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This study designs a two-stage algorithm to address the bid generation problem of carriers when adding new vehicle routes in the presence of the existing vehicle routes to provide transportation service. To obtain the best auction combination and bid price of the carrier, a hybrid integer nonlinear programming model is introduced. According to the characteristics of the problem, a set of two-stage hybrid algorithms is proposed, innovatively integrating block coding within a genetic algorithm framework with a depth-first search approach. This integration effectively manages routing constraints, enhancing the algorithm's efficiency. The block coding and each route serve as decision variables in the set partition formula, enabling a comprehensive exploration of potential solutions. After a simulation-based analysis, the algorithm has been comprehensively validated analytically and empirically. The improvement of this research lies in the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, i.e., the ability to handle a broader range of problem scales with less time in addressing complex operator bid generation in combinatorial auctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The present study aimed to comparatively analyse the functional properties of the spray drying particles prepared from the noble scallop (Chlamys nobilis) mantle protein‐pectin hydrated mixtures. And the microstructural characteristics of the particles were assessed by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electronic microscopy, and SDS‐PAGE to detect critical changes. The results showed that the solubility of enzymatically extracted protein was significantly improved by spray drying after pectin hydration (AP‐LMP and AP‐HMP), from 76.77% (AP) to 97.87% (AP‐LMP) and 97.13% (AP‐HMP), respectively. And the spray drying water‐extracted protein (HP) after pectin hydration (HP‐LMP and HP ‐HMP) exhibited a greater emulsifying property, from 103.10 m2/g (HP) to 145.55 ± 0.92 m2/g (HP‐LMP) and 200.29 ± 1.16 m2/g (HP‐HMP). The spray drying after pectin hydration had successfully enhanced emulsifying and rheological properties when compared with AP and HP. The results of SDS‐PAGE showed more protein participated in the formation of macromolecule and FT‐IR spectra demonstrated the formation of protein‐pectin spray drying particles facilitated not only by electrostatic interactions but also by covalent binding via Maillard reaction, made a closely compatible protein structure verified by the improvement of fluorescence intensity. This work is expected to provide a theoretical basic data for the development and application of scallop mantle extracted proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic tweezing cytometry (ATC) is an ultrasound-based biophysical technique that has shown the capability to promote differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). This study systematically examined how hPSCs respond to cyclic mechanical strains applied by ATC via displacement of integrin-bound microbubbles (averaged diameter of 4.3 µm) using ultrasound pulses (acoustic pressure 0.034 MPa, center frequency 1.24 MHz and pulse repetition frequency 1 Hz). Our data show downregulation of pluripotency marker Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) by at least 10% and increased nuclear localization of Yes-associated protein (YAP) by almost 100% in hPSCs immediately after ATC application for as short as 1 min and 5 min respectively. Analysis of the movements of integrin-anchored microbubbles under ATC stimulations reveals different stages of viscoelastic characteristic behavior and increasing deformation of the integrin-cytoskeleton (CSK) linkage. The peak displacement of integrin-bound microbubbles increased from 1.45 ± 0.16 to 4.74 ± 0.67 μm as the duty cycle of ultrasound pulses increased from 5% to 50% or the duration of each ultrasound pulse increased from 0.05 to 0.5 s. Real-time tracking of integrin-bound microbubbles during ATC application detects high correlation of microbubble displacements with OCT4 downregulation in hPSCs. Together, our data showing fast downregulation of OCT4 in hPSCs in respond to ATC stimulations highlight the unique mechanosensitivity of hPSCs to integrin-targeted cyclic force/strain dependent on the pulse duration or duty cycle of ultrasound pulses, providing insights into the mechanism of ATC-induced accelerated differentiation of hPSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People living in plains tend to decrease in body weight or body fat percentage after entering the plateau. Previous studies have found that plateau animals can burn fat and release calories through white adipose tissues (WATs) browning. However, these studies have focused on the effect of cold stimulation that induced WATs browning while there's hardly study on the effect of hypoxia. In this study, we investigate that whether and how hypoxia contributes to WATs browning in rats from acute to chronic hypoxia. We constructed hypobaric hypoxic rat models by exposing 9-week-old male SD rats to a hypobaric hypoxic chamber for 1, 3, 14 and 28 days (Group H) under simulated environment at altitude of 5000 m. We also established normoxic control groups for each time period (Group C), as well as paired 1-day and 14-day normoxic food-restriction rats that were fed the same amount of food as the hypoxic group ate (Group R). We then observed the growth status of rats and recorded dynamic changes in histologic, cellular and molecular levels of perirenal WATs (PWAT), epididymal WATs (EWAT) and subcutaneous WATs (SWAT) in each group. Results showed that (1) Hypoxic rats had lower food intake, significantly lower body weight than control rats, and showed lower WATs index. (2) In group H14, ASC1 mRNA expressions of PWAT and EWAT in rats were lower than that in group C14, and PAT2 mRNA expression of EWAT was higher than that in both group C14 and R14. In group R14, however, ASC1 mRNA expressions of PWAT and EWAT in rats were higher than both group C14 and H14, and that of SWAT was also significantly higher than group C14. (3) In group H3, both the mRNA and protein levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) of PWAT in rats were significantly increased than group C3. And in group H14, those of EWAT in rats were significantly increased than group C14. (4) In plasma of rats, norepinephrine (NE) level was significantly increased in group H3 than group C3, and