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Fungal infections cause serious problems in many aspects of human life, in particular infections in immunocompromised patients present serious problems. Current anti‐fungal antibiotics target various metabolic pathways, predominantly the cell wall or cellular membrane metabolism. Numerous compounds are available to combat fungal infections, but their efficacy is far from satisfactory and some of them display high toxicity. The emerging antibiotic resistance represents a serious issue as well. Hence, there is a considerable need for new anti‐fungal compounds with lower toxicity and higher effectiveness. One of the unique anti‐fungal antibiotics is sordarin, the only known compound that acts on the fungal translational machinery per se. Sordarin inhibits protein synthesis at the elongation step of the translational cycle, acting on eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2. In this review, we deliver a robust scientific platform promoting the development of anti‐fungal compounds, in particular focusing on the molecular action of sordarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The N doped layered porous carbons (NLPCs) were synthesized by in-situ confined pyrolysis method. • The NLPCs display high compaction density of 1.39 g cm−3 and layered structures. • The NLPCs show high volumetric capacitance and energy density. Herein, the N doped layered porous carbons (NLPCs) were synthesized from biomass waste. The NLPCs present high compaction density, layered structures and moderate content of N, O elements. Owing to the synergistic effect of merits, the NLPC presents excellent volumetric performance when used as electrode for supercapacitor (SC), e.g. high volumetric capacitance of 317.3 F cm−3 at 0.1 A g−1, and high energy density of 10.9 Wh L-1. Moreover, the capacitance retention of NLPC 4 -based supercapacitor is 105.2% after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. The results show the excellent application prospects of NLPC in high volumetric performance supercapacitors. This study also provides a universal method for the preparation of NLPC for SCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five different configurations of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) grids were tested for the control of plastic shrinkage cracking of concrete using carbon FRP rods with two different spacings, two configurations of conventional steel wire meshes, and fiber reinforced concrete with two different fiber volume fractions. The experimental program followed the standard acceptance criteria test method for concrete with synthetic fibers. Test results showed that carbon FRP grids meet or exceed the acceptance criteria of minimum 40% reduction in shrinkage cracking of concrete. Introducing a crack reduction efficiency factor as the ratio of crack reduction to the equivalent area of steel reinforcement, carbon grids proved to be the most efficient type of reinforcement tested in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, concrete-filled fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) tube (CFFT) has been used as precast piles, girders, and pier columns in federally funded innovative bridge projects around the country. While the monotonic behavior of CFFT columns is studied rather extensively, their cyclic response is not yet fully understood. This paper presents a comprehensive composite beam–column fiber element for large displacement nonlinear inelastic analysis of CFFT beam columns. A two-dimensional three-node combined element is used with 13 degrees of freedom, including five for each end node and three for the middle node. The constitutive models for cyclic loading of FRP and concrete are described. The model is verified against the available cyclic test data of an earlier study on six CFFTs with and without internal steel reinforcement. A study is carried out to evaluate the effect of CFFT parameters on its hysteretic response, and to compare the response with reinforced concrete (RC) and concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs). The study shows the feasibility of designing CFFT columns with comparable hysteretic performance to RC columns. However, hysteretic response of CFFT columns cannot measure up to their CFST counterparts, unless their superior durability is considered in the selection process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials are generally known for their linear elastic response to failure. The present study evaluated the implications of using FRP as primary and sole reinforcement for concrete structures in seismic regions through an experimental and analytical investigation on the cyclic response of two different types of laminated glass FRP tubes filled with concrete. The study showed that concrete-filled tubes can be designed with an appropriate laminate structure for a ductility level comparable to that of conventional reinforced concrete columns. The nonlinearity and ductility in these types of structures stem from the off-axis response of the FRP tube. A hysteretic model was developed for the tube, and was cast into a two-dimensional three-node combined fiber element for the concrete-filled FRP tube. Good agreement was shown between the analytical models and the experimental results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel and convenient approach to the synthesis of polysubstituted isochromanones is described. Irradiation of 2-formyl phenylalkeno-derivatives with UV light in benzene solution afforded the corresponding products in up to 98% yield. The possible reaction mechanism is proposed and further supported by the isotopic experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fly ash is potentially useful as a sintering additive in the synthesis of SiC-based foam ceramics (SFC). However, the influence of CaO and MgO, the main alkaline oxides in fly ash, on the performance of SFC is not well understood. This study synthesized SFC using SiC and fly ash as the primary raw materials (mass ratio of 7:3), and systematically investigating the effects of CaO and MgO on the properties of