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To investigate the incidence, distribution characteristics, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of intraoperative endplate injury (EI) following transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Patients who underwent single-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion from January 2018 to December 2020 were included. The patients were separated into EI and non-EI groups based on computed tomography obtained immediately postoperatively. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic parameters of all patients were analyzed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by visual analog scale for low back pain and Oswestry Disability Index. This study enrolled 576 patients. Rates of EI were 19.6% (113/576) of patients and 9.9% (114/1152) of endplates. The rate of superior EI was significantly higher than that of inferior EI. The results showed that older age, lower disc height index, and taller cage height were independent risk factors for intraoperative EI. Postoperative drain output, total blood loss, postoperative duration of drainage tube, and postoperative hospital stay in the EI group were significantly greater than in the non-EI group. There were no statistical differences in Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale scores at the same time point between the groups. Rates of EI were 19.6% of patients and 9.9% of endplates. Superior endplates were more susceptible to injury than inferior endplates. Older age, lower disc height index, and taller cage height were independent risk factors for intraoperative EI. Clinical outcomes were not affected by intraoperative EI during early postoperative follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the influence of age as a continuous variable on the prognosis of pT1-2N1 breast cancer and examine its decision-making value for postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). We retrospectively evaluated 5438 patients with pT1-2N1 breast cancer after mastectomy in 11 hospitals. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model with penalized splines was used to examine the relationship between age and oncologic outcomes. The median follow-up was 67.0 months. After adjustments for confounding characteristics, nonsignificant downward trend in locoregional recurrence (LRR) risk was observed with increasing age (P -non-linear association = 0.640; P -linear association = 0.078). A significant non-linear association was found between age and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (P -non-linear association <0.05; P -linear association >0.05, respectively). The DFS and OS exhibited U-shaped relationships, with the hazard ratios (HRs), reaching a nadir at 50 years old. A decreased risk of LRR with PMRT vs. no PMRT (HR = 0.304, 95% CI: 0.204–0.454) was maintained in all ages. The HR of PMRT vs. no PMRT for DFS and OS gradually increased with age. In patients ≤50 years old, PMRT was independently associated with favorable LRR, DFS, and OS, all P < 0.05). In patients >50 years old, PMRT was independently associated with reduced LRR (P = 0.004), but had no effect on DFS or OS. Age was an independent prognostic factor for pT1-2N1 breast cancer; PMRT provided survival benefits for patients ≤50 years old, but not for patients >50 years old. • The LRR risk showed a downward trend with increasing age in pT1-2N1 breast cancer. • Age showed a U-shaped association with DFS and OS, with 50 years being a reference. • The HR of PMRT vs. no PMRT on LRR remained almost constant in all ages. • The HR of PMRT vs. no PMRT for DFS and OS gradually increased with age. • PMRT provided significant survival benefits for patients ≤50 years old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the effect of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) on pT 1-2 N 1 breast cancer patients with different molecular subtypes. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 5442 patients with pT 1-2 N 1 breast cancer treated using modified radical mastectomy in 11 hospitals in China. Univariate, multivariate, and propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were used to evaluate the effect of PMRT on locoregional recurrence (LRR). With a median follow-up duration of 63.8 months, the 5-year LRR rates were 4.0% and 7.7% among patients treated with and without PMRT, respectively (p < 0.001). PMRT was independently associated with reduced LRR after adjustments for confounders (p < 0.001). After grouping the patients according to the molecular subtype of cancer and conducting PSM, we found that the 5-year LRR rates among patients treated with and without PMRT (in that