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The silanized graphene oxide (KH-GO) with different mass fractions was dispersed in epoxy resin by a solution blending method and resin transfer molding process. The nano indentation method was used to test the micromechanical properties of GO/epoxy composites with different mass fractions, and the effect of GO on the hardness of epoxy matrix composites was quantitatively determined, and the influence of adding KH-GO on the thermal mechanical and bending properties of epoxy resin was discussed by dynamic thermal mechanical and universal strength machine tests. The experimental results show that the thermal and mechanical properties of composites are improved with the increase of the amount of KH-GO. Especially, when the content of KH-GO was 0.3%, the bending strength (125.4 MPa), hardness (281.0 MPa), and glass transition temperature (99.6°C) of composites reached the highest. It was proved that the composites showed its excellent performance and the silane coupling agent was successfully grafted to the graphene oxide by covalent bond, which effectively improved the interface compatibility of the reinforcing body and the matrix and was related to good dispersibility in the epoxy resin. This method is simple and effective, providing a certain reference value for the enhancement of the mechanical properties of the next generation of nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A heterogeneous lattice material composed of different cells is proposed to improve the energy absorption capacity. The heterogeneous structure is formed by setting layers of body-centered XY rods (BCCxy) cells as the reinforcement in the body-centered cubic (GBCC) uniform lattice material. The heterogeneous lattice samples are designed and processed by additive manufacturing technology. The stress wave propagation and energy absorption properties of heterogeneous lattice materials under impact load are analyzed by finite element simulation (FES) and Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) experiments. The results show that, compared with the GBCC uniform lattice material, the spreading velocity of the stress of the (GBCC)3(BCCxy)2 heterogeneous lattice material is reduced by 18.1%, the impact time is prolonged 27.9%, the stress peak of the transmitted bar is reduced by 34.8%, and the strain energy peak is reduced by 29.7%. It indicates that the heterogeneous lattice materials are able to reduce the spreading velocity of stress and improve the energy absorption capacity. In addition, the number of layers of reinforcement is an important factor affecting the stress wave propagation and energy absorption properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fern genus Lepisorus represents one of the most complicated and controversial lineages in Polypodiaceae, with about 80 species which have been classified into several separate genera, and is notorious for its taxonomic difficulty. Despite progress in recent phylogenetic studies of the family Polypodiaceae involving Lepisorus and its allies, the deep phylogenetic relationship within this group of ferns is still unresolved, and no formal infrageneric classification has been proposed. This contribution presents the most comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the genus, with 72% species sampled, using a total‐evidence approach based on eight plastid markers and ≤25 morphological characters for each species. The analyses resolve the backbone relationship and yield the most robust phylogenetic framework to date. Congruent with previous studies but with new findings, the results herein show that Lepisorus is monophyletic when Neolepisorus, Lemmaphyllum, Tricholepidium, Neocheiropteris and Lepidomicrosorium are included, as well as Lepisorus jakonensis and Paragramma. Furthermore, 17 well‐resolved clades are found in the phylogenetic topology, which can be characterized by morphological synapomorphies from traits of rhizome scales, laminae, sori and paraphyses. Based on molecular and morphological evidence, a new infrageneric classification system of Lepisorus is proposed which subdivided Lepisorus into 17 sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of planar chiral iodoarenes based on [2.2]paracyclophane was synthesized. An efficient asymmetric intramolecular oxidative lactonization of naphthols enabled by a combination of these chiral iodoarenes and m CPBA as oxidant is reported. This reaction proceeds under mild conditions, allowing the formation of spirolactones bearing a tetrasubstituted stereocenter in moderate yields and good enantioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we publish Lepisorus sect. Paragramma (Blume) C.F. Zhao, R. Wei & X.C. Zhang as a combinatio nova to replace the section name in Zhao et al. (2020), which was published as a status nova and turned out to be an invalid name, because we cited an incorrect basionym. A revised infrageneric classification of Lepisorus also is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new composite lattice structure with variable density and multi-configuration arrangement. • Lattice cells with different configurations are arranged in different regions. • The thin rods of cells were improved by cell replacement. • The composite arrangement further enhances the mechanical properties of lattice materials. A new composite lattice structure is proposed by combining variable density and multi-configuration arrangement. The parameter mapping model is established, and three composite lattice structure models are presented. The samples are prepared by the additive manufacturing technology SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) with Nylon PA6. The samples are tested by the universal testing machine and drop weight impact testing system. The load-deformation, equivalent impact load and failure mode are analyzed. The results show that compared with the variable density lattice structure, composite model 1 (GBCC cells in the low-density region are replaced by ECC cells) improves the thin rods in the low-density region, composite model 2 (the cell sizes in the high-density region are increased