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The compound NS5806 is a Kv4 channel modulator. This study investigated the chronic effects of NS5806 on cardiac hypertrophy induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in mice in vivo and on neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by endothelin-1 (ET-1) in vitro. Four weeks after TAC, NS5806 was administered by gavage for 4 weeks. Echocardiograms revealed pronounced left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in TAC-treated mice compared with sham mice. NS5806 attenuated LV hypertrophy, as manifested by the restoration of LV wall thickness and weight and the reversal of contractile dysfunction in TAC-treated mice. NS5806 also blunted the TAC-induced increases in the expression of cardiac hypertrophic and fibrotic genes, including ANP, BNP and TGF-β. Electrophysiological recordings revealed a significant prolongation of action potential duration and QT intervals, accompanied by an increase in susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in mice with cardiac hypertrophy. However, NS5806 restored these alterations in electrical parameters and thus reduced the incidence of mouse sudden death. Furthermore, NS5806 abrogated the downregulation of the Kv4 protein in the hypertrophic myocardium but did not influence the reduction in Kv4 mRNA expression. In addition, NS5806 suppressed in vitro cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The results provide novel insight for further ion channel modulator development as a potential treatment option for cardiac hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the predictive value of vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score for low BMD and osteoporosis. Furthermore, we sought to enhance diagnostic effectiveness by integrating VBQ with easily accessible patient-specific factors. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 180 patients. VBQ was obtained by preoperative MRI. Low BMD was classified as meeting the standards for either osteopenia or osteoporosis. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to detect the ability of variables to assess BMD. The z-test was used to compare the area under the curves of different variables. Results: VBQ was more effective in identifying low BMD than osteoporosis (AUC, 0.768 vs. 0.613, p = 0.02). Elevated VBQ (OR 6.912, 95% CI 2.72–17.6) and low BMI (0.858, 0.76–0.97) were risk factors for low BMD, while the risk factor for osteoporosis was age (1.067, 1.02–1.12), not VBQ. ROC analysis showed that AUCs were 0.613 for VBQ and 0.665 for age when screening for osteoporosis. The combined variable of VBQ, sex, age, and BMI obtained by logistic regression significantly improved the efficacy of BMD screening, with an AUC of 0.824 for low BMD and 0.733 for osteoporosis. Conclusion: VBQ is better at detecting low BMD than identifying osteoporosis. The ability of VBQ to predict osteoporosis is limited, and a similar diagnostic efficacy can be achieved with age. Incorporating VBQ alongside demographic data enhances the efficiency of BMD assessment. With the development of artificial intelligence in medicine, this simple method is promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College students represent a burgeoning force in mass entrepreneurship, underscoring the critical need to nurture their entrepreneurial endeavors. This study adopts a quantitative method, surveying 33,660 Chinese college students engaged in entrepreneurial activities. It examines the impact of various entrepreneurial policies and regional entrepreneurship spirit on these students' decision-making processes. The findings reveal a positive correlation between entrepreneurial policies and entrepreneurial decision-making among college students, with regional entrepreneurship spirit serving as a mediator. Gender influences the relationship between regional entrepreneurship spirit and entrepreneurial decision-making, primarily moderating the effects of supply-based and environmentally-oriented policies. Entrepreneurship must be deeply integrated within China's unique social networks and informal institutional frameworks. The moderating influence of gender also highlights differing policy impacts among various student groups. This research contributes to the enhancement and understanding of the policy support mechanism's effect on college students and underscores the necessity for precise implementation of entrepreneurship policies tailored to college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing oneself and the pursuit of well-being are the eternal themes of human society. Accordingly, the link between self-concept and subjective well-being (SWB) has been a hot topic of research in psychology. This study aims to examine the effect of low self-concept clarity (SCC) on SWB and the mediating role of materialism from the perspective of self-uncertainty, so as to enrich the research in related fields. In Study 1, we conducted a questionnaire survey of 531 adults to explore the relationship between low SCC, materialism, and SWB at the trait level. In Study 2, we experimentally manipulated low SCC and examined its effect on SWB and the mediating role of materialism. The results of the two studies showed that low SCC reduced SWB, and materialism played a mediating role in this relationship. This study reveals the internal mechanism of the influence of low SCC on SWB and enriches the related research on materialism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel multifunctional organogel polyelectrolyte was prepared via esterification (polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/trimesic acid (TA)) and Lewis acid–base reaction (PVA–TA/phenylenediamine) in dimethyl sulfoxide solvent. Organogel electrolytes possess several desirable properties, including excellent mechanical properties (2.1 kg weight), high toughness, high-temperature resistance (60 °C), large ionic conductivity (45.45 mS cm−1), sizeable specific capacitance (322.5 F g−1) and high mass energy density (28.67 W h kg−1). Furthermore, the high scanning rate of 50 mV s−1 maintains the high-speed performance of the SC in the ideal CV state. As a practical application, a digital watch is lit up by two capacitors in series, demonstrating excellent practicability of the equipment in the field of energy storage. In addition, on account of their remarkable conductivity and flexibility, the PVA/TA/PPD organogels can be made into a touch pen (T-pen) for smartphones or tablets, which opens up possibilities and potential for the development of some operational electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has been recognized as a novel inflammatory modulator in inflammation-associated diseases. This study aimed to investigate the modulation of LIF in dental pulp inflammation. Experimental pulpitis was established in wild-type (WT) and Lif-deficient (Lif−/−) mice. Histological and immunostaining analyses were conducted to assess the role of LIF in the progression of pulpitis. Mouse macrophage cell line (RAW264.7) was treated with LPS to simulate an inflammatory environment. Exogenous LIF was added to this system to examine its modulation in macrophage inflammatory response in vitro. Primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from WT and Lif−/− mice were isolated and stimulated with LPS to confirm the effect of Lif deletion on macrophage inflammatory response. Supernatants from LIF and LPS-treated human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) were collected and added to macrophages. Macrophage chemotaxis was assessed using transwell assays. The results showed an increased expression of LIF and LIFR with the progression of pulpitis, and LIFR was highly expressed in macrophages. Lif deficiency alleviated