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Recently, unconventional antiferromagnets that enable the spin splitting (SS) of electronic states have been theoretically proposed and experimentally realized, where the magnetic sublattices containing moments pointing at different directions are connected by a novel set of symmetries. Such SS is substantial, k‐dependent, and independent of the spin–orbit coupling (SOC) strength, making these magnets promising materials for antiferromagnetic spintronics. Here, combined with angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, a systematic study on CrSb, a metallic spin‐split antiferromagnet candidate with Néel temperature TN = 703 K, is conducted. The data reveal the electronic structure of CrSb along both out‐of‐plane and in‐plane momentum directions, rendering an anisotropic k‐dependent SS that agrees well with the calculational results. The magnitude of such SS reaches up to at least 0.8 eV at non‐high‐symmetry momentum points, which is significantly higher than the largest known SOC‐induced SS. This compound expands the choice of materials in the field of antiferromagnetic spintronics and is likely to stimulate subsequent investigations of high‐efficiency spintronic devices that are functional at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: A flow-bed water purification system with an asymmetric solar-thermal and catalytic membrane is designed for synergistic solar-thermal desalination of seawater/brine and catalytic degradation of organic pollutants. The hydrogen bonding networks can be regulated by the abundant surface –OH groups and the in situ generated ions and radicals during the degradation process for promoting solar-driven steam generation. The de-solvation of solvated Na+ and subsequent nucleation/growth of NaCl are effectively inhibited by SO42−/HSO5− ions. Although solar steam generation strategy is efficient in desalinating seawater, it is still challenging to achieve continuous solar-thermal desalination of seawater and catalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Herein, dynamic regulations of hydrogen bonding networks and solvation structures are realized by designing an asymmetric bilayer membrane consisting of a bacterial cellulose/carbon nanotube/Co2(OH)2CO3 nanorod top layer and a bacterial cellulose/Co2(OH)2CO3 nanorod (BCH) bottom layer. Crucially, the hydrogen bonding networks inside the membrane can be tuned by the rich surface –OH groups of the bacterial cellulose and Co2(OH)2CO3 as well as the ions and radicals in situ generated during the catalysis process. Moreover, both SO42− and HSO5− can regulate the solvation structure of Na+ and be adsorbed more preferentially on the evaporation surface than Cl−, thus hindering the de-solvation of the solvated Na+ and subsequent nucleation/growth of NaCl. Furthermore, the heat generated by the solar-thermal energy conversion can accelerate the reaction kinetics and enhance the catalytic degradation efficiency. This work provides a flow-bed water purification system with an asymmetric solar-thermal and catalytic membrane for synergistic solar thermal desalination of seawater/brine and catalytic degradation of organic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric ceramics with high electrical performances and high Curie temperature (Tc) act as key materials for numerous electromechanical devices such as transducers and actuators. Herein, we report a systematic investigation on the crystal structure, microstructure and electrical properties of Sr and La co-doped Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbZrO3–PbTiO3 ceramics with a low Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 content, namely, (Pb1−ySry)(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.07ZrxTi0.93−xO3:zLa. With an increase in the Zr content (x value) from 0.49 to 0.53, its crystal structure evolved from a tetragonal phase to a rhombohedral phase, leading to not only a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) at around x = 0.51 but also a monotonously decreasing Tc. Meanwhile, a change in either the Sr- or La-doping content (y and z values, respectively) in the range of y = 0.03–0.07 and z = 0.01–0.03 can slightly deviate the structure of MPB, resulting in a significant effect on its electrical properties. As the best results, the optimal composition of x = 0.51, y = 0.05, and z = 0.02 yielded peak electrical performance, with a related room temperature piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of 645 pC N−1, remanent polarization (Pr) of 33.5 μC cm−2, coercive field (Ec) of 8.6 kV cm−1, and Tc of 242 °C. Especially, its piezoelectric properties showed excellent temperature stability, and its d33 value decreased by only 3% from room temperature to 150 °C. This work not only provides an alternative piezoelectric ceramic with outstanding electrical performance for industrial applications, but also reveals a comprehensive perspective on the composition–structure–property relationship of doped Pb[(Mg1/3Nb2/3),Zr,Ti]O3, which is helpful for further work on piezoelectric ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Despite significant progress in treating chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), resistance to therapy remains challenging. NOTCH1 activation, common in CLL, confers adverse prognosis. This study explores the impact of NOTCH1 signalling on venetoclax sensitivity in vitro. Although NOTCH1 activation minimally impaired the susceptibility of CLL cells to venetoclax, ex vivo cell competition studies reveal that cells with constitutive NOTCH1 activation outgrew their wild‐type counterparts in the presence of ongoing venetoclax exposure. Our findings suggest that while NOTCH1 activation is insufficient to confer venetoclax refractoriness, there is enhanced potential for cells with NOTCH1 activation to escape and thus become fully resistant to venetoclax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the dependence of epoxy resin preparation on petroleum resources and developing thermosetting epoxy resins with excellent comprehensive performance are important directions for the current development of epoxy resins. This article uses biomass resource magnolol as the main raw material to prepare magnolol epoxy monomer (DGEM). Then, using 4,4-diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) as the curing agent, the DGEM and bisphenol A epoxy resin (E44) were blended and cured. The results showed a dual modification effect of DGEM on the toughening and strengthening of E44 epoxy resin. When the mass ratio of DGEM to E44 is 30:70, the bending strength of the cured blended resin is 18.7% higher than that of the E44 system, and the tensile strength is 57.7% higher. When the mass ratio of DGEM to E44 is 5:95, the cured blended resin exhibits the optimal impact strength (5.10 kJ/mol), which is 22.9% higher than the pure E44 system. However, the addition of DGEM reduced the glass transition temperature and crosslinking degree of the blended resin system. The addition of DGEM improves the heat resistance and flame retardancy of the blended resin. When the mass ratio of DGEM: E44 was 50:50, the vertical combustion reached UL-94 V-0 level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare-earth titanate pyrochlores have attracted significant attention for their unique magnetic frustration; however, research on the origin of low-temperature dielectric dispersion and the relationship between dielectric properties and structure lags far behind. Here, by systematically investigating the dielectric properties of representative rare-earth titanates R2Ti2O7 (R = La, Nd, Sm, Er, Yb, and Lu), we demonstrate that R2Ti2O7 with a cubic pyrochlore structure exhibits low-temperature dielectric dispersion behavior, while the other compounds with a monoclinic perovskite-like layered structure possess no dispersion behavior but excellent temperature-stable dielectric property. The dielectric dispersion in cubic pyrochlores arises from the structural distortion. Furthermore, the existence of structural distortion is affirmed by the anomalous phonon softening of A1g Raman mode around the dielectric dispersion temperature, and the origin of the structural distortion is attributed to anharmonic phonon–phonon interactions induced by intrinsic vacant oxygen at Wyckoff 8a sites. In addition, with increasing ionic radius from R = Lu to Sm, the increased lattice parameter leads to varied bond length and bond angle of Ti-O(1)-Ti, which strengthens the local lattice distortion of TiO(1)6 octahedra and thus enhances diffusion degree of dielectric dispersion. On the other hand, the absence of intrinsic vacant oxygen site hardly gives rise to the local structural distortion and thus no dielectric dispersion in monoclinic R2Ti2O7. Our work not only clarifies the mechanism of dielectric dispersion but also gives a comprehensive perspective on the structure–property relationship of rare-earth titanates R2Ti2O7, and thus lays a solid foundation for further work on related materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: The review provides a comprehensive summary of performance limits of the single two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide (2D-TMD) transistor. The review details the two logical expressions of the single 2D-TMD logic transistor, including current and voltage. The review demonstrates the two calculating methods for dynamic energy consumption of 2D synaptic devices. Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) allow for atomic-scale manipulation, challenging the conventional limitations of semiconductor materials. This capability may overcome the short-channel effect, sparking significant advancements in electronic devices that utilize 2D TMDs. Exploring the dimension and performance limits of transistors based on 2D TMDs has gained substantial importance. This review provides a comprehensive investigation into these limits of the single 2D-TMD transistor. It delves into the impacts of miniaturization, including the reduction of channel length, gate length, source/drain contact length, and dielectric thickness on transistor operation and performance. In addition, this review provides a detailed analysis of performance parameters such as source/drain contact resistance, subthreshold swing, hysteresis loop, carrier mobility, on/off ratio, and the development of p-type and single logic transistors. This review details the two logical expressions of the single 2D-TMD logic transistor, including current and voltage. It also emphasizes the role of 2D TMD-based transistors as memory devices, focusing on enhancing memory operation speed, endurance, data retention, and extinction ratio, as well as reducing energy consumption in memory devices functioning as artificial synapses. This review demonstrates the two calculating methods for dynamic energy consumption of 2D synaptic devices. This review not only summarizes the current state of the art in this field but also highlights potential future research directions and applications. It underscores the anticipated challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions in navigating the dimension and performance boundaries of 2D transistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, microbiome research has achieved tremendous advancements driven by culture‐independent meta‐omics approaches. Despite extensive research, our understanding of the functional roles and causal effects of the microbiome on phenotypes remains limited. In this study, we focused on the rumen metaproteome, combining it with metatranscriptome and metabolome data to accurately identify the active functional distributions of rumen microorganisms and specific functional groups that influence feed efficiency. By integrating host genetics data, we established the potentially causal relationships between microbes‐proteins/metabolites‐phenotype, and identified specific patterns in which functional groups of rumen microorganisms influence host feed efficiency. We found a causal link between Selenomonas bovis and rumen carbohydrate metabolism, potentially mediated by bacterial chemotaxis and a two‐component regulatory system, impacting feed utilization efficiency of dairy cows. Our study on the nutrient utilization functional groups in the rumen of high‐feed‐efficiency dairy cows, along with the identification of key microbiota functional proteins and their potentially causal relationships, will help move from correlation to causation in rumen microbiome research. This will ultimately enable precise regulation of the rumen microbiota for optimized ruminant production. Highlights: We combined rumen metaproteome, metatranscriptome, and metabolome data to identify active functional distributions of rumen microorganisms influencing feed efficiency.By integrating host genetics data, we identified causal relationships between microbes, proteins/metabolites, and phenotypes.We found a causal link between Selenomonas bovis and rumen carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting its role in improving feed utilization efficiency in dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short‐term load prediction is the critical operation in the peak demand administration and power generation scheduling of buildings that integrated the smart solar microgrid (SSM). Many research studies have proved that hybrid deep learning strategies achieve more accuracy and feasibility in practical applications than individual algorithms. Moreover, many buildings have integrated the SSM on the rooftop with the battery management system (BMS) to enhance energy efficiency management. However, the traditional methodologies only processed the weather parameters and power demand information for short‐term load prediction, ignoring the collected data from SSM and BMS by the advanced metering infrastructures (AMI), which probably improved prediction accuracy. In this research, many accumulated data of building and SSM are collected before methodology implementation. Considering the diversities of accumulated parameters from SSM and BMS, an adaptive convolution neural network long short‐term memory (CNN‐LSTM) is proposed for hourly electrical load prediction. The CNN could extract the critical large‐scale input feature, while the LSTM could achieve better accurate forecasts. The Pearson correlation matrix is calculated for the feature selection scheme from different data units. The hyperparameter tuning is utilized for obtaining the optimized hybrid CNN‐LSTM algorithm. The K‐fold cross‐validation is employed for deep learning algorithm verification, which includes LSTM, GRU, CNN, and Bi‐LSTM methodologies. The results prove that the hybrid CNN‐LSTM achieved outperformed improvements, which are 20.57%, 29.63%, 19.06% in MSE, MAE, MAPE, and 21.24%, 22.02%, 3.82% in validating MSE, MAE, MAPE, respectively. The hybrid CNN and LSTM combined with the feature selection scheme achieve superior predicting accuracies, proving the adaptability ability for integrating into the energy management system (EMS) of the building's SSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an age‐related pulmonary interstitial disease with unclear etiology that poses a serious threat to human health. IPF interventions in clinical settings mainly involve oral medications, such as nintedanib (NIN), which exhibit limited accumulation in the lungs and neglect the epithelial micro‐environment. Inhalation is an efficient route for the treatment of pulmonary diseases. However, the mucus barrier in the trachea and the extracellular matrix (ECM) barrier in the interstitium are the two main obstacles to inhaled therapeutic agent delivery. Therefore, in this study, dual barrier‐penetrating inhaled liposomes (AN‐TR) are constructed utilizing tris‐(2‐carboxyethyl)‐phosphine (TCEP) and l‐arginine to penetrate the mucus and ECM barriers, respectively. This approach facilitates the thorough and uniform distribution of NIN and navitoclax (ABT‐263) across all five lung lobes. Furthermore, ABT‐263 can remove the senescent epithelial cells in the trachea and alveoli, thereby improving the efficiency of NIN for IPF treatment. This study suggests dual barrier‐penetrating inhaled liposomes as efficient noninvasive vehicles for first‐line clinical medications to improve the efficacy of IPF treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the distribution and binding affinity of dissolved copper (Cu) and organic carbon (OC) in size-fractioned dissolved organic matter (DOM) in a constructed wetland (CW). Two sites were studied: one at the inflow (P-1) and one within the wetland (P-2). The DOMs (<0.45 μm) were separated into six size fractions using a cross-flow ultrafiltration system. In the wetland (P-2), the concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) increased while the concentrations of Cu decreased. The high molecular weight fraction (1 kDa–0.45 μm, HMW) contained most of the OC mass (57.4–71.2% averages). On