while GBCC cells in the low-density region are replaced by ECC cells) increases the equivalent bending stiffness by 8%, enhances the bending and impact deformation resistance of materials, and composite model 3 (GBCC cells in the high-density region are replaced by BCCxy cells) increases the failure load by 77%, reduces the equivalent impact load by 47%, and improves the toughness and cushioning performance of materials. This work finds that the composite lattice structure with variable density and multi-configuration further improves the mechanical property of lattice materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new composite lattice structure with variable density and multi-configuration arrangement. • Lattice cells with different configurations are arranged in different regions. • The thin rods of cells were improved by cell replacement. • The composite arrangement further enhances the mechanical properties of lattice materials. A new composite lattice structure is proposed by combining variable density and multi-configuration arrangement. The parameter mapping model is established, and three composite lattice structure models are presented. The samples are prepared by the additive manufacturing technology SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) with Nylon PA6. The samples are tested by the universal testing machine and drop weight impact testing system. The load-deformation, equivalent impact load and failure mode are analyzed. The results show that compared with the variable density lattice structure, composite model 1 (GBCC cells in the low-density region are replaced by ECC cells) improves the thin rods in the low-density region, composite model 2 (the cell sizes in the high-density region are increased while GBCC cells in the low-density region are replaced by ECC cells) increases the equivalent bending stiffness by 8%, enhances the bending and impact deformation resistance of materials, and composite model 3 (GBCC cells in the high-density region are replaced by BCCxy cells) increases the failure load by 77%, reduces the equivalent impact load by 47%, and improves the toughness and cushioning performance of materials. This work finds that the composite lattice structure with variable density and multi-configuration further improves the mechanical property of lattice materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A real-time displacement measurement technique based on all-fiber Fabry–Perot interferometer. • The quadrature detection algorithm can significantly simplify the data processing process. • Two Fabry-Perot interference signals with a phase shift of π / 2 can be obtained directly. • The object displacement can be reconstructed directly by the quadrature demodulation algorithm. • The structure of the system is simple and compact. A real-time displacement reconstruction method based on an all-fiber Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI) is proposed, utilizing the fiber end face and the object surface to form an extrinsic FPI. Using the constant phase difference of 90° between the two output ports of the 2 × 2 coupler, two-phase orthogonal FPI signals carrying the object motion information can be detected by two invisible photodetectors, and real-time displacement reconstruction can be realized by adopting inverse tangent and unwrapping processing procedures. Results show that the absolute errors of the experiment are below 80 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the "excellent engineers" training as the goal, the "hydraulic and pneumatic transmission" course was reformed. In teaching content, according to student's cognition rule, the contents were reorganized by starting from the essence of exceHent talents localization. Teaching contents were added or cut by orienting from the demands of enterprise and employment, Examples of typical hydraulic systems were added, and comprehensive experiments were established. In the reform of teaching methods and means, the heuristic teaching methods were used, the animation, video materials and engineering examples were enriched, three-dimensional teaching which was combined with the classroom teaching, the field teaching and network teaching was performed. In the study design, according to the diferent teaching contents, student analysis was put forward, introduction of each course was emphasized, the new relationship between teachers and students was constructed, and classroom interaction was much concerned. After two rounds of teaching practice, the teaching reform was welcomed and recognized by students, and achieved good results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of the study: Microsatellites were designed and characterized in the Sino-Himalayan fern Lepisorus clathratus complex (Polypodiaceae) to further study the phylogeography and reproductive ecology of this species. Methods and Results: From a genomic library obtained by next-generation sequencing, 10 polymorphic and six monomorphic microsatellite loci were developed. In one population of L. clathratus from Taibaishan in central China, the number of alleles observed for these microsatellites ranged from seven to 29, and observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.463 to 0.919 and from 0.797 to 0.947, respectively. Cross-amplification in other taxa within this complex was successful, but cross-amplification was poor for other congeneric species. Conclusions: This set of newly developed microsatellite markers will be useful for assessing genetic diversity, population structure, and mating system, and to infer polyploid origin in the L. clathratus complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As increase of coal comprehensive utilization, it is urgent to establish comprehensive utilization grades of some trace metal elements in coals in order to taking comprehensive evaluation measures in coal exploration stages and to decrease the exploration cost. High concentrations of trace elements in coal seams were reported by several papers in recent years. In this paper, the comprehensive utilization grades of Li, U, Th and REE were suggested by compared their enrichments