order) were as follows: luminal HER2-negative cancer, 1.9% and 6.5% (p < 0.001); luminal HER2-positive cancer, 3.8% and 13.7% (p = 0.041); HER2-overexpressing cancer, 10.2% and 15.5% (p = 0.236); and triple-negative cancer, 4.6% and 15.9% (p = 0.002). Among patients with HER2-overexpressing and triple-negative cancers, the LRR hazard rate displayed a dominant early peak, and was extremely low after 5 years. However, patients with luminal cancer continued to have a long-lasting high annual LRR hazard rate during follow-up. PMRT significantly reduced the LRR risk in patients with pT 1-2 N 1 luminal and triple-negative breast cancers, but had no effect on the LRR risk in patients with HER2-overexpressing cancer. Patients with different molecular subtypes displayed different annual LRR patterns, and the late recurrence of the luminal subtype suggests the necessity of long-term follow-up to evaluate the efficacy of PMRT. • PMRT reduces LRR of pT 1-2 N 1 luminal and triple-negative breast cancers. • PMRT has no effect on the LRR of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. • Different molecular subtypes display different annual LRR patterns. • Late LRR beyond 5 years is observed in luminal breast cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defects in layered semiconductors cause large variation of electric and catalysis properties, and exploiting defect-involved reaction can deeply excavate unearthed characteristics with significant performances. Mo-terminated defects of MoS 2 spontaneously guide the oriented growths of ultrasmall Au nanocrystals on specific sites of liquid-exfoliated (LE) nanosheets, which are experimentally and theoretically performed with programmable heterostructures. The conjugated construction of Au plasmonics and MoS 2 semiconductors is manipulated with the aim of the optimal synergistic activity. Additionally, with photonic irradiation, hot electrons excited from attached plasmonic nanostructures are injected into MoS 2 semiconductors, which remarkably increases the carrier density of catalyst to match the energy level of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Obeying the principle of proximity, localized MoS 2 defect-adjacent Au plasmonics exhibit a more valid pathway, transferring hot electrons from donators to receptors of catalytic sites, in comparison to planar Au decoration. Meanwhile, Au nanostructures located at basal planes are essential for accelerated electron transport rates between catalysts and electrodes, and high stabilities in plasmonic-motivated electrocatalytic performances are guaranteed. The dual function of location-discriminated Au nanostructures accounts for superior electrocatalytic HER performances with photonic excitation, which imparts high inspiration in expanded heterostructures and integrated plasmonic techniques for catalysis and devices. Image 1 • MoS 2 defects guide the oriented growths of Au nanocrystals on 2D nanosheets. • Au/MoS 2 heterostructrues are experimentally and theoretically manipulated. • Plasmonic hot electrons motivate catalyst defects with enhanced electrocatalysis. • Dual function of Au nanostructures on semiconductor electrocatalysis is exploited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene holds great potential in metal matrix composites for thermal management due to its excellent thermal properties. However, the graphene/metal composites possessing both high thermal conductivity (TC) and low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) have not yet been realized. Herein, we reported an efficient strategy to achieve a high alignment of graphene nanosheets (GNSs) in GNS/Cu composites through a vacuum filtration method followed by spark plasma sintering. Because of the highly aligned GNSs and laminated structure, the GNS/Cu composites exhibited notably anisotropic thermal properties. Intriguingly, the composites showed a reversed anisotropic behavior between TC and CTE as a function of GNS fraction, in which the in-plane TC was substantially higher than through-plane TC, whereas oppositely the through-plane CTE displayed a larger drop than in-plane CTE. Promisingly, the composite with 30 vol% GNSs delivered a high in-plane TC of 458 W/mK and a low through-plane CTE of 6.2 ppm/K, corresponding to a 35% TC enhancement and a 64% CTE reduction compared to pure Cu, respectively. The present GNS/Cu composites with high in-plane TC and low through-plane CTE are promising candidates for specific thermal management applications that require an efficient in-plane heat dissipation but a good through-plane dimensional stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene has an ultra-high thermal conductivity (TC) along its basin