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The world is facing many and different, difficult, and challenging problems. Ways are explored, to make the world a safer and better place for all humans using Ethical AI and wisdom. Certain questions as to what intelligent machines can do and what cannot do are reviewed. The importance of global cultural diversity and its relation to global coherence is analyzed. Basic definitions of artificial intelligence (AI) are given. The relation of AI and ethics are provided in some details. Technical problems associated with its design and conceptualization, the cognitive revolution, brought about by the development of AI also gives rise to social and economic problems that directly impact humanity. It is vital and urgent to examine AI from a moral point of view. A new industrial revolution is proposed, the Wise Anthropocentric Revolution: INDUSTRY 6.0. We examine the relationship between wisdom and morality within the basic framework of neo-Aristotelian Virtue Ethics

A practical synthetic route, consisting of 5 steps, has been developed and applied successfully for converting limonin/deoxylimonin into the corresponding amino derivatives I-5a–I-5eand II-5a–II-5e. Deoxylimonin analogs II-5aand II-5bbearing an open A ring structure underwent ring closure reaction by employing the Mitsunobu procedure to afford II-6aand II-6b. All of the 12 newly synthesized compounds were subjected to preliminary screening for evaluating their inflammation and nociception inhibition efficacy. The most promising compounds, I-5band II-5d, were selected for further investigation by a carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema model, both of which displayed a dose–response dependent manner and demonstrated superior anti inflammation capacity to that of indomethacin in the first 2 hours.

Over the past decade, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted tremendous research interest for future electronics owing to their atomically thin thickness, compelling properties and various potential applications. However, interface engineering including contact optimization and channel modulations for 2D TMDCs represents fundamental challenges in ultimate performance of ultrathin electronics. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the basic understanding of contacts and channel engineering of 2D TMDCs and emerging electronics benefiting from these varying approaches. In particular, we elucidate multifarious contact engineering approaches such as edge contact, phase engineering and metal transfer to suppress the Fermi level pinning effect at the metal/TMDC interface, various channel treatment avenues such as van der Waals heterostructures, surface charge transfer doping to modulate the device properties, and as well the novel electronics constructed by interface engineering such as diodes, circuits and memories. Finally, we conclude this review by addressing the current challenges facing 2D TMDCs towards next-generation electronics and offering our insights into future directions of this field.

Graphene can be modified by different functional groups through various transformation processes in the environment. The toxicological activity of graphene is closely related to its ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can be altered by surface modification. Herein, unfunctionalized graphene (u-G), carboxylated graphene (G-COOH) and aminated graphene (G-NH2) were selected to determine their ability to photogenerate ROS in the aqueous phase. Oxidative stress (ROS concentration and superoxide dismutase activity) in Daphnia magnaunder simulated sunlight radiation induced by the materials was also investigated. Based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the photochemical pathways of ROS production were identified. G-COOH and G-NH2produced singlet oxygen in the aqueous phase by mediating energy transfer. G-COOH, G-NH2and u-G generated superoxide anions and further produced hydroxyl radicals by inducing electron transfer. By comparing the biological redox potential and the lowest occupied molecular orbital values (ELUMO) of the substances, u-G and G-COOH were identified to have the potential to induce oxidative stress. The predictive results were validated by the significant increase of oxidative stress biomarkers in Daphnia magna. By coupling experimental observations with the theoretical predictions, the results provide mechanistic insight into understanding the photochemical activity and toxicity of graphene and its surface-functionalized derivatives.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is one of the most promising techniques for cancer tumor ablation. Nanoparticles are increasingly being investigated for use with PTT and can serve as theranostic agents. Based on the ability of near-infrared nano-photo-absorbers to generate heat under laser irradiation, PTT could prove advantageous in certain situations over more classical cancer therapies. To analyze the efficacy of nanoparticle-based PTT, preclinical in vitrostudies typically use 2D cultures, but this method cannot completely mimic the complex tumor organization, bioactivity, and physiology that all control the complex penetration depth, biodistribution, and tissue diffusion parameters of nanomaterials in vivo. To fill this knowledge gap, 3D culture systems have been explored for PTT analysis. These models provide more realistic microenvironments that allow spatiotemporal oxygen gradients and cancer cell adaptations to be considered. This review highlights the work that has been done to advance 3D models for cancer microenvironment modeling, specifically in the context of advanced, functionalized nanoparticle-directed PTT.