the other hand, Cu was almost equally distributed in HMW and low molecular weight fractions (<1 kDa, LMW) with mean HMW percentages of 50.3–51.3%. The mean Cu binding affinity to DOM ratios (CuBADOM) was 74.9 ± 24.0 μmol/g-C at site P-1 and 17.3 ± 2.6 μmol/g-C at site P-2. The CuBADOM ratios were decreased in wetlands of bulk and size-fractioned DOM (p < 0.001 to p = 0.073). The SUVA254 values for bulk DOM solution were 2.54 ± 0.15 and 1.68 ± 0.18 L/mg-C/m, and humidification index (HIX) values were 1.74 ± 0.16 and 2.09 ± 0.19 for sites P-1 and P-2, respectively. Optical indicators suggested that the wetland process decreased aromaticity but increased the humification degree of DOM. Furthermore, the CuBADOM ratios positively correlated with SUVA254 and HIX within the constructed wetland DOM but not in the influent DOM. Understanding the Cu distribution and binding affinity to size-fractioned DOM makes it possible to develop strategies to mitigate the potential effects of copper pollution in wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the double-difference tomography (tomoDD) method is applied to jointly invert the three-dimensional (3-D) crustal velocity structure and earthquake locations in the Maduo area based on automatically and manually picked seismic phase data. The results show that: (1) We speculated that the seismogenic fault is the Kunlun Pass–Jiangcuo Fault based on the spatial distributions of the aftershocks and surface rupture and the strike slip nature of the fault and the mainshock. In addition, a continuous northwest-trending branch fault may exist on the north side of the western section of the Maduo aftershocks. (2) We speculated that the Maduo earthquake was a bilateral rupture based on the media strength of the upper crust and near the surface and the seismic distribution. The findings also provide evidence for the large-scale rupture of the Maduo earthquake. In addition, the high-velocity body to the upper right of the mainshock satisfactorily explains the unobvious rupture above the mainshock. The late weak seismicity indicates that the energy released during the earthquake rupture was sufficient, and it is concluded that the short-term seismic hazard is insignificant. (3) The low S-wave velocity and high wave ratio reflect the existence of crustal fluids in the Maduo area based on the results of previous studies. The Maduo earthquake occurred on the side of the biased high-velocity body in the high-low velocity transition zone, where the stress easily accumulates and is easily released. Therefore, we conclude that the Maduo earthquake accumulated significant stress in the source area. The crustal fluids encountered a hard slope-type high-velocity body and flowed upward into the seismogenic fault, weakening the seismogenic fault. The combined effect of both processes finally triggered the Maduo MS7.4 earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a significant health burden in China, affecting a sizable portion of the population. Conventional pharmacological treatments frequently fall short of desirable outcomes. Therefore, exploring alternative therapies is crucial. Remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPostC) is a noninvasive and cost-effective adjunctive therapy. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of RIPostC as an adjunctive therapy for AIS to inform clinical practice. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, Weipu (VIP), and China Biology Medicine disc (CBM) databases up to October 2023. All included studies underwent bias risk assessment using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. The primary outcome measure was the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), with secondary outcomes including the Barthel index (BI), D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen (FIB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), modified Rankin scale (mRS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. The data were analyzed using fixed-effects and random-effects models in Review Manager, with mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated for each outcome. The grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the level of evidence for each outcome measure. Results: This meta-analysis included 38 studies, encompassing 4334 patients. Compared with the control group, the RIPostC group had significantly lower NIHSS scores, serum CRP, D-dimer, IL-6, TNF-α, and FIB levels, and increased BDNF levels. Moreover, it improved the patient's BI and mRS scores. According to the GRADE approach, the quality of evidence for mRS was deemed "moderate," while the NIHSS, BI, and CRP were rated as "low" quality. IL-6, TNF-α, FIB, D-dimer, and BDNF received "very low" quality ratings. Conclusion: The findings suggest that RIPostC activates endogenous protective mechanisms, providing benefits to patients with AIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to develop and test a theoretical model that can be used to predict the influencing factors affecting users' use of healthcare applications. Our research structure model is based on the Attention-Interest-Search-Action-Share (AISAS) model, combined with the indicators of personal intention and social identity, to predict we-intention. The proposed model was tested through a survey of 353 users of healthcare applications from mainland China and Taiwan. Based on the five characteristics of the AISAS model, this study integrates three levels of influencing factors (individual dimension, social dimension, and application design dimension) that affect users' use of healthcare applications. It also verifies that users have both personal intention and we-intention when using healthcare applications. This research contributes to the theoretical development of the AISAS model, we-intention and healthcare applications. Finally, implications for theory and practice and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, hydroxyapatite (HA) was extracted from biological waste. HA was modified by N,N-diglycidylaniline (NDY) and DOPO-HQ to obtain the flame retardant which was added to epoxy resin (EP) to prepare the composite. The flame retardancy of the composites was measured by the horizontal and vertical combustion tester (UL-94) and the limiting oxygen index (LOI), the thermal property was carried out by the thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and the surface morphology was observed by the field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM). The UL-94 grade of pure EP is a fail grade, and the LOI value was 22%. After adding HA-NDY-DOPOHQ (weight ratio 1:2:1) 40wt.% flame retardant, the UL-94 grade of the composites was raised to V-1, and the LOI value promoted to 28%, a total increase of 6%. Composite materials had excellent thermal stability and flame retardancy and could be used in fireproof panels for energy storage systems to prevent thermal runaway, and could also be used in building materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have asked young scientists who spoke at our recent Cell Symposium "Structural biology from the nanoscale to cellular mesoscale" in Huangshan, China to tell us more about themselves and their exciting research in this collection of Voices. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the effects of soil amendment application rates on the improvement of acidic soil environment and soil nutrient contents in Castanea henryi orchard, the Castanea henryi orchard in Jian'ou City of Fujian Province was taken as the research object, and five concentration gradients of soil amendment, including 0 kg⋅hm-2(CK), 373.13 kg⋅hm-2(A), 746.27 kg⋅hm-2(B), 1 119.40 kg⋅hm-2(C), 1 492.54 kg⋅hm-2(D) were set up to study the effects of different application rates of soil amendment on the soil pH and nutrient contents (organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, silicon) in the orchard of Castanea henryi. The results showed that compared with CK, the contents of magnesium and silicon in the 0-20cm soil layer were significantly increased under the D treatment, with an increase of 35.3% and 33.6%, respectively. The contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and silicon in the 21-40 cm soil layer were significantly increased under the B treatment, with an increase of 171.9%, 52.4%, 41.4% and 23.1%, respectively. The contents of organic matter, potassium and silicon in the 21-40 cm soil layer were significantly increased under the D treatment, with an increase of 203.1%, 54.8%, and 35.9%, respectively. At the same time, the pH value increased, which effectively improved the soil acidic environment. The contents of total nitrogen, total phosphorus and organic matter in the 41-60cm soil layer were significantly increased under the B treatment, with an increase of 93.5%, 41.7% and 440.5%, respectively. The contents of organic matter and total phosphorus in the 41-60 cm soil layer were significantly increased under the D treatment, with an increase of 297.3% and 200%, respectively. Different concentrations of acidic amendments had a certain improvement effect on the soil nutrient contents of Castanea henryi, and it was considered that the optimum application amount of soil amendment was 1 492.54 kg⋅hm-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallic acid is a renewable plant phenolic resource, and the polyphenolic bio‐based epoxy resin prepared from it can be used as a substitute for bisphenol A epoxy resin in certain fields. However, bio‐based epoxy resins used in the field of high‐performance composite material matrices often require modification. In this paper, firstly, γ‐(2,3‐epoxypropoxy)propyl trimethoxysilane (KH560) was used as the raw material to prepare epoxy‐based cage silsesquioxanes (E‐POSS). Then, E‐POSS was grafted onto γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) modified halloysite nanotubes (m‐HNTs) to prepare a novel hybrid nanoparticle HNTs‐e‐POSS. Experimental analysis shows that ring opening reactions of amino and epoxy groups can occur between m‐HNTs and E‐POSS, forming a hybrid nanoparticle system of POSS aggregates on the surface of HNTs. Bio‐based nanocomposites were prepared by adding different mass fractions of hybrid nanoparticles HNTs‐e‐POSS into polyphenol type gallic acid epoxy resin matrix (GAER) and using methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride as curing agent. The properties and micromorphology of the composite were analyzed and characterized. The research showed that with the addition of HNTs‐e‐POSS nanoparticles, the strength and toughness of the composite resin system show a pattern of first increasing and then decreasing, while the storage modulus(E′), glass transition temperature (Tg), and thermal stability of the composite material increased. Mechanical performance analysis shows that the introduction of 0.5 wt% HNTs‐e‐POSS would increase the tensile strength of the composite by 25.46%, while adding 0.75 wt% HNTs‐e‐POSS can increase the impact strength by 15%. The E′(30°C) increased by 24.2% and Tg increased by 7.7°C when the HNTs‐e‐POSS addition was 0.25 wt%. Highlights: Prepared hybrid nanoparticle HNTs‐e‐POSS by grafting POSS onto the HNTs surface.Application of HNTs‐e‐POSS in modification of bio‐based gallic acid epoxy resin.HNTs‐e‐POSS can co‐cured with epoxy matrix to increase the crosslinking degree.The strength, toughness, and modulus of gallic acid epoxy resin are improved.Tg and thermal stability of gallic acid epoxy resin are enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rumen microbiota play a central role in the digestive process of ruminants. Their remarkable ability to break down complex plant fibers and proteins, converting them into essential organic compounds that provide animals with energy and nutrition. Research on rumen microbiota not only contributes to improving animal production performance and enhancing feed utilization efficiency but also holds the potential to reduce methane emissions and environmental impact. Nevertheless, studies on rumen microbiota face numerous challenges, including complexity, difficulties in cultivation, and obstacles in functional analysis. This review provides an overview of microbial species involved in the degradation of macromolecules, the fermentation processes, and methane production in the rumen, all based on cultivation methods. Additionally, the review introduces the applications, advantages, and limitations of emerging omics technologies such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics, and metabolomics, in investigating the functionality of rumen microbiota. Finally, the article offers a forward-looking perspective on the new horizons and technologies in the field of rumen microbiota functional research. These emerging technologies, with continuous refinement and mutual complementation, have deepened our understanding of rumen microbiota functionality, thereby enabling effective manipulation of the rumen microbial community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast plastic and reconstructive surgery are widely performed worldwide. There are various tools available to improve surgical outcomes. Among them, three-dimensional (3D) scanning is of considerable value. 3D scanning consists of hardware and software with multiple working principles. This review summarizes the recent advances in the application of 3D scanning in breast plastic and reconstructive surgery, including measuring aesthetic parameters, formulating preoperative plans, and evaluating postoperative results. The development trend of 3D scanning is to integrate with portable devices, 3D printing, deep learning, and telemedicine, opening up a wide and abundant range of application scenarios. In brief, 3D scanning plays a vital role in breast plastic and reconstructive surgery. As an auxiliary tool, it improves preoperative and postoperative satisfaction for both surgeons and patients. With the new round of medical revolution, the further development of 3D scanning will open up an efficient, digital, and intelligent field for breast plastic and reconstructive surgery. Level of evidence: Not ratable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P2‐type layered oxide material Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 is a competitive candidate for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Nevertheless, it suffers from the strong P2–O2 phase transition during charging to the high voltage regime, rendering drastic volume variations and poor cycling performance. Here, a Quasi‐zero strain P2‐Na0.75Li0.15Mg0.05Ni0.1Mn0.7O2 cathode is synthesized, which reflects the vanishing P2–O2 transition with a volume change as low as 0.49%, thus resulting in the material an excellent cycling performance (83.9% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 5 C). The low‐volume strain can be attributed to two aspects: (1) the Mg2+ riveted in the Na layer can act as a "pillar" to stabilize the crystal structure under the condition of sodium removal, thus restricting the structural changes under high voltage. (2) The entry of Li+ into the transition metal (TM) layer can mitigate the electron localization in the highly desodiation state and can effectively immobilize the coordination oxygen atoms, thus suppressing the slip of P2–O2 transition. This study not only provides a new insight of Li and Mg synergetic substitution effect on the structural stability of P2‐type cathode, but also an efficient avenue for developing cathode materials of SIBs with ultralow bulk strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant endophytic fungi and rhizosphere soil fungi are often reported as biocontrol agents against plant pathogens or with plant growth promotion potential. Four treatments were performed in field and greenhouse experiments where cucumber plants were inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum and Fusarium oxysporum in 2022. The roots, stems and leaves of cucumber plants and their rhizosphere soil were collected twice individually from the field and greenhouse for isolation of cucumber endophytic and rhizosphere soil fungi. All fungal strains were identified through sequence similarity of the ITS1-5.8s-ITS2 rDNA region. The potato dextrose agar (PDA) media yielded the highest number of genera isolated from cucumber plants, rhizosphere soil and both compared to other media. There were no significant differences among the four media for the isolation of all cucumber endophytic fungi. However, in the roots, the number of endophytic fungi isolated by MRBA was significantly higher than that isolated on malt extract agar (MEA), while in the stems, the number of fungi isolated with PDA was significantly higher than that isolated with Martin's rose bengal agar medium (MRBA). PDA had significantly higher isolation efficiency for the rhizosphere soil fungi than MRBA. The 28 fungal genera had high isolation efficiency, and the endophytic Trichoderma strains were significantly more