free fatty acids (FFAs) level was significantly increased in group H14 than both group C14 and R14. In group R1, FASN mRNA expressions of PWAT and EWAT in rats were down-regulated than group C1. In group H3, FASN mRNA expressions of PWAT and EWAT in rats were down-regulated while ATGL mRNA expression of EWAT was up-regulated than group C3. Conversely, in group R14, FASN mRNA expressions of PWAT and EWAT in rats were significantly up-regulated than group C14 and H14. These results suggested that hypoxia promoted different WATs browning in rats under simulated environment at altitude of 5000 m and changed the lipid metabolism in WATs. Furthermore, rats in the chronic hypoxic group showed a completely different lipid metabolism of WATs from that in paired food-restriction group. • Hypoxia promotes PWAT and EWAT but not SWAT browning in rats. • Hypoxia promotes both the mRNA and protein expression of UCP1 in WATs. • Acute hypoxia increases the expression of FASN and decreases that of ATGL in WATs. • Chronic hypoxia regulates lipid metabolism different from paired restricting food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperactivation of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis were found in acute high altitude challenge, but the role of gut microbiota and metabolites is unknown. We utilized adult male Sprague–Dawley rats at a simulated altitude of 5500 m for 3 days in a hypobaric-hypoxic chamber. ELISA and metabolomic analyses of serum and 16S rRNA and metabolomic analyses of fecal samples were then performed. Compared with the normoxic group, serum corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT), and thyroxine (tT4) were increased in the hypoxia group, whereas thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) was decreased. Bacteroides, Lactobacillus,Parabacteroides,Butyricimonas,SMB53,Akkermansia,Phascolarctobacterium, and Aerococcus were enriched in hypoxia group, whereas [Prevotella], Prevotella,Kaistobacter,Salinibacterium, and Vogesella were enriched in normoxic group. Metabolomic analysis indicated that acute hypoxia significantly affected fecal and serum lipid metabolism. In addition, we found five fecal metabolites may mediate the cross-talk between TRH, tT4, and CORT with [Prevotella], Kaistobacter,Parabacteroides, and Aerococcus, and 6 serum metabolites may mediate the effect of TRH and tT4 on [Prevotella] and Kaistobacter by causal mediation analysis. In conclusion, this study provides new evidence that key metabolites mediate the cross-talk between gut microbiota with HPA and HPT axis under acute hypobaric hypoxia challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimal change disease (MCD) is the major cause of childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, which is characterized by massive proteinuria and debilitating edema. Proteinuria in MCD is typically rapidly reversible with corticosteroid therapy, but relapses are common, and children often have many adverse events from the repeated courses of immunosuppressive therapy. The pathobiology of MCD remains poorly understood. Prior clinical observations suggest that abnormal T-cell function may play a central role in MCD pathogenesis. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that T-cell responses to specific exposures or antigens lead to a clonal expansion of T-cell subsets, a restriction in the T-cell repertoire, and an elaboration of specific circulating factors that trigger disease onset and relapses. Methods: To test these hypotheses, we sequenced T-cell receptors in fourteen MCD, four focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and four membranous nephropathy (MN) patients with clinical data and blood samples drawn during active disease and during remission collected by the Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network (NEPTUNE). We calculated several T-cell receptor diversity metrics to assess possible differences between active disease and remission states in paired samples. Results: Median productive clonality did not differ between MCD active disease (0.0083; range: 0.0042, 0.0397) and remission (0.0088; range: 0.0038, 0.0369). We did not identify dominant clonotypes in MCD active disease, and few clonotypes were shared with FSGS and MN patients. Conclusions: While these data do not support an obvious role of the adaptive immune system T-cells in MCD pathogenesis, further study is warranted given the limited sample size. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tenebenal, as a new insecticide, with a novel action mode, has shown an excellent insecticidal effect, but there is no relevant report about how it can effectively control termite colonies. In this study, we evaluated the insecticidal effects of tenebenal at different concentrations by laboratory study, including the contact toxicity, stomach toxicity, and other insecticide effects of Reticulitermes flaviceps. The results showed that tenebenal had no repellent effect on R. flaviceps in concentrations ranging from 0 to 32 ppm. LC50 and LC90 of tenebenal on R. flaviceps were 3.752 and 8.278 ppm when treating termites with tenebenal for 24 h, respectively. The survival rate and food consumption of R. flaviceps significantly decreased with the increase of the tenebenal concentration from 1 to 8 ppm, and there was no significant difference in concentration between 8 and 16 ppm. Tenebenal had inhibitive effects on particle transfer, tunneling, carcass-burying, and cannibalism behavior of R. flaviceps with concentrations from 1 to 16 ppm. R. flaviceps are exposed to sand treatment with 16, 32, and 64 ppm of tenebenal for 1 h, and the mortality for both donor and recipient is 36%, 77%, and 100% on day 3, respectively. These results show that tenebenal has potential insecticidal effects and could be a new termiticide for termite control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Non‐invasive hepatic steatosis algorithms are recommended in detecting metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in epidemiological studies. However, the diagnostic accuracy of these models is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of five common models in a national survey population. Methods: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) datasets were used in this study. The fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), non‐alcoholic liver disease‐liver fat score (NAFLD‐LFS), the steato text (ST), and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of MAFLD