Search

Crack propagation of the rock specimen containing a central closed flaw at different end friction coefficients (µ) under uniaxial compression and biaxial unloading confining pressure has been modeled under different loading conditions in this study employing a strength-based localized maximum stress (SLMS) criterion. The contact problem at the ends of specimens is solved via an augmented Lagrangian method. The effects of µ on tensile and shear crack propagation paths and lateral deformation of specimen ends are evaluated. Based on the variation of contact state at specimen ends under different loading and end conditions, the evolution of kinetic and static friction distribution at the specimen ends during crack propagation and the influence of µ on the kinetic and static friction distribution is investigated. The results show that the contact state at the specimen ends varies with different µ and can be classified into three types: complete sliding (µ = 0), sliding-sticking mixed (0 < µ < 0.3), and complete sticking (µ ≥ 0.3). The contact state of the end surfaces varies dynamically as the crack propagates when 0 < µ < 0.3. The friction on the end surfaces is kinetic-static mixed when 0 < µ < 0.3, while it is complete static friction when µ ≥ 0.3. For 0 < µ < 0.3, the static friction section in the end surfaces gradually increases with the crack propagation, which is more significant under biaxial unloading confining pressure due to the propagation of shear cracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fluorophores in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) biological window (1000 – 1700 nm) show great application prospects in the fields of biology and optical communications. However, both excellent radiative transition and nonradiative transition cannot be achieved simultaneously for the majority of traditional fluorophores. Herein, tunable nanoparticles formulated with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) heater are developed rationally. The system can be implemented via the development of an ideal synergistic system that can not only produce photothermal from nonspecific triggers but also trigger carbon radical release. Once accumulating in tumors and subsequently being irradiated with 808 nm laser, the nanoparticles (NMB@NPs) encapsulated with NMDPA‐MT‐BBTD (NMB) are splitted due to the photothermal effect of NMB, leading to the decomposition of azo bonds in the nanoparticle matrix to generate carbon radical. Accompanied by second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window emission from the NMB, fluorescence image‐guided thermodynamic therapy (TDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) which significantly inhibited the growth of oral cancer and negligible systemic toxicity is achieved synergistically. Taken together, this AIE luminogens‐based synergistic photothermal‐thermodynamic strategy brings a new insight into the design of superior versatile fluorescent NPs for precise biomedical applications and holds great promise to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normal stress (σn\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$${\sigma }_{n}$$\end{document}) under compression-shear conditions significantly affects crack propagation and failure modes of specimens containing non-persistent joints (NPJs). Crack propagation and failure modes of specimens vary for different σn\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$${\sigma }_{n}$$\end{document}. In the present study, we adopt a strength-based local maximum stress criterion (SLMS) to describe tensile and shear cracks formed during shear and model crack propagation processes via the finite element method. Two classical cases are performed to validate the SLMS criterion for describing tensile and shear cracks under shear conditions. After that, crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence processes are modeled for specimens containing a pair of horizontal NPJs in coplanar and non-coplanar cases at different σn\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$${\sigma }_{n}$$\end{document}. Variations of crack propagation and failure modes of specimens containing coplanar and non-coplanar NPJs are investigated for σn\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$${\sigma }_{n}$$\end{document} ranging from low to high. Effects of rock bridge inclination angle (β\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$$\beta$$\end{document}) on crack propagation and failure mode of specimens containing non-coplanar NPJs are investigated. Also, the effects of σn\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$${\sigma }_{n}$$\end{document} on critical shear load (τsc\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$${\tau }_{sc}$$\end{document}) for crack initiation in specimens containing coplanar and non-coplanar NPJs are examined. Results indicate that failure modes of specimens with coplanar NPJs transform from tensile to mixed tensile-shear, then to shear, and finally to pure shear as σn\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$${\sigma }_{n}$$\end{document} increases. The increase of β\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$$\beta$$\end{document} promotes the appearance of tensile failure of specimens containing coplanar NPJs under high σn\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$${\sigma }_{n}$$\end{document} while suppressing the appearance of shear failure. The modeling results provide a reference for understanding crack propagation and failure modes in rocks containing NPJs under compression-shear conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toppling failure of anti-dip rock slopes is significantly affected by crack propagation from non-persistent cross-joints (NPCJs). In this study, a strength-based localized maximum stress (SLMS) criterion is adopted to model the toppling failure process caused by crack propagation in anti-dip rock slopes containing a set of NPCJs via the finite element method. The crack initiation sequence from NPCJs and the toppling evolution of anti-dip slopes under different stratum dips and slope angles, as well as the influences of stratum dips and slope