experimental pulpitis with the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and macrophage infiltration. Exogenous LIF promoted inflammatory response of LPS-induced macrophages through a STAT3/p65-dependent pathway. Consistently, Lif deletion inhibited macrophage inflammatory response in vitro. Supernatants of LIF-treated hDPCs enhanced macrophage migration in LPS-induced inflammatory environment. Our findings demonstrated that LIF aggravates pulpitis by promoting macrophage inflammatory response through a STAT3/p65-dependent pathway. Furthermore, LIF plays a crucial role in driving the recruitment of macrophages to inflamed pulp tissue by promoting chemokine secretion in DPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal expression of the potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 12 (KCTD12) is closely related to the occurrence and development of various tumors, but a pan-cancer analysis of KCTD12 has not yet been conducted. We explored the association between KCTD12 and more than 30 human malignancies using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. First, the mRNA and protein levels of KCTD12 were examined and their correlations with tumor stage and survival were explored. Second, we analyzed the infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumors and explored the correlation between KCTD12 expression and tumor cell stemness, genomic heterogeneity, and diagnostic specificity. Finally, we explored the molecular mechanisms associated with KCTD12 using KEGG/GO analysis. The results showed that KCTD12 mRNA and protein expression levels decreased in most tumors was significantly associated with the prognosis of tumor patients, and the phosphorylation level of KCTD12 decreased in several tumors, such as S200 and T196, pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and breast invasive cancer (BRCA). The expression of KCTD12 was positively correlated with the degree of cancer-associated fibroblasts infiltration in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC), head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), PAAD, and stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). The relationship between KCTD12 expression and CD8+ and CD4+ T cell infiltration was also clarified. KCTD12 showed high diagnostic sensitivity for various types of tumors and may be involved in tumor cell biology by affecting tumor cell stemness, tumor burden, and other characteristics. Finally, we analyzed the molecular functions of KCTD12 and possible KEGG/GO signaling pathways. In this study, we developed a biological marker for diagnosis, prognosis, and immune infiltration of the pan-cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic materials for sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes with the performance of high activity and stable had attracted significant attention in the field of sustainable wastewater treatment. Here, a novel adsorption-reactive composite catalyst with Fe3O4 impregnated acrylamide-based hydrogel (PAM-AMPS/Fe3O4) was designed and synthesized for methylene blue (MB) degradation based on persulfate advanced oxidation processes. For the acrylamide-based hydrogel, the monomer of 2-acrylamide-2-methyl-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) was added to improve the adsorption performance of the composite, and the maximum adsorption capacity of the selected hydrogel was about 40 mg/g. In the presence of the persulfate activated system, the degradation efficiency of MB of PAM-AMPS/Fe3O4 was significantly increased to a level of 94% in 20 min. This value was far superior to catalytic systems without the AMPS. This outstanding performance was benefiting from the synergetic effects of reduced aggregation of Fe3O4 combined with the enhanced adsorption capacity of PAM-AMPS hydrogel. Their cooperative function promoted oxidative decomposition of MB. In addition, PAM-AMPS/Fe3O4 exhibited a good stability and reusability, and it could maintain high degradation efficiency and activity after three successive cycling tests. And at the same time, the produced dominate oxidizing species for MB degradation in the system were identified as SO4•− by the radical quenching experiments. This work laid a foundation for applying PAM-AMPS/Fe3O4 as a highly efficient and stable catalyst for future applications and provided new insights into the design and synthesis of environmentally benign and inexpensive persulfate activators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-experience consistency has an important effect on life satisfaction; however, the underlying mechanism of this relationship remains unclear. This study aims to examine why self-experience consistency is related to increased life satisfaction. To do so, we investigated the relationships between self-experience consistency, the need for relatedness, Zhong-yong thinking, and life satisfaction in a sample of 456 undergraduate students. We also tested a moderated mediation model examining Zhong-yong thinking as a moderator. The results suggest that self-experience consistency related to life satisfaction was due, in part, to an increased need for relatedness. However, interpretation of this finding is limited by the use of cross-sectional data. Furthermore, Zhong-yong thinking moderated the self-experience consistency—need for relatedness link, such that the link was stronger for individuals with high/moderate levels of Zhong-yong thinking. Overall, these findings address a major gap in the positive psychology literature. Finally, implications for research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) usually introduces permanent or long-lasting neurological impairments. Maintaining the integrity of the limited number of white matter bundles (5–10%) preserves wholly or partially locomotor following SCI. Considering that the basic structure of white matter bundles is axon wrapped by oligodendrocytes, promoting oligodendrocytes survival might be a feasible strategy for reducing white matter injury (WMI) after SCI. Oligodendrocytes are rich in unsaturated fatty acid and susceptible to ferroptosis-induced damage. Hence, exploring method to reduce ferroptosis is supposed to expedite oligodendrocytes survival, thereafter mitigating WMI to facilitate functional recovery post-SCI. Here, the results indicated the administration of hepcidin reduced iron accumulation to promote oligodendrocytes survival and to decrease spinal cord atrophy, therefore facilitating functional recovery. Then, the WMI was evidently decreased owing to attenuating ferroptosis. Subsequently, the results revealed that the expression of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and transferrin receptor (TfR) was expressed in CC1+ cells. The expression level of DMT1 and TfR was significantly increased, while this phenomenon was obviously neutralized with the administration of hepcidin in the epicenter of spinal cord after SCI. Afterward, the application of hepcidin downregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) overload, which was evidently increased with the treatment of 20 μM FeCl3, therefore increasing cell viability and reducing lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity through downregulating the expression of DMT1 and TfR to inhibit ferroptosis in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). The present study provides evidence that the application of hepcidin facilitates oligodendrocytes survival to alleviate WMI via reducing the expression of DMT1 and TfR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) is a globally important ornamental plant with great economic, cultural, and symbolic value. However, research on chrysanthemum is challenging due to its complex genetic background. Here, we report a near-complete assembly