Search

Steel slag has been investigated as a potential aggregate for pavement-wearing courses in road engineering. The volume stability, resistance to high and low temperatures, and water stability for asphalt mixtures containing steel slag have been widely studied. As for the skid resistance, previous studies have primarily focused on the initial performance. The relationship between the steel slag's appearance morphology and skid resistance during the wearing process remains to be further explored. It is essential to undertake a comparative study on the long-term skid resistance of steel slag and conventional aggregates to address the differences. This research picked two steel slags and two types of conventional aggregates (granite and limestone) as research samples. The chosen aggregate samples underwent various degrees of wear treatment with the Los Angeles abrasion machine, and their angularity was examined utilizing an aggregate image measurement system (AIMS). Based on the polishing pre-treatment, the micro-texture of the aggregates was observed with the assistance of a laser confocal microscope, and its correlation with skid resistance was determined. British pendulum number (BPN) tests were also conducted and analyzed at various polishing durations. The results show that steel slag has a low abrasion rate and higher initial angularity and abrasion resistance compared to natural stones. The micro-texture analysis demonstrates that steel slags have a coarser roughness, more contact points, and more durable abrasion resistance. Additionally, the fluctuations in BPN further prove that steel slag has superior initial and sustained skid resistance. Overall, steel slag can be a promising alternative for pavement-wearing course aggregate due to its superior long-term skid resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We clarify the issues to be addressed when inorganic materials are employed in the electrodes of low temperature fuel cells, which conventionally operate around 80 °C. The employed inorganic proton conductor is zirconium sulfophenyl phosphonate (ZrSPP), which is incorporated as an ionomer in the electrode catalyst layers by coating the Pt-supported carbon nanotubes with a ZrSPP layer (ZrSPP–Pt/CNTs). Compared with an MEA with an electrode comprising Nafion and Pt/CNT without a ZrSPP coating, a membrane–electrode assembly (MEA) with an electrode comprising ZrSPP–Pt/CNT exhibits an improved performance at elevated temperatures of 90 °C and 100 °C, illustrating an advantage of the inorganic proton conductors. However, a ZrSPP coating on the Pt/CNTs decreases the cell performance at 80 °C. A detailed in situ analysis using limiting-current measurements reveals that the oxygen transport resistance through the solid ionomers increases by approximately six times with the incorporation of the ZrSPP layer. These results indicate that the mass transport through the inorganic materials should be addressed when they are employed in electrodes. [Display omitted] • Issues of using inorganic proton conductors in the electrodes of PEFCs are clarified. • An inorganic proton conductor, ZrSPP, is coated on the surface of Pt/CNTs. • An MEA with ZrSPP-coated Pt/CNTs shows improved performance at 90 °C and 100 °C. • In situ analysis of mass transport properties in the cathode of MEAs is performed. • Oxygen transport resistance through the solid ionomers increases by ZrSPP coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly synthesized chemicals are being introduced into the environment without undergoing proper toxicological evaluation, particularly in terms of their effects on the vulnerable neurodevelopment. Thus, it is important to carefully assess the developmental neurotoxicity of these novel environmental contaminants using methods that are closely relevant to human physiology. This study comparatively evaluated the potential developmental neurotoxicity of 19 prevalent environmental chemicals including neonicotinoids (NEOs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), and synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) at environment-relevant doses (100 nM and 1 μM), using three commonly employed in vitro neurotoxicity models: human neural stem cells (NSCs), as well as the SK-N-SH and PC12 cell lines. Our results showed that NSCs were more sensitive than SK-N-SH and PC12 cell lines. Among all the chemicals tested, the two NEOs imidaclothiz (IMZ) and cycloxaprid (CYC), as well as the OPE tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), generated the most noticeable perturbation by impairing NSC maintenance and neuronal differentiation, as well as promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, likely via activating NF-κB signaling. Our data indicate that novel NEOs and OPEs, particularly IMZ, CYC, and TDCIPP, may not be safe alternatives as they can affect NSC maintenance and differentiation, potentially leading to neural tube defects and neuronal differentiation dysplasia in fetuses. [Display omitted] • The developmental neurotoxicity of 19 emerging environmental chemicals was assessed. • Neural stem cells were more sensitive to the chemicals than the SK-N-SH and PC12 cell lines. • Among