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Lead-free halide double perovskites (DPs) with superior photoelectric performance are of great importance in perovskites materials family. In this paper, a series of rare-earth (RE) based Cs 2 NaRECl 6 (RE = Y, Ce–Nd, Sm–Gd, Dy–Lu) DPs microcrystals (MCs) were prepared by convenient hydrothermal method. Cs 2 NaCeCl 6 and Cs 2 NaEuCl 6 MCs exhibit typical UV emission from the 5d→4f transition of Ce3+ and orange-red emission from characteristic 5D 1 → 7F 0 , 5D 0 → 7F 1 , 5D 0 → 7F 2 , 5D 0 → 7F 3 , 5D 0 → 7F 4 transitions of Eu3+, respectively. The blue light emissions of Cs 2 NaYCl 6 (300–650 nm) and Cs 2 NaLuCl 6 (300–550 nm) are from the respective self-trapped exciton states (STEs). In addition, the bandgap and partial density of state (PDOS) of Cs 2 NaRECl 6 (RE = Ce, Eu, Y, Lu) were calculated based on density functional theory (DFT) to have a further insight into the optical properties of the RE-DPs. The as-prepared RE based DPs have potential applications in advanced lighting, displaying and anti-counterfeiting, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead-free halide double perovskites (DPs) with superior photoelectric performance are of great importance in perovskites materials family. In this paper, a series of rare-earth (RE) based Cs 2 NaRECl 6 (RE = Y, Ce–Nd, Sm–Gd, Dy–Lu) DPs microcrystals (MCs) were prepared by convenient hydrothermal method. Cs 2 NaCeCl 6 and Cs 2 NaEuCl 6 MCs exhibit typical UV emission from the 5d→4f transition of Ce3+ and orange-red emission from characteristic 5D 1 → 7F 0 , 5D 0 → 7F 1 , 5D 0 → 7F 2 , 5D 0 → 7F 3 , 5D 0 → 7F 4 transitions of Eu3+, respectively. The blue light emissions of Cs 2 NaYCl 6 (300–650 nm) and Cs 2 NaLuCl 6 (300–550 nm) are from the respective self-trapped exciton states (STEs). In addition, the bandgap and partial density of state (PDOS) of Cs 2 NaRECl 6 (RE = Ce, Eu, Y, Lu) were calculated based on density functional theory (DFT) to have a further insight into the optical properties of the RE-DPs. The as-prepared RE based DPs have potential applications in advanced lighting, displaying and anti-counterfeiting, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental-friendly lead-free double perovskite (DP) with superior photoluminescence (PL) properties are prospective candidates for advanced lighting and display devices. Herein, a series of Cs 2 NaLnCl 6 (Ln = Ho3+, Er3+, Tm3+) DP microcrystals (MCs) with pumping power-dependent up-conversion (UC) luminescence chroma are synthesized by simple hydrothermal method. XRD and EDS results demonstrate the formation of pure phase Cs 2 NaLnCl 6 (Ln = Ho3+, Er3+, Tm3+). The calculated bond lengths by Generalized-gradient approximation (GGA)-Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) method and XPS binding energy reveal a competition between [NaCl 6 ]3- and [LnCl 6 ]3- octahedra for Cl-. The projected density of state (PDOS) verifies that the electrons mainly concentrate at the [LnCl 6 ]3- octahedra, providing sufficient electrons for GSA process of Ln3+. Under 980 nm excitation, Cs 2 NaHoCl 6 exhibits pure red emission (Ho3+: 5F 5 → 5I 8) and the color vary from orange to red with increase of pump power. Cs 2 NaErCl 6 displays intense green (Er3+: 2H 11/2 /4S 3/2 → 4I 15/2) and red (Er3+: 4F 9/2 → 4I 15/2) emissions, the increase of pump power results in color variation from orange to green. Cs 2 NaTmCl 6 demonstrates blue (Tm3+: 1D 2 → 3F 4 and 1G 4 → 3H 6), green (Tm3+: 1D 2 → 3H 5) and red (Tm3+: 1G 4 → 3F 4 and 3F 2,3 → 3H 6) emissions, with a color regulation from blue to red by increase of pumping power. Variable UC emission chroma based on Cs 2 NaLnCl 6 (Ln = Ho3+, Er3+, Tm3+) DPs by excitation power regulation are proposed to validate their application in lighting and displaying. [Display omitted] • Lanthanide double perovskite Cs 2 NaLnCl 6 microcrystals are synthesized. • Up-conversion luminescence (UCL) under 980 nm excitation have been obtained. • Excitation power regulated emission chromaticity is achieved. • First principles calculations are used to elucidate the UCL mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report on a perfusion-based co-culture system that could be used for bone tissue engineering applications. The model system is created using a combination of Primary Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and osteoblast-like Saos-2 cells encapsulated within a Gelatin Methacrylate (GelMA)-collagen hydrogel blend contained within 3D printed, perfusable constructs. The constructs contain dual channels, within a custom-built bioreactor, that were perfused with osteogenic media for up to two weeks in order to induce mineral deposition. Mineral deposition in constructs containing only HUVECs, only Saos-2 cells, or a combination thereof was quantified by microCT to determine if the combination of endothelial cells and bone-like cells increased mineral deposition. Histological and fluorescent staining was used to verify mineral deposition and cellular function both along and between the perfused channels. While there was not a quantifiable difference in the amount of mineral deposited in Saos-2 only versus Saos-2 plus HUVEC samples, the location of the deposited mineral differed dramatically between the groups and indicated that the addition of HUVECs within the GelMA matrix allowed Saos-2 cells, in diffusion limited regions of the construct, to deposit bone mineral. This work serves as a model on how to create perfusable bone tissue engineering constructs using a combination of 3D printing and cellular co-cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A selective and sensitive fluorescence biosensor is described for determination of microRNA-167 using fluorescent resonant energy transfer (FRET) strategy. The FRET system comprises carbon dots (CDs, donor) labeled with probe DNA (pDNA) and polydopamine (PDA)-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PDA NPs, acceptor). The CDs-pDNA can be absorbed onto the surface of Fe3O4@PDA NPs because of the strong π interaction between pDNA and PDA. With the enhanced adsorption ability of Fe3O4@PDA NPs by Ca2+, the fluorescence intensity of CDs at 445 nm (excitation at 360 nm) is quenched. In presence of microRNA-167, the hybridized complex of CDs-pDNA-microRNA-167 will be released from the surface of Fe3O4@PDA NPs due to the weak π interaction of the complex and PDA. This results in the fluorescence recovery of CDs. By application of twice-magnetic separation, the biosensor shows a wide linear range of 0.5–100 nM to microRNA-167 with a 76 pM detection limit. The method was applied to the determination of microRNA-167 in samples of total microRNA extractions from A. thaliana seedlings, and the recoveries ranged from 96.4 to 98.