and annotation for C. morifolium comprising 27 pseudochromosomes (8.15 Gb; scaffold N50 of 303.69 Mb). Comparative and evolutionary analyses reveal a whole-genome triplication (WGT) event shared by Chrysanthemum species approximately 6 million years ago (Mya) and the possible lineage-specific polyploidization of C. morifolium approximately 3 Mya. Multilevel evidence suggests that C. morifolium is likely a segmental allopolyploid. Furthermore, a combination of genomics and transcriptomics approaches demonstrate the C. morifolium genome can be used to identify genes underlying key ornamental traits. Phylogenetic analysis of CmCCD4a traces the flower colour breeding history of cultivated chrysanthemum. Genomic resources generated from this study could help to accelerate chrysanthemum genetic improvement. Chrysanthemum is an important ornamental species with great economic value. Here, the authors assemble the haploid genome of C. morifolium, reveal its segmental allopolyploid genomic composition (AA'B), and identify candidate genes associated with flower development, petal shape, and flower colour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the property of the many-body localization in Heisenberg Ising Chain model with periodic driving by using the method of matrix exact diagonalization. We consider a driving protocol in which the system’s Hamiltonian is periodically switched between two operators. The first segment is a disordered Ising system, and acts for time T0; It is worth noting that the Hamiltonian of the second part is an operator dependent on time, and acts for time T1, so the driving period is T = T0 + T1. We choose excited state fidelity to observe the phase transition between the localized phase and the ergodic phase of the system, which reflects the property of many-body localization in Heisenberg Ising Chains under periodic driving. Through the study, we find that when the disorder strength h is small, the system is in the ergodic phase, periodic driving can cause the occurrence of a transition from the ergodic phase to the localized phase, while the system is in the localized phase with a large disorder strength h, the transition from the localized phase to the ergodic phase will occur under the periodic driving. For these two cases, they all show that there is a critical driving period Tc, when the driving period is greater than Tc, the system will have a phase transition, meanwhile, Tc decreases with the increase of driving strength. Furthermore, we also get that the system size and disorder strength also effect the critical point of the driving period. The critical point decreases as the strength of disorder increases and decreases with the increase of the system size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based polymeric solid electrolytes (PSEs) hold great promise for all-solid-state lithium batteries, but the intrinsic low mechanical strength of PEO limits their practical application and scale production. Herein, PSEs consisting of PEO and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)-imide (LiTFSI) supported on poly(hexamethylene adipamide) (nylon) nanofiber matrix (nylon@PEO/LiTFSI PSEs) are designed and prepared in situ on the Al, Cu foils, and the LiFePO4 electrodes through coaxially electrospinning at 45 °C. The nylon@PEO/LiTFSI PSEs show nonporous morphology due to in situ melting of the PEO/LiTFSI shell. The mechanical strength of the nylon@PEO/LiTFSI PSE can reach to 3.32 and 2.44 MPa at 25 and 60 °C, respectively, which is stronger than that of the pure PEO membrane or the PSEs prepared via conventional solution casting. The nylon@PEO/LiTFSI PSEs also show tight interfacial contact with LiFePO4 electrode, resulting in small charge transfer resistance of 376 Ω, and thus afford the LiFePO4 half coin cells with long charge/discharge cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of network-based computing devices and the development of massive services are both results of the Internet of Things (IoT) by deploying Internet-connected devices at the edge. These devices are limited in terms of storage and computing, where the resources they need are provided by the cloud computing paradigm. Unfortunately, the two-tier cloud-IoT architecture is not efficient enough to provide the resources needed for latency-sensitive applications. Consequently, Fog Computing Paradigm (FCP) has been proposed to complement cloud computing and support such IoT-generated applications at the network edge. Heterogeneity, geographical distribution, and large-scale of fog nodes need the development of new methodologies for deploying and running IoT applications on fog nodes. A collection of IoT services, which have varying Quality of Service (QoS) needs, make up applications for the IoT, so finding an autonomous IoT Fog Service Placement (IoT-FSP) scheme in such an infrastructure can be challenging. The current study presents a distributed conceptual computing framework to address this problem. It is based on an autonomous approach, which improves resource management in three-tier cloud-fog-IoT architecture. Besides, we use the Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm (COA) as a meta-heuristic approach to efficiently solve the FSP. We refer to the proposed strategy as the FSP-COA. The FSP-COA formulates the problem as a multi-objective problem to reconcile various objectives, including SLA violations, service latency, response time, fog utilization, service cost, and energy consumption. Finally, the performance of FSP-COA is evaluated compared to state-of-the-art algorithms using the iFogSim simulator. According to experiments, FSP-COA is more efficient than other algorithms regarding various metrics, including latency, energy and cost, and on average, outperforms the better of existing algorithms ranging from 4% to 16%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to address the widespread concerns with food safety such as adulteration and forgery in the edible oil field, this study developed a fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) based on a monoclonal antibody in a homogeneous solution system for determination of capsaicinoids in gutter cooking oil by using chemically stable capsaicinoids as an adulteration marker. The prepared fluoresceinthiocarbamyl ethylenediamine (EDF) was coupled with capsaicinoid hapten C, and the synthesized tracer was purified by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and showed good binding to the monoclonal antibody CPC Ab-D8. The effects of concentration of tracer and recognition components, type and pH of buffer and incubation time on the performance of FPIA were studied. The linear range (IC20 to IC80) was 3.97–97.99 ng/mL, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 19.73 ng/mL, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 1.56 ng/mL. The recovery rates of corn germ oil, soybean oil and peanut blend oil were in the range of 94.7–132.3%. The experimental results showed that the fluorescence polarization detection system could realize the rapid detection of capsaicinoids, and had the potential to realize on-site identification of gutter cooking oil. As a universal monoclonal antibody, CPC Ab-D8 can also specifically identify capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, so the proposed method can be used to quickly monitor for the presence of gutter cooking oil in normal cooking oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new model for removing the Salt and Pepper Noise (SPN) by combining the high-order total variation overlapping group sparsity with the nuclear norm regularization. Since the proposed model is convex, non-smooth, and separable, the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) can be employed to solve it and the convergence