Ethylene oligomerization with controlled chain lengthening over the shape-selective HZSM-5 catalyst provides alternative technologies for the production of C3+light olefins under the current circumstances of shifting hydrocarbon feedstocks from naphtha to ethane. Here, by tuning the MFI framework Alfsite to either isolated or in close proximity, we investigated the influence of the Alfproximity on the kinetics and mechanisms of ethylene oligomerization. We demonstrate that the HZSM-5 catalyst with a high concentration of Alfin close proximity (AlHProx) shows higher activity. The reaction rate of AlHProxis up to 14-fold that of AlIso(HZSM-5 with isolated Alf). Steady-state kinetic studies showed that the activation energy for AlIso(104.8 kJ mol−1) was lower than that for AlHProx(144.5 kJ mol−1). In addition, the kinetic compensation effect with the isokinetic point (Tiso) at 177 °C and Rateisoat 0.015 μmol g−1s−1was identified. Further reaction transient analysis suggested that the dual-cycle hydrocarbon-pool (HP) mechanism was involved. Unlike the steady state, the transient state favors the formation of alkanes and aromatics, indicating the establishment of cyclic carbocations through oligomerization, cyclization, and hydride transfer. The early-stage (HP build-up) behavior seemed to be independent of the Alfproximity, but the back-transient (HP clean-up) suggested decrease in the aromatic cycle over the AlHProxsample.

Crude oil is very difficult to refine because of its large and very heavy oil molecules. The increased external surface areas of the engineered catalysts used in FCC contribute to promoting the preliminary cracking of heavy or extra-heavy oil molecules. Core–shell zeolites with a commercial Y zeolite core and a polycrystalline shell composed of loosely aggregated Y nanocrystals are designed and synthesized. Compared to a commercial Y zeolite catalyst, the as-synthesized core–shell Y zeolite with a high percentage of silicon in the shell exhibits excellent catalytic performance during the catalytic cracking of tri-isopropylbenzene, n-octane, and their physical mixture because of the increased external surface area and high hydrothermal stability. The results verify that large reactants can undergo a hierarchical cracking process over the as-prepared core–shell Y zeolite catalyst: the reactants can be pre-cracked on the accessible external surfaces and the pre-cracked products can be further deeply cracked by the strong acid centers in the confined microporous channels.

Despite considerable research effort devoted to the study of the effects of silver nanoparticles on mammalian cells in recent years, data on the potential long term effects of this nanomaterial remain scarce, and centered on epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of silver nanoparticles on macrophages. To this end, RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were exposed to either 1 μg ml−1silver nanoparticles for 20 days, i.e.a chronic exposure scheme, or to 20 μg ml−1silver nanoparticles for 24 hours, i.e.an acute exposure scheme. A proteomic study was then conducted to study and compare the cellular responses to both exposure schemes. They proved to be essentially different, and stronger for the chronic exposure scheme. Targeted validation studies showed effects of chronic exposure to silver nanoparticles on detoxifying enzymes such as flavin reductase, which was increased, and on central metabolism enzymes such as triose phosphate isomerase, the activity of which decreased under chronic exposure to silver nanoparticles. Chronic exposure to silver nanoparticles also induced a decrease of reduced glutathione content, a decreased phagocytic activity and reduced macrophage responses to lipopolysaccharide, as exemplified by nitric oxide and interleukin 6 production. Overall, chronic exposure to silver nanoparticles induced stronger effects than acute exposure on macrophages in the metabolic (glutathione level, mitochondrial potential) and functional (phagocytosis, cytokine production) parameters tested.

The article informs Employees of the White Mountain Paper, formerly known as the Gorham Mill, express their gratitude for the positive changes brought about by the acquisition of the mill by Behrens Investment Group. They highlight the significant investments made in the mill's infrastructure and workforce development, as well as the efforts to stabilize paper-making in the North Country.

Risk assessment have become essential in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Even though risk prediction tools are recommended in the European guidelines, they are not adequately implemented in clinical practice. Risk prediction tools are meant to estimate prognosis in an unbiased and reliable way and to provide objective information on outcome probabilities. They support informed treatment decisions about the initiation or adjustment of preventive medication. Risk prediction tools facilitate risk communication to the patient and their family, and this may increase commitment and motivation to improve their health. Over the years many risk algorithms have been developed to predict 10-year cardiovascular mortality or lifetime risk in different populations, such as in healthy individuals, patients with established cardiovascular disease and patients with diabetes mellitus. Each risk algorithm has its own limitations, so different algorithms should be used in different patient populations. Risk algorithms are made available for use in clinical practice by means of – usually interactive and online available – tools. To help the clinician to choose the right tool for the right patient, a summary of available tools is provided. When choosing a tool, physicians should consider medical history, geographical region, clinical guidelines and additional risk measures among other things. Currently, the U-prevent.com website is the only risk prediction tool providing prediction algorithms for all patient categories, and its implementation in clinical practice is suggested/advised by the European Association of Preventive Cardiology.