in the general population was 31.2%. The proportion of MAFLD estimated using the NAFLD‐LFS (30.8%) was the closest to the real number, whereas the ST model (66.1%) significantly overestimated the prevalence of MAFLD in this cohort. The FLI (36.9%) and HSI models (38.5%) also slightly overestimated the prevalence of MAFLD in the study population. The FLI had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) value (0.793) among all models, with a sensitivity of 57.0%, a specificity of 83.8%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 67.3%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 77.0%. The combination of the original algorithm with additional metabolic dysfunction criteria did not improve the diagnostic efficiency. The discriminative ability for MAFLD in all models was lower in participants with a normal body mass index (BMI). Conclusions: Non‐invasive models, especially the FLI, have satisfactory diagnostic performance in detecting MAFLD. However, models in people with normal BMIs require further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past 10 years since its introduction, phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) have uncovered novel genotype–phenotype relationships. Along the way, PheWAS have evolved in many aspects as a study design with the expanded availability of large data repositories with genome-wide data linked to detailed phenotypic data. Advancement in methods, including algorithms, software, and publicly available integrated resources, makes it feasible to more fully realize the potential of PheWAS, overcoming the previous computational and analytical limitations. We review here the most recent improvements and notable applications of PheWAS since the second half of the decade from its inception. We also note the challenges that remain embedded along the entire PheWAS analytical pipeline that necessitate further development of tools and resources to further advance the understanding of the complex genetic architecture underlying human diseases and traits. Pleiotropy, the concept that a gene or genetic variant affects more than one phenotype or trait, is at least a century old. By contrast, phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS), an approach used to identify cross-phenotype associations, were introduced only in the past decade. Still relatively young, PheWAS has rapidly matured into a widely used study design and analytical approach that can still benefit from improvements in its pipeline as genome-wide datasets expand in their breadth and depth, challenging the computational and statistical limits of today's PheWAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilayer is an effective structure to enhance magnetic properties of films. This study employs high magnetic field (HMF) and amorphous Fe–Sm under-layer to tune the magnetic properties of evaporated Co–Sm/Fe–Sm bilayer films. Various analysis methods are used to explore the relation of microstructure evolution under above conditions with magnetic performance. The results show that both the amorphous Fe–Sm under-layer and the HMF can decrease surface roughness. Further, the HMF exhibits other effects that reduces column size, increases interplanar spacing and affects interface at atomic scale. The structural variation has effect on magnetic properties of bilayer films. The amorphous Fe–Sm under-layer increases magnetization, coercivity and squareness through changing the amount of non-magnetic structure at atomic scale. Meanwhile, the HMF decreases coercivity by changing pinning via the interface variation. Both the HMF and amorphous under-layer have no influence on the anisotropy of bilayer films. These results present an effective method to tune the magnetic properties of films through amorphous under-layer and HMF. • Amorphous FeSm under-layer has effect on microstructure and magnetic performance. • High magnetic field improves magnetization by affecting non-magnetic structure. • High magnetic field decreases coercivity by changing interface pinning. • Effect of high magnetic field on squareness is smaller than that of amorphous layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is necessary to develop excellent sensors for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection from the perspective of environmental protection and human health. Luminescent lanthanide metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have many advantages such as porosity, luminescence, and structural controllability, making them very suitable as luminescent sensing materials. Based on a functional oriented strategy, novel Ln‐MOFs are successfully constructed and their structure and properties are characterized in detail. A series of vapor luminescence sensing tests have shown that Eu/Tb doped L1‐Eu0.1/Tb0.9 not only exhibits high selectivity for alcohols, especially ethanol vapor, but also has high sensitivity and extremely low detection limit (9.76 mg L−1). To the knowledge, there are no reports on ratio luminescence sensors based on Ln‐MOFs for ethanol vapor, especially those with such excellent performance. Crystal structure determination demonstrates that ethanol binds to the framework through multiple hydrogen bonding interactions, altering the energy transfer efficiency between Tb3+ and Eu3+ to achieve ratio luminescence detection. In addition, L1‐Eu0.1/Tb0.9 has good repeatability, the prepared thin film sensing material also demonstrates the advantages of portability and processability. This work can provide some experience for the development of VOCs sensing materials with better performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the thermoelectric (TE) properties of typical p-type Bi 0.5 Sb 1.5 Te 3 film is crucial for power generation in film-based thermoelectric devices. The shape of the hexagonal structure in the Bi 0.5 Sb 1.5 Te 3 film can be controlled by adjusting the magnetron sputtering parameters. The results indicate that a high nucleation rate under high sputtering power promotes island growth with a preferred orientation of (015). Thermal energy influences the growth in the in-plane direction along the (00 l) orientation and induces the c-axis orientation in the out-of-plane direction. Consequently, a dense layered hexagonal structure with a high grain boundary density is formed, leading to increased defect density, carrier concentration, and phonon scattering. In this case, the power factor reaches 3149.01 μW·m-1·K-2 at 480 K and the ZT value is 