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Diabetes is a significant global public health issue with implications for vascular endothelial cells (ECs) dysfunction and the subsequent development and advancement of diabetes complications. This study aims to compare the cellular and molecular properties of the aorta in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, with a focus on elucidating potential mechanism underlying EC dysfunction. Here, we performed a single-cell RNA sequencing survey of 32,573 cells from the aorta of normal and STZ-induced diabetic mice. We found a compendium of 10 distinct cell types, mainly ECs, smooth muscle cells, fibroblast, pericyte, immune cells, and stromal cells. As the diabetes condition progressed, we observed a subpopulation of aortic ECs that exhibited significantly elevated expression of complement (C) molecule C1qa compared with their healthy counterparts. This increased expression of C1qa was found to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, facilitate EC migration and increased permeability, and impair the vasodilation within the aortic segment of mice. Furthermore, AAV-Tie2-shRNA-C1qa was administered into diabetic mice by tail vein injection, showing that inhibition of C1qa in the endothelium led to a reduction in ROS production, decreased vascular permeability, and improved vasodilation. Collectively, these findings highlight the crucial involvement of C1qa in endothelial dysfunction associated with diabetes. Article Highlights: The molecular mechanisms and cellular heterogeneity of C1q in endothelial cells, which regulate vascular function, remain unclear. C1q is involved in the regulation of vascular function. C1q in vascular endothelial cells can regulate vascular function, including permeability, immunity, and diastolic function. C1q represents a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of endothelial dysfunction associated with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beneficial fungi are well known for their contribution to insects' adaptation to diverse habitats. However, where insect-associated fungi reside and the underlying mechanisms of insect-fungi interaction are not well understood. Here, we show a pellet-like structure on the legs of mealybugs, a group of economically important insect pests. This at-leg pellet, formed by mealybugs feeding on tomato but not by those on cotton, potato, or eggplant, originates jointly from host secretions and mealybug waxy filaments. A fungal strain, Penicillium citrinum, is present in the pellets and it colonizes honeydew. P. citrinum can inhibit mealybug fungal pathogens and is highly competitive in honeydew. Compounds within the pellets also have inhibitory activity against mealybug pathogens. Further bioassays suggest that at-leg pellets can improve the survival rate of Phenacoccus solenopsis under pathogen pressure, increase their sucking frequency, and decrease the defense response of host plants. Our study presents evidences on how a fungi-associated at-leg pellet provides multiple protections for mealybugs through suppressing pathogens and host defense, providing new insights into complex insect × fungi × plant interactions and their coevolution. A Penicillium citrinum-associated pellet at mealybugs' legs, which forms on mealybugs feeding on tomato and originates jointly from plant secretions and waxy filaments, provides multiple protections for mealybugs through suppressing pathogens and host defense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In light of previous studies that profiled breed-specific traits or used genome-wide association studies to refine loci associated with characteristic morphological features in dogs, the field has gained tremendous genetic insights for known dog traits observed among breeds. Here we aim to address the question from a reserve perspective: whether there are breed-specific genotypes that may underlie currently unknown phenotypes. This study provides a complete set of breed-specific genetic signatures (BSGS). Several novel BSGS with significant protein-altering effects were highlighted and validated. Results: Using the next generation whole-genome sequencing technology coupled with unsupervised machine learning for pattern recognitions, we constructed and analyzed a high-resolution sequence map for 76 breeds of 412 dogs. Genomic structures including novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), SNP clusters, insertions, deletions (INDELs) and short tandem repeats (STRs) were uncovered mutually exclusively among breeds. We also partially validated some novel nonsense variants by Sanger sequencing with additional dogs. Four novel nonsense BSGS were found in the Bernese Mountain Dog, Samoyed, Bull Terrier, and Basset Hound, respectively. Four INDELs resulting in either frame-shift or codon disruptions were found in the Norwich Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Chow Chow and Bernese Mountain Dog, respectively. A total of 15 genomic regions containing three types of BSGS (SNP-clusters, INDELs and STRs) were identified in the Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Chow Chow, Field Spaniel, Keeshond, Shetland Sheepdog and Sussex Spaniel, in which Keeshond and Sussex Spaniel each carried one amino-acid changing BSGS in such regions. Conclusion: Given the strong relationship between human and dog breed-specific traits, this study might be of considerable interest to researchers and all. Novel genetic signatures that can differentiate dog breeds were uncovered. Several functional genetic signatures might indicate potentially breed-specific unknown phenotypic traits or disease predispositions. These results open the door for further investigations. Importantly, the computational tools we developed can be applied to any dog breeds as well as other species. This study will stimulate new thinking, as the results of breed-specific genetic signatures may offer an overarching relevance of the animal models to human health and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A comprehensive review of recovery methods is aimed at all kinds of ILs/DESs. • Various useful analytical methods are summarized for ILs/DESs after recovery. • Systematic comparison and thermodynamics are provided for different objectives. • Environment-health-safety issues are also addressed for post-treatment study. Green solvents have been used to varying degrees in processes such as extraction, separation, synthesis, catalysis, analysis, materials preparation and so on; meanwhile more and more processes have been operated at the large scale. Therefore, the methods for their recovery and post-treatment have been widely explored. This paper aims to study the recovery and post-treatment processes of green solvents, in order to address the issues of resource waste and environmental pollution caused by traditional organic solvents in industrial production. Firstly, this review summarizes the strategies for the recovery of two kinds of green solvents (ionic liquids, ILs and deep eutectic solvents, DESs) in recent years, including distillation, extraction, washing, adsorption, membrane separation and other methods. In order to address the recycling needs of different green solvents and industrial production, appropriate post-treatment processes are selected by considering the efficiency, economy, and feasibility of the processes. The effectiveness of related processes for various green solvents was then evaluated, including recovery rate, purification efficiency, and resource utilization. Systematic comparison and thermodynamics analysis were also provided for readers. Finally, a summary of detection and characterization ways for ILs and DESs was provided, including general methods, ion chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy, capillary electrochromatography, ultraviolet spectroscopy, planar chromatography, and fluorescence quenching and probe methods for analyzing residual ILs after recovery, as well as nonaqueous titrations, argentimetry, gas chromatography, and colorimetry for DESs. As a whole, this review provides important references and guidance for green chemical engineering and sustainable development, and has certain theoretical and practical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fractional order sliding mode control (FOSMC) based on single parameter adaptive law for nano‐positioning of Piezoelectric Actuators (PEAs) is proposed. First, the Bouc–Wen (B–W) model is used to describe the hysteresis of the nano‐position platform based on PEAs, which provides a mathematical model for the subsequent controller design. Then, theoretical support is provided to design the FOSMC based on adaptive law of different