can be kept. Numerical comparisons with some related state-of-the-art models show that the proposed model can significantly improve the restored quality in terms of the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and the structural similarity index measure (SSIM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We theoretically study properties of the many-body localization (MBL) in the quasi-disordered one-dimensional spin-1/2 chains at finite temperature. We extend the problem of individual localization of disordered systems to quasi-disordered many-body interaction systems, introducing disorder with a more controllable method to show the uniqueness of quasi-disordered designs. In this paper, the interplay among interaction and quasi-disordered fields is investigated comprehensively by using the exact matrix diagonalization. It is demonstrated that the fidelity of eigenstate is able to characterize the many-body localization transition in closed spin system (Gu, Int. J. Mod. Phys. B 24, 4371–4458, 2010). We compute the fidelity for high-energy many-body eigenstates, which shows the phase transition of one-dimensional spin-1/2 chains. Our results reveal that the quasi-disordered can cause the occurrence of a transition from the ergodic phase to the localized phase, which agrees with Lee’s recent studies (Lee et al., Phys. Rev. B 96, 075146, 2017). Besides, we plot the averaged fidelity as a function of the disorder strength h for system sizes from 8 to 14 with five different coupling coefficient ratios. It also shows that the interplay between disorder and interaction constitutes the driving mechanism of the MBL transition. The more complex the interaction between the two particles, the more difficult it is to lead to many-body delocalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the developments of electrochemical energy storage devices, various natural and artificial carbonaceous materials have been explored as electrodes. In the work, two carbonaceous materials, activated semi-coke (ASC) and graphitized semi-coke (GSC), are prepared from cost-effective semi-coke. A variety of devices were assembled using as-synthesized ASC and GSC as electrodes, and their electrochemical properties are elucidated. It has been demonstrated that the GSC has impressive storage capabilities of anion and cation. The porous ASC shows good ion diffusion, large specific surface area, and decent capacitance. Thus, the as-studied symmetric ASC//ASC and asymmetric ASC//GSC and GSC//ASC devices deliver simultaneously manifest power and energy densities. This work provides general approach to utilize the cost-effective semi-coke in lithium ion-based secondary batteries and supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T-2 is one of the most toxic type A trichothecene mycotoxins produced by several fusarium species, which causes a deep harm to the immune system, liver, kidney and brain cells. It is widely found in cereals, cereal products and animal feed. Consequently, it is very important to establish a rapid, efficient and low-cost method for detecting T-2 toxin. In this study, a time-resolved fluorescent immunotomography (TRFIA) paper-based sensor was established. Sheep anti-mouse IgG can protect monoclonal antibody and amplify fluorescence signal. Polystyrene fluorescent microspheres were combined with sheep anti-mouse IgG to prepare fluorescent probes (IgG@Eu). During the detection process, the target-specific monoclonal antibody binds to fluorescence probe (IgG@Eu) to form a complex (mAb-IgG@Eu), which is then captured by the target substance and fixed on the C line. The uncaptured complex (mAb-IgG@Eu) is fixed on the T line by the original coating. Monoclonal antibody can protect its activity by indirect binding with Eu fluorescent beads (FBS). This labeling method improved the binding ratio between the fluorescent microspheres and the monoclonal antibodies. The results of the test strip were compared with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), and showed low test line and high recovery rate. With the outstanding augment response, the limit of detection reached 0.01 ng/mL and a wide linear range from 0.0625 to 50 ng/mL was presented. Experimental results show that the detection limit was 0.052 ng/mL and 0.071 ng/mL in corn substrate and feed substrate. The recoveries were between 95.31 and 119.03%, and the relative standard deviations were less than 6.02%. The method was verified by LC–MS/MS, and the results showed that the method had good accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon (Si) is one of the most potential candidates for the next-generation anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, the practical application of Si anode is limited by low conductivity and large volume expansion during charge/discharge processes. Herein, hierarchical Si/C composites are prepared via two-step chemical vapor deposition method and one-step in situ polymerization, in which N-doped carbon-coated Si nanofiber was deposited on carbon nanofiber/natural microcrystalline graphite. Such structural design is beneficial to restrict the volume expansion of Si and enhance the conductivity of electrode material. Moreover, derived silicon carbide at the interface between carbon nanofiber with silicon greatly improves the bonding ability, preventing the separation of Si from carbon fibers. Therefore, the composites can provide a reversible capacity of 528.3 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1 and display good rate capability (the capacity retention rate is 89.8% after charging and discharging under different currents). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dunaliella salina is a green microalga with the great potential to generate natural β-carotene. However, the corresponding mathematical models to guide optimized production of β-carotene in Dunaliella salina (D. salina) are not yet available. In this study, dynamic models were proposed to simulate effects of environmental factors on cell growth and β-carotene production in D. salina using online monitoring system. Moreover, the identification model of the parameter variables was established, and an adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm based on parameter sensitivity analysis was constructed to solve the premature problem of particle swarm algorithm. The proposed kinetic model is characterized by high accuracy and predictability through experimental verification, which indicates its competence for future process design, control, and optimization. Based on the model established in this study, the optimal environmental factors for both β-carotene production and microalgae growth were identified. The approaches created are potentially useful for microalga Dunaliella salina cultivation and high-value β-carotene production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CuO@TiO2 core–shell nanostructure catalyst with CuO core and TiO2 shell was prepared by a two-step method and then used in NH3-SCR reaction. FE-SEM, TEM and element mapping were used to investigate the morphologies of the sample. Their results indicated CuO nanorods were coated with TiO2 and thus forming a core–shell nanostructure. According to the results of N2 adsorption–desorption, XRD, Raman, XPS, NH3-TPD, H2-TPR and in situ DRIFTS, the core–shell nanostructure would benefit the formation of better redox ability, more oxygen vacancies, more acid sites and abundant adsorbed NOx species on the catalyst. Thus, the core–shell nanostructure catalyst presented significantly higher activity than pure CuO and TiO2. NH3-SCR reaction on CuO@TiO2 core–shell catalyst should follow both Eley–Rideal (E-R) mechanism and Langmuir-Hinshewood (L–H) mechanism. These findings may promote the development of the new effective