1.14 at 480 K. These results indicate that the film with a dense layered hexagonal structure enhances the TE properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyroptosis is a newly discovered type of programmed cell death associated with inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Macrophages play an important role in inducing early immune inflammation in systemic sclerosis (SSc). To investigate the effect of macrophages pyroptosis on fibrosis of SSc. Pyroptosis/inflammatory markers in serum and skin of SSc patients were detected. Bleomycin (BLM) was subcutaneously injected to establish SSc mouse model. The levels of pyroptosis markers, dermal thickness and collagen deposition in skin were assessed before and after the administration of pyroptosis inhibitors, including MCC950, Disulfiram and necrosulfonamide (NSA). Human-derived monocyte-macrophage cell line (THP-1) or mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and stimulated by silicon dioxide (SiO 2) to induce cell pyroptosis. Fibroblasts from patients with SSc were co-cultured with pyroptotic THP-1 cells, and the collagen production was assessed. Pyroptotic/inflammatory proteins, including NLRP3, cleaved-Caspase (CASP)1, GSDMD-N terminal and IL-18 were increased in the serum, and ASC aggregation and GSDMD were elevated in macrophages in the skin of SSc patients. SSc mice showed increased pyroptosis markers, dermal thickness and collagen deposition in skins, which were alleviated by MCC950, Disulfiram and NSA. Pyroptosis of THP-1 cells and BMDMs was induced by LPS/SiO 2 , and it was reduced by the inhibitors of Cathepsin B, NLRP3, CASP1 and GSDMD. Co-culture with pyroptotic THP-1 cells increased the fibrotic proteins in fibroblasts, which were alleviated by pyroptosis inhibitors. SSc patients and BLM-induced mouse model presented increased pyroptosis. LPS/SiO 2 -induced macrophage pyroptosis promoted fibrosis of SSc through Cathepsin B/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway. • Macrophage pyroptosis was increased in SSc patients and BLM-induced SSc mouse model. • Inhibition of pyroptosis reduced inflammation and fibrosis of SSc mouse model. • Inhibiting NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated macrophage pyroptosis inactivates fibroblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn-based phosphors with the wavelength of 700–750 nm are an important category of far-red phosphors that have promising potential in the application of plant lighting, and the higher ability of the far-red light emitting of the phosphors is beneficial to plant growth. Herein, a series of Mn4+- and Mn4+/Ca2+-doped double perovskite SrGd2Al2O7 red-emitting phosphors with wavelengths centered at about 709 nm were successfully synthesized by means of a traditional high-temperature solid-state method. First-principles calculations were conducted to explore the intrinsic electronic structure of SrGd2Al2O7 for a better understanding of the luminescence behavior in this material. Extensive analysis demonstrates that the introduction of Ca2+ ions into the SrGd2Al2O7:Mn4+ phosphor has significantly boosted the emission intensity, internal quantum efficiency, and thermal stability by 170%, 173.4%, and 113.7%, respectively, which are superior to those of most other Mn4+-based far-red phosphors. The mechanism of the concentration quench effect and the positive effect of co-doping Ca2+ ions in the phosphor were extensively explored. All studies suggest that the SrGd2Al2O7:0.1%Mn4+, 11%Ca2+ phosphor is a novel phosphor that can be used to effectively promote the growth of plants and regulate the flowering cycle. Therefore, promising applications can be anticipated from this new phosphor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi 2 Te 3 is a successful and commercial thermoelectric material. However, Bi 2 Te 3 is easily generates point defects, which limits its thermoelectric (TE) properties. This study presents a novel method to tune point defects by using short-range atomic diffusion via pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment in C-doped Bi 2 Te 3 films. The C atoms migrate from the interstitial position in the Bi layer (C i) and the Van der Waals gap (C vdw) to the Bi vacancy after the PEF treatment. For this case, it increases the content of the Te–C bonds for the PEF films, resulting in increased electron concentration. And the PEF can eliminate amorphous regions of the C-doped Bi 2 Te 3 films. In addition, the shorter bond length of the Te–C improves the compressive stress of the film and increases the effective mass of carriers. Thus, the conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient are improved simultaneously. In this study, the power factor was 2450.32 μW m−1·K−2 at 513 K after the PEF treatment. Therefore, the PEF is an effective method to improve TE properties by short-range atomic diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the competitive relationship between the double amorphous phases is systematically investigated to increase the high-temperature wear resistance of the self-lubricating TiAlSiCN coating. These double amorphous phases combine the SiN x phase with high-temperature resistance and the C-related phase with a low friction coefficient. An increase in the Si content facilitates the change in the phase composition. The resultant coating exhibits an adhesion strength of 153 N, a friction coefficient of 0.24 and a hardness of 25.24 GPa upon generation of the TiAlN(C), the SiN x and the C-related phase. In this case, the TiAlSiCN coating achieves long-term self-lubrication at high temperatures with the titanium alloy friction pair. This mechanism stems from the SiN x phase replacing the portion of the easily oxidized amorphous C-related phase, which yields an enhanced high-temperature wear resistance. The cutting distance of this TiAlSiCN is 120% higher than that of the TiAlCN during the high-speed cutting of the titanium alloy. This outcome provides an effective solution for high-temperature applications of self-lubricating coatings. • Long-term self-lubricating is remained in TiAlSiCN coating by optimal Si content. • Synergistic effect of amorphous SiN x and C-related phase is solved in TiAlSiCN. • Tool life of TiAlSiCN improved 225% by comparing with that of TiAlN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The order-disorder transition (ODT) of RE zirconate (RE 2 Zr 2 O 7) has received much attention due to its potential applications in the design