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As the dimensions of interconnects in integrated circuits continue to shrink, an urgent need arises to understand the physical mechanism associated with electromigration. Using x-ray nanodiffraction, we analyzed the stresses in Blech-structured pure Cu lines subjected to different electromigration conditions. The results suggest that the measured residual stresses in the early stages of electromigration are related to relaxation of stresses caused by thermal expansion mismatch, while a developing current-induced stress leads to reductions in the residual stress after longer test times. These findings not only validate the feasibility of measuring stress in copper lines using nanodiffraction but also highlight the need for a further understanding, particularly through in situ electromigration experiments with x-ray nanodiffraction analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants produce nutritious, fleshy fruits that attract various animals to facilitate seed dispersal and recruitment dynamic. Species‐specific differential selection of seed size by multiple frugivorous disperser assemblages may affect the subsequent germination of the ingested seeds. However, there is little empirical evidence supporting this association. In the present study, we documented conflicting selection pressures exerted on seed size and germination by five frugivorous carnivores on a mammal‐dispersed pioneer tree, the date‐plum persimmon (Diospyros lotus), in a subtropical forest. Fecal analyses revealed that these carnivores acted as primary seed dispersers of D. lotus. We also observed that seed sizes were selected based on body mass and were species‐specific, confirming the "gape limitation" hypothesis; three small carnivores (the masked palm civet Paguma larvata, yellow‐throated marten Martes flavigula, and Chinese ferret‐badger Melogale moschata) significantly preferred to disperse smaller seeds in comparison with control seeds obtained directly from wild plants whereas the largest Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) ingested larger seeds. Seeds dispersed by medium‐sized hog badgers (Arctonyx albogularis) were not significantly different from control seeds. However, regarding the influence of gut passage on seed germination, three arboreal dispersal agents (martens, civets, and bears) enhanced germination success whereas terrestrial species (ferret‐badgers and hog badgers) inhibited the germination process compared with undigested control seeds. These conflicting selection pressures on seed size and germination may enhance the heterogeneity of germination dynamics and thus increase species fitness through diversification of the regeneration niche. Our results advance our understanding of seed dispersal mechanisms and have important implications for forest recruitment and ecosystem dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the effect of andrographolide on proliferation, migration, stem cell properties and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process of triple negative breast cancer cells and its mechanism through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Methods Sulforhodamine B method was used to detect the Cell viability. Migration, the proportions of CD447CD24-""* and the proliferation level of cancer stem cells were detected by wound healing assay, flow cytometry andmanmospheres assay, respectively.Western blot was used to detect the effects of andrographolide on the expression levels of YAP, ANKRD1, NESTIN, NANOG, E-cadherin, Vimentin, N-cadherin, Fibrone-Ctin YAP,ANKRD1, NESTIN, NANOG, E-cadherin, Vimentin, N-cadherin, Fibronectin and p-YAPin MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells. The effect of andrographolide on proliferation of breast cancer cells in vivo and the tumorigenicity of mice were examined through tumor transplantation experiment in mice. The expressions of YAP and ANKRD1 of tumor in mice was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results In vitro experiment results showed that cell viability of MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cellstreated with andrographolide was decreased. in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the control group, the healing rate of cells, the proportions of CD44+/ CD24-"'"" andthe volume and the number of stem cell microspheres in MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells were reduced (P < 0.05 ) .After andrographolide treatment, the expressions of YAP, ANKRD1, NESTIN, NANOG, Vimentin, N-cadherin and Fibronectin in MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells were down-regulated. Meanwhile, while the expression of E-cadherin andp-YAP were increased.In vivo experiment results showed that Compared with the control group, tumor volume and weight decreased and tumor inhibitory rate increased significantly after Andrographolide intervention (P < 0.01). And the expression of YAP andANKRDl of tumor in mice decreased. Conclusion Androgra pholide may play a role against triple-negative breast cancer by regulating the Hippo/YAP pathway [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, metal-free wood-based encapsulating materials for white light-emitting diode were obtained by using renewable transparent wood as the biological support and the light scattering component, and graphite carbon nitride as the color light emitting component. The graphite phase carbon nitrides with blue and green color were prepared by thermal polymerization through structural regulation of raw materials. The resulting different color phosphors were mixed with epoxy resin, respectively, and then, blue epoxy resin, green epoxy resin and red epoxy resin were mixed with a mass ratio of 4:2:1 and a proper amount of curing agent. The delignified balsa wood with high porosity was vacuum impregnated with epoxy resin mixture to obtain white luminescent transparent wood with better performance such as high transmittance and high haze. This work provides a feasible solution for the sustainable development of transparent wood and the application of transparent wood to photoelectric materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being able to precisely manipulate both the morphology and chiroptical signals of supramolecular assemblies will help to better understand the natural biological self‐assembly mechanism. Two simple l/d‐phenylalanine‐based derivatives (L/DPFM) have been designed, and their solvent‐dependent morphology evolutions are illustrated. It was found that, as the content of H2O in aqueous ethanol solutions was increased, LPFM self‐assembles first into right‐handed nanofibers, then flat fibrous structures, and finally inversed left‐handed nanofibers. Assemblies in ethanol and H2O exhibit opposite conformations and circular dichroism (CD) signals even though they are constructed from the same molecules. Thus, the morphology‐dependent cell adhesion and proliferation behaviors are further characterized. Left‐handed nanofibers are found to be more favorable for cell adhesion than right‐handed nanostructures. Quantitative AFM analysis showed that the L929 cell adhesion force on left‐handed LPFM fibers is much higher than that on structures with inversed handedness. Moreover, the value of cell Young's modulus is lower for left‐handed nanofibrous films, which indicates better flexibility. The difference in cell‐substrate interactions might lead to different effects on cell behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low voltage tunable cholesteric liquid crystal doped with electrochemical chiral molecules was successfully fabricated and studied in detail. Chiral molecules with different structures composed of binaphthol derivatives and ferrocene unit (CD-Fc) were successfully synthesised and characterised. The helical twisting power (HTP) values of the molecular CD-Fc and ionic CD-Fc+ were calculated. In the experiment, it was found that the developed low voltage tunable cholesteric liquid crystal exhibited two tunable processes, one with a reversible tuning process between blue and green reflection colour at an applied voltage of 1.5 V, and the other with an incomplete recovery of reflection colour at an applied voltage of more than 2.0 V. At present, there were few reports of cholesteric liquid crystal that combined both operating modes and can exhibit a wide tuning wavelength range at low voltages. The low voltage-driven characteristic of the developed device in this work showed potential applications in anti-counterfeiting and other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) after hip fracture in the elderly have worse prognosis. We aimed to describe the characteristics and complications of hip fracture with AIS in the elderly.Methods: This cross-sectional study selected patients with hip fracture (age ≥65 years) from January 2018 to September 2020. The collected data included age, sex, fracture types, comorbidities. In above screened patients, we further collected cerebral infarction related information of AIS patients. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was performed to identify the strongest predictors of AIS after hip fracture. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to find independent risk factors for AIS after hip fracture.Results: Sixty patients (mean age 79.7 years;female 56.7%) occurred AIS after hip fracture in 1577 cases. The most common infarction type was partial anterior circulation infarction (PACI) (70.0%). The majority of these infarction lesions were single (76.7%) and most infarction lesions(65.0%) were located in the left side. 81.7% of AIS patients had mild (Health stroke scale NIHSS <4) AIS. Older patients with AIS after hip fracture were more frequently complicated by hypertension(73.3%), prior stroke (46.7%), diabetes(35.0%) and were more likely to have hypoproteinemia(68.3%), electrolyte disorders ( 66.7%), anemia (65.0%), deep vein thrombosis (51.6%), pneumonia (46.6%),cardiac complications (45.0%). Combined with hypertension (OR 2.827, 95%CI 1.557-5.131) and male sex(OR 1.865, 95%CI 1.095-3.177) were associated with the increased risk of AIS after hip fracture.Conclusions: Older patients combined with hypertension are more likely to have AIS after hip fracture. For these patients, early preventions should be administered. AIS patients after hip fracture are prone to have multiple complications under traumatic stress, and we should enhance the management of these patients to reduce the stress and avoid occurrence of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a simple low‐temperature self‐assembly strategy is used to synthesize the CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 nanocomposite with a relatively high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY, 72%) and product yield (87%). As expected, the nanocomposite exhibits good photoluminescence (PL) performance and stability. Further, 90% of the PLQY is maintained even when heating at 100 °C for 24 h, and almost no emission degradation is observed after storage in ethanol for 10 days. Furthermore, the prepared CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 nanocomposite exhibits the reversible luminescence phenomenon by simply applying the wetting and drying process. This abnormal phenomenon is due to the internal phase transformation of the CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 nanocomposite. The potential application of the nanocomposite in anti‐counterfeiting has been demonstrated. This work facilitates the production and application of inorganic metal halide perovskite‐based functional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabricating structural complex assemblies from simple amino acid‐based derivatives is attracting great research interests due to their easy accessibility and preparation. However, the morphological regulation of racemates (an equimolar mixture of enantiomers) were largely overlooked. In this work, through rational modulation of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, we achieved multiple dimensional architectures employing tryptophan‐based racemate (RPWM). Upon assembling, 1D bundled nanofibers, 2D lamellar nanostructure and 3D urchin‐like microflowers could be obtained depending on the solvents used. The corresponding morphology evolutions were successfully illustrated by changing the enantiomeric excess (ee) value. Moreover, for RPWM, uniform 0D nanospheres were formed in H2O under 4 °C, which could spontaneously convert into lamella under ambient temperature. Taking advantages of its temperature‐responsive phase change behavior, RPWM assemblies exhibited excellent removal efficiency for organic dye RhB, and could be reused for several consecutive cycles without significant changes in its removal performance. Taken together, it's rational to envision that the engineering of racemates assembly pathways can greatly increase the robustness in a wide variety of supramolecular materials and further lead to their blooming versatile applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Mycorrhizal fungi are key components of soil biodiversity that offer potential to provide sustainable solutions for land management, notably in agriculture and forestry. Several studies conducted in controlled environments show that key functional attributes of common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs), which inter‐link different plants, are influenced by management practices. Here, we highlight the need to consider how land management affects the ubiquity and function of CMNs in nature to maximize the role of mycorrhizal fungi in enhancing ecosystem services. We emphasize that CMNs can sometimes negatively affect aspects of plant performance, but there remain major gaps in understanding before explicit consideration of CMN management can be delivered. Summary: Most mycorrhizal fungi have the capacity to develop extensive extraradical mycelium, and thus have the potential to connect multiple plants and form a 'common mycorrhizal network'. Several studies have shown that these networks can influence plant establishment, nutrition, productivity and defense, nutrient distribution and storage, and multitrophic interactions. However, many of these studies have focused on the importance of common mycorrhizal networks in ecological contexts and there has been less emphasis in managed systems, including croplands, grassland, agroforestry and forestry, on which humankind relies. Here we review the evidence of the potential importance of common mycorrhizal networks in managed systems, and provide insight into how these networks could be managed effectively to maximize the functions and outputs from managed systems. We also emphasize possible negative effects of common mycorrhizal networks on plant performance and question popular views that mycorrhizal networks may offer a panacea for enhancing ecosystem services. We highlight the need to gain greater insight into the ubiquity, functioning, and response to management interventions of common mycorrhizal networks and, critically, the need to determine the extent to which these networks can add value to the promotion of mycorrhizal colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to provide an economic and practical method for the purification of columbianetin-β-D-glucopyranoside from Angelicae Pubescentis Radix extract. In the static adsorption and desorption, the effects of resin type (D101, HP-20, AB-8, GDX-201, and DA201), contact time (10–360 min), and temperature (298–318 K) were assessed on columbianetin-β-D-glucopyranoside adsorption efficiency in laboratory. GDX-201 resin showed the best adsorption and desorption properties for columbianetin-β-D-glucopyranoside. The kinetic data revealed that the equilibrium time for columbianetin-β-D-glucopyranoside adsorption was achieved within 150 min. Moreover, the adsorption kinetic curve was well in accordance with the pseudo-second-order equation (R2 > 0.99). The rate controlling step of the adsorption process was the intraparticle diffusion. The Langmuir isotherm models (R2 > 0.99) could describe the whole adsorption process, which was exothermic and spontaneous according to the result of thermodynamics tests. In the dynamic adsorption and desorption process, the optimum loading flow (4, 5, and 6 BV/h), ethanol concentration (0–60%), and elution volume (10–230 mL) were optimized. Under optimal conditions of 4 BV/h loading flow, 6.7 BV loading volume, 25% ethanol, and 14 BV elution volume, the content of columbianetin-β-D-glucopyranoside in the product was increased 29.61-fold from 0.45% to 13.32 ± 0.64% with yield of 88.03 ± 2.76% by an experiment of lab-scale enlargement. Then, columbianetin-β-D-glucopyranoside was further purified by PHPLC and its purity was more than 98%. Additionally, the analgesic activity of the columbianetin-β-D-glucopyranoside was assessed by hot plate test. The experimental results showed that columbianetin-β-D-glucopyranoside significantly increased the latency of pain response in mice. This study demonstrated columbianetin-β-D-glucopyranoside could be as a potentially natural analgesic component. It could be summed up that the established method was successfully applied to purifying columbianetin-β-D-glucopyranoside from Angelicae Pubescentis Radix extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubi Fructus, a common traditional Chinese medicine, is abundant in phenolic components with pharmacodynamical effect. An efficient and rapid ball