in coal with the Geology and Ore Deposit Standard Specifications in rocks for Rare Metal Mineral Exploration of the People's Republic of China (DZ/T 0203-2002), and also compared with the minimum mining grade for Ga and Ge in coals. The author suggests that the minimum mining grades of Li, U, Th and REE should be 120, 40, 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A novel injectable cement composed of chitosan-bonded borate bioactive glass (BG) particles was evaluated as a carrier for local delivery of vancomycin in the treatment of osteomyelitis in a rabbit tibial model. Materials and Methods: The setting time, injectability, and compressive strength of the borate BG cement, and the release profile of vancomycin from the cement were measured in vitro. The capacity of the vancomycin-loaded BG cement to eradicate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-induced osteomyelitis in rabbit tibiae in vivo was evaluated and compared with that for a vancomycin-loaded calcium sulfate (CS) cement and for intravenous injection of vancomycin. Results: The BG cement had an injectability of >90% during the first 3 minutes after mixing, hardened within 30 minutes and, after hardening, had a compressive strength of 18±2 MPa. Vancomycin was released from the BG cement into phosphate-buffered saline for up to 36 days, and the cumulative amount of vancomycin released was 86% of the amount initially loaded into the cement. In comparison, vancomycin was released from the CS cement for up 28 days and the cumulative amount released was 89%. Two months post-surgery, radiography and microbiological tests showed that the BG and CS cements had a better ability to eradicate osteomyelitis when compared to intravenous injection of vancomycin, but there was no significant difference between the BG and CS cements in eradicating the infection. Histological examination showed that the BG cement was biocompatible and had a good capacity for regenerating bone in the tibial defects. Conclusions: These results indicate that borate BG cement is a promising material both as an injectable carrier for vancomycin in the eradication of osteomyelitis and as an osteoconductive matrix to regenerate bone after the infection is cured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macro-porous monolithic γ-Al2O3 was prepared by using macro-porous polystyrene monolith foam as the template and alumina sol as the precursor. Platinum and potassium were loaded on the support by impregnation method. TG, XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption, SEM, TEM, and TPR techniques were used for catalysts characterization, and the catalytic performance of macro-porous monolithic Pt/γ-Al2O3 and K–Pt/γ-Al2O3 catalysts were tested in hydrogen-rich stream for CO preferential oxidation (CO-PROX). SEM images show that the macropores in the macro-porous monolithic γ-Al2O3 are interconnected with the pore size in the range of 10 to 50 μm, and the monoliths possess hierarchical macro-meso(micro)-porous structure. The macro-porous monolithic catalysts, although they are less active intrinsically than the particle ones, exhibit higher CO conversion and higher O2 to CO oxidation selectivity than particle catalysts at high reaction temperatures, which is proposed to be owing to its hierarchical macro-meso(micro) -porous structure. Adding potassium lead to marked improvement of the catalytic performance, owing to intrinsic activity and platinum dispersion increase resulted from K-doping. CO in hydrogen-rich gases can be removed to 10 ppm over monolithic K–Pt/γ-Al2O3 by CO-PROX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We reconstructed the phylogenies of Lepisorus based on nuclear markers. • All the allied small segregates are deeply nested within Lepisorus. • The cytonuclear discordance may indicate ancient hybridization events or incomplete lineage sorting. • Molecular and morphological evidence does not support the segregation of Ellipinema and × Ellipisorus from Lepisorus. The establishment of a segregate lepisoroid fern genus Ellipinema was mainly to accommodate the isolated position of Lepisorus jakonensis (Polypodiaceae) recovered in plastid gene tree. Using newly obtained nuclear data, we recovered that Ellipinema and allied genera, such as Lepidomicrosorium , Lemmaphyllum , Neolepisorus , Paragramma , Tricholepidium and Weatherbya are deeply nested within Lepisorus. The nuclear phylogeny showing incongruent phylogenetic placement in comparison with plastid results perhaps indicated ancient hybridization events. The diagnostic morphology characterizing Ellipinema – elliptic scale-like paraphyses, which is shared by all the taxa of sect. Lepisorus and sect. Hymenophyton – falls within the range of continuous variation in the type species Ellipinema jakonense (= Lepisorus jakonensis). Our study, which integrated molecular and morphological data, demonstrates that the segregation of Ellipinema and × Ellipisorus (= × Lepinema Li Bing Zhang & Liang Zhang, nom. illeg.) from Lepisorus should be rejected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves (MOLLs) are recognised as new raw food material with various nutritional factors and phytochemical components. In recent years, a large number of studies have been conducted on deciphering the chemical composition and biological functions of MOLLs. However, the research data on MOLLs are scattered, and the future application trends are not summarised. In this review, we recapitulate the nutritional and phytochemical components of MOLLs, including their nutritional components, biological factors, and functional benefits, while emphasising the safety and application of MOLLs as a new raw food material. Currently, research has been focused on establishing MOLLs as novel raw food material. MOLLs constitute a variety of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic, flavonoids, protein, polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals. These bioactive compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic activities. As a promising and economic Chinese herbal medicine and functional food, MOLLs is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industry. We