the chemicals tested, IMZ, CYC, and TDCIPP exhibited the most adverse effects. • IMZ, CYC, and TDCIPP impaired NSC maintenance and differentiation, likely via NF-κB. • This study provides valuable insights for the safe use of emerging environmental chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) - cadmium (Cd) complex pollution has been identified as a form of persistent soil pollution in south China, exerting detrimental impacts on the indigenous soil bacterial communities. Hence, it is worthwhile to investigate whether and how bacterial populations alter in response to these pollutants. In this study, Escherichia coli was used as a model bacterium. Results showed that PCP exposure caused bacterial cell membrane permeability changes, intracellular ROS elevation, and DNA fragmentation, and triggered apoptosis-like cell death at low exposure concentration and necrosis at high exposure concentration. Cd exposure caused severe oxidative damage and cell necrosis in the tested bacterial strain. The co-exposure to PCP and Cd elevated the ROS level, stimulated the bacterial caspase activity, and induced DNA fragmentation, thereby leading to an apoptosis-like cell death. In conclusion, PCP-Cd complex pollution can cause bacterial population to decrease through apoptosis-like cell death pathway. However, it is worth noting that the subpopulation survives under the complex pollution stress. [Display omitted] • PCP exposure triggered bacterial apoptosis-like cell death and necrosis. • Cd exposure caused severe bacterial oxidative damage and cell necrosis. • The co-exposure caused bacterial oxidative stress and apoptosis-like cell death. • Bacterial cell membrane depolarization can be a potential ultrasensitive indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatin-polysaccharide interactions have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their profound effects on the properties (rheology and structure) of various food products. This study investigates the interaction between Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) and gelatin, focusing on the impact of different concentrations LBP (0–2.0%, w/v) on gelation behavior, water mobility, and gelatin structure. The results show that the addition of LBP initially increases and then decreases the gel strength and hardness of the gelatin. Incorporating LBP into gelatin leads to decreased brightness, gelling temperature (T g), gelation rate (k gel), immobile water content, and residue, while increasing the redness, yellowness, bound and free water content, and thermal stability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffractometer (XRD), cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses provide evidence for the existence of hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions, and ionic bond interactions between LBP and gelatin, in addition to covalent bonds formed through the Maillard reaction. Moreover, LBP induces changes in the structure of gelatin, including alterations in secondary structure, crystalline structure, and microstructure. AFM observations further indicate that LBP promotes the formation of gelatin aggregates. These findings present promising avenues for the application of LBP-gelatin composite gels as novel materials in the food industries. [Display omitted] • Gelation behaviors and structural changes reveal LBP-gelatin interaction. • LBP-induced changes in gelatin's water mobility. • Incorporation of LBP enhances thermal stability of gelatin. • Modification of gelatin structure by LBP confirmed by FTIR, XRD, Cryo-SEM, and AFM. • LBP-gelatin interaction: Hydrogen bonds, electrostatic and ionic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To distinguish preinvasive (adenocarcinoma in situ/atypical adenomatous hyperplasia) and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) from invasive adenocarcinoma (IA) appearing as solitary subsolid nodules (SSNs) less than 3 cm based on thin-section computed tomography (TSCT) features to guide therapeutic approaches.Methods: A total of 154 lesions that were histopathologically confirmed to have pre/minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (hereafter pre/MIA) and IA presenting as part-solid nodules (PSNs) or pure ground-glass nodules (pGGNs) were retrospectively reviewed. The TSCT features, including diameter, area, CT value, shape, air bronchogram, margins, and location, were compared and assessed. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted to determine the cut-off values for the qualitative variables and their diagnostic performances.Results: Of 154 nodules, 89 IA, 53 MIA, eight adenocarcinoma in situ, and four atypical adenomatous hyperplasia lesions were found. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression of the pre/MIA and IA lesions were compared and analyzed among PSNs and pGGNs. Among pGGNs, a significant difference was found in the area (p = 0.004, odds ratio [OR] = 0.124, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.300-0.515) between the pre/MIA and IA groups. In PSNs, significant differences were found in the diameter (p = 0.001, OR = 0.171, 95% CI = 0.063-0.467) and CT value (p = 0.001, OR = 0.996, 95% CI = 0.993-0.998) between the pre/MIA and IA groups. According to the corresponding receiver operating characteristic curves, the optimal cut-off tumor area in pGGNs to differentiate pre/MIA from IA was 0.595 cm2. A higher CT value of the lesion (≥ -298.500 HU) and a larger diameter (≥1.450 cm) in PSNs were significantly associated with IA.Conclusion: Imaging features from TSCT contribute to distinguishing pre/MIA from IA in solitary subsolid nodules and may contribute to guide the clinical management of these lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) 2.5 induced various adverse health effects, such as metabolic syndrome, systemic inflammation and respiratory infection. However, a global influence of PM 2.5 -induced metabolic and proteomic disorders remains confusing, and the underlying mechanism is still under-explored. Herein, LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics, lipidomics and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based proteomics were applied to analyze the toxicological characteristics of PM 2.5 from Taiyuan City in China (Taiyuan-PM 2.5) on human lung carcinoma cells (A549) after the 24-h treatment. Metabolites, lipids and proteins that have distinctive differences were screened by SIEVE, LipidSearch and Proteome Discoverer, respectively. The abundance of 56 metabolites (40 increased and 16 decreased), 22 lipids (19 increased and 3 decreased) and 81 proteins (55 up-regulated and 26 down-regulated) were significantly changed upon the PM 2.5 treatment. Among the proteomics analysis, 16 proteins were specifically related to RNA splicing, mainly including up-regulated serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1), SRSF2, small nuclear ribonucleoprotein 70 kDa (snRNP70), small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide B (SNRPB), SNRPC, SNRPE and down-regulated heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U-like 2 (hnRNP UL2). At the metabolic level, PM 2.5 exposure significantly altered the sphingolipid metabolism, including ceramide, serine, sphingosine and sphingomyelin. It was proposed that excessive accumulation of ceramide and expression of key enzymes (ceramide synthases, phingomyelinase, sphingosine kinase types 2 and protein phosphatase-1) induced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, generation of lipotoxicity and alterations of RNA splicing in PM 2.5 -treated A549 cells. In general, our results demonstrated that ceramide accumulation and altered RNA splicing could becritical contributors to PM 2.5 -induced cytotoxicity at metabolic and proteomic level, which might be considered as potential markers for toxicological evaluation of PM 2.5 samples. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • PM 2.5 induced ceramide accumulation in A549 cell line. • PM 2. 5 disturbed RNA splicing pathway and related protein expression. • PM 2.5 promoted the secretion and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. • Multi-omics plays a significant role in exploring the toxicity mechanism of PM 2.5. PM 2.5 induced toxicity by regulating the ceramide accumulation and RNA splicing in human lung carcinoma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Treatment of verrucous carcinoma with surgery combined with topical aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy can reduce the rate of recurrence. • This protocol can maintain the sexual function of patients. • In long term follow-up, patients are satisfied with the function of their penis. Abstract Background Verrucous carcinoma of the penis is a rare disease characterized by verrucous lesions. The traditional treatment methods for verrucous carcinoma result in loss of sexual function are not satisfactory. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effect of topical aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy in the treatment of verrucous carcinoma in penis. Materials and methods In this study, four male patients, average age of (47 ± 7.58) years old, with penile verrucous carcinoma were treated with topical aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) combined with curettage. First, the lesions were removed under local anesthesia. Then, the first session of PDT was performed right away. Ten percent 5-ALA cream was applied to surface of the lesions with occlusive dressing for a 3-h incubation period and the lesions were irradiated for 10 min by using a 635-nm laser beam of 177 mW/cm2 intensity. The ALA-PDT was repeated after 1 and 3 weeks and two other treatments applied if necessary. Results Three patients were cured by this treatment, with one case relapsed at 3 months. There was no other recurrence at 5 years off treatments. The satisfaction rate of patients was 75% at 3 months after treatments. Conclusions Topical PDT can be an effective and successful treatment modality for verrucous carcinoma in penis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forkhead box c1 (Foxc1) is a vital member of the Fox family of transcription factors which play important roles in numerous biological processes including metabolism, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and longevity. However, up to date, the role of Foxc1 in the development