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Developing efficient photocatalysts with low cost, high performance, and high selectivity is essential and imperative for CO 2 conversion and utilization, yet it remains a big challenge. Herein, a novel Ce-doped TiO 2 aerogel with oxygen vacancy anchored on the oriented carbonaceous (Ce–TiO 2 @CS) is synthesized by the sol-gel technique, combined with the freeze casting, supercritical drying technique, and heat treatment processes. The Ce–TiO 2 @CS aerogel has a typical aerogel-like structure, with the Ce–TiO 2 aerogel anchored on the oriented porous carbon, rendering a large BET-specific surface area of 124 m2/g, which leads to enhanced photocatalytic activity. The Ce-doping into the pristine TiO 2 results in impurity levels within the band gap, which extends the light response range to the visible light region. In addition, the rapid combination of electrons and holes is prevented via the two-phase microstructures and rapid transfer rate of electrons within the oriented porous carbon. The yields of CH 4 and CO are as high as 9.45 μmol h−1 g−1 and 42.26 μmol h−1 g−1, respectively, which are 28.6 and 2.46 times higher than those of pristine TiO 2 aerogel under simulated solar spectrum conditions without any sacrificial agents or co-catalysts, The density functional theory (DFT) calculation shows that larger C–O bonds of CO 2 molecule and more negative adsorption energy have occurred on the Ce–TiO 2 @CS aerogel, indicating that the CO 2 activation has been enhanced, which greatly improves the CO 2 photoreduction activity. This work may guide the designing of aerogel-based photocatalysts for CO 2 photocatalytic reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reconfigurable and reprocessable thermadapt two‐way shape memory polymers (2W‐SMPs) are highly desirable for many advanced biomimetic applications, but the preparation of these polymers with economical raw materials and convenient approaches still remains a challenge. In this work, thermadapt 2W‐SMPs based on a dual crosslinking network are synthesized by linking polyethylene glycol with hydroxylated modified SBS via dynamic covalent bonds. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of combining a dynamic covalent network and a physical cross‐linking network, the thermadapt 2W‐SMPs exhibit a good balance of mechanical properties and favorable two‐way shape memory effect (2W‐SME) with the reversible actuation strain of 11.9%. The 2W‐SMPs can be reprocessed and transformed into complex 3D shapes after multiple folding processes due to the dynamic covalent exchange as well as the reversible physical crosslinking, and the obtained new samples still exhibit good 2W‐SMEs. Furthermore, the transition temperature of 2W‐SMPs is designed to be close to human body temperature, and it is manufactured into a biomimetic mimosa actuator that can undergo shape changes through finger contact and cooling. This work provides a new idea for the development of thermadapt 2W‐SMPs, and the obtained materials show great potential applications in intelligent actuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shape‐morphing materials that can exhibit various shape deformations are highly desirable. In this work, shape‐morphing materials with diverse deformation modes are prepared via a facile approach of constructing bilayer structures of SEBS/paraffin blends with different melting temperatures. The bilayer films are prepared using a simple solvent‐coating adhesion method, either by adhering two single‐layers together and stretching or by adhering two pre‐stretched single‐layers. These bilayer films show strong interfacial adhesion due to the similar chemical composition of the two layers. By adjusting the programming method, stretching strain, and thickness ratio, the shape deformation behaviors of the resultant bilayer films can be flexibly tuned. To demonstrate the wide applicability of this approach, several 2D sheets with hinge structures as well as a smart dressing are prepared, in which the former can be transformed into 3D configurations and the latter can automatically fit to the human body and peel off. Owing to the advantages of low cost, easy and large‐scale preparation, recyclability, and high designability, the approach for preparing shape‐morphing bilayer films proposed by this work is versatile and the obtained bilayer films have the potential to satisfy the demands of divergent application fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Proposed a crack observation device to overcome crack closure. • Proposed a precise method for determining fatigue crack growth rate (d a /d N). • Introduced a testing procedure for short crack growth, broadening d a /d N curve scope. • Developed a d a /d N model characterizing both long and short crack growth stages. • Improved N f prediction accuracy based on the new d a /d N model. The accurate delineation of the fatigue crack growth rate (d a /d N) model, encompassing the short crack stage, assumes paramount importance in the operation and maintenance of transportation vehicles such as aircraft. Nonetheless, the determination of the d a /d N encounters challenges, notably crack closure engendered by unloading observations on the specimen and the attendant issue of exorbitant test expenditures due to low load amplitude (Δ P), thereby impeding the precise establishment of the d a /d N model, particularly in the short crack stage. Hence, this study initially posits a novel crack observation methodology employing a self-engineered stress transfer apparatus to sustain the stress (σ) on the specimen at its closure stress (σ cl) level post-unloading, thus mitigating the impact of crack closure on crack observation