Search

The search for new green and efficient stabilizers is of great importance for the stabilization of nitrocellulose (NC). This is due to the shortcomings of traditional stabilizers, such as high toxicity. In this study, reduced polyaniline (r-PANI), which has a similar functional structure to diphenylamine (DPA) but is non-toxic, was prepared from PANI based on the action with N2H4and NH3–H2O, and used for the first time as a potential stabilizer for NC. XPS, FTIR, Raman, and SEM were used to characterize the reduced chemical structure and surface morphology of r-PANI. In addition, the effect of r-PANI on the stabilization of NC was characterized using DSC, VST, isothermal TG, and MMC. Thermal weight loss was reduced by 83% and 68% and gas pressure release by 75% and 49% compared to pure NC and NC&3%DPA, respectively. FTIR and XPS were used to characterize the structural changes of r-PANI before and after reaction with NO2. The 1535 cm−1and 1341 cm−1of the FTIR and the 404.98 eV and 406.05 eV of the XPS showed that the –NO2was generated by the absorption of NO2. Furthermore, the quantum chemical calculation showed that NO2was directly immobilized on r-PANI by forming –NO2in the neighboring position of the benzene ring.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) shapes the stem cell fate during differentiation by exerting relevant biophysical cues. However, the mechanism of stem cell fate decisions in response to ECM-backed complex biophysical cues has not been fully understood due to the lack of versatile ECMs. Here, we designed two versatile ECMs using colloidal self-assembly technology to probe the mechanisms of their effects on mechanotransduction and stem cell fate regulation. Binary colloidal crystals (BCC) with a hexagonally close-packed structure, composed of silica (5 μm) and polystyrene (0.4 μm) particles as well as a polydimethylsiloxane-embedded BCC (BCCP), were fabricated. They have defined surface chemistry, roughness, stiffness, ion release, and protein adsorption properties, which can modulate the cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). On the BCC, hASCs preferred osteogenesis at an early stage but showed a higher tendency toward adipogenesis at later stages. In contrast, the results of BCCP diverged from those of BCC, suggesting a unique regulation of ECM-dependent mechanotransduction. The BCC-mediated cell adhesion reduced the size of the focal adhesion complex, accompanying an ordered spatial organization and cytoskeletal rearrangement. This morphological restriction led to the modulation of mechanosensitive transcription factors, such as c-FOS, the enrichment of transcripts in specific signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, and the activation of the Hippo signaling pathway. Epigenetic analyses showed changes in histone modifications across different substrates, suggesting that chromatin remodeling participated in BCC-mediated mechanotransduction. This study demonstrates that BCCs are versatile artificial ECMs that can regulate human stem cells’ fate through unique biological signaling, which is beneficial in biomaterial design and stem cell engineering.

Hydrogenase, nature’s gift to scientists, is the paradigm catalyst for hydrogen production and utilization.

Biophysical and biochemical cues modulate mammalian cell behavior and phenotype simultaneously. Macrophages, indispensable cells in the innate immune system, respond to external threats such as bacterial infections and implanted devices, undergoing the classical M1 polarization to become a pro-inflammatory phenotype. In the study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced M1 polarization was examined using RAW264.7, THP-1, and primary human PBMCs on a family of artificial extracellular matrix (ECM), named colloidal self-assembled patterns (cSAPs). The results showed that cSAPs were biocompatible, which cannot induce M1 or M2 polarization. Interestingly, specific cSAPs (e.g., cSAP3) suppress the level of M1 polarization (i.e., reduced nitric oxide production, down-regulated gene expression of iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and TLR4, and reduced proportion of CD11b+CD86+cells). Transcriptome analysis showed that cell adhesion and cell-ECM interaction participated in the M1 polarization, and the mechano-sensitive genes such as PIEZO1 were down-regulated on the cSAP3. More interestingly, these genes were also down-regulated under LPS stimulation, indicating that cells became insensitive to the LPS. The abovementioned results indicate that the defined physicochemical cues can govern macrophage polarization. This study illustrates a potential surface design at biointerface, which is critical in tissue engineering and materiobiology. The outcome is also inspiring in ECM-mediated immune responses.

ABSTRACTThe present study aims to explore an embodied approach to students’ deep learning; specifically, how deep learning is interactively achieved through teachers’ languaging dynamics and multimodal representations in interactive lecturing in L2 higher education (HE) contexts. The purpose is to understand how an instructor’s embodied and multimodal pedagogical practices of interactive teaching facilitate students’ active classroom engagement in lecture sessions that are often considered a form of passive knowledge transmission. The case study focuses on the languaging dynamics mobilised by the target teacher participant, who has been recognised as a representative of teaching excellence due to an international background and rich localised teaching experience. Aligned with the theoretical underpinnings of an embodied approach to learning from a constructivist perspective, this study focuses on the multimodal repertoire employed by the teacher’s use of gestures to stimulate students’ responses to the pedagogically designed high-order questions. We argue that this complementarity encourages thinking and active learning in the knowledge transfer. Further, this embodied interactive teaching mode with the affordances of gestures not only supports learning potential for information transmission but also affords action potentials for cognitive thinking and projected interaction for knowledge transformation in the active learning process.

The characteristic modes of the aperiodic arrays are analyzed by combining the entire domain basis function method with the adaptive cross approximation (ACA) algorithm. The array cells are identical. The entire domain basis functions defined on the array cells are obtained by analyzing the characteristic modes of the reference cell firstly. Then, the generalized eigenvalue equation whose size is smaller than the conventional one can be obtained. After solving the equation, the characteristic modes of the whole array can be analyzed. Calculation of the matrices is very time-consuming. To speed up the computation, the ACA algorithm is applied. Several numerical examples are performed. The accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed technique are validated by simulation results.