angles on toppling evolution, are investigated. Variations in the displacements during the toppling of the slope and the influence of toppling on the displacements are analyzed. Additionally, variations in the magnitude and distribution area of interlayer friction between rock layers during the toppling evolution process and the effects of toppling on the evolution of interlayer friction are examined. The results indicate that the toppling process of the anti-dip slope containing NPCJs involves three stages: crack initiation and propagation from the NPCJs, the development of interlayer tensile and shear cracks, and toppling failure of the rock layers. The stability of anti-dip slopes containing NPCJs is greatly affected by the stratum dip and slope angle. The horizontal displacements and interlayer crack aperture increase nonlinearly with the development of toppling evolution, and the magnitude of the increase gradually increases. Moreover, the magnitude and distribution area of interlayer friction vary with the development of toppling evolution. The maximum interlayer friction gradually increases, but the distribution area of friction decreases. • Slope angle affects slope stability more significantly than does the stratum dip. • Horizontal displacements increase nonlinearly with toppling evolution. • Crack apertures of interlayer shear cracks appear like a triangle. • Distribution areas of interlayer friction decrease with toppling evolution. • Locations of final fracture in rock layers affect interlayer friction distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The failure mode of rock bridges gradually changes from shear to tensile with increasing rock bridge inclination. • Flaws located in the middle of the slope have a significant effect on the failure mode and the depth of the sliding surface at this location. • Micro-failure monitoring methods can achieve early warning of landslides when displacement monitoring cannot be performed effectively. • The contact status of crack surfaces gradually changes from sticking or sliding to opening during the formation of the sliding surface. In this study, we adopt the proposed strength-based local maximum stress (SLMS) criterion to calculate the crack propagation of tensile and shear cracks in a plate with two parallel closed flaws at different rock bridge inclinations (β) under compression. The effect of β on the failure mode of rock bridges was investigated. Then, we modeled the three-section landslides caused by crack propagation under different friction coefficients to validate the effectiveness of SLMS in modeling crack propagation in slopes. Finally, the formation of sliding surfaces in four specific rock slopes with multi-flaws was modeled to investigate the effect of flaw distribution on the depth and shape of sliding surfaces of slopes. Results indicate that flaws located in the middle of the slope have a significant effect on the failure mode and the depth of the sliding surface at this location. Due to the small increments of displacement during the failure process of the slope, which are difficult to monitor, displacement monitoring methods are ineffective for landslide early warning. The instability of the rock slope is caused by the initiation, propagation, and coalescence of cracks, therefore, real-time monitoring of the micro-failure accumulation in the slope is beneficial for early warning of landslides. Moreover, the variation of contact status of crack surfaces during the formation of slope sliding surfaces was analyzed, and the effect of sliding surface formation on contact sliding distance and contact gap distance of crack surfaces was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Positive and negative oscillations of K II under compression are the reason for zigzag crack propagation paths modeled by the traditional fracture criterion. • GMTS criterion considering T -stress can effectively eliminate K II oscillations but requires complicated parameter calculations. • SLMS criterion proposed in this study can conveniently and efficiently model the propagation of both tensile and shear cracks. • The effects of flaw inclination, friction coefficient, loading level, and flaw surface contact status on the crack propagation paths were studied. The traditional fracture criterion performs well when calculating crack propagation under tensile conditions, but a zigzag crack propagation path was obtained under compression, which is inconsistent with experimental results. This study indicates that the positive and negative oscillations of the mode-II stress intensity factor (K II) under compressive loading during crack propagation is the reason for the zigzag trajectory of crack propagation. Such oscillation of K II can be effectively eliminated when the non-singular stress (T -stress) at the flaw tips is considered, and thus, the path of crack propagation can also be smoothed. However, due to the complicated calculations of the stress intensity factors and T -stress at each step of crack propagation, it is not suitable for simulation in fast, complex environments and multi-flaws. Also, the lack of a shear fracture criterion in traditional fracture methods leads to difficulty in studying shear crack propagation in rock. Therefore, a strength-based localized maximum stress (SLMS) criterion was proposed in this study to model both tensile and shear crack propagations in rock more efficiently, conveniently, and accurately. Then, the crack propagation processes in both plate and Brazilian disc specimens with a single flaw under uniaxial and biaxial compression were modeled to investigate the effects of the flaw inclination angle, friction coefficient, and loading level on the crack propagation path. The influence of the contact friction between the flaw surfaces on the contact status and the crack propagation path during the crack propagation process was also analyzed. Also, the crack propagation in a plate with a single flaw under biaxial tension was modeled, which shows bifurcation crack propagation when the lateral tension is several times larger than the axial tension. All the modeled results indicated that the proposed SLMS criterion can get better results when