mainly focus on summarising the findings about the nutritional components, chemical substances, and functional activities of MOLLs and discuss the practical applications of MOLLs as a new raw food material in the food and agriculture industries. Furthermore, this review provides an innovative approach for the application of MOLLs in the food industry and agriculture, discusses the current developments and problems of deep processing products of MOLLs, and provides insights into the future sustainable development options of MOLLs industries. [Display omitted] • The nutritional composition, functional factors, and biological activities of Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves are summarised and discussed. • The multi-faceted applications of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves in food and agriculture industries are summarised and compared. • The future trends and knowledge gaps of Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The etiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is complex owing to the interactions of genetic variance with environmental factors. Inflammatory processes are now being increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of CVD. This meta-analysis investigated the potential role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a risk factor for CVD development in healthy individuals. Methods: Literature search was carried out in multiple electronic databases, and study selection followed a priori eligibility criteria. Meta-analyses of standardized mean differences were carried out to determine an overall effect size of the difference in IL-6 levels between CVD cases and non-CVD matched controls. Meta-regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between the IL-6 levels in CVD cases and several explanatory variables. Results: Seventeen studies enrolling 288738 healthy individuals with an average follow-up duration of 7.4 ± 4.1 years were found eligible. Overall, data of 5400 CVD cases and 14607 matched non-CVD controls are used in the present meta-analysis. Baseline IL-6 levels were significantly higher in CVD cases than in non-CVD controls (standardized mean difference [95% confidence interval]) of 0.14 [0.09, 0.20]/mean difference of 0.36 [0.28, 0.44] picogram per milliliter). Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were also significantly higher, and HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly lower in CVD cases in comparison with the controls. Systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol levels had a significantly positive relationship, whereas triglyceride levels had a significantly inverse relationship with the levels of IL-6. Conclusion: Higher IL-6 levels in healthy individuals are associated with CVD risk, which is co-associated with hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research: Weatherbya is a small genus of subfamily Microsoroideae (Polypodiaceae) with controversial phylogenetic placements. In this study we aim to test the phylogenetic hypotheses about Weatherbya utilizing chloroplast and nuclear genes from an extensive generic sampling of Microsoroideae. Methodology: Phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from four chloroplast DNA markers (rbcL, rbcLatpB, trnL-F, and rps41rps4-trnS) of 13 genera (Phymatosorus was treated as a separate genus) in Microsoroideae and a nuclear gene (LEAFY) of Weatherbya and four related genera were conducted. Morphological evidences including characters of leaf epidermis and rhizome scales were described in Weatherbya and the mostly related genera. Pivotal results: Results of the phylogenetic analyses of both chloroplast (except rps41rps4-trnS) and nuclear genes strongly support Weatherbya embedded in Lepisorus. The chloroplast rps4 gene includes internal stop codons in many taxa of Microsoroideae, and this gene has been reported under selection. Conclusions: Phylogenetic analyses strongly support the inclusion of Weatherbya in Lepisorus rather than Lemmaphyllum, and their close relationship is supported by similar morphology of rhizome scales and leaf epidermis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 6 (CTRP6), an adipose-tissue secretory factor, plays an important role in inflammatory reaction and carcinogenesis. However, the biological function of CTRP6 in adipogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of CTRP6 knockdown on lipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The results showed that after 3T3-L1 adipocytes transfected with anti-CTRP6 small interfering RNA (siRNA), not only levels of secreted CTRP6 protein in the culture medium but also the expression level of the CTRP6 protein in the 3T3-L1 adipocytes was significantly reduced ( P < 0.01). In addition, the number of lipid droplets in the adipocytes was reduced, as well as the OD values reflecting the fat content being significantly decreased ( P < 0.01). Meanwhile the levels of adipogenic markers, including peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein 4 (aP2), were decreased after treatment with anti-CTRP6 siRNA, whereas the expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and triacylglycerol hydrolase (TGH) were increased. Furthermore, after transfection, activity of phosphorylated Erk1/2 (p-Erk1/2) was inhibited in the early stage of differentiation, but in terminal differentiation of adipocytes, its activity was activated. Taken together, the results indicate that knockdown of CTRP6 can inhibit adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes through lipogenic marker genes and Erk1/2 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of human hair loss has caused widespread concern, however, such research is difficult because the periodicity is not obvious and the deeper levels knowledge of dermal papilla (DP) stem cells' differentiation are limited. Here, cashmere goats which have obvious periodicity of hair follicles were used, based on unbiased scRNA sequencing, we constructed DP cell lineage differentiation trajectory and revealed the key genes, signals and functions involved in cell fate decisions. And then we revealed