plane. However, the TC of graphene/metal composites is still far below the expectation due primarily to the lack of sufficient graphene alignment in the metal matrix. Herein, we reported an efficient route to prepare the graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)/Cu composites with highly aligned GNPs by a vacuum filtration method followed by spark plasma sintering. Impressively, when the GNP fraction reached 35 vol%, a long-range and highly aligned GNP network was established within the Cu matrix, leading to a surprisingly high in-plane TC of 525 W/mK, which was 50% higher than that of Cu matrix and among the highest value ever reported for bulk graphene/metal composites. These results demonstrated that our strategy to construct a highly aligned graphene network could indeed achieve the remarkable in-plane TC enhancement in graphene/metal composites, and resulting composites may find application in electronic packaging that requires efficient directional heat transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Probe NOSA is used for fluorescent detection of ArSHs based on cascade reaction. • Probe NOSA enables the monitoring of ArSHs level in foods and condiments. • Composite probe NOSA@CMMT is constructed for chromatic sensing of ArSHs. Thiophenols (ArSHs) are widely used as popular flavoring ingredients for making daily dishes. Dissecting the ArSHs contents in common foodstuffs is meaningful in the field of food safety science. Herein, a novel small-molecule sensor 2-(1 H -benzo[ d ]imidazol-2-yl)-3-(2-(2,4-dinitrophenoxy)-4-morpholinophenyl)acrylonitrile (NOSA) has been tailored. The NOSA is able to respond to ArSHs, spontaneously yielding highly green-emissive fluorescent iminocoumarin (I 500). This cascade reaction-based strategy is sensitive (limit-of-detection = 2.8 nM), rapid (within 5 min), and selective toward ArSH flavors. Probe NOSA has been applied to the determination of ArSHs in real-life meat products and condiments. Moreover, a far-red fluorescent compound, 2-(7-(diethylamino)-4-(4-(methylthio)styryl)-2 H -chromen-2-ylidene)malononitrile (CMMT), has been first combined with NOSA to construct a composite probe NOSA@CMMT for the ratiometric detection of ArSHs (I 500 / I 630). System NOSA@CMMT exhibits a conspicuous fluorescence change from deep-red to light-green. Benefitted from the gorgeous chromatic fluctuation, a smartphone-integrated analysis platform is established for the real-time evaluation of ArSHs level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baiyangping Pb–Zn–Cu–Ag deposit is located in Lanping basin, northwestern Yunnan province. The deposit is composed of a few ore veins and can be divided into several ore blocks. The ore bodies are primarily hosted in Mesozoic carbonate, sandstone and siltstone along the north–south-striking, NWW-striking and NE–SW-striking fault zones. There are breccia, massive, vein like and disseminated ores. The main ore minerals are sphalerite, galena, gratonite, jordanite, tetrahedrite series minerals, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, realgar, orpiment, bournonite, cobalt-bearing arsenopyrite, argentite, kongsbergite, cobaltine, siegenite. The sizes of fluid inclusions in Baiyangping deposit are generally less than 10 μm and have the shape of round, oval, irregular, etc. The ore-forming fluid system is Ca 2+ –Na + –K + –Mg 2+ –Cl − –F − –NO 3 − brine system. The freezing temperature of fluid inclusions in mineral deposits ranges from −26.4 to −0.2 °C, average −14.6 °C; the homogenization temperature is concentrated in 120–180 °C, and the salinity is between 0.35 and 24.73 wt% (NaCl eq ), average 16.9 wt% (NaCl eq ). δ 13 C PDB and δ 18 O SMOW values of hydrothermal calcite range from −4.16‰ to 3‰ and −2.5‰ to 20.4‰, respectively. δ 34 S values of sulfide minerals range from −10.2‰ to 11.2‰, average 5.6‰. The sulfide samples yield 206 Pb/ 204 Pb values of 18.609–18.818, 207 Pb/ 204 Pb of 15.548–15.842 and 208 Pb/ 204 Pb = 38.514–39.556. C–O–S–Pb isotope compositions of the Baiyangping deposit indicate a homogeneous carbon source, and the carbon in hydrothermal calcite is derived from the dissolution of carbonate rock strata, the ore-forming fluid belongs to basin brine fluid system, which is mixed with the precipitate water, sulfur in sulfides and sulfosalts is derived from thermal chemical sulfate reduction, and the thermal decomposition of sulfur-bearing organic matter. The metal mineralization material is from sedimentary strata and basement. The late Pb–Zn polymetallic mineralization event superposed within early Cu–Co polymetallic mineralization event resulted in the differences of ore-forming elements for Baiyangping deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the recognition accuracy, a new approach for facial expression recognition based on Fuzzy Support Vector Machine (FSVM) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) is presented in this paper. At first, the feature of the static facial expression image is extracted by the Principle Component Analysis (PCA), then, the algorithm divide the region into different types, and combine with the characteristic of the FSVM and KNN, switch the classification methods to the different types. The results of the experiment show that proposed algorithm can achieve good recognition accuracy and simplify the computation complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shortage of pure-water and high-energy consumption of low-grade water treatments force the development of direct seawater-electrolysis. Herein, experiments and calculations reveal the redistribution of electron density due to doping and vacancy defects, and confirm the contribution of multiple active sites to the dissociation and desorption of water with favorable thermodynamics. The Co/Ni-doped defect-rich Cu-based oxides (CNC-MO) nanoarrays promote water dissociation and hydrogen desorption via bonding with *OH and *H respectively, thus accelerating hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The Ni/Co-doped defect-rich Cu-based sulfides (CNC-MS) nanorods modulate the adsorption state of *OH while effectively adsorbing and isolating *H to improve the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics. Asymmetric electrodes can achieve alkaline seawater electrolysis with 100 mA cm−2 at a voltage of 1.61 V. The corrosion resistance, high efficiency, and selectivity of electrodes can remain stable for 1200 h in a saline-alkali medium, and then gradually decline with sites blocking and deep corrosion. The aim of this work is to propose design strategies for the construction of high-performance electrocatalysts for seawater splitting while balancing multiple factors such as cost, efficiency, and durability. [Display omitted] ● CuO x containing OVs and doped Ni/Co as dual sites accelerate H 2 O dissociation and H desorption to improve HER activity. ● CuS x accelerates proton-electron transfer, while SVs with Ni kinetically lower the energy barrier of OER intermediates. ● Active surface textures constructed by alloying and anodization greatly improve the catalytic active area of electrodes. ● Hierarchical layers composed of internal oxides and surface sulfides exhibit good resistance to COR and halide attack. ● Overall seawater splitting can be steady performed at 1.61 V with 100 mA cm−2 for more than 1200 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attainment of intimate and strong interface is critical for promoting the load transfer ability and strength of graphene/metal composites. Herein, we reported an interface design strategy by matrix-alloying with Ti for in-situ interfacial carbide formation in reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/CuTi composites. It was demonstrated that both Ti 8 C 5 nanolayers and Ti 8 C 5 nanoparticles were in-situ formed at the local interface of RGO/CuTi composite, which played a “rivet” role in enhancing the interfacial bonding between the RGO and CuTi matrix. At 1.5 vol% RGO loading, compared to RGO/Cu composite without alloying, the RGO/CuTi composite exhibited a higher enhancement in tensile strength (57.7% vs. 37.5%) and a lower reduction in coefficient of thermal expansion (−10.9% vs. −3.9%). The formed interfacial Ti 8 C 5 nanolayers and Ti 8 C 5 nanoparticles were proposed to originate from the amorphous carbon nanolayers and amorphous carbon nanoparticles on the surface of RGO, respectively. This study provides new insights into the interface design and carbide formation mechanism of advanced graphene/Cu composites with enhanced mechanical/thermal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Full-scale tests for double lining with inner RC and R/FRC lining were performed. • The mechanical behaviour of the double lining with two types of inner lining was revealed. • Five performance indices were proposed to evaluate the benefits of R/FRC lining. • The influence of main design parameters of R/FRC lining was investigated. • An optimization design method was proposed for the inner R/FRC lining. Double lining with outer segmental lining and inner reinforced concrete lining is extensively used for water conveyance tunnel with internal water pressure. In order to improve the performance of the double lining, the steel rebar and fibre reinforced concrete (R/FRC) is designed for inner lining to enhance the tensile strength of reinforced concrete (RC). Full-scale tests were