mill‐assisted vortex‐enhanced matrix solid‐phase dispersion method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of five phenols (ellagic acid, kaempferol‐3‐O‐rutinoside, astragalin, tiliroside, and kaempferol) in Rubi Fructus by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The introduction of the ball mill instrument realized the automation of the first step of matrix solid‐phase dispersion. Several extraction parameters were evaluated, and the best extraction conditions were optimized by response surface methodology. The method exhibited a good linearity for the five compounds (r2 > 0.999). The recoveries of the five target analytes in Rubi Fructus ranged from 98.7% to 102% (RSD≤3.92%) under the optimized conditions: Al‐SBA‐15 as a dispersant, sample/dispersant ratio of 1:3, ball milling time as 2 min, vibration frequency of the ball mill as 1300 rpm, 1.4 mL methanol as eluent and vortex time as 3 min. Consequently, the established ball mill‐assisted vortex‐enhanced matrix solid‐phase dispersion combined with HPLC could be applied to extract and analyze the target phenolic compounds in Rubi Fructus samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although chiral nanostructures have been fabricated at various structural levels, the transfer and amplification of chirality from molecules to supramolecular self‐assemblies are still puzzling, especially for heterochiral molecules. Herein, four series of C2‐symmetrical dipeptide‐based derivatives bearing various amino acid sequences and different chiralities are designed and synthesized. The transcription and amplification of molecular chirality to supramolecular assemblies are achieved. The results show that supramolecular chirality is only determined by the amino acid adjacent to the benzene core, irrespective of the absolute configuration of the C‐terminal amino acid. In addition, molecular chirality also has a significant influence on the gelation behavior. For the diphenylalanine‐based gelators, the homochiral gelators can be gelled through a conventional heating–cooling process, whereas heterochiral gelators form translucent stable gels under sonication. The racemic gels possess higher mechanical properties than those of the pure enantiomers. All of these results contribute to an increasing knowledge over control of the generation of specific chiral supramolecular structures and the development of new optimized strategies to achieve functional supramolecular organogels through heterochiral and racemic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a series of perovskite nanocrystals glasses with different concentrations of Tb3+ doped CsPbI 3 , which have excellent characteristics in terms of water resistance and cyclic thermal stability, were prepared by melt quenching and in situ crystallization methods. With the introduction of Tb3+, the photoluminescence quantum yield of CsPbI 3 was greatly improved. Considering that the two fluorescence peaks of Tb3+ and CsPbI 3 at different positions respond differently to temperature stimuli, we studied the potential application of those glasses as optical temperature detection tools in the temperature range of 80−480 K. More importantly, the results showed higher sensitivity than other tools, with the maximum absolute and relative temperature sensitivities reaching as high as 0.034 K−1 and 1.78 % K-1, respectively. This work is expected to provide an effective method for the application of CsPbX 3 in high-performance optical temperature sensing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral transcription and enantioselective separation have garnered significant research interests and showed potential for a broad range of practical applications. Here, we present a novel and facile strategy for chiral templating and enantiomers resolution by coating metal-ion-mediated l -phenylalanine derivatives (LPF/M) with graphene oxide (GO) via simply mixing. The LPF/M hydrogels precipitate from the liquid by encapsulation of GO through coordination interactions and hydrogen bonds, making heterogeneous transfer and separation possible. The chirality inversion of the internal LPF/M nanostructure could be triggered by different addition of metal ions, which further provides means for controlled chiral transfer of guest molecules on the outer GO surfaces as demonstrated in the transcription of thioflavin T (ThT) and 3-aminopyridine (AP) at the supramolecular level. Changing the metal ions also provides control over enantiomer selectivity with outstanding efficiency and reproducibility, as revealed by the separation of racemic mixtures of phenylanine (>98%), lysine (>96%), and histidine (>97%). In addition, the resultant hybrid materials exhibit excellent environmental stability and reusability (more than 20 times) with significant separation efficiency. More importantly, the GO-coated LPF/M could determine the enantiomeric composition of various chiral substrates. The proposed strategy opens up a promising avenue for practical chiral separation application. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is associated with recalcitrant chronic infection, especially in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). S. aureus infection and biofilms cause poorer postsurgical outcomes. We developed isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) loaded nanoparticles conjugated with an anti-Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin (anti-S. aureus α-toxin) antibody that could target biofilms and investigated their anti-biofilm effect. Anti-S. aureus α-toxin antibody coupled immunoliposomes were generated. The effect of ISMN immunoliposomes on S. aureus biofilm formation and their anti-biofilm efficacy were examined using the crystal violet method and confocal laser scanning microscopy, respectively. Relative biofilm viability at 24 h was tested using the alamarBlue assay. The biofilm formation inhibitory effect on all concentrations of ISMN immunoliposomes was stronger than that of ISMN liposomes and free ISMN (P<0.05). At concentrations of 45 and 23 mg/ml, the inhibitory effect of ISMN liposomes was stronger than that of free ISMN (P<0.05), while at 11 mg/ml, the inhibitory effect of ISMN liposomes was the same as that of ISMN (P>0.05). At 45 and 23 mg/ml, the inhibitory effect of ISMN immunoliposomes on formed biofilms was greater than that of ISMN liposomes and free ISMN (P<0.05) and the inhibitory effect of ISMN liposomes was stronger than that of free ISMN (P<0.05). At 11 mg/ml, ISMN immunoliposomes, ISMN liposomes, and ISMN had the same effect on formed biofilms (P>0.05). In conclusion, ISMN immunoliposomes nearly completely destroy biofilm structure. ISMN immunoliposomes provide a promising approach for treating infectious diseases caused by S. aureus biofilms, including refractory CRS, chronic skin infection, sepsis, and osteomyelitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An $(n,k,d)$ cooperative regenerating code provides the optimal-bandwidth repair for any $t~(t\!>\!1)$ node failures in a cooperative way. In particular, an MSCR (minimum storage cooperative regenerating) code retains the same storage overhead as an $(n,k)$ MDS code. Suppose each node stores $\alpha $ symbols which indicates the sub-packetization level of the code. A scalar MSCR code attains the minimum sub-packetization, i.e., $\alpha =d-k+t$. By now, all existing constructions of scalar MSCR codes restrict to very special parameters, eg. $d=k$ or $k=2$ , etc. In a recent work, Ye and Barg construct MSCR codes for all $n,k,d,t$ , however, their construction needs $\alpha \approx \text {exp}(n^{t})$ which is almost infeasible in practice. In this paper, we give an explicit construction of scalar MSCR codes for all $d\geq \max \{2k-1-t,k\}$ , which covers all possible parameters except the case of $k\leq d\leq 2k-2-t$ when $k< 2k-1-t$. Moreover, as a complementary result, for $k< d< 2k-2-t$ we prove the nonexistence of linear scalar MSCR codes that have invariant repair spaces. Our construction and most of the previous scalar MSCR codes all have invariant repair spaces and this property is appealing in practice because of convenient repair. In this sense, this work presents an almost full description of usual scalar MSCR codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CDs/Bi 4 O 5 Br 2 was synthesized via simple solvothermal method. • The absorption edge of 3 wt% CDs/Bi 4 O 5 Br 2 extended to 580 nm. • CDs/Bi 4 O 5 Br 2 showed enhanced photocatalytic activity. Carbon dots (CDs) and Bi-riched bismuth oxyhalide have great potential in the field of photocatalysis. Here, a series of CDs/Bi 4 O 5 Br 2 at different loading ratios were successfully synthesized by solvothermal method. Experiments of visible light degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) showed that 3 wt% CDs/Bi 4 O 5 Br 2 had the highest activity (5.39 times that of Bi 4 O 5 Br 2) and the degradation rate reached 98%. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, Mapping, UV–vis DRS, Raman, and PL spectra. The absorption edge of 3 wt% CDs/Bi 4 O 5 Br 2 was red-shifted from 455 nm to 580 nm compared with Bi 4 O 5 Br 2. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity was mainly due to the fact that the addition of CDs not only broadened the photo-response range, but reduced the recombination rate of photo-induced carriers with good electron transport interfaces formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, university students were exposed to increased stress, which significantly affected their well‐being. This study examines the coping mechanisms employed by Chinese university students during this crisis, with a particular focus on the potential protective role of coping flexibility in maintaining their well‐being. Using the transactional stress model and the dual‐process theory of coping flexibility, this longitudinal study analyzed the responses of 206 Chinese university students at three measurement points in late 2022. The findings suggest that disruptions in daily life during the pandemic likely led students to engage in problematic internet use as a coping strategy, which subsequently led to reduced well‐being. However, the study also shows that coping flexibility plays a crucial protective role in maintaining students' well‐being. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing coping flexibility among university students, especially in the evolving post‐pandemic landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • • Z-scheme CDs/Bi 4 O 5 Br 2 /ATP composite photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by dynamic adsorption method. • • The degradation efficiency of 3 wt% CDs/Bi 4 O 5 Br 2 /ATP for ciprofloxacin could reach up to 90% within 120 min under simulated sunlight. • • 3 wt% CDs/Bi 4 O 5 Br 2 /ATP composite photocatalyst had good stability for ciprofloxacin degradation. • • ·O 2 –, h+, and ·OH played a coordinating role in the degradation of ciprofloxacin under simulated sunlight. Bi 4 O 5 Br 2 material exhibits excellent performance in photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics, but high recombination rate of photoexcited electron-hole pairs limits its photocatalytic activity. Attapulgite (ATP) is an excellent candidate for load type catalyst due to its larger specific surface area. As a new type of carbon-based nanomaterials, carbon dots (CDs) have important application prospects in catalysis and other fields. Herein, Z-scheme CDs/Bi 4 O 5 Br 2 /ATP composite photocatalyst loaded with varied proportions of CDs was synthesized by dynamic adsorption method, which demonstrated excellent photocatalytic degradation performance by lowering the recombination rate of photoexcited electron-hole pairs. Ciprofloxacin degradation efficiency by 3 wt% CDs/Bi 4 O 5 Br 2 /ATP can reach up to 90% within 120 min under simulated sunlight, in addition, the 3 wt% CDs/Bi 4 O 5 Br 2 /ATP composite photocatalyst has good stability. As a result, our research helps to prepare high-efficiency Z-scheme heterojunction and contributes to study the degradation of antibiotics in the aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comparative advantages of competitive and cooperative multiplayer gameplay designs have been studied with mixed results. In this study, we have attempted to minimize other cooperative design attributes in order to focus on evaluating the effects of strong peer accountability on players' overall and sustained attention levels during competition and cooperation. A novel multiplayer game based on a cognitive task that uses the Stroop effect was developed and deployed in trials where quantitative in-game data measuring players' error rates and reaction times were collected for comparative analysis. The results show that players demonstrate higher levels of attention when they were made accountable to their partners as they make significantly less errors when cooperating than when competing. In addition, the individual response time data gathered reveals that peer accountability has a more positive influence on the performance of the slower partner and this performance improvement was not sustainable under situation where large performance disparity existed within the team. Physical proximity however, was not observed to have any significant positive influence on players’ performance during cooperative gameplay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can establish a life-long latent infection in the host and is associated with various human malignancies, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), the most common cancer originated from nasopharynx. EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) is the only viral protein absolutely demanded for segregation, replication, transcription and maintenance of EBV viral genome in host cells. Baicalein, a bioactive flavonoid compound purified from the root of Scutellariae baicaleinsis , displays anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-tumor properties. In this study, the therapeutic effects and functional mechanism of baicalein on EBV-positive human NPC were determined. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays and cell formation colony were performed to investigate that baicalein can suppress proliferation of EBV-infected human NPC cells. Flow cytometric and hoechst 33258 staining results indicated that baicalein induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Western blotting results demonstrated that baicalein down-regulates EBNA1 expression but not reduces the stability and half-life of EBNA1 in EBV-infected NPC cells. Additionally, the mRNA level of EBNA1 was examined by real time-PCR, the activity of EBNA1 Q promoter (Qp) was determined by dual luciferase reporter assay. Considering that transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) can maintain EBNA1 Qp active. Further analyses also elucidated that baicalein inhibits the expression of Sp1 while knock-down Sp1 by specific shRNAs decreases the expression and transcription levels of EBNA1. Therefore, the results suggested that baicalein may decrease EBNA1 expression level in EBV-positive NPC cells via inhibiting the activity of EBNA1 Q-promoter while over-expression of EBNA1 attenuate the inhibitory effect of baicalein. Finally, it was found that baicalein may strongly reduce growth of tumor in the mouse xenograft model of EBV-positive NPC. These results indicated that baicalein inhibits growth of EBV-positive NPC by repressing the activity of EBNA1 Q-promoter. Baicalein may be used as a therapeutic agent to treat EBV-positive NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The layered nanocomposite hydrogel films containing chitosan (CS) and graphene oxide (GO) have been prepared by water evaporation induced self-assembly and subsequent physical cross-linking in alkaline solution. The layered CS/GO hydrogel films obtained have a nacre-like brick-and-mortar microstructure, which contributes to their excellent mechanical properties. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the hydrogel films with 5 wt% GO are 5.35 MPa and 193.5%, respectively, which are comparable to natural costal cartilage. Furthermore, the CS/GO hydrogel films exhibited pH-driven shape memory effect, and this unique phenomenon is mainly attributed to the reversible transition of partial physically cross-linking corresponding to hydrogen bondings and hydrophobic interactions between CS polymer chains due to pH changing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to determine the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (Cpt1a) in the lung tissue of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and its correlation with lung function. An increase in Cpt1a expression improved lung function in patients with COPD by inhibiting apoptosis and the inflammatory response of lung endothelial cells. Lung tissues of 20 patients with COPD and 10 control patients were collected, their Cpt1a expression was determined by western blotting and apoptosis and inflammation were assessed by haematoxylin-eosin staining, TUNEL assay and ELISA. Mice with knockout or overexpression of Cpt1a were constructed by lentivirus in vivo. A COPD model was induced by cigarette smoke and the role of Cpt1a in COPD was determined in vivo and in vitro. Cpt1a expression was positively correlated with lung function and negatively correlated with apoptosis and inflammation. Patients with COPD with higher expression of Cpt1a in lung tissues had improved lung function indices and lung tissue