non-vanadium-based SCR catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CuO@TiO2 core–shell nanostructure catalyst with CuO core and TiO2 shell was prepared by a two-step method and then used in NH3-SCR reaction. FE-SEM, TEM and element mapping were used to investigate the morphologies of the sample. Their results indicated CuO nanorods were coated with TiO2 and thus forming a core–shell nanostructure. According to the results of N2 adsorption–desorption, XRD, Raman, XPS, NH3-TPD, H2-TPR and in situ DRIFTS, the core–shell nanostructure would benefit the formation of better redox ability, more oxygen vacancies, more acid sites and abundant adsorbed NOx species on the catalyst. Thus, the core–shell nanostructure catalyst presented significantly higher activity than pure CuO and TiO2. NH3-SCR reaction on CuO@TiO2 core–shell catalyst should follow both Eley–Rideal (E-R) mechanism and Langmuir-Hinshewood (L–H) mechanism. These findings may promote the development of the new effective non-vanadium-based SCR catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we use exact matrix diagonalization to research property of the many-body localization (MBL) in the disordered Heisenberg XXX model with periodic driving. We get the periodic time-dependent external field by trigonometric function, which is added to periodically drive this model. It is demonstrated that the fidelity of eigenstate is able to capture quantum criticality underlying many-body physics (Zhou et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 080601, 2008, Zhou and Barjaktarevi J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 41, 412001 2008), which can be used to characterize the many-body localization transition in this closed spin system (Zanardi and Paunkovic Phys. Rev. E 74, 031123, 2006). We obtain the fidelity for high-energy many-body eigenstates, namely, the excited state fidelity, which shows the phase transition of periodically driven Heisenberg XXX chain with different disordered external field strengths and different system sizes. It is demonstrated that when Heisenberg XXX system is in a very small disorder, periodic driving can cause the occurrence of a transition from ergodic phase to MBL phase. In contrast to the HS model which has global two-body interaction, which we have studied recently with the same situation, there is no MBL phase transition when we drive the HS model in ergodic phase with periodic driving. It also shows that for the strong disordered Heisenberg XXX system, there will exist a critical driving period Tc, when driving period T is higher than Tc, the system will undergo a transition from localized phase to ergodic phase and the MBL phase will be broken. Furthermore, we discover that the size of the system and the strength of disorder will affect the critical point of driving period and the magnitude of the phase change. For the same system, the critical point increases as the strength of disorder increases. We also explore the non-disorder system of HS model with the same driving to explore the properties of MBL, it shows that under periodic driving, the non-disordered HS system has the quantum phase transition rather than MBL phase transition. This illustrates the important role of disorder on MBL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The widespread application of Polymyxin B, an active agent against multidrug resistance and extensive drug resistance Gram-negative bacteria, is majorly impeded by nephrotoxicity. Studies on the safety of polymyxin B in Chinese patients have not been widely reported. Objective This study aimed to explore the risk factors for polymyxin B-associated nephrotoxicity and guide its optimal place in therapy. Setting A tertiary care hospital located in eastern China. Methods This being a retrospective cohort study, we evaluated adult patients who received ≥ 72 h of polymyxin B therapy from January 2018 to December 2019. However, patients who received polymyxin B therapy for less than 3 days or received renal replacement therapy at baseline were excluded. Pertinent information was retrieved from medical records. All statistical analysis was performed in SPSS version 22.0. Main outcome measure(s) The main outcome measures included the proportion of patients who developed nephrotoxicity when subjected to polymyxin B treatment and the independent risk factors for nephrotoxicity. Results A total of 119 patients received polymyxin and met the overall inclusion criterion. Of the 119, 46 patients (38.7%) developed nephrotoxicity. Through multiple logistic regression analysis, we found three variables as independent risk factors for nephrotoxicity, including co-morbidities of malignancy (OR 4.55; 95% CI 1.44–14.41; P = 0.010), co-infection with other microorganisms (OR 4.15; 95% CI 1.48–11.63; P = 0.007), and polymyxin B daily dose (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00–1.03; P = 0.026). Conclusion This retrospective cohort study identified three risk factors for polymyxin B-associated nephrotoxicity therapy in Chinese patients. These include malignancy, co-infection with other microorganisms, and polymyxin B daily dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effects of externally applied axial pressure gradients and transverse magnetic fields on the electrokinetic energy conversion (EKEC) efficiency and the streaming potential of nanofluids through a microannulus are studied. The analytical solution for electro-magneto-hydro-dynamic (EMHD) flow is obtained under the condition of the Debye-Hückel linearization. Especially, Green's function method is used to obtain the analytical solutions of the velocity field. The result shows that the velocity distribution is characterized by the dimensionless frequency Ω, the Hartmann number Ha, the volume fraction of the nanoparticles φ, the geometric radius ratio a, and the wall ζ potential ratio b. Moreover, the effects of three kinds of periodic excitations are compared and discussed. The results also show that the periodic excitation of the square waveform is more effective in increasing the streaming potential and the EKEC efficiency. It is worth noting that adjusting the wall ζ potential ratio and the geometric radius ratio can affect the streaming potential and the EKEC efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we study the property of many-body localization(MBL) in the Haldane-Shastry(HS) chain which is driven by an additional time-dependent perturbation periodically. The Haldane-Shastry (HS) model is the integrable one-dimensional quantum spin chain with long-range interactions, it is the generalized Heisenberg XXX model which only contain nearest two body interaction. By using HS model, we consider the global two-body interaction and expand the field of MBL. In this paper, we establish a Floquet operator by adding a time-periodic field formed as trigonometric function to a closed and disordered HS model in this periodic driven system. We use the exact matrix diagonalization to probe the property of MBL with different disorders and system sizes. When we drive the HS model in MBL phase, it shows that there is a significant change in the diagrams with when driving strength T reach to Tc which is the critical driving strength. We get that at large T (T > Tc), MBL phase will be broken and a transition from localized phase to delocalized phase will happen, conversely, at small T (T < Tc), MBL phase will be retained. The stronger disorder taken in system, the more stable the localized phase is and the higher Tc is needed to drive the transition. However, there is no MBL phase transition when we drive the HS model in ergodic phase with periodic driving. In contrast to the Heisenberg XXX model with the same situation which we have studied recently, the phase transition from