the molecular landscape of hair follicle on regeneration. Revealed that DP cells differentiate into four intermediate cell states at different periodicity: Intermediate-cell-10 showed important functions in the growth and maintenance of cashmere; intermediate-cell-1 acting on apoptosis and cashmere shedding; intermediate-cell-0 initiated new follicular cycles, the migration of hair follicles and the occurrence of cashmere; and intermediate-cell-15 are suggested to be DP progenitor cells. In general, we provide new insights for hair regrowth. At the same time, it provides a new research ideas, directions and molecular landscape for the mechanism of dermal papilla cells. • Reveals the intermediate state cells of dermal papilla cells during hair follicle regeneration • Depicts the evolution of cells in the intermediate state of dermal papilla cells • Explore new marker genes of dermal papilla cells and marker genes of intermediate cells • Depicts the molecular landscape and functions of intermediate cells • Provide new insights, research ideas and directions for hair regrowth and mechanism of dermal papilla cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are important for postnatal growth and immune system maturation in newborn mammals. The functional hypothesis of milk exosomal miRNAs and their potential bioavailability in milk to newborn mammals were investigated. Briefly, 37 exosomal miRNAs were upregulated compared to miRNAs found outside the exosomes. Among these miRNAs, ssc-miR-193a-3p expression was upregulated 1467.35 times, while ssc-miR-423-5p, ssc-miR-551a, ssc-miR-138, ssc-miR-1 and ssc-miR-124a were highly concentrated and upregulated 13.58–30.06 times. Moreover, these miRNAs appeared to be relevant for cell development and basic physiological processes of the immune system. Following the analysis of target gene prediction and related signalling pathways, 9262 target genes were mainly concentrated in three signalling pathways: metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signalling pathways. Among 9262 target genes, more than 20 miRNAs were enriched in exosomes, such as methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) and glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1). After determining the miRNA localization-, distribution- and function-related metabolism, we found that these exosomes were specifically concentrated miRNA target genes and they were interrelated with cell development and basic cell functions, such as metabolism and immunity. It is speculated that miRNAs in milk can influence offspring via milk exosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polygrammoids (Polypodiaceae) are the most species‐rich and diversified epiphytic fern lineages, and hold an important role to understand the deep diverging events and rapid adaptation to changing environments in the plant tree of life. Despite progress in the phylogeny of this group of ferns in previous multilocus phylogenetic studies, uncertainty remains especially in backbone relationships among closely related clades, and the phylogenetic placement of recalcitrant species or lineages. Here, we investigated the deep phylogenetic relationships within Polypodiaceae by sampling all major lineages and using 81 plastid genomes (plastomes), of which 70 plastomes were newly sequenced with high‐throughput sequencing technology. Based on parsimony, maximum‐likelihood, Bayesian and multispecies coalescent analyses of genome skimming data, we achieved a better resolution of the backbone phylogeny of Polypodiaceae. Using simulated data matrices, we detected that potential phylogenetic artefacts, such as long‐branch attraction and insufficient taxonomic sampling, may have a confounding impact on the incongruence of phylogenetic inferences. Furthermore, our phylogenetic analyses offer greater resolution than previous multilocus studies, providing a robust framework for future phylogenetic implications on the subfamilial taxonomy of Polypodiaceae. Our phylogenomic study not only demonstrates the advantage of a character‐rich plastome dataset for resolving the recalcitrant lineages that have undergone rapid radiation, but also sheds new light on integrative explorations understanding the evolutionary history of large fern groups in the genomic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroporous alumina monoliths have been prepared for the first time by filling polystyrene foam templates with alumina hydrosols which were prepared from pseudo-boehmite. Polystyrene foam templates were obtained by polymerization in highly concentrated water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. The organic templates were subsequently removed by calcination. The effects of filling times of the alumina hydrosols, calcination temperature, and CTAB surfactant addition in the hydrosols on the properties of the monolith have been investigated. TG, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, N2 adsorption–desorption, and XRD techniques were used for characterization. The so prepared monoliths are the replicas of the polystyrene foams and are characterized with hierarchically porous structure. The macropores are interconnected and the macropore walls contain many meso and/or micropores. The hierarchically macro-meso-microporous structure can be controlled and tailored by adjusting the preparation conditions stated above and by addition of surfactant, and the organic components can be eliminated by high temperature calcination. When the calcination temperatures are 600 °C and 900 °C, the γ-Al2O3 phases are obtained, with SBET of 228 and 85 m2 g−1, respectively. When calcined at 1100 °C, the alumina monolith presents a single θ-Al2O3 phase with SBET of 80 m2 g−1. The 1300 °C calcined sample takes on the single α-Al2O3 phase with SBET of 5 m2 g−1 and compressive strength of 3.1 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three zinc(II) halide complexes ZnL2X2 (X=Cl, Br, I; L=4-methoxylbenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The complexes exhibit powder SHG efficiency approximately ten times higher than that of urea. The molecular hyperpolarizabilities are calculated