morphology with less apoptosis and decreased inflammatory response. Compared with the control group, COPD mice with Cpt1a knockdown had aggravated lung dysfunction and increased lung inflammation and apoptosis. Overexpression of Cpt1a alleviated lung dysfunction and reduced inflammatory response and apoptosis of lung tissues in COPD mice. Pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells of mice were isolated in vitro and the results were consistent with the findings obtained in vivo. In conclusion, the clinical, in vivo and in vitro data confirmed for the first time that Cpt1a alleviated lung dysfunction of patients with COPD by inhibiting apoptosis of endothelial cells and inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT), which takes advantages of CDT agents to selectively induce tumor cells apoptosis via Fenton or Fenton-like reactions, is considered to have great potential for tumor-specific treatment. However, the therapeutic outcome of CDT still faces the challenges of the lack of efficient CDT agents and insufficient supply of endogenous H 2 O 2. Herein, to explore highly efficient CDT agents as well as increase the H 2 O 2 content at tumor sites to enhance the efficiency of CDT, a red blood cell (RBC) membrane encapsulated Nb 2 C quantum dots/lactate oxidase (LOD) nanocatalyst (Nb 2 C QDs/LOD@RBC) was proposed. Nb 2 C quantum dots are quite prospective as efficient CDT agents in CDT application due to the intrinsic merits such as abundant active catalytic sites, satisfactory hydrophilicity, and good biocompatibility. The encapsulation of Nb 2 C QDs and LOD into RBC membrane was to prolong the in vivo circulation time of the nanocatalyst and increase its tumor sites accumulation. The accumulated Nb 2 C QDs/LOD@RBC nanocatalyst could efficiently convert the endogenous H 2 O 2 into ·OH, while the overexpressed lactate could be catalyzed into H 2 O 2 by LOD to replenish the depletion of H 2 O 2. The cascaded reaction between Nb 2 C quantum dots and LOD eventually enhanced the CDT effect of Nb 2 C QDs/LOD@RBC nanocatalyst for tumors growth inhibition. Moreover, the consumption of lactate at tumor sites induced by Nb 2 C QDs/LOD@RBC nanocatalyst leads to the increased infiltration of antitumoral M1 tumor-associated macrophages, which alleviated the immunosuppression of the tumor microenvironment and further maximized the therapeutic outcome of CDT. Taken together, the Nb 2 C QDs/LOD@RBC nanocatalyst provides a promising paradigm for tumor inhibition via catalytic cascaded reaction between Nb 2 C quantum dots and LOD. [Display omitted] • The Nb 2 C QDs/LOD@RBC nanocatalyst has been developed for enhanced CDT. • Enhanced CDT is attribute to the cascaded reaction between Nb 2 C QDs and LOD. • The nanocatalyst consumes lactate to increase the infiltration of M1 macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-robot collaborative (HRC) assembly combines the advantages of robot's operation consistency with human's cognitive ability and adaptivity, which provides an efficient and flexible way for complex assembly tasks. In the process of HRC assembly, the robot needs to understand the operator's intention accurately to assist the collaborative assembly tasks. At present, operator intention recognition considering context information such as assembly objects in a complex environment remains challenging. In this paper, we propose a human-object integrated approach for context-aware assembly intention recognition in the HRC, which integrates the recognition of assembly actions and assembly parts to improve the accuracy of the operator's intention recognition. Specifically, considering the real-time requirements of HRC assembly, spatial-temporal graph convolutional networks (ST-GCN) model based on skeleton features is utilized to recognize the assembly action to reduce unnecessary redundant information. Considering the disorder and occlusion of assembly parts, an improved YOLOX model is proposed to improve the focusing capability of network structure on the assembly parts that are difficult to recognize. Afterwards, taking decelerator assembly tasks as an example, a rule-based reasoning method that contains the recognition information of assembly actions and assembly parts is designed to recognize the current assembly intention. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach for recognizing human intentions are verified. The integration of assembly action recognition and assembly part recognition can facilitate the accurate operator's intention recognition in the complex and flexible HRC assembly environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The optimal approach of second-order harmonic circulating current (SHCC) injection is proposed to achieve the voltage balancing of hybrid MMC. • The characteristics of the critical voltage balancing state are disclosed for the hybrid MMC. • The feedback control of the capacitor voltage is put forward to generate the optimal reference of the SHCC. • The simulations and experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach of optimal SHCC injection. The hybrid modular multilevel converter (MMC), applied in high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems, can operate in over-modulation mode to handle the abnormal situations of reduced HVDC voltage due to the extreme atmospheric environment. However, it might suffer from severe voltage imbalance between the half-bridge submodule (HBSM) and full-bridge submodule (FBSM) capacitors when the HVDC voltage is lower than certain limitation. The approach of injecting the second-order harmonic circulating current (SHCC) will be effective to solve this problem. In order to minimize the power losses caused by the SHCC injection, an approach of optimizing the SHCC reference is proposed in this paper to realize the voltage balancing. For the hybrid MMC under the over-modulation situations, the critical states of voltage balancing between the HBSM and FBSM capacitors are derived at the first time. Based on this, the voltage feedback control is put forward to acquire the optimal reference SHCC accurately and flexibly. The effectiveness of the proposed approach of optimal SHCC injection is verified by the simulation and experiment results. Compared with the existing approaches of SHCC injection, it demonstrates that the proposed approach can achieve the lowest power losses with reliable voltage balancing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and rapid multi-class multi-residue analytical method was developed for the screening and quantification of veterinary drugs in royal jelly by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). A total of 90 veterinary drugs investigated belonged to more than 14 families such as lincomycins, macrolides, sulfonamides, quinolones, tetracyclines, β-agonists, β-lactams, sedatives, β-receptor antagonists, sex hormones, glucocorticoids, nitroimidazoles, benzimidazoles, nitrofurans, and the others. A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) procedure was used for the sample preparation without solid-phase extraction step. The linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility of the method were fully validated. The response of the detector was linear for each target compounds in wide concentration range (at least, two orders of magnitude) with correlation coefficient (R 2 ) of 0.9921–0.9999. The range of the limit of quantification for these compounds in the royal jelly ranged from 0.21 to 20 μg/kg. The repeatability and reproducibility were in the range of 3.01–11.6% and 5.97–14.9%, respectively. The average recoveries ranged from 70.21 to 120.1% with relative standard deviation of 1.77–9.90% at three concentration levels. For the screening method, the data of the precursor and product ions of the target analytes were simultaneously acquired under the All Ions MS/MS mode in a single run. A homemade database including the elemental composition, accurate masses, retention time, isotopic pattern data of the target ions the characteristic in-source fragment ions was utilized for the confirmation and identification of the target compounds. The applicability of the screening method was verified by applying to real royal jelly samples, and certain veterinary drugs were detected in some cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the fabrication of sandwich-structured MnO 2 /graphene (MG) nanoflowers by an in situ chemical redox reaction between mesoporous carbon and KMnO 4 , which was characterized by various techniques. The results demonstrate that the mesoporous carbon was corroded into interconnected graphene framework with ultrathin MnO 2 nanofilms deposited simultaneously on both sides of the as-generated graphene sheets. The as-synthesized MG exhibits excellent