of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). A series of high entropy RE zirconates (RE = La, Sm, Gd, Er and Lu) were designed and synthesized in order to regulate the fluorite-pyrochlore phases, and to investigate the effect of phase composition on the microstructures and performances. The results showed that the sintering temperature, as well as equivalent ion radius, played an important role in regulating the phase transformation of fluorite-pyrochlore. The coexistence of pyrochlore-fluorite phases not only can result in the decrease in grain size but also increased the lattice strain of each phase, thereby enhancing the phonon scattering and contributing to the reduction in the thermal conductivity. The CMAS corrosion resistance was mainly related to phase compositions, and the thicknesses of reaction layer decreased gradually with the increasing fluorite phase content. The results will provide theoretical guidance for the microstructural design of high entropy RE zirconates as next generation TBC materials in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Angle of grain boundaries converts to low from high by electrostatic force. • Low energy of low-angle grain boundary scatters carrier but not phonon. • Pulse current treatment provides a method to get high power factor and power density. Current applications of thermoelectric (TE) materials are limited by their low conversion efficiency. Interfacial engineering is a common way to improve TE properties. This study employed a pulsed electric field to tune the grain interfacial structure of Bi 2 Te 3 films and thereby improve their power factor. The high-angle grain boundaries of the as-deposited films were transformed into low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) by the electrostatic force of a high pulse current density. The low interfacial energy of LAGBs maintains high carrier mobility while their reduced defects result in a low carrier concentration. These effects improve the Seebeck coefficient and conductivity simultaneously, with the power factor reaching 5394.77 μW·m−1·K−2 at 513 K. In addition, the compression stress generated by LAGBs enhances phonon scattering, creating a film with the highest power density yet reported (1.31 W·m−2). This provides a method for using PEF to improve the performance of TE materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn 4 Sb 3 has brought into sharp focus by its low cost and excellent thermoelectric (TE) properties in the medium temperature range. Zn atoms can diffuse in the Zn 4 Sb 3 matrix under the treatment of temperature or current. This provides a way to control its TE performance. In this study, the TE properties of the Zn 4 Sb 3 films were improved by the Zn atomic diffusion under the treatment of periodic pulsed electric field. The Zn atomic diffusion is caused by the electrostatic interaction of the pulsed electric field and the diffusion mode is related to the pulse period. When the pulse period is smaller than 10 s, the interstitial Zn atom diffuses first. The Zn vacancy increases, leading to the increase of the carrier concentration and the decrease of the resistivity. When the pulse period increases to 100 s, more Zn(1) atoms diffuse through the interstitial position, resulting in a small amount of ZnSb phase. Thereby in the Zn 4 Sb 3 films, the carrier concentration decreases and the Seebeck coefficient increases. This kind of the synergistic effect decreases the resistivity and increases the Seebeck coefficient. The power factor of the Zn 4 Sb 3 films treated with a pulse period of 100 s is more than 4500 μW m−1 K−2 in the range of 373 K–573 K. This study presents a new method to control atomic diffusion by periodic pulsed electric field, and the TE properties of the Zn 4 Sb 3 films are improved. • Pulsed electric field can control the diffusion of Zn atoms in Zn–Sb films. • The diffusion of interstitial Zn i atoms increased the carrier concentration in films. • The diffusion of Zn(1) atoms increased with the increase of pulse period. • The diffusion of Zn(1) atoms caused a small amount of the ZnSb phase. • The power factor of the film treated with the pulse period is 4901.31 μW m−1 K−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu 2 Se is one kind of popular thermoelectric materials due to its performance of the phonon glass-electron crystal. However, the poor thermal stability limits its application. Regulating the distribution of the Cu+ by elemental dopant is a general method to solve the stability and to improve the thermoelectric performance. In this study, the Ag-doped β-Cu 2−x Se films were prepared by vacuum thermal evaporation method. The Cu+ distribution on the octahedral 32(f) sites in the Cu 2 Se crystal is tuned by the Ag content. It found that when the Ag content is 1.0%, the Cu+ and Ag+ contents in the 32(f) sites reach the maximum. In this case, the power factor of the film is 1750 μW·m−1·K−2 at 530 K. As the Ag content rises, the second phase of CuAgSe appears. This results in the decrease of the power factor. It shows that controlling the distribution of the Cu+ by the Ag dopant is conducive to improve the thermoelectric properties of the β-Cu 2−x Se films. • Occupancy increase of Cu+ and Ag+ in 32(f) sites decreases resistivity. • CuAgSe second phase increases carrier concentration and effective mass. • Power factor of Ag-1.0% film is maximum and 300% higher than that of Ag-0.0% film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the ability of rare‐earth (RE) silicates to resist molten calcium–magnesium–aluminosilicate (CMAS) at high temperature, a novel high‐entropy (4RE0.25)2Si2O7/(4RE0.25)2SiO5 (RE = Y, Yb, Er, and Sc) multiphase ceramic was prepared by a two‐step process. During sintering, (4RE0.25)2SiO5 can react with SiO2 at the grain boundaries of (4RE0.25)2Si2O7, which can not only purify the grain boundary but also promote the growth of the original (4RE0.25)2Si2O7 grains, thereby significantly improving the ability to resist molten CMAS corrosion at high temperature. After corroding at 1500°C for 48 h, the reaction layer of the multiphase ceramic was only 55 μm thick. Our results confirm that the high‐entropy RE silicate multiphase ceramics represent an effective way to improve the ability to resist molten CMAS corrosion at high temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To clarify the role of RNA polymerase III A (POLR3A)/type I IFN in the pathogenesis of SSc. Methods Cytosolic DNA and stimulator of IFN