conducted to compare the mechanical behaviour of double lining with inner RC and R/FRC linings. The test results showed that both types of lining failed in four stages: elastic stage, inner lining cracking stage, crack stabilization and segmental joint damage stage, and failure stage. The cracks firstly occurred in the inner lining near the segmental joints and then propagated to the whole inner lining ring. Finally, the crack width and segmental joint opening successively exceeded the thresholds, and the double lining failed until the breaking of segmental joints. Compared with inner RC lining, R/FRC lining had better performance in terms of the initial cracking load, cracking-control ability, post-cracking stiffness, service limit capacity of inner lining and waterproof capacity of segmental lining. The improvement ratios were 36.3%, 50.3%, 46.3%, 37.2% and 31.1%, respectively. The influences of fibre volume fraction, fibre aspect ratio, and reinforcement ratio of steel rebar on the mechanical performance of R/FRC lining were also investigated based on a previously proposed analytical model. The parametric analysis demonstrated that higher fibre volume fraction and fibre aspect ratio can result in more significant increase of mechanical performance of R/FRC lining. The steel fibres were found to have more significant effects on the post-cracking behaviour of the lining than same amounts of reinforcing bars. Finally, an optimized function was proposed to fulfil a balance of lining performance and economy. The experimental and analytical results indicated that R/FRC lining can substitute RC lining and perform higher mechanical performance in water conveyance tunnels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A water-soluble fluorescent probe BIS with large Stokes shift was synthesized. • The BIS shows a dual-mode fluorescence sensing pattern toward HSO 3 − and HClO. • The BIS enables the monitoring of HSO 3 − and HClO levels in foods and beverages. • Two sensing platforms based on chromatic change are used for visual detection. • Probe BIS is applied to in vivo fluorescence imaging of Nile tilapias. Herein, a novel hemicyanine derivative (E)-3-(1,1-dimethyl-2-(4-(methylthio)styryl)-1 H -benzo[ e ]indol-3-ium-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonate (BIS) has been reasonably designed. Compound BIS is long-wavelength emissive and water-soluble with a large Stokes shift. Intriguingly, probe BIS provides a dual-mode fluorescence response pattern for the sensing of bisulfite (HSO 3 −) and hypochlorous acid (HClO) with great limit of detections (3.6 and 57.4 nM). First, the 1,4-Michael addition of HSO 3 − on the conjugated double bond triggers a ratiometric response (I 465 / I 575). Second, the rapid oxidation of HClO on the thioether moiety provides a turn-on response (I 575). Evaluation of HSO 3 − and HClO levels in dried fruit, beverage, and water samples has been carried out with satisfactory results. Moreover, motivated by an impressive chromatic variation (red to blue), smartphone-assisted signal readout system and thin-film sensing platform are facilely constructed for real-time and on-site measurement of HSO 3 − levels. Furthermore, probe BIS is used for the in vivo imaging of HSO 3 − in edible fish models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Avian chlamydiosis is caused by Chlamydophila psittaci (Cp. psittaci) and major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Cp. psittaci is an excellent vaccine candidate. In this study, the MOMP gene was expressed in rice callus by the Agrobacterium tumefaciens vector. The production of protein in transgenic rice seeds was confirmed and quantified by Western-blot and ELISA, the results demonstrating that the antigen was expressed stably. The transgenic rice seeds expressing the MOMP protein were administered by the oral route to BALB/c mice, which developed MOMP-specific serum IgG and fecal IgA antibodies and a splenocyte MOMP-specific proliferative response and significant levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and TGF-β production. Immunization with MOMP transgenic seeds induced partial protection (50%) against a lethal challenge with the highly virulent Cp. psittaci 6BC strain. Lung function after challenge was less affected compared non-MOMP immunized animals. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using transgenic rice seeds as an oral vaccine to generate protective immunity and reduce the lung lesions in mice against virulent Cp. psittaci 6BC strain. This finding has implications for further development of an oral vaccine against avian chlamydiosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The ZIF-67 derived V-Co x P@NC NPs are synthesized for the first time. • Introduced vanadium has great contributed to efficient overall water splitting. • V-Co x P@NC NPs show excellent electrocatalytic HER and OER performance. • The catalyst has a potential of 1.54 V at 10 mA cm-2 for overall water splitting. Achieving overall water splitting in the same electrolyte remains a challenge for a cost-effective and durable bifunctional catalyst. Doping foreign element into intrinsic materials is an effective way to enhance the electrocatalytic activity, thus we design a facile method to synthesize a novel vanadium doped mixture of CoP and Co 2 P nanoparticles encapsulated in zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) derived nitrogen doped carbon (V-Co x P@NC NPs) in this work for the first time. Benefiting from the protection of carbon shell and regulation of electronic structure through doping vanadium and phase-mixing CoP and Co 2 P, the V-Co x P@NC NPs show excellent electrocatalytic performance in both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 1.0 M KOH. Using V-Co x P@NC NPs to construct overall water splitting (OWS) device, the electrolyzer achieves the current density of 10 mA cm-2 with a small cell voltage of 1.54 V, exhibiting remarkable activity and continuous work for 20 h without obvious fluctuation. MOF-derived V-Co x P@NC NPs exhibit remarkable electrocatalytic water splitting activity, which is attributed to the regulation of electronic structure through introducing vanadium and phase-mixing CoP and Co 2 P. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing the cost-effective catalyst based on earth-abundant materials is a crucial demand for water oxidation. Doping heteroatom into catalysts is regarded as an effective strategy to regulate electronic configuration and improve the catalytic performance of water oxidation. In this work, N-doped CoS 2 on carbon cloth is fabricated by one-step synthesis, in which thiourea acts as both sulfur and nitrogen sources. The N-doped cobalt disulfide shows superior catalytic activity for oxygen evolution, with a low overpotential of 240 mV for 10 mA cm−2, small Tafel slope (56 mV dec−1) and high turnover frequency due to the modification with electronic structure after incorporation of N atom. Moreover, the incorporation of N atom provides a distinctive perspective of doping other heteroatom into the material for modifying the electrochemical properties. Image 1 • The Co 3 O 4 /CC precursor was synthesized through a facile method. • The flexible N CoS 2 /CC electrode is prepared via one-step chemical transformation. • The N CoS 2 nanoparticles expose abundant active sites. • Doping N atoms is conducive to improve the catalytic kinetics for oxygen evolution. • N CoS 2 /CC as a 3D flexible electrode shows sparkly OER performance in basic media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Intrinsic activity modifying of electrocatalysts is crucial to realizing the excellent catalytic performance towards hydrogen evolution reaction. Herein, we demonstrate a highly efficient electrocatalyst based on heterogeneous cobalt phosphides nanoparticles. The ultrafine size of the as-prepared catalyst (∼5 nm) ensures the efficient extension of active sites. Furthermore, the incorporation of orthorhombic CoP and Co 2 P contributes to the improvement of the inherent catalytic property. As a consequence, the as-prepared heterogeneous cobalt phosphides nanoparticles supported on carbon cloth exhibit impressive electrocatalytic activity, which only acquire a small overpotential of 90 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, and present a low Tafel slope (67.9 mV dec−1), a large exchange current density (0.58 mA cm−2) as well as good durability. Therefore, this work provides a favorable guidance for exploring executable strategies to improve catalyst activity. Highlights • Co 3 O 4 NPs precursor is synthesized by a weak reflux process of cobalt acetate. • Heterogeneous Co x P NPs are obtained through low-temperature phosphatization. • The ultrafine size of Co x P NPs ensures the efficient extension of active sites. • The synergistic effect in Co x P NPs enhances the intrinsic catalytic property. • Co x P NPs adhered to carbon cloth exhibit the outstanding HER catalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strong interface is an essential requirement to ensure the effective load transfer of graphene/Cu composites. Here we attempted to improve the interface adhesion and mechanical properties of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/CuCr composites by matrix-alloying with ∼0.2 at.