A hybrid macro basis function (MBF) method is proposed to analyze the finite periodic array in the vicinity of an arbitrary object. The array cells and object are modeled using the low order basis functions firstly. Afterwards, the MBFs defined on the cells are constructed using the modified accurate subentire domain basis function method. The MBFs on the object can be obtained using the characteristic basis function method. The total number of MBFs defined on the array cells and object is far less than that of the low order bases. Another advantage of the proposed method is that multiple excitations can be efficiently computed. Simulation results show that good agreement between the proposed method and other techniques is reached. In addition, computational efficiency is validated.

Background: Gonorrhea persists despite nationwide disease control measures. Research has not focused on the longitudinal impact of community characteristics on gonorrhea. The authors assessed the association between community demographic and socioeconomic changes and gonorrhea rates. Methods: Gonorrhea incident cases reported in 1992-1993 and 2001-2002 were aggregated at the census tract level in New York State exclusive of New York City and then matched to the census data. Census tract characteristics were obtained from the 1990 and 2000 decennial censuses and adjusted for changes in geographic boundaries. Results: Gonorrhea incidence declined considerably between 2 study periods (1992-1993 and 2001-2002) among urban census tracts, but gradually increased in suburbs and rural areas. Changes in community socioeconomic status (SES) were significantly associated with change in gonorrhea rates (e.g., gonorrhea rate ratio given a 5% increase in household poverty rate = 1.08: 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.14), independent of changes in community demographics. Increases in gonorrhea rates related to the proportion of non-Hispanic black population within urban census tracts persisted after multiple SES variables were controlled (rate ratio = 1.20; 95% confidence interval: 1.16-1.24). Discussion: This study found that temporal changes in community SES and demographic characteristics were associated with changes in gonorrhea rates.

Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the effectiveness of partner notification (PN) by linking measures of PN with the gonorrhea incidence rate in New York State exclusive of New York City. Study Design: Gonorrhea cases were identified from the Communicable Disease Confidential Case Reports system. Case interview data were obtained from the case management database. Gonorrhea incidence data and interview data were aggregated from individual records and then linked at the county level. Results: From 1992 to 2002, 100,756 gonorrhea cases were reported and 37% were interviewed. A total of 34,807 partners were elicited from 37,393 index cases: 18,291 (52.5%) partners sought medical evaluation, 10,159 (29.2%) received preventive treatment, and 7,474 (21.5 %) were infected and treated. The gonorrhea incidence rate was inversely correlated with the percent of partners given preventive treatment and positively related to the percent of infected partners. Conclusions: Our study adds new evidence that PN is an effective mechanism to detect new cases and interrupt disease transmission within communities.

Developing a 3D material to support α-Fe2O3nanorods to improve their adsorption performance for Congo Red (CR) is a major challenge. Herein, a novel 3D composite adsorbent was designed, where 2D material Ti3C2MX and CoFe-LDH stacked on top of each other as the support material of α-Fe2O3nanorods (α-Fe2O3@LDH@MX). The specific surface area of the α-Fe2O3@LDH@MX was increased by 2 times (101.28 m2/g) than original CoFe-LDH@MX, thus more favorable for capturing CR (698.25 mg/g). The results of kinetic studies demonstrate that the effective 3D composite structure enables unhindered movement of CR within the α-Fe2O3@LDH@MX. The Langmuir model can accurately describe the adsorption process of CR on the α-Fe2O3@LDH@MX, which means that the process belongs to monomolecular layer chemisorption. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the α-Fe2O3interface primarily interacts with oxygen within the -SO3group, achieving an adsorption energy up to Einteraction= −20,375.89 kcal/mol. The results of XPS analysis further revealed that interaction between Fe and O achieved the removal of CR. In this paper, the enhancement of α-Fe2O3adsorption performance has been successfully achieved through innovative structural design. This significantly advances its potential applications and offers new insights for future material design.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The advent of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has made HCV elimination a realistic goal. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the US Medicare Fee-For-Service claims data and outpatient prescription drug data to assess the HCV DAA initiation and completion among newly diagnosed HIV–HCV-coinfected Medicare patients enrolled in 2014-2016. DAA initiation was defined as filling at least 1 prescription of DAAs during 2014-2016. DAA completion was defined as taking an 8-week or longer DAA treatment course for patients without cirrhosis and a 12-week or longer treatment duration for those with cirrhosis. Among 12 152 HIV–HCV-coinfected Medicare patients, 20.9% received the DAA treatment in 2014-2016. The average time from HCV diagnosis to DAA initiation was 277 days. The overall DAA completion rate was 92% among 2537 patients who used DAAs. Interventions are needed to improve DAA uptake in PLWHA.

Transcription factors (TFs) regulate diverse stress defensive-associated physiological processes and plant stress responses. We characterized TaNF-YB11, a gene of the NF-YB TF family in Triticum aestivum, in mediating plant drought tolerance. TaNF-YB11 harbors the conserved domains specified by its NF-YB partners and targets the nucleus after the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) assortment. Yeast two-hybrid assay indicated the interactions of TaNF-YB11 with TaNF-YA2 and TaNF-YC3, two proteins encoded by genes in the NF-YA and NF-YC families, respectively. These results suggested that the heterotrimer established among them further regulated downstream genes at the transcriptional level. The transcripts of TaNF-YB11were promoted in roots and leaves under a 27-h drought regime. Moreover, its upregulated expression levels under drought were gradually restored following a recovery treatment, suggesting its involvement in plant drought response. TaNF-YB11conferred improved drought tolerance on plants; the lines overexpressing target gene displayed improved phenotype and biomass compared with wild type (WT) under drought treatments due to enhancement of stomata closing, osmolyte accumulation, and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Knockdown expression of TaP5CS2, a P5CS family gene modulating proline biosynthesis that showed upregulated expression in drought-challenged TaNF-YB11lines, alleviated proline accumulation of plants treated by drought. Likewise, TaSOD2and TaCAT3, two genes encoding superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) that were upregulated underlying TaNF-YB11regulation, played critical roles in ROS homeostasis viaregulating SOD and CAT activities. RNA-seq analysis revealed that numerous genes associated with processes of ‘cellular processes’, ‘environmental information processing’, ‘genetic information processing’, ‘metabolism’, and ‘organismal systems’ modified transcription under drought underlying control of TaNF-YB11. These results suggested that the TaNF-YB11-mediated drought response is possibly accomplished through the target gene in modifying gene transcription at the global level, which modulates complicated biological processes related to drought response. TaNF-YB11is essential in plant drought adaptation and a valuable target for molecular breeding of drought-tolerant cultivars in T. aestivum.