of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, the markedly higher expression of Foxc1 was observed in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) of RA compared to control. Besides, we found that Foxc1 had a co-localization with THY1 (a marker for fibroblast-like synoviocytes). Moreover, during the process of TNF-α-induced inflammatory response model, Foxc1 was progressively accumulated in FLSs which was in parallel with MMP-1, MMP-13. Consistently, cell inflammatory response was distinctly hindered by small interfering RNA. Even more importantly, we discovered that Foxc1 promoted cell proliferation by upregulation PI3K/AKT signaling, which was inflammation-dependent. In summary, these data implied that Foxc1 might regulates fibroblast-like synoviocytes proliferation by reducing PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and all above findings provide novel therapeutic effects in the treatment for RA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transportation plays an important role in achieving deep decarbonization. This paper examines how the sector might be decarbonized in China in light of three national decarbonization scenarios toward the Paris Agreement goals, using Global Change Assessment Model 4.0 (the Tsinghua University version), which includes a detailed representation of China's transportation. Results indicate that while barely affected by meeting the Nationally Determined Contribution, China's transportation sector might need significant changes beyond 2030 to decouple associated CO 2 emissions from GDP growths. Supporting national mitigation has more pronounced implications on freight than passenger transport services, and arouses a radical shift of transport fuels away from fossil-based liquids to clean alternatives. Decarbonizing China's transportation toward 1.5 °C is in many aspects similar to toward 2 °C, but lowers final energy use and ramps up clean fuels at an observably higher pace. In our 1.5 °C scenario, oil-refined liquids tend to phase out in the second half of the century, whereas clean fuels provide 62% (18–36% in 2 °C scenarios) and 98% (68–91% in 2 °C scenarios) of China's transport energy by 2050 and 2100, respectively. Fuel carbon intensity improvements are responsible for the majority of China's transport mitigation in our decarbonization scenarios, followed by energy intensity improvements and transport service reductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tolerance to corrosion of cathode catalyst supports comprising carbon nanofibers with differing alignments of graphene layers was evaluated, and its correlation with structural parameters obtained from Raman spectra was discussed. The carbon nanofibers employed in this study were platelet-type carbon nanofibers (PCNF) and tubular carbon nanofibers (TCNF). The tolerance to carbon corrosion was evaluated in a membrane electrode assembly using a start-stop durability testing protocol. While the ratio of the D band peak intensity to that of the G band ( I D / I G ) does not show any correlation with tolerance to carbon corrosion, full width at half maximum of the G band (FWHM(G)) correlates well with tolerance to carbon corrosion. The results suggest that carbon materials with low FWHM(G) values are promising as cathode catalyst supports in PEFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of moisture exposure on scratch behavior of four model cast polyurethane (CPU) elastomers with different soft segments is investigated. Two model CPU systems contain less polar ether groups and the other two contain more polar ester groups in the soft segment polyols. The ASTM D7027 /ISO 19252 standard scratch test was chosen to determine the scratch behavior of the model CPU systems in dry and water-saturated conditions. It is found that the absorbed moisture alters the surface characteristics, mechanical properties and the corresponding scratch behaviors of PU elastomers in different fashions, depending on the PU chemical constituents. The homogeneously absorbed water molecules in the less polar polyether-based PU elastomers serve as plasticizer to degrade the mechanical properties and increase the coefficient of friction (COF), thus leading to deterioration in scratch resistance. However, for the more polar polyester-based PU elastomers, because of the interaction between water molecules and the polar bonding sites, clustering of water occurs on the surface and acts as lubricant to decrease the COF, which improves the scratch resistance. A 3-D finite element method (FEM) modeling was conducted to further understand the observed scratch-induced deformation in the model systems. The present study provides guidelines for preparing scratch-resistant PU elastomers that are exposed to humid environment during service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3-Phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1), a serine threonine kinase, belongs to the AGC kinase family and is associated with apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of PDK1 (3-Phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase-1) in articular cartilage with osteoarthritis (OA) and to analyze the relationship between