parameters, which are proposed for the displacement tracking problem of PEAs, and the position error convergence is also proved. Moreover, the core parameters of FOSMC based on single parameter adaptive law are identified by hybrid differential evolution (HDE) and adaptive differential evolution (ADE), which require considering the relationship between the scaling factor and the cross‐probability factor. Finally, experiments have been conducted with the displacement signals mixed with multiple frequencies and multiple amplitudes and the results obtained from them show that the proposed control scheme can produce a faster response and smaller tracking errors in PEAs system as compared to traditional control algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallium (Ga) and indium (In) are rare metals widely used in the high-tech industry. Gallium-based liquid metal (G-LM) waste is produced during the preparation of liquid metal and related products. G-LM waste is a potential source of gallium and indium. In this study, the saturated vapor pressure, separation coefficient, and gas–liquid equilibrium phase diagram were determined using the simplified molecular interaction volume model. A two-stage vacuum distillation method was used to recover Ga–In alloy from G-LM waste. First, low-temperature vacuum distillation was used to recover 98.23 % of Zn under optimal conditions (1–5 Pa; 773 K; 60 min). Then, the Ga–In alloy was recovered through high-temperature vacuum distillation. Under the optimal conditions (1–5 Pa; 1523 K; 120 min), the recovery rates of gallium and indium were 85.14 and 95.23 %, and the content of Ga–In alloy in the product was 99.46 %. Compared with the traditional hydrometallurgical process for recovering gallium and indium, this process generates no exhaust gas or waste. In addition, this new method is simple, efficient, clean, and pollution-free. Overall, this new method for recovering Ga–In alloy provides a new avenue for comprehensively utilizing G-LM waste. • The simplified MIVM was used to effectively predict the experimental results. • The two-stage vacuum distillation treatment of G-LM waste has a significant effect. • A new method for recovering Ga–In alloy from G-LM waste is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: The (SnO2-cPCN) ETL shows superior electron mobility of 3.3 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is about three times higher than that of pristine SnO2. The less wettable SnO2-cPCN leads to perovskite layers with reduced grain boundaries and enhanced qualities due to suppressed heterogeneous nucleation of perovskite. The PSCs based on SnO2-cPCN showed negligible J–V hysteresis and two champion PCE of 23.17% and 20.3% on devices with 0.1 and 1 cm2 active area, respectively.Efficient electron transport layers (ETLs) not only play a crucial role in promoting carrier separation and electron extraction in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) but also significantly affect the process of nucleation and growth of the perovskite layer. Herein, crystalline polymeric carbon nitrides (cPCN) are introduced to regulate the electronic properties of SnO2 nanocrystals, resulting in cPCN-composited SnO2 (SnO2-cPCN) ETLs with enhanced charge transport and perovskite layers with decreased grain boundaries. Firstly, SnO2-cPCN ETLs show three times higher electron mobility than pristine SnO2 while offering better energy level alignment with the perovskite layer. The SnO2-cPCN ETLs with decreased wettability endow the perovskite films with higher crystallinity by retarding the crystallization rate. In the end, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of planar PSCs can be boosted to 23.17% with negligible hysteresis and a steady-state efficiency output of 21.98%, which is one of the highest PCEs for PSCs with modified SnO2 ETLs. SnO2-cPCN based devices also showed higher stability than pristine SnO2, maintaining 88% of the initial PCE after 2000 h of storage in the ambient environment (with controlled RH of 30% ± 5%) without encapsulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tandem solar cells (TSCs) comprising stacked narrow‐bandgap and wide‐bandgap subcells are regarded as the most promising approach to break the Shockley–Queisser limit of single‐junction solar cells. As the game‐changer in the photovoltaic community, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites became the front‐runner candidate for mating with other efficient photovoltaic technologies in the tandem configuration for higher power conversion efficiency, by virtue of their tunable and complementary bandgaps, excellent photoelectric properties, and solution processability. In this review, a perspective that critically dilates the progress of perovskite material selection and device design for perovskite‐based TSCs, including perovskite/silicon, perovskite/copper indium gallium selenide, perovskite/perovskite, perovskite/CdTe, and perovskite/GaAs are presented. Besides, all‐inorganic perovskite CsPbI3 with high thermal stability is proposed as the top subcell in TSCs due to its suitable bandgap of ≈1.73 eV and rapidly increasing efficiency. To minimize the optical and electrical losses for high‐efficiency TSCs, the optimization of transparent electrodes, recombination layers, and the current‐matching principles are highlighted. Through big data analysis, wide‐bandgap perovskite solar cells with high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) are in dire need in further study. In the end, opportunities and challenges to realize the commercialization of TSCs, including long‐term stability, area upscaling, and mitigation of toxicity, are also envisioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering gallium-based liquid metal (G-LM) waste as a kind of hazardous waste, it may pose a serious threat to the surrounding environment and human health if it improperly disposed. Meanwhile, gallium and indium are its main metal elements with high recovery value. Here, a scheme for the acid-leaching resin separation and purification of Ga and In was proposed. First, G-LM waste was leached with 3 M HNO 3 for 2 h at 40 °C. Under the optimal conditions, more than 99.99% of Ga, In, and Zn was leached, and then adsorbed and eluted from the solution by a CL-P204 solvent-impregnated resin. Most Sn existed as β-H 2 SnO 3 and entered the slag phase. The recovery and purity of Ga were 96.01% and 99.49%, while those of In were 99.83% and 98.23%. The P204 solvent-impregnated resin used in the experimental process can be recycled, this work demonstrates a new and environmentally friendly method for the separation and purification of Ga and In from G-LM waste. [Display omitted] • The leaching effect of HNO 3 on gallium-based liquid metal (G-LM) waste is remarkable. • The effect of separating and recovering Ga and In with CL-P204 resin is obvious. • A new method for recovering Ga and In from G-LM waste is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outstanding performance of halide perovskite makes it one of the champion materials for applications in optoelectronic devices. However, the stability of perovskites limits their practical applications. Among all the factors influencing the stability of perovskites, defects are one of the key factors. Till now, many chemical methods have been proposed to passivate defects. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of in situ passivation methods without the change of the composition of perovskites. Here, it is found that the external electric field can passivate the defects in FPEA2PbI4 (FPEAI = 2‐(4‐Fluorophenyl)ethylamine Hydroiodide) film in a capacitive device at 78 K, and the PL intensity can be enhanced greatly. A "charge‐soaking effect" can be observed, that is PL intensity continues to increase for a long time after removing the electric field. Besides the emission peak from free exciton, two other peaks at the lower energy side from defect‐bound excitons are observed. They are more susceptible to the external electric field than the free exciton. This work will deepen the understanding of exciton behavior and the interaction of electric field with excitons in two–dimensional (2D) hybrid perovskites for efficient light–emitting diodes (LEDs) and electrically pumped lasers. It provides a new in situ passivation method of perovskites for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To explore the modulation of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) on A-type potassium channels injured by kainic acid (KA) and its molecular mechanism. METHODS: Primary cultured caudate nucleus (CN) neurons were treated with KA to establish a neuroexcitatory toxicity model. Whole-cell patch clamp recording