Search

Secondary‐metals promotion is key to tune the CO2 hydrogenation performance of Rh‐based catalyst. We describe the addition of Cu or Co in TiO2 nanorods supported Rh catalyst (viz., RhMx/TiO2), showing significant impact on the CO2 hydrogenation activity and productivity. Cu addition can promote the partial hydrogenation to alcohols (methanol and ethanol), whereas Co led to the deep hydrogenation to alkanes (CH4, C2H6). Comparative time‐resolved in situ DRIFTS studies with H2/D2 isotopic exchange further reveal that both surface adsorbed CO* and formates could be the key reaction intermediates during the CO2 hydrogenation over RhMx/TiO2 (especially the RhCu2.5/TiO2), in which the interaction strength of CO* regulated by secondary‐metals addition was key to tune the reaction pathways and productivity. The findings suggested that rational design of active metal sites, for example the synergy between Rh and secondary‐metals, is highly needed to promote the CO insertion and CC coupling to produce ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stones are common and recurrent, lacking pharmacological prevention. Randall's plaques (RPs), calcium deposits in renal papillae, serve as niduses for some CaOx stones. This study explores the role of osteogenic‐like cells in RP formation resembling ossification. CaP crystals deposit around renal tubules, interstitium, and blood vessels in RP tissues. Human renal interstitial fibroblasts (hRIFs) exhibit the highest osteogenic‐like differentiation potential compared to chloride voltage‐gated channel Ka positive tubular epithelial cells, aquaporin 2 positive collecting duct cells, and vascular endothelial cells, echoing the upregulated osteogenic markers primarily in hRIFs within RP tissues. Utilizing RNA‐seq, osteomodulin (OMD) is found to be upregulated in hRIFs within RP tissues and hRIFs following osteogenic induction. Furthermore, OMD colocalizes with CaP crystals and calcium vesicles within RP tissues. OMD can enhance osteogenic‐like differentiation of hRIFs in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, crystal deposits are attenuated in mice with Omd deletion in renal interstitial fibroblasts following CaOx nephrocalcinosis induction. Mechanically, a positive feedback loop of OMD/BMP2/BMPR1A/RUNX2/OMD drives hRIFs to adopt osteogenic‐like fates, by which OMD induces osteogenic‐like microenvironment of renal interstitium to participate in RP formation. We identify OMD upregulation as a pathological feature of RP, paving the way for preventing CaOx stones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changing climate and intensifying human activities have made an impact on the hydrological processes in the upper Yangtze River (UYR), but quantifying their effects remains uncertain. This study used the Budyko framework to investigate the response of runoff (Q) to climate change and human activities during 1956–2017 and evaluate the impacts of human activities, including land use/cover change, water use, dam construction, and vegetation change, on watershed characteristic. Results show that climate change is the dominant driver of Q variations in the Wujiang River (WJR), Jialing River (JLR), and Jinsha River (JSR) watersheds, with contributions of 58.6%, 66.9%, and 67.6%, respectively. However, in Mingjiang River (MJR) and UYR watersheds, human activities contribute more to Q variations with 55.2% and 51.2%, respectively. Human activities play important roles in variation of watershed characteristics, and they can explain 22%, 26%, 36%, 25%, and 53% of the watershed character change in UYR, WJR, JLR, MJR, and JSR, respectively. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the causes of Q change in UYR, and provides a new perspective to explore the effects of specific human activities on watershed characteristics. Plain Language Summary: With climate change and intensifying human activities, the water cycle has been changed. Runoff is an essential component of the water cycle, and its response to changing environments has drawn broad attention. This study aims to quantify the contributions of climate change and human activities to runoff changes in the upper Yangtze River (UYR) and its four sub‐watersheds over the past half‐century. According to the results, human activities and climate change have been responsible for approximately 51.2% and 48.8% of the observed runoff changes in UYR, respectively. It suggests that both human activities and climate change have played significant roles, and their contributions are remarkably comparable. In addition, the impacts of human activities on watershed environment changes are analyzed. The results suggest that increased settlement area and industrial water use are the dominant influencing factors. Key Points: Human activities and climate change have made comparable contributions to the runoff reduction in the upper Yangtze RiverWater use, land use/cover change, vegetation change, and dam construction together explain 22% of the watershed environment changesHuman settlements and increased industrial water use have been the principal factors contributing to the changes in watershed environment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: It is reported that anti‐enterovirus 71 (EV71) drugs have some side effects on human health. Notably, fungi plays a crucial role in promoting human health and anti‐virus. Grifola frondosa is a type of large medicinal and edible fungi, rich in active substances. The present study aimed to investigate the anti‐EV71 effect of G. frondosa and the potential active substances. RESULTS: In the present study, the water extract of G. frondosa was subjected to ethanol precipitation to obtain the water‐extracted supernatant of G. frondosa (GFWS) and water‐extracted precipitation of G. frondosa. Their inhibitory effects on EV71 virus were studied based on a cell model. The results showed that GFWS had stronger security and anti‐EV71 effects. In addition, the chemical constituents of GFWS were identified by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, which were selected for further separation and purification. Three compounds, N‐butylaniline, succinic acid and l‐tryptophan, were isolated from GFWS by NMR spectroscopy. It is noteworthy that N‐butylaniline and l‐tryptophan were isolated and identified from the G. frondosa fruiting bodies for the first time. Our study found that l‐tryptophan has anti‐EV71 virus activity, which reduced EV71‐induced apoptosis and significantly inhibited the replication process after virus adsorption. Furthermore, it could also bind to capsid protein VP1 to prevent the virus from attaching to the cells. CONCLUSION: l‐tryptophan was an inhibitor of the EV71 virus, which could be used in infant nutrition and possibly provide a new drug to treat hand, foot and mouth disease. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizochytrium sp. L. oil (SO), fish oil (FO), and sacha inchi oil (SIO) can regulate high‐fat diet‐induced obesity, but the effect on gut microbiota and the mechanism remain unclear. This study aimed to find out the different effects of the three oils mediated the gut microbiota on lipid metabolism. In comparison with the high‐fat diet (HFD) group, SO, FO, and SIO could reduce fat mass accumulation and decrease the levels of the serum and liver biochemical parameters in mice. The regulatory effect on gut microbiota in mice is determined by 16S rRNA gene high‐throughput sequencing. Caulobacter, Acetatifactor, and Mucispirillum as dominant bacterial genus are enriched in intervention groups. SO, SIO, and FO could distinctly decrease interleukin 6, nuclear factor‐kappa B, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c, FAS, and HMGCR expressions in liver, upregulate the expression of acyl‐coenzyme A oxidase 1 and A acetyltransferases and regulate the thermogenesis. SO, SIO, and FO has a comprehensive impact on lipid metabolism by the expression of genes related to fat synthesis, cholesterol synthesis, inflammation, energy consumption, the structure of intestinal flora, abundance of beneficial bacteria, and intestinal diversity. Based on these results, SO, SIO, and FO may be used as functional food to drive beneficial changes in gut microbiota and then regulate the lipid metabolism disorders. Practical Applications: Obesity‐related diseases caused by lipid metabolism disorders have driven the rapid development of the diet drug market. However, the side effects of diet drugs on the human body also make the majority of consumers worried. Natural oil products that regulate lipid metabolism disorders and dietary obesity provide a substitute. Schizochytrium sp. L. oil (SO), fish oil (FO), and sacha inchi oil (SIO) are rich in high‐quality unsaturated fatty acids and are not suitable for high temperature cooking but can be eaten in low temperature cooking and sauces and so on. SO, FO, and SIO can be used to develop functional food that could reduce lipid metabolism disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co‐hydrogenation of CO2/CO to produce ethanol presents an important way to utilize carbon‐neutralized biomass resources through gasification. By applying a water‐permselective membrane reactor, water, the byproduct of CO2/CO hydrogenation to ethanol, can be removed. Thus, ethanol formation can be promoted thermodynamically. Accordingly, herein, the thermodynamics of ethanol synthesis by CO2, CO, CO2/CO hydrogenation was investigated, as well as the promoting effects of water removal under various temperatures and pressures by Aspen Plus. It is found that, at medium reaction temperature (e.g., 250 °C), medium pressure (e.g., 10–50 bar), and medium CO fraction (e.g., 0.1–0.5) together with 1‐stage water removal, a CO2/CO equilibrium conversion higher than 80 % can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the interdecadal variability (IDV) of the interface between the Indian summer monsoon and the East Asian summer monsoon (IIE). Results suggest that the IDV of the IIE is characterized by a uniform zonal movement associated with seesaw variations between the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM). The IDV of the IIE is closely linked to two air–sea coupled modes: one resembles the Asian–Pacific Oscillation (APO) and the other resembles the North Atlantic tripole (NAT) pattern. Both the APO‐like and NAT‐like patterns facilitate an eastward shift of the IIE during their positive phase. The APO‐like mode strengthens the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH), which further enhances the climatological southwesterly wind over East Asia and leads to an intensification of the EASM. The simultaneous anticyclonic anomaly over the India and Bay of Bengal (BOB) region weakens the ISM. The NAT‐like mode forces a wave train of alternating cyclonic and anticyclonic anomalies across Eurasia, causing southwesterly anomalies over East Asia that favors a stronger EASM. The atmospheric response is reversed during the negative phases of the APO‐like and NAT‐like patterns. Recent decades have seen a weakening influence of the APO‐like mode, but a growing impact of the NAT‐like mode on the IIE‐IDV. The interdecadal transition of the IIE–APO and IIE–NAT relationships has a smaller influence on the IIE than that of the phase change of the APO‐like and NAT‐like patterns. Modeling results confirm the influence of the APO‐like and NAT‐like patterns on the IIE‐IDV. Plain Language Summary: We investigated the interdecadal variability (IDV) of the interface (IIE) between the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM). We found a significant IIE‐IDV characterized by a uniform zonal movement. The IIE‐IDV is closely linked to two air‐sea coupled modes: one resembles the Asia‐Pacific oscillation (APO) and the other resembles the North Atlantic tripole (NAT) mode. Both modes facilitate the eastward shift of the IIE during their positive phase. The APO‐like mode drives the IIE to shift eastward by strengthening the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH), whereas the NAT‐like mode affects the IIE‐IDV by inducing a wave train of alternating cyclonic and anticyclonic anomaly across Eurasia. The effect of APO‐like mode has weakened in recent decades, but the NAT‐like mode have an increasing impact on the IIE‐IDV. The stronger the influence, the weaker the air‐sea coupled modes. The model results confirmed the main features of IIE‐IDV and the guiding role of APO‐like and NAT‐like modes. Key Points: The interface between the Indian summer monsoon and the East Asian summer monsoon shows a uniform zonal movement at interdecadal timescaleThe Asian–Pacific Oscillation and the North Atlantic tripole modes have a major impact on the interface between the two monsoon systemsThere is an interdecadal transition in the relationship between the monsoon interface and exogenous modulators [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal/nitrogen‐doped carbons (M−N−C) are promising candidates as oxygen electrocatalysts due to their low cost, tunable catalytic activity and selectivity, and well‐dispersed morphologies. To improve the electrocatalytic performance of such systems, it is critical to gain a detailed understanding of their structure and properties through advanced characterization. In situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) serves as a powerful tool to probe both the active sites and structural evolution of catalytic materials under reaction conditions. In this review, we firstly provide an overview of the fundamental concepts of XAS and then comprehensively review the setup and application of in situ XAS, introducing electrochemical XAS cells, experimental methods, as well as primary functions on catalytic applications. The active