supercapacitive behaviours in a wide potential window from −0.2 to 1.2 V vs. saturated calomel electrode with a 0.5 M aqueous Li 2 SO 4 solution as the electrolyte. Specially, the MG electrode delivers a reversible gravimetric capacitance of ∼240 F g −1 at 1 A g −1 for 1000 cycles with retention rate up to 96%. The significant synergistic efforts and structure hybridization contribute to such improved electrochemical properties, indicating that the MG hybrid holds great promise in the application of high-performance supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dried roots and rhizomes of Cynanchum atratum Bunge is named 'Baiwei' according to traditional Chinese medicine theory. It is also named Cynanchi atrati Radix in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Cynanchi atrati Radix is famous for its medicinal value of clearing away heat, relieving drenching, detoxifying and treating abscesses. It was commonly used in some Asian countries for the treatment of fever, vasoconstrictive syncope, lymphangitis and other diseases, obviously due to the effect of C 21 steroidal glycosides. The review concentrates on the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Cynanchum atratum. We also discuss expectations for prospective research and implementation of this herb. Relevant information about C. atratum was gained from ancient books and records, Doctoral and master's Theses, Science Direct, Pubmed, Wiley, CNKI, WanFang DATA, Google Scholar and other domestic and foreign literature. Some electronic databases have been included. As a member of the Apocynaceae family, C. atratum possesses its up-and-coming biological characteristics. It is widely reported for treating of postpartum fatigue, vomiting, urine drops, nephritis, urinary tract infection, edema, bronchitis and rheumatic low back pain. By now, over 100 compounds have been identified from C. atratum , including C 21 steroidal glycosides, acetophenones, alkaloids, volatile oil and other ingredients. Activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-virus, antibacterial, anti-forgetful and others have been corroborated in vivo and in vitro. In addition, many of the active ingredients, such as Cynatratoside A, Cynanversicoside A, B, D, G, p-hydroxyacetophenone, 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone and some volatile oils have been used as quality markers. All kinds of research conducted on C.atratum, especially in field of ethnopharmacological use, phytochemicals and pharmacology have been reviewed. The herb has been used over the years in treating nephritis, urinary tract infection, bronchitis and rheumatic lumbocrural pain. Many studies have been carried out to identify compounds that play a leading role in drug activity. However, the mechanism of drug therapy remains unclear. The evidence used to prove the quality standard of medicinal materials is obviously inadequate. Besides, safety evaluation is necessary for clinical medication. Similarly, the separation of steroidal saponins and the development of new drugs will also need further discussion. [Display omitted] • Cynanchum atratum , a drug for treating yin deficiency and fever. • More than 100 components have been isolated from Cynanchum atratum. • C 21 steroidal saponins as the characteristic components of Cynanchum atratum. • Pharmacological activities of Cynanchum atratum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel 0.25PZN–0.75PLZT ceramic/epoxy resin composite with spiral ceramic structure was fabricated by the roll forming-curling method. The composites were investigated for dielectric and piezoelectric properties, while the volume fraction of ceramic phase and the ratio of width to thickness l w /l t of the ceramic ring were varied. In addition to a high electromechanical coupling coefficient (K t =89%)with a 25% volume fraction and low acoustic impedances, the composite was found to yield optimum figure of merit (FOM) value of 77.1×10−12 m2/N with a 11% volume fraction when the ratio of width to thickness l w /l t of the ceramic ring was 0.4. Furthermore, for a given volume fraction of the ceramic phase, the properties electromechanical coupling coefficient (K t ) and the figure of merit (FOM) were all dependent on the ratio of width to thickness l w /l t of the ceramic ring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Material requirements planning (MRP) is a kind of medium-term production planning, which aims to plan the end item requirements of the master production schedule over a finite planning horizon. In a smart factory, the customer requirements and the production status are varying in time, which increases the uncertainties in making lot-sizing decisions for MRP. In this study, a hybrid chance-constrained programming (HCCP) model is developed for solving an MRP problem with hybrid uncertainties, in which both randomness and fuzziness exist in a lot-sizing decision process. The objective of the HCCP model is to determine the lot sizes of all items while satisfying the stochastic demands and the fuzzy capacity constraints. The credibility and probability are incorporated into the proposed model to measure the fuzziness and randomness, respectively. In order to solve the model, relevant approaches for converting the probability-based and credibility-based constraints into the equivalent deterministic forms are proposed. Decision makers can set different confidence levels according to their own risk preferences to get different results. Finally, an example is presented to verify that the approach proposed in this paper is feasible for solving MRP problems with hybrid uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Blue discoloration of radish root is inhibited by low-oxygen storage. • Low-oxygen storage inhibits POD activity and lowers 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin content. • Low-oxygen storage upregulates the antioxidant enzymes CAT, GPX, and APX. • Low-oxygen storage suppresses ROS (H 2 O 2 and O2–) formation. Oxidative stress in radish roots causes internal blue discoloration and decreases vegetable quality. Accordingly, the effects of different oxygen concentration treatment on this coloration during storage was investigated; 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin content (a precursor of the blue component); the reactive oxygen species (ROS) superoxide (O 2 −) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2); the antioxidants ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH); and the activities and gene expression levels of the enzymes catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), were monitored under normal and low-oxygen conditions. The results indicated that packaging radish roots under 10% O 2 prevents blue discoloration by decreasing the activity and expression of the oxidant enzyme POD, increasing the levels of antioxidant and reducing substances, and upregulating antioxidant enzymes, all of which act to decrease the generation of ROS (O2− and H 2 O 2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We explored differences between white radish (WR) and blue radish during storage. • Transcriptome and metabolome profiling revealed several DEGs and DAMs. • A high correlation was present between transcriptome and metabolome profiles. • Energy metabolism and glucosinolate synthesis were accountable for bluing. • Oxidation and reduction systems were also responsible for blue discoloration. The internal blue discoloration of radish roots (Raphanus sativus) during storage affects their quality. We here performed transcriptome and metabolome profiling to investigate the mechanisms underlying the bluing of radish roots during storage. On comparing white radish (WR) and blue radish (BR), we identified 14,171 differentially expressed genes (upregulated: 7,383, downregulated: 6,788) and 145 differentially accumulated metabolites (upregulated: 117, downregulated: 28). Functional annotation analysis and metabolome profiling revealed that the blue discoloration of radish roots was promoted by high content of glucosinolates, oxidation system (ROS, CAT, POD) or low reduction system (GSH, GPX, APX, GST, ASA). Our results provide new insights into the underlying metabolic causes of the blue discoloration of radish roots and report candidate genes and metabolites involved in blue compound biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the section of "RPWM assembles in ethanol/H SB 2 sb O (1/9)", seventh paragraph, the description given is "High-resolution TEM (HRTEM) and select area electron diffraction (SAED) further confirmed the crystalline structure of RPWM assemblies (Figure S5a and c)" and should now be "High-resolution TEM (HRTEM) further confirmed the crystalline structure of RPWM assemblies (Figure S5a)". The diffraction spots in the SAED data correspond specifically to the interplanar spacing of the assemblies, however, not correctly to certain lattice parameters. The HRTEM images clearly showed the interplanar spacing of the assemblies, demonstrating their crystalline structures. [Extracted from the article]

