Search

The spin crossover complex Fe(phen)2(NCS)2 and its composite, Fe(phen)2(NCS)2, combined with the conducting polymer polyaniline (PANI) plus varying concentrations of iron magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were studied. A cooperative effect is evident from the hysteresis width in the plot of magnetic susceptibility multiplied by temperature versus temperature ( χ m T versus T) for Fe(phen)2(NCS)2 with PANI plus varying concentrations of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The hysteresis width in the composites vary no more than 2 K with respect to the pristine Fe(phen)2(NCS)2 spin crossover crystallites despite the fact that there exists a high degree of miscibility of the Fe(phen)2(NCS)2 spin crossover complex with the PANI. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the Fe(phen)2(NCS)2 plus PANI composite tend to agglomerate at higher concentrations regardless of the spin state of Fe(phen)2(NCS)2. Of note is that the Fe3O4 nanoparticles are shown to be antiferromagnetically coupled with the Fe(phen)2(NCS)2 when Fe(phen)2(NCS)2 is in the high spin state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperative learning is a pedagogical practice widely endorsed in the literature to enhance students' creative writing skills. This methodology promotes the development of originality, fosters openness to new ideas, provides opportunities for interaction and tossing ideas around, and subsequently contributes to boosting creative textual production. This study aims to assess the impact of incorporating cooperative learning strategies on developing creative writing skills and enhancing self-efficacy among 6th-grade students. Additionally, this study reflects on using cooperative learning methods in the classroom setting, namely the roundtable and the cooperative graffiti. The participants were 34 students from two classes of the 6th grade of the 2nd cycle of basic school: an experimental group, where cooperative learning applies, and a control group, conducted using a traditional lecture. The study used a quasi-experimental design, incorporating pre-test and post-test. The non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess within-group changes in pre-test and post-test scores for both the experimental and control groups. The findings from both classes suggest that cooperative learning is more effective than a traditional lecture in building creative writing skills and selfefficacy in Portuguese (first language) and maths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The development of ultrasensitive thermometric phosphors has become an active area of research due to their appealing applications in the contactless temperature detection field. Herein, the scheelite-related compounds—CaGd 2 (WO 4) 4 : Nd3+, Yb3+ and CaGd 2 (MoO 4) 4 : Nd3+, Yb3+, which exhibit high sensing capacity—are successfully prepared and systematically characterized. The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that CaGd 2 (WO 4) 4 : Nd3+, Yb3+ exhibits the monoclinic structure, whereas CaGd 2 (MoO 4) 4 : Nd3+, Yb3+ is in the tetragonal phase. The maximum phonon cut-off energy of CaGd 2 (WO 4) 4 : Nd3+, Yb3+ is 929 cm−1, slightly larger than that of CaGd 2 (MoO 4) 4 : Nd3+, Yb3+ (904 cm−1). Irradiated by 980 nm laser, PL spectra consist of the Nd3+: 4F j → 4I 9/2 (j = 7/2, 5/2, 3/2) and Yb3+: 2F 5/2 → 2F 7/2 emissions located in the near-infrared (NIR) range. Negative and positive thermal quenching behaviors are observed for the emissions of Nd3+ (754, 802, and 868 nm) and Yb3+ (1008 nm), respectively, attributed to the cooperative effects of the phonon-assisted energy transfer process of Yb3+ → Nd3+ and excited state absorption process of Nd3+. Moreover, the host material can affect the luminescence properties, thermal enhancement factor of the NIR anti-Stokes emission, and thermal sensing performance of the Nd3+-Yb3+ pair. Consequently, CaGd 2 (MoO 4) 4 : Nd3+, Yb3+ exhibits higher sensing sensitivity (S r-max = ∼6.00%K−1) than CaGd 2 (WO 4) 4 : Nd3+, Yb3+ (S r-max = ∼5.56%K−1). This study provides useful information for the construction of high-performance ratiometric thermometers based on the inverse thermal dependence of the NIR emissions of Nd3+ and Yb3+ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocarriers (NCs) play a crucial role in delivering theranostic agents to tumors, making them a pivotal focus of research. However, the persistently low delivery efficiency of engineered NCs has been a significant challenge in the advancement of nanomedicine, stirring considerable debate. Transvascular transport is a critical pathway for NC delivery from vessels to tumors, yet a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between NCs and vascular systems remains elusive. In recent years, considerable efforts have been invested in elucidating the transvascular transport mechanisms of NCs, leading to promising advancements in tumor delivery and theranostics. In this context, we highlight various delivery mechanisms, including the enhanced permeability and retention effect, cooperative immune-driven effect, active transcytosis, and cell/bacteria-mediated delivery. Furthermore, we explore corresponding strategies aimed at enhancing transvascular transport of NCs for efficient tumor delivery. These approaches offer intriguing solutions spanning physicochemical, biological, and pharmacological domains to improve delivery and therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, we propose a forward-looking delivery framework that relies on advanced tumor/vessel models, high-throughput NC libraries, nano-bio interaction datasets, and artificial intelligence, which aims to guide the design of next-generation carriers