was performed to observe the changes of electrical activity of A-type potassium channels induced by KA-induced excitatory toxicity and 2-AG-mediated neuroprotective effect. RESULTS: In cultured CN neurons, patch clamp experiments confirmed that KA significantly decreased the A-type potassium channel current (Iʌ) density and changed the electrical function of CN neurons: the slope (k) of inactivation curve and the recovery time constant (τ) after inactivation of A-type potassium channels in CN neurons were significantly increased. The experiments showed that the increase in 2-AG level, whether using 2-AG directly or application of monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor URB602 to decrease 2-AG metabolism and increase 2-AG level indirectly, inhibited the KA-induced reduction of Iʌ density and the changes of electrical activity of A-type potassium channels through cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) : 2-AG effectively antagonized the KA-induced increases in τ value and k value for inactivation of A-type potassium channels, which accelerated the recovery process after inactivation of the channels. CONCLUSION: The changes of the electrical characteristics of A-type potassium channels may be one of the mechanisms of KA-induced excitotoxic injury of CN neurons. The 2-AG plays a neuroprotective role in KA-induced neuroexcitatory toxic model by regulating the function of A-type potassium channels through CB1R. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-halide perovskites-based optoelectronic devices, such as solar cells and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), are transitioning from promising performers to direct competitors to well-established technologies due to the advantage of cost-effectiveness. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved power conversion efficiency beyond 25% in less than ten years, showing great potential in low-cost photovoltaics with high efficiency and low fabrication cost. Nanostructured perovskites have yielded world-record LEDs due to their high versatility in the local management of charge carriers and the close-to-unit photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQY). However, the development of such perovskite optoelectronic devices is still restricted by their narrow light absorption band, low charge carrier mobility, energy level mismatching, and poor stability and lifespan of the devices. Lanthanides have been applied in perovskite optoelectronic devices to minimize the abovementioned shortcomings. Herein, we provide a brief review of the history of lanthanide materials in perovskite optoelectronic devices and a detailed discussion of the recent developments in this field. We will focus on the advances in lanthanide-doped downshifting downconversion, upconversion systems, perovskite light-harvesters, and charge transport layers for both PSCs and lanthanides-doped perovskite quantum dots/nanocrystals (QDs/NCs) for photoluminescent devices. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn cation trapping by polymeric aza-15-crown-5 ethers is an effective means for mitigating the consequences of Mn dissolution in Li-ion batteries. Mn cations trapping was investigated in lithium manganese oxide (LMO) spinel–graphite (GR) cells containing 1 M LiPF 6 in ethylene carbonate (EC):diethyl carbonate (DEC) 1:2 v/v. A commercial polyolefin separator membrane coated with poly[divinylbenzene-(vinylbenzyl-aza-15-crown-5)-vinylbenzylchloride)] effected a 39% reduction in capacity loss rate during cycling at 50 °C with 100% depth of discharge (DOD) at C/5 rate. Simultaneously, a 50–60% reduction in the Mn deposited at the negative electrode, and a 6× to 10× increase in the Mn on the coated separator were observed for cells with coated separators, over baseline cells with plain separators. X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) yielded average oxidation states near +3 for Mn cations in graphite electrodes and separators from cycled cells, suggesting that Mn metal or in oxidation state +2 can only be minor fractions of the Mn existing outside the positive electrode. We discuss the implications of these results for choosing an optimal chelating agent. We also show that the cation chelating polymer reported here is compatible with existing manufacturing processes for Li-ion battery separators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Contrast media induce various factors that may increase vasoconstriction and decrease vasodilatation in the renal medulla, leading to hypoxia and acute tubular necrosis known as contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) that tends to occur in diabetics and patients with preexisting renal insufficiency. Contrast media inhibit mitochondrial enzyme activities and subsequently increase adenosine through hydrolysis of ATP. Both catabolism of adenosine and medullary hypoxia generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that scavenge nitric oxide (NO). Released along with endothelin and prostaglandin from endothelial cells exposed to contrast media, adenosine activates the A1 receptor that mainly constricts afferent arteriole at the glomerulus but not the medullary vasculature. Adenosine also activates the A2 receptor that increases NO production, leading to medullary vasodilatation which is induced by activation of endothelin-B receptor and G-protein coupled E-prostanoid receptor 2, and 4 of prostaglandin PGE2 respectively as well. Conversely medullary vasoconstriction is mediated by activating endothelin-A receptor and G-protein coupled E-prostanoid receptor 1, and 3 of prostaglandin PGE2 respectively. The osmotic load of contrast media increases interstitial pressure and sodium transport and thus oxygen consumption. Risking hypoxia, increased medullary oxygen consumption may also result from stimulating Na+–K+-ATPase activity by endothelin-A receptor. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) scavenges ROS and therefore preserves NO that not only dilates medullary vasculature but also reduces sodium reabsorption and oxygen consumption, tipping the balance against medullary vasoconstriction, hypoxia, and thus CIN. While prostacyclin and its analog, iloprost, prevent CIN by inducing medullary vasodilatation, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) may do so by inhibiting renin secretion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A series of sub-100 nm superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticleswith amphiphilic poly(acrylic acid-b-butylacrylate);PAA-b-PBA) copolymer shells were synthesized andcharacterized by NMR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS),transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis(TGA), and a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) toinvestigate the effect of the polymer structure on the interfacialtension for nanoparticles adsorbed at the dodecane-water interface.Large reductions in interfacial tension of up to 27.6 mN/m were measuredat nanoparticle concentrations of 0.27 wt %, indicating significantnanoparticle adsorption and interaction between the oil and watermolecules at the interface. The adsorption energy of the polymer-coatednanoparticles at the dodecane/water interface was determined fromthe interfacial tension and nanoparticle radius, and analyzed in termsof the structure of the polymer stabilizer. Furthermore, the equilibriumadsorption of amphiphilic copolymer-functionalized iron oxide nanoclustersat the oil–water interface was determined by material balancefrom the concentration in the excess water phase and the known overalloil/water interfacial area. The formation and stabilization of oildroplets were on the order of 10 μm in water with unusuallylow nanoparticle concentrations was explained in terms of the highinterfacial activity of the particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of the single doped seeds (α-Al2O3, γ-Al2O3 and (NH4)3AlF6) and co-doped seeds (γ-Al2O3 +(NH4)3AlF6 and α-Al2O3 +(NH4)3AlF6) on the phase transformation, microstructure and mechanical properties of alumina abrasive prepared with sol–gel process were investigated. The results showed that fine crystal of α-Al2O3 and (NH4)3AlF6 co-doped seed had potential synergistic effects for reducing the temperature of phase transformation from θ-Al2O3 to α-Al2O3, increasing density of samples and improving the mechanical properties of alumina abrasive particle. With the same doped amounts, the phase transformation of gel with α-Al2O3 +(NH4)3AlF6 co-doped seed took place at lower temperature than with the other seeds, and the sample sintered at 1300°C reached about 99.5% of theoretical density with the average crystal size of 60nm, which accounted for its higher single particle compressive strength of 41.2N, and as well as it is a better abrasive wear-resistance than those of the samples with the others seeds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanocrystalline corundum abrasive with mean crystal size of less than 100nm was synthesized by two-step sintering method using sol–gel process. A remarkable suppression of grain growth was achieved by controlling sintering temperature and taking advantage of sintering aids during the final stage of a two-step sintering process. The grain size of the high densification samples (>99% theoretical density) produced by two-step sintering method was about 10 times less than the samples made by the conventional sintering technique. The microstructure of the samples was homogeneous without abnormal grain growth and the sol–gel derived corundum abrasive with two-step sintering technique exhibited excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance compared to those sol–gel derived corundum abrasive with conventional sintering methods and fused corundum abrasive. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of lithium nickel composite oxides LixNi1-xO (0