isolated by MEA than those of MRBA. It is suggested that PDA can be used as a basic medium, and different cultural media can be considered for specific fungal genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karst forests are habitats in which access to soil water can be challenging for plants. Therefore, safe and efficient xylem water transport and large internal water storage may benefit tree growth. In this study, we selected 22 tree species from a primary subtropical karst forest in southern China and measured their xylem anatomical traits, saturated water content (SWC), hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and embolism resistance (P 50). Additionally, we monitored growth of diameter at breast height (DBH) in 440 individual trees of various sizes over three consecutive years. Our objective was to analyze the relationships between xylem structure, hydraulic efficiency, safety, water storage and growth of karst tree species. The results showed significant differences in structure but not in hydraulic traits between deciduous and evergreen species. Larger vessel diameter, paratracheal parenchyma and higher SWC were correlated with higher Ks. Embolism resistance was not correlated with the studied anatomical traits, and no tradeoff with Ks was observed. In small trees (5–15 cm DBH), diameter growth rate (DGR) was independent of hydraulic traits. In large trees (>15 cm DBH), higher Ks and more negative P 50 accounted for higher DGR. From lower to greater embolism resistance, the size–growth relationship shifted from growth deceleration to acceleration with increasing tree size in eight of the 22 species. Our study highlights the vital contributions of xylem hydraulic efficiency and safety to growth rate and dynamics in karst tree species; therefore, we strongly recommend their integration into trait-based forest dynamic models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research in music therapy and autistic people to date has predominantly focused on communication and social interaction outcomes. The purpose of this exploration was to explore the lived experiences of young autistic adults in Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy. To our knowledge, the body of research that seeks to understand participants' perspectives regarding their experiences of music therapy and the goals they want to pursue is limited. Four autistic young adult men who had received at least 6 months of Nordoff-Robbins music therapy services at the Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy at New York University participated in this study. Each participant engaged in four to five interview sessions to share their experiences of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy and the role it plays in their life. Interviews were analyzed using the IPA method. A summary of the results was shared with each participant to ensure sensitivity to and accuracy of their lived experiences. Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Participants attend Nordoff-Robbins music therapy to develop their musicianship and personal selves; (2) participants create meaningful relationships with their peers, music therapists, and music; and (3) participants bring their sociocultural identities into music therapy sessions. Participants' responses led to a critical reexamining of "the music child", challenging music therapy research and practice agendas of normalizing autistic social and communication behaviors, and suggest the need for more research that collaborates and centers the autistic community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated a novel phenolic resin that possesses the advantages of both epoxy and phenolic resins and significantly improves their disadvantages. This novel phenolic resin was impregnated into the carbon fiber woven to prepare a sandwich composite. Composites with sandwich structures were analyzed for their flame retardant and mechanical properties. The flame retardancy of the novel phenolic resin composite was similar to that of a pure phenolic resin composite without the processing disadvantages of pure phenolic resin, and these two composites were better than epoxy sandwich composites. The mechanical properties, such as facesheet, and core shear test results of the sandwich composite revealed that both epoxy and novel phenolic composites with a flame retardant added had poor interfacial bonding, resulting in lower strength than that of the neat sandwich composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding is critical in electronic applications. However, the currently available EMI shielding materials are restricted in customizability and application flexibility. Recent advances in manufacturing technologies have provided a unique path to achieve the custom creation of EMI shielding solutions. A successful example is additive manufacturing (AM), which has enabled high design freedom, efficient performance regulation, and multifunctionality simultaneously into fabricated shields, offering an opportunity to start a revolution in the field of EMI shielding. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in AM of EMI shielding materials, aiming to provide a deep understanding of the connection between raw materials, manufacturing methods, design considerations, and performances of the fabricated EMI shields. We first introduce the EMI shielding mechanism and available raw materials, subsequently focusing on the characteristics of representative AM methods and the as-created EMI shielding solutions. Based on the requirements to create application-oriented EMI shielding solutions, these methods are also critically compared. Thereafter, we present the state-of-the-art design considerations of EMI shields and examine the pivotal roles of AM in realizing the designs. We conclude by discussing future research directions, aiming at motivating the use of AM in the future developments of EMI shielding solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a low dropout (LDO) circuit based on a curvature compensation benchmark and closed-loop stability is designed. This circuit compensates for the higher order term of VBE in a BJT through the subthreshold characteristic of MOSFET and achieves the effect of curvature compensation. The bandgap reference circuit provides a stable input voltage for the LDO circuit, while the source follower and adaptive bias circuit improve the response speed and closed-loop stability of the LDO circuit. The temperature drift coefficient of the bandgap circuit is 8.11 ppm/°C, the input voltage is 3–5 V, the output voltage is 2.8 V, and the linear adjustment rate is 0.22%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the unique geometrical frustration of pyrochlore Yb2Ti2O7 has attracted attention, the dielectric and other properties of this pyrochlore beyond frustrated magnetism are not well understood. Here, we report on the fascinating low-temperature dielectric relaxation of Yb2-xBaxTi2O7-δ (x = 0–0.20) and demonstrate that this phenomenon is related to structural distortion. A-site Ba substitution, which increases the density of point defects and introduces a different atomic radius, enhances the chemical disorder and structural distortion. As a result, the increases in oxygen vacancies and nonmagnetic Ba2+ and Yb2+ ions dilute the ferromagnetic Yb3+–Yb3+ interactions, as indicated by the decrease in effective magnetic moment. On the other hand, the distorted octahedra facilitate the hopping of Yb ions, and the random distribution of Ba2+ ions at the Yb3+ sites gives rise to additional random fields, leading to significantly increased dielectric relaxation. The room-temperature dielectric constant is improved to ∼170, twice that of pristine Yb2Ti2O7. This work provides a comprehensive view of the structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of Yb2Ti2O7 and lays the foundation for additional research into pyrochlore compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynura procumbens is a traditional herb and food extensively cultivated in China and Southeast Asian countries. This study was designed to determine the content of the main chemical components and elucidate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of G. procumbens flowers extracts (GPFE). GPFE was rich in flavonoids and phenolics and exhibited great reducing power as well as strong scavenging ability of ABTS+ and DPPH radicals. The pro-inflammatory factors including IL-6, IL-1β, NO, TNF-α, PGE2 and their