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Semiconductor materials represent an ideal choice for designing surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐based sensors due to their superior thermal and chemical stability compared to conventional metal materials. However, current SERS‐active semiconductor substrates have limitations such as low detection sensitivity and often complicated preparation steps, which restrict their real‐life applications. In this work, for the first time the feasibility of large‐area fabricating SERS‐active semiconductor substrates based on screen‐printing of micron‐sized TiO2 ink synthesized through a simple flame thermal‐assisted method is demonstrated. The resultant TiO2 microspherical arrays (MSAs) exhibit extraordinary SERS sensitivity with an enhancement factor of 3.28 × 107, which represents one of the highest sensitivity and are the easiest strategy among the reported SERS‐active semiconductor substrates. Both experiments and simulations rationalize the observed enhancement factor and propose that multiple synergistic resonances, including Mie resonance, charge‐transfer resonance, and molecular resonance significantly boost the performance of semiconductor substrates. Dye‐modified TiO2 MSAs are further exploited as the sensing platform for the development of a ratiometric SERS sensor, enabling the highly sensitive, selective, low cost, and stable detection of Hg2+ ions. This study opens up new possibilities for preparing a large‐scale SERS‐active semiconductor array, ultimately advancing the fields of semiconductor‐based SERS sensing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper is a crucial catalyst in the synthesis of graphdiyne (GDY). However, as catalysts, the final fate of the copper ions has hardly been concerned, which are usually treated as impurities. Here, it is observed that after simple washing with water and ethanol, GDY still contains a certain amount of copper ions, and demonstrated that the copper ions are adsorbed at the atomic layers of GDY. Furthermore, we transformed in situ the copper ions into ultrathin Cu nanocrystals, and the obtained Cu/GDY hybrids can be generally converted into a series of metal/GDY hybrid materials, such as Ag/GDY, Au/GDY, Pt/GDY, Pd/GDY, and Rh/GDY. The Cu/GDY hybrids exhibit extraordinary surface enhanced Raman scattering effect and can be applied in pollutant efficient enrichment and detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper is a crucial catalyst in the synthesis of graphdiyne (GDY). However, as catalysts, the final fate of the copper ions has hardly been concerned, which are usually treated as impurities. Here, it is observed that after simple washing with water and ethanol, GDY still contains a certain amount of copper ions, and demonstrated that the copper ions are adsorbed at the atomic layers of GDY. Furthermore, we transformed in situ the copper ions into ultrathin Cu nanocrystals, and the obtained Cu/GDY hybrids can be generally converted into a series of metal/GDY hybrid materials, such as Ag/GDY, Au/GDY, Pt/GDY, Pd/GDY, and Rh/GDY. The Cu/GDY hybrids exhibit extraordinary surface enhanced Raman scattering effect and can be applied in pollutant efficient enrichment and detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Rapid on‐site detection of persistent organic pollutants (POP) is highly desirable for environmental protection. Methods: Herein, a rapid on‐site analytical workflow was developed for the investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and perfluorinated compounds using multiwalled carbon nanotube–modified paper spray ionization (PSI) coupled with a miniature ion trap mass spectrometer. Critical parameters regarding PSI and miniature mass spectrometry analysis were optimized. Results: The analytical performance of the developed method was evaluated under optimized conditions, obtaining a short analysis duration of less than 1 min, sufficient linearity with correlation coefficients greater than 0.99, acceptable recovery rates of 93.1%–105.8% with relative standard deviations of between 3.5% and 10.3%, and reasonable sensitivity with limits of detection and quantitation of 2–200 and 5–500 μg/L, respectively. Conclusions: Considering these aspects, it was concluded that the present approach demonstrated a promising solution for rapid on‐site detection of emerging POPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blast furnace ironmaking process is the core of steel manufacturing, and the optimization of this process can bring enormous economic and environmental benefits. However, previous data-driven optimization methods neglect the uncontrollability of part of the variables in the predictive modeling process, which brings great uncertainty to the optimization results and adversely affects the optimization effect. To address this problem, a consistency optimization framework based on controllability assurance soft sensor modeling is proposed. The method achieves the information extraction of uncontrollable variables in a process-supervised way, and improves the posterior distribution prediction accuracy. The method also proposes an integrated self-encoder regression module, which uses the regression to guide the encoding, realize the construction of latent features, and further improve the prediction accuracy of the model. Integrating the prediction module and the multi-objective gray wolf optimizer, the proposed model achieves the optimization of the blast furnace ironmaking process with only controllable variables as prediction model inputs while being capable of giving uncertainty estimates of the solutions. Empirical data validated the optimization model and demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An obvious increase of CHOS in NOM was found after UV/PDS treatment. • Machine learning identified DBE and AI mod were the most important properties affecting NOM reactivity. • 92 organosulfates were screened out, and 7 were quantified with concentrations at ng L−1 level. • The CHO toxicity of NOM increased after UV/PDS treatment. Natural organic matter (NOM) is a major sink of radicals in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and understanding the transformation of NOM is important in water treatment. By using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) in conjunction with machine learning, we comprehensively investigated the reactivity and transformation of NOM, and the formation of organosulfates during the UV/peroxydisulfate (PDS) process. After 60 min UV/PDS treatment, the CHO formula number and dissolved organic carbon concentration significantly decreased by 83.4 % and 74.8 %, respectively. Concurrently, the CHOS formula number increased substantially from 0.7 % to 20.5 %. Machine learning identifies DBE and AI mod as the critical characteristics determining the reactivity of NOM during UV/PDS treatment. Furthermore, linkage analysis suggests that decarboxylation and dealkylation reactions are dominant transformation pathways, while the additions of SO 3 and SO 4 are also non-negligible. According to SHAP analysis, the m/z , number of oxygens, DBE and O/C of NOM were positively correlated with the formation of organosulfates in UV/PDS process. 92 organosulfates were screened out by precursor ion scan of HPLC-MS/MS and verified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, among which, 7 organosufates were quantified by authentic standards with the highest concentrations ranging from 2.1 to 203.0 ng L‒1. In addition, the cytotoxicity of NOM to Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells increased by 13.8 % after 30 min UV/PDS treatment, likely responsible for the formation of organosulfates. This is the first study to employ FT-ICR MS combined with machine learning to identify the dominant NOM properties affecting its reactivity and confirmed the formation of organosulfates from sulfate radical oxidation of NOM. