catalytical performance of phenol degradation. This work provides insights for the preparation of Fe-MOFs Fenton-like catalyst in water/wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] • A novel bromine functionalized Fe/Cu bimetallic MOF catalyst was prepared. • Cu (II) center promoted the Fenton-like process. • Fe (III) reduction was accelerated in bromine functionalized Fe-MOF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Two safe and eco-friendly dextran based high molecular flocculants were developed. • The flocculation efficiency of both flocculants for kaolin suspension exceeded 96%. • The clarification efficiency of Dex-PL for sugarcane juice reached 91.4%. • The Dex-PL can be biodegraded by dextranase hydrolysis. Polysaccharides have been widely used in many fields. In the field of food water treatment, polysaccharide-based flocculants have attracted extensive attention. Based on the enzymatic preparation of high molecular weight dextran, two safe, sustainable and eco-friendly dextran based high molecular flocculants were developed by introducing flocculating active groups into the molecular chain of dextran through cross-linking (DEPL) and esterification (Dex-PL). The prepared product was characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Because amino group is the main active group of flocculation, more amino groups are retained in esterification reaction. In the flocculation experiment of kaolin suspension, the efficiency of the two flocculants is very excellent, both of which are greater than 96%. The results of the study on the flocculation mechanism showed that charge neutralization, adsorption bridging and sweeping flocculation mechanisms occurred in the flocculation process. Dex-PL was applied to the clarification of sugarcane juice in sugar industry. At the dosage of 118 mg/L, the clarification efficiency reached 91.4%. The results of biodegradation experiment showed that the product can be biodegraded by enzymatic hydrolysis. This study provides experience for the development and application of new polysaccharide based flocculants, and provides safe and effective flocculants for sugar refining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diapause is a developmental strategy adopted by insects to survive in challenging environments such as the low temperatures of a winter. This unique process is regulated by diapause hormone (DH), which is a neuropeptide hormone that induces egg diapause in Bombyx mori and is involved in terminating pupal diapause in heliothis moths. An G protein-coupled receptor from the silkworm, B . mori , has been identified as a specific cell surface receptor for DH. However, the detailed information on the DH-DHR system and its mechanism(s) involved in the induction of embryonic diapause remains unknown. Here, we combined functional assays with various specific inhibitors to elucidate the DHR-mediated signaling pathways. Upon activation by DH, B . mori DHR is coupled to the Gq protein, leading to a significant increase of intracellular Ca 2+ and cAMP response element-driven luciferase activity in an UBO-QIC, a specific Gq inhibitor, sensitive manner. B . mori DHR elicited ERK1/2 phosphorylation in a dose- and time-dependent manner in response to DH. This effect was almost completely inhibited by co-incubation with UBO-QIC and was also significantly suppressed by PLC inhibitor U73122, PKC inhibitors Gö6983 and the Ca 2+ chelator EGTA. Moreover, DHR-induced activation of ERK1/2 was significantly attenuated by treatment with the Gβγ specific inhibitors gallein and M119K and the PI3K specific inhibitor Wortmannin, but not by the Src specific inhibitor PP2. Our data also demonstrates that the EGFR-transactivation pathway is not involved in the DHR-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Future efforts are needed to clarify the role of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway in the DH-mediated induction of B . mori embryonic diapause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Facial emotion recognition (FER) is associated with multiple speech communication disorders (SCD). • Based on language evaluation and eye-tacking experiment, strong and detailed correlations were found between different dimensions of speech communication ability and various eye-movement patterns. • A machine-learning-based SCD prediction model was designed to screen SCD (accuracy as high as 88.9%). • A group of FER gazing patterns was found to be highly sensitive to the possibility of children's SCD. The ability of efficient facial emotion recognition (FER) plays a significant role in successful human communication and is closely associated with multiple speech communication disorders (SCD) in children. Despite the relevance, little is known about how speech communication abilities (SCA) and FER are correlated or of their underlying mechanism. To address this, we monitored eye movements of 115 children while watching human faces with different emotions and designed a machine-learning based SCD prediction model to explore the