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Anson H. Laytner and Jordan Paper, editors. The Chinese Jews of Kaifeng: A Millennium of Adaptation and Endurance. Lanham: Lexington Books, 2017. vii, 270 pp. Hardcover $105.00, ISBN 978-1-4985-5026-0. The [...]

Byline: -SLOANE CROSLEY Hot Type Take a nice long walk off a literary pier with fall's big books. First, Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Egan makes her maiden deep dive into [...]

Byline: -SLOANE CROSLEY Campus Dramas It's all cafeteria trays and dormitory IDs until it isn't. VANITY FAIR's Schools for Scandal (Simon & Schuster), edited by Graydon Carter, offers not just [...]

Byline: SLOANE CROSLEY PHOTOGRAPH BY MARK SCH�FER STAGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT 'I wanted to write a new play,' explains the playwright at the center of Paula Vogel's Indecent, 'that posed contemporary [...]

Byline: PHOTOGRAPH BY JAAP BUITENDIJK SLOANE CROSLEY Fanfair February 7, 2017 DOWNTOWN L.A. ON THE UP p. 98 HOT TYPE p. 100 HOT TRACKS: CHANCE THE RAPPER p. 102 BACK [...]

Byline: -A. M. HOMES Of Microbes and Men Michael Tolkin is a soothsayer, an early reader of our psychological topography, and his new book, NK3 (Atlantic Monthly Press), is either [...]

Byline: Susan Duncan, Jerry Papers, Woody Franzen, and Pat Otto Vertical connections, constructed using inquiry, give students the skills to reach new heights in both their academic and local communities. [...]

The organizational process change dynamic through a theoretical lens of business process reengineering (BPR) models to identify success factors is explored. The change vision can be effectively communicated to the people by the top management, who are responsible for making the resources available to process workers to effectively do their job.

ABSTRACT Change management is a critical issue in the current fast-paced business environment. Organizations are being bombarded with global business change, innovations in communications, and rapidly evolving information systems capabilities. [...]

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

Successful business process improvement (BPI) depends on top management support, customer satisfaction, cross-functional team work and a systematic means of solving problems. The way work is done has to be radically changed, but within a guiding framework that takes full account of the existing situation. There needs to be a holistic approach, comprising a systematic guide to solving problems, an environment conducive to real change and worker empowerment. Several Caterpillar businesses initiated business process simplification and improvement (BPS/I) activities in shifting focus to improving inefficient office processes. The team included a management review team (MRT), project review team (PRT), macro process teams (MPT), and micro process teams. The MRT is the governing body. PRT comprises managers familiar with the specific processes being improved: MPTs are cross-functional. Support is secured by requiring each team member to sign a BPS/I mission statement for each project and each level of the group has one member from the level below. There are five main steps. The first is for the MRT to select critical business processes. Second, processes are mapped to understand the current set of processes and problems. After the team has mapped the process, improvement can take place, usually in the Caterpillar case, with simplification by breaking down the process into smaller parts. Brainstorming is used to encourage creative input. Each option is tested. The final step is the plan to implement the new process. The biggest impetus driving BPS/I success is the people doing the work and this calls for training which encourages creativity, improved decision-making skills and sound team work. Top management needs to ensure open continuous communication with and at all levels, visibly demonstrating commitment to BPS/I as well as managing fears of job loss. Technology is now being used to look at information re-engineering. An example of a successful project (the COEG customer-orientated engine graphics project) is described. The results from the COEG re-engineering process were impressive, as were those of other BPS/I projects. Process cycle times decreased by 50%, team work building has improved, better decisions are made and process improvement is now a way of life for employees. Lessons learnt include the need for employee involvement in decision-making, a team structure to guide employees in their new roles, release time for BPS/I team members and understanding the value of people. Yet, even with a strong commitment to change, benefits may not be realized because of poorly managed implementation. The Caterpillar model can be used as a high-level blueprint to guide BPI initiatives. The difference between success and failure hinges on the organization's view of re-engineering. Re-engineering must be carefully planned, properly financed and strongly reinforced. It must be included in the strategic plan, since top management has to be seen to be fully committed to the process of re-engineering organizational change.

Ruth and George Friend created a summer retreat from a 'cookie-cutter' two-bedroom condominium on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan and decorated it with their eclectic collection of antiques, primitive pieces and other treasures.

The Broadway Historic Area in Rock Island, IL, features fine older homes, built from 1885-1910. The homes are cared for and lovingly decorated by their owners. The homes of the Yapps, the Carusos, and the Braets are highlighted.

Large red barns, once a common sight in the rural Midwest, are gradually vanishing, but George and Nancy Hof have paid homage to the classic structure by converting a 1920s barn into a home in southeastern Minnesota. Details of the 16-year project are discussed.

Process reengineering involves the reconceptualization and transformation of work flows with the aid of information technology. Reengineering may fail if the management is unable to rethink work processes, insists upon a hierarchical organization structure, uses technology that is not integrated and fails to develop an information structure. A successful approach to reengineering involves gaining sponsorship within the organization, promoting cross-functionality among information systems and redesigning work processes.

As always, Trump bends the rules in his favor. In his version, rock smashes scissors and flattens paper.Three-toed SlothThe result of hard-fought negotiations: 'She'll let him hold one finger.' 'He [...]

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.

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 focuses on voice technology being developed by the U.S. Navy. The commercial potential for voice technology innovations currently being developed by the U. S. Navy is immense. Although speech technology has existed for two decades, widespread use is a recent phenomenon. Following improvements in accuracy, speed, portability, and high-noise operation, the development of speech dictation and recognition applications by the private sector, federal agencies, and armed services has increased. The Naval Voice Interactive Device (NVID) prototype is a compact, mobile computing device that includes voice interactive technology, stylus screen input capability, and an indoor-readable display that enables shipboard medical personnel to complete environmental survey checklists, view reference materials related to these checklists, manage tasks, and generate reports using the collected data. Despite current limitations in speech technology, the NVID prototype was successful in reducing the time needed to complete inspections, supporting local reporting requirements, and allowing corpsmen to complete surveys expeditiously. The potential of this type of innovation is immense for commercial industry, public medical industry and also manufacturing and services industry. Widespread adoption of these and related technologies across industry and consumer applications is certain to result in timesavings, convenience, and safety.

John Dillon, chairman and CEO of International Paper (IP) (Stamford, CT), has announced his retirement as of Oct. 31. John Faraci, currently IP president, will succeed him as chairman and [...]

Steps for diagnosing and treating patients with von Willebrand's disease are described. Von Willebrand's disease is an bleeding disorder that is caused by an inherited lack of the clotting mechanism known as von Willebrand factor.

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.

A recent study by The Strategis Group projects world wide wireless growth to increase by nearly 500 million subscribers by 2004. Increased data traffic, falling prices and new usage habits […]

Although long-term power outages happen only a few times a year, in most parts of the country, power fluctuations occur at least once a day. One daily fluctuation is enough […]

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.