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multifunctional mesoporous CQDs/BMMs with strong fluorescent property was synthesized via a facile and reliable sol‐gel approach to dope carbon quantum dots (CQDs) into the bimodal mesopores silica (BMMs) for application in sustained drug releasing performance. In which, the influences of various parameters, including hydrothermal system (glucose concentration, temperature, and time) and removing cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) conditions (ethanol‐HCl, isopropanol‐H2O, and acetone) on fluorescence performances and structure properties were investigated via PL, UV, XRD, BET, SEM, TEM, EDS, FT‐IR, XPS, TG. The result showed that the resultant CQDs/BMMs possesses uniform mesopore structure with larger specific surface area of around 752 m2 g−1, and excitation‐independent emission properties at the strongest emission peak of 488 nm. Using ibuprofen as a model drug, their drug delivery behaviours were assessed by UV and mass balance equation, showing a high loading amount (154.3 mg g−1 within 20 min) and good sustained release performance along with stable and strong fluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to assess right ventricular (RV) diastolic dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) using velocity vector imaging (VVI) and to evaluate the application of VVI technology. Methods: According to the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), 69 patients with OSAS were divided into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe. A total of 35 cases of healthy subjects were enrolled as the control group. Digital images of apex four‐chamber views were acquired to measure the peak early diastolic strain rate (RV‐SRe), late diastolic strain rate(RV‐SRa), and RV‐SRe/RV‐SRa using VVI. Results: RV‐SRe, RV‐Sra, and RV‐SRe/RV‐SRa were decreasing along with the disease severity. RV‐SRe, RV‐SRe/RV‐SRa in moderate and severe OSAS group showed lower than control and mild OSAS groups. RV‐SRa in severe OSAS group showed lower than control group. RV‐SRe had the best correlation with AHI than other parameters. Conclusions: Right ventricular diastolic dysfunction starts before the development of heart failure and pulmonary hypertension in patients with OSAS. RV‐SRe was the parameter that may reflect subclinical myocardial dysfunction and can better reflect RV diastolic dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Red tomato processing is one of the leading industries in Xinjiang, but also the largest export industry. In the process of tomato planting, imidacloprid (IMI) is often used to kill aphids, which poses the risk of pesticide residue. However, as daily consumables, pesticide residue on tomatoes may cause a potential threat to human health. Therefore the aims of this research were to study the residue dynamics of IMI pesticides in tomatoes by monitoring field experiments and to investigate the fate of IMI and its metabolites under Xinjiang field conditions. RESULTS: In the field trials, three different doses of IMI were sprayed on tomato during the fruit setting stage. Degradation of IMI and residue behaviors of its metabolites at different stages were systemically traced and evaluated by ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q‐Orbitrap MS). An accurate mass tool was used as the main method to identify the IMI metabolites. The improved method showed high efficiency in detecting IMI and 6‐chlorinated nicotinic acid (6‐CNA), being able to determine hazardous pesticides at trace levels. The fate of IMI in field tomato was investigated over 28 days. The metabolic mechanism of IMI in tomato is: OH products in the early stage and carbonyl products in the late stage. CONCLUSION: Under natural conditions, pesticides in tomatoes will gradually decrease with time. In this process, olefin IMI is produced, but it is almost completely metabolized after 28 days. Therefore even 10 times the recommended dose of IMI pesticide will not endanger human health. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifunctional mesoporous ZnO@BMMs were prepared via a facile and reliable post treatment, in which the influence of various parameters, including the amount of ZnCl2 doping, the different anions of the zinc salt, and the roasting temperature, on their structure, properties, and fluorescence performance were investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, DLS, XPS, BET, PL, UV, and TGA/DTG. The drug loading and release performance was explored by using ibuprofen (IBU) as a model drug. The results showed that the ZnO@BMMs before drug‐loading and after drug release possessed not only ordered mesoporous structures, but also excellent luminescence, while the specific surface area decreased as the amount of Zn‐doping increased. The fluorescence profiles exhibited near band edge emission at 392 nm and defect of oxygen vacancy emission centered at 436 nm and 510 nm. The drug delivery behavior featured a high loading capacity (up to 250 mg/g) and good sustained release performance accompanied with strong fluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The micro and small unmanned aerial vehicles (msUAVs) internet of things has been widely used in different fields. At the same time, the disordered flight of msUAVs inevitably become a potential threat to public security (such as airports, railway stations, major event venues, etc.). In view of the safety problem of msUAVs, the anti-micro and small unmanned aerial vehicles (AmsUAVs) is used to solve the defense problem of msUAVs in public safety places. The system blocks the communication link of the msUAVs by transmitting high power to achieve the purpose of low altitude control. At the same time, the AmsUAVs will also cause interference to the uplink of other nearby radio communication systems, such as civil aviation and mobile communication systems, In this paper, an analysis method based on the interference-to-noise ratio (INR) criterion is proposed and interference analysis is performed on AmsUAVs and some mobile communication systems uplink. First, to control msUAVs, it is necessary to calculate the minimum transmit power of the AmsUAVs in the corresponding frequency band according to the uplink and the radio wave propagation distance of the msUAVs. Second, to avoid harmful interference to other radio commnication systems (e.g., CDMA and TD-LTE), the frequency and distance separation between the AmsUAVs and mobile communication systems should be calculated according to factors such as application scenarios, radio wave propagation distance, and working frequency band. Finally, a simulation analysis provides the transmit power, off-axis angle, frequency separation, and distance separation of the AmsUAVs and mobile communication base station in different environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structure and size control are always considered as effective routes to enhance sensitive performance. Different from common polycrystalline porous nanosheets, herein, the general synthesis of monocrystalline ultrathin porous nanosheets (MUPNSs) by a facile decompressing decomposition (DPD) route is reported. Accompanied with the properties inherited from MUPNSs, i.e., high adsorption and strong plasma resonance, these MoO2 MUPNSs presented high sensitive activity as a surface enhanced Raman spectrum (SERS) substrate. The SERS sensitivity of MoO2 MUPNSs was about 1000 times higher than MoO2 polycrystalline ultrathin porous nanosheets (PUPNSs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The surfaces of density nano-silica spheres (DNSS) was modified using amine groups, and then novel luminescent DNSS-based materials were successfully synthesized via post-grafting various capacities of perylene-3.4.9.10-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride (PTD) and 4-amino-1,8-naphthalic anhydride (ANA). Meanwhile, their structures and properties were characterized by XRD, SAXS, TEM, N 2 sorption, FT-IR, TG-DTG, Photoluminescence and elemental analysis, as well as time-resolved decays. The results demonstrate that the ANA or PTD is uniformly distributed in the presence of outer surface of amine-modified DNSS. Two characteristic peaks centered at 525 nm and 560 nm with various amounts of surface-grafted PTD belong to aggregate states, comparably, the emission peak for ANA-DNSS samples presents the blue-shift from 520 nm to 504 nm with increasing amount of surface-grafted ANA, indicating the dispersion behaviors of ANA from aggregating to monolayer state. Meanwhile, the fluorescence decay lifetime is around 4.49ns for ANA-DNSS-10, 9.85ns for PTD-DNSS-10, longer than 3.99ns for NA-DNSS-10 in our previous report. Specially, the SAXS patterns show the increase tendencies for surface fractal value with increasing amount PTD or ANA, suggesting the structural irregularities of obtained hybrid materials for before and after surface grafting. These observations demonstrate that the surface effect in the APTES-DNSS matrix play an important role on the fluorescent behaviors. Graphical abstract fx1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the spectrum sensing performance is effected by large and small scale wireless fading channels, a novel cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) method is proposed and the performance analysis is conducted. The proposed method completes the spectrum sensing by utilizing different clusters to sense different narrow band spectrum separately over small scale fading channels, makes fusion and decision for sensing information of all secondary users (SUs) with OR rule. Then, each cluster head transmits decision results to fusion center (FC) over large or small scale fading channels, and FC converges all cluster head information of each narrow band spectrum to realize the wideband spectrum sensing. We analyzed the effect of the sensing channel, reporting channel and the number of SUs on sensing performance over fading channels. Simulation results show that the sensing performance of the proposed method is obviously better than the single secondary user spectrum sensing. When the number of SUs in each cluster is greater than 6, the proposed method can not only reduce the sensing process and communication load, but also save energy and extend the life cycle of the rest of SUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct forecasting method for Urban Rail Transit (URT) ridership at the station level is not able to reflect nonlinear relationship between ridership and its predictors. Also, population is inappropriately expressed in this method since it is not uniformly distributed by area. In this paper, a new variable, population per distance band, is considered and a back propagation neural network (BPNN) model which can reflect nonlinear relationship between ridership and its predictors is proposed to forecast ridership. Key predictors are obtained through partial correlation analysis. The performance of the proposed model is compared with three other benchmark models, which are linear model with population per distance band, BPNN model with total population, and linear model with total population, using four measures of effectiveness (MOEs), maximum relative error (MRE), smallest relative error (SRE), average relative error (ARE), and mean square root of relative error (MSRRE). Also, another model for contribution rate of population per distance band to ridership is formulated based on the BPNN model with nonpopulation variables fixed. Case studies with Japanese data show that BPNN model with population per distance band outperforms other three models and the contribution rate of population within special distance band to ridership calculated through the contribution rate model is 70%~92.9% close to actual statistical value. The result confirms the effectiveness of models proposed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel tolfenamic acid derivatives based on the structure of I-1 were designed and synthesized to improve its poor target inhibition and solubility. Among them, W10 was identified as a potent dual-target inhibitor of Topo I (IC 50 = 0.90 ± 0.17 μM) and COX-2 (IC 50 = 2.31 ± 0.07 μM) with improved water solubility (32.33 μg/mL). Moreover, W10 also exhibited fairly potent anti-proliferative and pro-apoptosis activity via the mitochondrial pathway, as well as suppressed aberrant NF-κB/IκB activation in colon cancer cells in vitro. Additionally, W10 possessed favorable pharmacokinetic properties and excellent antitumor effects in vivo. In general, our study has demonstrated the potency of a novel Topo I/COX-2 dual inhibitor, which can potentially be developed into a chemotherapeutic candidate for colon cancer. [Display omitted] • Tolfenamic acid derivatives as Topo I and COX-2 dual inhibitors were reported. • W10 exhibited improved water solubility than precursor. • W10 showed potential anti-colon cancer activity in vitro and vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma is one of the most lethal brain tumors. The crucial chemotherapy is mainly alkylating agents with modest clinical success. Given this desperate need and inspired by the encouraging results of a phase II trial via concomitant Topo I inhibitor plus COX-2 inhibitor, we designed a series of N- 2-(phenylamino) benzamide derivatives as novel anti-glioblastoma agents based on structure modification on 1,5-naphthyridine derivatives (Topo I inhibitors). Notably, the target compounds I-1 (33.61 ± 1.15 μM) and I-8 (45.01 ± 2.37 μM) were confirmed to inhibit COX-2, while a previous reported compound (1,5-naphthyridine derivative) resulted nearly inactive towards COX-2 (IC 50 > 150 μM). Besides, I-1 and I-8 exhibited higher anti-proliferation, anti-migration, anti-invasion effects than the parent compound 1,5-naphthyridine derivative, suggesting the success of modification based on the parent. Moreover, I-1 obviously repressed tumor growth in the C6 glioma orthotopic model (TGI = 66.7%) and U87MG xenograft model (TGI = 69.4%). Besides, I-1 downregulated PGE 2 , VEGF, MMP-9, and STAT3 activation, upregulated E-cadherin in the orthotopic model. More importantly, I-1 showed higher safety than temozolomide and different mechanism from temozolomide in the C6 glioma orthotopic model. All the evidence demonstrated that N- 2-(phenylamino) benzamide derivatives as novel anti-glioblastoma agents could be promising for the glioma management. [Display omitted] • N -2-(phenylamino) benzamide derivatives combating glioma were disclosed. • Targeted compound I-1 showed Topo I and COX-2 inhibition in vitro. • I-1 showed better safety profiles in vivo than temozolomide. • I-1 showed a different mechanism from temozolomide in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduced the operation problems of Guang'an LNG plant due to the components change of feed gas, which included heavy hydrocarbon blocking at low temperature and ethane adaptability. The phenomenon and reason of the problem were analyzed, and the solution and application effect were discussed. After adjusting the process parameters and adding activated carbon to remove heavy hydrocarbon, the plant ran steady. The components of the feed gas has great effect on the operation of LNG