modeling crack propagations for open or closed flaws under tension or compression conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic diabetic wound causes serious threat to human health due to its long inflammatory phase and the reduced vascularization. Herein, we develop a hydrogel system for the treatment of diabetic wound, which can short the inflammatory stage (through the use of ori) and promote the angiogenesis (through the addition of siRNA-29a gene). Based on the Schiff base bonds, the Gel/Alg@ori/HA-PEI@siRNA-29a hydrogel was prepared by mixing oxidized hydroxymethyl propyl cellulose (OHMPC), adipic dihydrazide-modified hyaluronic acid (HA-ADH), oridonin (ori) loaded alginate microspheres (Alg@ori) and siRNA-29a gene-loading hyaluronic acid-polyethyleneimine complex HA-PEI@siRNA-29a (HA-PEI@siRNA-29a) under physiological conditions, which had moderate mechanical strength, appropriate swelling property, impressive stability, and slow release ability of ori and siRNA-29a. Excellent biocompatibility of the prepared hydrogel was also confirmed by in vitro mouse fibroblasts L929 cells culture study. Moreover, in vivo experiments further demonstrated that the prepared Gel/Alg@ori/HA-PEI@siRNA-29a hydrogel not only significantly accelerated the diabetic wound healing, angiogenesis factors (α-SMA and CD31) production, but also inhibited pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α). In summary, we believe that the prepared hydrogels exhibit great potential for the treatment of chronic diabetic wound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Li-ion capacitor as a kind of novel energy storage device with high energy density and power density have caused wide concern. In this study, the porous carbon nanofiber/molybdenum disulfide nanoflake-flowerballs composite material is successfully prepared via hydrothermal method using the three-dimensional porous carbon nanofibers as a carrier. The molybdenum disulfide nanoflake-flowerballs are uniformly distributed and fill in three-dimensional porous carbon nanofibers skeleton, and the clear composite material with nanofiber morphology is formed. This material presents moderate specific surface area (81.67 m2 g−1) and good electrical conductivity (22.32 S cm−1) and is used as the anode in the Li-ion capacitor, and the big energy density at high power density (the energy density could reach 75.5 Wh kg−1 and 22.5 Wh kg−1 at power densities of 0.075 kW kg−1 at 30 kW kg−1, respectively) are achieved, which has broad application prospect in the energy storage field. • The three-dimensional PCNF loading MoS 2 nanoflake-flowerballs was constructed. • The MoS 2 nanoflake-flowerballs inner nanofibers provide the large reaction area. • The three-dimensional PCNF skeleton offers conductive path. • The 3D-PCNF/MoS 2 -NFFBs used as the anodes of LICs exhibit excellent properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Surface acetates exchange of 2D acetate-based light lanthanide fluoride nanomaterials is evidenced for the first time; • The maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity of these nanosheets for Congo red and Coomassie brilliant blue G-250 is 4334 mg/g and 2827 mg/g, respectively; • These nanosheets show an ultrahigh salt-tolerance in high-salinity wastewater treatment; • Surface acetates exchange is responsible for the ultrahigh adsorption capacity and salt-tolerance. To develop an excellent two-dimensional (2D) adsorbent with an ultrahigh adsorption capacity and salt-tolerance is much of importance in actual wastewater treatment. In this work, 2D acetate-based light lanthanide fluoride nanomaterials (F–Ln nanosheets) are identified as high-efficient adsorbents for anionic dye decoloration. F–Ln nanosheets are prepared through a hydrothermal synthetic methodology at room temperature and pressure. Multiple characterizations demonstrate that surface acetates exchange with exogenous anions is the prominent characteristic of these nanosheets. Adsorption experiments infer that adsorption processes obey a pseudo-second-order kinetics model and a Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity for Congo red and Coomassie brilliant blue G-250 is 4334 mg/g and 2827 mg/g, respectively. The mechanism analysis suggests that surface acetates exchange of F–Ln nanosheets is responsible for their ultrahigh adsorption capacity. Besides, F–Ln nanosheets present an ultrahigh salt-tolerance in saturated NaCl or high-concentration Na 2 SO 4 , K 2 CO 3 and NaNO 3 solution. Computational studies claim that surface acetates exchange with dye anions, which has a higher binding strength than common salts, is the key to induce an ultrahigh salt-tolerance. With an ultrahigh adsorption capacity and salt-tolerance, we believe that F–Ln nanosheets promise an outstanding platform to develop excellent adsorbents for environment remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lyophilization is used to prepare a Fenton catalyst containing a predominant amount of isolated Fe3+ species with an 8.90% iron content. This catalyst shows a higher catalytic rate and H2O2 utilization efficiency but lower iron leaching in phenol degradation, compared with the calcination sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The biosensor for choline and acetylcholine is composed of MWCNTs and ZnO NPs followed by a bienzyme layer and a capping layer of PDDA. [•] The uniqueness of this sensor is the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles. [•] The biosensor exhibits a quality characterization, such as high sensitivity, long term stability, a relatively wide linear range and a limit of detection of 0.3μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of our study is to explore the transcriptional and microbial characteristics of head and neck cancer’s immune phenotypes using a multi-omics approach. Materials and methods: Employing TCGA data, we analyzed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) immune cells with CIBERSORT and identified differentially expressed genes using DESeq2. Microbial profiles, obtained from the TCMA database, were analyzed using LEfSe algorithm to identify differential microbes in immune cell infiltration (ICI) subgroups. Random