underlying pattern of eye movements during the FER task as well as their correlation with SCA. Strong and detailed correlations were found between different dimensions of SCA and various eye-movement features. A group of FER gazing patterns was found to be highly sensitive to the possibility of children's SCD. The SCD prediction model reached an accuracy as high as 88.9%, which offers a possible technique to fast screen SCD for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The reduction in larch growth after the fire lasts for 3–5 years. • Fire disturbance can cause changes in the radial growth-climate relationship of trees before and after a fire. • Moisture plays a role in promoting tree growth after a fire. Wildfire is a widespread phenomenon on the earth that has affected most ecosystems and is responsible for enormous economic and environmental damage. The Greater Khingan Mountains, the south boundary of the boreal forest, are a fire-prone area. However, the effect of fire disturbance on tree growth in response to climate warming is unknown. To predict the future dynamics of boreal forests after fire disturbance and their feedback on climate change, we analyzed Larix gmelinii growth-climate relationships in burned areas at six sites. The result showed a significant decline in the growth of burned trees in all locations except CY1 during the fire years. There was a growth release 3–5 years after the fire disturbance. The result of growth-climate relationships found that the response of CY1 and GH burned and unburned trees to mean temperature changed from a positive to a negative correlation before and after the fire year. Changes in tree growth response to PDSI were significant for both burned and unburned trees, suggesting that this change in response is related to fire disturbance and influenced by climate warming and drying in recent decades. The resistance of larch to fire showed that in the three years before and after the fire year, there was a significant reduction in the growth of burned larch, except for CY1. Our findings suggested that burned and unburned larch respond differently to climate change. Wildfires change the relationship between the radial growth of trees and climate factors. It may also alter the structural composition and biodiversity of boreal forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cathepsin L, a lysosomal endopeptidase, has been noted for its involvement in the innate immune response in invertebrates. Here, the cathepsin L cDNA of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus ( Aj CatL) is identified from an EST library and then cloned by the rapid amplification of the cDNA ends (RACE) PCR. The full-length cDNA is 1678 bp long containing an open reading frame (ORF) of 1002 bp, an 80 bp 5′ UTR and a 599 bp 3′ UTR. The cDNA encodes 333 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 37.07 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point (pI) of 5.01. The full-length Aj CatL contains three active sites of eukaryotic thiol (cysteine) protease at positions 133–144, 278–288 and 295–314. Analysis of the predicted tertiary structure of prepro-CatL (17–333 aa) and mature-CatL (116–333 aa) reveals that the propeptide region (17–115 aa) blocks access to the substrate-binding cleft. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the Aj CatL is clustered together with two other CatLs from Strongylocentrotus purpuratus . The enzymatic activity of Aj CatL was verified using a substrate hydrolyzing assay with recombinant m Aj CatL. Further analysis of real time-PCR demonstrates that the expression of Aj CatL mRNA is significantly up-regulated in the coelomocytes in cases of infection with the common bacterial pathogen, Vibrio splendidus . This suggests that the Aj CatL is likely to be involved in the immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave-assisted enzymatic synthesis of butyl galactopyranoside was performed in this study. Microwave irradiation shortens reaction times, increases the productivity of the alkyl galactopyranoside reaction, and decreases the amount of enzyme required for the reaction. The optimal conditions for the enzymatic synthesis of alkyl galactopyranoside from lactose and n -butanol by β-galactosidase from Thermotoga naphthophila RKU-10 (TN1577) under a microwave heating system were determined. The influences of the molar ratio between lactose and n -butanol (1:200–1:40) and temperature (65–85 °C) on the transgalactosylation yield were investigated. The output power of the microwave ranged from 80 W to 800 W. Under optimal conditions (i.e., a lactose and n -butanol molar ratio of 1:40 and a reaction temperature of 75 °C), a yield of 17.07 mg mL −1 was obtained after a 3.5 h reaction incubation period. Compared with conventional heating, the microwave-assisted method improved the yield 11-fold. Microwave irradiation significantly increased the k cat of β-galactosidase, but had little effect on K m compared with conventional heating. Based on these findings, the microwave-assisted enzymatic synthesis method enables the rapid and more economical production of butyl galactopyranoside with lower time and energy costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GW003, a genetic fusion protein of human serum albumin and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor ( G- CSF), was developed based on a novel strategy for producing long-acting proteins. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hematologic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicokinetic effects of GW003 on cynomolgus monkeys. We show that following a single subcutaneous administration of GW003, the absolute neutrophil count increased significantly compared with monkeys that received only the vehicle, and the magnitude of the neutrophilic response to GW003 was dose dependent. After an injection at equal molar dose, the clearance of GW003 in the monkeys was approximately fourfold slower, and the terminal half-life ( T1/2) was fivefold longer than the corresponding values for recombinant methionyl human G- CSF. Interestingly, both the clearance and T1/2 decreased with increasing doses of GW003, and much faster elimination was observed after multidose exposure. In toxicokinetic studies, the serum concentration of GW003 after the eighth injection was much lower than it was after the first injection, and a neutralizing antibody against G- CSF was found to have a dose-dependent effect upon the treatment groups. Overall, the favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties supported the selection and development of GW003 as a promising candidate for neutropenia therapy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 104:760-767, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) strain sensors fabricated on piezoelectric substrates have attracted considerable attention due to their attractive features such as passive wireless sensing ability, simple signal processing, high sensitivity, compact size and robustness. To meet the needs of various functioning situations, it is desirable to identify the factors that affect the performance of the SAW devices. In this work, we perform a simulation study on Rayleigh surface acoustic wave (RSAW) based on a stacked Al/LiNbO3 system. A SAW strain sensor with a dual-port resonator was modeled using multiphysics finite element model (FEM) method. While FEM has been widely used for numerical calculations of SAW devices, most of the simulation works mainly focus on SAW modes, SAW propagation characteristics and electromechanical coupling coefficients. Herein, we propose a systematic scheme via analyzing the structural parameters of SAW resonators. Evolution of RSAW eigenfrequency, insertion loss (IL), quality factor (Q) and strain transfer rate with different structural parameters are elaborated by FEM simulations. Compared with the reported experimental results, the relative errors of RSAW eigenfrequency and IL are about 3% and 16.3%, respectively, and the absolute errors are 5.8 MHz and 1.63 dB (the corresponding Vout/Vin is only 6.6%). After structural optimization, the obtained resonator Q increases by 15%, IL decreases by 34.6% and the strain transfer rate increases by 2.4%. This work provides a systematic and reliable solution for the structural optimization of dual-port SAW resonators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Unique Er3+ doped transparent BaLuF5 based glass–ceramics were triumphantly elaborated for the first time by melt-quenching technique and subsequent thermal treatment. The structural and luminescent properties were systemically investigated by XRD, TEM, absorption, excitation, down-shift and up-conversion spectra. All samples exhibit intense characteristic emissions of Er3+ (2H11/2, 4S3/2, 4F9/2→4I15/2) excited by 980nm laser. The dramatically enhanced up-conversion (6500 times) and longer lifetime in glass–ceramics confirm that most Er3+ ions have preferentially entered into BaLuF5 nanocrystals with lower phonon energy after crystallization. Our results indicate BaLuF5 based transparent glass–ceramics may be excellent hosts for rare earth ions doping. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The family Nassariidae includes a number of species that are distributed throughout the world. Each species has a characteristic shell shape, tooth shape, and behavior. However, the classification of species in this family of the Rhachiglossa is controversial. We describe the radulae of 22 species from China in detail using optical and scanning electron microscopy. These species are considered to be representatives of two subfamilies, two genera, and 10 subgenera. Our results suggest that the morphology of the central tooth and the pair of lateral teeth and the presence or absence of a pair of intermediate accessory lateral teeth could be used to distinguish among species. We found no support for the subgeneric differentiation of the species. However, the presence or absence of the intermediate lateral accessory plate was characteristic of species divisions. We noted sexual dimorphism in the shape of the teeth in some