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Esterified starch was synthesized by water media method. • Stearic or lauric acid was used to esterify with starch in urea/NaOH solutions. • The substitution degree of starch esters are higher than the reported values. • The starch esters, with lower crystallinity, had better performance than starch. • The starch esters had higher glass transition temperature within the limited DS. Long-chain fatty acid starch esters are prepared by esterification of stearic acid or lauric acid with corn starch in urea/NaOH aqueous solutions. Effect of esterify condition on the degree of substitution (DS) and the structure and performance of the products are studied. The synthesized starch stearate and starch laurate are obtained a DS of 0.065 and 0.074, respectively, higher than the reported values by the water medium method. Esterification of starch is proved by Fourier transformed infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. The structure and thermal properties of starch esters are confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope, Thermogravimetry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The results show that the starch esters, with lower crystallinity than starch, has better thermostability, emulsibility, transparency, freeze-thaw stability and moisture absorption than native starch, but higher glass transition temperature (T g) within the limited DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm, by transforming physical devices into innovative items, affects every aspect of our daily lives. It has brought a slew of evolutionary and revolutionary services that were almost impossible to imagine until recently. The numerous services and applications offered by IoT cover numerous fields, such as personal healthcare, urban life, energy management, and manufacturing. A tremendous amount of data is produced to reach valuable information and meet users' needs. In addition, since the number of services and applications is increasing rapidly, an efficient method to fulfill the growing demands in different application domains becomes challenging. To handle the mentioned problems, task scheduling mechanisms have a significant influence. Despite the importance of these methods in the IoT, an in-depth and systematic review of the current works in this area is clearly lacking. Therefore, we aim to overcome this gap by adopting an organized manner. In fact, this paper aims to specify the challenging problems in IoT task scheduling, highlight the effective works, and outline some hints for upcoming studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tendon injuries are common problems among athletes. Complete recovery of the mechanical structure and function of ruptured tendons is challenging. It has been demonstrated that upregulation of glycolysis and lactate production occurs in wounds, inflammation sites, and cancerous tumors, and these metabolic changes also control growth and differentiation of stem and progenitor cells. Similar metabolic changes have been reported in human healing tendons. In addition, lactate production has increased in progenitors isolated from injured tendons after treatment with IL-1β. It is thought that the metabolic changes play a role in tendon healing after injury. Hypothesis: Glucose metabolism is altered during tendon injury and healing, and modulation of this altered metabolism improves tendon repair. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: The authors used the tendon injury model involving a complete incision of the Achilles tendon in C57BL/6J female mice and studied alterations of glucose metabolism in injured tendons with [U-13C]glucose and metabolomics analysis 1 and 4 weeks after surgery. They also examined the effects of dichloroacetate (DCA; an indirect lactate synthesis inhibitor) treatment on the recovery of structure and mechanical properties of injured tendons 4 weeks after surgery in the same mouse model. Results: Significant changes in glucose metabolism in tendons after injury surgery were detected. 13C enrichment of metabolites and intermediates, flux through glycolysis, and lactate synthesis, as well as tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, were acutely increased 1 week after injury. Increased glycolysis and lactate generation were also found 4 weeks after injury. DCA-treated injured tendons showed decreased cross-sectional area and higher values of modulus, maximum stress, and maximum force when compared with vehicle-treated injured tendons. Improved alignment of the collagen fibers was also observed in the DCA group. Furthermore, DCA treatment reduced mucoid accumulation and ectopic calcification in injured tendons. Conclusion: The findings indicate that injured tendons acutely increase glycolysis and lactate synthesis after injury and that the inhibition of lactate synthesis by DCA is beneficial for tendon healing. Clinical Relevance: Changing metabolism in injured tendons may be a therapeutic target for tendon repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural corn husk (NCH) from Zea mays L., which contains 46% cellulose, is an ideal resource for the production of corn husk-based textile bio-fibers (CHTFs). Conventional techniques, using a combination of chemical and enzymatic extraction, produce only low yields (∼15%) because most of the hemicellulose/lignin and short fibers are removed. The fibers produced also have low strength because of their inherently porous structure. Here, CHTFs were prepared in high yield (73%), using a room temperature alkali retting-splicing-twisting strategy that retains more of the hemicellulose/lignin. Using this strategy, 14.6 million tons of CHTF could be produced annually in China. Because of the dense yet aligned structure of the lignocellulose fibers, the tensile strength of the CHTFs (139 MPa) is 12-fold higher than that of raw material (i.e. corn husk) and even 30% higher than that of wood-based textile fibers. Super-long CHTFs can be obtained, without the use of additional glue, by overlapped edge-pressing of several retted corn husks. The production cost and carbon footprint of are low ($0.5·kg−1 and 0.74 kg CO 2 e/kg, respectively), since the only consumables are NCH, NaOH and water. This work exemplifies a green and sustainable technology for producing non-cotton, glue-free, high yield, cheap and strong bio-textile fibers from agricultural waste, and contributes to carbon neutralization by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. • The tensile strength of CHTF increases to 139 MPa, which is higher than that of wood-textile fiber (106 MPa). • The yield of CHTF is up to 73%. • The production cost of CHTF is low to $0.5·kg−1. • The carbon footprint of CHTF is only 0.74 kg CO 2 e/kg. • The alkali retting-splicing-twisting strategy provides a green, sustainable technology to high-valued agricultural waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectopic tendon mineralization can develop following tendon rupture or trauma surgery. The pathogenesis of ectopic tendon mineralization and its clinical impact have not been fully elucidated yet. In this study, we utilized a mouse Achilles tendon injury model to determine whether ectopic tendon mineralization alters the biomechanical properties of the tendon and whether BMP signaling is involved in this condition. A complete transverse incision was made at the midpoint of the right Achilles tendon in 8-week-old CD1 mice and the gap was left open. Ectopic cartilaginous mass formation was found in the injured tendon by 4 weeks post-surgery and ectopic mineralization was detected at 8 to 10 weeks post-surgery. Ectopic mineralization grew over time and volume of the mineralized materials of 25-weeks samples was about 2.5 fold bigger than that of 10-weeks samples, indicating that injury-induced ectopic tendon mineralization is progressive. In vitro mechanical testing showed that max force, max stress and mid-substance modulus in the 25-weeks samples were significantly lower than the 10-weeks samples. We observed substantial increases in expression of bone morphogenetic protein family genes in injured tendons 1 week post-surgery. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that phosphorylation of both Smad1 and Smad3 was highly increased in injured tendons as early as 1 week post-injury and remained high in ectopic chondrogenic lesions 4-weeks post-injury. Treatment with the BMP receptor kinase inhibitor (LDN193189) significantly inhibited injury-induced tendon mineralization. These findings indicate that injury-induced ectopic tendon mineralization is progressive, involves BMP signaling and associated with deterioration of tendon biomechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tendon injuries are common, and the damaged tendon often turns into scar tissue and never completely regains the original biomechanical properties. Previous studies have reported that the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β are remarkably up-regulated in injured tendons. To examine how IL-1β impacts tendon repair process, we isolated the injured tendon-derived progenitor cells (inTPCs) from mouse injured Achilles tendons and studied the effects of IL-1β on the inTPCs in vitro . IL-1β treatment strongly reduced expression of tendon cell markers such as scleraxis and tenomodulin , and also down-regulated gene expression of collagen 1 , collagen 3 , biglycan and fibromodulin in inTPCs. Interestingly, IL-1β stimulated lactate production with increases in hexokinase II and lactate dehydrogenase expression and a decrease in pyruvate dehydrogenase. Inhibition of lactate production restored IL-1β-induced down-regulation of collagen1 and scleraxis expression. Furthermore, IL-1β significantly inhibited adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of inTPCs. Interestingly, inhibition of tenogenic and adipogenic differentiation was not recovered after removal of IL-1β while chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation abilities were not affected. These findings indicate that IL-1β strongly and irreversibly impairs tenogenic potential and alters glucose metabolism in tendon progenitors appearing in injured tendons. Inhibition of IL-1β may be beneficial for maintaining function of tendon progenitor cells during the tendon repair process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-inorganic lead-free zero-dimensional (0D) metal halides perovskites with intriguing photoluminescent (PL) properties have aroused much interest due to their application in lighting and artificial illumination. Herein, 0D Cs 2 ZnBr 4 perovskite single crystals were synthesized through simple solvothermal method. The phase purity, the electronic band structure and electronic density of states of Cs 2 ZnBr 4 are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Under 430 nm blue light excitation, Cs 2 ZnBr 4 single crystals exhibit broadband emission covering the visible region from 450 to 750 nm and large Stokes shift about 120 nm, originating from self-trapped excitons (STEs) radiative recombination. And Cs 2 ZnBr 4 shows excellent thermal and air stability. These results indicate the potential application of Cs 2 ZnBr 4 as environmental-friendly light emitters for solid state lighting and displaying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance the adhesions of the UV-curable inks onto glass substrate, the silane coupling agents were added into the mixture of monomer and oligomer. The monomer, containing high functionality or surface tension could lead to a high cross-link density of the polymeric network and low adhesions of UV-curable inks. With the amount of ethyoxyls of ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate increasing, adhesions of the oligomers were improved. As the monomer concentration increased, the adhesion ability of UV-curable ink onto glass was decreased. The adhesion ability of UV-curable inks onto glass was increased via adding silane coupling agents. When the concentration of the silane coupling agents was more than 12%, the adhesion ability of UV-curable inks onto glass was decreased. Silane coupling agents (3-methacryloxypropyl) trimethoxy silane (KH570) and (3-aminopropyl) triethoxy silane (KH550) were more effective than (3-glycidoxypropyl) trimethoxy silane (KH560) in the inks under the same concentration. Video microscope and scraper fineness test revealed that the pigment particles declined with the increase of grinding times, whereas the adhesions of UV-curable inks were enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celecoxib, a selective cox-2 inhibitor, has been shown to prevent the heterotopic ossification following total hip arthroplasty. However, the effects of celecoxib on heterotopic ossification at other locations remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of celecoxib on heterotopic ossification in the rat model with Achilles tenotomy. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were randomly divided into 2 groups ( n = 20), underwent midpoint Achilles tenotomy on left legs through a posterior approach under aseptic condition. Experimental group was treated with the saline solution of celecoxib (10 mg/kg) per day, while control group was treated by normal saline (0.9%). At 3, 5 and 10 postoperative weeks, all animals were examined by X-ray to assess new bone formation in the Achilles tendon. At 10 weeks after surgery, all animals were killed and Achilles tendons were taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical staining. Heterotopic ossification developed in 3 rats (15%) in experimental group and 20 rats (100%) in control group by postoperative 10 weeks. The incidence of heterotopic ossification was significantly lower in experimental group than in control group ( P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that celecoxib inhibits HO development in rat model with Achilles tenotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The design, fabrication and test of a novel MEMS inclinometer were described. This inclinometer was based on the piezoresistive detection method, and was fabricated by SOI process. The micro-structure of the inclinometer was a four vertical cantilever beams, a center mass with a rigid cylinder fixed on it. The piezoresistors fabricated on the beams were used to detect the deformation of the cantilevers caused by the gravity. A test system was designed in this paper, from the test results we found that this inclinometer had a sensitivity of 0.025mV/°, and the test results and the theoretical results are in well agreement, the standard deviation is 0.43874. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tillage modes and straw returning influence soil aggregate stability and the distribution of organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in aggregates of different particle sizes. In the typical hilly regions of southwest China, the predominant soil type is purple soil, characterized by heavy texture and high stickiness, with relatively lower soil fertility compared to other soil types. The improper use of fertilizers and field management practices further exacerbates soil compaction. However, abundant straw resources in the region provide an opportunity for comprehensive straw utilization. The effective utilization of straw resources is of significant importance for stabilizing agricultural ecological balance, improving resource utilization efficiency, and alleviating ecological pressure. Previously, most studies have focused on the impact of different mechanized tillage systems on the physical and chemical properties of soil in hilly areas, while research on the preservation of water-stable aggregates' organic C and N content remains limited. In this study, the soil properties of fields under a winter pea–summer corn rotation for two years were studied with regards to the effects of straw returning on its water-stable aggregate distribution, macroaggregate content (R0.25), mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), and the organic C and N content in soil aggregates of different particle sizes and at different depths. The effects of five different tillage modes were assessed, namely