Forest algorithm and deep neural network (DNN) were employed to select microbial features and developed a prognosis model. Results: We categorized HNSCC into three immune subtypes, finding ICI-2 with the worst prognosis and distinct microbial diversity. Our immune-related microbiome (IRM) model outperformed the TNM staging model in predicting survival, linking higher IRM model scores with poorer prognosis, and demonstrating clinical utility over TNM staging. Patients categorized as low-risk by the IRM model showed higher sensitivity to cisplatin and sorafenib treatments. Conclusions: This study offers a comprehensive exploration of the ICI landscape in HNSCC. We provide a detailed scenario of immune regulation in HNSCC and report a correlation between differing ICI patterns, intratumor microbiome, and prognosis. This research aids in identifying prime candidates for optimizing treatment strategies in HNSCC. Clinical relevance: This study revealed the microbial signatures associated with immunophenotyping of HNSCC and further found the microbial signatures associated with prognosis. The prognostic model based on IRM microbes is helpful for early prediction of patient prognosis and assisting clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the time-dependent mechanical properties of rock masses in cold regions under the effects of freeze-thaw cycling and long-term loading, triaxial multilevel loading and unloading creep tests were performed on saturated red sandstone samples subjected to different numbers of freeze-thaw cycles. The effects of freeze-thaw cycles and confining pressure on the creep properties, long-term strength, and creep failure mode of the rock were analyzed. The effect of freeze-thaw cycles on the microstructure of the rock was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that as the number of freeze-thaw cycles increased, the rock particle boundaries became more distinct, and more pores formed. The effect of freeze-thaw cycles on the creep deformation of red sandstone was related to the loading stress level. At low stress levels, the rock viscoelastic strain increased gradually and almost linearly with an increasing number of freeze-thaw cycles; in contrast, at high stress levels, the rock viscoelastic strain increased nonlinearly. The viscoplastic strain increased almost linearly with increasing freeze-thaw cycles. The fourth loading stress level (70% σ c ) corresponded to the transition of the creep deformation of the red sandstone. When the confining pressure was low, a higher stress level caused the confining pressure to have a more significant effect on the creep strain. However, as the confining pressure continued to increase, the effect of the confining pressure on the creep strain eventually disappeared. The long-term strength of the red sandstone decreased approximately linearly with an increase in the number of freeze-thaw cycles. When the number of freeze-thaw cycles and the confining pressure were high, the rock samples formed a transverse shear plane and were more fragmented than those without a transverse shear plane. These results provide a reference for construction in rock mass engineering and long-term stability analysis in cold regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is believed to be a significant factor affecting the short- and long-term strength of rocks. To further understand the effect of water on the mechanical behavior of rocks, we first performed a series of water absorption tests and uniaxial compression tests (different soak times) to guide a time-dependent creep test. Then, uniaxial creep tests under different water-stress sequence conditions and the traditional creep test were performed. Finally, the effect of water distribution on rock strength and failure patterns is discussed. The obtained results show that the water-stress sequences would result in different mechanical behaviors of rock, i.e., the specimens were more likely to fail under the condition of loading followed by soaking than under the condition of soaking followed by loading and loading after soaking. Furthermore, the strength of the specimen with a nonhomogeneous water distribution is greater than that of the homogeneous specimen if they have the same water content. Because the nonhomogeneous water distribution is dry inside the specimen, the homogeneous water distribution affects the entire specimen, leading to greater softening. According to the obtained results, the sequence of loading and soaking should be considered when predicting the stability of rock mass engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of heterogeneous Fenton catalysts with both adsorption and catalytic properties has become an effective strategy for the treatment of refractory organic wastewater. In this work, 4A-Fe@Cu bimetallic Fenton catalysts with a three-dimensional core-shell structure were prepared by a simple, template-free, and surfactant-free methodology and used in the adsorption and degradation of Congo red (CR). The results showed that the open three-dimensional network structure and the positive charge of the surface of the 4A-Fe@Cu catalyst could endow a high adsorption capacity for CR, reaching 432.9 mg/g. The good adsorption property of 4A-Fe@Cu for CR not only did not inactivate the catalytic site on 4A-Fe@Cu but also could promote the contact between CR and the active sites on the catalyst surface and accelerate the degradation process. The 4A-Fe@Cu bimetallic catalyst exhibited higher catalytic activity than monometallic 4A@Cu and/or 4A-Fe catalysts due to low work function value. The effects of different pH, H2O2 dosages, and catalyst dosages on the catalytic performance of 4A-Fe@Cu were explored. In the conditions of 7.2 mM H2O2, 2 g/L 4A-Fe@Cu, and 1 g/L CR solution, the degradation ratio of CR by 4A-Fe@Cu could reach 99.2% at pH 8. This strategy provided guidance to the design of high-performance Fenton-like catalysts with both adsorption and catalysis properties for dye wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The SIFs critical values of sandstone were tested by SCB specimen. • Relationships between water content and SIFs were studied. • SIFc of sandstone