mRNA transcriptions were strongly inhibited with the treatment of GPFE in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Meanwhile, GPFE could attenuate the inflammation via suppressing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and downregulating the MAPK signalling pathways. Furthermore, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C isolated from GPFE all had a high content and showed potent anti-inflammatory activities. Our findings suggest that GPFE could be used as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil fuel carbon dioxide (FFCO2) is a major source of atmospheric greenhouse gases that result in global climate change. Quantification of the atmospheric concentrations and emissions of FFCO2 is of vital importance to understand its environmental process and to formulate and evaluate the efficiency of carbon emission reduction strategies. Focusing on this topic, we summarized the state-of-the-art method to trace FFCO2 using radiocarbon (14C), and reviewed the 14CO2 measurements and the calculated FFCO2 concentrations conducted in the last two decades. With the mapped-out spatial distribution of 14CO2 values, the typical regional distribution patterns and their driving factors are discussed. The global distribution of FFCO2 concentrations is also presented, and the datasets are far fewer than 14CO2 measurements. With the combination of 14C measurements and atmospheric transport models, the FFCO2 concentration and its cross-regional transport can be well interpreted. Recent progress in inverse methods can further constrain emission inventories well, providing an independent verification method for emission control strategies. This article reviewed the latest developments in the estimation of FFCO2 and discussed the urgent requirements for the control of FFCO2 according to the current situation of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Fundamental principles for designing high-performance thermally conductive graphene-based polymer composites are reviewed in detail. The reasoning behind using the preconstructed graphene 3D networks for fabricating thermally conductive composites and recent progress are discussed in-depth. Insight into the existing bottlenecks and opportunities in developing preconstructed 3D networks of graphene and their thermally conductive composites is also presented.Electronic devices generate heat during operation and require efficient thermal management to extend the lifetime and prevent performance degradation. Featured by its exceptional thermal conductivity, graphene is an ideal functional filler for fabricating thermally conductive polymer composites to provide efficient thermal management. Extensive studies have been focusing on constructing graphene networks in polymer composites to achieve high thermal conductivities. Compared with conventional composite fabrications by directly mixing graphene with polymers, preconstruction of three-dimensional graphene networks followed by backfilling polymers represents a promising way to produce composites with higher performances, enabling high manufacturing flexibility and controllability. In this review, we first summarize the factors that affect thermal conductivity of graphene composites and strategies for fabricating highly thermally conductive graphene/polymer composites. Subsequently, we give the reasoning behind using preconstructed three-dimensional graphene networks for fabricating thermally conductive polymer composites and highlight their potential applications. Finally, our insight into the existing bottlenecks and opportunities is provided for developing preconstructed porous architectures of graphene and their thermally conductive composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenges associated with topical analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs include poor drug penetration and retention at the desired lesion site. Therefore, improving these challenges would help to reduce the toxic and side effects caused by drug absorption into the systemic circulation and improve the therapeutic efficacy of topical therapeutic drugs. Pentapeptide (KTTKS) is a signal peptide in skin tissue, it can be recognized and bound by signal recognition particles. In the current study, we successfully prepared novel indomethacin (IMC) loaded KTTKS-modified ethosomes (IMC-KTTKS-Es), and the physicochemical properties and topical efficacy were investigated. Results showed that the prepared IMC-KTTKS-Es displayed a particle size of about 244 nm, a negative charge, good deformability, and encapsulation efficiency (EE) exceeding 80% for IMC, with a sustained release pattern. In vitro percutaneous permeation studies revealed that the skin retention was increased after the drug was loaded in the IMC-KTTKS-Es. Confocal laser scanning microscopy also showed improved skin retention of IMC-KTTKS-Es. In addition, IMC-KTTKS-Es showed improved topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity with no potentially hazardous skin irritation. This study suggested that the IMC-KTTKS-Es might be an effective drug carrier for topical skin therapy with a good safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyaluronic acid (HA), as a hygroscopic and biocompatible molecule, has displayed unique permeation enhancement in transdermal delivery systems. Hence, indomethacin (IND) was encapsulated in HAmodified transfersomes (IND-HTs) to enhance transdermal IND delivery to reduce adverse effects in this study. The physiochemical properties of IND-HTs were characterized. Results showed that the prepared IND-HTs were spherical and revealed good entrapment efficiency (87.88 ± 2.03%), with a nanometric particle size (221.8 ± 93.34 nm). Then, IND-HTs were further incorporated into a carbopol 940 hydrogel (IND-HTs/Gel) to prolong retention capacity on the skin. The in vitro release and skin permeation experiments of IND-HTs/Gel were carried out with the Franz diffusion cells. It was found that IND-HTs/Gel exhibited sustained drug release, as well as superior drug permeation and flux across the skin. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed improved penetration of HTs/Gel with a wider distribution and higher fluorescence intensity. The hematoxylin-eosin stained showed that HA improved the transdermal effect by changing the microstructure of skin layers and decreasing skin barrier function. In addition, IND-HTs/Gel showed significant analgesic activity in hot plate test and no potentially hazardous skin irritation. This study indicated that the developed IND-HTs/Gel could be a promising alternative to conventional oral delivery of IND by topical administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic interstitial lung disease in which collagen progressively deposits in the supporting framework of the lungs. The pathological collagen creates a recalcitrant barrier in mesenchyme for drug penetration, thus greatly restricting the therapeutical efficacy. On the other hand, this overloaded collagen is gradually exposed to the bloodstream at fibrotic sites because of the vascular hyperpermeability, thus serving as a potential target. Herein, pathological collagen targeting and penetrating liposomes (DP-CC) were constructed to deliver anti-fibrotic dual drugs including pirfenidone (PFD) and dexamethasone (DEX) deep into injured alveoli. The liposomes were co-decorated with collagen binding peptide (CBP) and collagenase (COL). CBP could help vehicle recognize the pathological collagen and target the fibrotic lungs efficiently because of its high affinity to collagen, and COL assisted in breaking through the collagen barrier and delivering vehicle to the center of injured sites. Then, the released dual drugs developed a synergistic anti-fibrotic effect to repair the damaged epithelium and remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM), thus rebuilding the lung architecture. This study provides a promising strategy to deliver drugs deep into pathological collagen accumulated sites for the enhanced treatment of IPF. Pathological collagen targeting and penetrating liposomes (DP-CC) target the fibrotic lungs and break through the collagen barrier, thus delivering drugs deep into injured alveoli for enhanced IPF therapy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been an increasing number of renewable energy sources introduced into the distribution system to decrease the dependence on single power sources and relieve their effects related to global warming