plant. Therefore, the analysis and forecast of feed gas components change are very important to new LNG plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Uniform Bi nanoparticles were obtained with high productivity. [•] The material was utilized for Pb2+ and Cd2+ detection around 10μg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COX-2 and STAT3 are two key culprits in the glioma microenvironment. Herein, to inhibit COX-2 and block STAT3 signaling, we disclosed 27 N- anthraniloyl tryptamine compounds based on the combination of melatonin derivatives and N -substituted anthranilic acid derivatives. Among them, NP16 showed the best antiproliferative activity and moderate COX-2 inhibition. Of note, NP16 decreased the level of p- JAK2 and p -STAT3, and blocked the nuclear translocation of STAT3 in GBM cell lines. Moreover, NP16 downregulated the MMP-9 expression of BV2 cells in a co-culture system of BV2 and C6 glioma cells, abrogated the proliferative/invasive/migratory abilities of GBM cells, induced apoptosis by ROS and the Bcl-2-regulated apoptotic pathway, and induced obvious G 2 /M arrest in glioma cells in vitro. Furthermore, NP16 displayed favorable pharmacokinetic profiles covering long half-life (11.43 ± 0.43 h) and high blood-brain barrier permeability. Finally, NP16 effectively inhibited tumor growth, promoted the survival rate, increased the expression of E -cadherin and reduced overproduction of PGE 2 , MMP-9, VEGF-A and the level of p -STAT3 in tumor tissue, and improved the anxiety-like behavior in C6 glioma model. All these evidences demonstrated N -anthraniloyl tryptamine derivatives as multifunctional anti-glioma agents with high potency could drain the swamp to beat glioma. [Display omitted] • A series of N-anthraniloyl tryptamine derivatives were synthesized as anti-glioma agents. • NP16 effectively attenuated the migration and invasion capacity of glioma cells. • NP16 obviously inhibited the activation of STAT3 in vitro and in vivo. • NP16 was equipped with favorable BBB penetration. • NP16 displayed a significant efficacy in C6 glioma model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on the actuator fault of the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (QUAV), an active fault-tolerant control scheme based on fixed-time linear active disturbance rejection control is proposed. Firstly, in order to simplify the complex dynamic model, the virtual control quantity is introduced to decouple the flight control system of the QUAV. Secondly, the fixed-time extended state observer (ESO) is utilized to estimate and compensate the internal uncertainty, external disturbance and actuator fault of the QUAV in fixed time. Thirdly, a continuous output feedback controller based on fixed-time ESO is designed to keep the stability of the flight control system with actuator fault and external disturbance. Finally, the closed-loop stability of the flight control system is demonstrated by Lyapunov function. The numerical simulation is carried and the results also verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we prove that the distance function of an open connected set in with a boundary is superharmonic in the distribution sense if and only if the boundary is weakly mean convex. We then prove that Hardy inequalities with a sharp constant hold on weakly mean convex domains. Moreover, we show that the weakly mean convexity condition cannot be weakened. We also prove various improved Hardy inequalities on mean convex domains along the line of Brezis and Marcus (1997) . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the first part of this paper, we get new Li–Yau type gradient estimates for positive solutions of heat equation on Riemannian manifolds with , . As applications, several parabolic Harnack inequalities are obtained and they lead to new estimates on heat kernels of manifolds with Ricci curvature bounded from below. In the second part, we establish a Perelman type Li–Yau–Hamilton differential Harnack inequality for heat kernels on manifolds with , which generalizes a result of L. Ni (2004, 2006) . As applications, we obtain new Harnack inequalities and heat kernel estimates on general manifolds. We also obtain various entropy monotonicity formulas for all compact Riemannian manifolds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We give a proof of the isoperimetric inequality for quermassintegrals of non-convex starshaped domains, using a result of Gerhardt [C. Gerhardt, Flow of nonconvex hypersurfaces into spheres, J. Differential Geometry 32 (1990) 299–314] and Urbas [J. Urbas, On the expansion of starshaped hypersurfaces by symmetric functions of their principal curvatures, Math. Z. 205 (1990) 355–372] on an expanding geometric curvature flow. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have reported the synthesis, structure-activity relationship study and anti-cancer activity evaluation of a series of Chrysamide B derivatives. [Display omitted] • The synthesis and structure-activity relationship study of Chrysamide B derivatives. • The most active compound b-9 inhibited multiple hallmarks of selected cancer cells. • Compound b-9 induced the mitochondrial-related apoptosis of selected cancer cells. • The JAK2/STAT3/Bcl-2 signaling pathway was possibly involved in the above apoptosis. Marine natural products derived from special or extreme environment provide an important source for the development of anti-tumor drugs due to their special skeletons and functional groups. In this study, based on our previous work on the total synthesis and structure revision of the novel marine natural product Chrysamide B, a group of its derivatives were designed, synthesized, and subsequently of which the anti-cancer activity, structure-activity relationships and cellular mechanism were explored for the first time. Compared with Chrysamide B, better anti-cancer performance of some derivatives against five human cancer cell lines (SGC-7901, MGC-803, HepG2, HCT-116, MCF-7) was observed, especially for compound b-9 on MGC-803 and SGC-7901 cells with the IC 50 values of 7.88 ± 0.81 and 10.08 ± 1.08 μM, respectively. Subsequently, cellular mechanism study suggested that compound b-9 treatment could inhibit the cellular proliferation, reduce the migration and invasion ability of cells, and induce mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in gastric cancer MGC-803 and SGC-7901 cells. Furthermore, the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis induced by compound b-9 is related with the JAK2/STAT3/Bcl-2 signaling pathway. To conclude, our results offer a new structure for the discovery of anti-tumor lead compounds from marine natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional fabrics with antibacterial performance are more welcome nowadays. However, the fabrication of functional fabrics with durable, steady performance via a cost-effective way remains a challenge. Polypropylene (denoted as PP) nonwoven fabric was modified by polyvinyl alcohol (denoted as PVA), followed by the in-situ deposition of silver nanoparticles (denoted as Ag NPs) to afford PVA-modified and Ag NPs-loaded PP (denoted as Ag/PVA/PP) fabric. The encapsulation of PP fiber by PVA coating contributes to greatly enhancing the adhesion of the loaded Ag NPs to the PP fiber, and the Ag/PVA/PP nonwoven fabrics exhibit significantly improved mechanical properties as well as excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (coded as E. coli). Typically, the Ag/PVA/PP nonwoven fabric obtained at a silver ammonia concentration of 30 mM has the best mechanical properties and the antibacterial rate reaches 99.99% against E. coli. The fabric retains excellent antibacterial activity even after washing