Traumatic injury is a major cause of mortality, and poor wound healing affects millions of people. Thus, the development of effective wound dressings is essential for speeding up wound healing and decreasing mortality. In this study, a suspension of carboxylated brown algae cellulose nanofibers (BACNFs) with a high aspect ratio was freeze dried to prepare a sponge. The sponge showed high porosity and water absorption capacity; thus, it can absorb wound exudates when used as a wound dressing. In addition, quaternized β-chitin (QC) with antibacterial properties was intercalated into the interlayer space of the organic rectorite (OREC) viaelectrostatic interactions to obtain composite suspensions (QCRs) with improved antimicrobial activity compared to that of QC alone. Subsequently, the BACNF sponge was soaked in the QCR suspension to absorb QCRs viaelectrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding from which cellulose nanofiber/quaternized chitin/organic rectorite composite (BACNF/QCR) sponges were constructed viafreeze-drying. The in vivoanimal tests demonstrated that the BACNF/QCR sponges rapidly induced hemostasis in a rat tail amputation test, making them superior to the traditional hemostatic materials. Furthermore, BACNFs/QCRs could substantially promote collagen synthesis and neovascularization, thereby accelerating wound healing 3 days earlier than gauze. This multi-functional biomedical material, fabricated using natural substances, shows great potential to be used for wound healing.

Hypoxia, acidosis and high level of glutathione (GSH) are characteristic abnormalities of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which promote tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapies. Previous attempts to improve therapeutic efficacy were limited to modifying individual TME elements. In this study, we proposed a comprehensive TME modulation strategy that modifies multiple elements of the TME in order to enhance cisplatin anticancer efficacy. To do so, we prepared biocompatible lipid-coated CaO2/cisplatin nanoparticles (LipoCaO2/DDP) by the reverse microemulsion method. We imbued CaO2with the following reverse-TME properties: O2generation, increased pH value in tumor cells, and oxidation of intracellular glutathione. In vitroexperiments showed that LipoCaO2/DDP could deplete GSH for preventing the binding of GSH to cisplatin. Simultaneously, CaO2could significantly downregulate multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) by O2-dependent hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) inactivation. Hence, the complete drug-efflux pathway was blocked, and the anticancer effect of cisplatin was enhanced both in vitroand in vivo. Herein, we not only demonstrated the GSH depletion capacity of CaO2for the first time, but also provided a new comprehensive therapeutic strategy to overcome therapeutic resistance caused by multiple factors in the TME.

Silver nanoparticles are known to strongly affect biological systems, and numerous toxicological studies have investigated their effects. Most of these studies examine the effects immediately following acute exposure. In this work, we have conducted further investigation by studying not only the acute, post-exposure response, but also the cellular response after a 72 hour-recovery-phase post exposure. As a biological model we have used macrophages, which are very important cells with respect to their role in the immune response to particulate materials. To investigate the response of macrophages to nanoparticles and their recovery post exposure, we have used a combination of proteomics and targeted experiments. These experiments provided evidence that the cellular reaction to nanoparticles, including the reaction during the recovery phase, is a very active process involving massive energy consumption. Pathways such as the oxidative stress response, central and lipid metabolism, protein production and quality control are strongly modulated during the cellular response to nanoparticles, and restoration of basic cellular homeostasis occurs during the recovery period. However, some specialized macrophage functions, such as lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine and nitric oxide production, did not return to their basal levels even 72 hours post exposure, showing that some effects of silver nanoparticles persist even after exposure has ceased.