to be −2.6×10−30 esu for the free ligand L, and −4.6×10−30, −6.2×10−30, −10.1×10−30 esu for the three zinc complexes, respectively. The former two complexes crystallize in the noncentrosymmetric space group Aba2, whilst ZnL2I2 crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group P21/c and does not exhibit any SHG efficiency. The zinc(II) atom in these complexes is tetrahedrally coordinated by two neutral sulfur atoms from the corresponding thiosemicarbazones and two halide anions. The relationships between the molecular structures and nonlinear optical properties were studied based on theoretical calculation and experimental determination methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dual-material lattices with tailorable coefficients of thermal expansion have been applied to a wide range of modern engineering systems. As supporting techniques for fabricating dual-material lattices with given coefficients of thermal expansion, the current existing methods for measuring the coefficient of thermal expansion have limited anti-interference ability. They ignore the measuring error caused by micro-displacement between the measurement sensor and the test sample. In this paper, we report a robust interferometric test method which can eliminate the measurement error caused by micro-displacement between the measurement sensor and the test sample. In the presented method, two parallel plane lenses are utilized to avoid the measurement error caused by translation, and the right lens is utilized as an angle detector to eliminate the measurement error caused by rotation. A robust interferometric testing setup was established using a distance measuring set and two plane lenses. The experiment results indicated that the method can avoid the measurement error induced by translation and has the potential to eliminate the measurement error induced by rotation using the rotational angle. This method can improve the anti-interference ability and accuracy by eliminating the measurement error. It is especially useful for high-precision thermal expansion measurement of dual-material lattices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ pegylated (PEGylated) microporous membranes have been extensively reported using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based polymers as blending additives. Alternatively, free standing PEGylated polysulfone (PSf) membranes with excellent hydrophilicity and antifouling ability were directly fabricated from polysulfone/poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PSf/PEGMA) solutions after in situ cross-linking polymerization without any treatment via vapor induced phase separation (VIPS) process for the first time. The microstructures and performances of the resulting membranes shifted regularly by adjusting exposure time of the liquid film in humid air. With increasing exposure time, plenty of worm-like networks formed and distributed on membrane surfaces, meanwhile cross-sectional morphology changed from asymmetric finger-like microporous structure to symmetric cellular-like structure, resulting in better mechanical stability. As the exposure time raised from 0 to 5 min, the surface coverage of carboxyl groups increased from ∼1.1 to 4.0 mol%, leading to the decrease in water contact angle from ∼63 to 27° and the increase in water flux from ∼110 to 512 L m −2  h −1 . In addition, at prolonged exposure time, increasing hydrophilic PEG chains migrated to membrane surfaced and repelled the adsorption and deposition of protein, resulting in better antifouling ability. The findings of this study offer a facile and high efficient strategy for flexible design and fabrication of the in situ PEGylated membranes with desirable structures and performances in large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural vibration and noise radiation of a single-stage centrifugal compressor excited by the internal unsteady flow is investigated experimentally in the first part of our work [Zhou et al. Appl Acoust 2018;131:112–28]. Experimental results for acceleration of vibration and sound pressure under different rotational speeds indicate that the straight discharge pipe connecting the volute is forced to vibrate the most intensively at the blade passing frequency (BPF) and acts as the major contributor to the compressor noise emission. In this paper, a pipe micro-perforated panel (PMPP) is optimally designed with the genetic algorithm to suppress vibration and noise radiation of the straight discharge pipe section. A maximum sound pressure level (SPL) reduction of 20 dB for the BPF component and 8 dB for the overall noise are observed under the tested working conditions, while the influence of the PMPP on the aerodynamic performance of the compressor is negligible. The PMPP may be a promising method for controlling the tonal component of vibro-noises radiated from the centrifugal compressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lady fern genus Athyrium represents one of the most diversified lineages in Athyriaceae with about 160–220 known species, and is notorious for its taxonomic difficulty. Despite progress in recent phylogenetic studies involving this genus, it still lacks a modern systematic and taxonomic update using integrative analyses of molecular and morphological evidence based on a broad species sampling. Here, we present, to our knowledge, the most comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the genus to date based on a total-evidence approach, covering all formerly accepted segregates within the athyrioid ferns. We sampled up to eight plastid markers and 20 morphological characters for each species. Our analyses, including maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference, yield a robust phylogenetic framework. We find that Athyrium is not monophyletic by recovering Athyrium skinneri and A. alpestre nested with Anisocampium and Cornopteris respectively while Pseudocystopteris is included in Athyrium . Furthermore, eight well-resolved clades and two isolated species within Athyrium are found in the phylogenetic topology, which can be also characterized by morphological synapomorphies from traits of petioles, leaves, sori and spores. In the interest of recognizing monophyletic taxa with morphological synapomorphies, we agree with the inclusion of Pseudocystopteris in Athyrium as proposed in previous studies, but treat Anisocampium and Cornopteris as separate genera. We further propose to resurrect a monotypic Pseudathyrium to accommodate A. alpestre . Based on morphological characters and molecular phylogeny, a new infrageneric classification system of Athyrium is proposed which subdivided it into ten sections, and one New-World species A. skinneri is transferred into Anisocampium . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental study on the noise radiated from a centrifugal compressor unit, which mainly consists of a single-stage compressor connected with inlet and outlet pipes, a variable-frequency driving motor, a transmission gearbox and a bearing box. Sound pressure level spectra were measured at three rotational speeds each with several mass flow rates. The experimental results reveal that the overall sound pressure level increases with the rotational speed but varies slightly with the flow rate. The largest overall sound pressure level occurs at the measuring point near the motor, implying that the motor is one of the most important noise sources of the test rig. The frequencies of the tonal components are respectively consistent with the shaft frequency, the blade passing frequency of the compressor impeller and the interaction frequency of the magnetic flux wave with rotor slots in the variable-frequency motor. For sampling points near the connected pipes, the broadband noises mainly arise from the internal random pressure fluctuation through a curve fitting analysis of the squared sound pressure versus the dimensionless frequency. A coherence analysis between the acoustical and vibrational signals implies that the structural vibration induced by the internal pressure loads is the primary contributor for the compressor noise. Particularly, the outlet pipe with the highest vibration level should be a major concern for noise reduction of the centrifugal compressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decline of cognitive function is the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), regardless of the pathological mechanism. Traditional Chinese medicine has been used to combat cognitive impairments and has been shown to improve learning and memory. Radix Polygalae (RAPO) is a typical and widely used herbal medicine. In this study, we aimed to follow the β-amyloid (Aβ) reduction activity to identify active constituent(s) of RAPO. We found that Onjisaponin B of RAPO functioned as RAPO to suppress Aβ production without direct inhibition of β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase activities. Our mechanistic study showed that Onjisaponin B promoted the degradation of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Further, oral administration of Onjisaponin B ameliorated Aβ pathology and behavioral defects in APP/PS1 mice. Taken together, our results indicate that Onjisaponin B is effective against AD, providing a new therapeutic agent for further drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked incompletely dominant enzyme deficiency that results from G6PD gene mutations. Women heterozygous for G6PD mutations exhibit variation in the loss of enzyme activity but the cause of this phenotypic variation is unclear. We determined DNA methylation and X-inactivation patterns in 71 G6PD-deficient female heterozygotes and 68 G6PD non-deficient controls with the same missense mutations ( G6PD Canton c.1376G>T or Kaiping c.1388G>A) to correlate determinants with variable phenotypes. Specific CpG methylations within the G6PD promoter were significantly higher in G6PD-deficient heterozygotes than in controls. Preferential X-inactivation of the G6PD wild-type allele was determined in heterozygotes. The incidence of preferential X-inactivation was 86.2% in the deficient heterozygote group and 31.7% in the non-deficient heterozygote group. A significant negative correlation was observed between X-inactivation ratios of the wild-type allele and G6PD/6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) ratios in heterozygous G6PD Canton ( r = − 0.657, p < 0.001) or Kaiping ( r = − 0.668, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that heterozygotes with hypermethylation of specific CpG sites in the G6PD promoter and preferential X-inactivation of the wild-type allele were at risk of enzyme deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) exist ubiquitously as pivotal molecules to regulate coding gene expression. Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) is a NAD-dependent deacetylase which is involved in myogenesis. However, whether Sirt1 transcribes NAT during C2C12 differentiation is still unknown. In this study, we identified a Sirt1 NAT which was designated as Sirt1 antisense long non-coding RNA (AS lncRNA) by sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. The level of Sirt1 AS lncRNA was greater in spleen but less in muscle tissue. The expression of both Sirt1 mRNA and Sirt1 AS lncRNA decreased during C2C12 myogenic differentiation, whereas the levels of miR-34a, which targets Sirt1, increased gradually. We further found that the half-life of Sirt1 AS lncRNA was 10h, but that of Sirt1 mRNA was 6h in C2C12 cells treated with 2μg/ml Actinomycin D. Therefore, compared with Sirt1 mRNA, Sirt1 AS lncRNA was more stable. Overexpression of Sirt1 AS lncRNA increased the levels of Sirt1 protein, whereas overexpression of Sirt1 AS lncRNA mutant did not affect the level of Sirt1 protein in C2C12 cells. Moreover, downregulation of Sirt1 mRNA caused by miR-34a was counteracted by Sirt1 AS lncRNA in C2C12 cells. Taken together, we identified a novel NAT of Sirt1 which implicated in myogenesis through regulating Sirt1 expression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A real-time displacement reconstruction technique based on a phase retardation method is proposed. By introducing a waveplate and a polarization beam splitter into the external cavity, two self-mixing signals with a phase