subjected to loading during soaking is lower than that without loading. • Water soaking duration and loading-soaking sequence of rock significantly affect the SIFs. Fracturing behavior of rock is significantly affected by water. To study the influence of water on the critical values of stress intensity factors (the SIFc, including K If and K IIf) corresponding to the onset of fracture of rocks, edge-cracked semicircular bend (SCB) testing was performed on sandstone specimens (collected at a site in Linyi City, Shandong Province, China) with different water contents. First, water absorption was tested to study the evolution of the water content in the specimens. Then, the SIFc of SCB specimens after different soaking durations in water (yielding conditions ranging from dry to saturation) was tested under three-point loading. The results showed a linear decrease in SIFc with increasing water content for all the specimens with different notch angles; however, with increasing notch angle, the K If exponentially decreased, while the K IIf increased. To study the effect of sustained load on SIFs of rock in water, a new experiment was designed on the specimen subjected to loading while soaking for a certain duration, then the SIFc was tested. Comprehensive predictive empirical relationships are established between SIFc and water content/soaking duration for the sandstone. A novel observation is for two specimens with the same water soaking duration, the SIFc of a specimen with loading during soaking is lower than that when it was tested after soaking, which is attributed to the fact that water is more likely to penetrate into the rock, because the bending load opens pores and cracks then leads to an increase in water content under such conditions. In other words, the water content of sandstone specimens used in this study is the key factor affecting its SIFc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wound therapy based on antibiotic delivery inevitably leads to the emergence of drug resistance. Hydrogel biomaterials with inherent antibacterial activities have emerged as promising candidates for addressing this issue. However, developing an inherently antibacterial hydrogel through simple and facile strategies to promote localized wound infection healing remains a challenge. In this study, we successfully constructed antimicrobial cationic hydrogels with self-healing and injectable properties through physically and chemically dual-crosslinked networks. The networks were formed by the copolymers poly[(di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)- co -(4-formylphenyl methacrylate)- co -(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride solution)] (PDFM) and poly[(di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)- co -(2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride)- co -(2-(((6-(6-methyl-4[1H]pyrimidionylureido) hexyl)carbamoyl)oxy)ethyl methacrylate)] (PDAU). The hydrogel systems effectively facilitate the regeneration and healing of infected wounds through the contact bactericidal feature of quaternary ammonium cations. The presence of Schiff base bonds in the injectable hydrogels imparts remarkable pH responsiveness and self-healing properties. In vitro experiments verified their intrinsic antibacterial activities along with their favorable cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility in both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the hydrogel significantly accelerated the healing of bacterially infected in a full-thickness skin wound. This facilely prepared dual-crosslinked hydrogel, without antibiotics loading, holds significant prospects for treating infected wounds. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Autosomal-dominant hypocalcification amelogenesis imperfecta (ADHCAI) is a hereditary disease characterized by enamel defects. ADHCAI is mainly caused by nonsense mutations in a gene called family with sequence similarity 83 member H (FAM83H). To study the pathogenesis of ADHCAI, a Chinese ADHCAI family was investigated. Materials and methods: The ultrastructure of enamel was analyzed by micro-CT and scanning electron microscopy. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify the pathogenic gene. The function of the mutant FAM83H was studied by real-time PCR, western blotting, subcellular localization, and protein degradation pathway analyses. Results: WES identified a known nonsense mutation (c.1915A > T) in exon 5 of the FAM83H gene, causing a truncated protein (p.Lys639*). However, the cases reported herein exhibited significant differences in the clinical phenotype compared with that the previously reported case. An abnormal enamel rod head structure was observed in affected teeth. In vitro functional studies showed altered protein localization and a decreased protein degradation rate for mutant FAM83H. Conclusions: We verified the FAM83H p.Lys639* protein as a gain-of-function variant causing ADHCAI. Abnormal enamel rod head structure was observed in teeth with mutant FAM83H proteins. We also investigated the molecular pathogenesis and presented data on the abnormal degradation of mutant FAM83H proteins. Clinical relevance: This study helped the family members to understand the disease progression and provided new insights into the pathogenesis of ADHCAI. Due to the large heterogeneity of ADHCAI, this study also provided a genetic basis for individuals who exhibit similar clinical phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Water accelerates the occurrence of rockbursts in high stress environments. • A method for determining the critical stress of rock failure under water conditions is proposed. • TBM method is more likely to produce rockbursts than drilling-blasting method. • The softening and reduced strength of the rock by water is an effect of rockbursts. During the excavation of tunnels in the Hanjiang-to-Weihe River Diversion Project, many rockbursts occurred in water-rich (WR) areas. To study the mechanism of rockburst under such conditions, the features of microseismic events and rockbursts in WR tunnel sections excavated by both a tunnel boring machine (TBM) and "drilling and blasting" methods were statistically analysed