Most of the superamphiphilic surfaces reported so far show an oleophobic feature in underwater environments because once they are wetted with water their wettability is governed by the water layer adsorbed on the surface. In contrast, underwater oleophilic surfaces often show superhydrophobicity–oleophilicity in a dry state in air. A challenge remains in developing a superamphiphilic surface that shows both superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophilicity (i.e.underwater superamphiphilicity). Herein, we demonstrate a novel strategy to prepare a surface that simultaneously possesses superamphiphilicity in air and underwater environments (also referred to as “amphibious superamphiphilicity” in this paper). A single-step wet-chemical coating method was employed to apply a crosslinkable polymer material, which consists of hydrophilic and oleophilic functional groups, onto a fabric substrate. The fabric after coating treatment exhibited amphibious superamphiphilicity with a contact angle of 0° for water and oils. In the dry state, it took less than 1 second for water and oil fluids of surface tension in the range of 18.4–50.8 mN m−1to spread completely on the surface. In water, although the fabric was quickly wetted, it still allowed oils to spread completely into the wetted fabric matrix in less than 1 minute. More interestingly, the underwater superoleophilicity is self-healable against chemical damage. We further showed that such amphibious superamphiphilicity has great potential for recovery of oil from water. No matter whether the fabric was in a dry or pre-wetted state, it showed a similar oil absorption capability. The high resilience against moisture environments made oil recovery very stable. In addition, the coating is durable enough against various types of harsh damage. Such unusual superamphiphilicity may offer novel properties and applications in diverse fields.

This study aimed to identify the needs of a 10th grade congenitally blind student in an inclusive chemistry classroom and design and develop tactile materials to teach the ‘energy in living systems’ topic with particular emphasis on covering the symbolic language of the chemistry. A single case study design was used to carry out an in-depth and thorough investigation. The student's needs were identified through classroom observations and interviews. Based on the needs identified, 2D and 3D tactile instructional materials were designed and developed to cover the topic. Interview and observation data suggested that following the instructions the student developed an understanding of the concepts regarding the energy in living systems together with the symbolic representations used in chemistry. He showed an understanding of molecular structures when he was asked to recognize the 3D models of the molecular structures. He was able to recognize all of the structures and could respond to questions regarding the parts of these molecular structures. Although the results are limited to one congenitally blind student, there is evidence that a blind student can learn complex molecular structures if he/she was provided with materials which suit his/her needs. The results also suggest evidence of how to produce low cost instructional materials for a blind student in chemistry.

The progressive accumulation of senescent cells in tissues in response to damage importantly contributes to pathophysiological conditions such as fibrosis, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's and ageing. Consistent with this, eliminating senescent cells prolongs the lifespan and healthspan in animals and ameliorates certain diseases. Detecting and clearing senescent cells from human tissues could therefore have a significant diagnostic and prognostic impact. However, identifying senescent cells in vivohas proven to be complex. To address this, we characterized and validated a panel of novel membrane markers of senescence. Here, we show the application of molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) against an extracellular epitope of one of these markers, B2M, to detect senescent cells in vitroand in vivo. We show that nanoMIPs do not elicit toxic responses in the cells or in mice and successfully recognize old animals, which have a higher proportion of senescent cells in their organs. Importantly, nanoMIPs loaded with drugs can specifically kill senescent cells. Our results provide a proof-of-principle assessment of specific and safe nanotechnology-based approaches for senescent cell detection and clearance with potential clinical relevance.

Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) increases the risk of cardiovascular events and deaths, which anticoagulation therapy could prevent. Dabigatran prevents perioperative venous thromboembolism, but whether this drug can prevent a broader range of vascular complications in patients with MINS is unknown. The MANAGE trial assessed the potential of dabigatran to prevent major vascular complications among such patients.

Anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are generally observed to have a higher cellular toxicity than rutile TiO2-NPs, which is mainly ascribed to the increased generated amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thereby the greater oxidative damage of anatase TiO2-NPs. However, close attachment between nanoparticles (NPs) and cells is a prerequisite for the inducement of intracellular ROS generation. Cell surface bound and soluble exopolymeric substances (B-EPS and S-EPS, respectively) can play an important role in the cell–NPs interaction and regulate the difference in the nanotoxicity of different NPs, which has not been specifically investigated. Interactions of S-EPS and B-EPS extracted from green algae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) with anatase and rutile TiO2-NPs and the effect of EPS on the algal accumulation and toxicity of the NPs were therefore investigated. Results show that the anatase TiO2-NPs had a significantly higher adsorption of B-EPS than the rutile TiO2-NPs, which could contribute to the greater heteroagglomeration with the algae and the higher algal toxicity of the anatase TiO2-NPs. S-EPS had a higher adsorption on the two NPs than B-EPS; and the adsorption of S-EPS in the bulk solution increased homoaggregation and sedimentation of the NPs, which could inhibit the algal accumulation and toxicity of the NPs. The association with B-EPS greatly increased the apparent algal accumulation of the NPs, but the accumulated NPs could mainly be located on cell surfaces rather than entering the cells, as evidenced by the transmission electron microscopy observation. Thus, B-EPS could act as a bio-barrier protecting the cell wall and membranes from the direct attack of NPs and limiting the cell internalization of NPs. However, the algal cell associated NPs would transfer through food chains with algae, which could cause potential ecological effects and warrants further study. These results will be helpful for assessing the fate and ecological effects of NPs.