The zinc and europium α-thiophene carboxylate polymer with very strong red luminescence was prepared by rheological phase reaction method from zinc acetate, europium oxide and α-thiophenecarboxylic acid. Molecular weight, thermal analyses and X-ray diffraction pattern were measured. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, XPS, UV, excitation and emission spectra were studied. The polymer with amorphous structure and 7.565×105 g/mol weight-average molecular exhibited excellent solubility in common organic solvents and better thermal stability under 270 °C in air. The quantum yield of the polymer in acetone was 0.6 relative to quinoline in 0.05 mol/l H2SO4 solution. The energy of the π,π* excited state of C4H3SCO2− can be transferred to Eu3+ ion resulting in emission from the 5D0→7Fj of Eu3+ ion through the polymeric chains. Zn2+ can effectively enhance the luminescence of Eu3+ in α-thiophenecarboxylate polymer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Activated MnO2 with high dispersibility and good fluidity was synthesized by rheological phase reaction method from manganese benzoate and KMnO4 and characterized by chemical titration, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TG), infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), BET Multipoint specific surface area (SSA) analyses, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The activated MnO2 with the size of 50 nm has shown better charge and discharge properties from 3.75 to 1.5 V at a constant current of 40 mA/g, the initial discharge capacity can reach 330 mA h/g and the discharge values at the steady state approach 250 mA h/g. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

5′-O-Mesyl-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene ribonucleosides (4 and 12) were converted to their 5′-substituted nucleosides in good yields by reacted with NaN3 or KI. 2′,3′-O-Isopropylidene ribonucleosides (3 and 11) were prepared in good yields from ribonucleosides 1 and 2 with a reaction mixture of acetone and triethyl orthoformate instead of using acetone diethyl acetal. Compound 1 or 2 was treated with 2-acetoxyisobutyryl halide (Cl or Br) to give 1-[2-O-acetyl-3-halo-3-deoxy-5-O-(2,5,5-trimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-on-2-yl)-β-D-xylofuranosyl]-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide (19, 22, and 23) in high yields. Instead of using 2-acetoxyisobutyryl bromide, the mixture of 2-acetoxyisobutyryl chloride and NaBr was employed in the synthesis of 22 and 23. Treatment of 19 with an activated Zn/Cu couple and deprotection gave 2′,3′-anhydro nucleoside (21), and treatment of 22 and 23 with an activated Zn/Cu couple and a little of HOAc and deprotection gave corresponding 2′,3′-unsaturated triazole nucleosides (24 and 25), respectively. The biological activity of the compounds (7 ∼ 10, 15 ∼ 18, and 24) was examined in human liver cancer cells (A-549), lung cancer cells (BEL-7402), and Flu-A cells. Compound 1. Compound 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a least compensation current control technique to detect the harmonic and reactive current for active power filters. Compensation current method for detecting current reference; Simulation and experiment; Conclusion.

EP is an important natural catecholamine neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and the change of EP concentration will lead to many diseases. Therefore, rapid and sensitive detection of EP is of great significance for clinical research. The Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene dispersion obtained by in-situ HF etching Ti 3 AlC 2 was mixed with graphene oxide (GO) dispersion synthesized by the modified Hummers method. After freeze drying and heat-treatment, the reduced graphene oxide/Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene (GMA) was obtained and then the GMA was moved onto indium tin oxide (ITO) as the GMA/ITO working electrode for electrochemical detection of epinephrine (EP). The results are as follows: Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene with a diameter of approximately 150 nm is uniformly distributed on the surface of the 3D graphene. The three-dimensional structure of GMA facilitates the entry of bioactive molecules and increases the contact area. GMA/ITO has a high sensitivity for the determination of EP 3.74 μA·μM−1·cm−2. Moreover, the electrode shows a very low detection limit, well repeatability and stability, and it can detect the EP content in real urine samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the most abundant bioenergy raw material in nature, cellulose can be converted into sugar by hydrolysis, which can be further degraded to produce downstream chemicals, such as polyols. Hydrolysis technology is one of the key steps in the development and utilization of cellulosic biomass resources. In this study, the ionic liquid (IL)-catalyzed hydrolysis of sugarcane cellulose into reducing sugar was studied. Firstly, the hydrolysis of sugarcane cellulose in different ionic liquids (including benzothiazolomethane sulfonate, [HBth][CH3SO3] and 1-methyl-3-(3-sulfopropyl)-imidazolium hydrogen sulfate, [C3SO3Hmim]HSO4) in heterogeneous and homogeneous systems to produce reducing sugar was studied. In a homogeneous system, the catalytic effect of an ionic liquid on sugarcane cellulose was explored. The pretreatment, IL dosage (0.1~1.0 g), reaction temperature (100~180 °C), addition of water (0~500 μL), and time (1~6 h) were all discovered as key conditions for hydrolysis. The acidity of an acidic ionic liquid is a key factor affecting the hydrolysis of sugarcane cellulose; meanwhile, effective pretreatment and water are also important. As a comparison, the catalytic effect of [C3SO3Hmim]HSO4 in heterogeneous systems (the maximum yield of 5.98% for total reducing sugars, TRS) was not as good as that of [HBth][CH3SO3] in homogeneous systems (33.97%). A higher temperature does not necessarily lead to an increased TRS yield, but it will make the maximum TRS appear earlier. At last, 732 cationic ion exchange resin was used to investigate the separation of reducing sugar and ionic liquid, and the recovery of ionic liquid was investigated by an adsorption–desorption experiment. The ionic liquid can be well separated from TRS in the [HBth][CH3SO3] and reused at least five times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paternal genome elimination (PGE) is an intriguing but poorly understood reproductive strategy in which females are typically diploid, but males lose paternal genomes. Paternal genome heterochromatin (PGH) occurs in arthropods with germline PGE, such as the mealybug, coffee borer beetles, and booklice. Here, we present evidence that PGH initially occurs during early embryo development at around 15 h post-mating (hpm) in the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley. Transcriptome analysis followed by qPCR validation indicated that six histone lysine methyltransferase (KMT) genes are predominantly expressed in adult females. We knocked down these five genes through dsRNA microinjection. We found that downregulation of two KMT genes, PsEZH2-X1 and PsEHMT1, resulted in a decrease of heterochromatin-related methylations, including H3K27me1, H3K27me3, and H3K9me3 in the ovaries, fewer PGH male embryos, and reduced male offspring. For further confirmation, we obtained two strains of transgenic tobacco highly expressing dsRNA targeting PsEZH2-X1 and PsEHMT1, respectively. Similarly, fewer PGH embryos and fewer male offspring were observed when feeding on these transgenic tobacco plants. Overall, we present evidence that PsEZH2-X1 and PsEHMT1 have essential roles in male embryo survival by regulating PGH formation in cotton mealybugs. The roles of histone lysine methyltransferases EZH2 and EHMT1 in male embryo development of cotton mealybug are investigated, with RNAi against both genes leading insects to produce fewer PGH embryos and fewer male offspring [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qingchang Suppository (QCS) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula (TCM) for Ulcerative Colitis (UC), which has been used for the treatment of UC for more than 30 years with therapeutic effect. This formula is optimized from a classic formula called "Qingdai San". Although some experiments have shown QCS effective for UC, its mechanism on UC is still unclear and needs to be clarified. To investigate the usage of QCS in our hospital, clarify the main compounds in QCS and their anti-inflammation effect both in vivo and in vitro. Prescription analysis was performed in the clinical department and pharmacology network prediction was predicted for relative signal pathways. 