SFC, including porosity, density, strength, apparent morphology, and phase composition. The results indicated that addition of CaO and MgO promoted oxidation of SiC at relatively low temperatures. With a CaO content of 1.5 wt% or an MgO content of 2 wt%, SFC with uniformly distributed porous structures and exceptional properties was achieved at sintering temperatures as low as 1150 °C. Additionally, CaO and MgO facilitated formation of crystalline phases such as wollastonite, calcium feldspar, and cordierite, enhancing the thermophysical properties of SFC. However, excessive CaO or MgO led to over-sintering of the SFC samples. With a CaO content of 1.5 wt% and a sintering temperature of 1175 °C, SFC was completely deformed. This was also observed with an MgO content of 3 wt% and a sintering temperature of 1250 °C, indicating that CaO promotes SiC oxidation more effectively than MgO. It is suggested that addition of appropriate amounts of CaO and MgO is conducive to production of high-quality SFC at low sintering temperatures, significantly enhancing their commercial viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brain tumors are one of the leading causes of epilepsy, and brain tumor‐related epilepsy (BTRE) is recognized as the major cause of intractable epilepsy, resulting in huge treatment cost and burden to patients, their families, and society. Although optimal treatment regimens are available, the majority of patients with BTRE show poor resolution of symptoms. BTRE has a very complex and multifactorial etiology, which includes several influencing factors such as genetic and molecular biomarkers. Advances in multi‐omics technologies have enabled to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms and related biomarkers of BTRE. Here, we reviewed multi‐omics technology‐based research studies on BTRE published in the last few decades and discussed the present status, development, opportunities, challenges, and prospects in treating BTRE. Methods: First, we provided a general review of epilepsy, BTRE, and multi‐omics techniques. Next, we described the specific multi‐omics (including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) techniques and related molecular biomarkers for BTRE. We then presented the associated pathogenetic mechanisms of BTRE. Finally, we discussed the development and application of novel omics techniques for diagnosing and treating BTRE. Results: Genomics studies have shown that the BRAF gene plays a role in BTRE development. Furthermore, the BRAF V600E variant was found to induce epileptogenesis in the neuronal cell lineage and tumorigenesis in the glial cell lineage. Several genomics studies have linked IDH variants with glioma‐related epilepsy, and the overproduction of D2HG is considered to play a role in neuronal excitation that leads to seizure occurrence. The high expression level of Forkhead Box O4 (FOXO4) was associated with a reduced risk of epilepsy occurrence. In transcriptomics studies, VLGR1 was noted as a biomarker of epileptic onset in patients. Several miRNAs such as miR‐128 and miRNA‐196b participate in BTRE development. miR‐128 might be negatively associated with the possibility of tumor‐related epilepsy development. The lncRNA UBE2R2‐AS1 inhibits the growth and invasion of glioma cells and promotes apoptosis. Quantitative proteomics has been used to determine dynamic changes of protein acetylation in epileptic and non‐epileptic gliomas. In another proteomics study, a high expression of AQP‐4 was detected in the brain of GBM patients with seizures. By using quantitative RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry assay, a study revealed that patients with astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas showed high BCL2A1 expression and poor seizure control. By performing immunohistochemistry, several studies have reported the relationship between D2HG overproduction and seizure occurrence. Ki‐67 overexpression in WHO grade II gliomas was found to be associated with poor postoperative seizure control. According to metabolomics research, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is associated with the development of glioma‐related epileptogenesis. Another metabolomics study found that SV2A, P‐gb, and CAD65/67 have the potential to function as biomarkers for BTRE. Conclusions: Based on the synthesized information, this review provided new research perspectives and insights into the early diagnosis, etiological factors, and personalized treatment of BTRE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irradiation of terminal aromatic γ,δ-epoxy ketones (I) leads to Norrish type II cyclization-semi-pinacol rearrangement cascade giving rise to the formation of benzocyclobutanones (II) containing a full-carbon quaternary center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Municipal solid wastes were used as raw materials for the production of LWA. • CaO and MgO could control the viscosity of the glass phase and gas emissions. • Ca2+ and Mg2+ contributed to stabilizing the crystal network structure. • Excess CaO and MgO were unfavorable to the compactness of LWA. Sewage sludge (SS) and river sediment (RS) could be used as the raw material for the production of lightweight aggregate (LWA). CaO and MgO are present as the major inorganic oxides in SS and RS, little is known about their influences on the performance of LWA. This study aims to explore the effects of CaO and MgO contents on the properties of LWA. The results indicated that LWA with desired physicochemical quality were obtained with a CaO content range of 3–4% and a MgO range of 2–3%. Anorthite (CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8), spinel (MgAl 2 O 4) and enstatite (Mg 2 Si 2 O 6) detected in crystal phase were conducive to enhancing the hardness of LWA. The presences of Ca2+ and Mg2+ contributed to stabilizing the crystal network structure and improving the strength of lightweight aggregate. Nevertheless, excess amount of CaO and MgO, which functioned as crystal network-modifier, were unfavorable to the production of high-strength lightweight aggregate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]