Three Pd/CeO2catalysts are synthesized by reduction-deposition and an impregnation method (IMP) to clarify how the chemical state of Pd influences the catalytic performance for CH4combustion. The results show that Pd/CeO2(HHA), using hydrazine hydrate as a reductant, shows much higher catalytic activity and stability for CH4combustion than Pd/CeO2(FA), using formaldehyde as a reductant, and Pd/CeO2(IMP). The results of our comprehensive characterization reveal that there are two different chemical states of Pd species on Pd/CeO2: Pd2+in the form of PdO particles and Pdδ+(2 < δ≤ 4) in the form of PdxCe1−xO2, and the latter is mainly induced by the Pd species entering the lattice of CeO2, which acts as a transfer channel of active oxygen species from the CeO2lattice to active Pd species. The activity of Pd/CeO2directly correlates to the surface concentrations of PdO and adsorbed oxygen. An increase in the amount of PdxCe1−xO2would thicken the transition layer and decrease the replenishment rate of oxygen vacancies through diffusion of lattice oxygen. Meanwhile, the existence of more PdxCe1−xO2could promote the capture of produced CO2on the CeO2around Pd species and decrease the catalytic activity.

Successful bone healing depends significantly on the structure of blood clots and the functional responses of blood cells. Despite the importance of blood clots in osteogenesis, few studies have investigated the effects of blood clots during material-mediated bone regeneration. In this study, we implanted the bone graft substitute hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) subcutaneously, with or without blood prefabrication, to evaluate the effects of blood clots on material-mediated bone formation. We observed that blood prefabricated HA/TCP induced ectopic vascularized bone-like structures, implying that blood prefabrication can induce a microenvironment sufficient for HA/TCP-mediated bone formation. The possible mechanisms were related to (1) modification of the fibrin network, which facilitates MSCs recruitment and differentiation, (2) modulation of the early osteoimmune environment with the upregulation of osteogenic factor BMP2, and (3) improved expression of VEGF and the enhancement of angiogenesis. These results demonstrate the multifaceted effects of blood clots in regulating osteogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, immune responses, and angiogenesis. Therefore, blood prefabrication can serve as a valuable strategy to improve the osteogenic capacity of materials, and prefabricating materials with blood clots prior to implantation should be encouraged. New generation bone substitute materials could target the modulation of a favorable blood clot response for improved bone regeneration.

Targeting tumor cell mitochondria is a prospective strategy for highly effective anticancer therapy. Consequently, the development of potent systems for the targeted delivery of mitochondria-acting therapeutics to mitochondria has the potential to boost this sector of nanomedicine. In this study, a functional mixed micellar system based on two co-assembled triblock copolymers, poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(-caprolactone)-b-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) bearing triphenylphosphonium ligands (PDMAEMA(TPP+)20-b-PCL70-b-PDMAEMA(TPP+)20) and poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(-caprolactone)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO113-b-PCL70-b-PEO113), was assessed for the mitochondria targeted delivery of curcumin. The high proapoptotic activity of the system and the sub-cellular mechanisms of cytotoxicity were demonstrated using a chemosensitive HL-60 cell line and its resistant alternative HL-60/DOX. Next, the successful localization of nanocarriers in mitochondria was proved by fluorescence microscopy with the aid of DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) as a cellular localization tracker. The in vitroexperiments revealed the great potential of the functional system developed for the targeted delivery of curcumin to mitochondria, causing programmed tumor cell death.

Treating activated sludge with free nitrous acid (FNA) to selectively eliminate nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and retain ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) is increasingly regarded as a promising technology for achieving partial nitrification. This study provided a comprehensive assessment of this technology based on optimal FNA treatment conditions, functional microbial community response, and resistibility of established partial nitrification to high dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration and low temperature. An FNA concentration of 1.2 mg HNO2-N per L and an exposure time of 18 hours were found to be the most effective conditions to simultaneously inactivate NOB completely and maintain an AOB activity of 56.76%. Under these conditions, no damaging side effects on the functional microbial community were observed except for the NOB groups being substantially reduced. The results of inoculating two 10 L SBRs with FNA-treated sludge and operating them under different DO concentrations and temperatures showed that stable partial nitrification could be maintained at a DO concentration as high as 3.0 mg L−1and temperature as low as 5 °C. However, vigorous multiplication of NOB, especially Nitrobacter, caused destruction of the partial nitrification after long-term operation under a DO concentration of 5.0 mg L−1. Although stable partial nitrification was not destroyed by low temperature, the ammonia oxidation rate was impaired.