and augmenting the accuracy of d a /d N curve determination. Subsequently, building upon this innovation, a fatigue crack propagation (FCP) test protocol tailored for the short crack stage is advanced, principally by substantially augmenting Δ P to surmount the cost constraints of the test, thereby broadening the scope of d a /d N curve determination to 10−8 mm/cycle. Lastly, premised on the acquisition of high precision and comprehensive d a /d N curves, a d a /d N model is posited by integrating with the extant d a /d N model, which can comprehensively and precisely delineate the FCP behavior across the entire crack growth spectrum, particularly in the short crack stage. Illustratively demonstrated through a case study on 42CrMo steel crankshaft, a fatigue life (N f) prediction investigation conducted based on this d a /d N model substantiates its efficacy in accurately assessing the FCP behavior of crankshaft materials vis-à-vis existing models, thereby reducing the N f prediction error by 14.64 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: It has been reported that tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis plays an important role in lymph node metastasis and contributes to the poor survival of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. As yet, however, the molecular mechanism underlying LUAD-associated lymphangiogenesis has remained elusive. Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to determine the expression of integrin subunit alpha 6 (ITGA6) and the lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (Lyve1) in clinicopathologically characterized LUAD specimens. The effect of ITGA6 overexpression on lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis was examined by tube formation, scratch wound-healing, and cell migration assays in vitro and a popliteal lymph node metastasis model in vivo. Mechanistically, overexpression of ITGA6 and activation of NF-κB signaling were examined by real-time PCR, ubiquitination and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Finally, high ITGA6 expression in LUAD tissue samples was related to copy number variation (CNV) using the TCGA database. Results: We found that ITGA6 overexpression correlated with microlymphatic vessel density in LUAD specimens (p < 0.01). Importantly, by using a popliteal lymph node metastasis model, we found that ITGA6 upregulation significantly enhanced lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis in vivo (p < 0.05). In addition, we found that ITGA6 overexpression enhanced the capability of A549 and H1299 LUAD cells to induce tube formation and migration in human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs). Mechanistically, we found that ITGA6 sustained NF-κB activity via binding and promoting K63 polyubiquitination of TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2). Finally, CNV analysis revealed ITGA6 amplification of 27.5% in the LUAD tissue samples in the TCGA database. Conclusions: Taken together, our results uncover a plausible role for ITGA6 in mediating lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis and may provide a basis for targeting ITGA6 to treat LUAD lymphatic metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical manipulation of organic compounds offers a promising alternative for the synthesis of valuable organic materials under mild conditions. In this study, the MoO2@NiO heterostructure was successfully synthesized as an efficient thin-film electrode material for electrochemical ethanol oxidation, using amorphous Ni(OH)x nanosheets as the precursor. During electrocatalytic ethanol oxidation, this electrode exhibited a significantly reduced overpotential, achieving a value of only 1.41 V at a current density of 50 mA cm−2. Additionally, product analysis revealed that the heterojunction electrode demonstrated high faradaic efficiency (70%) and selectivity (80%) for acetaldehyde. The outstanding performance of this electrode can be attributed to the in situ transformation of MoO2 species during the catalytic process. In the electrolyte, MoO2 exists as MoO42− and undergoes a series of processes including precipitation, dissolution, and redeposition on the electrode surface. These processes lead to the formation of a novel molecular outer layer, significantly enhancing the activity and stability of the electrode material. This study provides valuable insights into the potential replacement of anodes in the electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol in aqueous solutions, thereby contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable electrochemical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • SEBS blends containing paraffin with same content but different T m was prepared. • Shape memory performance of different SEBS/paraffin blends was investigated. • Blends with low or high T m paraffin showed different shape fixing ratios. • The shape fixing ability was related to the existing forms of paraffin crystals. Poly(styrene-b-[ethylene-co-butylene]-b-styrene) (SEBS)/paraffin system is a promising class of shape memory polymers and the transition temperature of such materials could be flexibly regulated by choosing different paraffins. However, the difference in shape memory performance of SEBS/paraffin blends containing paraffin with same content but different melting temperature (T m) has not been comparatively studied. In this work, two series of SEBS/paraffin blends containing same content paraffin (30 and 70 wt%, respectively) with T m of 28.5 and 61.3 °C (denoted as P L and P H , respectively) were prepared and their shape fixing ratios (R f s) under conventional shape memory (CSM) and reversible plasticity shape memory (RPSM) programming