delocalized phase to localized phase occurs. We also explore the non-disorder system of HS model with the same driving to explore the properties of MBL, it shows that under periodic driving, the non-disordered HS system has the quantum phase transition rather than MBL phase transition. This illustrates the important role of disorder on MBL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon/carbon composite is considered as one of the most potential anode materials to be commercialized because of silicon's high specific capacity and carbon's stability. Natural microcrystalline graphite features abundant resources, low price, and high stability. In consideration of these, it is an ingenious strategy to combine natural microcrystalline graphite with silicon as the anode material of lithium-ion batteries. In this paper, silicon/natural microcrystalline graphite@ carbon layer composites were fabricated by a two-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. In this structure, natural microcrystalline graphite serves as the carbon matrix; silicon grows evenly on the surface and then pyrolytic carbon provides a tight coating. Therefore, the prepared composites deliver a high specific capacity of 560 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1. This paper provides a potential method for large-scale production and is expected to solve the high-level application problem of natural microcrystalline graphite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoindentation is an attractive characterization technique, as it not only measures the local properties of a material but also facilitates understanding of deformation mechanisms at submicron scales. However, because of the complex stress-strain field and the small scale of the deformation under the nanoindenter, the results can be easily influenced by artifacts induced during sample preparation. In this work, a systematic study was conducted to better understand the influence of sample preparation methods on the nanoindentation results of ductile metals. All experiments were conducted on a steel (Fe-22Mn-0.65C, wt%) with twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP), which was selected for its large grain size and sensitivity to different surface preparation methods. By grouping the results obtained from each nanoindent, chemical polishing was found to be the best sample preparation method with respect to the resulting mechanical properties of the material. In contrast, the presence of a deformation layer left by mechanical polishing and surface damage induced by focused ion beam (FIB) scanning were confirmed by the dislocation-nucleation-induced pop-in events of nanoindentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic study combining U-Pb zircon dating, lithogeochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic analyses was carried out upon the Xinping granodiorite porphyry in the Dayaoshan metallogenic belt to understand its petrogenesis and tectonic significance. LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon dating yielded a 442.7 ± 5.8 Ma age, indicating that the granodiorite porphyry was emplaced during the Llandovery Silurian of the Early Paleozoic. The granodiorite porphyry shares the same geochemical characteristics such as Eu negative anomaly as other syn-tectonic granite plutons in the region, including the granodiorite porphyry in Dawangding and granite porphyries in the Dali Cu–Mo deposit and Longtoushang old deposit, indicating a similar magma evolution process. The Xinping granodiorite porphyry has high contents of SiO2 (67.871.8%) and K2O (1.78–3.42%) and is metaluminous–peraluminous with A/CNK ratios ranging from 0.97 to 1.06, indicative of high-potassium calc-alkaline to calc-alkaline affinity. It is a I-type granite enriched in large ion lithophile elements Rb, Sr, while depleted in Ba and high field-strength element Nb. Tectonically, a collision between the Yunkai Block from the south and the Guangxi Yunnan-North Vietnam Block from the north during the Early Paleozoic was followed by uplifting of the Dayaoshan terrane. The Xinping granodiorite porphyry was likely emplaced during the collision. Sr–Nd isotopic analyses show that the granodiorite porphyry has initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (Isr) of 0.7080–0.7104, εNd(t) range from − 0.08 to − 4.09, and t2DM between 1.19 and 1.51 Ga, well within the north-east low-value zone of the Cathaysia block, indicating a Paleoproterozoic Cathaysia basement source and an involvement of under plating mantle magma. Field observations, geochronological data, and 3D spatial distribution all lead to the conclusion that the Early Paleozoic Xinping granodiorite porphyry does not have any metallogenic and temporal relationships with the Xinping gold deposit (which has a Jurassic-Early Cretaceous age based on previous studies) but a close metallogenic relation to W–Mo mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tidal characteristics in the well-known Coastal Marine Proving Ground near Chudao Island located in Shandong Province, China, are firstly investigated based on Princeton Ocean Model (POM) with a generalized coordinate system. Numerical results having been validated by available observations, the ensemble transform–based sensitivity method that calculates the gradient of forecast error variance reduction is used to identify sensitive areas of the water level and the current velocity in the Marine Proving Ground and its vicinity. Sensitive areas of the water level are mainly distributed around Chudao Island, the spatial range of which distributes smaller than that of the current velocity. When sensitivities of the water level and the current velocity are considered together, the coincidence areas serve as the most appropriate areas for adaptively deploying observation instruments. We found that a particular area west of Chudao Island is the most appropriate area for the hydrological observations in the Marine Proving Ground, which provide an insight into rational targeted observation analysis in tide-dominated shallow water areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance, flexible reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-polypyrrole (PPy)/nanoporous gold (NPG) electrodes are prepared by a facile electrochemical interfacial polymerization method using NPG as the substrate. Owing to the synergistic effect of three-dimensional (3D) porous architecture and superior electrical conductivity, the prepared electrode not only exhibits a good areal capacitance (232 mF/cm2), but also shows high volumetric capacitance (555.6 F/cm3). Hence, an all-solid-state supercapacitor assembled with rGO-PPy/NPG electrodes exhibits a high energy density of 238.8 mW h/cm3. Besides, this flexible supercapacitor also shows excellent cycling stability with retention of 91% with respect to the initial capacitance after 2000 galvanostatic charge–discharge cycles. This work offers a novel avenue for designing flexible supercapacitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucumber is an economically important horticultural crop that is highly dependent on nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrate is the main nitrogen source for cucumber; however, the effects of nitrogen signaling on the early-stage growth of cucumber seedlings and the related regulatory mechanisms are still unclear. To compare seedling growth status at different nitrate levels, we performed a growth experiment using cucumber seedlings that had nearly exhausted their nitrogen reserves under nitrogen deficiency conditions (NO3−-N/NH4+-N = 0 in MS medium). Using qPCR and in situ RNA hybridization localization of candidate CsNPF genes, we found that short-term nitrogen deficiency promoted changes in root vascular bundle morphology