High dose arsenic in drinking water (≥100 μg L−1) is known to induce lung cancer, but lung cancer risks at low to moderate arsenic levels and its dose–response relationship remains inconclusive. We conducted a systematic review of cohort and case-control studies that quantitatively reported the association between arsenic concentrations in drinking water and lung cancer risks by searching the PubMed database till June 14, 2018. Pooled relative risks (RRs) of lung cancer associated with full range (10 μg L−1–1000 μg L−1) and low to moderate range (<100 μg L−1) of water arsenic concentrations were calculated using random-effects models. A dose–response meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled associations between restricted cubic splines of log-transformed water arsenic and the lung cancer risks. Fifteen studies (9 case-control and 6 cohort studies) involving a total of 218 481 participants met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis identified significantly increased risks of lung cancer on exposure to both full range (RR = 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–1.37; heterogeneity I2= 54.3%) and low to moderate range (RR = 1.18; 95%CI = 1.00–1.35; I2= 56.3%) of arsenic-containing water. In the dose–response meta-analysis of eight case-control studies, we found no evidence of non-linearity, although statistical power was limited. The corresponding pooled RRs and their 95%CIs for exposure to 10 μg L−1, 50 μg L−1, and 100 μg L−1water arsenic were 1.02 (1.00–1.03), 1.10 (1.04–1.15), and 1.20 (1.08–1.32), respectively. We provide evidence on the association between increased lung cancer risks and inorganic arsenic in drinking water across low, moderate and high levels. Minimizing arsenic levels in drinking water may be of public health importance.

The article focuses on the pattern of matrilineality and female conversion of the Chinese Jews and mentions topics including Jewish identity, understanding of Judaism, and worship.

The structure of DNA is susceptible to alterations at high temperature and on changing pH, irradiation and exposure to DNase. Options to protect and preserve DNA during storage are important for applications in genetic diagnosis, identity authentication, drug development and bioresearch. In the present study, the stability of total DNA purified from human dermal fibroblast cells, as well as that of plasmid DNA, was studied in silk protein materials. The DNA/silk mixtures were stabilized on filter paper (silk/DNA + filter) or filter paper pre-coated with silk and treated with methanol (silk/DNA + PT-filter) as a route to practical utility. After air-drying and water extraction, 50–70% of the DNA and silk could be retrieved and showed a single band on electrophoretic gels. 6% silk/DNA + PT-filter samples provided improved stability in comparison with 3% silk/DNA + filter samples and DNA + filter samples for DNA preservation, with ∼40% of the band intensity remaining at 37 °C after 40 days and ∼10% after exposure to UV light for 10 hours. Quantitative analysis using the PicoGreen assay confirmed the results. The use of Tris/borate/EDTA (TBE) buffer enhanced the preservation and/or extraction of the DNA. The DNA extracted after storage maintained integrity and function based on serving as a functional template for PCR amplification of the gene for zinc finger protein 750 (ZNF750) and for transgene expression of red fluorescence protein (dsRed) in HEK293 cells. The high molecular weight and high content of a crystalline beta-sheet structure formed on the coated surfaces likely accounted for the preservation effects observed for the silk/DNA + PT-filter samples. Although similar preservation effects were also obtained for lyophilized silk/DNA samples, the rapid and simple processing available with the silk–DNA–filter membrane system makes it appealing for future applications.

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels, known as smart hydrogels, are three-dimensional amphiphilic or hydrophilic polymer networks that are able to change their volume or phase, and other properties, including viscosity, structure, and dimension, in response to changes in pH, temperature, and magnetic or electric field. Highly swellable, dual-responsive bovine serum albumin (BSA)-based injectable hydrogels are prepared here by the chemical conjugation of pH- and temperature-responsive oligo(sulfamethazine acrylate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) (oligo(SMA-co-NIPAM)) copolymers on the surface of BSA through carbodiimide-mediated chemistry. The pH- and temperature-responsive oligomer-bearing BSA conjugates show rapid sol-to-gel phase transition properties. Specifically, the free-flowing conjugates at high pH (pH 8.4, 23 °C) are transformed to a viscoelastic gel under physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 37 °C). The swelling ratio, gel strength, and pore size of the BSA hydrogel were tuned by altering the conjugation ratio of the oligo(SMA-co-NIPAM) copolymers of various lengths and compositions to BSA. Subcutaneously administered BSA conjugate sols into the dorsal region of Sprague-Dawley rats formed an in situgel. When the oligo(NIPAM) content in the hydrogel was high, the degradation rate of BSA hydrogels was remarkably slow, and two weeks after in vivoadministration, the hydrogels with high oligo(NIPAM) had swollen more than 4-fold. An in vivobiodegradation study demonstrated that no necrosis or hemorrhage was observed in the tissues with the hydrogels. The concurrent stimuli-responsivity under physiological conditions and high elasticity suggest that these smart hydrogels may open a new avenue for hydrogel applications.