sites and the structural evolution of M−N−C catalysts caused by the interplay with electric fields, electrolytes and reactants/intermediates during the oxygen evolution reaction and the oxygen reduction reaction are subsequently discussed in detail. Finally, major challenges and future opportunities in this exciting field are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In the food industry, yeast was used to regulate food flavour and produce fermented products. In recent years, research has found that yeast contains amino acids, peptides and other active substances, but there was little research on its improvement of health benefits. In this study, the antioxidant and anti‐ageing activities of nucleotide‐rich yeast hydrolysates (NYH) were explored in Caenorhabditis elegans nematode model system, it was found that the lifespan, anti‐heat stress and anti‐acute oxidative stress were enhanced in C. elegans supplemented with NYH by up‐regulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes and down‐regulating the level of MDA and ROS. The mRNA expression level such as age‐1 and daf‐2 was significantly down‐regulated. In addition, the antioxidant and anti‐ageing activities of NYH were exerted mainly through tyrosine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and glutathione metabolism metabolic pathways. These results showed that NYH had the potential of antioxidation and anti‐ageing, which provided a possibility for the development of yeast products as a functional food in food science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoreversible color‐switching materials, which can reversibly change color in response to external light stimuli, have attracted increasing attention for their applications in time‐sensitive information storage and optical data storage fields. But most of the related materials are dyes or redox compounds with ultraviolet as the light source, dramatically limiting the cycling stability during discoloration processes. To address this problem, a near‐infrared (NIR)‐responsive rewritable paper via doping layered Co‐metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) into the stable polyvinylidene fluoride matrix is reported for the first time. Layered Co‐MOF shows a rapid color‐switching characteristic between orange and black blue upon NIR illumination on/off because of the interlayer spacing changes. Benefiting from the soft network structures of the matrix, Co‐MOF can be homogeneously distributed to deliver an outstanding reversibility performance, including rapid response, coloration in a short period, and decoloration within about 3 min in ambient air. The fabrication of new photoreversible color switching system holds great potential in communication security, which offers a viable pathway to achieve ink‐free photoreversible printing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humidity visualization is of significant importance across both the living systems and the industrial processes, which remains a huge challenge. Herein, for the first time, a hydrophilic sponge, which is composed of rigid gel and super hygroscopic material, has been demonstrated capable of all‐weather humidity visualization in a portable, convenient, economical, and in situ manner. This promising aspect is attributed to the effective all‐weather humidity capture and various color display as a response to the humidity capture capacity, of the super hygroscopic material; as well as the rapid humidity transport and excellent humidity storage ability provided by the porous rigid gel. As a consequence, combined with a smartphone, the invisible information on the environment's relative humidity levels, on the one hand, can be correlated qualitatively with the specific color display of the sponge; on the other hand, it can be correlated quantitatively with the specific color intensity, providing a pretty good smart model for humidity visualization in various complex environments. The present humidity visualization technology may open up a new avenue for the development of novel humidity sensors with a wide range of practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 hydrogenation to ethanol presents an important way to reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate global warming. Since the solvent plays a key role in this reaction (i. e. in a batch reactor), the thermodynamics is investigated herein using an RGibbs model in Aspen Plus to illustrate the effects of solvents with various dielectric constant and vapor pressure. Accordingly, it is found that the solvents possessing a high dielectric constant together with low vapor pressure favor ethanol synthesis thermodynamically. Furthermore, mixing a solvent having a high‐dielectric‐constant and high vapor pressure with another solvent having a low‐dielectric‐constant and low vapor pressure promotes ethanol synthesis thermodynamically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The achenes/seeds of endemic jelly fig (Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang) fruit have been applied to prepare a traditional beverage in Taiwan. Upon fruit harvest, jelly fig latex exuded from stalks was discarded. Protease activity was monitored in its latex. Proteases capable of hydrolyzing proteins have many application aspects based on diverse characteristics. Commercial plant proteases are frequently from latex. RESULTS: The latex protease of jelly fig, termed FaFicin, was purified to homogeneity with a molecular mass of ~32 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. According to liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric analyses, the expected protein band of protease was matched to ficin A, ficin B or chymopapain from common fig or papaya. Iodoacetamide, an inhibitor of cysteine protease, inhibited its protease activity completely. Hence FaFicin was identified as a papain‐like cysteine protease (PLCP), exhibiting more than 80% and 70% activity as assayed at pH 5–8 and 40–70 °C, respectively. It maintained ~89% of initial activity after 120 min at 55 °C and pH 7. Moreover, FaFicin could degrade the myosin and actin of meat, and clot milk. CONCLUSION: The ficin FaFicin was obtained, purified and identified as a PLCP member from agricultural waste: jelly fig latex. It possessed activity under a wide range of pH values and temperature, and exhibited excellent thermostability. Based on its initial evaluation as a meat tenderizer and milk clotting reagent, the application of FaFicin was possible, which may extend utilization of jelly fig. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen‐doped carbons are among the fastest‐growing class of materials used for oxygen electrocatalysis, namely, the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), thanks to their low cost, environmental friendliness, excellent electrical conductivity, and scalable synthesis. The perspective of replacing precious metal‐based electrocatalysts with nitrogen‐doped carbon is highly desirable for reducing costs in energy conversion and storage systems. In this review, the role of nitrogen and N‐induced structural defects on the enhanced performance of N‐doped carbon electrocatalysts toward the OER and the ORR as well as their applications for energy conversion and storage technologies is summarized. The synthesis of N‐doped carbon electrocatalysts and the characterization of their nitrogen functional groups and active sites for the conversion of oxygen are also reviewed. The electrocatalytic performance of the main types of N‐doped carbon materials for OER/ORR electrocatalysis are then discussed. Finally, major challenges and future opportunities of N‐doped carbons as advanced oxygen electrocatalysts are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD38 is a multifunctional receptor and enzyme present on the surface of B lymphocytes, which can induce B lymphocytes proliferation and apoptosis by crosslinking related cytokines to affect the function of B cells, thus affecting immune regulation in humans and promoting tumorigenesis. The level of CD38 expression in B cells has become an important factor in the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of malignant tumors and other related diseases. Therefore, studying the relationship between CD38 expression on the surface of B cells and the occurrence of the disease is of great significance for elucidating its association with disease pathogenesis and the clinical targeted therapy. In this paper, we review the effects of CD38 on B‐cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation, and elaborate the functional role and mechanism of CD38 expression on B cells. We also summarize the relationship between the level of CD38 expression on the surface of B cells and the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of various diseases, as well as the potential use of targeted CD38 treatment for related diseases. This will provide an important theoretical basis for the scientific research and clinical diagnosis and treatment of B‐cell‐related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenosine diphosphate ribose cyclase (ADPRC) exists widely in eukaryotes and lower metazoans cells. It can degrade nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) into cyclic ADP ribose (cADPR) and nicotinamide, and subsequently hydrolyses cADPR to ADP ribose (ADPR). In this paper, we have summarized the relative subcellular localization of ADPRC and enzymes with ADPRC activity in organisms, related enzyme family members of ADPRC are also described. In addition, we discussed the main biological functions of ADPRC, the regulation of Ca2+ signal, the regulation of insulin and glucagon secretion, oxytocin secretion, and the effects of renal and pulmonary vasomotor tension. Finally, we expounded the relationship between ADPRC and human health and disease occurrence. It provides a theoretical basis for the targeted treatment of ADPRC as a pharmacological tool for related diseases, and has important significance in clinical diagnosis and disease intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although fish oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is greatly affected by environmental pollutants. Schizochytrium oil and Sacha inchi oil are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, but there are few studies on their lipid‐lowering effects. The Schizochytrium oil, fish oil, and Sacha inchi oil are formulated into a 1:1:1 mixture emulsion (SFSO). Experimental results show that SFSO could significantly decrease blood lipid and liver total cholesterol (TC,30–40%), triglyceride (TG,35%), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C,78.38%), and enhance antioxidant capacity. In addition, SFSO significantly reduces the mRNA expression levels of A‐cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT,86.5%), fatty acid synthetase (FAS,96.16%), 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR,68.3%), sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c,75.1%), and peroxisomal proliferator‐activated receptors gamma (PPAR‐γ,17.23%), has a strong inhibitory effect on the expression of fat synthesis‐related genes. On the contrary, it significantly promotes the mRNA expression of acyl‐CoA oxidase‐1 (ACOX1,85.54%), hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL,61.84%), and peroxisomal proliferator‐activated receptors alpha (PPAR‐α,12.43%), accelerates the metabolism of fat and the oxidation of fatty acids. The analysis of gut microbiota shows that some pathogenic bacteria associated with obesity and inflammation in LSFSO group decreased significantly, and the increased Alloprevotella and Parabacteroides are positively correlated with polyunsaturated fatty acids. Practical Applications: The regulatory mechanism of SFSO on LMDS and gut microbiota was discussed, and the source of unsaturated fatty acids was optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of head and neck cancers. In the past decades, although the therapy strategies of LSCC have made considerable improvement, the terrible outcomes of LSCC still bring an enormous burden to the world health care system. Novel therapeutic targets for LSCC are urgently needed. lncRNAs exert important roles in various biological progressions, including LSCC. Here, we aimed to investigate the function of lncRNA PVT1 in LSCC progression and its underlying molecular mechanisms. By conducting multiple experiments, our results showed that lncRNA PVT1 was upregulated in LSCC cell lines and regulated LSCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and its cell susceptibility to natural killer (NK) cells. Moreover, it was found that lncRNA PVT1 promotes MBNL1 expression to regulate LSCC cellular progression through sponging miR-1301-3p. Our study might provide novel targets for LSCC basic research or clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn‐doped 2D perovskites are emerging as good candidates for light‐emitting applications due to their excellent optical and electrical properties. Major synthetic routes, solid‐state grinding and high‐temperature solution synthesis, are extensively studied to prepare Mn‐doped 2D perovskites. However, complicated synthesis, small‐scale yields, and poor‐stability impede their widespread applications. Herein, a one‐step acid‐solution‐assisted method is exhibited for gram‐scale production of Mn‐doped 2D (C8H17NH2)2PbBr4 with a solid yield of 1.35 g products out of 3 mL solvent. After Mn‐doped 2D (C8H17NH2)2PbBr4 being stored in the air for 90 days, the photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield of powders has minor changes, showing good stability. Phosphor‐converted monochrome light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are fabricated. After the