The generation of complex physicochemical signals on the surface of biomedical materials is still challenging despite the fact that a broad range of surface modification methods have been developed over the last few decades. Colloidal self-assembled patterns (cSAPs) are combinations of unique colloids differing in size and surface chemistry acting as building blocks that can be programmed to generate surface patterns with exquisite control of complexity. This study reports on producing a variety of pre-modified colloids for the fabrication of cSAPs as well as post-assembly modifications to yield complex surfaces. The surface of cSAPs presents hierarchical micro- and nanostructures, localized hydrophilic/hydrophobic characteristics, and tunable surface functionality imparted by the individual colloids. The selected cSAPs can control bacterial adhesion (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli) and affect the cell cycle of human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs). Moreover, in a mouse subcutaneous model, cSAPs with selective [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium (SBMA) modification can reduce the inflammatory response after being challenged with bacteria. This study reveals that functionalized cSAPs are versatile tools for controlling cellular responses at biointerfaces, which is instructive for biomaterials or biodevices.

Hybrid surfaces with tunable topography, chemistry, and stiffness have potential to rebuild native extracellular matrix (ECM) and manipulate cell behavior in vitro. However, the fabrication of controllable hybrid surfaces is still challenging. In this study, colloidal self-assembly technology was used to program particles into highly ordered structures with hybrid chemistry and stiffness at biointerfaces. These colloidal self-assembled patterns (cSAPs), including unary, binary, and ternary cSAPs, composed of silicon (Si), polystyrene (PS), and/or poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) nanogels (PNGs), were fabricated using either coassembly or layer-by-layer (LBL) methods. The selected binary cSAPs (i.e., PS/PNG and PNG/PS) have a tunable surface topography and wettability between 25 and 37 °C; thus, they can be used as dynamic cell culture substrates. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs), bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs), and macrophages (THP-1) were investigated on these hybrid cSAPs under a static or dynamic system. The results showed that hybrid cSAPs significantly influenced the focal adhesions, cell morphology, cell migration, and gene expressions of stem cells. In general, stem cells had more vinculin puncta, smaller spreading size, and faster migration speed than the TCPS control. Hybrid cSAPs up-regulated gene expressions of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and chondrocytes (AGG and SOX9) under static culture, while they also up-regulated osteocytes (COL1 and RUNX2) under dynamic culture. THP-1 macrophages were at M0 state on all cSAPs under static culture. However, cells became sensitive under dynamic culture. For example, some M1 genes (i.e., IL6, CD68, and TNFα) and M2 genes (i.e., IL10 and CD206) were down-regulated, while other M1 genes (i.e., IL1β) and M2 genes (i.e., TGF-β and IL1ra) were up-regulated, depending on the particle combinations. In conclusion, new hybrid cSAPs with thermoresponsive surface properties are versatile materials for stem cells and macrophages manipulation.

Phytoplankton primary productivity (PP) varies significantly over environmental gradients, particularly in physically‐dynamic systems such as estuaries and coastal seas. During summer, runoff peaks in the Changjiang River driving large environmental gradients in both the Changjiang estuary and adjacent East China Sea (ECS), likely driving significant variability in PP. As satellite models of PP often underperform in coastal waters, we aimed to develop a novel approach for assessing net PP variability in such a dynamic environment. Parallel in situ measurements of Fast Repetition Rate (FRR) fluorometry and carbon (C) uptake rates were conducted for the first time in this region during two summer cruises in 2019 and 2021. A series of 13C‐incubations (n= 31) were performed, with measured PP ranging from ∼6 to 1,700 mgC m−3d−1. Net PP values were significantly correlated with salinity (r= 0.45), phytoplankton chlorophyll a(Chl‐a, r= 0.88), Photosystem II (PSII) functional absorption cross‐section (σPSII, r= −0.76) and maximum PSII quantum yield (Fv/Fm, r= 0.59). Stepwise regression analysis showed that Chl‐aand σPSIIwere the strongest predictors of net PP. A generalized additive model (GAM) was also used to estimate net PP considering nonlinear effects of Chl‐aand σPSII. We demonstrate that GAM outperforms linear modeling approaches in estimating net PP in this study, as evidenced by a lower root mean square error (∼140 vs. 250 mgC m−3d−1). Our novel approach provides a valuable tool to examine carbon cycling dynamics in this important region. The East China Sea has a complex current system that creates a highly dynamic physical environment for phytoplankton, particularly during the summer months. Net primary productivity (PP) is highly variable in this region, yet characterizing these spatial patterns in PP is difficult due to the lack of a high‐resolution data collecting method. Therefore, a strong need exists for a quick and easily implemented method for monitoring PP in this dynamic system. Based on parallel measurements of phytoplankton biomass and photophysiology, we present a novel approach that allows us to rapidly and easily assess regional PP at a high resolution. The high data volume potentially afforded by our net PP estimation method could not only contribute to a better understanding of PP variations in such a dynamic environment, but also help fill the large gaps in field data needed for validating satellite‐based PP models. Parallel in situ measurements of net primary productivity (PP) and Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry were conducted in the Changjiang estuaryProductivity was highest at stations with high Chl and low σPSII, typically located along the Chiangjiang river plume frontA generalized additive model was developed to estimate net PP, providing an approach for assessing regional C‐cycling dynamics Parallel in situ measurements of net primary productivity (PP) and Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry were conducted in the Changjiang estuary Productivity was highest at stations with high Chl and low σPSII, typically located along the Chiangjiang river plume front A generalized additive model was developed to estimate net PP, providing an approach for assessing regional C‐cycling dynamics