caused by power consumption. When greatly increasing renewable energy in the power system, the renewable energy connected to the power grid must be coupled with corresponding energy-storage technologies. This mechanism not only effectively improves the power floating problem but also more efficiently re-dispatches the power output. The purpose of this paper is to deal with the optimal sizing and location issue of the photovoltaic generation system and the battery energy storage system, which are proposed in order to improve the power loss, bus voltage profile, and voltage unbalance for the actual unbalanced loading distribution system of a large-scale chemical factory. The power loss, construction cost of the solar power and the energy storage systems, voltage variation ratio and voltage unbalance ratio will be treated as part of the objective function of the optimal problem. These variables are subject to various operating constraints and the voltage variation limit of the system when the photovoltaic generation and battery energy storage systems are operated. Furthermore, a refined genetic algorithm, which possesses an auto-selective crossover and mutation scheme, is proposed and applied in this paper in order to solve the optimization problem. Moreover, the simulation results are expected to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), which are potent immunosuppressants (ISs), increase the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation (LTx). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in which epithelial cancer cells lose their polarity, resulting in cancer progression and metastasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sirolimus (SRL) individually and in combination with other ISs to reduce EMT. HCC SK-Hep1 cells were used and various ISs (SRL, tacrolimus, cyclosporine A, or mycophenolate mofetil) were administered at 2 dosages and in combination therapies. Mice were transplanted with SK-Hep1 cells (in the liver) and were monitored after 2 weeks. The in vitro treatment with SRL showed a dose-dependent attenuation of cell proliferation and migration in case of the individual and IS combination treatments; further, decreased levels of pro-EMT proteins, namely, N-cadherin, transforming growth factor-β, ZEB1, Slug, and Snail were observed. In contrast, E-cadherin expression was upregulated after both the individual and IS combination treatments. These results were also observed in the samples from mice transplanted with the SK-Hep1 cells. The present study demonstrated that SRL reduced HCC metastasis by inhibiting EMT. Thus, our findings provide a rationale for the use of SRL in combination with ISs in HCC LTx patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a new superior hybrid algorithm, which is the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and gene algorithm (GA)-based neural network to predict the leakage current of insulators. The developed algorithm was utilized for the online monitoring systems, which were completely installed on the 69 kV and 161 kV transmission towers in Taiwan. This hybrid algorithm utilizes the local meteorological data as input parameters combined with the extracted enhanced data: the percentage of spark discharge areas and the brightness change in the image of the discharge phenomenon. These data with a high correlation with the leakage current are utilized as input vectors to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the developed hybrid model. The performance of the developed algorithm is compared with a traditional PSO-based neural network and backpropagation neural network (BPNN) to evaluate and analyze. The comparative simulation results prove the effectiveness of the combination of hybrid PSO-GA-based neural network and surface discharge data, which achieved a maximum improvement of 38.54% MSE, 10.62% MAPE, and 3.41% R square for 161 kV data and 39.28% MSE, 12.62% MAPE, and 1.61% R square for 69 kV data. Moreover, the data with enhanced inputs outperform the traditional data in most benchmark factors, improving the accuracy and effectiveness in defining the deteriorative insulators. The developed methodology with a noticeable improvement was utilized in the online monitoring system to reduce the operational and maintenance cost of transmission lines in Taiwan Power Company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers reinforced with conducting fibers to achieve electrical conductivity have attracted remarkable attention in several engineering applications, and injection molding provides a cost-effective way for mass production. However, the electrical performance usually varies with the molding conditions. Moreover, high added content of conducting fibers usually results in molding difficulties. In this study, we propose using microcellular (MuCell) injection molding for polypropylene (PP)/carbon fiber (CF, 20, and 30 wt%) composites and hope that the MuCell injection molding process can improve both electrical and mechanical performance as compared with conventional injection molded (CIM) parts under the same CF content. Both molding techniques were also employed with and without gas counter pressure (GCP), and the overall fiber orientation, through-plane electrical conductivity (TPEC), and tensile strength (TS) of the composites were characterized. Based on the various processing technologies, the results can be described in four aspects: (1) Compared with CIM, microcellular foaming significantly influenced the fiber orientation, and the TPECs of the samples with 20 and 30 wt% CF were 18–78 and 5–8 times higher than those of the corresponding samples molded by CIM, respectively; (2) when GCP was employed in the CIM process, the TPEC of the samples with 20 and 30 wt% CF increased by 3 and 2 times, respectively. Similar results were obtained in the case of microcellular injection molding—the TPEC of the 20 and 30 wt% composites increased by 7–74 and 18–32 times, respectively; (3) although microcellular injection molding alone (i.e., without GCP) showed the greatest influence on the randomness of the fiber orientation and the TPEC, the TS of the samples was the lowest due to the uncontrollable foaming cell size and cell size uniformity; (4) in contrast, when GCP was employed in the microcellular foaming process, high TS was obtained, and the TPEC was significantly enhanced. The high foaming quality owing to the GCP implementation improved the randomness of fiber orientation, as well as the electrical and mechanical properties of the composites. Generally speaking, microcellular injection combined with gas counter pressure does provide a promising way to achieve high electrical and mechanical performance for carbon-fiber-added polypropylene composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the structure of the micro-gyroscope with a ball-disk rotor, the corresponding Reynolds equation is solved by using the motion equation, continuity equation, and state equation. The damping coefficients of axial vibration, radial vibration, and rotation around the Z axis are derived theoretically. The damping theoretical model of the micro-gyroscope is constructed to analyze the gas film damping and oil film damping of the ball-disk rotor in three degrees of freedom motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ion-pumping NQR complex is an essential respiratory enzyme in the physiology of many pathogenic bacteria. This enzyme transfers electrons from NADH to ubiquinone through several cofactors, including riboflavin (vitamin B2). NQR is the only enzyme reported that is able to use riboflavin as a cofactor. Moreover, the riboflavin molecule is found as a stable neutral semiquinone radical. The otherwise highly reactive unpaired electron is stabilized via an unknown mechanism. Crystallographic data suggested that riboflavin might be found in a superficially located site in the interface of NQR subunits B and E. However, this location is highly problematic, as the site does not have the expected physiochemical properties. In this work, we have located the riboflavin-binding site in an amphipathic pocket in subunit B, previously proposed to be the entry site of sodium. Here, we show that this site contains absolutely conserved residues, including N200, N203, and D346. Mutations of these residues decrease enzymatic activity and specifically block the ability of NQR to bind riboflavin. Docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that these residues participate directly in