• Gd-doped CsPbBrI 2 NCs were successfully prepared in borosilicate glass matrix. • CsPbBrI 2 NCs@glasses possess superior optical performance through Gd3+ doping. • The water / thermal / light stability of Gd-doped CsPbBrI 2 NCs@glasses are excellent. • High-performance WLEDs was assembled successfully by Gd-doped CsPbBrI 2 NCs@glasses. Here, Gd-doped CsPbBrI 2 nanocrystals (NCs) in borosilicate glass (B 2 O 3 -SiO 2 -ZnO) were successfully synthesized by the traditional melting quenching method. The optical properties of CsPbBrI 2 NCs@glasses at different heat treatment temperatures and the content of Gd3+ were studied. It is found that CsPbBrI 2 NCs@glasses have greatly improved photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) after doping (form 15.3% to 37%) and excellent hydrothermal and light stability. In addition, a white light emitting diode (WLED) was successfully prepared by combining Gd-doped CsPbBrI 2 NCs@glass and Ce3+: YAG phosphors with the blue light emitting diode (LED). After a series of adjustments, the high performance WLED device with a chromaticity coordinate (CIE) of (0.3340, 0.3386), luminous efficiency (LE) of 90.09 lm/W, correlated color temperature (CCT) of 5430 K and the color rendering index (CRI) of 81.4 was fabricated. This work provides a new strategy in the field of metal ion doped perovskite NCs for future reference and has potential applications in LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to concomitant factors like frailty and comorbidity, super elderly (≥90 years) patients with hip fracture differ from patients aged 65-89 years in perioperative complications and mortality. The integrated management bundle referred to bundled application of multiple clinical measures. The aim of this study was to analyze effect of integrated management bundle on 1-year overall survival and perioperative outcomes in super elderly patients with hip fracture, with multidisciplinary management group serving as the control group.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, super elderly patients with hip fracture were included from Jan 2017 to Nov 2020. Patients were retrospectively divided to multidisciplinary management group and integrated management bundle group. The primary outcome was 1- year overall survival, and the secondary outcome was perioperative outcomes. Kaplan-Meier methods was used to compare survival probability. Multivariable Cox's modeling was used to explain the effect of integrated bundle on 1-year overall survival adjusted for confounders. The perioperative outcomes including complications and in-hospital data of two groups were compared. The multivariable logistic regression was used to explain the effect of integrated bundle on the occurrence of perioperative complications adjusted for confounders. Prognostic factors related to survival was identified by multivariable Cox's regression analysis.Results: Ninety-seven patients comprised multidisciplinary management group, and 83 comprised integrated management bundle group. The Kaplan-Meier plots showed that the survival probability of integrated management bundle group was significantly better than multidisciplinary management group (HR:0.435, 95%CI:0.207-0.914, P = 0.039). Multivariable analysis after adjustment for confounders showed a 42.8% lower incidence of mortality integrated management bundle group than multidisciplinary management group (HR:0.428, 95%CI:0.186-0.986, P = 0.046). Incidence of hypoproteinemia, and electrolyte disturbance in integrated management bundle group was significantly lower than multidisciplinary management group (all P < 0.05). In addition, significant reduction was observed in length of stay (P < 0.05) in integrated management bundle group. Multivariable logistic regression showed integrated management bundle was independent protective factor of hypoproteinemia, and electrolyte disturbance. mECM score ≥ 6 and ASA score > 2 were independent risk factors of overall survival (HR: 1.940, 95%CI: 1.067-3.525,P = 0.030; HR: 2.281, 95%CI: 1.113-4.678,P = 0.024).Conclusions: The integrated management bundle improved 1-year overall survival and played positive effects in improving perioperative outcomes. It might be a more suitable management modality for super elderly patients with hip fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Internal blue discoloration was assessed in 16 varieties of Chinese radish. • Among lighting types, blue light resulted in the fastest degradation of blue pigments. • Blue pigments degraded more slowly at pH 3–11 than at pH 13 and 1. • Radish blue pigments are more thermally unstable than other typical pigments. The internal blue discoloration of radish root after harvest is a physiological phenomenon that decreases the radish quality. Internal blue discoloration in the roots of 16 varieties of Chinese radish along with the stability of blue pigment under different light, pH, and temperature conditions were investigated. Among the varieties LB05-244 and LB05-240 displayed the greatest degrees of discoloration, while the Piton and Dense radishes exhibited the lowest degrees of discoloration. The light and pH conditions along with the storage temperature affected the pigment stability. The degradation of blue pigment occurred faster under blue light than under green, red, and white light and darkness. Blue pigment degraded fastest at pH values of 13 and 1. The blue pigments in radish exhibited thermal instability, with complete degradation occurring in 5 or 10 min at 90 or 100 °C, respectively. In conclusion, variety affected the discoloration. The pigment exhibited light, pH and thermal instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate metal ions can act as transport media for enhancing the water oxidation of a BiVO4 photoanode by balancing the hole transfer and consumption in a reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Licorice has previously been shown to affect gene expression in cells; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. We analyzed the microRNA expression profile of serum from mice treated by gavage with licorice decoction, and obtained 11 differentially expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs). We also screened differentially expressed genes (DEgenes) based on RNA-Seq data, and 271 common genes were identified by intersection analysis of the predicted target genes of 11 DEmiRNAs and the DEgenes. The miRNA–gene network showed that most of the hub genes were immune-related. KEGG enrichment analysis of the 271 genes identified three significant pathways, and the 21 genes involved in these three pathways, and the 11 DEmiRNAs, were constructed into a miRNA pathway–target gene network, in which mmu-miR-27a-3p stood out. Compared to ImmPort, there were 13 immune genes within the above group of 21 genes, and three intersected with the mmu-miR-27a-3p predicted target genes, Cd28, Grap2 and Cxcl12, of which the expression of Cd28 changed most significantly. We confirmed the regulation of Cd28 by mmu-miR-27a-3p using a dual-luciferase assay, and further confirmed that overexpression of mmu-miR-27a-3p could significantly downregulate the expression of Cd28 in lymphocytes. These results indicate that mmu-miR-27a-3p could be involved in the licorice-mediated regulation of the expression of Cd28 in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two series of fluorene-core compounds were successfully synthesised, one series of compounds have different rigid conjugated structures, and the other series of compounds have different substituted dialkyl chains at the 9-position of fluorene core. The thermotropic mesomorphic behaviours and fluorescence characteristics of the synthesised compounds were investigated. It was found that these derivatives exhibited well fluorescence performance and wide mesophases range up to 196°C. The short dialkyl chains substituted at the fluorenyl 9-position can improve the solubility of the compounds while maintaining the mesogenic properties. It was also found that the fluorene-derived compounds as dopants of chiral nematic liquid crystal can effectively stabilise the double-twisted structure due to the biaxiality of fluorene core, so as to induce the emergence of blue phase or broaden its temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multiphase-field model is coupled with crystal plasticity in multicomponent system. • The anisotropy of 12 octahedral slip systems is studied