for 40 cycles, showing prospects in reuse. Moreover, the Ag/PVA/PP nonwoven fabric could find promising application in industry, thanks to its desired air-permeability and moisture-permeability. In addition, we developed a roll-to-roll production process and conducted preliminary exploration to verify the feasibility of this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technological process of Qianwei LNG plant is briefly introduced. Because of the high pressure energy of pipeline, the LNG plant has the technology characteristics of simple technological process, low energy consumption of refrigeration, and low liquefied rate, etc. The main factors which influence the expander refrigeration of natural gas are discussed, and the effect series of natural gas expander, the content of heavy hydrocarbon in natural gas and precooling will have a significant effect on refrigeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 1,3-benzothiazinone derivatives were designed and synthesized for pharmacological assessments. Among the synthesized 19 compounds, some compounds showed high activities on inhibiting LPS-induced nitrite oxide and TNF- α production, down-regulating COX-2 and increasing IL-10 production in RAW264.7 cells. All the compounds had no obvious cytotoxicity in in vitro assay. LD 50 value of compound 25 was greater than 2000 mg/kg, which was safer than meloxicam. Compound 25 significantly inhibited phosphorylation of NF- κ B and STAT3 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Inhibition of synthesized compounds on COX activity was weaker than meloxicam. Compound 25 displayed lower gastrointestinal toxicity than meloxicam. Besides, compound 25 decreased the swelling in carrageenan-induced paw edema models of inflammation and reduced PGE 2 level significantly. In summary, 1,3-benzothiazinone derivatives are unique scaffolds with anti-inflammatory activity and low toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the complex etiology in neuroinflammatory process, the design of multifunctional agents is a potent strategy to cure neuroinflammatory diseases including AD and PD. Herein, based on the combination principles, 23 of N-salicyloyl tryptamine derivatives as multifunctional agents were designed and their new application for anti-neuroinflammation was disclosed. In cyclooxygenase assay, two compounds 3 and 16 displayed extremely preferable COX-2 inhibition than N-salicyloyl tryptamine. In LPS-induced C6 and BV2 cell models, some compounds decreased the production of proinflammatory mediators NO, PGE 2 , TNF-α, iNOS, COX-2 and ROS, while increased the production of IL-10. Among them, compound 3 and 16 showed approximately six-fold better inhibition on nitric oxide production than N-salicyloyl tryptamine in C6. Besides, compounds 3 , 13 and 16 attenuated the activation of BV2 and C6 cells. More importantly, in vivo, compounds 3 and 16 reduced GFAP and Iba-1 levels in the hippocampus, and displayed neuroprotection in Nissl staining. Besides, both compounds 3 and 16 had high safety (LD 50 > 1000 mg/kg). Longer plasma half-life of compounds 3 and 16 than melatonin supported combination strategy. All these results demonstrated that N-salicyloyl tryptamine derivatives are potential anti-neuroinflammation agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorder. Based on the combination principles, N-salicyloyl tryptamine derivatives were equipped with multifunctional profiles covering inhibiting COX, attenuating activation of glial cells in vitro and in vivo and alleviating neuronal damage in vivo. Image 1 • N-salicyloyl tryptamine derivatives were firstly applicated for neuroinflammation. • Some were multifunction with inhibiting COX, glia cell activation and neuron damage. • Improved efficacy, PK profiles and multifunction supported combination principle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimation is essential in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system for getting accurate channel estimation. In this paper, we propose a novel non-data-aided (NDA) SNR estimation method for UAV OFDM system to overcome the carrier interference caused by the frequency offset. First, an absolute value series is achieved which is based on the sampled received sequence, where each sampling point is validated by the data length apart. Second, by dividing absolute value series into the different series according to the total length of symbol, we obtain an output series by stacking each part. Third, the root mean squares of noise power and total power are estimated by utilizing the maximum and minimum platform in the characteristic curve of the output series after the wavelet denoising. Simulation results show that the proposed method performs better than other methods, especially in the low synchronization precision, and it has low computation complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the changes of RA function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) using velocity vector imaging (VVI) and to evaluate the application of VVI technology.Methods: According to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), 71 patients with OSAS were divided into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe. A total of 30 cases of healthy subjects were enrolled as the control group. Digital images of apex four-chamber views were acquired to measure the right atrium (RA) linear dimensions and volume parameters including RA longitudinal diameter (RAL), transverse diameter (RAT), RA maximum volume (Vmax), RA minimum volume (Vmin), right atrial volume before contraction (Vpre). Right atrial volume parameters were corrected by body surface area (VImax, VImin, VIpre). The total right atrial emptying fraction (RATEF), right atrial passive emptying fraction (RAPEF), right atrial active contraction emptying fraction (RAAEF) were calculated. The VVI data measuring right atrial global strain (RA-GLS), right atrial strain rate in ventricular systolic phase (RA-SRs), right atrial strain rate in ventricular early diastolic phase (RA-SRe), right atrial strain rate in ventricular late diastolic phase (RA-SRa).Results: 1. RA linear dimensions and volume parameters in severe OSAS were higher than those of control group. RAPEF in severe group was lower than control group and mild OSAS group (t = 2.681, P = 0.021; t = 2.985, P = 0.011; respectively). RAAEF in OSAS moderate group was higher than that of control group (t = 3.006, P = 0.02), and without statistical difference (P > 0.05) in the severe OSAS group and the control group. 2. RA-GLS in moderate OSAS group was significantly lower than that of control group (t = 2.333, P = 0.040) and reduced more obvious in the severe OSAS group (vs control, t = 3.25, P = 0.008, vs mild; t = 3.011, P = 0.012; respectively). RA-SRe in moderate and severe OSAS groups were lower than control group (t = 2.466, P = 0.031; t = 3.547, P = 0.005; respectively). RA-SRs of OSAS in severe group was lower than that of control and mild groups (t = 3.665, P = 0.004; t = 3.204, P = 0.008; respectively). RA-SRa in severe OSAS group was lower than that of control group (t = 2.425, P = 0.034). 