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis rats and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Caco-2 cell as an inflammatory model were used to evaluate the effect of QCS. QCS and its herbs were associated with inflammatory and immunological diseases. QCS and its ingredients showed little toxicity on Caco-2 cell and could down-regulate the level of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (P-STAT3 Tyr705) in LPS-induced Caco-2 cell. In an animal experiment, QCS and its ingredients (indigo and gallic acid) could alleviate the symptoms of TNBS-induced colitis of rats, significantly decrease pro-inflammatory factors and anti-inflammatory factors as well as inhibit the expressions of P-STAT3 and Tyr705. QCS and its components could improve UC by anti-inflammation. JAK2/STAT3 pathway might be the possible signaling pathway. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hardware-circuit-realized adaptive method (HCAM) and neuron-based adaptive algorithm (NAA) are two typical adaptive detection methods for harmonic and reactive currents. HCAM and NAA have the same detection principle (adaptive noise-canceling technology and a strong adaptive ability). In this letter, the algorithm of HCAM is obtained according to its detection circuit, whereas the simplest NAA is derived from a NAA. A comparison of the algorithm of HCAM with the simplest NAA shows that they are the same. This is the consistency between HCAM and NAA. The accuracy of this consistency is validated by simulation and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modular and convenient synthesis of ethynyl end functionalized poly(3-hexylthiophene) in high purity is reported; this material facilitated access to poly(3-hexylthiophene)-block-poly(acrylic acid) which self-assembled into hierarchical structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a target analytical approach using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) was developed to simultaneously determine six isothiazolinones containing 2-Methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one (MI), 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CMI), 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (BIT), 2-Octyl-3(2H)-isothiazolinone (OIT), Dichlorooctylisothiazolinone (DCOIT), and 2-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (MBIT) in water-based adhesive used for food contact materials. The main factors affecting extraction efficiency such as extraction method, extraction time, extraction solvent, and solid–liquid ratio have been evaluated by using real adhesive samples. Multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) was used for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of targeted isothiazolinones. This method was demonstrated as an effective and reliable technique for detecting multiple isothiazolinones with satisfactory recoveries (81.5~107.3%), and the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were obtained at a low level. This method was validated and applied to the determination of six isothiazolinones in commercial water-based adhesives. The present results revealed that these adhesives contained a combination of isothiazolinones (BIT, MI, CMI, and MBIT) with the concentration ranging from 2.27 to 123.5 mg/kg. To our knowledge, it is the first time it has been reported that MBIT was detected in water-based adhesives used for food contact materials, which requires a further investigation for its migration to food and the risk to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The probabilistic interval power flow model of distribution network constructed by evidence theory can organically unify the probabilistic power flow and interval power flow. • The probability intervals of the uncertainty power flow results of the distribution network based on the ellipsoid model are narrower than those of the convex polygonal model and the parallelogram model. • This paper investigates the impact of the correlation of distributed wind power output on the probability interval power flow solution of distribution networks. In order to more accurately simulate the impact of distributed wind farm access on the uncertain power flow distribution of distribution networks, this paper proposed a probabilistic interval power flow calculation method for distribution networks that considers correlation. Firstly, by dividing the output interval of distributed wind farms into several sub-intervals and assigning corresponding probabilities to the sub-intervals, a focal element model of distributed wind farm output is constructed. By combining affine arithmetic, the probabilistic interval power flow model of the distribution networks based on the focal element model is transformed into an affine optimization model to be solved. The parallelogram model, convex polygon model, and ellipsoid model are used to describe the correlation of distributed wind farm output. Through coordinate transformation, the correlation model is transformed into affine constraint conditions and embedded into the affine optimization model for simultaneous solution. Finally, based on the synthesis rules of evidence theory, the probabilistic boundary of the distribution networks probabilistic interval power flow solution is obtained. The simulation of two distribution networks shows that the established probabilistic interval power flow model can describe the uncertainty of power flow solutions through maximum and minimum probabilities, and the ellipsoidal model is more accurate in modeling correlation than the other two kinds of methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCPs) are of high research value because of their important biological functions. However, the ways to extract a PCP are limited and its yield is relatively low in current reports. In this study, a new ternary deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of choline chloride, 1,3-butanediol and D -sorbitol was used to efficiently extract bioactive polysaccharides from poria cocos assisted by the new tool of far infrared radiation (FIR) together with hot air circulation (HAC). The yield of a polysaccharide (PCP-DL) obtained by this new method was 55.02 ± 0.87% under the optimized conditions of sieving mesh (300 mesh), liquid–solid ratio (30 mL g−1), intensity of FIR (300 W m−2), and circulated air temperature (80 °C). Meanwhile, the extraction mechanism of PCP-DL was investigated by comprehensive characterization studies and extraction kinetics. The recovered DES still retained its performance after recycling five times by dialysis. A laboratory-scale life cycle assessment (LCA) was applied to analyze the potential environmental profiles and the results showed that this new extraction process possessed environmental impact reductions of 93.61% waste solids and 69.72% fossil fuel depletion potential in contrast to the traditional method. Furthermore, chromatographic and spectral analyses were used to analyze the product and confirm the presence of α-,β-pyranose, as well as five kinds of glycosidic linkages, in target polysaccharides with a molecular weight (Mw) of 2.05 × 104 Da. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that it was an amorphous aggregate with an irregular spherical shape and loose porous surface. Finally, the product exhibited a similar inhibitory activity to that of donepezil against acetylcholinesterase (AChE, 73.82 ± 0.60%) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE, 63.85 ± 0.54%) at 500 μg mL−1 as a mixed-type competitive inhibitor for these enzymes. The interaction sites between AChE and the fragment of PCP-DL were simulated by molecular docking, which provided a theoretical basis for the above inhibition assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A core-shell nanocomposite consisting of polyaniline and gold nanoparticles (PANI@AuNPs) is shown to enable intracellular monitoring of pH values by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. The method exploits the pH-responsive property of PANI and the SERS-enhancing effect of AuNPs. The intensity of the PANI Raman peak at 1164 cm−1 decreases on increasing the pH value from 4.6 to 7.4. This is the pH range encountered in normal cells and in cancer cells. The PANI@AuNPs were incorporated into HeLa cancer cells and 5 other kinds of cells for Raman based imaging of pH values. The results show that this pH nanoprobe can be applied for imaging of both normal cells and cancer cells. The core-shell composite was also applied to tissue imaging. In our perception, this core-shell nanoprobe is a valuable tool for imaging pH values of cancerous tissue.Schematic presentation of a core-shell nanocomposite, polyaniline@gold nanoparticle, which was synthesized via a rapid method. With the pH of solution changing from alkaline to acidic, the polyaniline can change from emeraldine base (EB, blue shell) transition to emeraldine salt (ES, green shell) transition. Due to the pH-responsive property of polyaniline combined with the surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy effect of AuNPs. The polyaniline@gold nanoparticles were successfully applied as an intracellular pH probe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new material with wide application prospect, nano-silver is getting high attention. Hydrothermal synthesis has the advantages of green, easy operation and low cost, and is a promising technology for the preparation of nano-silver. In this paper, the effects of reaction time, reaction temperature, precursor concentration, PVP concentration and modifier addition on the particle size distribution and surface morphology of nano-silver during the subcritical hydrothermal reaction were optimized by comparing the supercritical and subcritical hydrothermal methods. Then, the important role and reaction mechanism of PVP as a modifier and the formation mechanism of spherical nano-silver particles were analyzed. The experimental results showed that the average particle size of 23.68 nm can be obtained by using NaHCO 3 and PVP as reducing and dispersing agents, the reaction time is 5 h, the reaction temperature is 180 °C, and the concentrations of AgNO 3 and PVP are 0.1 M and 0.3 M, respectively, to obtain the more uniformly dispersed silver nanoparticles. The results provide an important reference for future research on the preparation of conductive pastes. • Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrothermal method. • The effect of key process parameters on the particle size of the products was evaluated. • The addition of PVP before the reaction was more effective than that after the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the corrosion environment of a railway coal truck was simulated with 1.0%H2SO4 + 3%NaCl solution. The effect of weld toe Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) remelting on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of welded joints of Q450NQR1 high-strength weathering steel was studied. The results show that the weld toe melts to form a remelting area after TIG remelting. After TIG remelting, the weld geometry was improved, and the stress concentration factor decreased from 1.17 to 1.06 at the weld toe, a decrease of 9.4%. TIG remelting refines the microstructure of the weld toe and improves the corrosion resistance of the welded joint. The surface of the TIG-remelted sample is uniformly corroded with no "deep and narrow" pits after the removal of corrosion products. The weight loss rate and corrosion rate of remelted welds are lower than those of unremelted welds. The structure of corrosion products is loose at the initial stage of corrosion, and the corrosion products are transformed into Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 protective rust layers with a dense structure after 480 h of corrosion. With the extension of corrosion time, the tensile strength and percentage elongation of the specimen decreased linearly. The decreasing rates of tensile strength of remelted and unremelted specimens were 0.09 and 0.11, respectively, and the decreasing rates of elongation after fracture were 0.0061 and 0.0076, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxiety disorders, common symptoms during morphine withdrawal, are important negative reinforcement factors leading to relapse. Lateral habenula serves as a negative reinforcement center, however its role in morphine withdrawal-induced anxiety remains uncovered. The hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels have been reported to be important in emotion processing and addiction, but the role of HCN in anxiety from drug protracted abstinence remains elusive. In this study, by using behavioral test, Western blot, immunofluorescence, electrophysiology and virus-mediated regulation of HCN, we found that: (1) Intra-LHb injection of selective HCN blocker ZD7288 alleviated anxiety-like behaviors in morphine protracted abstinent male mice. (2) The LHb neuronal activity was increased by morphine protracted abstinence. (3) LHb neurons were inhibited by ZD7288 and activated by 8-Br-cAMP respectively, which were enhanced by morphine withdrawal. (4) HCN1 in the LHb was upregulated by morphine withdrawal. (5) Virus-mediated overexpression of HCN1 in the LHb was sufficient to produce anxiety-like behaviors in male mice and virus-mediated knockdown of HCN1 in the LHb prevented the anxiety-like behaviors in male mice. The findings reveal that selective blockade of HCN1 channels in the LHb may represent a therapeutic approach to morphine withdrawal-induced anxiety. • Intra-LHb injection of selective HCN blocker ZD7288 alleviated anxiety-like behaviors in morphine protracted abstinent male mice. • The LHb neuronal activity was increased by morphine protracted abstinence. LHb neurons were inhibited by ZD7288 and activated by 8-Br-cAMP respectively, which were enhanced by morphine withdrawal. • HCN1 in the LHb was upregulated by morphine withdrawal. • Virus-mediated overexpression of HCN1 but not HCN2 in the LHb was sufficient to produce anxiety-like behaviors in male mice and virus-mediated knockdown of HCN1 in the LHb prevented the anxiety-like behaviors in male mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wavelength conversion based on hybrid inorganic–organic sensitized triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA‐UC) is promising for applications such as photovoltaics, light‐emitting‐diodes, photocatalysis, additive manufacturing, and bioimaging. The efficiency of TTA‐UC depends on the population of triplet excitons involved in triplet energy transfer (TET), the driving force in TET, and the coupling strength between the donor and acceptor. Consequently, achieving highly efficient TTA‐UC necessitates the precise control of the electronic states of inorganic donors. However, conventional covalently bonded nanocrystals (NCs) face significant challenges in this regard. Herein, a novel strategy to exert control over electronic states is proposed, thereby enhancing TET and TTA‐UC by incorporating ionic‐bonded CsPbBr3 and lanthanide Ce3+ ions into composite NCs. These composite‐NCs exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yield, extended single‐exciton lifetime, quantum confinement, and uplifted energy levels. This engineering strategy of electronic states engendered a comprehensive impact, augmenting the population of triplet excitons participating in the TET process, enhancing coupling strength and the driving force, ultimately leading to an unconventional, dopant concentration‐dependent nonlinear enhancement of UC efficiency. This work not only advances fundamental understanding of hybrid TTA‐UC but also opens a door for the creation of other ionic‐bonded composite NCs with tunable functionalities, promising innovations for next‐generation optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical hydrothermal combustion, as a quick homogeneous oxidizing process, offers a promising treatment option for industrial wastewater. This paper established a computational fluid dynamics model of a water-cooled hydrothermal combustion burner to investigate the thermal flame characteristics. The effects of the fuel mass flow rate, fuel concentration, initial reactor temperature, reaction pressure, and oxidant temperature on the thermal combustion