LEDs work 6 h under a voltage of 3 V, their PL spectra have no obvious change, showing a great potential in optoelectronic devices. This study provides a new effective strategy for large‐scale synthesis of ultrastable Mn‐doped 2D perovskites, which is expected to provide inspiration for the industrial optoelectronic applications of perovskites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher alcohol synthesis (HAS) from syngas is one of the most promising approaches to produce fuels and chemicals. Our recent investigation on HAS showed that potassium‐promoted cobalt‐molybdenum sulfide is an effective catalyst system. In this study, the intrinsic kinetics of the reaction were studied using this catalyst system under realistic conditions. The study revealed the major oxygenated products are linear alcohols up to butanol and methane is the main hydrocarbon. The higher alcohol products (C3+) followed an Anderson‐Schultz‐Flory distribution while the catalyst suppressed methanol and ethanol formation. The optimum reaction conditions were estimated to be at temperature of 340°C, pressure of 117 bar, gas hourly space velocity of 27 000 mL g–1 h–1 and H2/CO molar feed ratio of 1. A kinetic network has been considered and kinetic parameters were estimated by nonlinear regression of the experimental data. The results indicated an increasing apparent activation energy of alcohols with the length of alcohols except for ethanol. The lower apparent activation energy of alcohols compared with hydrocarbon evidenced the efficiency of this catalyst system to facilitate the formation of higher alcohols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the effects and mechanisms of 95% ethanol extract of Chlorella pyrenoidosa (CPE95) on lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats. For the sake of chemical composition analysis of CPE95, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) was used for determination. After treatment with CPE95, serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol content of the hyperlipidemic rats was increased, while the contents of cholesterol, triglyceride, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were decreased strikingly. Moreover, the result of histopathology analysis showed that the accumulation and fatty deformation of the livers were relieved. Real‐time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the expression levels of lipid metabolism‐related genes. The gene expression level of adenosine 5'‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase was descended, and expressions of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase, and 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase were all downregulated in the CPE95‐treated rats. It suggested that CPE95 may effectively improve the hyperlipidemia in rats and would be potential for functional food component to reduce blood lipid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile edge computing (MEC) is concerned with moving complex tasks from data sources to nearby computing resources, which can reduce computing latency and remote cloud workload. Although there has been significant research in the field of MEC, research on edge server placement in wireless metropolitan area networks (WMANs) is overlooked, and the load balancing problem of edge servers is seldom discussed. From a practical perspective, how to place edge servers efficiently in WMANs while considering load balancing between edge servers is studied. A greedy algorithm is proposed that can balance the workload of edge servers more effectively. However, the performance of the greedy algorithm as the number of servers placed increases is not ideal. Therefore, the authors combine the greedy algorithm with a genetic algorithm (GA) to minimise the number of edge servers while ensuring load balancing between edge servers and quality of service (QoS) requirements for mobile users. Finally, they conduct simulation experiments and compare the proposed algorithms with other algorithms. The improved GA proposed is superior to the greedy algorithm in terms of load balancing and the number of servers. The experimental results demonstrate that the algorithm has excellent performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols by covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is a sustainable strategy to replace present metal‐based heterogeneous catalytic oxidation systems. Covalent triazine‐based frameworks (CTFs), a subgroup of COFs, possess promising properties as efficient catalysts for photocatalytic oxidation. Sulfur‐containing metal‐free CTFs exhibit a good performance in photocatalysis due to their narrowed band gap, and the fast generated photoelectrons/holes separation and transfer. Here, we report the synthesis of thiophene‐based CTFs under mild conditions for photocatalytic oxidation of aromatic alcohols to the corresponding benzaldehydes using pure oxygen as the oxidant. Full conversion and a selectivity as high as 90 % to benzaldehyde were obtained paving the way for a potential application of these metal‐free photocatalysts in fine chemicals synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen economy is a central aspect of future energy supply, as hydrogen can be used as energy storage and fuel. In order to make water electrolysis efficient, the limiting oxygen evolution reaction (OER) needs to be optimized. Therefore, C‐based composite materials containing earth‐abundant Fe and Mn were synthesized, characterized and tested in the OER. For pyrolysis temperatures above 700 °C N‐rich multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are obtained. Inside the tubes Fe3C particles are formed, Fe and Mn oxides are incorporated in the carbon matrix and metal spinel nanoparticles cover the outer surface. The best catalyst prepared at 800 °C achieves a low overpotential of 389 mV (at 10 mA/cm2) and high stability (22.6 h). From electrochemical measurements and characterization it can be concluded that the high activity is mainly provided by MWCNT, Fe3C and the metal oxides in the conductive carbon matrix. The metal spinel nanoparticles in contrast protect the MWCNT from oxidation and thereby contribute to the high stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Human contact prediction is a challenging task in mobile social networks. The existing prediction methods are based on the static network structure, and directly applying these static prediction methods to dynamic network prediction is bound to reduce the prediction accuracy. In this paper, we extract some important features to predict human contacts and propose a novel human contact prediction method based on naive Bayes algorithm, which is suitable for dynamic networks. The proposed method takes the ever‐changing structure of mobile social networks into account. First, the past time is partitioned into many