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

High energy, high strength, and stable combustion character are the basic requirements of a modern gun propellant (GP). Herein, graphene nanosheets (GNSs) are introduced into the nitroguanidine gun propellant (NQ-GP) as reinforcements to modify its comprehensive performance. A series of in-depth characterizations were conducted to characterize the structure and composition of the propellant, demonstrating that GNSs integrated well in the propellant system. The result of mechanical properties manifested that the anti-impact strength increased with the increase in the content of GNSs in the propellant, and GNSs with a low content of 0.5% in the GP exerted better mechanical strength than those with a high content under different temperature conditions; the brickwork bridging effect enhancement mechanism was proposed as well. Besides, the thermal decomposition character was investigated under different heating conditions like programmed and high pressure. It revealed that GNSs with a high content can produce a catalytic effect on the thermal decomposition process of the propellant like the heat release. Additionally, the analysis of the thermal decomposition kinetics of the propellant by the method of Friedman demonstrated that the addition of GNSs with a proper content could further enhance the activation energy of NQ-GP with thermal stability, which is opposite to the result of linear fitting methods of Kissinger and Ozawa. The results obtained by the different methods were likely to vary with the action mechanisms of the different systems or thermal decomposition stages. It also demonstrated that different high-pressure conditions and GNS contents can produce obvious influence on the thermal decomposition behavior of the propellant, such as Tpand heat release. Moreover, it was found that the introduction of GNSs would not influence the burning stability of the propellant and that the burning rate coefficient (a) and the burning pressure exponent (n) could also be modified with the proper content of GNSs. Hence, the work presented herein highly broadens the application scope of the reinforcement nanofiller and will be of potential value to the community development in high-energy and high-strength GPs.

•New organic residue analysis results of the Tang Dynasty cosmetic.•Beeswax, musk, malachite and barite were detected in the cosmetic residue by using SEM-EDX, Raman spectroscopy and Py-GC/MS.•Indicate the prosperity of cosmetic industry in China during the Tang Dynasty.

Environmental contextThe concentration, types and distribution of antibiotics in soils can have environmental effects and can be modelled using laboratory systems. Adsorption of ofloxacin (OFL) and levofloxacin (LEV) enantiomers to goethite can probe this behaviour and each binds differently to the solid phase. The different behaviour of LEV and OFL in relation to solid-solution partitioning will affect their environmental fate. AbstractThe adsorption of ofloxacin enantiomers, namely levofloxacin (LEV) and ofloxacin (OFL), to goethite was investigated using batch experiments. Structural information of aqueous and adsorbed LEV or OFL was obtained with ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis), three-dimensional excitation–emission matrix (EEM) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic methods. The results indicated that LEV molecules formed a bridging bidentate complex (≡(FeO)2–LEV) with the surface of goethite, and OFL formed a monodentate complex (≡FeO–OFL). The adsorption of OFL to goethite was stronger than that of LEV, owing to differences in their physicochemical properties and bonding modes. The adsorption of LEV and OFL to goethite in single systems was well simulated using the charge distribution multi-site complexation (CD-MUSIC) model, but their adsorption in the LEV–OFL–goethite systems was overestimated at pH ~5.2 and high concentrations of LEV–OFL mixture (19.59μM), in which the predicted amounts of adsorbed LEV and OFL were higher (20.0, 30.8%) than the experimental results. Compared with the unprotonated LEV or OFL, the protonated (>99.9%) ones were mainly adsorbed to the surface of goethite, and the single species may be used during their following modelling.

Isoleucine dioxygenase (IDO)-catalyzed hydroxylation of isoleucine is a promising method for the synthesis of the diabetic drug (2S,3R,4S)-4-hydroxyisoleucine [(2S,3R,4S)-4-HIL]. However, the low activity of IDO significantly limits its practical application. In this work, a high-throughput screening method was developed and directed evolution was performed on the IDO from Bacillus subtilis, resulting in a double mutant with improvements in specific activity, protein expression level, and fermentation titer of 3.2-, 2.8-, and 9.4-fold, respectively. l-Isoleucine (228 mM) was completely converted to (2S,3R,4S)-4-HIL by the best variant with a space-time yield of up to 80.8 g L–1d–1, which is the highest record reported so far. With a further increase of the substrate loading to 1 M, a high conversion of 91% could also be achieved. At last, enzymatic synthesis of (2S,3R,4S)-4-HIL was successfully carried out on a 3 L scale, indicating tremendous potential of the IDO variant I162T/T182N for green and efficient production of (2S,3R,4S)-4-HIL.

Decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM)-based scaffold has been a very useful resource for effective tissue regeneration. In this study, we report a novel ECM patch that physically combines human fibroblast-derived matrix (hFDM) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel. hFDM was obtained after decellularization of in vitrocultured human fibroblasts. We investigated the basic characteristics of hFDM alone using immunofluorescence (fibronectin, collagen type I) and angiogenesis-related factor analysis. Successful incorporation of hFDM with PVA produced an hFDM/PVA patch, which showed excellent cytocompatibility with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), as assessed via cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation. Moreover, in vitroscratch assay using human dermal fibroblasts showed a significant improvement of cell migration when treated with the paracrine factors originated from the hMSC-incorporated hFDM. To evaluate the therapeutic effect on wound healing, hMSCs were seeded on the hFDM/PVA patch and they were then transplanted into a mouse full-thickness wound model. Among four experimental groups (control, PVA, hFDM/PVA, hMSC/hFDM/PVA), we found that hMSC/hFDM/PVA patch accelerated the wound closure with time. More notably, histology and immunofluorescence demonstrated that compared to the other interventions tested, hMSC/hFDM/PVA patch could lead to significantly advanced tissue regeneration, as confirmed via nearly normal epidermis thickness, skin adnexa regeneration (hair follicle), mature collagen deposition, and neovascularization. Additionally, cell tracking of prelabeled hMSCs suggests the in vivoretention of transplanted cells in the wound region after the transplantation of hMSC/hFDM/PVA patch. Taken together, our engineered ECM patch supports a strong regenerative potential toward advanced wound healing.