shift of π ∕ 2 can be obtained. Then the displacement of the external object can be reconstructed by a quadrature demodulation algorithm, which significantly simplifies the data processing and meets the requirements of real-time displacement reconstruction techniques. The results show that the absolute errors of the reconstructed displacements are less than 75 nm. • A real-time displacement measurement technique based on laser self-mixing interference can be realized. • The quadrature detection algorithm can significantly simplify the data processing process. • Two self-mixing signals with a phase shift of π ∕ 2 can be obtained directly. • The object displacement can be reconstructed directly by the quadrature demodulation algorithm. • The structure of the system is simple and compact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two new trinuclear ruthenium(II) complexes [(bpy)6Ru3(tpbip)]6+ (1) and [(bpy)6Ru3(tptaip)]6+ (2) (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine, tpbip=1,3,5-tris(1,10-phenanthroline-[5,6-d]imidazol-2-yl)-benzene, tptaip=2,4,6-tri(1,10-phenanthroline-[5,6-d]imidazol-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine) have been synthesized and characterized. The interaction of human telomeric DNA with Ru(II) complexes was explored by means of CD spectroscopy, fluorescence titration, ITC and FRET melting. Results indicated that two complexes not only induce a remarkable conformational change of human telomeric DNA, but also have the ability to stabilize the G-quadruplex. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mechanisms for the abstraction reactions of germylenes with oxirane and thiirane have been characterized in detail using density functional theory. All the stationary points were determined at the B3LYP/6-311++G (d, p) level of the theory. As a result, our theoretical investigations suggest that, irrespective of deoxygenation and desulfurization, the alkyl-substituted germylene abstractions are much more favorable than those of the π-donor-substituted germylenes. Moreover, for a given germylene, the desulfurization reaction is more exothermic as well as more kinetically favorable. Furthermore, a configuration mixing model based on the work of Pross and Shaik is used to rationalize the computational results. A comparison with carbene and silylene also led to the same result and the results obtained allowed a number of predictions to be made. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mechanisms for the insertion reactions of alkylidenecarbenes with CH3O–H have been investigated at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of the theory. According to our model calculations these insertion reactions will easily yield vinyl ether products and for a given single substituted alkylidenecarbene will yield cis–trans-isomer mixture. Moreover the reactivity of alkylidenecarbene decreases in the order: HFCsp="0.25" />>HClCsp="0.25" />>HBrCsp="0.25" />>H(CH3)Csp="0.25" />>H2Crmore, a configuration mixing model based on the work of Pross and Shaik is used to rationalize the computational results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

High concentration of Li, associated with coal, has been found in the Guanbanwusu coal Mine, Inner Mongolia, China. Earlier studies suggested that the lithium came from the Yinshan Paleoland during the peat-forming stage. The results of Li isotope determinations and calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) indicated that the lithium in the peat was released into the pore water and adsorbed by kaolinite edge surfaces (octahedral layers and/or tetrahedral layers) in the subsequent diagenesis and coalification. Alternatively, the Li of the partings, the floor, and the roof of the No. 6 coal seam also likely originated from the underlying bauxite of the Benxi Formation. Specifically, we determined the Li isotopic fractionations produced in chelation by small carboxylate (Δ7/6Li organolithium-aq = −0.35‰), in adsorption onto kaolinite edge surfaces (Δ7/6Li octahedral layer-aq = 4.36‰, Δ7/6Li tetrahedral layer-aq = −4.53‰), and during incorporation into the lattices (Δ7/6Li Al2-aq = −8.2‰ and Δ7/6Li Al1-aq = −11.9‰). Combining these results with the δ7Li of 3.37 ± 0.13‰ for the moyite of the Yinshan Paleoland, we deduced a theoretical δ7Li range for the No. 6 coal seam and the partings, 2.85–7.38‰, exactly covering the determined δ7Li values of the coal and the partings. However, only the partings plotted in the theoretical δ7Li range of 1.13–5.66‰ assuming the bauxites (with δ7Li 1.30 ± 0.03‰) as the lithium source. During weathering and deposition, conversion of structurally incorporated Li within the grain boundaries of polycrystalline minerals of the bauxites to adsorbed Li was inferred to explain the Li isotope excursion in the latter case. • To discuss the Li enrichment in coals by DFT calculations and MC-ICP-MS analyses • The coals and the partings of the No. 6 coal seam may have different Li sources. • Occurrence modes of light element Li in the coals and the partings are inferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative thermal expansion (NTE) lattices are widely used in aerospace engineering where the structures experience large temperature variation. However, the available range of NTE of the current lattices is quite narrow, which severely limits their engineering application. In this paper, we report an inverted trapezoid lattice (ITL) with large NTE. The NTE of the ITL is 2.6 times that of a typical triangular lattice with the same height and hypotenuse angle. Theoretically, with a pin-jointed assumption, the ITL can improve the NTE by order of magnitude if the length ratio of the composite rod is changed. In the presented ITL, a composite rod is utilized as the base of the ITL. The composite rod has large inner NTE. The inverted trapezoid structure converts the inner NTE to the vertical direction contraction and obtains an extra NTE. Finite element simulations and experimental verification by interferometric measurement were conducted to verify the large thermal expansion of the ITL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]