during P-type rafting. • Elements distribution in roof and gable channel are analyzed. • Plastic strain mainly accumulates in gable channels during P-type rafting. During the service process, Ni-based superalloys undergo microstructure evolutions such as rafting, which greatly affect its service performance. In the present study, a multiphase-field model coupled with crystal plasticity was established to simulate the γ / γ' microstructure evolution of Ni-based superalloys during P-type rafting. The anisotropic plasticity considering 12 octahedral slip systems was defined in γ matrix channel. The PanNickel© database was used to calculate thermodynamic and kinetic data for phase transition and diffusion in multicomponent superalloys. First, the model was validated by two benchmarks with and without consideration of external load respectively. Then, the anisotropic of slip systems was analyzed. It was found that eight slip systems A2, A3, B2, B4, C1, C3, D1, D4 were activated in gable channel first when the structure was compressed in [0 0 1] direction. Besides, the elements distribution was studied. It can be seen that Al, Ti, Ta diffused into precipitates while Co, Cr and Mo diffused away the roof channel when the structure was compressed in [0 0 1] direction. Re and W mainly distributed in the γ / γ' interface because their slow diffusion rate. Finally, the P-type raft of CMSX-4 superalloy was simulated, and the plasticity distribution and plastic behavior of the 12 slip systems were discussed. The current model can be used to simulate phase transformation of multicomponent superalloys where plasticity is strongly coupled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an essential compound in living organism, saccharides have attracted enormous attentions from scientists in various fields. Understanding the distribution of saccharides in various samples is of great scientific importance. However, the low signal response and lack of specific recognition technology of saccharides and the complex matrix of samples make the analysis of saccharides a very challenge task. Thus, the development of a simple and straightforward strategy for the analysis of saccharides would represent a great contribution to the field. In this study, by employing the sulfonyl functionalized magnetic dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles as the substrate, we develop an integrated platform for analysis of saccharides. The construction of the platform mainly relied on multi-functional boronic acid, which serves as separation and derivation ligands at the same time. In the general procedure, the boronic acid is first immobilized onto the surface of substrate, then the selective enrichment of saccharides can be realized via boronate affinity separation. Finally, by the rational choice of the solution, we are able to elute the labelled complex (boronic acid-saccharide) from the substrate, which can be direct subjected to HPLC-UV analysis. The reliable precision (<15 %), accuracy (80–100 %), reproducibility (<10 %), improved sensitivity (20x) and limited time-consuming (down to minutes) of the proposed platform are experimentally demonstrated. The successful quantification of different saccharides (alditols, glucose) in real samples is achieved. The proposed strategy is not only straightforward and fast, but also avoid the requirement of special equipment. With these attractive features, we believe that this strategy will greatly prompt the analysis of saccharides in various samples (eg. food, pharmaceutics and biosamples). [Display omitted] • Magnetic dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles were synthesized. • An integrated analytical platform for analysis of saccharides was established. • Efficient analysis of saccharides of different samples was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a winding condition monitoring scheme for inverter-fed permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) based on high frequency (HF) current injection. By setting specific current references for the HF positive and negative sequence current regulators, HF current can be injected into different phase winding pairs, and then the HF line voltage deviations are extracted for winding condition monitoring. The amplitude of the extracted HF line voltage deviation is defined as the condition indicator to evaluate the condition of phase winding. In the proposed method, the conditions of all phase windings can be separately monitored, where not only inter-turn short-circuit fault (ISF) in one phase but also ISFs in multiple phases can be accurately identified. Simulations and experiments have been carried out to validate the proposed method. It shows that the proposed method has high sensitivity to ISF and negligible sensitivity to the operation conditions of the PMSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In current pig farming, pigs are susceptible to stress-induced adverse emotions. Emotional contagion may propagate these emotions within a herd, potentially affecting overall welfare. Typically, treatments of individual pigs should be conducted separately from the group. Thus, after separation from treatment on an individual pig, the behavioral responses and heart rate changes of the companion pig were recorded to determine if the sensory avoidance was effective. It was found that peers were still affected by the treated pigs after sensory avoidance. Separation from treatment does not eliminate the effects of the treated pig on companion pigs, which can still be affected in post-treatment contact. In the pig farming industry, it is recommended to avoid groups when treating individuals to reduce adverse reactions in the group. However, can this eliminate the adverse effects effectively? Piglets were assigned to the Rewarding Group (RG), the Punishing Group (PG), and the Paired Control Group (PCG). There were six replicates in each group, with two paired piglets per replicate. One piglet of the RG and PG was randomly selected as the Treated pig (TP), treated with food rewards or electric shock, and the other as the Naive pig (NP). The NPs in the RG and PG were unaware of the treatment process, and piglets in the PCG were not treated. The behavior and heart rate changes of all piglets were recorded. Compared to the RG, the NPs in the PG showed longer proximity but less contact behavior, and the TPs in the PG showed more freezing behavior. The percentage change in heart rate of the NPs was synchronized with the TPs. This shows that after sensory avoidance, the untreated pigs could also feel the emotions of their peers and their emotional state was affected by their peers, and the negative emotions in the pigs lasted longer than the positive emotions. The avoidance process does not prevent the transfer of negative emotions to peers via emotional contagion from the stimulated pig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining can significantly alter landscapes, impacting wildlife and ecosystem functionality. Natural recovery in open‐pit mines is vital for habitat restoration and ecosystem re‐establishment, although few empirical studies have examined this process. Here, we assessed temporal and spatial responses of small rodents at the community, population, and individual levels during natural mine recovery. We examined the abundance, reproductive potential, and individual health of small rodents at active mines and at former mine sites left to recover naturally for approx. 10 and 20 years. We also assessed the effects of disturbance on rodent recovery processes at three distances from the mine boundary. Rodent numbers peaked after 10–13 years of recovery and exhibited the strongest male bias in the sex ratio. The Chinese white‐bellied rat (Niviventer confucianus) was the most abundant species, achieving its highest population abundance at sites abandoned for 10–13 years and thriving at locations closer to the mine boundary. Only Chevrier's field mouse exhibited morphological responses to the mine recovery category. Ectoparasite load was unaffected by mine or distance‐disturbance categories. Both Chevrier's field mouse (Apodemus chevrieri) and the South China field mouse (Apodemus draco) were affected significantly by vegetation layer cover during recovery succession. Our study highlights the complexities of ecological succession, with a peak in abundance as pioneer communities transition toward a climax seral stage. Careful prior planning and active site management are necessary to optimize abandoned mine recovery. Efforts to accelerate mine recovery through technical restoration should promote conditions that initiate and perpetuate the establishment and succession of wildlife assemblages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]