and xylem growth in cucumber seedlings, thereby enhancing their growth potential. Among the candidate genes, CsNPF7.2, a gene located in the vascular cambium was found to be induced by short-term nitrogen deficiency. Considering the abundance of vasculature development marker genes, we speculated that the function of CsNPF7.2 might relate to the development of vascular bundles in plants suffering from nitrogen stress. The objective of our study was to investigate the growth changes in cucumber seedlings in response to different nitrogen levels, and to examine the mRNA accumulation and expression patterns of nitrate transporter CsNPF genes, so that critical genes can be identified to improve nitrogen use efficiency in cucumber cultivation. The results of this study provides a novel theoretical basis for optimizing cultivation, regulating rational fertilization levels, and improving nitrogen use efficiency in production. In addition, our study also provides new avenues for the further study of the function of CsNPF7.2 on regulating vasculature development in response to nitrogen stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stingless bee (Meliponini) honey has long been considered a high-value functional food, but the perceived therapeutic value has lacked attribution to specific bioactive components. Examination of honey from five different stingless bee species across Neotropical and Indo-Australian regions has enabled for the first time the identification of the unusual disaccharide trehalulose as a major component representing between 13 and 44 g per 100 g of each of these honeys. Trehalulose is an isomer of sucrose with an unusual α-(1 → 1) glucose-fructose glycosidic linkage and known acariogenic and low glycemic index properties. NMR and UPLC-MS/MS analysis unambiguously confirmed the identity of trehalulose isolated from stingless bee honeys sourced across three continents, from Tetragonula carbonaria and Tetragonula hockingsi species in Australia, from Geniotrigona thoracica and Heterotrigona itama in Malaysia and from Tetragonisca angustula in Brazil. The previously unrecognised abundance of trehalulose in stingless bee honeys is concrete evidence that supports some of the reported health attributes of this product. This is the first identification of trehalulose as a major component within a food commodity. This study allows the exploration of the expanded use of stingless bee honey in foods and identifies a bioactive marker for authentication of this honey in associated food standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compost (mainly composed of cow manure, horse manure, chicken manure, and straw) has turned out to be effective in remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil. However, in recent years, the effects of green waste compost (GWC) on plant growth and the immobilization of heavy metal cadmium (Cd) in the soil have not been clearly studied. We considered the effects of different GWC ratios on the growth of pakchoi cabbage, soil physical and chemical properties, total and availability of Cd content, and soil enzyme activity. The results showed that organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium in the soil gradually put in place over the increase of compost proportion and showed a significant difference. Dehydrogenase, urease, and catalase activities grew by 380, 35, and 32% under the treatment of T10, respectively. The increase of enzyme activity indirectly reflects the enhancement of self-purification ability of contaminated soil. The addition of GWC improved soil quality, leading to a significant increase in soil nutrients, and in biomass and chlorophyll content of pakchoi cabbage. The decrease of Cd availability led to a significant reduction of Cd content in pakchoi cabbage, with a 30–36% reduction of Cd content in roots and a 43–69% reduction in leaf. The BCF of leaves decreased from 0.62 to 0.22, and the TF decreased from 0.94 to 0.46, indicating that the addition of GWC reduced the mobility of Cd to pakchoi cabbage leaves. The result is decreased in Cd content in edible parts of pakchoi cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green waste compost (GWC) has been widely used as organic mulches, growing media, soil organic fertilizer, and amendment in Beijing, China. The aim of this study is to determine the remediation efficiency of GWC on the Pb concentration in soil and uptake by pakchoi cabbage and to assess the activities of dehydrogenase, urease, and catalase after applying GWC. Original soil samples were spiked with Pb (NO3)2 of 500 mg/kg, and greenhouse pot experiment was carried out. Three seedlings of pakchoi cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp) were planted in plastic pots with mixture of soil amended with three levels of GWC (2%, 5%, and 10%, w/w). Soil and plant samples were collected over 45-day growth, after which Pb concentration and enzyme activities were assessed by laboratory analysis. The available Pb in soil and total Pb in roots and leaves of pakchoi cabbage greatly decreased after adding GWC, associated with significant increases in organic matter, water soluble organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available K and P, whereas pH was not a main factor controlling Pb speciation in this study. Activities of dehydrogenase, urease, and catalase were promoted with addition of GWC because physical properties, high organic matter, and organic carbon content rose by 9-fold, 40%, and 37% at 10% application rate, respectively. In conclusion, GWC could be an alternative option for the remediation of Pb-contaminated soil because of soil quality improvement and Pb reduction in soils and plants, without introducing extra heavy metals compared with other organic amendments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal oxides (TMOs), such as Fe3O4, Co3O4, and NiO, assume large lithium ion storage capacities, but suffer severe structure pulverization and rapid electrochemical performance fading during lithiation/delithiation cycling. In the work, the transition metal oxide particles are cladded and bridged with graphene oxide (GO) sheets forming GO/TMO composites with unique three-dimensional network structure. As anode for lithium ion battery, the as-assembled GO/TMO composites show superior reversible specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability over the corresponding bare TMOs. It is illustrated that the GO sheets tightly clad on the TMO particle surfaces can suppress the volume variation, prevent the structure pulverization of the particles, and promote the formation of stable solid electrolyte interphase film during the lithiation/delithiation processes, which afford consequently the GO/TMO composites with decent cycling stability and fast lithium ion diffusion rate and decent electrochemical kinetic properties. Therefore, it can be envisaged that to clad and bridge properly with GO sheets should be generally useful for improving the structure stability and the electrochemical performances of the anode materials undergoing the chemical reactive lithium ion storage mechanisms. In addition, the simple synthesis method and low production cost are beneficial to its practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co3O4 nanosheet arrays on Ni foam (Co3O4 NS/NF) were designed, fabricated, and utilized as electrocatalysts for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The electrocatalytic performance of the Co3O4 NS/NF for OER was systematically evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, linear polarization, and Tafel curve measurements. Compared to the bare Ni foam, free-standing Co3O4 nanosheets, and commercialized Pt/C electrodes, Co3O4 NS/NF exhibits excellent OER activity in water-alkaline electrolyte with