PDK1 and chondrocyte apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of PDK1 in articular cartilage of OA patients and healthy controls. IL-1β-stimulated SW1353 cells were used to imitate the OA-like chondrocyte injury in vitro, and IL-1β-induced the expression of PDK1, apoptotic markers(PARP, caspase-3), and phosphorylated p38 were detected by Western blot. The co-localization of PDK1 and Cleaved-caspase3 was confirmed through immunofluorescence. Knocking down PDK1 expression through PDK1 siRNA. Western blot was performed to detect the knockdown efficiency of PDK1 and the impact of PDK1 knockout on IL-1β-induced expression of apoptotic markers and phosphorylated p38 in SW1353 cells. Flow Cytometry-Based Annexin V/PI Staining was used to exam chondrocyte apoptosis. Our experimental results suggested that PDK1 may promote chondrocyte apoptosis in OA via p38 MAPK signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High transmittance Ga-doped ZnO thin films were deposited on glass substrates using sol-gel spin coating technique. Crystallinity levels, microstructures, optical and electrical properties of the thin films were systematically investigated by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, UV–visible spectrophotometer, PL spectrometer and four-point probe method, respectively. All GZO thin films exhibited polycrystalline with a hexagonal wurtzite structure and slight (0 0 2) preferred orientation growth, which show excellent transmittance (> 95%) in the 380–780 nm wavelength range. The PL spectra of the GZO films revealed a strong ultraviolet emission peaks at around 393 nm and a weak blue emission peak at around 468 nm. When the Ga doping level was 4 at.%, the minimum resistivity of 1.12 × 10 − 2 Ω·cm with the highest transmittance was reached. The optical band gaps ( E g ) of the films were increased from 3.311 eV to 3.329 eV with the increase of Ga dopant concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TET1 maintains hypomethylation at bivalent promoters through its catalytic activity in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, TET1 catalytic activity-independent function in regulating bivalent genes is not well understood. Using a proteomics approach, we map the TET1 interactome in ESCs and identify PSPC1 as a TET1 partner. Genome-wide location analysis reveals that PSPC1 functionally associates with TET1 and Polycomb repressive complex-2 (PRC2). We establish that PSPC1 and TET1 repress, and the lncRNA Neat1 activates, bivalent gene expression. In ESCs, Neat1 is preferentially bound to PSPC1 alongside its PRC2 association at bivalent promoters. During the ESC-to-epiblast-like stem cell (EpiLC) transition, PSPC1 and TET1 maintain PRC2 chromatin occupancy at bivalent gene promoters, while Neat1 facilitates the activation of certain bivalent genes by promoting PRC2 binding to their mRNAs. Our study demonstrates a TET1-PSPC1- Neat1 molecular axis that modulates PRC2-binding affinity to chromatin and bivalent gene transcripts in controlling stem cell bivalency. [Display omitted] • The TET1 interactome identifies PSPC1 as a partner of TET1 in ESCs • PSPC1 interacts with TET1 and PRC2 for bivalency control in formative pluripotency • TET1 and PSPC1 repress bivalent genes by promoting PRC2 chromatin occupancy • Neat1 facilitates bivalent gene activation by promoting PRC2 binding to their mRNAs Huang et al. use proteomics and genetic approaches to show that catalytic activity-independent functions of TET1, coordinated with the paraspeckle components PSPC1 and its cognate lncRNA Neat1 , dynamically regulate stem cell bivalency by modulating PRC2 binding to chromatin and bivalent gene transcripts in the naive-to-formative pluripotent state transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Montmorillonite (MMT) modified with chitosan (CTS, molecular weight = 5 × 10 4 ) was applied to remove heavy metal cations by using Co 2 + as a model ion. An increase in MMT interlayer distance observed from X-ray diffraction indicates the intercalation of CTS into MMT. Together with the results of scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, it was concluded that the composite material of CTS and MMT (CTS–MMT) was prepared successfully. The mass ratio of CTS to MMT had a strong influence on the adsorption performance of CTS–MMT. The highest adsorption value of 150 mg/g was obtained over the composite material with CTS to MMT mass ratio of 0.25, which is much higher than those reported in other studies. The adsorption isotherms and kinetic results indicated that Co 2 + was adsorbed over CTS–MMT in a multilayer model, and the chemical sorption of Co 2 + was determined to be the rate-limiting step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: By using the extended Huygens–Fresnel principle, the analytical expressions for the cross-spectral density matrix of the partially coherent Laguerre–Gaussian vector beams with vortices propagating through atmospheric turbulence are derived theoretically in detail, and used to study the intensity and polarization properties of partially coherent Laguerre–Gaussian beams in atmospheric turbulence. It is found that the variations of the intensity of the completely polarized part and the completely unpolarized part are closely related with the strength of atmospheric turbulence, the topological charge and the beam width in the source plane. The spectral degree of polarization of the partially coherent Laguerre–Gaussian vector beams with vortices tends to a certain value that is different from the source plane after a sufficiently long propagation distance in turbulent atmosphere. Furthermore, this value is dependent of the strength of turbulent atmosphere, the topological charge and the beam width in the source plane. The polarization property of the partially coherent Laguerre–Gaussian vector beams with vortices can be modulated by modulating the topological charge and the beam width in the source plane. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigated the characteristics of air multi-pollutants emitted during typical electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling processes and assessed their risks to the environment and human health. Concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a typical e-waste dismantling workshop were 137 μg/m3, 135 ng/m3 and 42 ng/m3, respectively, which were lower than those without emission control measures. The partial removal of pollutants due to the emission control measures also decreased the ozone formation potential and non-cancer risk of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In the workshop, the lifetime cancer risk (LCR) of VOCs (8.1 × 10−5) was close to the recommended values. Conversely, the LCR of PAHs (3.6 × 10−5) and the total exposure index of PBDEs (19 ng/d) were remarkably lower than the recommended values of 10−3 and that without emission control measures, respectively. Meanwhile, the concentrations of TVOCs, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs), PBDEs, and PAHs in the outlet were approximately 10–30 times higher than those in the workshop. In addition, the LCR of TVOCs within a 5-km radius area remained higher than the accepted value (10−6), and the inhalation exposure risk of PCDD/Fs within a 20-km radius area was five times higher than the recommended value. Therefore, the emissions from e-waste recycling processes should be considered as an important source of air pollution, and more efficient control measures should be taken in the future. The pollution characteristic and risk assessment on environment and human health of multi-pollutants from typical e-waste dismantling activities were systematically investigated. The TVOCs, PBDEs and PAHs concentration in workshop were well controlled. In contrast, the emission can be regarded as an important source of air pollution and more efficient control measures should be taken in the future. [Display omitted] • The levels of pollutants from outlet were 10–30 times higher than those in workshop. • Risks of specific compounds within certain area were higher than acceptable values. • E−waste dismantling activities substantially contributed to local air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, taking the partially coherent flat-topped (PCFT) beam as an example, we investigate the intensity distribution of broadband beams with astigmatic aberration propagating through a turbulent atmosphere. The analytic expressions for the intensity of the beams propagating through the turbulent atmosphere are derived. It is shown that the intensity distribution of the broadband aberrated PCFT beams in the turbulent atmosphere are closely related with the astigmatism aberration, the strength of atmospheric turbulence, the order of flatness, the correlation of source and the bandwidth of PCFT beams. It is important to note that the position of the focal plane of the broadband aberrated (or not) PCFT beams can be modulated by changing the aberration, the order of flatness, the correlation and the bandwidth of PCFT beams. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recently, BACE1 expression was shown to be regulated by microRNAs, small endogenous RNA molecules that regulate protein expression through sequence-specific interaction with messenger RNA. Here, we showed that microRNA-29c (miR-29c), a miRNA that is enriched in the brain and highly expressed in the APPswe/PSΔE9 mouse lowers BACE1 protein in vitro and in transgenic miR-29c mice. In silico analysis identified two putative target sites in the BACE1 mRNA for the miR-29c family. We chose SH-SY5Y, HEK-293T cell lines and miR-29c transgenic mice for these studies to validate our hypothesis. Significantly, over-expression of miR-29c in SH-SY5Y, HEK-293T cell lines and miR-29c transgenic mice downregulated BACE1 protein levels. Our findings suggest that miR-29c may be an endogenous regulator of BACE1 protein expression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aims: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders. Until now, the cause and mechanism of PD are unknown, making further studies necessary. We undertook this study to establish the brain-specific S100B gene transgenic mice and investigate the role of S100B in the development of PD. Methods: The hS100B transgenic vector was constructed by inserting the human S100B gene downstream into platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) promoter, followed by microinjection to produce transgenic mice. Motor coordination ability of mice in the S100B transgenic group (TG), S100B knockout group (KG) and the non-transgenic control group (CG) were measured by the Rota-rod test. The expressions of dopamine D1 receptor (D1DR), dopamine D2 receptor (D2DR), G protein-coupled receptor kinase2 (GRK2), G protein-coupled receptor kinase5 (GRK5), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the brain tissue, and levels of dioxyphenylalanine (DOPA), dopamine (DA), homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the midbrain tissue were detected by RT-PCR, Western blotting, and high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection method (HPLC-FLD), respectively. Results: Compared with CG, in TG, the motor coordination ability of mice, expressions of D2DR and GRK2, and the level of 5-HT visibly decreased, while the levels of DOPA, DA and its metabolic product HVA increased, the expressions of D1DR, GRK5, TH and 5-HIAA were similar. Compared with CG, no obvious change of detection indexes was observed in KG. Conclusions: Overexpression of S100B in the brain resulted in motor coordination impairment, which may have resulted from the downregulation of D2DR and GRK2 expressions, increased DA synthesis and metabolism, and decreased 5-HT level. Therefore, S100B may be a potential cause of pathogenesis in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are abundantly expressed in the brain and play an important role in disorders of the brain, including Alzheimer''s diseases (AD). Growing body of evidence suggests that the TGF-β signaling pathway plays a key role in the pathogenesis of AD. However, it is unclear whether miRNAs involved in AD pathogenesis by regulating TGF-β signaling. Here we found that miR-106b and TGF-β type II receptor (TβR II) were aberrantly expressed in APPswe/PS∆E9 mice (a double transgenic mouse model for AD). Sequence analysis revealed two putative binding sites for miR-106b in the 3′ UTR of the TβR II mRNA. Our results showed that the expression of miR-106b was inversely correlated with TβR II protein levels and miR-106b can directly inhibit the TβR II translation in vitro. After induced neurodifferentiation with all-trans retinoic acid, we observed significant neurodegeneration in SH-SY5Y cells stably transfected with miR-106b. Western blot analysis revealed unchanged total Smad2/3 protein levels, but reduced phospho-Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) and increased Smad6/7 protein levels in the miR-106b stably transfected cell line. Exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to Aβ42 oligomers led to the expression of miR-106b was first increased and then decreased and TβR II levels reduced. Our in vitro results suggested that Aβ42 oligomer-induced miR-106b leads to impairment in TGF-β signaling through TβR II, concomitant with retinoic acid-induced neurodegeneration in SH-SY5Y cells. These results show that TβR II is a functional target of miR-106b and that miR-106b may influence TGF-β signaling, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of AD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objectives of this study were to identify the chemical composition, monosaccharide composition, and molecular weight (Mw) of the polysaccharide (LBP) extract from Lycium barbarum L., and investigate the effects of Ca2+ on the zeta potential, rheological properties, infrared spectra (IR), and structure as well as the gelation mechanism of the LBP. The results showed that the LBP was an acidic glycoprotein mixture with an Mw of 4.05 × 105 Da. The addition of Ca2+ first decreased and then increased the absolute value of zeta potential. The elastic modulus (G'), complex viscosity (η*), and stress relaxation modulus (G(t)) of LBP increased with an increase of Ca2+ concentration, and reached the maximum value at the concentration of 12 mM. IR showed that the typical peak wavenumber of the LBP has changed in the presence of Ca2+. SEM and AFM analysis confirmed that Ca2+ could improve the formation of gel network structure in LBP. In addition, the electrostatic interaction and the calcium bridges produced by the addition of Ca2+ played a key role in the formation of the gel network structure. These findings will benefit the application of LBP in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [Display omitted] • Effect of Ca2+ on the rheological properties and structure of LBP was investigated. • Gelation mechanism of LBP was also elucidated. • Increasing concentration of Ca2+ improved rheological properties of the LBP gels. • Ca2+ increased the stability of LBP gel network structure. • Electrostatic interaction was crucial to LBP gel network structure formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the characterization of a diode-side-pumped CW Nd:YAG laser. A side-pumped configuration with 9 laser diodes is used for the laser. Pump light is directly coupled into the Nd:YAG rod without focusing lenses and the pump light distribution in the Nd:YAG rod was calculated. A maximum output power of 150 W in multimode operation is obtained for a pumping power of 400 W. The