Graphene oxide (GO) can affect the antibacterial ability of antibiotics by serving as an antibiotic carrier. However, the mechanisms for the antibacterial activity of a combination of GO and antibiotics are not known. In this study, we examined the effect of GO on the antibacterial activity of three antibiotics (i.e., lincomycin hydrochloride (LMH), chloramphenicol (CPC) and gentamycin sulfate (GMS)) against Gram-negative Escherichia colibacteria (e.g. E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureusbacteria (e.g. S. aureus). GO will coat on the bacteria and cause cell membrane damage, assisting growth inhibition of bacteria, with a stronger effect on S. aureusthan E. coli. The inactivation of E. coliand S. aureuswith bare GO is concentration- and time-dependent. The presence of GO increases or decreases the antibacterial ability of antibiotics, depending on the interaction of GO with the antibiotic, the interaction of GO with bacteria, and the sensitivity of bacteria to the antibiotic. The contact order of GO, the antibiotic and the bacterium has a notable effect on the combined antibacterial activity of antibiotics and GO. The pretreatment of GO with bacteria will increase the antibacterial ability of LMH and CPC significantly, while LMH and CPC show relatively low sensitivity to bacteria. The combination of GO and different antibiotics provides different extents of antibacterial efficiency toward microorganisms.

A facile fabrication approach for metal oxide/C materials with a hierarchical pore structure on different length scales is proposed. The material is synthesized from inorganic/organic metal oxo clusters as molecular precursors and processed using a dual-template method followed by heat treatment. TiO2and ZrO2were used as two examples of metal oxide materials and their corresponding carbon-based composites showed superior photocatalytic activity in methylene blue degradation compared with the control samples. This work demonstrates a novel approach for processing metal oxide-based photocatalysts with enhanced reactivity that is broadly applicable to the design of complex functional metal oxide composites with high electrochemical performance for energy applications.

In this work, new copolymers containing either MMA and 18C6 crown-ether pendants, or PEG, MMA and 18C6 crown-ether pendants were synthesized to test the idea that sequestering structural alkali-earth ions from the bacterial outer membrane (OM) may lead to bacterial death. The copolymers were obtained either viauncontrolled radical polymerization or ATRP; the latter approached allowed us to produce not only linear copolymers but also branched Y-like structures. After checking for the capability of complexing magnesium and calcium ions, the antimicrobial activity of all copolymers was tested placing their casted plaques in contact with pure water E. colisuspensions. All plaques adsorbed alkali-earth ions and killed bacteria, albeit with different antimicrobial efficiencies. Differences in the latter characteristic were attributed to different plaque roughness. The role of the 18C6 crown-ether pendants was elucidated by pre-saturating plaques with Mg/Ca ions, the marked reduction in antimicrobial efficiency indicating that losing the latter from OM due to surface complexation does play an important role in killing bacteria at short (<5 h) contact times. At longer times, the mode of action is instead related to the poly-cationic nature acquired by the plaques due to ion sequestering.

Ru/13X zeolite catalysts containing 0.6, 2 and 5.7% Ru prepared by reduction or decomposition of the hexammine complex are active and stable for n-butane hydrogenolysis between 400 and 460 K, and show similar activation energies (150–160 kJ mol−1) and orders of reaction (−1.5 to −2 in H2; 0.5–0.65 in n-butane); product selectivities show weak dependence on temperature and H2pressure, with preference for terminal bond scission. Oxidising either the decomposed or the reduced catalysts gave a marked increase in activity, a lower activation energy (120–130 kJ mol−1), higher orders of reaction in H2(∼−0.9), lower orders in n-butane (∼0.2) and product selectivities that showed greater change with temperature and H2pressure; terminal bond scission was >90%. The change in character with oxidation was attributed to weaker H2chemisorption and a higher concentration of partially dehydrogenated C4species; the active phase may consist of very small particles of RuO2confined within the supercages of the zeolite.