and compared with those of adjacent water-poor (WP) areas. The results show that in both WR and WP areas, rockbursts are related to the classification of surrounding rock and are also affected by the excavation method. The rockbursts in most WP areas are more active than those in the nearby WR areas in sections excavated by TBM. However, the opposite is true under high in situ stress conditions. To explain the microseismic monitoring results, the mechanical behaviour of rock, including short- and long-term mechanical behaviour under different water and loading conditions, was also investigated, and the results show that under high stress conditions, water will accelerate the occurrence of rockburst. Therefore, the appropriate method to control rockburst is stress release, which can be achieved by advanced pilot tunnel excavation, hydraulic fracturing, and presplitting blasting, rather than high-pressure water spraying in the surrounding rock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Core-shell hierarchical Cu@4A filler was prepared via in situ growth method. • Cu@4A as filler was used to fabricate mixed matrix membrane contactor. • Cu@4A loaded MMMC exhibited 10 times higher SO 2 adsorption capacity than PVDF. • Cu@4A facilitated SO 2 transport and decreased membrane mass transfer resistance. • Cu@4A enhanced both SO 2 absorption flux and SO 2 removal efficiency in MMMC. Achieving high flux membrane contactor is significantly important for hazardous gas removal. In this study, we prepared poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based mixed matrix membrane contactor (MMMC) that contained a core-shell hirarchical Cu@4A composite filler (Cu@4A). On one hand, the Cu@4A regulated the physical structure of MMMC, which enhanced gas permeation and thus resulted in the increment of physical SO 2 absorption flux. On the other hand, Cu@4A changed the chemical environment of MMMC by remarkably increased SO 2 facilitated transport sites, which elevated SO 2 concentration around Cu@4A by the enhancement of adsorption and oxidation of SO 2 , resulting in the increase of chemical SO 2 absorption flux. Moreover, the copper nanosheets on 4A helped to construct facilitated transport pathways along the Cu@4A fillers at polymer-filler interface. The results showed that Cu@4A loaded MMMC exhibited increased SO 2 removal efficiency and SO 2 absorption flux compared with PVDF control membrane. Specifically, the M 10 40 MMMC loaded with 40 wt% Cu@4A and PVDF concentration 10 wt% exhibited the highest SO 2 removal efficiency and SO 2 absorption flux, which was up to 73.6% and 9.1 × 10−4 mol·m-2·s-1 at the liquid flow rate of 30 L/h. Besides, the overall SO 2 mass transfer coefficient (K o) and membrane mass transfer resistance (H / K m) were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The novel flexible Mn-based CNFs were successfully prepared by electro-blow spinning method and carbonization process. • The modified Li metal battery exhibits the stable Li deposition–stripping behavior. • The battery with the prepared interlayer presented better rate capacity, high cycling stability and low impedance. Abstract In this work, the novel flexible Mn-based carbon nanofiber interlayers were rationally designed and prepared by electro-blow spinning and carbonization method. Especially, the representative MnS carbon nanofiber (MnS-CNFs) films and MnF 2 porous carbon nanofiber (MnF 2 -PCNFs) film were respectively applied as interlayer to hybridize with Li as composite anode to investigate their application performance. After systematic research, the cyclic stability of interlayer modified LCO-Li batteries (MnS-CNFs: initial capacity of 143 mAh g−1 and retention rate of 70% after 100 cycles, MnF 2 -PCNFs: initial capacity of 137 mAh g−1 and retention rate of 90% after 100 cycles) were obviously improved when compared with pristine LCO-Li battery (initial capacity of 133 mAh g−1 and retention rate of 45% after 100 cycles) at the current density of 3 mA cm−2. The modified symmetric Li battery exhibits stable Li deposition-stripping behavior without cell short-circuit during 150 cycles. The higher performance of modified battery compared with pure Li metal battery might be attributed to the introduction of flexible Mn-based carbon nanofiber interlayers. On the one hand, the flexible films with self-support and porous structure could act as transitional layer to accommodate the volume expansion of Li metal and facilitate more Li insert into the interior/surface of carbon nanofibers. On the other hand, the 3D interconnected carbon nanofiber skeletons doped MnS and MnF 2 could provide more active sites to guide the Li deposition and stripping more sufficient and homogeneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) is one of the most aggressive forms of head and neck/oral cancer (HNOC), and is a complex disease with extensive genetic and epigenetic defects, including microRNA deregulation. Identifying the deregulation of microRNA-mRNA regulatory modules (MRMs) is crucial for understanding the role of microRNA in OTSCC.Methods: A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify MRMs in HNOC by examining the correlation among differentially expressed microRNA and mRNA profiling datasets and integrating with 12 different sequence-based microRNA target prediction algorithms. Confirmation experiments were performed to further assess the correlation among MRMs using OTSCC patient samples and HNOC cell lines. Functional analyses were performed to validate one of the identified MRMs: miR-21-15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase (HPGD) regulatory module.Results: Our bioinformatics analysis revealed 53 MRMs that are deregulated in HNOC. Four high confidence MRMs were further defined by confirmation experiments using OTSCC patient samples and HNOC cell lines, including miR-21-HPGD regulatory module. HPGD is a known anti-tumorigenic effecter, and it regulates the tumorigenic actions of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by converts PGE2 to its biologically inactive metabolite. Ectopic transfection of miR-21 reduced the expression of HPGD in OTSCC cell lines, and the direct targeting of the miR-21 