% Cr. It was found that a trace amount of Cr 7 C 3 layers/nanoparticles was in-situ formed at the RGO-CuCr interface, which contributed to the dramatically improved interfacial bonding of the composites. The 2.5 vol% RGO/CuCr composite exhibited a tensile strength of 352 MPa, 82% and 19% higher than that of unreinforced CuCr and 2.5 vol% RGO/Cu composite without Cr alloying, respectively. The enhanced strength of RGO/CuCr composite was ascribed to the dual role of Cr 7 C 3 layers/nanoparticles that not only enhanced the load transfer efficiency, but also promoted the dislocation strengthening ability of RGO itself. Furthermore, we proposed the possible Cr 7 C 3 formation/evolution mechanism that involved the four steps of amorphous carbon formation, Cr 7 C 3 nucleation in amorphous carbon, Cr 7 C 3 growth and Cr 7 C 3 coalescence. The formation of medium sized Cr 7 C 3 layers/nanoparticles at 1053 K resulted in the highest strength of RGO/CuCr composite with a satisfactory strength-ductility combination. This study provides new insights into the interface structure, strengthening mechanism and carbide formation/evolution mechanism of graphene/CuX composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have received intensive research interest as an important family of functional materials. In particular, MOFs were widely used in electroanalysis and water splitting for their electrical conductivity and rich redox electrochemical activities. Prussian blue analogue (PBA), which owns hollow nanostructured MOFs with large surface area and unique structural features, offers great advantages for constructing advanced electrodes. Meanwhile, compared with platinum-based catalysts, molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) is increasingly becoming a research focus as an affordable alternative obtaining electrochemical hydrogen production from water. Here we synthesized the nanomaterials, MoS 2 -Co nanoboxes, using the facile hydrothermal method between cobalt Prussian blue analogue (Co PBA) nanocubes and ammonium thiomolybdate ((NH 4 ) 2 MoS 4 ). In acid and alkaline media, the MoS 2 -Co nanoboxes exhibit favorable catalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Furthermore, for researching the relationship of structural changes of MoS 2 supported on Co PBA nanocubes and HER catalytic performance, we use the Raman spectroscopy to monitor nanostructured MoS 2 which can promote the exposure of the most active sites. This new method applied in this study can be widely adopted for characterization of transition metal dichalcogenides with various compositions for a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: ΔNp73 has emerged as an interesting novel factor in cancer research. Here, we report the effect of carbon-ion beams on ΔNp73 expression in human cervix carcinoma HeLa cells in contrast to the effect of X-rays. Cellular sensitivities were determined by colony formation. Radiation-induced cell cycle arrest was investigated with flow cytometry. Additionally, radiation-induced apoptosis was analyzed with flow cytometry and Hoechst staining. Furthermore, ΔNp73 expression was examined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (semi-quantitative RT-PCR) as well as by Western blot analysis. Following irradiation, stronger G2/M phase arrest, more significant increase in apoptosis and more pronounced ΔNp73 degradation were observed after exposure to high-LET carbon beams in comparison with X-rays at 4Gy doses. These observations indicate that there is a differential ΔNp73 expression in response to different LET radiations, and down-regulated ΔNp73 expression might play a critical role in promoting cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells. This study highlights the potential of ΔNp73 in radiotherapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Seoul virus (SEOV), a member of hantavirus genus, is one of the causative agents of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and afflicts tens of thousands of people annually. In this paper, we evaluate the immune response induced by a replication-competent recombinant canine adenovirus type 2 expressing the Gn protein of SEOV (rCAV-2-Gn) in BALB/c mice. Sera from immunized mice contained neutralizing antibodies that could specifically recognize SEOV and neutralize its infectivity in vitro. Moreover, the recombinant virus induced complete protection against a lethal challenge with the highly virulent SEOV strain CC-2. Protective level neutralizing antibodies were maintained for at least 20 weeks. The efficacy of the recombinant was similar to that induced by a currently available inactivated HFRS vaccine. This recombinant virus is therefore a potential alternative to the inactivated vaccine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]