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A key challenge in aging research is extending lifespan in tandem with slowing down functional decline so that life with good health (healthspan) can be extended. Here, we show that monthly clearance, starting from 20 months, of a small number of cells that highly express p21 Cip1 (p21 high) improves cardiac and metabolic function and extends both median and maximum lifespans in mice. Importantly, by assessing the health and physical function of these mice monthly until death, we show that clearance of p21 high cells improves physical function at all remaining stages of life, suggesting healthspan extension. Mechanistically, p21 high cells encompass several cell types with a relatively conserved proinflammatory signature. Clearance of p21 high cells reduces inflammation and alleviates age-related transcriptomic signatures of various tissues. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of healthspan extension in mice and indicate p21 high cells as a therapeutic target for healthy aging. [Display omitted] • p21 high cells, distinct from p16 high cells, accumulate in various tissues with aging • Intermittent p21 high cell clearance extends both median and maximum lifespans in mice • Intermittent p21 high cell clearance results in sustained health improvement • Intermittent p21 high cell clearance alleviates age-related transcriptomic signatures Wang et al. identify a distinct senescent cell population (p21 high cells) in various tissues with aging. p21 high cells encompass numerous cell types with a conserved proinflammatory signature. Intermittent clearance of p21 high cells reduces inflammation, extends lifespan, and results in sustained benefits to health and physical function in old mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tantalum oxide film was fabricated using an anodization process in a 0.5M H 2 SO 4 electrolyte. The evolution and corrosion resistance mechanism of anodized film on the Ta surface has been investigated by experiments and theoretical calculations. The results indicate that the sample with an anodic oxidation voltage of 20V and an anodic oxidation time of 60 min (Ta 20-60) exhibits the thickest oxidation film, measuring 360.00 nm and comprising an outer porous layer and an inner dense layer. Ta 20-60 demonstrates the highest E corr value of 0.009 V and the lowest I corr value of 0.879 μA cm−2, with a minimal density of point defects at 1.24 × 1019 cm−3, which imparts superior corrosion resistance. The calculation result shows that the growth rate of Ta anodic oxidation film is controlled by the diffusion and migration of vacancy defects. The O atom passes through one bridge site from the tetrahedral gap to another tetrahedral gap (Path 1) on the complete (110) surface has a low diffusion barrier of 0.470 eV and the shortest diffusion path of 2.04 Å, which is the most favorable path for the diffusion of O atoms. This paper offers a fresh perspective on the corrosion resistance of tantalum while furnishing guidance for improving Ta oxide film performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, methanol-water co-solvent were utilized as solvents for hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) for the preparation of bio-oil to achieve a higher value application of BSFL. The effects of process parameters such as reaction temperature (200–290 °C), methanol-water ratio (0:1–1:0), and methanol participation in the liquefaction reaction (3.50–9.28 wt%) on the yield and properties of bio-oils were examined. The bio-oil produced at 260 °C and a methanol-water ratio of 4:1 had a yield of 68.23%, an HHV of 34.2 MJ kg−1, an O/C ratio of 0.13, and a H/C ratio of 2.39, suggesting their potential for use as renewable energy to replace the fossil energy. When taking into account the consumption of methanol at 260 °C, the bio-oil yield was 48.69%, energy recovery was 65.35%, and energy efficiency was 56.36%. GCMS analyses demonstrated that the main components of the methanol-water ratio of 4:1 bio-oil were esters and hydrocarbons, with fewer amides (1.92%), and its composition was similar to that of biodiesel. Methanol played an important role as a solvent in improving the esterification of the acid with methanol and advancing the alcoholysis of the amide. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cayratia albifolia C.L.Li (CAC) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used to treat inflammatory diseases. Our laboratory has firstly reported that the water extract from CAC relieved lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation, however stronger evidence is still needed to prove its anti-inflammatory effects and the mechanisms involved are also ambiguous.Purpose: This study sought to provide more evidence for the application of CAC in alleviating infectious inflammation and disclose novel pharmacological mechanisms.Methods: Mice were injected with zymA into their paws or peritoneal cavities, and then treated with CAC. ELISA, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were performed to detect the cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10) generation, the cell infiltration, and the CD86 or CD206 expression of macrophages. Then in vitro assays were performed on bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and peritoneal macrophages (PMs) to detect their expression of iNOS, arg-1 and the cytokines above. On mechanisms, western blotting (WB), electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and flow cytometry were carried out to measure NF-κB transcriptional activity, mitochondrial bioactivity and the mTORC1 activation when BMDMs were stimulated by zymA and treated with CAC. Finally, the chemical components consisted in the extract were analyzed by LC-MS.Results: 200 mg/kg CAC clearly inhibited zymA induced mouse paw edema and reduced the contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α rather than IL-10 in local tissues. CAC also reduced CD86 but not CD206 in macrophages in situ. Through in vitro experiments, it was discovered that CAC reduced the protein and mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, and also inhibited iNOS expression, but showed no influence on IL-10 and arg-1 in macrophages. We found CAC reduced NF-κB transcriptional activity, down-regulated mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS levels, and inhibited mTORC1 activity. Finally, we identified 15 major compounds in the extract, among which 4-guanidinobutyric acid and kynurenic acid were the most abundant.Conclusion: This study provides further evidence that CAC significantly reduces zymA induced infectious inflammation. In addition, this novel data revealed that CAC restrained M1 rather than promoting M2 macrophages polarization via multi-target inhibitory effects, based on its potentially active components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, a facile method for the synthesis of pure phase BiFeO3 (BFO) nanoparticles with the microwave assistance was reported. BFO nanoparticles with high pure phase can be prepared in 20 min, which is much shorter than that of the traditional hydrothermal methods. The effect of microwave heating time on the phase purity of obtained samples was investigated in detail by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). An interesting phenomenon was observed that the pervoskite-type BFO with pure phase periodically appeared during the microwave heating process. The investigation of the magnetic properties of prepared samples also revealed the periodical formation of the pure phase BFO. The sample with a microwave heating time of 20 min shows a magnetization of 1.05 emu g−1 which is in accordance with the reported value. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polycrystalline La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) films were prepared on SiO2/Si (001) substrates by chemical solution deposition technique. Electrical and magnetic properties of LSMO were investigated. A minimum phenomenon in resistivity is found at the low temperature () under magnetic fields from 0 T to 3 T. Kondo-like spin dependent scattering, which includes both spin polarization and grain boundary tunneling, was observed in the low-temperature electrical transport for the LSMO polycrystalline films. The temperature-dependent resistivity at low temperatures can be well fitted in the framework of elastic scattering, electron–electron (e–e) interaction, Kondo-like spin dependent scattering, and electron–phonon (e–ph) interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, a recyclable and highly regioselective 1,6-hydroarylation of para -quinone methides (p -QMs) with N -heteroarenes has been developed under mild conditions. 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) as a solvent plays a significant role in this transformation to achieve a wide assortment of unsymmetrical triarylmethanes with high yields and excellent regioselectivity. This novel reaction is featured a very broad substrate scope and outstanding functional group tolerance and could also be scaled-up. Moreover, this Friedel-Crafts alkylation pathway is further supported by replacing HFIP with trifluoroethanol (TFE) in the control reactions. A highly regioselective 1,6-hydroarylation of para -quinone methides (p -QMs) with N -heteroarenes has been developed under mild conditions. 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) as a solvent plays a significant role in this transformation to achieve a wide assortment of unsymmetrical triarylmethanes with high yields and excellent regioselectivity. Moreover, this transformation can be easily extended to a gram scale-synthesis level. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Acidification can occur during storage of Congou black tea. • Aroma enhancement process (AEP) accelerates acidification of black tea during storage. • AEP promotes conversion of Phenylalanine and glucose to oxalic acid, quinic acid, etc. • AEP also changes tea soup composition and increases acidification during storage. Acidification of aroma-enhanced black tea during storage was studied. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS (Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography and Quadrupole-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer) and HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) analysis of non-volatile substances and organic acids revealed a decrease of soluble sugars and amino acids in aroma-enhanced black tea, while an increase in organic acids such as oxalic acid, malic acid and quinic acid. Further in vitro experiments indicated that the acidification of aroma-enhanced tea during storage can be attributed to decomposition of sugars and amino acids by heating, oxidation of aromatic aldehydes. Meanwhile, the amino acids, catechins, soluble sugars and flavonoids that constitute the taste of black tea are further reduced, changing the taste composition of tea infusion and further increasing its acidity. This study revealed the reasons for black tea acidification during aroma enhancement and storage and provided a theoretical basis for improving black tea quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Key aroma active compounds in steamed green tea are first decoded by sensomics. • 173 aroma substances in steamed green tea are identified using multiple methods. • 8 key aroma active compounds (dimethyl sulfide, cis -jasmone, etc.) are identified. • Key compounds increased first and then decreased except for heptanal in spreading. Steamed green tea has a long history and unique aroma, but little is known about its key aroma components. In this study, 173 volatiles in steamed green tea were identified using solvent-assisted flavor evaporation and headspace-solid phase microextraction plus two chromatographic columns of different polarities. Aroma extract dilution analysis revealed 48 highly aroma-active compounds with flavor dilution factors 64–1024. Internal standards were used to calculate odorant active value (OAV), and 11 OAV > 1 key aroma compounds were determined. Omission test identified eight substances, including dimethyl sulfide, (E)- β -ionone, cis -jasmone, linalool, nonanal, heptanal, isovaleraldehyde and (Z)-3-hexenol, as the key aroma active compounds of steamed green tea. With the increase of withering degree, the content of these substances increased first and then decreased except for heptanal and cis -jasmone. Moreover, the water content of 62 % was suggested to be an appropriate withering degree during the processing of steamed green tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is to study the difference of anti-collision performance between precast segmental piers and conventional monolithic reinforced concrete (RC) piers. A reduced scale model was used, and the dynamic responses of piers with different structures under impact were compared and analyzed. The nonlinear finite element (FE) model of pier impact was established and numerical simulation of the impact responses and the failure mode of piers was carried out. The research results indicated that under impact, the failure mode of monolithic pier is tension bending failure, and for the segmental piers, the shear slip and concrete crushing in the impact segment occur mainly. The test results also indicated that the segmental piers are more flexible than monolithic piers, which leads to the peak impact force of the segmental pier reduced by 21.25% and 6.55%, respectively, under the impact of rigid head and ship bow compared to that on the monolithic pier. The study also found that segmented piers have better deformation capability and less residual displacement, but fail to show good self-reset capability. The results of FE calculation match well with the test results, which verifies the applicability and reliability of the FE model used in this paper. • The horizontal impact tests were performed to compare the resistance capacity of precast segmental pier and monolithic pier. • Rigid head and ship bow collision on piers were considered respectively. • A detailed numerical model of the precast segmental column is generated and validated with testing data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The magnetodielectric properties of BSPT/LSMO multiferroic composite thin films were investigated through the measurement of the frequency dependence of the dielectric constant under different magnetic fields at room temperature. The magnetodielectric (MD) response showed strong frequency dependence: at 100 Hz, the MD response remained negative and the maximum value of −1.1% was obtained; at 52 kHz, the dielectric constant first decreased and then rose linearly with the magnetic field until the giant room temperature positive MD effect of 9.5% was derived under 7 T. The observed unique MD effects for BSPT/LSMO were attributed to the co-contributions of the magnetostriction and magnetoresistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]