to the HPGD mRNA was confirmed using a luciferase reporter gene assay. The PGE2-mediated upregulation of miR-21 was also confirmed which suggested the existence of a positive feed-forward loop that involves miR-21, HPGD and PGE2 in OTSCC cells that contribute to tumorigenesis.Conclusions: We identified a number of high-confidence MRMs in OTSCC, including miR-21-HPGD regulatory module, which may play an important role in the miR-21-HPGD-PGE2 feed-forward loop that contributes to tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We previously performed a meta-analysis of microRNA profiling studies on head and neck/oral cancer (HNOC), and identified 11 consistently dysregulated microRNAs in HNOC. Here, we evaluate the diagnostic values of these microRNAs in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) using oral cytology samples.Materials and Methods: The levels of 11 microRNAs were assessed in 39 oral cytology samples (19 OTSCC and 20 normal subjects), and 10 paired OTSCC and adjacent normal tissues. The predictive power of these microRNAs was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and random forest (RF) model. A classification and regression trees (CART) model was generated using miR-21 and miR-375, and further validated using both independent oral cytology validation sample set (14 OTSCC and 11 normal subjects) and tissue validation sample set (12 paired OTSCC and adjacent normal tissues).Results: Differential expression of miR-21, miR-100, miR-125b and miR-375 was validated in oral cytology training sample set. Based on the RF model, the combination of miR-21 and miR-375 was selected which provide best prediction of OTSCC. A CART model was constructed using miR-21 and miR-375, and was tested in both oral cytology and tissue validation sample sets. A sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 64% was achieved in distinguishing OTSCC from normal in the oral cytology validation set, and a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 83% was achieved in the tissue validation set.Conclusion: The utility of microRNA from oral cytology samples as biomarkers for OTSCC detection is successfully demonstrated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The miR-99 family is one of the evolutionarily most ancient microRNA families, and it plays a critical role in developmental timing and the maintenance of tissue identity. Recent studies, including reports from our group, suggested that the miR-99 family regulates various physiological processes in adult tissues, such as dermal wound healing, and a number of disease processes, including cancer. By combining 5 independent genome-wide expression profiling experiments, we identified a panel of 266 unique transcripts that were down-regulated in epithelial cells transfected with miR-99 family members. A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis using 12 different sequence-based microRNA target prediction algorithms revealed that 81 out of these 266 down-regulated transcripts are potential direct targets for the miR-99 family. Confirmation experiments and functional analyses were performed to further assess 6 selected miR-99 target genes, including mammalian Target of rapamycin (mTOR), Homeobox A1 (HOXA1), CTD small phosphatase-like (CTDSPL), N-myristoyltransferase 1 (NMT1), Transmembrane protein 30A (TMEM30A), and SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily A member 5 (SMARCA5). HOXA1 is a known proto-oncogene, and it also plays an important role in embryonic development. The direct targeting of the miR-99 family to two candidate binding sequences located in the HOXA1 mRNA was confirmed using a luciferase reporter gene assay and a ribonucleoprotein-immunoprecipitation (RIP-IP) assay. Ectopic transfection of miR-99 family reduced the expression of HOXA1, which, in consequence, down-regulated the expression of its downstream gene (i.e., Bcl-2) and led to reduced proliferation and cell migration, as well as enhanced apoptosis. In summary, we identified a number of high-confidence miR-99 family target genes, including proto-oncogene HOXA1, which may play an important role in regulating epithelial cell proliferation and migration during physiological disease processes, such as dermal wound healing and tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• •Rational structure designs and their applications of 2D materials for Li-S and Li-Se batteries are summarized. • •An overview of recent advances in the preparations and designs of various 2D materials are reviewed. • •Properties of 2D materials for battery systems affecting electrochemical performance are discussed. • •An insightful perspective is outlined for the future research in 2D materials for Li-S and Li-Se batteries. Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) and lithium-selenium (Li-Se) batteries have gradually triggered enormous attention in the field of secondary energy conversion and storage due to excellent theoretical capacities and advanced theoretical energy densities, which are nearly an order of magnitude higher than widely used lithium ion battery. But the commercialization processes of Li-S/Se batteries are slow due to the poor conductivity of elemental S/Se and insoluble low-order lithium polysulfides (polyselenides), severe "shuttle effect" of soluble high-order lithium polysulfides (polyselenides) and slow reaction kinetics during the process of redox reaction. Nowadays, the rationally designed two dimensional (2D) materials in the compositions of Li-S/Se batteries have presented conspicuous merits and can greatly enhance the electrochemical performances of the batteries. This review firstly highlights the distinctive structural merits of various 2D materials for advanced Li-S/Se cells. Then an overview of recent advances in the designs and preparations of different 2D materials with well-designed shapes, tailored structures, selective chemical constituents and their corresponding electrochemical properties combining the physical confinement, chemical adsorption, catalytic effect et al.. Finally, some challenges and viewpoints in this field are also discussed. The comprehensive review will help researchers to well learn rational designs