periods with equal intervals, and each period has a feature matrix of all node pairs. Then, with the feature matrixes used for classifiers training based on naive Bayes algorithm, we can get a classifier for each time period. At last, the different weights are assigned to the classifiers according to their importance to contact prediction, and all classifiers are weighted combination into the final prediction classifier. The extensive experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method, and the results show that the proposed method can improve the prediction accuracy and TP Rate to a large extent. Besides, we find that the size of time interval has a certain impact on the clustering coefficient of mobile social networks, which further affects the prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obtaining a delamination‐free wrinkled functional graphene surface in layered systems is an interesting challenge because the interface is usually too weak to withstand interfacial stress mismatch, which can trigger mechanical instability. In this paper, a general strategy is proposed toward addressing the delamination limitation imposed by fabricating conformal graphene wrinkles with bilayer systems of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). To improve the interfacial strength, a postcuring transfer process is introduced to form a gradient interface layer without interfacial liquid between the PMMA and PDMS by entanglement of polymer chains during high‐temperature curing. Compared to the conventional wet transfer of graphene,the transfer method can greatly enhance the interfacial strength. The chemical and mechanical mechanisms underlying the enhancement are revealed both experimentally and theoretically in terms of the transition from the buckled‐induced delamination state to the delamination‐free wrinkled state. Moreover, the light diffraction behaviors of multiscale graphene wrinkles are initially demonstrated to be an interesting continuous pattern induced by overlapping. The delamination‐free conformal wrinkled functional graphene surface can provide valuable insight and design guidelines for the fundamental problems of deformed graphene and its applications in flexible functional devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal based materials are promising non‐noble metal based catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Transition metal (hydr)oxides have been intensively investigated as OER catalysts. Promoting transition metal (hydr)oxides with heteroatoms or using carbon materials as additives can increase the electric conductivity and tailor the nature of active sites to enhance OER activity. We developed a scalable one‐step wet chemical method to prepare sulfur‐containing transition metal (manganese, iron, cobalt, and nickel) (hydr)oxides coupled with carbon nanotubes as additives to tailor OER performance. Facilitated OER kinetics, enhanced intrinsic activity, and high electrochemically active surface area derived from sulfur promotion with/without carbon nanotubes addition together with the nanostructure of the materials led to decent OER performance. Sulfur‐containing cobalt (hydr)oxide achieved a low overpotential of 0.38 V at 10 mA cm−2, a low Tafel slope of 66 mV dec−1, and good stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) presents the key transformation in electrochemical water‐splitting majorly determining energy efficiency and economics of hydrogen generation. In this study, the kinetics of the OER over Ni−Co oxide structured by KIT‐6 templating and non‐structured Ni−Co oxide catalysts in alkaline solution have been investigated aiming for insight with regard to the respective kinetically relevant surface reactions. Steady‐state Tafel plot analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to determine kinetic parameters, Tafel slopes and the order of reaction. A dual Tafel slope behavior was observed for both catalysts. Tafel slopes of ca. 40 and 120 mV dec−1 and 90 and 180 mV dec−1 at low and high overpotentials appear for structured and non‐structured Ni−Co oxide, respectively. A reaction order of unity was observed for structured Ni−Co oxide, while non‐structured Ni−Co oxide possessed a fractional reaction order in the high overpotential region. The kinetics of OER over structured Ni−Co oxide were governed by Langmuir adsorption with the rate‐limiting step after primary adsorption of surface intermediates. In contrast, non‐structured Ni−Co oxide obeyed the Temkin adsorption isotherm condition with the primary adsorption step being rate‐limiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert critical roles in the development of various cancers, including human laryngeal cancer. Radioresistance contributes to the predominant causes of laryngeal cancer recurrence after radiotherapy. The aim of our study was to investigate the association of dysregulated lncRNA and radiation resistance in human larynx squamous carcinoma. Here, we investigated the biological roles of lncRNA DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 5 (DGCR5) in radioresistance of human laryngeal cancer. Two human larynx squamous carcinoma cell lines (Hep‐2 and Hep‐2R), with different radiosensitivities in vitro were used in the present study. We observed that DGCR5 was significantly upregulated in Hep‐2R cells. Inhibition of DGCR5 by LV‐shDGCR5 transfection restrained Hep‐2R cell proliferation and sensitized cells to radiation. Reversely, overexpression of DGCR5 exhibited an opposite phenomenon in vitro. In addition, microRNA (miR)‐195 was predicted as a direct downstream target of DGCR5. Dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays verified the direct interaction between them. Meanwhile, miR‐195 was observed to be reduced in Hep‐2R cells and miR‐195 mimics repressed Hep‐2 cell growth. Moreover, radiosensitivity of Hep‐2R cells was greatly enhanced by overexpression of miR‐195, which could be reversed by upregulation of DGCR5. Finally, in vivo experiments were used to validate that knockdown of DGCR5 suppressed laryngeal carcinoma via targeting miR‐195. In conclusion, we indicated that DGCR5 could contribute to the radioresistance of human laryngeal carcinoma cells via sponging miR‐195. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To evaluate the impact of a combination of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and cryosupernatant plasma (CP) as a replacement fluid in therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) on early therapeutic response and long-term survival of patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Materials and Methods. A total of 44 patients with suspected TTP were screened by Bentley and PLASMIC scores. Twenty-seven patients treated with TPE using the FFP and CP combination as the replacement fluid were enrolled and divided into two groups: 11 patients who received TPE with CP-dominant replacement fluid (FFP/CP<1) and 16 patients who received TPE with FFP-dominant replacement fluid (FFP/CP>1). Results. There were no significant differences in the demographic and clinicopathological characteristics between the two groups except for the international normalized ratio (INR). The number of TPE procedures was lower, and time to achieve complete response was shorter in the CP-dominant group than in the FFP-dominant group. There were no significant differences in overall survival between the two groups. Conclusion. The CP-dominant replacement fluid was superior to the FFP-dominant replacement fluid in early response to TPE in patients with TTP, but did not impact the patients' overall survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of novel metal oxide catalysts for electrochemical water splitting has been one of the future challenges in catalysis. We present the development of structured spinel based NiCo2O4 materials using in‐situ hydrothermal synthesis and KIT‐6 as a template. Their electron transfer kinetics in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at pH 14 are studied. Structuring of NiCo2O4 via KIT‐6 improves the intrinsic catalyst performance, e. g., a lower overpotential of ∼350 mV and a good long‐term stability could be observed compared to 385 mV and poor stability of commercially available NiCo2O4. Kinetic studies provided insights into structure‐activity relations and the nature of the electrode/electrolyte interface. Interestingly, structuring via KIT‐6 increases not only the electrochemical surface area but also the current density accompanied by superior charge transfer capacity. Structure as key: Templated NiCo2O4 possesses not only higher porosity and surface area but also enhanced intrinsic activity and stability in OER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The neuroprotective effect of ceria nanoparticles in the context of brain disorders has been explained by their antioxidant effect. However, the in‐depth mechanism remains unknown. As resident immune cells in the brain, microglia exert a variety of functional reprogramming termed as polarization in response to stress stimuli. Herein, custom‐made ceria nanoparticles were developed and found to scavenge multiple reactive oxygen species with extremely high efficiency. These nanoparticles drove microglial polarization from a pro‐inflammatory phenotype to an anti‐inflammatory phenotype under pathological conditions. Pretreatment of these nanoparticles changed the microglial function from detrimental to protective for the neuronal cells by blocking the pro‐inflammatory signaling. This work not only helps to elucidate the mechanism of ceria‐nanoparticle‐mediated neuroprotection but also provides a new strategy to rebalance the immuno‐environment by switching the equilibrium of the phenotypic activation of microglia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study sought to evaluate whether blood transfusions affect survival of elderly patients with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A total of 104 patients aged 60 years and over were enrolled and divided into two groups: 24 patients who received transfusions and 80 patients who did not. Statistical analyses showed significant differences in LDH levels, platelet (Plt) counts, and hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin (Alb) levels between the two groups. Univariate analyses showed that LDH level ≥ 245 IU/L, cell of origin (germinal center/nongerminal center), and blood transfusion were associated with both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Higher IPI (3–5), Alb level < 35 g/L, and rituximab usage were associated with OS. Appearance of B symptoms was associated with PFS. Multivariate analyses showed that cell of origin and rituximab usage were independent factors for OS and LDH level was an independent factor for PFS. Blood transfusion was an independent factor for PFS, but not for OS. Our preliminary results suggested that elderly patients with primary DLBCL may benefit from a restrictive blood transfusion strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim The estimation of the glomerular filtration rate ( GFR) is essential for the renal function. However, all estimation methods for GFR have advantages and disadvantages. The aim of this study was to develop a new quantitative method for estimating GFR and evaluate its clinical value. Methods The new GFR was estimated by quantifying the accumulation of Tc-99m DTPA in the dual kidneys and bladder during a gamma camera renogram study in 116 patients with chronic kidney disease. GFR was determined by this new method (n GFR), Gates' gamma camera technique (g GFR), a two-plasma sampling method (t GFR) and creatinine-based clearance as estimated by Cockcroft- Gault (c GFR) and abbreviated MDRD (a GFR) formulae. The correlation analysis, Bland- Altman analysis and receiver-operating characteristic ( ROC) plots were carried out among above methods. Results The n GFR value has significant correlation with t GRF ( r = 0·827, P<0·01). The n GFR had the best overall performances with a lowest bias deviation (3·1 ml min−1/1·73 m2), better precision (53·0 ml min−1/1·73 m2), narrowest interquartile range (13·5 ml min−1/1·73 m2) and best accuracy (68·1%) within 30% of the t GFR, compared with those of g GFR, c GFR and a GFR. The new method had the similar maximum accuracy with the Gates' method and creatinine clearance as estimated by Cockcroft- Gault and abbreviated modification of diet in renal disease ( MDRD) method. The new method had better repeatability characteristic compared with the Gates' method. Conclusions The new method for estimating GFR had the better performances compared with the Gates' method and creatinine clearance as estimated by Cockcroft- Gault and MDRD method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapefruit juice was investigated using pulsed electric fields ( PEF) with (electric field strengths: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 kV cm−1; flow rate: 80 mL min−1; pulse frequency: 1 kHz at 40 °C for 600 μs). Total phenolics, DPPH, total antioxidant capacity ( TAC), total anthocyanins, total carotenoids, sugars and physicochemical properties of grapefruit juice were studied. In addition, the effect of PEF treatment on micro-organisms was also observed. Results indicated that no significant change was observed in pH, Brix, titratable acidity, sugars, total anthocyanins and colour attributes with the increase in pulsed electric strength as compared to control treatment. However, significant decrease in nonenzymatic browning ( NEB) and viscosity while an increase in cloud value, DPPH, TAC, total phenolics and total carotenoids, while reduction in the activity of micro-organisms, was also observed with the increase in pulsed electric strength as compared to