ignition were revealed. The results indicate that the fuel concentration (from 10 wt% to 60 wt%) and initial reactor temperature (from 623 to 773 K) had less effect on the ignition temperature. In contrast, the ignition temperature increases by 398 K with increasing fuel mass flow rate (from 24 kg h−1 to 1080 kg h−1). As the oxygen temperature increases (from 273 to 673 K), the ignition temperature gradually decreases to 573 K and then increases. An increase in reaction pressure can facilitate a decrease in ignition temperature to a certain extent, and the optimal reaction pressure is 25 MPa. This study provides a vital reference for a hydrothermal burner's scale-up design and ignition operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater snails are promising bioindicators that can be used in ecotoxicological testing and ecological risk assessments. To screen molecular responses following mollusk exposure to algal blooms, whole transcriptome sequencing was performed with the freshwater snail ( Parafossarulus striatulus ) fed with blue algae ( Microcystis aeruginosa ). A total of 86,848 unigenes were assembled, and 10,413 unigenes were annotated in the TrEMBL, Pfam, KEGG, and SwissProt databases. In snails fed with both green and blue algae, a total of 276 differentially expressed unigenes were identified, though there were limited differences in snails fed with only green algae. In addition, ten randomly selected differentially expressed unigenes were analyzed in snails collected from Taihu Lake, China. The expression of four unigenes exhibited a trend consistent with that observed in transcriptome profiling of laboratory snails. The results of this study provide an invaluable resource for enhancing our understanding of ecotoxicology following the occurrence of algal blooms in lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mealybugs are highly aggressive to a diversity of plants. The waxy layer covering the outermost part of the integument is an important protective defense of these pests. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying wax biosynthesis in mealybugs remain largely unknown. Here, we analyzed multi-omics data on wax biosynthesis by the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, and found that a fatty acyl-CoA reductase (PsFAR) gene, which was highly expressed in the fat bodies of female mealybugs, contributed to wax biosynthesis by regulating the production of the dominant chemical components of wax, cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs). RNA interference (RNAi) against PsFAR by dsRNA microinjection and allowing mealybugs to feed on transgenic tobacco expressing target dsRNA resulted in a reduction of CHC contents in the waxy layer, and an increase in mealybug mortality under desiccation and deltamethrin treatments. In conclusion, PsFAR plays crucial roles in the wax biosynthesis of mealybugs, thereby contributing to their adaptation to water loss and insecticide stress. The role of a fatty acyl-CoA reductase (PsFAR) in wax biosynthesis of cotton mealybug is investigated, RNAi against PsFAR resulted in insects with lower generation of waxy filaments and higher mortality under desiccation and deltamethrin treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fluorescent probe for phenylhydrazine detection was developed with aldehyde as the recognition group and good selectivity towards phenylhydrazine over hydrazine, hydroxylamine and other amines was observed. Its application in real water samples and fast visualization of phenylhydrazine using a probe-loaded paper strip were demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress by 4-Phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) could attenuate anxiety-like behaviors induced by morphine withdrawal. • The endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins in the lateral habenula (LHb) but not in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), ventral pallidum (VP), basolateral amygdala (BLA) and CA1 of hippocampus was upregulated by morphine withdrawal, upregulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins in the lateral habenula induced by morphine withdrawal was inhibited by 4-PBA. • Endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein CHOP and eIF2α were expressed in neurons but not in microglia in the LHb. • Morphine withdrawal induced neuronal morphological change in the LHb, which was attenuated by 4-PBA. The anxiety caused by morphine protracted abstinence is considered to be an important factor contributes to drug-seeking and relapse. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays important roles in many kinds of mental disorders including drug addiction and anxiety, but it is unclear whether ER stress is involved in anxiety-like behaviors induced by morphine withdrawal. In this study, by using behavioral test, western blot, immunofluorescence, electron transmission microscope, we found that: (1) Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress by 4-Phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) could attenuate anxiety-like behaviors induced by morphine withdrawal. (2) The endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins in the lateral habenula (LHb) but not in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), ventral pallidum (VP), basolateral amygdala (BLA) and CA1 of hippocampus was upregulated by morphine withdrawal, upregulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins in the lateral habenula induced by morphine withdrawal was inhibited by 4-PBA. (3) Endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein CHOP and eIF2α were expressed in neurons but not in microglia in the LHb. (4) Morphine withdrawal induced neuronal morphological change in the LHb, which was attenuated by 4-PBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) has been regarded as a new and efficient technology for the harmless treatment and energy utilization of organic wastes, resulting in the quickly homogeneous oxidation between organics and oxidizers and the former being wholly degraded into small environment-friendly green molecules such as H 2 O and N 2 and inorganic salts. This paper systematically analyzed the influencing behavior and mechanisms of the reaction factors, such as temperature, pressure, residence time, oxidant type, oxidation coefficient, and the concentration and pH values of the raw material, on the treatment effect of organic wastes. For most organic wastes, the SCWO conditions at 550 °C with a residence time of 1min and an oxidation coefficient of 100% can meet the removal rate of more than 99%. To further enhance the degradation rate of organics, the principles, implementation cases, and related equipment components of general enhancement technologies of supercritical water oxidation were discussed, such as fractional oxygen injection, auxiliary fuel co-oxidation, and hydrothermal flame-assisted degradation. This paper proposes a novel supercritical flame-assisted oxidation process in which the reactor performs preheating, corrosion protection, and desalination functions. The use of additive-enhanced oxidation, segmented oxidation, and supercritical hydrothermal flame-assisted oxidation has achieved good results in the complicated treatment process of brutal degradation of organic matter. Figure Schematics of supercritical water oxidation flowchart and focused process enhancement perspectives. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal conversion technology is a promising technique for resource utilization. In this study, the influence of reaction conditions on the distribution of hydrothermal conversion products was investigated, and the resource utilization methods of all components of hydrothermal conversion products were discussed. The results showed that the highest bio-oil yield was obtained at 310 °C, which was 36.75 %. The higher heating value and energy recovery rate of bio-oil can reach 39.68 MJ/kg and 78.55 % respectively. And it had great potential as an alternative fuel. When wheat seeds cultured by aqueous were diluted 100 times at 310 °C with GI ≥ 80 %, the phytotoxicity disappears. At this time, the contents of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium were 1234.80, 150.34, and 1640.36 mg/L respectively, and the heavy metal content was lower than the national standard for foliar fertilizer. The optimal conditions for biochar to adsorb methylene blue were adsorbent dose 2 g/L, 180 rpm, temperature 70 °C, and time 120 min; The gas phase yield increased with the increase of temperature (0.15–7.45 %). The yield at 310 °C was 2.76 %. The main component of the gas phase was CO 2 , accounting for 93.71–97.92 %. The innovation of this study was that food waste can be converted into bio-oil through high-temperature hydrothermal reaction, achieving energy recovery. The aqueous phase product of hydrothermal conversion was used as water-soluble liquid fertilizer, achieving resource utilization. At the same time, the reaction was carried out under high temperature and pressure, which can completely kill pathogens in food waste and has extremely high biological safety. [Display omitted] • Comprehensive resource utilization of the hydrothermal conversion of food waste. • The fractions in the low boiling point range (<343 °C) can reach up to 66.98 %. • The aqueous phase has potential fertilizer value for wheat seeds culture. • The biochar can be used as an adsorbent of BM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Biomarkers of bone and cartilage metabolism were proposed as early diagnosis indicators for knee osteoarthritis (OA), however, which were influenced by disease stage, age, and menopause state. Accurate diagnosis indicators are eagerly awaited. The current study aims to investigate associations of joint metabolism biomarkers and bone mineral density (BMD) with early knee OA in males and premenopausal females before age 50 years. Method: A total of 189 patients aged before 50 years with early knee OA and 152 healthy participants were enrolled. Levels of bone biomarkers (PINP, OC, and CTX-I) and cartilage biomarkers (PIIANP, COMP, CTX-II, and MMP-3) were assessed. BMD was measured at the lumbar, femoral neck, and hip. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between biomarkers, BMD, and early knee OA. Results: Serum COMP, urine CTX-II and BMD at femoral neck and hip were increased in premenopausal patients as compared to control; with serum PINP and OC reduced. Meanwhile, serum COMP, urine CTX-II, and BMD at femoral neck and hip showed positive associations with premenopausal early knee OA, while serum PINP had negative association. However, in male patients, only serum COMP was higher than control, and no association of biomarkers or BMD was found with early knee OA. Conclusions: The joint metabolism biomarkers and BMD showed multiple associations with early knee OA in premenopausal females, but not in males aged before 50 years. It was suggested that sex differences should be taken into account when evaluating cartilage and bone metabolism in early knee OA. Key Points • The joint metabolism biomarkers and BMD are associated with early knee OA in premenopausal females, but not in males aged before 50 years. • Sex differences should be taken into account when evaluating cartilage and bone metabolism in early knee OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) spinel with an operating voltage of 4.7V is a promising candidate as the positive electrode in future lithium ion batteries for electric vehicle applications. However, LNMO displays a capacity fading problem in LNMO/graphite full-cells. Understanding the capacity fading mechanism of LNMO is important for implementing it in next-generation lithium ion batteries. Performance comparisons between LNMO/Li half-cell cycled and LNMO/graphite full-cell cycled were carried out. Whereas no degradation was observed for half-cells, full-cell usable capacity decreased by >50% after 100 cycles. The performance of LNMO and graphite electrodes that experienced full-cell cycling for >100 cycles were then evaluated in fresh half-cells. Results indicated that there is no degradation of the individual LNMO and graphite electrodes. The voltage profiles and dQ/dV curves of full-cells were compared with those of simulated profiles based on half-cell data. Experimental data were successfully reproduced by simulation based on an assumption that the capacity fading in full-cells was originated from the Li+ loss in LNMO. The amount of Mn deposited on Li-metal in the LNMO/Li half-cells was determined to be ∼0.3% of the total Mn weight in the LNMO electrode after 200 cycles at 30°C. The capacity fading of the LNMO/graphite can be explained by the impact of Mn dissolution, and active Li+ loss in the full-cell system through continuous SEI formation (electrolyte reduction) prompted by Mn reduced on top of graphite surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Extraction, separation and recovery were integrated in a hybrid route for the first time. • In situ magnetic derivatization was achieved in emulsion for selective separation. • Main alkaloids and concomitants were enriched in various phases. • Phase behaviors, transmembrane process and separation mechanism were explored comprehensively. • The whole process was multifunctional, continuous, low cost and highly efficient. A new emulsion liquid membrane extraction-in situ magnetization-magnetic separation (ELME-ISM-MS) method was developed to extract, separate and recover various compounds (alkaloids, flavonoid and saccharides) from Mahonia bealeias (Fort.) Carr. in a hyphenated way for the first time. Stable water-in-oil-in-water emulsion was prepared in developed circumstances; then water-soluble compounds (e.g. berberine hydrochloride) remained in feed phase; other compounds with weaker polarity entered into the membrane phase, and the lipid-soluble alkaloids (e.g. tetrahydroberberine) reacted with the derivatization reagents of FeCl 3 and HCl in the internal phase for subsequent magnetic separation. Phase behaviors, transmembrane process and separation mechanism were all investigated systematically. Such a continuous, highly-efficient and low consumed multifunctional process can benefit sustainable preparation of natural products, which realized extraction, enrichment, separation, purification and recovery simultaneously; the yields of berberine, tetrahydroberberine, rutin and polysaccharides were 67.78, 1.40, 12.58 and 9.88 mg/g, separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pure-silica mesoporous materials doped by titanium have been prepared by direct synthesis method and post-synthetic impregnation method. The effects of different Ti-doping methods on the structure of pure-silica mesoporous materials have been researched. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectrum and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms have been employed to characterize the products. It has been found that structural properties were strongly related to the amount and the way of titanium introduction. The mesoporous ordering of the samples that have been prepared by direct synthesis method and post-synthetic method became poor with the increasing of titanium amount. The XANES and EXAFS spectra confirmed that the titanium have been inserted into the framework of MCM-41. The titanium grafted in the Ti-MCM-41 in fourfold coordination, and the titanium doped in the Ti/MCM-41 in higher coordination sites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this article the selection of more appropriate raw materials applied to alumino-borosilicate glass system for vitrified cubic boron nitride (CBN) grinding wheels was investigated. The selection of raw materials had a major effect on the performance of specimens. Mechanical properties of the specimens were measured by using three-point bending strength tester and microstructure characteristics of specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the elements barium and magnesium in the form of carbonate were more beneficial to the refractoriness and fluidity of glass binder than in the form of hydrate and oxide. Moreover, the element barium in the form of carbonate was more favorable to mechanical property of glass binder than that in form of hydroxide. But magnesium carbonate was harmful to improve the mechanical property of glass binder. Therefore, selection of appropriate raw materials used in glass binder was dependent on their natural characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of lithium nickel composite oxides Li x Ni2− x O2 (0 ⩽ x ⩽1) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement. As lithium content increases, the cell parameters decrease. It is found that the cell volume (V) and lithium content (x) have a good linear relationship which corresponds to a linear equation, V =109.0366−7.6572x (R =−0.9999). The credibility of the linear relationship was confirmed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) analysis. The electrochemical properties of Li x Ni2− x O2 (0.9⩽ x ⩽1) whose composition determined by the linear relationship were discussed. The oxide exhibits better electrochemical properties with x closing to 1. The linear relationship can be applied to determine the lattice composition and evaluate the electrochemical properties of Li x Ni2− x O2 electrode materials for lithium ion battery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]