optical–optical efficiency is 37%. Output power of the laser under different output couplers, resonator lengths and temperatures of the cooling water have been studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) related to solar radiation and greenhouse effect is one of the most important volatile sulfides and its' oxidation products are also important contributors to acid rain. It is of great importance to study the consumption and reactions of DMS in the atmosphere. In this work, atmospheric-like particulate TiO 2 was selected to study the reaction mechanism of DMS on TiO 2 with the purpose to explore the possible heterogeneous oxidation of DMS. The results showed that the heterogeneous reaction of DMS with TiO 2 occurred under the condition of illumination, which is a first-order-like reaction with the rate constant K = 2.83 × 10−4/s, the initial reaction uptake coefficient and the steady reaction uptake coefficient indicated the occupation of products and by-products on the surface of TiO 2. The heterogeneous reaction mechanism of DMS studied by aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ATOFMS) suggested that DMS underwent a series of complex chemical reactions with sulfate and various sulfur-containing gas products, in which hydroxyl radicals might play an important role. • Simplify the research system by using model oxidized particulates with a single component. • Study the heterogeneous reaction of DMS on model particulates by smog chamber. • Reveal reaction mechanism of DMS on atmospheric-like particulates by ATOFMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is the most serious and complicated clinical manifestation of lupus erythematosus. Cognitive dysfunction is the most common symptom of NPSLE. A variety of potential mechanisms or mediators related to the pathogenesis of NPSLE cognitive dysfunction have been proposed. However, the involvement of microglia CD40 has not been reported yet. This study aimed to investigate whether hippocampal microglia CD40 of MRL/MpJ-Faslpr (MRL/lpr) mice was involved in NPSLE cognitive dysfunction. This study found, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunohistochemistry, that hippocampal CD40 was aberrantly overexpressed in the MRL/lpr lupus mice. It also determined using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence that the aberrantly overexpressed CD40 was mainly derived from hippocampal microglia. The adeno-associated virus was used to inhibit microglia CD40 expression, and the brain damage and cognitive dysfunction of MRL/lpr mice improved. Also, imiquimod (IMQ)-induced lupus mice had the same NPSLE cognitive dysfunction, brain damage, and overexpressed hippocampal microglia CD40 as MRL/lpr mice. Therefore, IMQ-induced lupus mouse was proposed as one of the mouse models for studying NPSLE cognitive dysfunction for the first time in this study. The findings indicated that hippocampal microglia CD40 was involved in the development of NPSLE cognitive dysfunction, thus providing a novel research direction for the study of the pathogenesis of NPSLE. [Display omitted] • Aberrant high expression of CD40 in hippocampal microglia cells is found in MRL/lpr neuropsychiatric lupus mice. • The down-regulation of hippocampal microglia CD40 can alleviate NP symptoms in lupus mice. • Imiquimod-induced lupus mice show significant NPSLE cognitive dysfunction and brain damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coking chemical industry associated with high energy consumption and high pollution emits significant amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to atmosphere, but is often ignored. This article reports a new study on emissions of VOCs from a typical coking chemical plant. Results show that about 70 species of VOCs including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons and oxygenates are detected, naphthalene and benzene could be used as the emission markers. Compared to coking stage, gas purifying stage is found to have 4 times more total concentrations of VOCs, in which condensing and blasting process is found to be the largest contributor with 77% ozone formation potential (OFP) contribution. Emission control measures currently used are insufficient and inefficient to reduce VOCs to meet regulatory emission standards. Further, by using a proposed integrated emission factor of 2.652 g/kg coke, the coking chemical industry in China was estimated to account for about 7.8–20% of total historical industrial VOCs emissions, and about 1241 Gg of VOCs were emitted in 2019. A large proportion is emitted from the northern China with a distinctive spatial distribution. Shanxi, Hebei, Shandong, and Shannxi provinces are the top four emitters. It is suggested that more stringent and efficient measures should be taken on the coking chemical industry, not just on the coking processes, but also on the gas purifying processes. Unlabelled Image • Present the first study on VOCs from the whole coking chemical processes • Provide VOCs emission and control information of coking chemical industry • Discuss ozone formation contribution, EF establishment and national emission distribution [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]