low onset overpotential (~ 50 mV), large anodic current density, and excellent durability. The compatible electrocatalytic activity for OER of the Co3O4 NS/NF is attributed to the unique nanosheet structure and the interconnected nanoarrays configuration of Co3O4 that provides plentiful catalytic active sites, in addition to the inherent catalytic activity of Co3O4. The electron transportation capability of the supporter Ni foam makes the composite a potential electrocatalyst for OER.Co3O4 nanosheet arrays on Ni foam (Co3O4 NS/NF) was designed, fabricated, and utilized as electrocatalyst for the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to establish a multiplex PCR (mPCR) method that can simultaneously detect canine parvovirus (CPV-2), canine coronavirus (CCoV) and canine adenovirus (CAV), thereby eliminating the need to detect these pathogens individually. Based on conserved regions in the genomes of these three viruses, the VP2 gene of CPV-2, the endoribonuclease nsp15 gene of CCoV, and the 52K gene of CAV were selected for primer design. The specificity of the mPCR results showed no amplification of canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), or pseudorabies virus (PRV), indicating that the method had good specificity. A sensitivity test showed that the detection limit of the mPCR method was 1 × 104 viral copies. A total of 63 rectal swabs from dogs with diarrheal symptoms were evaluated using mPCR and routine PCR. The ratio of positive samples to total samples for CPV-2, CCoV, and CAV was 55.6% (35/63) for mPCR and 55.6% (35/63) for routine PCR. Thirty-five positive samples were detected by both methods, for a coincidence ratio of 100%. This mPCR method can simultaneously detect CCoV (CCoV-II), CAV (CAV-1, CAV-2) and CPV-2 (CPV-2a, CPV-2b, CPV-2c), which are associated with viral enteritis, thereby providing an efficient, inexpensive, specific, and accurate new tool for clinical diagnosis and laboratory epidemiological investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploration for buried gold ores and other deeply buried ores, especially in high altitude localities, is one of the tough challenges facing the geological world today. Fast and efficient ore prospecting methods are badly needed to deal with the situation. This paper documents a test that, for the first time, uses an electrogeochemical approach to prospect ores in the alpine meadow-covered Bangzhuoma area and its periphery in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The results were compared with conventional soil measurements from a 2D prospection, and an ideal model of electrogeochemical anomaly formation in the area was established based on the comparison in order to provide theoretical guidance to buried ore prospecting in areas with similar conditions. The research shows that: (1) For exploration of deeply-buried mineral deposits, an electrogeochemical approach is better than soil measurements in terms of correspondence between element content values and anomaly forms and spatial distribution of known deposits in sections. Anomalies of high to low temperature element associations (Bi-Mo; Au-Ag-As-Bi and Au-Ag) and clear zonation were also observed along vertical vein runs in the sections. Based on integration of the observation with geological characteristics of the sections, we propose to use Au, Ag and As as the electrogeochemical indicators and Bi and Mo as the electrogeochemical tracing elements to guide further analysis. (2) Judging from element statistics and the scale, intensity, and range of anomalies in plan maps, we found that an electrogeochemical approach is less affected by topography and secondary actions. The plan maps also show that elemental differentiation coefficients of the study area are in an ascending order of Ag (0.67) < Mo (0.85) < Bi (0.97) < Au (1.51) < As (2.35), better representing the element distribution in the area and yielding more striking and concentrated anomalies for known deposits than that of the soil measurements. Apart from that, electrogeochemical anomalies were observed in the south of lines 002 and 003 and the central of lines 008 and 009. We suggest the existence of deeply-buried mineral deposits based on analyses of element combinations and gold grade variations in samples taken from exploratory trenches in the area. (3) A three-stage (referring to the ore body dissolution, the mineralogenetic particle migration, and the mineralogenetic particle unloading) electrogeochemical ideal model was established for the study area, which takes into account moderate rainfall, high altitude, low air pressure, well-developed vegetation and roots, and an Upper Triassic Nieru Formation carbonaceous sandy slate as overburden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive and selective method for separating fluoroquinolones (FQs) from bovine milk samples was successfully developed using montmorillonite magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMMIPs) as adsorbents. MMMIPs were prepared using montmorillonite as carrier, fleroxacin (FLE) as template molecule, and FeO magnetite as magnetic component. MMMIPs possessed high adsorption capacity of 46.3 mg g for FLE. A rapid and convenient magnetic solid-phase extraction procedure coupled with capillary electrophoresis was established with MMMIPs as adsorbents for simultaneous and selective extraction of four FQs in bovine milk samples. Limits of detection ranged between 12.9 and 18.8 μg L, and the RSDs were between 1.8 % and 8.6 %. The proposed method was successfully applied to spike bovine milk samples with recoveries of 92.7 %-108.6 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss a study on the involvement of the lissencephaly gene Lis1 in fetal liver-hematopoietic stem cell (FL-HSC) expansion. Topics addressed include the testing of Lis1-deficient FL-HSCs for functional defects, indications that FL-HSCs are unable to sustain normal hematopoiesis if Lis1 is absent, and apoptosis resulting from FL-HSCs' failure to segregate their chromosomes properly. Also mentioned are FL-HSC cell death, embryonic lethality, and Lis1's enabling of genomic stability.

Herein, we report the effects of graphene oxides on human fibroblast cells and mice with the aim of investigating graphene oxides' biocompatibility. The graphene oxides were prepared by the modified Hummers method and characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscope and atomic force microscopy. The human fibroblast cells were cultured with different doses of graphene oxides for day 1 to day 5. Thirty mice divided into three test groups (low, middle, high dose) and one control group were injected with 0.1, 0.25, and 0.4 mg graphene oxides, respectively, and were raised for 1 day, 7 days, and 30 days, respectively. Results showed that the water-soluble graphene oxides were successfully prepared; graphene oxides with dose less than 20 μg/mL did not exhibit toxicity to human fibroblast cells, and the dose of more than 50 μg/mL exhibits obvious cytotoxicity such as decreasing cell adhesion, inducing cell apoptosis, entering into lysosomes, mitochondrion, endoplasm, and cell nucleus. Graphene oxides under low dose (0.1 mg) and middle dose (0.25 mg) did not exhibit obvious toxicity to mice and under high dose (0.4 mg) exhibited chronic toxicity, such as 4/9 mice death and lung granuloma formation, mainly located in lung, liver, spleen, and kidney, almost could not be cleaned by kidney. In conclusion, graphene oxides exhibit dose-dependent toxicity to cells and animals, such as inducing cell apoptosis and lung granuloma formation, and cannot be cleaned by kidney. When graphene oxides are explored for in vivo applications in animal or human body, its biocompatibility must be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]