Olanzapine, a second‐generation atypical antipsychotic drug, is widely used for schizophrenia and moderate to severe mania associated with bipolar disorders. This open‐label, randomized, single‐dose, 2‐sequence, 2‐period crossover, comparative pharmacokinetic study assessed the bioequivalence of 5 mg of olanzapine administered in tablet (R) or disintegrating tablet (T) formulation in healthy Chinese volunteers under both fasting and fed conditions. Numbers of enrolled subjects were 30 and 24 for fasting and fed treatments, respectively. Blood samples were drawn and collected predose as well as up to 144 hours postdose. The plasma concentration of olanzapine was quantitated by a robust, rapid, and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. The R was bioequivalent to T formulation under either fasting or fed conditions. The 90%CI for ratios of the geometric means observed maximum plasma concentration, area under the curve from time 0 extrapolated to last time point, and area under the curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity were all within the allowed limit (80.0% to 125.0%). The pharmacokinetic profiles of T and R formulations were similar under fasting and fed conditions. Both formulations were well tolerated, with a similar incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events under fasting and fed conditions.

In this paper, we present a novel problem of intelligent image processing, which is how to infer a finer image in terms of intensity levels for a given image. We explain the motivation for this effort and present a simple technique that makes it possible to apply the existing learning-based super-resolution methods to this new problem. As a result of the adoption of the intelligent methods, the proposed algorithm needs notably little human assistance. We also verify our algorithm experimentally in the paper.

Compared with photon-induced binary cancer therapy, such as photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) emerges as an alternative noninvasive treatment strategy that could overcome the shallow penetration of light. One key factor in performing successful BNCT is to accumulate a sufficient amount of B-10 (>20 ppm) within tumor cells, which has been a long-standing challenge for small-molecule-based boron drugs. Boron nitride nanoparticles (BNNPs) are promising boron carriers due to their high boron content and good biocompatibility, as certain types of BNNPs can undergo rapid degradation under physiological conditions. To design an on-demand degradable boron carrier, BNNPs were coated by a phase-transitioned lysozyme (PTL) that protects BNNPs from hydrolysis during blood circulation and can be readily removed by vitamin C after neutron capture therapy. According to PET imaging, the coated BNNPs exhibited high tumor boron accumulation while maintaining a good tumor to nontumor ratio. Tail-vein injections of vitamin C were followed by neutron irradiation, and BNNPs were found to be rapidly cleared from major organs according to ex vivoICP-OES analysis. Compared with the control group, animals treated with BNCT showed suppression of tumor growth, while almost negligible side effect was observed. This strategy not only utilized the high boron content of BNNPs but also successfully performed an on-demand degradation of BNNPs to avoid the potential toxicity caused by the long-term accumulation of nanoparticles.

In this work, a novel core@double-shell three-layer structure adsorbent (Fe3O4@SiO2@Zn–TDPAT) [TDPAT = 2,4,6-tris(3,5-dicarboxyl phenylamino)-1,3,5-triazine] was prepared to remove congo red (CR) and methylene blue (MB). The as-obtained magnetic adsorbent Fe3O4@SiO2@Zn–TDPAT was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, vibrating sample magnetometry, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The influencing adsorption parameters including adsorbent amounts, extraction time, pH, and ionic strength were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the removal efficiencies of CR and MB reached 100 and 99%, respectively. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model were suitable to illustrate the adsorption processes of CR and MB. The thermodynamic values, including Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°), and entropy (ΔS°), showed that the adsorption processes were spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Moreover, the obtained nanocomposite remained stable in different acid–alkaline solutions and exhibited good reusability after multiple cycles. All of the experimental results indicated that Fe3O4@SiO2@Zn–TDPAT could be a potential adsorbent to purify dye wastewater.

During the operation of a coke dry quenching system of coking plant, wear-proofing cover of the boiler was seriously eroded, and even the ceiling tube of the boiler was worn and torn. Thus, attentions were paid to the research, development and application of the wear-resistant coating spraying technique for wear-proofing cover of the coke dry quenching furnace. The Cr3C2–NiCr coatings for wear-proofing cover were fabricated via supersonic arc spraying process, and the residual coating of wear-proofing cover would be sampled for being analyzed after two years. The coating presents a dense microstructure with few pores and micro-cracks (the porosity is 4.65%). After thermal spraying of the wear-proofing cover, the hardness and the wear resistance of the surface are improved. The remaining coating is continuous and compact, with an average thickness of about 147 μm. Transverse micro-cracks parallel to the spreading direction of the coating surface are displayed on different areas of the coating, which demonstrates its serious erosion wear effect. The main chemical component of white zone is Fe–18Cr–Ni. The Cr level of light gray phase is about 77.57 wt.% and the O level is 22.43 wt.%. And the main chemical components of dark gray phase are C, O, Al, Si and Ca. X-ray diffraction patterns were adopted to implement phase analysis on the surface of coating sample, which indicated that the coating was composed of a large amount of Cr3O2and a small amount of metal Cr.

Skin wound healing is an intricate orchestration that involves different cell types, an extracellular matrix (ECM), cytokines, and growth factors. On the basis of the great benefits of cell-derived ECM in regenerative applications, here we propose an electrospun fibrous membrane that combines poly(l-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) and human fibroblast-derived ECM (hFDM). hFDM-deposited PLCL (hFDM-PLCL) was obtained via decellularization of a confluent layer of fibroblasts cultivated on PLCL. An organized assembly of fibrillar structure on hFDM-PLCL was notable via immunostaining. As human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were seeded on the hFDM-PLCL, they proliferated faster and exhibited more elongated, capillary-like morphology than those on PLCL or fibronectin-coated PLCL (Fn-PLCL). HUVECs have a relatively large aspect ratio, spreading area, and vinculin-positive area per cell on the fibrillary structure of hFDM-PLCL. In addition, transwell cell migration assay showed the chemoattractant effect of hFDM for HUVECs and human dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, HUVECs-loaded hFDM-PLCL membranes showed the most promising therapeutic effects on a mouse skin wound model as proved via the wound closure rate, neovascularization effect, regenerated epidermis, and skin appendage. This study shows that biodegradable PLCL fibers not only support the weak mechanical properties of hFDM but also allow hFDM to reserve ECM macromolecules and to maintain structural integrity. Current results also demonstrate the critical role of hFDM with biochemical and biophysical cues on HUVECs adhesion, proliferation, and vascular morphogenesis in vitroand even on the wound healing process in vivo. Taken together, hFDM-functionalized PLCL patch should be a promising platform for cell delivery and regenerative applications.