including modification based on structure and engineering of 2D materials for effectively enhancing electrochemical performances of Li-S/Se cells, which eventually lead the batteries to be a practically commercial applications for power source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Co-based and Cu-based MOFs modified gel PMIA separators are successfully prepared. • Membranes present prominent thermal stability, mechanical strength and ionic conductivity. • Membranes can strengthen the kinetics of redox reaction and inhibit lithium-dendrite. • Li-S cell with the membrane presents stable long cycle performance and safety. In this study, two kinds of MOFs nanoparticles including ZIF-67 and Cu-BTC (HKUST-1) were synthesized and the MOFs modified gel F-doped poly-m-phenyleneisophthalamide (PMIA) nanofiber membranes were successfully prepared through blend electrospinning of these synthesized MOFs nanoparticles and PMIA solution. And the electrochemical performance and safety for Li-S cells with the MOFs modified gel PMIA nanofiber separators were systematically researched. Under the synergistic role of F-doped emulsion and MOFs nanoparticles, the modified PMIA-based membranes can produce relatively high porosity, reduced aperture and good electrolyte uptake. And the merits endow the separator with prominent thermal stability, mechanical strength and ionic conductivity, which lays a solid footing stone for high-performance and advanced-safety Li-S battery with fast ion transportation, reduced polarization, good interfacial compatibility and strong catalysis. The batteries with ZIF-67 and Cu-BTC (HKUST-1) modified membranes exhibited high first-cycle discharge capacity of 1267.5 and 1272.2 mAh g−1, outstanding discharge capacity retention of 698.1 and 752.6 mAh g−1 and super-high Coulombic efficiency of 99.75% and 99.82% after 500 cycles at 0.5 C rate, respectively. The outstanding electrochemical properties and safety for the batteries assembled were ascribed to the greatly prevented "shuttle effect" of dissolved lithium polysulfides based on the physical capturing of high-order lithium polysulfides via the prepared jelly-like gel state and strongly chemical adsorbing to lithium polysulfides, and fast redox kinetics based on the strong catalytic conversion. This work proves that the addition of functional MOFs nanoparticles similar with ZIF-67 and Cu-BTC (HKUST-1) in gel F-doped PMIA membrane can inhibit the "shuttle effect" of polysulfides and reduce the growth of lithium dendrites to some extent, which will prompt a great development of Li-S battery with high performance and reassuring safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel multifunctional double-layer membrane is successfully prepared. • Double-layer membrane contains F-doped PMIA and F-Mn 3 O 4 -co-doped PMIA membrane. • Double-layer membrane can suppress shuttle effect and produce catalytic conversion. • The Li-S battery with the double-layer membrane shows stable long-term cycle performance. Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery with promising specific capacity and high energy density has attracted wide attention in recent years. However, the rapid capacity fading of the batteries caused by the "shuttle effect" of soluble polysulfides restricted its applications. Here, a novel thermostable double-layer membrane based on F-doped poly-m-phenyleneisophthalamide (PMIA) membrane and F-mangano-manganic oxide (Mn 3 O 4) co-doped PMIA membrane is fabricated through electrospinning method. The F-PMIA membrane and F-Mn 3 O 4 -co-doped PMIA membrane in the double-layer membrane can act as the matrix to prepare gel polymer electrolyte (GPE). More importantly, the F-doped PMIA membrane in combination with F-Mn 3 O 4 -co-doped PMIA membrane, render the engineered functional separator with extraordinary high electrolyte uptake and eminent preserving liquid electrolyte, excellent thermal stability and shrinkage resistance, strong catalytic conversion, forceful chemisorption and physical blocking the "shuttle effect" of lithium polysulfides for Li-S battery. Based on these merits, the assembled batteries with the novel separator exhibited a high first-cycle discharge capacity with 1237.1 mAh g−1, excellent discharge capacity retention of 814.0 mAh g−1 and high Coulombic efficiency of 98.83% after 1000 cycles at the current density of 0.5 C rate. In addition, the obtained Li-S battery with GPE presented a low interfacial resistance and high rate capacity (624.1 mA h g−1 at 2 C rate after 600 cycles). The reasons of these excellent electrochemical performances for the battery using the prepared membrane were ascribed to the suppressed "shuttle effect" through both the physical trapping of lithium polysulfides by the GPE based as matrix on F-doped PMIA membrane and chemical binding of intermediates by F-Mn 3 O 4 -co-doped membrane. The new separator will open up an effective avenue to enhance the capability and cyclability of Li-S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ameloblastomas are odontogenic neoplasms characterized by local invasiveness. This study was conducted to address the role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the invasiveness of ameloblastomas.Methods: Plasmids containing either MMP-2 siRNA or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) cDNA were created and subsequently transfected into primary ameloblastoma cells. Zymography, RT-PCR, and Western blots were used to assess MMP-2 activity and expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2, as well as protein levels.Results: Primary cultures of ameloblastoma cells expressed cytokeratin (CK) 14 and 16, and MMP-2, but only weakly expressed CK18 and vimentin. MMP-2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly inhibited by RNA interference (P < 0.05). Both MMP-2 siRNA and TIMP-2 overexpression inhibited MMP-2 activity and the in vitro invasiveness of ameloblastoma.Conclusion: These results indicate that inhibition of MMP-2 activity suppresses the local invasiveness of ameloblastoma cells. This mechanism may serve as a novel therapeutic target in ameloblastomas pursuant to additional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]