rotary tillage with straw mixed retention (RTM), conventional tillage with straw burial retention (CTB), no-tillage with straw covered retention (NTC), subsoiling with straw covered retention (STC), and no-tillage without straw retention (NT). Based on the study results, under different tillage modes, straw returning effectively enhanced the soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) reserves at the plow layer (0–30 cm), SOC increased by 17.2% to 88%, and TN increased by 8.6% to 85.9%. At the same time, the content of 0.25–2 mm aggregates increased under the straw-return treatments under different tillage patterns. The NT treatment had the lowest R0.25 and MWD and GMD values for soil aggregates at different depths, which were significantly different (p < 0.05) from the other treatment modes. The correlation coefficients between SOC and soil aggregate stability indices ranged from 0.68 to 0.90, with most of them showing highly significant positive correlations (p < 0.01). In conclusion, straw returning under different tillage systems has improved soil aggregate stability and promoted soil structure stability. Specifically, the STC treatment has shown more pronounced effects on soil improvement in the upper soil layer of the hilly regions in southwest China, while the RTM treatment is beneficial for improving the lower soil layer. Therefore, the comprehensive experimental results indicate that the combination of STC and RTM treatments represents the most promising mechanized tillage and straw returning practices for the hilly regions in southwest China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The poly(trimellitic glyceride)–metal ions can restrain the starch gelatinization. • The complexation of ions with starch weakened the interaction between starch hydroxyl groups. • Metal ions inhibited retrogradation and improved the stability of starch. • The melt temperature of starch gel decreased because of weaker H bond between starch molecules. The novel hyperbranched poly(trimellitic glyceride) (PTG) starch plasticizer synthesized in our previous study was neutralized with different alkaline metal hydroxides. Mixed with starch, the effects of different alkaline metal cations, M+, on gelatinization of starch suspensions and thermal behaviors of the films were analyzed using RVA and DMA, respectively. The structures of the starch suspensions, films and freeze-dried samples (S/PTG-M) were investigated using DSC, XRD and FTIR spectroscopy, respectively. M+ increased the gelatinization temperature of starch suspensions in the order of S/PTG-Li > S/PTG-Na > S/PTG-K. The formation of a complex between M+ and starch in the films observed using FTIR spectroscopy improved the stability of the starch paste and gel, and increased the gel temperature of starch dispersions. The corresponding starch gel was relatively thermostable, but not shear-resistant. PTG decreased the T g of starch films with different paired M+. PTG-Li and PTG-K, but not PTG-Na, strengthened the mechanical properties of starch films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We continue our examination of prospects for the discovery of heavy Higgs bosons of natural SUSY (natSUSY) models at the high luminosity LHC (HL-LHC), this time focusing on charged Higgs bosons. In natSUSY, higgsinos are expected at the few hundred GeV scale whilst electroweak gauginos inhabit the TeV scale and the heavy Higgs bosons, H, A and H ± could range up tens of TeV without jeopardizing naturalness. For TeV-scale heavy SUSY Higgs bosons H, A and H ± , as currently required by LHC searches, SUSY decays into gaugino plus higgsino can dominate H ± decays provided these decays are kinematically accessible. The visible decay products of higgsinos are soft making them largely invisible, whilst the gauginos decay to W, Z or h plus missing transverse energy ( E T ). Charged Higgs bosons are dominantly produced at LHC14 via the parton subprocess, g b → H ± t . In this paper, we examine the viability of observing signatures from H ± → τ ν , H ± → t b and H ± → W , Z , h + E T events produced in association with a top quark at the HL-LHC over large Standard Model (SM) backgrounds from (mainly) t t ¯ , t t ¯ V and t t ¯ h production (where V = W , Z ). We find that the greatest reach is found via the SM H ± (→ τ ν) + t channel with a subdominant contribution from the H ± (→ t b) + t channel. Unlike for neutral Higgs searches, the SUSY decay modes appear to be unimportant for H ± searches at the HL-LHC. We delineate regions of the m A vs. tan β plane, mostly around m A ∼ 1–2 TeV, where signals from charged Higgs bosons would serve to confirm signals of a heavy, neutral Higgs boson at the 5 σ level or, alternatively, to exclude heavy Higgs bosons at the 95% confidence level at the high luminosity LHC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In supersymmetry (SUSY) models with low electroweak naturalness (natSUSY), which have been suggested to be the most likely version of SUSY to emerge from the string landscape, higgsinos are expected at the few hundred GeV scale, whilst electroweak gauginos inhabit the TeV scale. For TeV-scale heavy neutral SUSY Higgs bosons H and A, as currently required by LHC searches, the dominant decay modes of H , A are gaugino plus higgsino provided these decays are kinematically open. The light higgsinos decay to soft particles, so are largely invisible, whilst the gauginos decay to W, Z or h plus missing transverse energy ( E T ). Thus, we examine the viability of H , A → W + E T , Z + E T and h + E T signatures at the high luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) in light of large standard model (SM) backgrounds from (mainly) t t ¯ , V V and V h production (where V = W , Z ). We also examine whether these signal channels can be enhanced over backgrounds by requiring the presence of an additional soft lepton from the decays of the light higgsinos. We find significant regions in the vicinity of m A ∼ 1 – 2 TeV of the m A vs. tan β plane, which can be probed at the high luminosity LHC, using these dominant signatures by HL-LHC at 5 σ and at the 95% confidence level (CL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine production and decay of heavy neutral SUSY Higgs bosons p p → H , A → τ τ ¯ within the hMSSM and compare against a perhaps more plausible natural supersymmetry scenario dubbed m h 125 (nat) which allows for a natural explanation for m w e a k ≃ m W , Z , h ∼ 100 GeV while maintaining m h ≃ 125 GeV. We evaluate signal against various Standard Model backgrounds from γ , Z → τ τ ¯ , t t ¯ and vector boson pair production V V . We combine the transverse mass method for back-to-back (BtB) taus along with the ditau mass peak m τ τ method for acollinear taus as our signal channels. This technique ultimately gives a boost to the signal significance over the standard technique of using just the BtB signal channel. We evaluate both the 95% CL exclusion and 5 σ discovery reach in the m A vs. tan β plane for present LHC with 139 fb−1, Run 3 with 300 fb−1 and high luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) with 3000 fb−1 of integrated luminosity. For tan β = 10 , the exclusion limits range up to m A ∼ 1 , 1.1 and 1.4 TeV, respectively. These may be compared to the range of m A values gleaned from a statistical analysis of the string landscape wherein m A can range up to ∼ 8 TeV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injured tendons do not regain their native structure except at fetal or very young ages. Healing tendons often show mucoid degeneration involving accumulation of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), but its