Paraquat is a kind of quaternary ammonium herbicide used to the broadest extent in the world; the poisoning of paraquat has a high mortality rate. In this paper, a convenient and sensitive method was developed for the quantitation of paraquat in biological samples by LC-MS/MS with a simple run time of 4 min. Prior to extraction, an isotopically labeled internal standard, i.e., paraquat-d8was added. Then, a one-step protein precipitation was employed. A Thermo Acclaim Trinity Q1 column achieved a better separation efficiency of paraquat and the biological matrix. Moreover, the concentration of the ammonium salt in the mobile phase using the Q1 column was lower, which could effectively reduce the damage of a high concentration of ammonium salt to the mass spectrometer. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 1.00–100.00 ng mL−1. The limit of quantification was 1.00 ng mL−1and better than most of the previously reported values. The intra- and inter-day accuracies were within the range of 97.46–112.94%, and the intra- and inter-day precisions were less than 6.90% and 7.20%, respectively, for plasma. The matrix effects of plasma were negligible. After oral administration at a single dose of 90 mg kg−1, paraquat was found to be quickly absorbed and the average Tmaxvalue was 0.79 h. The average Cmaxvalue was 11.58 μg mL−1and AUC0–lastwas 42.13 μg h mL−1. The average t1/2and MRT0–lastvalues were 12.69 h and 13.05 h, respectively. The method was successfully applied to determine the concentration of paraquat in rat plasma and was well suited for the toxicokinetic study.

Introduction‘Stealth vaping’ is the practice of vaping discreetly in places where electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is prohibited. While anecdotal evidence suggests that stealth vaping is common, there have been no formal studies of the behaviour. The purpose of this study is to examine stealth vaping behaviour among experienced e-cigarette users.MethodsData were collected from the follow-up survey of a large longitudinal cohort study of adult experienced e-cigarette users conducted in January 2017. To measure stealth vaping behaviour, participants were asked ‘Have you ever ‘stealth vaped’, that is to say, used an e-cig in a public place where it was not approved and attempted to conceal your e-cig use? (yes/no)’. Participants indicating yes completed additional questions about the frequency of stealth vaping and were asked to select all the locations where they commonly stealth vape. Frequencies were used to examine the overall prevalence, frequency and common locations for stealth vaping. A logistic regression model was run to predict stealth vaping.ResultsApproximately two-thirds (64.3%, n=297/462) of the sample reported ever stealth vaping, of which 52.5% (n=156/297) reported stealth vaping in the past week. Among stealth vapers (n=297), 31% reported owning a smaller device solely for stealth vaping. The most common places to stealth vape included at work (46.8%), followed by bars/nightclubs (42.1%), restaurants (37.7%), at the movies (35.4%) and in airports/on airplanes (11.7%). Predictors of stealth vaping were greater dependence and owning a smaller device solely for stealth vaping.ConclusionsStealth vaping is a common behaviour for many experienced e-cigarette users. More research is needed to understand the reasons for stealth vaping and its potential health and safety implications. This information could help researchers and regulators to design interventions to minimise the public health impact of stealth vaping.

As an extension of two-level quantum bits (qubits), multilevel systems, so-called qudits, where drepresents the Hilbert space dimension, have been predicted to reduce the number of iterations in quantum-computation algorithms. This has been tested in the well-known [TbPc2]0single-molecule magnet (SMM), which allowed implementation of the Grover algorithm in a single molecular unit. In the quest for molecular systems possessing an increased number of accessible nuclear spin states, we explore herein a dimeric Tb2-SMM via single-crystal μ-SQUID measurements at sub-Kelvin temperatures. We observe ferromagnetic interactions between the TbIIIions and cooperative quantum tunneling of the electronic spins with spin ground state |Jz= ±6⟩. Strong hyperfine coupling with the TbIIInuclear spins leads to a multitude of spin-reversal paths, leading to seven strong hyperfine-driven tunneling steps in the hysteresis loops. Our results show the possibility of reading out the TbIIInuclear spin states via cooperative tunneling of the electronic spins, making the dimeric Tb2-SMM an excellent nuclear spin qudit candidate with d= 16.

Phosphates can cost-effectively decrease the mobility of Pb in contaminated soils. However, Pb always coexists with other metals in soil, their competitive reactions with phosphates have not been tested. In this study, the abilities of KH2PO4, K2HPO4, and K3PO4to stabilize Pb, Zn, and Cd in soils contaminated with a single metal or a ternary metal for different phosphorus/metal molar ratios were investigated. Results indicated that the stabilization efficiency of KH2PO4, K2HPO4, and K3PO4for Pb, Zn, and Cd in single metal contaminated soil (P/M ratio 0.6) was 96.00%–98.74%, 33.76%–47.81%, and 9.50%–55.79%, respectively. Competitive stabilization occurred in the ternary system, Pb exhibited a strong competition, the stabilization efficiency of Zn and Cd reduced by 23.50%–31.64%, and 7.10%–39.26%, respectively. Pyromorphite and amorphous lead phosphate formed with excess KH2PO4or K2HPO4addition, while K3PO4resulted in the formation of a hydroxypyromorphite precipitate. Amorphous Zn and Cd phosphates and hydroxides were the primary products. The immobilization rate of Zn and Cd depends on pH, and increased significantly in response to the excess phosphate application. This approach provides insight into phosphate-induced differences in stabilization efficiency in soils contaminated with multiple metals, which is of theoretical and engineering significance.