methods were investigated. It was found that these blends with the same paraffin content showed different R f s regardless of the programming method. For example, the 30 wt% P H -containing sample exhibited higher R f under CSM programming, while the 70 wt% P L -containing sample showed higher R f under RPSM programming. By investigating microstructural changes, a possible explanation for the shape memory performance of SEBS/paraffin blends containing paraffin with different T m was proposed. This work was helpful to deepen the understanding of shape memory mechanism and broaden the application of SEBS/paraffin-based shape memory polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXene, a new two-dimensional nanomaterial, has attracted much attention due to its hydrophilicity, excellent electrical conductivity, stability, electrochemical property, etc. We have given a brief introduction to the preparation of MXene nanosheets, as well as the 1D and 2D MXene-based materials with their applications. However, the spontaneous aggregation and re-stacking of nanosheets in 1D and 2D MXene due to hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces are not beneficial to the industrialization applications, and therefore, the construction of 3D porous structures is an effective way to solve this issue. However, the small transverse dimensions and weak mechanical properties of MXene itself do not allow for the spontaneous formation of strong, stable, and self-supportable 3D porous structure. Therefore, combining MXene with other materials, such as carbon-based materials, metal oxides, spinel, polymers, metal-based nanoparticles, have been considered as the most effective method for the preparation of 3D MXene-based porous structure. Thus, in this review, we have illustrated the current construction techniques of 3D porous Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene including template method, self-assembly method and 3D printing method, etc. The wide applications of 3D MXene in supercapacitors, electromagnetic shielding, seawater desalination, piezoresistive sensors and catalysis via microstructures structures regulation, are also summarized in this work. Finally, the prospects regarding the 3D MXene-based composites with strong mechanical property, pore structures regulation, cost-effective synthesis route and the new applications fields are proposed. This work will help to develop a more exquisite design of 3D MXene-based materials for their future commercial applications. • The definitions, advantages and characterizations of 3D MXene are introduced in this study. • The techniques for constructing 3D MXene and the fabrication mechanism are developed. • Different applications of 3D MXene are studied based on their microstructures and functionalities. • The prospects regarding the 3D MXene with higher performance and new fields are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on hollow Co3O4 cubes synthesized via a self-sacrificing template method and their application as an anode material for reversible electrochemical lithium storage. The hollow Co3O4 cube with a porous hierarchical structure increases the contact surface, shortens the diffusion path of ion/electron, and improves its structure stability and collaborative electronic transmission. Due to their ultrathin subunits and hollow interior, the electrodes exhibit excellent electrochemical performance. Impressively, a high discharge specific capacity of 1600 mA h g−1 is obtained at 400 mA g−1 after 100 cycles. And a reversible specific capacity of 1032 mA h g−1 could still be maintained even at 1000 mA g−1 after 150 cycles. This implies the remarkable potential as an anode for lithium ion batteries. Thus, the hollow Co3O4 cube might give insights into transition-metal oxides as energy storage materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chemical pesticides have defects in crop diseases control, such as narrow antimicrobial spectrum, chemicals residue risk and harm to farmland ecosystem. Antimicrobial agents from microbial sources are highly interested in agriculture. Studies showed that rhamnolipid biosurfactants possessed certain antimicrobial activity. The structural differences in rhamnolipid inevitably affect their activities. But the antimicrobial effect of mono-rhamnolipid and di-rhamnolipid is unknown. Rhamnolipid with unique structure can be produced using specific microbial cell factory. Results: Different types of rhamnolipid were produced from different Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Rha-C10-C10 and Rha-Rha-C10-C10 were the main homologues in the separated mono-rhamnolipid and di-rhamnolipid, respectively. Both mono-rhamnolipid and di-rhamnolipid exhibited certain antimicrobial activity against the tested microbial strains, especially the fungi and Gram-positive bacteria. But mono-rhamnolipid was superior to di-rhamnolipid, with inhibition zone diameters larger than 25 mm and inhibition rate higher than 90%. The IC50 values of mono-rhamnolipid were lower than 5 mg/L against the tested bacterium and fungus, whereas the IC50 values of di-rhamnolipid were ranged from 10 mg/L to 20 mg/L. Mono-rhamnolipid stimulated the tested strains to generate higher level of intracellular ROS. Mono-rhamnolipid exhibited better antimicrobial activity to the potential agricultural pathogens, such as Alternaria alternata, Pantoea agglomerans and Cladosporium sp. The mono-rhamnolipid crude extract of strain P. aeruginosa SGΔrhlC can replace the separated mono-rhamnolipid. After 50 times dilution, the fermentation broth of the mono-rhamnolipid producing strain SGΔrhlC exhibited equal antimicrobial effect to mono-rhamnolipid (200 mg/L). Prospects of mono-rhamnolipid were