etiology and molecular base have not been studied substantially. We hypothesized that quality and quantity of gene expression involving the synthesis of proteoglycans having sulfated GAGs are altered in injured tendons and that a reduction in synthesis of sulfated GAGs improves structural and functional recovery of injured tendons. C57BL6/j mice were subjected to Achilles tendon tenotomy surgery. The injured tendons accumulated sulfate proteoglycans as early as 1‐week postsurgery and continued so by 4‐week postsurgery. Transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of a wide range of proteoglycan genes that have sulfated GAGs in the injured tendons 1 and 3 weeks postsurgery. Genes critical for enzymatic reaction of initiation and elongation of chondroitin sulfate GAG chains were also upregulated. After the surgery, mice were treated with the 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (2DG) that inhibits conversion of glucose to glucose‐6‐phosphate, an initial step of glucose metabolism as an energy source and precursors of monosaccharides of GAGs. The 2DG treatment reduced accumulation of sulfated proteoglycans, improved collagen fiber alignment, and reduced the cross‐sectional area of the injured tendons. The modulus of the 2DG‐treated groups was higher than that in the vehicle group, but not of statistical significance. Our findings suggest that mucoid degeneration in injured tendons may result from the upregulated expression of genes involved the synthesis of sulfate proteoglycans and can be inhibited by reduction of glucose utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung cancer is among the most dangerous malignant tumors to human health. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) accounts for about 40% of all lung cancers. Accumulating evidence suggests that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a crucial regulator of carcinogenesis and therapeutic efficacy in LUAD. However, the impact of tumor microenvironment-related signatures (TMERSs) representing the TME characteristics on the prognosis and therapeutic outcome of LUAD patients remains to be further explored. Materials and methods: Gene expression files and clinical information of 1630 LUAD samples and 275 samples with immunotherapy information from different databases such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Cancer Research Institute (CRI) iAtlas were downloaded and analyzed. Three hundred tumor microenvironment-related signatures (TMERS) based on a comprehensive collection of marker genes were quantified by single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), and then eight significant signatures were selected to construct the tumor microenvironment-related signature score (TMERSscore) by performing Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO)-Cox analysis. Results: In this study, we constructed a TME-based prognostic stratification model for patients with LUAD and validated it in several external datasets. Furthermore, the TMERSscore was found to be positively correlated with tumor malignancy and a high TMERSscore predicted a poor prognosis. Moreover, the TMERSscore of responders treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) therapies was significantly lower than that of non-responders, and the TMERSscore was positively correlated with the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) score, implying that a low TMERSscore predicts a better response to ICI treatment and may provide independent and incremental predictive value over current biomarkers. Conclusions: Overall, we constructed a TMERSscore that can be used for LUAD patient prognosis stratification as well as ICI therapeutic efficacy evaluation, supportive results from independent external validation sets showed its robustness and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A 3.5 °C warming of lake has marginal effect on dissolved CO 2 and CH 4 concentrations. • Monthly temperature and nutrient changes drive seasonal lake water carbon. • The dependence of CO 2 and CH 4 on temperature and nutrients is different. • The temperature threshold affecting aqueous CO 2 is likely to be around 9 °C. Shallow lake ecosystems are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuation because of their high water surface-to-volume ratios. Shallow lakes have been increasingly identified as a hotspot of CO 2 and CH 4 emissions, but their response to temperature variation remains unclear. Here, we report from a 5-month outdoor mesocosm experiment where we investigated the impacts of a projected 3.5 °C future warming and monthly temperature changes on lake CO 2 and CH 4 , as well as the key drivers affecting the lake carbon cycling. Our results show that CO 2 and CH 4 concentrations had a significantly positive correlation with monthly temperatures. CH 4 concentration was primarily regulated by monthly temperature, while nutrients effects on CO 2 concentration overrode climate warming and temporal temperature changes. These findings imply the varied roles that temperature and nutrient levels can play on CO 2 and CH 4 dynamics in shallow lake systems. The relationship between temperature and CO 2 concentration was nonlinear, showing a threshold of approximately 9 °C, at which CO 2 concentration could be strongly modified by nutrient level in the lake systems. Understanding this complex relationship between temperature with CO 2 and CH 4 concentrations in shallow lakes is crucial for effective lake management and efficient control of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypercholesterolemia increases the risk of tendon pain and tendon rupture. Tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) play a vital role in the development of tendinopathy. Our previous research found that high cholesterol inhibits tendon-related gene expression in TDSCs. Whether high cholesterol has other biological effects on TDSCs remains unknown. Methods: TDSCs isolated from female SD rats were exposed to 10 mg/dL cholesterol for 24 h. Then, cell apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope. RFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus transfection was used for measuring autophagy. Signaling transduction was measured by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. In addition, Achilles tendons from ApoE −/− mice fed with a high-fat diet were histologically assessed using HE staining and immunohistochemistry. Results: In this work, we verified that 10 mg/dL cholesterol suppressed cell proliferation and migration and induced G0/G1 phase arrest. Additionally, cholesterol induced apoptosis and autophagy simultaneously in TDSCs. Apoptosis induction was related to increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 and BAX and decreased expression of Bcl-xL. The occurrence of autophagic flux and accumulation of LC3-II demonstrated the induction of autophagy by cholesterol. Compared with the effects of cholesterol treatment alone, the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) enhanced apoptosis, while the apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK diminished cholesterol-induced autophagy. Moreover, cholesterol triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and activated the AKT/FOXO1 pathway, while the ROS scavenger NAC blocked cholesterol-induced activation of the AKT/FOXO1 pathway. NAC and the FOXO1 inhibitor AS1842856 rescued the apoptosis and autophagy induced by cholesterol. Finally, high cholesterol elevated the expression of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, LC3-II, and FOXO1 in vivo. Conclusion: The present study indicated that high cholesterol induced apoptosis and autophagy through ROS-activated AKT/FOXO1 signaling in TDSCs, providing new insights into the mechanism of hypercholesterolemia-induced tendinopathy. High cholesterol induces apoptosis and autophagy through the ROS-activated AKT/FOXO1 pathway in tendon-derived stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical studies have indicated that increased serum cholesterol levels raised the risk of tendinopathy in hypercholesterolemia, but the effect of cholesterol on tendon‐derived stem cells (TDSCs) and its underlying mechanism have not been studied. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between cholesterol and tendinopathy in vitro and in vivo, and its underlying molecular mechanism as well. In TDSCs, the effect of cholesterol was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining. Intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected, using flow cytometry. The link between nuclear factor (NF)‐κB signaling and the effect of cholesterol was evaluated using a representative IκB kinase (IKK) inhibitor, BAY 11‐7082. In addition, Achilles tendons from apolipoprotein E mice fed with a high‐fat diet were histologically assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. We found that high cholesterol apparently lowered the expression of tendon cell markers (collagen 1, scleraxis, tenomodulin), and elevated ROS levels via the NF‐κB pathway both in vitro and in vivo. The ROS scavenger N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) and BAY 11‐7082 reversed the inhibiting effect of cholesterol on the tendon‐related gene expressions of TDSCs. Moreover, NAC blocked cholesterol‐induced phosphorylation of IκBα and p65. Significant histological alternation in vivo was shown in Achilles tendon in the hypercholesterolemic group. These results indicated that high cholesterol may inhibit the tendon‐related gene expressions in TDSCs via ROS‐activated NF‐кB signaling, implying pathogenesis of tendinopathy in hypercholesterolemia and suggesting a new mechanism underlying hypercholesterolemia‐induced tendinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nitrogen addition effect overrides warming effect on p CO 2 in shallow lakes. • Interplay of warming and nitrogen addition causes the mesocosms from a CO 2 sink to a weak CO 2 source. • Warming and nitrogen addition collectively change phytoplankton community structure. • Bacillariophyta may be a useful biological indicator for predicting aqueous p CO 2. Shallow lakes are numerous in all climate zones, but our knowledge about their dissolved carbon dioxide (CO 2) response to future climate change and nutrient enrichment is rather limited. Here we performed a mesocosm experiment with four treatments to investigate how warming and nitrogen addition will impact the partial pressure of CO 2 (p CO 2) and phytoplankton community individually and combined. We found that warming alone had no significant effect on p CO 2 , while nitrogen addition increased p CO 2 significantly. The combined effects of nitrogen addition and warming on p CO 2 level were prevalent, indicating that eutrophic shallow lakes would be double-jeopardized in the future climate. Warming and nitrogen addition together also showed to have changed the phytoplankton community structure, suggesting a potential shifting of biological system in shallow lakes under changing climate. These findings highlight the importance of reducing nitrogen pollution to shallow lake systems for sustainable development goal. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tb3+, Eu3+ singly doped and Tb3+-Eu3+ co-doped Ba 2 GdF 7 nanoparticles were obtained by one-step hydrothermal process. Under 273 or 368 nm ultraviolet (UV) excitation, by changing the ratio of Tb3+ and Eu3+, the emission color of Ba 2 GdF 7 : Tb3+, Eu3+ are manipulated from green to yellow, orange and red based on energy transfer (ET) from Gd3+ to Tb3+, Eu3+ and from Tb3+ to Eu3+. The ET mechanism among Tb3+ and Eu3+ was determined as dipole-dipole interaction by the lifetime change of Tb3+. The thermal stability of Ba 2 GdF 7 : 40%Tb3+, 3%Eu3+ phosphor was studied and the activation energy was calculated to be 0.289 eV at 273 nm and 0.297 eV at 368 nm excitation. The multi-color emitting Ba 2 GdF 7 : Tb3+, Eu3+ nanophosphors might have a promising application in phosphors-converted light-emitting diodes. • Tb3+, Eu3+ ions are co-doped into the Ba 2 GdF 7 matrix by a one-step hydrothermal method for the first time. • Color-tunable emission from green to red are obtained by adjusting the concentration of Eu3+ in Ba 2 GdF 7 : Tb3+, Eu3+. • The multi-color emitting Ba 2 GdF 7 : Tb3+, Eu3+ nanophosphors have promising applications in full-color displays and pc-LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Gongbei tunnel with area of 336.9 m2 and cover depth ratio of 0.25 is introduced. • The large size tunnel is excavated in multi steps under the support of frozen pipe ring. • A series of centrifuge tests are conducted to simulate tunnel excavation. • Tunnelling-induced ground movement and structural responses are investigated. This paper reports on a series of centrifuge model tests to investigate the ground and structural response of tunnel linings, pipe ring roof and pile foundation induced by a shallow and large section tunnel supported by a roof formed of a ring of jacked pipes pre-installed before the excavation. The prototype is the Gongbei tunnel which has a cross sectional area of 336.9 m2 and is 5 m below the busy Gongbei port and 0.5 m away from the pile foundations of a port building. The pipe ring, tunnel lining, temporary struts, a single pile are simulated in the model with similarity laws under an 80g acceleration. The tunnelling process is modelled by the staged in-flight drainage of pre-injected liquid bags inserted in between model pipe ring and lining. The tested soil mass has dimensions of 900 × 700 × 250 mm3 (width × depth × length) and comprises a homogeneous remoulded soft clay extracted from the Gongbei site and consolidated by the in-flight operation. Four test scenarios were conducted to investigate the effects of a nearby pile, drained liquid volume (representing volume loss) and the pre-installed pipe ring on the ground settlement and structural response of the tunnel linings and pile foundation. Test results indicate that the settlement trough is asymmetrically distributed along the tunnel axis due to the asymmetrical excavation sequences. The ground settlement above the tunnel axis varies almost linearly with the distance to centre of the excavation step. The pile near the tunnel tends to reduce ground settlement. The increase of drained liquid volume will produce significant increases of maximum ground settlement and pile settlement. Similar findings were also found for the case of failure of the frozen pipe ring, but the effect of a nearby pile is not as much as those effects of volume loss and pipe ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tendon repair follows a slow course of early inflammatory, proliferative and remodeling phases, which commonly results in the failure and loss of normal biomechanical properties. Previous studies have demonstrated that tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) are vital healing cells and that mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 is significantly upregulated at the late inflammatory phase. To explore how IL-10 may impact tendon healing, the present study investigated the in vitro effects of IL-10 on TDSCs isolated from rat Achilles tendons. Cellular activities of TDSCs and the expression levels of tendon cell markers were measured treatment with IL-10 and subsequent