species, and considerable variability of the shape of teeth within a single species. Based on our results, the genus Nassarius cannot be split into subgenera using radula morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Among natural polymers, starch is one of the most promising biodegradable materials because it is a renewable bioresource that is universally available and of low cost. However, the properties of starch-based materials are not satisfactory. One approach is the use of nano-filler as reinforcement for starch-based materials. In this paper, a nanocomposite is prepared using ZnO nanoparticles stabilized by carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC) as the filler in glycerol plasticized-pea starch (GPS) matrix by the casting process. According to the characterization of ZnO–CMC particles with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG), ZnO (about 60wt%) is encapsulated with CMC (about 40wt%) in ZnO–CMC particles with the size of about 30–40nm. A low loading of ZnO–CMC particles can obviously improve the pasting viscosity, storage modulus, the glass transition temperature and UV absorbance of GPS/ZnO–CMC nanocomposites. When the ZnO–CMC contents vary from 0 to 5wt%, the tensile yield strength increase from 3.94MPa to 9.81MPa, while the elongation at break reduce from 42.2% to 25.8%. The water vapor permeability decrease from 4.76×10−10 to 1.65×10−10 gm−1 s−1 Pa−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • The formation mechanism of porous BN foams (BNFs) is studied in-depth. • BNFs exhibit hierarchical pore structures and robust mechanical integrity. • BNFs possess high adsorption capacities for CO 2 , liquid nitrogen and naphthalene. • BNFs are designed as permeation-separation and filtration-adsorption columns. Boron nitride (BN) bulk adsorbents replace their powder ones, which indeed make up for many shortcomings of BN's powders in practical adsorption application and become the most promising BN-based multifunctional adsorption materials. However, the difficulty of synthesis greatly limits their development. Here, we prepare a series of highly porous BN foams (BNFs), via a facile compression forming and controllable high-temperature nitriding method. The BNFs have hierarchical pore characteristics, including abundant micropores (~40 vt.%), and various mesopores and macropores (~60 vt.%), while they possess a robust three-dimensional integrality with maximum compression strength up to ~ 2.2 MPa. These properties make the BNFs kinds of desired bulk adsorbents for application in advanced multifunctional adsorption. Firstly, they can capture various gas molecules, including ultrahigh CO 2 capacities of ~ 3.05 mmol/g (0 °C) and ~ 1.75 mmol/g (25 °C), naphthalene of ~ 155 wt% (80 °C) and 89 wt% (20 °C), and liquid nitrogen quantity of ~6.6-times weight of their own weight. In addition, the BNFs with a well hydrophobic-lipophilic surface exhibit remarkable adsorption for a wide range of organic reagents and oils, up to very high capacity of 600–1830 wt%, and show high-end permeation-separation and filtration-adsorption application in oil–water systems. Moreover, as a kind of static block adsorbents, the BNFs also have outstanding pollutant adsorption performances for S 8 and Li 2 S x in organic solvents, and the Ni(II) ions and methylene blue molecules in water. We believe that our new BNFs materials will be of great significance to lead the BN-based bulk adsorbents for continuous application in more sophisticated fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• By different crosslinker, the internal structure of CS-based hydrogel was changed. • The STPP-crosslinked CS hydrogel showed the ability of colon-site delivery. • With the hydrophilic surface and –NH 2 , the hydrogel showed well cell proliferation. • The STPP-crosslinked hydrogel was safe for colon-site delivery with cell adhesivity. Chitosan (CS)-based hydrogels with different structures were prepared to ensure the bioavailability of bioactive components. With the electrostatic interaction between CS and anionic crosslinkers, the structure of the CS-based hydrogel changed and influenced the swelling ability, which was beneficial for maintaining bioactive ingredients in the hydrogel. Compared with sodium hexametaphosphate, hydrogels crosslinked by sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) had a higher swelling capacity and more stable release profile (no more than 10% BSA in the upper gastrointestinal tract), which could deliver bioactive ingredients to the colon. Moreover, due to electrostatic interactions, the surface of the CS-based hydrogel became hydrophilic, which helped Caco2 cells to grow on it. 118.86%–147.22% cell viability was found on the CS-based hydrogel. Furthermore, with different crosslinkers and concentrations in the crosslinking process, the release properties and safety of the hydrogels were varied, but the STPP-crosslinked CS hydrogel presented good cell adhesivity for bioactive components to the colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]