3. Multivariate regression analysis showed that RA-GLS and RA-SRe were independently correlated with AHI (t = - 2.738, P = 0.010; t = - 2.191, P = 0.036; respectively).Conclusion: RA function was impaired in patients with OSAS. On hemodynamics, the change of RA function performed increased of reserve function, reduced pipeline function and increased of contraction function. However, the strain and strain rate reduced in different degree. RA-GLS and RA-SRe decreased the earliest, which suggested that strain and strain rate were the parameters which can reflect myocardial function damage earliest. VVI can more earlier and accurately detect myocardial dysfunction of right atrium in patients with OSAS, which is expected to be a worthy technique for early clinical therapy in patients with OSAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium perfringens is a highly versatile pathogen of humans and animals. Rapid and sensitive detection methods for C. perfringens are urgently needed for the timely implementation of control. In this study, to provide novel promising methods for the detection of C. perfringens, two rapid, sensitive, and instrument-free C. perfringens detection methods based on recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) assay and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein 12a (CRISPR/Cas12a) system were developed depending on fluorescence signal (RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-FL) and lateral flow strip (RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-LFS), respectively. The limit of detection of the RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-FL and RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-LFS methods is 2 copies and 20 copies of C. perfringens genomic DNA per reaction, respectively, and the whole process can be completed in 1 hr. Moreover, these two methods show no cross-reactivity with nontarget bacteria, which were used as a negative control to evaluate the specificity of two developed methods in the detection of C. perfringens and have 100% consistent with real-time polymerase chain reaction tests for 12 clinical samples collected from 2 Chinese Milu at Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center and 6 spiked samples from human blood and stool. Overall, the constructed C. perfringens detection methods, RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-FL and RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-LFS, have great potential as a novel detection scheme for the early diagnosis of C. perfringens infection in humans and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mitral regurgitation volume (MRvol) by quantitative pulsed Doppler (QPD) method previously recommended suffers from geometric assumption error because of circular geometric assumption of mitral annulus (MA). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different geometric assumption of MA on the assessment of MRvol by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic QPD method.Methods: This study included 88 patients with varying degrees of mitral regurgitation (MR). The MRvol was evaluated by QPD method using circular or ellipse geometric assumption of MA. MRvol derived from effective regurgitant orifice area by real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) multiplied by MR velocity-time integral was used as reference method.Results: Assumption of a circular geometry of MA, QPD-MAA4C and QPD-MAPLAX overestimated the MRvol by a mean difference of 10.4 ml (P < 0.0001) and 22.5 ml (P < 0.0001) compared with RT3DE. Assumption of an ellipse geometry of MA, there was no significant difference of MRvol (mean difference = 1.7 ml, P = 0.0844) between the QPD-MAA4C + A2C and the RT3DE.Conclusions: Assuming that the MA was circular geometry previously recommended, the MRvol by QPD-MAA4C was overestimated compared with the reference method. However, assuming that the MA was ellipse geometry, the MRvol by the QPD-MAA4C + A2C has no significant difference with the reference method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this corresponence paper, we address the spectrum sensing problem under the non-Gaussian noise scenario characterized by the symmetric alpha stable ($\text{S}\alpha \text{S}$) model. In this paper, a novel spectrum sensing method is proposed using the maximum generalized correntropy, aimed at improving the spectrum sensing performance in low generalized signal-to-noise ratio conditions. To further enhance the robustness of the proposed method, multiple receive antennas are applied to carry out cooperative spectrum sensing. Besides, a modified conjugate gradient algorithm is used to optimize the sparse vector for cooperative spectrum sensing. Finally, simulation results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Growing evidence shows that C-Type Lectin Domain Containing 7A (Clec7a) may be involved into neuroinflammatory injury of various neurological diseases. However, its roles in neuropathic pain remain unclear. Methods: A chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model was constructed, and gene expression profilings in spinal cord tissues of CCI-insulted rats were detected by both microarray and RNA-seq studies. A series of bioinformatics analyses identified C/EBPβ-Clec7a to be a candidate axis involved into neuropathic pain. Then, its roles in mechanical allodynia, and pathological and molecular changes during CCI progression were determined by various gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments in vivo and in vitro. Results: Significant upregulation of Clec7a at both mRNA and protein levels were verified in spinal cord tissues of CCI-insulted rats. Clec7a knockdown markedly attenuated CCI-induced mechanical allodynia, obstructed Syk, ERK and JNK phosphorylation, inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase-1 activation, GSDMD cleavage, and consequently reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (all P < 0.05). Mechanically, the rat Clec7a promoter was predicted to bind with transcription factor C/EBPβ, confirmed by Luciferase assay and ChIP-qPCR. Both in vivo and in vitro assays demonstrated that C/EBPβ knockdown significantly suppressed CCI- or LPS/ATP-induced Clec7a upregulation, and subsequently reduced Syk, ERK and JNK phosphorylation, NLRP3 oligomerization, caspase-1 activation, GSDMD expression and pyroptosis, which were markedly reversed by the co-transfection of Clec7a expression vector. Conclusions: This pre-clinical investigation reveals that C/EBPβ-Clec7a axis may be a potential target for relieving neuropathic pain through alleviating neuroinflammation, paving its way for clinical translation as a promising approach for neuropathic pain therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some physical processes such as oil and gas development, metal deposit collection, and groundwater resource migration can cause density changes, for which microgravity monitoring is the most intuitive method to monitor the density change process. Based on the basic principle of microgravity measurement and the idea of multiscale separation, a multiscale, second-order, surface-fitting, residual gravity anomaly extraction method is proposed to separate superimposed microgravity fields. In this method, regional fields of different scales are fitted and calculated successively with the measurement points as the center, so as to separate the gravity anomalies produced by different-depth density bodies. Results from actual data show that this method extracts the reservoir's residual density characteristics of plane gravity anomaly on the basis of remaining oil distribution characteristics, consistent with reservoir numerical simulation results. A three-dimensional least-squares inversion of the method for extracting residual gravity anomaly was carried out, with the inversion results consistent with the results of vertical remaining oil distribution characteristics and well-test production results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing an improved one-step nanocasting method, ordered mesostructured In 2 O 3 doped with different rare earth metals was synthesized. The obtained materials showed tunable doping ratios and ordered pore structure with high surface area, which led to remarkable sensitivity