Interfacial supramolecular self-assembly represents a powerful tool for constructing regular and quasicrystalline materials. In particular, complex two-dimensional molecular tessellations, such as semi-regular Archimedean tilings with regular polygons, promise unique properties related to their nontrivial structures. However, their formation is challenging, because current methods are largely limited to the direct assembly of precursors, that is, where structure formation relies on molecular interactions without using chemical transformations. Here, we have chosen ethynyl-iodophenanthrene (which features dissymmetry in both geometry and reactivity) as a single starting precursor to generate the rare semi-regular (3.4.6.4) Archimedean tiling with long-range order on an atomically flat substrate through a multi-step reaction. Intriguingly, the individual chemical transformations converge to form a symmetric alkynyl–Ag–alkynyl complex as the new tecton in high yields. Using a combination of microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy tools, as well as computational modelling, we show that in situ generated catalytic Ag complexes mediate the tecton conversion.

A porous polyvinyl chloride composite membrane with good filter effect for cooling water in continuous casting was designed and prepared. Physical-chemistry properties of the porous polyvinyl chloride composite materials, including surface microstructure, wettability (for water and oil) and permeability coefficient, were investigated. Filtration effect of the porous polyvinyl chloride composite tube filter was enhanced compared with the traditional filter due to the adjustment of wettability and permeability for water and oil. It was found that particle size and pore size distribution for exine and intine of the composite tube are almost the same. Particle size is about 50–120 μm while pore diameter is about 20–60 μm. Water droplets exhibit good wettability on the porous composite materials, while the oil droplets are not wetted. Due to the oleophilic/hydrophobic characteristics passage of water and adsorption of oil droplets, the porous PVC composite filter tube possesses good filter effect. As a result, water quality is remarkably improved after filtration by using the new filter.

A randomized, open-label, two-period, two-sequence crossover study was carried out for evaluating the bioequivalence of test (T) and reference (R) formulation of gefitinib in healthy Chinese volunteers.

Direct neuronal reprogramming of somatic cells into induced neurons (iNs) has been recently established as a promising approach to generating neuron cells. Previous studies have reported that the biophysical cues of the in vitromicroenvironment are potent modulators in the cell fate decision; thus, the present study explores the effects of a customized pattern (named colloidal self-assembled patterns, cSAPs) on iN generation from human fibroblasts using small molecules. The result revealed that the cSAP, composed of binary particles in a hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) geometry, is capable of improving neuronal reprogramming efficiency and steering the ratio of the iN subtypes. Cells exhibited distinct cell morphology, upregulated cell adhesion markers (i.e., SDC1 and ITGAV), enriched signaling pathways (i.e., Hippo and Wnt), and chromatin remodeling on the cSAP compared to those on the control substrates. The result also showed that the iN subtype specification on cSAP was surface-dependent; therefore, the defined physicochemical cue from each cSAP is exclusive. Our findings show that direct cell reprogramming can be manipulated through specific biophysical cues on the artificial matrix, which is significant in cell transdifferentiation and lineage conversion.

Although HPV vaccination has been recommended for use in girls and young women since 2007, HPV vaccine uptake is low in the US.

ABSTRACTThis study investigates changes to academic work life under recent employment reform in the Chinese Mainland. It employs a mixed-methods research approach, first conducting a survey of 1,770 teachers at nine universities in Mainland China. These nine universities consist of first-tier, second-tier, and ordinary universities. Next, through a qualitative research approach, 60 teachers at three of the nine universities were interviewed. Teachers from the departments of management, information technology, education, and physics were interviewed, reflecting a variety of work conditions. Our study finds that the employment reform, with its stress on quantitative research output, has led to further restrictions on academic work and the standardization of academic development. The new measurements have led to a crisis of confidence and dignity for many senior teachers. Great pressure has also been placed on younger academics, who receive very limited promotion opportunities. This study offers a significant theoretical contribution to discussion on the changing academic work life and has policy implications for higher education personnel policy in China.

The purpose of this study was to prepare the oleanolic acid–phospholipid complex (OA-PC) and then solidify it employing fumed silica by simple solvent evaporation technique to improve dissolution rate of oleanolic acid and oleanolic acid–phospholipid complex. The process of OA-PC was optimized and the type and proportion of fumed silica were studied by dissolution text. The structures of the phospholipid complex and solidified powder were also characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope. In the dissolution tests, OA from solidified powder was further released compared with that from pure OA and OA-PC in different kinds of dissolution media. These results suggest that the method of preparing solidified powder of oleanolic acid–phospholipid complex is suitable for enhancing the dissolution rate of OA and OA-PC.

Biophysical properties of the microenvironment, including matrix elasticity and topography, are known to affect various cell behaviors; however, the specific role of each factor is unclear. In this study, fibroblast-derived matrix (FDM) was used as cell culture substrate and physically modified to investigate the influence of its biophysical property changes on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) behavior in vitro. These FDMs were physically modified by simply storing them at different temperatures: the one stored at 4°C, maintained its original properties, was considered natural FDM, whereas the ones stored at −20°C or −80°C, exhibited a distinct surface morphology, were considered physically modified FDM. Physical modification induced matrix fiber rearrangement in FDM, forming different microstructures on the surface as characterized by focused ion beam (FIB)-cryoSEM. A significant increase of matrix elasticity was found with physically modified FDMs as determined by atomic force microscopy. HUVEC and hMSC behaviors on these natural and physically modified FDMs were observed and compared with each other and with gelatin-coated coverslips. HUVECs showed a similar adhesion level on these substrates at 3 h, but exhibited different proliferation rates and morphologies at 24 h; HUVECs on natural FDM proliferated relatively slower and assembled to capillary-like structures (CLSs). It is observed that HUVECs assembled to CLSs on natural FDMs are independent on the exogenous growth factors and yet dependent on nonmuscle myosin II activity. This result indicates the important role of matrix mechanical properties in regulating HUVECs vascular morphogenesis. As for hMSCs multilineage differentiation, adipogenesis is improved on natural FDM that with lower matrix elasticity, while osteogenesis is accelerated on physically modified FDMs that with higher matrix elasticity, these results further confirm the crucial role of matrix elasticity on cell fate determination.