also discussed for antimicrobial applications in agriculture. Conclusions: This work discovered that mono-rhamnolipid was superior to di-rhamnolipid on antimicrobial activity for agricultural applications. Mono-rhamnolipid is an excellent candidate for agricultural biocontrol. The knockout strain P. aeruginosa SGΔrhlC is an excellent microbial cell factory for high producing mono-rhamnolipid. Its mono-rhamnolipid crude extract and its diluted fermentation broth are cost-effective antimicrobial agents. This work provided new insights to develop green and efficient antimicrobial agents for agricultural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study focused on determining whether the 'Fuzi' (FZ) extracts from different extraction methods are related to pregnane X receptor (PXR) and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), and explore the mechanism. Methods: FZ was extracted under various conditions, and the components were identified by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography/Quad Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS). Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide staining assays were used to measure the cell cytotoxicity of these extracts. Real-time PCR, western blot analysis and reporter gene assay were used to detect the expression changes of PXR and CYP3A4. Results: FZ extracts were found to contain high levels of monoester-diterpene alkaloids (MDAs) and diester-diterpene alkaloids (DDAs). FZ extracts were cytotoxic. Interestingly, we found that FZ extracts and DDAs can induce the expressions of PXR and CYP3A4. And the MDAs can inhibit the expressions of PXR and CYP3A4. Conclusion: Different extracts of FZ can induce the expressions of PXR and CYP3A4 in different degrees. This may be related to the drug-drug interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A polybenzoxazine aerogel system with high strength under suitable deformation is designed. • Reversible sacrificial hydrogen bonding enhanced mechanical properties of the polybenzoxazine aerogel are realized. • The polybenzoxazine aerogel withstands more than 300,000 times its own weight under pressure before breaking. • The polybenzoxazine aerogel has a low thermal conductivity of 0.03012 W/(m·K) at 25 °C and 0.03486 W/(m·K) at 150 °C. • The polybenzoxazine aerogel has a hydrophobic angle of 148.7° and a saturated mass moisture absorption rate of about 0.63%. Aerogels are a very attractive class of lightweight and high-efficient thermal insulators, but poor mechanical properties have always been the main obstacle restricting their development and application. In order to overcome this problem, we innovatively used the concept of reversible sacrificial hydrogen bondings strengthening, and successfully synthesized a polybenzoxazine aerogel with outstanding mechanical properties and a lightweight structure. The aerogel (density 0.231 g/cm3 and porosity 90.7 %) exhibits a high compression strength of 14.36 MPa with a suitable deformation capacity of 19.6 % fracture strain, and also shows a relatively good fatigue resistance. In addition, the aerogel has outstanding thermal insulation properties [0.03012 W/(m·K) at 25℃ and 0.03486 W/(m·K) at 150℃] and hydrophobic properties (hydrophobic angle 148.7° and saturated mass moisture absorption rate about 0.63 %), thus it has great prospects for a high-efficiency thermal insulator used in buildings, industries, aerospace vehicles, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the interaction effects of hardness (75A, 80A, 90A), structures of tread groove (spacing, width, depth and orientation) and contaminants (dry, wet and vegetable oil) on coefficient of friction (COF) of TPU outsole of high-heeled shoe, by application the SATRA whole shoe tester with normalized ceramic tile. Results of univariate analysis show that (1) in the dry condition, orientation of tread groove was the main factor impacting the COF of TPU outsole; (2) ‘Orientation * contaminant', ‘Hardness * contaminant' and ‘Orientation * hardness * contaminant' had significant interaction impact on COF; (3) COF at the hardness of 80A was lower than that of 70A and 90A in the dry condition; while, those in the wet and oil conditions were controversial. Overall, variables of hardness, contaminant and orientation of tread groove were main influence factors in terms of slip resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer has some of the highest morbidity and mortality rates of all cancers, and an important risk factor for mortality in patients with lung cancer is tumor metastasis. Even if a tumor is completely removed at an early stage of the disease, quite a number of patients still have the risk of recurrence. With the advent of molecular diagnostic and therapeutics, more and more studies have found that a poor prognosis may be related to lymph node micrometastasis. However, clinicians still find that predicting the prognosis and choosing the type of surgery and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy are still challenging. Thus, this article reviews the current research status of lymph node micrometastasis in non–small cell lung cancer, envision to provide some updates and insights in this area. [Display omitted] • Introduce molecular mechanism and compares the detection methods of NSCLC lymph node micrometastasis. • Collected clinical studies on the prognosis of micrometastasis concluded that micrometastasis can affect the prognosis. • Studied the correlation between different regions or numbers of lymph nodes and prognosis. • Explored the relationship between surgical methods and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with micrometastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]