control treatment. This study suggested that PEF at 25 kV cm−1 could improve the quality of grapefruit juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma exchange (PE) for the treatment of ricin toxicity has not been previously reported. Here we describe the use of PE to treat children who experienced ricin toxicity after ingesting castor beans. Seven children (median age: 8.1 years) who consumed castor beans (median: 5 beans) were treated with PE. All had bradycardia and sinus arrhythmia, and most had experienced episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhea. PE settings were blood flow, 50-80 mL/min; PE rate, 600-800 mL/h; volume of exchange, 1440-1950 mL. Median time from ingestion to PE was 73 h. All clinical symptoms disappeared and vital signs rapidly returned to normal after PE; no severe organ dysfunction occurred. All children were discharged and recovered uneventfully. Concentrations of all serum biochemical parameters significantly decreased immediately after PE. Some, but not all, of these parameters were also significantly decreased at 48 and 72 h after PE compared with before PE. Our findings suggest that PE can be an effective early intervention in the treatment of ricin toxicity due to castor bean ingestion. J. Clin. Apheresis 30:141-146, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of Matrix metalloproteinase-19 (MMP19) in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was identified from differential gene profiling, which showed MMP19 was one of the candidate genes down-regulated in the NPC cell lines. In this study, quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed MMP19 was down-regulated in all seven NPC cell lines. By tissue microarray immunohistochemical staining, MMP19 appears down-regulated in 69.7% of primary NPC specimens. Allelic deletion and promoter hypermethylation contribute to MMP19 down-regulation. We also clearly demonstrate that the catalytic activity of MMP19 plays an important role in antitumor and antiangiogenesis activities in comparative studies of the wild-type and the catalytically inactive mutant MMP19. In the in vivo tumorigenicity assay, only the wild-type (WT), but not mutant, MMP19 transfectants suppress tumor formation in nude mice. In the in vitro colony formation assay, WT MMP19 dramatically reduces colony-forming ability of NPC cell lines, when compared to the inactive mutant. In the tube formation assay of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1), secreted WT MMP19, but not mutant MMP19, induces reduction of tube-forming ability in endothelial cells with decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in conditioned media detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The anti-angiogenic activity of WT MMP19 is correlated with suppression of tumor formation. These results now clearly show that catalytic activity of MMP19 is essential for its tumor suppressive and anti-angiogenic functions in NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2002 a severe root and stem disease of Dendrobium has occurred periodically each year in the plantations of Simao City, Yunnan Province, China. Symptoms included water-soaked and brown lesions, and rot of tissues. Based on the morphological characteristics and the internal transcribed spacer-1, 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene, and internal transcribed spacer 2 and β-tubulin gene sequences, the pathogen was identified as Pythium vexans de Bary. The pathogenicity of the fungus was confirmed by satisfying Koch's postulates. This is the first world record of stem rot of Dendrobium caused by P. vexans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing near zero‐carbon NH3 as fuel in engines is promising for carbon‐neutrality. However, the application of NH3 into the engine suffers from the intrinsic poor combustion characteristics of NH3 and the emission of harmful NOx exhausts. Herein, we proposed and successfully confirmed a novel scenario for converting a conventional “CH4‐fueled” engine to “NH3‐fueled” engine. Specifically, CH4 was used to power the internal combustion engine and release CO2 as the exhaust. Afterwards, we put forward two routes to convert the exhaust and NH3 into N2 and CH4 for enclosing the carbon cycle. The first “spatially decoupled” route splits the exhaust treatment into NH3 cracking over Ru clusters on the calcined Mg−Al hydrotalcite (Ru/MAO) and CO2 methanation over a commercial Ni/Al2O3. Both NH3 and CO2 were almost completely converted into the target products under their respective optimal conditions. The second “spatially coupled” route refers to an one‐pot reaction of NH3 and CO2 into N2, CH4, and H2O. Due to the mismatch of reaction conditions and the competitive adsorption of reactants, the conversions of NH3 and CO2 were lowered to 80.1 % and 49.3 %, respectively, over Ru/MAO under 1 bar (CO2:NH3=3 : 8) at 550 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanographenes are among the fastest‐growing materials used for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) thanks to their low cost, environmental friendliness, excellent electrical conductivity, and scalable synthesis. The perspective of replacing precious metal‐based electrocatalysts with functionalized graphene is highly desirable for reducing costs in energy conversion and storage systems. Generally, the enhanced ORR activity of the nanographenes is typically deemed to originate from the heteroatom doping effect, size effect, defects effect, and/or their synergistic effect. All these factors can efficiently modify the charge distribution on the sp2‐conjugated carbon framework, bringing about optimized intermediate adsorption and accelerated electron transfer steps during ORR. In this review, the fundamental chemical and physical properties of nanographenes are first discussed about ORR applications. Afterward, the role of doping, size, defects, and their combined influence in boosting nanographenes’ ORR performance is introduced. Finally, significant challenges and essential perspectives of nanographenes as advanced ORR electrocatalysts are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cu atom in the title complex, {[Cu(C(6)H(2)N(2)O(4))(H(2)O)(3)]·H(2)O}(n) or {[Cu(L)(H(2)O)(3)]·H(2)O}(n) (L is pyrazine-2,3-dicarbox-yl-ate), displays octa-hedral coordination formed by the ligand L and three coordinated water mol-ecules. The ligand L is tridentate, with one N atom of the pyrazine ring and one O atom of one carboxyl-ate group forming a chelate ring, whereas one O atom from the second carboxyl-ate group is coordinated to another Cu atom. The ligand L links mol-ecules to form an infinite chain parallel to the [101] direction. The chains are further linked through O-H⋯O and O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds involving the water mol-ecules to build up a three-dimensional network.