and selectivity for NH 3 gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although gastric cancer has become a major public health problem, oral agents applied in clinics for gastric cancer therapy are scarce. Therefore, to explore new oral chemical entities with high efficiency and low toxicity, 41 o -aminobenzamide derivatives based on the scaffolds of MS-275 and SAHA were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anti-gastric cancer abilities in vitro and in vivo. Structure-activity relationships were discussed, leading to the identification of compounds F8 (IC 50 = 0.28 μM against HGC-27 cell) and T9 (IC 50 = 1.84 μM against HGC-27 cell) with improved cytotoxicity, anti-gastric cancer proliferation potency, induction of cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest ability, inhibition of cell migration and invasion. What is worth mentioning is that compound F8 was more efficient and less toxic than the positive drug capecitabine in vivo on the HGC-27-xenograft model. Meanwhile, compound F8 exhibited suitable pharmacokinetic properties and less acute toxicity (LD 50 > 1000 mg/kg). Besides, western blotting analysis, IHC analysis, differentially expressed proteins analysis and ABPP experiment indicated that compound F8 could modulate molecular pathways involved in apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Consequently, compound F8 is a strong candidate for the development of human gastric cancer therapy. [Display omitted] • 41 o -Aminobenzamide derivatives combating gastric cancer were revealed. • F8 modulated molecular pathways involved in apoptosis and cell cycle progression. • F8 displayed more efficacious and lower toxicity than the positive drug in vitro and in vivo. • F8 had a suitable PK profile and less toxicity (LD 50 > 1000 mg/kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokine storms characterized by excessive secretion of circulating cytokines and immune-cell hyperactivation are life-threatening systemic inflammatory syndromes. The new strategy is in great demand to inhibit the cytokine storm. Here, we designed a type of magnetically controlled nanorobots (MAGICIAN) by fusing neutrophil membranes onto Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 NPs). In our study, the receptors of neutrophil membranes were successfully coated to the surface of Fe 3 O 4 NPs. The associated membrane functions of neutrophils were highly preserved. MAGICIAN could in vitro neutralize the inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interferon γ (IFN-γ). Interestingly, MAGICIAN could be navigated to the liver sites under magnetic control and accelerated the cytokine clearance by the liver. Administration of MAGICIAN could efficiently relieve the inflammation in the acute lung injury mouse model. In addition, MAGICIAN displayed good biosafety in systemic administration. The present study provides a safe and convenient approach for the clearance of cytokine storms, indicating the potential for clinical application in acute lung injury therapy. [Display omitted] • MAGICIAN enable to bind with the pro-inflammatory cytokines. • MAGICIAN navigated effective cytokine clearance in the liver with magnetic field. • MAGICIAN showed improved stability in the presence or absence of serum. • MAGICIAN provided great potential for the personalized treatment. • MAGICIAN exhibited excellent biosafety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetics of the phase transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) chains from the dilute regime to the semidilute regime was studied by using a homemade fluorescence spectrometer equipped with an ultrafast pulsed infrared laser (width ∼10 ns and λ = 1.54 μm). We used 8-anilino-1-naphthalensulfonic acid ammonium salt (ANS) free in water as a fluorescent probe to monitor the conformation changes of the PNIPAM chains. Our results have revealed that in the dilute regime there exists two characteristic transition times that are less than 1 ms, namely, τpearls(∼0.02 ms), which can be attributed to the nucleation and initial growth of some “pearls” (locally contracting segments) on the chain, and τcoarsening(∼0.2 ms), which is related to the merging and coarsening of the pearls. At semidilute regime, an extra (third) process (τ ∼ 1.5 ms) appeared, and the contribution from the third process increased with PNIPAM concentration, which can presumably be related to the process of disentanglement of the polymer. A new method to detect the inhomogeneities of the polymer chain segments has been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, a novel decentralized adaptive neural control scheme is proposed for a class of interconnected large-scale uncertain nonlinear time-delay systems with input saturation. RBF neural networks (NNs) are used to tackle unknown nonlinear functions, then the decentralized adaptive NN tracking controller is constructed by combining Lyapunov–Krasovskii functions and the dynamic surface control (DSC) technique along with the minimal-learning-parameters (MLP) algorithm. The stability analysis subject to the effect of input saturation constrains are conducted with the help of an auxiliary design system based on the Lyapunov–Krasovskii method. The proposed controller guarantees uniform ultimate boundedness (UUB) of all the signals in the closed-loop large-scale system, while the tracking errors converge to a small neighborhood of the origin. An advantage of the proposed control scheme lies in that the number of adaptive parameters for each subsystem is reduced to one, and three problems of “computational explosion”, “dimension curse” and “controller singularity” are solved, respectively. Finally, a numerical simulation is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed scheme. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The dimensions of linear polymer chains are scaled to their molar mass (M) as R = kMα with α =1/2 and 3/5 in a theta and an athermal solvent, respectively. In a good solvent, both k and α are a function of the solvent quality and chain length range. A high-temperature laser light-scattering spectrometer was used to measure the average radius of gyration (〈R g〉) and hydrodynamic radius (〈R h〉) of a set of narrowly distributed linear polystyrene chains in decalin over a wide temperature range. k and α in the scaling experimentally varying with T over a chain length range was analyzed. The results reveal that for 〈R g〉, α =0.59−0.09exp(−τ/0.066) and k =0.60τ 2α−1, reasonably agreeing with the thermal blob theory. For 〈R h〉, α =0.59−0.09exp(−τ/0.106), but k deviates from the relationship of k ∝ τ 2α−1, reflecting that the hydrodynamic interaction and chain draining are not considered in the thermal blob theory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Though plasmonic Au and Ag nanocrystals are predicted as the best substrate materials for surface enhacned Raman spectrum (SERS), realization of their large‐scale applications is hindered by the high cost. How to reduce the amount of noble‐metals and achive excellent SERS enhancement factor is an urgent issue to be solved. Herein, a general freeze‐drying‐assisted in‐situ reduction method for the large‐scale synthesis of ultrathin Ag clusters modified oxygen vacancies‐rich W18O49 ultrathin nanowires based on the intrinsic reducibility of the oxygen vacancies contained in crystal lattice has been reported, which realizes high density loading of Ag clusters without external reductants and protective additives. As a new SERS substrate, the ultrathin Ag clusters loaded W18O49 ultrathin nanowires not only save a lot of noble metals, but also show an unexpected ultrahigh SERS sensitivity, which EF is up to 4.3×107 and lowest detection limit for