performance of wound healing assays, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. The results demonstrated that IL-10 treatment markedly increased the proliferative capacity of TDSCs. In addition, IL-10 significantly enhanced cell migration when compared with the control cells. Furthermore, IL-10 treatment significantly activated the JAK/Stat3 signaling pathway and inhibited the protein expression of tendon cell markers, including scleraxis and tenomodulin. Notably, IL-10 treatment also reduced the gene expression levels of type 1 collagen, type 3 collagen, lumican and fibromodulin in TDSCs. These findings indicated that IL-10 enhanced cell proliferation and migration, and inhibited tenogenic differentiation in TDSCs in vitro. Reducing the negative effects whilst enhancing the positive effects of IL-10 may be a potential therapeutic target in tendon repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To establish an unbiased, 3‐dimensional (3‐D) approach that quantifies subchondral bone plate (SBP) changes in mouse joints, and to investigate the mechanism that mediates SBP sclerosis at a late stage of osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: A new micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) protocol was developed to characterize the entire thickness of the SBP in the distal femur of a normal mouse knee. Four mouse models of severe joint OA were generated: cartilage‐specific Egfr–knockout (Egfr‐CKO) mice at 2 months after surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM), Egfr‐CKO mice with aging‐related spontaneous OA, wild‐type (WT) mice at 10 months after DMM, and WT mice at 14 weeks after DMM plus hemisectomy of the meniscus (DMMH) surgery. As an additional model, mice with knockout of the sclerostin gene (Sost‐KO) were subjected to DMMH surgery. Knee joints were examined by micro‐CT, histology, and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: Examination of the mouse distal femur by 3‐D micro‐CT revealed a positive correlation between SBP thickness and the loading status in normal knees. In all 4 mouse models of late‐stage OA, SBP sclerosis was restricted to the areas under severely eroded articular cartilage. This was accompanied by elevated bone formation at the bone marrow side of the SBP and a drastic reduction in the levels of sclerostin in osteocytes within the SBP. Unlike in WT mice, no further increase in the thickness of the SBP was observed in response to DMMH in Sost‐KO mice. Conclusion: Since focal stress on the SBP underlying sites of cartilage damage increases during late stages of OA, these findings establish mechanical loading–induced attenuation of sclerostin expression and elevation of bone formation along the SBP surface as the major mechanisms characterizing subchondral bone phenotypes associated with severe late‐stage OA in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pr3+ and Mn2+ co-doped CaZnOS phosphors are prepared by high-temperature solid state reaction method and the photoluminescence property is investigated systematically. Under 283 ​nm ultraviolet and 447 ​nm blue light excitations, green emission from CaZnOS, Pr3+ and red emission from Mn2+ are obtained and the emission color is modulated from green to yellow and red by adjusting the ratio of Pr3+ to Mn2+ concentration. The photoluminescence process under 283 ​nm and 447 ​nm excitations are dependent on energy transfer from CaZnOS to Pr3+ and Mn2+, as well as energy transfer from Pr3+ to Mn2+. The energy transfer mechanism between Pr3+ and Mn2+ is confirmed to be dipole-quadrupole interaction. Particularly, under 447 ​nm blue excitation, CaZnOS: 1%Pr3+, 3%Mn2+ exhibits bright yellow emission with chromaticity coordinates of (0.372, 0.428) and quantum yields of 46.37%, implying a potential application in blue-chip excited white light emitting diodes (W-LEDs). [Display omitted] • The photoluminescence property of Pr3+, Mn2+ co-doped CaZnOS phosphor was investigated for the first time. • Under 283 and 447 ​nm excitation, the emission color of CaZnOS: Pr3+, Mn2+ was adjusted from green to red. • The PLQYs of CaZnOS:1%Pr3+, 3%Mn2+ under blue excitation is 46.37%, implying a potential application in white LED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential thermoelectric Cu 2 GeSe 3 is limited by the unfavorable exorbitant electrical conductivity and the subsequent high electrical thermal conductivity. In this regard, we highlight a compensatory compositing strategy to synergistically optimize its thermoelectric properties by adding GeSe second-phase. Experimental results demonstrated that the GeSe additive compensated the carrier concentration and mobility to some extent, which suppressed the exorbitant electrical conductivity and led to much reduced electrical thermal conductivity and the final low thermal conductivity in (GeSe) x (Cu 2 GeSe 3) 1–x composites. Meanwhile, due to the decreased carrier mobility, the GeSe additive could also increase the effective mass of the Cu 2 GeSe 3 matrix, which significantly enhanced the Seebeck coefficient and power factor. Finally, with the synergistically optimized electrical and thermal transport properties of Cu 2 GeSe 3 via GeSe addition, the final figure-of-merit ZT values of composites were significantly improved. The peak ZT of the average of three times trials of 0.49 was achieved at 723 K for (GeSe) 0.02 (Cu 2 GeSe 3) 0.98 composite, which was 188% higher than its pristine counterpart. • Compensatory compositing strategy is used to lessen the inherent high κ e of Cu 2 GeSe 3. • The κ tot of composites and ratio of κ e /κ tot remarkably decreased by GeSe composite. • ZT max of ~0.49 at 723 K was achieved for (GeSe) 0.02 (Cu 2 GeSe 3) 0.98 composite. • ZT of the composite increased 1.88 times more than that of the pristine Cu 2 GeSe 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cs 4 PbBr 6 /CsPbBr 3 perovskite has been synthesized without ligand involvement. • The product transforms from non-radiative CsPbBr 3 to green emissive Cs 4 PbBr 6 by adding HBr. • The green emission intensity increases with the adding of HBr amount. • The emission intensity is enhanced 1.5 times by introducing Eu3+ ions. Rare earth doping is an effective way to improve optical properties and reduce toxicity of lead-related perovskite. Herein, by using HBr to provide a Br-rich reaction environment, Cs 4 PbBr 6 /CsPbBr 3 perovskites with intense 520 nm green emission originated from Cs 4 PbBr 6 are prepared by supersaturated recrystallization method without ligand involvement. The emission intensity increases with the increasing of HBr volume. Then, Eu3+ ions are introduced to the Cs 4 PbBr 6 /CsPbBr 3 perovskites system by adding HBr to increase their solubility, and the emission intensity is enhanced 1.5 times with the photoluminescence quantum yield of 90.94% in 5% Eu3+ doped sample. The low-toxicity Eu3+ doped Cs 4 PbBr 6 /CsPbBr 3 with excellent green emission is beneficial for applications in lighting and displaying devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of most common skeletal disorders and can affect synovial joints such as knee and ankle joints. α5 integrin, a major fibronectin receptor, is expressed in articular cartilage and has been demonstrated to play roles in synovial joint development and in the regulation of chondrocyte survival and matrix degradation in articular cartilage. We hypothesized that α5 integrin signaling is involved in pathogenesis of OA. To test this, we generated compound mice that conditionally ablate α5 integrin in the synovial joints using the Gdf5Cre system. The compound mice were born normally and had an overall appearance similar to the