genes (STING) pathway in skin or serum of SSc patients were detected by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and western blotting. DNA from human macrophages was transfected to SSc fibroblasts or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and then markers of POLR3A/STING pathway were detected by real-time qPCR, western blotting and confocal microscopy. After H151 treatment or knocking down POLR3A/STING, type I IFN response, monocytes adhesion and activation of fibroblasts and HUVECs were evaluated. Regulation of IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. In bleomycin (BLM)-induced SSc mice, the effect of STING knockout or H151 on vasculopathy and fibrosis was assessed. Results Cytosolic DNA, colocalization of STING with alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) or CD31 in the skin, and STING pathway in the serum of SSc patients were increased. Macrophage-derived DNA stimulated the translocation of POLR3A from nucleus to the perinuclear region near STING and activated POLR3A/STING/type I IFN response, monocytes adhesion and MCP-1 expression in fibroblasts/HUVECs and collagen overproduction of fibroblasts. The activated IRF3 bound to the promoter of MCP-1. STING deficiency or H151 administration ameliorated fibrosis and vasculopathy both in vitro and in BLM-induced SSc mice. Conclusions SSc presented increased DNA leakage and STING pathway activation. DNA from macrophages induced type I IFN signature of fibroblasts and ECs through POLR3A/STING pathway. Blocking POLR3A/STING axis provides a new therapeutic target for SSc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 0.94Mg(1‐3x/2)CexTiO3−0.06(Ca0.8Sr0.2)TiO3 (MCexT−CST, 0≤x≤0.01) composite ceramics were prepared at a low temperature of 1175°C by using the 50‐nm‐sized powders. The effects of Ce3+ doping on crystalline phase, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties of MCexT−CST were studied. A main ilmenite (Mg,Ce)TiO3 phase and a minor perovskite (Ca0.8Sr0.2)TiO3 phase coexist well with the appearance of impurity MgTi2O5 phase in MCexT−CST. The dielectric properties of MCexT−CST are affected by the molecular polarizability, the impurity phase, and the Ce3+ doping. The replacement of Mg2+ by high valence Ce3+ could effectively inhibit the formation of oxygen vacancy, resulting in the enhancement of Q×f. When x = 0.005, MCexT−CST exhibits microwave dielectric properties with a moderate εr of 21.5, a high Q×f of 67 000 GHz, and a near‐zero τf of −0.74 ppm/°C. The results reveal that the Ce3+ substitution is a prospective approach to optimize the microwave dielectric properties of MgTiO3‐based ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is characterized by hyperproliferative keratinocytes, dilated capillaries and leukocyte infiltration. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME) has shown significant inhibition on proliferation, angiogenesis and inflammation. To evaluate the anti-psoriatic potential of 2-ME, psoriasis-like dermatitis was induced by topical application of imiquimod (IMQ) on the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice for seven consecutive days, followed by treatment of vehicle or 2-ME ointment from Day 4 on. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was assessed daily. On Day 8, skin histology and spleen index were assessed. The effects of 2-ME on the proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways of HaCaT cells stimulated by interleukin-17 (IL-17A) were detected, together with its effect on the proliferation, tube formation and VEGF receptor expression of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We found that topical 2-ME treatment significantly improved IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis and decreased the PASI scores, the activation of STAT3 in the skin (P < 0.05), and the spleen index in mice (P < 0.01). In vitro, 2-ME inhibited the proliferation of HaCaT cells by inducing apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest (P < 0.01). Moreover, 2-ME suppressed IL-17A-induced VEGFA (2.5 μM: P < 0.05; 5 μM: P < 0.01) and phosphorylation of STAT3 by blocking p-JAK1 in HaCaT cells and prevented tube formation (P < 0.01) and proliferation by targeting VEGF receptors 1 (VEGFR1) and 2 (VEGFR2) in HUVECs. We conclude that 2-ME alleviated psoriasis in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting JAK1/STAT3 pathway and was a promising therapeutic agent for psoriasis. • 2-Methoxyestradiol improves psoriasis-like dermatitis and systemic immune activation in imiquimod-induced mice. • 2-Methoxyestradiol inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of HaCaT cells. • 2-Methoxyestradiol suppresses IL-17A-induced JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway in HaCaT cells. • 2-Methoxyestradiol inhibits the proliferation, tube formation and VEGF receptor expression in HUVECs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Notch1 activation mediated by γ-secretase is critical for angiogenesis. GeneCards database predicted that Caspase-4 (CASP4, with murine ortholog CASP11) interacts with presenilin-1, the catalytic core of γ-secretase. Therefore, we investigated the role of CASP4/11 in angiogenesis.Experimental Approach: In vivo, we studied the role of Casp11 in several angiogenesis mouse models using Casp11 wild-type and knockout mice. In vitro, we detected the effects of CASP4 on endothelial functions and Notch signalling by depleting or overexpressing CASP4 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The functional domain responsible for the binding of CASP4 and presenilin-1 was detected by mutagenesis and co-immunoprecipitation.Key Results: Casp11 deficiency impaired adult angiogenesis in ischaemic hindlimbs, melanoma xenografts and Matrigel plugs, but not the developmental angiogenesis of retina. Bone marrow transplantation revealed that the pro-angiogenic effect depended on CASP11 derived from non-haematopoietic cells. CASP4 expression was induced by inflammatory factors and CASP4 knockdown decreased cell viability, proliferation, migration and tube formation in HUVECs. Mechanistically, CASP4/11 deficiency increased Notch1 activation in vivo and in vitro, while CASP4 overexpression repressed Notch1 signalling in HUVECs. Moreover, CASP4 knockdown increased γ-secretase activity. The γ-Secretase inhibitor DAPT restored the effects of CASP4 siRNA on Notch1 activation and angiogenesis in HUVECs. Notably, the catalytic activity of CASP4/11 was