Rhodamine 6G is as high as 10−10 M. The Ag clusters modified W18O49 ultrathin nanowires also exhibit excellent universality for a series of highly concerned hazardous chemicals in practical detection, such as bisphenol A, melamine, 2,4‐dichlorophenol and butyl hydroxy anisd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A streamlined analytical workflow was developed for the analysis of infant drink samples using a miniature mass spectrometry system preceded by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and extraction nano-electrospray ionization. Potential chemical contaminants in infant drinks (milk, lactic acid bacteria beverage, and fruit juice) were extracted and enriched using a custom-made stainless-steel SPME probe, which was coated with a thin layer of polyaniline and multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites (PANI/MWCNTs) by electrochemical deposition. The resulting porous microstructure has a larger surface area and enhanced microextraction efficiency, with enrichment factors ranging from 3055 to 8695 for exemplary analytes of antibiotics, bisphenol A, and perfluorinated compounds. The enriched analytes on the electrochemically fabricated SPME probe were simultaneously desorbed and ionized within a pulled glass capillary by extraction nano-electrospray ionization. The ionized species were subjected to instrumental analysis on a miniature ion trap mass spectrometer with adequate tandem mass spectrometry capability. The developed method was optimized and validated in terms of sensitivity, linearity, repeatability, and recovery. The integrated experimental protocol combining SPME, ambient ionization, and miniature mass spectrometry is promising for rapid, on-site screening of hazardous substances in food to ensure consumer health. Image 1 • A streamlined protocol combining solid-phase microextraction and miniature mass spectrometry analysis. • A custom-made solid-phase microextraction probe coated with polyaniline and multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites. • Direct, on-site identification of potential chemical pollutants in infant drinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract This research confirmed that azalomycin F 5a can increase the membrane permeability of MRSA cell, and which had likely achieved by the synergy of its lactone ring binding to the polar head of phospholipid and its guanidyl side chain targeting to lipoteichoic acid (LTA). This would subsequently cause the release of cellular substance, and eventually lead to the autolysis of MRSA cells. Nevertheless, it is unknown how azalomycin F 5a interacts with MRSA cellular LTA, such as influencing the physiological function of LTA, inhibiting LTA synthase and polymerase, and/or accelerating the release of LTA? Highlights • Azalomycin F 5a can increase cell-membrane permeability to kill Staphylococcus aureus. • Azalomycin F 5a disrupts the cell membrane by interacting with phospholipid. • The lactone ring of azalomycin F 5a can stably bind to the polar head of phospholipid. • Azalomycin F 5a -induced lysis of MRSA can be inhibited by cellular lipoteichoic acid. • The guanidyl chain of azalomycin F 5a likely targets to lipoteichoic acid of S. aureus. Abstract Azalomycin F 5a was a polyhydroxy macrolide produced by streptomycete strains. Our preliminary researches indicated that it could kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) likely by increasing the permeability of cell membrane, and that cell-membrane phospholipids were likely important targets. To confirm this, membrane permeability assay was performed and visualized by fluorescence staining, and then the detailed interactions between azalomycin F 5a and model membranes prepared with 1,2-dihexadecanoyl- sn -glycero-3-phospho-(1'- rac -glycerol) (DPPG) were determined using attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The results indicated that there were strong interactions between azalomycin F 5a and model membranes, especially between azalomycin F 5a and the polar head of phospholipid. For further evidence and details, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the interactions between azalomycin F 5a and DPPG or lysyl-DPPG were performed using Amber16 software package. A strong interaction between the lactone ring of azalomycin F 5a and the polar head of DPPG or lysyl-DPPG had been clearly observed. Moreover, a larger distribution probability out of phospholipid bilayer had been discovered for the guanidyl side chain of azalomycin F 5a , especially when probable anion molecules anchoring on the cytoplasmic membrane occurred. Therefore, lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a vital component of gram-positive bacterial envelope, was investigated for its probable interactions with azalomycin F 5a using broth microdilution method. The results showed that azalomycin F 5a -induced MRSA lysis could be prevented by LTA. This deduced that there were some interactions between azalomycin F 5a , more likely its guanidyl side chain, and LTA. Thereby, azalomycin F 5a increasing the cell-membrane permeability of MRSA had likely achieved by the synergy of its lactone ring binding to the polar head of phospholipid and its guanidyl side chain targeting to LTA, and which had eventually led to the autolysis of MRSA cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate for the first time that metallic carbide nanoparticles with a strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect could be used as SERS substrates to detect trace substances. They achieve a noble metal-comparable enhancement factor of 6.4 × 107. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Missense mutations in EGFR exon 20 are rare in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and mostly insensitive to the first generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of EGFR. However, their responses to the third generation TKI are unclear. Here, we reported a patient with advanced NSCLC harboring a rare EGFR H773L/V774M mutation complex. Although he was irresponsive to the first generation TKI gefitinib, he demonstrated sustained disease control to osimertinib, suggesting that this complex is an activating mutation of EGFR and can be suppressed by osimertinib. The follow-up genetic profiling revealed multiple acquired new mutations that might be related to his resistance to osimertinib. This finding would provide valuable experience for future treatment of the same mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is one of promising cancer therapy with high efficiency and minimal invasiveness. Exploiting of perfect PTT agent is vital to improve the therapy. In this study, a new type of bow tie-like molybdenum dioxide (MoO 2 ) nanoparticles was successfully synthesized. These nanobow-ties had strong localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect from visible to near infrared regions, and exhibited ultrahigh chemical stability. They could not only withstand high temperature heating without oxidation, but also resist the corrosion of strong acid and alkali. Meanwhile, the MoO 2 nanoparticles were highly stable in protein-containing biological medium, though they partly degraded in PBS solution. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that they exhibited inappreciable toxicity. Under illumination of near infrared laser, they showed excellent PTT effect, as revealed by significant inhibition of cancer cell viability in vitro and efficient destruction in tumor tissue growth in vivo . These MoO 2 nanoparticles possessed highly chemical stability and low toxicity with high PTT efficiency, thus promising them high potential as nanoagent in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]