China’s insistence on the non-interference principle has been increasingly inconsistent. While China’s concern with sovereignty, regime security, and legitimacy, as well as its developing country identity, have pushed it to continue its insistence on the principle of non-interference, China’s further adaptation to the international system, increasing engagement in international institutions, and new identity as a responsible power have led China to drag its feet on the same principle. To reconcile these competing forces, China has to make concessions, namely, setting preconditions to legitimize intervention, designing a sovereignty-first solution, and/or complementing the non-interference principle with alternative principles. China’s application of the non-interference principle has thus been made contingent. It is more inflexible at one end of a spectrum and more flexible at the other end, with China’s foreign policies shifting back and forth between them.

Nitrated phenolic compounds in the atmosphere are receiving increasing attention due to their light absorption and biological toxicity. In this study, particulate, gaseous, and cloud water samples were simultaneously collected during cloud events at the summit of Mount Tai in northern China in spring, summer, and winter and the contents of 11 nitrated phenolic compounds were determined. The seasonal average concentrations of the total nitrated phenolic compounds in particles were in the range of 7.3–27.1 ng m−3, a little lower than those measured in the gas‐phase (18.3–70.6 ng m−3). Their concentrations in cloud water were at the levels of 168.4–438.5 μg L−1. 4‐Nitrophenol and nitrosalicylic acids were the dominant compounds in particles, while 4‐nitrophenol and 2,4‐dinitrophenol were the most abundant in the gas phase and cloud water samples. During cloud events, most nitrated phenolic compounds were mainly distributed in the particle phase, except dinitrophenols which were mainly distributed in the gas phase in winter. The field‐derived effective Henry's law coefficients were several orders of magnitude higher than their theoretical values in pure water. Moreover, the measured concentrations of particulate nitrated phenolic compounds were substantially greater than the theoretical predictions, especially in spring. The above results indicate that nitrated phenolic compounds were partly formed via aqueous‐phase reactions inside the cloud droplets or on the wet particle surfaces, which changed their distribution patterns. The much higher ratios of 2,4‐dinitrophenol to the sum of 4‐nitrophenol and 5‐nitrosalicylic acid in cloud water than those in particles further confirm the enhanced formation via aqueous processes. Nitrated phenolic compounds, among the major components of brown carbon and hazardous substances, can affect air quality, regional climate, and human health. Here, simultaneous field observations of 11 nitrated phenolic compounds in gas, particle, and aqueous phases were conducted at a mountain site in northern China. The seasonal variations of them in the abundances and compositions are compared among different sample types. The distribution characteristics of nitrated phenolic compounds in particle, gaseous, and aqueous phases and the key influencing factors were analyzed. In addition, the aqueous‐phase chemistry of 4‐nitrophenol and 2,4‐dinitrophenol was also explored. The results highlight the importance of aqueous‐phase reactions on the formations of nitrated phenolic compounds and their atmospheric abundances and phase distributions during the cloud events. Nitrated phenolic compounds in particle, gaseous, and aqueous phases were simultaneously investigatedMost nitrated phenolic compounds were distributed in the particle phase during cloud eventsAqueous reactions increased the contents in aerosols and cloud droplets and altered the distribution patterns Nitrated phenolic compounds in particle, gaseous, and aqueous phases were simultaneously investigated Most nitrated phenolic compounds were distributed in the particle phase during cloud events Aqueous reactions increased the contents in aerosols and cloud droplets and altered the distribution patterns

Extracellular matrices (ECM) obtained from in vitro-cultured cells have been given much attention, but its application in cardiac tissue engineering is still limited. This study investigates cardiomyogenic potential of fibroblast-derived matrix (FDM) as a novel ECM platform over gelatin or fibronectin, in generating cardiac cell lineages derived from H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. As characterized through SEM and AFM, FDM exhibits unique surface texture and biomechanical property. Immunofluorescence also found fibronectin, collagen, and laminin in the FDM. Cells on FDM showed a more circular shape and slightly less proliferation in a growth medium. After being cultured in a differentiation medium for 7 days, H9c2 cells on FDM differentiated into cardiomyocytes, as identified by stronger positive markers, such as α-actinin and cTnT, along with more elevated gene expression of Myl2 and Tnnt compared to the cells on gelatin and fibronectin. The gap junction protein connexin 43 was also significantly upregulated for the cells differentiated on FDM. A successive work enabled matrix stiffness tunable; FDM crosslinked by 2wt% genipin increased the stiffness up to 8.5 kPa, 100 times harder than that of natural FDM. The gene expression of integrin subunit α5 was significantly more upregulated on FDM than on crosslinked FDM (X-FDM), whereas no difference was observed for β1 expression. Interestingly, X-FDM showed a much greater effect on the cardiomyoblast differentiation into cardiomyocytes over natural one. This study strongly indicates that FDM can be a favorable ECM microenvironment for cardiomyogenesis of H9c2 and that tunable mechanical compliance induced by crosslinking further provides a valuable insight into the role of matrix stiffness on cardiomyogenesis.

The objective of this study was to develop a functionally enhanced antibiotic that would improve the therapeutic activity against bacterial biofilms. Tobramycin was chemically conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) via site-specific conjugation to form PEGylated-tobramycin (Tob-PEG). The antibacterial efficacy of Tob-PEG, as compared to tobramycin, was assessed on the planktonic phase and biofilms phase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC80) of Tob-PEG was higher (13.9 μmol/L) than that of tobramycin (1.4 μmol/L) in the planktonic phases. In contrast, the Tob-PEG was approximately 3.2-fold more effective in eliminating bacterial biofilms than tobramycin. Specifically, Tob-PEG had a MIC80lower than those exhibited by tobramycin (27.8 μmol/L vs 89.8 μmol/L). Both confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy further confirmed these data. Thus, modification of antimicrobials by PEGylation appears to be a promising approach for overcoming the bacterial resistance in the established biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.