Copper has been investigated as a promising alternative for SCR reactions. However, most Cu-based catalysts supported on zeolites, alumina or titania produced a certain amount of undesired N2O by-product. Herein, we report a strategy to tune the redox properties of copper oxides viaconfinement within titanate nanotubes (Cu/TNTs) and investigate their SCR activity as well as the N2selectivity. The Cu/TNT catalyst showed an excellent NO reduction performance (above 90%) in the temperature window of 300–450 °C and the N2selectivity could exceed 98% among the whole reaction temperature range of 150–470 °C, with a negligibly low concentration of N2O being detected. After systematic characterizations, the tuning of the chemical state of copper and oxygen, the remarkable adsorption capability, the accelerated oxidation of Cu+to Cu2+, the lower level of NH3oxidation and ultimately the tuning of redox properties were discovered. This work could provide a new approach to design SCR catalysts with superior catalytic reduction performance as well as excellent N2selectivity.

The article identifies ways both coding and clinical documentation integrity (CDI) professionals can collaborate during patient admission and post-discharge to effectively meet documentation objectives, using the Identify, Clarify, Interconnect, and Validate (ICIV) model. Topics discussed include sources that can help managers identify one clinical/coding topics to focus on for documentation and coding improvement, and shared file that should be created for both teams.

The article offers the author's insights on the interrelationship between the government and religion in China and the role of religious institutions to the policies in China.

The article explores issues related to the worship and prayers of Chinese Jewish magistrates with regard to their priestly duties stating that they could remain true to their Jewish beliefs as they deemed the duties as a sign of respect to ancestors and to their community instead of prayers to God.

Developmental exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has been indicated to pose long-lasting effects on brain development and behaviors in adulthood. Previous studies have also shown that BPA may disrupt the epigenetic programming of genes in the brain. Here, we focused on investigating the effects of perinatal exposure to low-dose BPA on learning/memory function and emotional regulation, as well as the associated molecular events. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with control corn oil or BPA (40 μg kg−1per day) throughout gestation and lactation. Morris water maze (MWM) and elevated plus maze (EPM) were used to evaluate learning/memory and anxiety-like behaviors at postnatal day (PND) 60 and 85 respectively. The expression level of mRNA for estrogen receptors (ER), ERα and ERβ, in the hippocampus and the serum corticosterone level were determined, as well as the DNA methylation status of the ERα gene promoter. Perinatal exposure to BPA prolonged the escape latency independent of gender, and decreased the percentage of time spent in the target quadrant when examined in the MWM task. While no substantial alteration was observed in the EPM test, the serum corticosterone level was altered in a gender-specific manner. BPA also decreased the expression of mRNA for ERα in the hippocampus, along with elevated DNA methylation of the ERα gene promoter. These results suggest that perinatal exposure to BPA impairs learning/memory function and elevated DNA methylation of the ERα gene in the hippocampus may be involved.

Cyclodextrins (CDs) represent the most extensively investigated cyclic molecules due to their wide availability, facile functionalization, unique amphiphilicity and inclusion capacity. The marriage of CD chemistry with polymer science has generated novel biomaterials by integrating supermolecular host–guest chemistry and state-of-the-art polymer chemistry techniques. The current mini-review focuses on the recent progress in CD-functionalized polymers as drug carriers for cancer therapy. CD-functionalized polymers with different structures are summarized. Their application as drug carriers for cancer therapy is then highlighted. In the end, the future directions of this rapidly developing research field are discussed.

A hybrid electrode of cobalt phosphate (CoPi) on nitrogen doped graphene hydrogels was fabricated by hydrothermal treatment of graphene oxide followed by CoPi electrodeposited in situ, which showed excellent performance toward oxygen reaction in a neutral electrolyte.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been increasingly used in the last decade for the identification of organic colourants in works of art. ‘Surface-enhancement’ is the giant increase in Raman scattering intensity experienced by organic molecules adsorbed on atomically rough metallic surfaces. In the case of organic colourants, which are in general strongly luminescent under laser excitation and therefore cannot usually be identified by conventional Raman microscopy (see AMCTB no. 67), SERS yields a strong and clearly resolved spectrum, allowing for easy identification. Unlike ordinary Raman spectroscopy, SERS often requires sampling, yet the sample size is considerably smaller (from 20 to 100 micrometres) than that required for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the benchmark technique for organic colourants analysis. For this reason, SERS has seen substantial use in the analysis of works of art such as prints, drawings, paintings, and polychrome sculpture. This technical brief focuses on the practical aspects of SERS and its application to the analysis of cultural heritage material, as well as on its current limitations.