riboflavin binding, establishing hydrogen bonds that stabilize the cofactor in the site. We conclude that riboflavin is likely bound in the proposed pocket, which is consistent with enzymatic characterizations, thermodynamic studies, and distance between cofactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four types of CDs were efficiently synthesized through an integrated synthesis strategy, achieving dual control of blue-to-yellow fluorescence emission and precise organelle targeting, and demonstrating their versatility in bioimaging applications. [Display omitted] • Synthesis of various nitrogen-doped carbon dots (CDs) using an integrated strategy. • Multicolor tunable CDs exhibit high fluorescence stability and low biotoxicity. • CDs enable intracellular monitoring of the endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, and nucleus. • CDs enable live bacterial fluorescence visualization and imaging of cell structures in fungi and plants. Single-emission fluorescence and non-specific cellular organelle-targeting limit the application of carbon dots (CDs) in bio-imaging. Here, we proposed an adjustable strategy for synthesis of four CDs: Tm1-, Tm2-, Tma-, and Tp-CDs. The synthetic scheme was designed with tartaric acid and m-/p-phenylenediamine as precursors and water/acetone as solvent through hydrothermal/solvothermal synthesis and (or) column chromatography isolation. The maximum productivity of the CDs was 56.2 % and the highest fluorescence quantum yield was 47.8 %. These CDs emitted excitation-independent blue, green, and yellow fluorescence, respectively. The red shift of CDs fluorescence was caused by increasing graphitized conjugated sp2 domain and graphitic nitrogen content of carbon core. The hydrophilicity/lipophilicity and protonation ability of CDs determined their cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking and subcellular targets, including endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes and nucleus. These CDs have the potential application in fluorescence visualization of live bacteria and in the organelle-targeted imaging of living mammalian, fungal, and plant cells. The study provides novel insights into rational design of CDs with multi-color fluorescence and organelle-specific targeting in live cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many researchers have investigated estimating and forecasting load power by utilizing many approaches and techniques in neural networks. In this case study, a novel method is proposed to achieve higher accuracy in load-predicting performance in the smart solar microgrid. The K-means cluster is optimized with a density-based spatial cluster and is then utilized to determine the center points in the radial basis function neural network. The proposed method is analyzed and evaluated in the dataset, which is accumulated from the advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) in the smart solar microgrid in 6 months. The proposed methodology is deployed in load power forecasting in various horizons ranging from 10, 20, and 30 min. This optimized technique was inspected and compared against persistence methods, which only apply K-means cluster for center selection in RBF neural network, by using MATLAB simulations. The experimental results proved that the developing enhancement could achieve the maximum improvement of 7.432% R-square, 70.519% mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and 80.769% root mean squared error (RMSE). The optimized algorithm could effectively eliminate the maximum average of 2.418% of the outer points in the dataset, which decreased the learning time during the modeling process and acquired better convergent velocity and stability compared with the persistent method. Moreover, when combined with enhanced methodology, the 10-min interval data had higher effectiveness and accuracy than the 20-min and 30-min data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynura procumbens is a traditional herb and food extensively cultivated in China and Southeast Asian countries. In this work, the crude extract (CE) of G. procumbens was purified with macroporous resin to obtain the refined fraction, and its anti-inflammatory activity was compared with that of CE. Moreover, the detailed mechanisms of anti-inflammatory activity were also investigated for the first time. The results indicated that CE was more effective in anti-inflammatory activity and it could reduce the secretion of NO, TNF-α, and PGE2 via decreasing the iNOS, TNF-α, and COX-2 genes transcription and related proteins translation, which were associated with the inhibition of AP-1 and NF-κB nuclear translocation and downregulation of PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. In conclusion, the extract of G. procumbens has a promising potential in inflammation-related disorders alleviation, and these findings could provide the basis for the comprehensive utilization of G. procumbens and the new functional food development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the purpose of UHMWPE fiber modification, various methods to improve the surface properties of UHMWPE fiber by plasma, radiation and graft polymerization were reviewed. Among them, UHMWPE fiber treated by plasma and reactive groups introduced by chemical reagent are widely used. At the same time, the common modification methods of UHMWPE and the research progress in recent years were introduced, and the development trend of UHMWPE fiber was prospected. Key words:UHMWPE fiber; method; modification; progress [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. is a traditional herb which was widely distributed in China. The leaves of P. multiflorum (PML), which contains lots of antioxidant constituents, are often used for tea. In this study, three flavonoid glycosides were successfully separated and characterized from the ethyl acetate fraction of 80% ethanol extracts of PML by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). The biphasic solvent system which can isolate purified myricitrin (44.5 mg), quercitrin (23.86 mg) and afzelin (14.39 mg) from 110 mg of the ethyl acetate fraction of PML was composed of n-hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (0.5:3:1:2, v/v/v/v). Moreover, the purities of each compound were 94.9, 97.0, and 95.7% as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. Three flavonoid glycosides were obtained using only one-step HSCCC separation for the first time and the chemical structures of these three compounds were identified using the techniques of NMR and ESI–MS. The antioxidant activities of these three compounds, ethyl acetate fraction, and crude extract were evaluated by three antioxidant assays. The results of antioxidation assays showed that myricitrin and quercitrin have strong antioxidant activity and the two components may be the material basis of the antioxidant potential of PML. This work confirmed the feasibility of HSCCC to separate compounds from complex samples and it suggests that PML have pharmaceutical potential as natural antioxidant agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of these, 65 patients tested positive by RT-PCR (prevalence: 0.71%), 15 (23%) of Panbio SP TM sp COVID-19 rapid antigen test revealed positive results, and 12 cases were rapid antigen test positive/RT-PCR negative. Of these, 15 tests were rapid antigen test positive, and four were rapid antigen test negative. [Extracted from the article]

The topological Kondo insulator (TKI) is an intrinsic electronic correlated topological system in which the bulk bandgap is originated from the Kondo correlation. Since the theoretical idea of TKI was proposed in 2010, SmB6 was predicted to be the first candidate topological Kondo insulator. In the last decade, SmB6 was investigated extensively by various experimental methods, and the accumulated evidence confirmed that SmB6 is a topological Kondo insulator. This review article presented some key experimental evidence, including electronic transportation measurements, ARPES study of low-energy band structure, and STM characterization of the surface. We also discussed how these experimental results establish the topological narrative of SmB6. Meanwhile, some extremely exotic properties like the 3D quantum oscillations and the bulk-surface valence seperation of SmB6 are exhibited. The related physical origin is still unknown and needs extra efforts to unveil the underlying physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]