control mice. However, when the mutant mice received the OA surgery, they showed stronger resistance to osteoarthritic changes than the control. Specifically the mutant knee joints presented lower levels of cartilage matrix and structure loss and synovial changes and showed stronger biomechanical properties than the control knee joints. These findings indicate that α5 integrin may not be essential for synovial joint development but play a causative role in induction of osteoarthritic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polyamide microcapsules for the electrophoretic display have been prepared via interfacial polymerization. The core material of the microcapsules is electrophoretic fluid consisted of pigment phthalocyanine green G (CAS No. 1328-53-6) modified with octadecylamine, tetrachloroethylene, and polyoxyethylene octylphenol ether (OP-10). The wall of the polyamide is synthesized from paraphthaloyl chloride and diethylenetriamine. FT-IR indicated that octadecylamine was bonded to pigment phthalocyanine green G with the hydrogen bond. The effect of the amount of octadecylamine on the dispersibility of the pigment suspended in tetrachloroethylene was investigated. Compared to the unmodified pigment, the dispersibility of the modified pigment was improved by 66.7%. The modified pigment migrated to the positive electrode under the direct voltage and the electric response time was about 85 s in 20 V/mm. The average particle size of microcapsules decreased from 834.5 to 258.2 nm as the dosage of OP-10 increased, and the microcapsule yield reached maximum of 83.5% at the OP-10 concentration of 1.5 wt%. With the reduction of the core/wall weight ratio in the range from 1:6 to 1:14, the average particle size improved from 267.4 to 554.4 nm. However, the maximum of the microcapsule yield was 87.6% at the core/wall weight ratio of 1:10. The microcapsule yield reached a peak of 87.6% as the pH value was 12. The average particle size of the microcapsules that obtained at 25 °C was 327.4 nm, which was smaller than those prepared in other temperatures. The formed polyamide microcapsules had a regular spherical shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our aim was to compare the effect of internal vs external fixation for unstable distal radius fractures regarding postoperative complications, clinical results and radiological outcomes.Methods: We selected PubMed; Cochrane Library; EMBASE; BIOSIS; Ovid and the relevant English orthopaedic journals and pooled data from ten eligible randomised controlled trials containing 738 patients to conduct a subgroup analysis according to different periods of follow-up. Our aim was to summarise the best available evidence.Results: Results showed that compared with external fixation, internal fixation led to significantly fewer total surgical complications [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.81, P = 0.002] and reduced the incidence of pin-track infections (95% CI 0.08-0.46, P = 0.0002) after a one year follow-up. For clinical results, grip strength (95% CI 1.59-8.25, P = 0.004), supination (95% CI 13.99-48.83, P = 0.0004) and pronation (95% CI 5.61-26.09, P = 0.002) were superior in the internal fixation group six weeks postoperatively, and the same results were obtained three months postoperatively for grip strength (95% CI 3.21-13.47, P = 0.001) and supination (95% CI 3.61-16.01, P = 0.002). Meanwhile, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was superior in the internal fixation group at three months (95% CI -20.62 to -2.07, P = 0.02) and after one year (95% CI -14.37 to -2.32, P = 0.007) follow-up.Conclusions: We suggest that the final results are significant and there is some evidence supporting the use of open reduction and internal fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our aim was to compare the effect of internal vs external fixation for unstable distal radius fractures regarding postoperative complications, clinical results and radiological outcomes. Methods: We selected PubMed; Cochrane Library; EMBASE; BIOSIS; Ovid and the relevant English orthopaedic journals and pooled data from ten eligible randomised controlled trials containing 738 patients to conduct a subgroup analysis according to different periods of follow-up. Our aim was to summarise the best available evidence. Results: Results showed that compared with external fixation, internal fixation led to significantly fewer total surgical complications [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.81, P = 0.002] and reduced the incidence of pin-track infections (95% CI 0.08-0.46, P = 0.0002) after a one year follow-up. For clinical results, grip strength (95% CI 1.59-8.25, P = 0.004), supination (95% CI 13.99-48.83, P = 0.0004) and pronation (95% CI 5.61-26.09, P = 0.002) were superior in the internal fixation group six weeks postoperatively, and the same results were obtained three months postoperatively for grip strength (95% CI 3.21-13.47, P = 0.001) and supination (95% CI 3.61-16.01, P = 0.002). Meanwhile, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was superior in the internal fixation group at three months (95% CI −20.62 to −2.07, P = 0.02) and after one year (95% CI −14.37 to −2.32, P = 0.007) follow-up. Conclusions: We suggest that the final results are significant and there is some evidence supporting the use of open reduction and internal fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After spinal cord injury (SCI), the inhibitory molecules derived from scars at the lesion sites and the limited regenerative capacity of neuronal axons pose difficulties for the recovery after SCI. Remodeling of cytoskeleton structures including microtubule assembly and tubulin post-translational modification are widely accepted to play a crucial role in initiation of growth cone and regrowth of injured axon. Although increasing studies have focused on the association between tubulin acetylation and autophagy due to the role of tubulin acetylation in organelles and substances transport, there are no studies exploring the effect of tubulin acetylation on autophagy after spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we found that histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) was significantly up-regulated after SCI, while inhibition of HDAC6 by Tubastatin A induced functional recovery after SCI. In view of enzyme-dependent and -independent mechanisms of HDAC6 to adjust diverse cellular processes, such as autophagy, the ubiquitin proteasome system and post-translational modification of tubulin, we mainly focused on the significance of HDAC6 in axonal regeneration and autophagy after SCI. Western blotting, Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence staining were conducted to showed that Tubastatin A treatment in nocodazole-treated cells and mice suffering from SCI prompted acetylation and stabilization of microtubules and thus restored transport function, which may contribute to restored autophagic flux and increased axonal length. Whereas inhibition of degradation of autolysosomes by bafilomycin A1 (Baf-A1) reversed functional recovery caused by Tubastatin A, revealing the association between tubulin acetylation and autophagy, which supports HDAC6 inhibition as a potential target for SCI treatment. Unlabelled Image • HDAC6 can affect microtubule system function by deacetylating tubulin. • Decreased acetylation level of α-Tubulin induces axonal transport dysfunction. • Inhibition of HDAC6 by Tubastatin A restores autophagic flux after SCI. • Inhibition of HDAC6 by Tubastatin A promotes functional recovery after SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]