dispensable. CASP4 directly interacted with presenilin-1 through the caspase recruitment domain (CARD).Conclusions and Implications: These findings reveal a critical role of CASP4/11 in adult angiogenesis and make this molecule a promising therapeutic target for angiogenesis-related diseases in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The function of the root system is crucial for plant survival, such as anchoring plants, absorbing nutrients and water from the soil, and adapting to stress. MYB transcription factors constitute one of the largest transcription factor families in plant genomes with structural and functional diversifications. Members of this superfamily in plant development and cell differentiation, specialized metabolism, and biotic and abiotic stress processes are widely recognized, but their roles in plant roots are still not well characterized. Recent advances in functional studies remind us that MYB genes may have potentially key roles in roots. In this review, the current knowledge about the functions of MYB genes in roots was summarized, including promoting cell differentiation, regulating cell division through cell cycle, response to biotic and abiotic stresses (e.g., drought, salt stress, nutrient stress, light, gravity, and fungi), and mediate phytohormone signals. MYB genes from the same subfamily tend to regulate similar biological processes in roots in redundant but precise ways. Given their increasing known functions and wide expression profiles in roots, MYB genes are proposed as key components of the gene regulatory networks associated with distinct biological processes in roots. Further functional studies of MYB genes will provide an important basis for root regulatory mechanisms, enabling a more inclusive green revolution and sustainable agriculture to face the constant changes in climate and environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, Al-CaB6 alloys were prepared by in situ melt reaction. The CaB6 particles through in situ growth are cubic with a regular shape, evenly distributed in the Al matrix. By edge-to-edge matching model’s calculation, mismatch between CaB6 particles and α-Al was ~2.34%, which is less than 6%, so CaB6 can serve as the core of α-Al nucleation. When the amount of CaB6 addition reaches 6 wt.%, hardness of the Al-CaB6 alloy reached 34.4 HV. Besides, CaB6-particle reinforced hypereutectic Al-Si composites were prepared, and the positive influence of CaB6 particles on microstructure and properties of hypereutectic Al-Si composites was studied. The CaB6 particles show significant effect on the modification of primary silicon. Owing to the addition of CaB6 particles, the hardness of hypereutectic Al-Si alloys increased and the hardness of Al-18Si-CaB6 reached 95.1 HV. The electrochemical test of the manufactured composites revealed that the corrosion resistance of Al-18Si-CaB6 composites improved as the amount of CaB6 particle content increased. This work serves as a reference for the investigation of Al and Al-Si composites reinforced with ceramic particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the electrical conductivity (EC) and mechanical properties of extruded state Al-1Si-0.6Mg-0.2Fe alloy (ES-Alloy) are enhanced through T6 heat treatment, and the underlying mechanisms are analyzed in conjunction with model calculations. Results demonstrate that the optimal heat treatment process for the ES-Alloy is 550 °C / 2 h + 230 °C / 16 h. Through the heat treatment process, the alloy's EC and ultimate tensile strength are 57.0% IACS and 247.6 MPa, respectively, which are improved by 4.6% and 54.8%, respectively. For ES-Alloy, after heat treatment, owing to reversion and recrystallization, the average grain size of the alloy is 175.9 μm and becomes 6.93 times larger. Combined with theoretical calculation, the contribution of grain boundary strengthening to the alloy's strength is only reduced by 9.1 MPa. However, the reduction of grain boundary area reduces the scattering of free electrons during the transport process, which is beneficial to improving EC. Moreover, by modifying the heat treatment parameters, nanoscale Mg 2 Si and large-size AlFeSi second phases present in the alloy keep a favorable lattice match with the Al matrix, proving that this makes the main contribution to the alloy's strength. The microstructures give consideration for both the high efficiency of electron transport and the enhancement of mechanical properties. So, it is advantageous for the improvement of EC and mechanical properties. • 550 °C/2 h + 230 °C/16 h balances alloy's electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. • Second phase strengthening contributes more to alloy's strength than grain boundary. • High angle grain boundary and β" phase are useful to improve electrical conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three kinds of high entropy (Y 0.25 Sc 0.25 Er 0.25 Yb 0.25) 2 Si 2 O 7 , (Y 0.2 Sc 0.2 Er 0.2 Yb 0.2 Lu 0.2) 2 Si 2 O 7 and (Y 0.2 Sc 0.2 Er 0.2 Yb 0.2 Gd 0.2) 2 Si 2 O 7 were designed and synthesized in order to investigate the relation of microstructures and CMAS corrosion resistance. At low temperature of 1300 °C, lattice distortion played a crucial role in resistance to CMAS corrosion, and larger lattice distortion contributed to CMAS corrosion resistance. However, the corrosion behavior at 1500 °C was related to the equivalent ionic radius and RE species. The smaller equivalent ionic radius tended to promote the re-precipitation of high entropy RE disilicate in residual CMAS glass rather than apatite. The results will provide theoretical guidance for the microstructural design of high entropy RE disilicate and selection of RE elements in future. • High entropy ceramics were synthesized by solid state reaction method. • (Y 0.2 Sc 0.2 Er 0.2 Yb 0.2 Gd 0.2) 2 Si 2 O 7 ceramics had a maximum lattice distortion. • (Y 0.2 Sc 0.2 Er 0.2 Yb 0.2 Gd 0.2) 2 Si 2 O 7 presented a best CMAS corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-lubricating TiAlTaCN coating with high-temperature resistance above 800 °C is developed using magnetron sputtering. This mechanism stems from the TaN phase is easily oxidized to form a protective Ta 2 O 5 that compensates for the insufficient antioxidant capacity of Al 2 O 3. Moreover, the TaC phase, being resistant to oxidation, contributes to achieving the self-lubrication effect with amorphous C-related phases. The cutting distance of the TiAlTaCN is 250% greater than that of the TiAlCN during the high-speed cutting of titanium alloy. These results reveal the oxidation mechanism of different carbon nitrides and provide a new solution for the self-lubricating coatings applied at high temperatures. • A new high-temperature resistant (800 °C) self-lubricating (COF=0.27) TiAlTaCN nanocomposite coating was prepared. • The Ta addition inhibits the phase transition and increases the high thermal stability from 600 °C to 1000 °C. • The wear rate of the TiAlTaCN is 38.7% lower than that of the TiAlCN at 600 °C. • The cutting distance of the TiAlTaCN is 250% higher than the TiAlCN during the high-speed cutting of titanium alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives DM-related acute/subacute interstitial lung disease (A/S-ILD) remains a big therapeutic challenge due to its insidious onset and rapid development. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between clinical features of DM and ILD. Methods We retrospectively assessed skin manifestations, muscle damage, laboratory tests, concurrent ILD and malignancy in 207 patients with DM and analysed the high-risk factors for ILD. Results In the 207 DM patients, 153 patients had ILD, in which 131 had chronic ILD (CILD) and 22 had A/S-ILD. The proportions of mechanic's hands, palmar papules and muscle weakness, as well as anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and ferritin in the ILD group were significantly higher compared with the non-ILD group. The onset age over 56 years, mechanic's hands and muscle weakness were independent predictive factors for ILD. The proportions of palmar papules, palmar erythema, anti-MDA5 antibody, ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), LDH and ESR in the A/S-ILD group were higher compared with the CILD group. Palmar erythema and palmar papules were independent predictive factors for A/S-ILD. Palmar papules were positively correlated with anti-MDA5 antibody. Conclusion The onset age over 56 years, mechanic's hands or muscle weakness predicted the incidence of DM-related ILD, while palmar erythema or palmar papules could predict potential DM-related A/S-ILD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel rare earth monosilicates (xRE 1/x) 2 SiO 5 (RE=Yb, Tm, Er, Y, Dy and Tb, x = 2–6) were prepared in order to establish the relationship between configurational entropy and lattice distortion, and the effect of configurational entropy on their properties was investigated. The results showed that the lattice distortion of (xRE 1/x) 2 SiO 5 increased gradually with the increase of configurational entropy, but the multi-principal component solid solution tended to form a highly symmetrical crystal structure when the configurational entropy was large enough, thus inhibiting the lattice distortion. (5RE 1/5) 2 SiO 5 had a maximum lattice distortion, which leaded to a relatively low thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion, and good CMAS corrosion resistance. • The effect of configurational entropy on microstructure and properties was investigated. • (5RE 0.2) 2 SiO 5 ceramic had a maximum lattice distortion. • (5RE 0.2) 2 SiO 5 ceramic presented the relatively good thermal properties and CMAS corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Different dimensions of carbon have different effects on thermoelectric performance. • The lower the dimension of carbon, the higher the carrier concentration of the film. • The CNT composite makes ZnO: Al films have the best performance. The low-dimensional carbon composite is expected to improve electrical conductivity and reduce the thermal conductivity of thermoelectric (TE) materials, which is considered an effective method to improve the TE properties of materials. However, the different dimensions of carbon have various effects on the properties of TE film composite. This study investigated the effects of zero-dimensional fullerene, one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNT), and two-dimensional graphene on the TE properties of vacuum evaporated ZnO: Al films. The results demonstrated that these three types of composites influenced the carrier concentration and mobility of the films, which in turn affected the TE properties and output power. The lower the dimension of carbon, the higher the carrier concentration of the film. The CNT composite did not affect the microstructure and preferred orientation. However, it increased the particle size and surface roughness. The interface between CNT and ZnO: Al provided more carriers and improved effective mass, thereby increasing the Seebeck coefficient. In addition, the CNT can be used as a carrier transport channel to improve carrier mobility because of its unique tubular structure. Therefore, the CNT composited ZnO: Al films demonstrated the best TE performance and output power. Its power factor reached 136.5 μWm−1K−2 at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The TiAlCN coating with high adhesion (156 N) and low friction coefficient (0.231) was deposited. • The TiAlCN coating can form a special structure of nano-crystalline wrapped by C-related amorphous phase by adjusting the C/N ratio. • The TiAlCN coating reduces wear and inhibits the adhesive wear during high-speed cutting titanium alloy. The cutting temperature will be significantly increased while cutting high reactive titanium alloy due to the large friction coefficient of the traditional TiAlN coated tools. The tool could also easily appear adhesive wear and thereby reduce the service life. In this work, TiAlCN coatings with high adhesion and low friction coefficient were deposited by changing the C 2 H 2 and N 2 flow rates and using medium-frequency magnetron sputtering. Compared with the TiAlN coating, the hardness of the TiAlCN coating increases up to the value of 20.36 GPa, the toughness is improved by about 230%, the adhesion reaches the value of 156 N. However, the friction coefficient is only 0.231. This performance improvement is attributed to the special structure of (Ti,Al)(C,N) nano-crystalline wrapped by a C-related amorphous phase that is formed in the coating. The structure can be formed by adjusting the C/N ratio to make the C atom content exceed the solid solubility but the C/N ratio does not reach saturation. This kind of TiAlCN coating reduces the wear and inhibits the adhesive wear during the high-speed cutting process of titanium alloy. The cutting distance is also increased by 50% compared with the TiAlN coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]