and implementation strategies for optimized delivery. Nanocarriers (NCs) are crucial in delivering therapeutic agents to tumors, and transvascular transport is a critical pathway for the tumor delivery of NCs. Here the authors summary strategies enhancing transvascular transport of NCs for efficient tumor delivery, and propose a delivery framework to guide the design of next-generation carriers and implementation strategies for optimized delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, (1− x)Bi 0 · 5 (Na 0 · 8 K 0.2) 0.5 TiO 3 - x SrTiO 3 ceramics were synthesized by the solid-phase method. The SrTiO 3 dopants cause a phase transition from of rhombohedral to tetragonal resulting in an enhanced strain of 0.49 % and normalized strain d 33 * of 817 p.m./V under 60 kV/cm at a doping amount of 0.04. The microstructure of BNKT-0.04ST, including cation displacements δ Ti-Bi/Na and the tilt of oxygen octahedron are researched by aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (AC-STEM). The fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the annular dark field (ADF) STEM pattern along [110] axis reveals the 1/2 (ooo) superlattice reflection spots due to anti-phase a − a − a − the tilt of oxygen octahedron. The cation displacement vector maps based on the ADF STEM and the enhanced annular bright fielde (eABF) STEM images along the [100] axis show the rhombohedral and tetragonal phase nanodomains, and the displacement decreases gradually from the inside of the nanodomains towards the domain walls. The tilt of oxygen octahedron has the same variation tendency indicating the regional coherence. Due to the flexible nanodomains based on the cooperative effect of the tilt of oxygen octahedron and cation displacement, which is thought to be the origin of the relaxor characteristic and strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk of ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing worldwide with limited success using classical drugs, which has underscored the development of novel agents. Recently, carrier-free molecular assembly has been proven to be an effective drug delivery system, but it has yet to be examined for UC drug development using phytochemicals. Based on traditional Chinese medicine compatibility and potential medicinal uses, a pair of natural compounds, berberine (BBR) and magnolol (MAG), were found to self-assemble into nanostructures in aqueous solutions. Spectral analysis revealed that the assembly mechanisms of BBR and MAG were mediated through charge interactions and π-π stacking. Pharmacokinetic studies and animal imaging showed that BBR-MAG self-assembly (BM) effectively promoted the oral bioavailability and biodistribution of BBR in the colon. BM exhibited superior effects in regulating inflammatory factors, maintaining colon barrier integrity, and regulating gut microbiota in a dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced colitis mouse model. Additionally, no apparent signs of toxicity were observed, suggesting that BM has a favorable safety profile. This study presents a new strategy for UC management and highlights the cooperative effects of combined phytochemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The binding of the HIV-1 Gag polyprotein to the plasma membrane is a critical step in viral replication. The association with membranes depends on the lipid composition, but its mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report the binding of non-myristoylated Gag to lipid membranes of different lipid compositions to dissect the influence of each component. We tested the contribution of phosphatidylserine, PI(4,5)P2, and cholesterol to membrane charge density and Gag affinity to membranes. Taking into account the influence of the membrane surface potential, we quantitatively characterized the adsorption of the protein onto model lipid membranes. The obtained Gag binding constants appeared to be the same regardless of the membrane charge. Furthermore, Gag adsorbed on uncharged membranes, suggesting a contribution of hydrophobic forces to the protein–lipid interaction. Charge–charge interactions resulted in an increase in protein concentration near the membrane surface. Lipid-specific interactions were observed in the presence of cholesterol, resulting in a two-fold increase in binding constants. The combination of cholesterol with PI(4,5)P2 showed cooperative effects on protein adsorption. Thus, we suggest that the affinity of Gag to lipid membranes results from a combination of electrostatic attraction to acidic lipids, providing different protein concentrations near the membrane surface, and specific hydrophobic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an industrial enzyme that catalyzes the formation and cleavage of ester bonds, carboxylesterase has attracted attention in fine chemistry, pharmaceutical, biological energy and bioremediation fields. However, the weak thermostability limits their further developments in industrial applications. In this work, a novel carboxylesterase (EstF) from Streptomyces lividans TK24, belonging to family XVII, was acquired by successfully heterologous expressed and biochemically identified. The EstF exhibited optimal activity at 55 °C, pH 9.0 and excellent catalytic performances (K m = 0.263 mM, k cat / K m = 562.3 s−1 mM−1 for p -nitrophenyl acetate (p NPA 2) hydrolysis). Besides, the EstF presented exceptionally high thermostability with a half-life of 387.23 h at 55 °C and 2.86 h at 100 °C. Furthermore, the EstF was modified to obtain EstF P144G using the site-directed mutation technique to investigate the effect of single glycine on thermostability. Remarkably, the mutant EstF P144G displayed a 5.10-fold increase of half-life at 100 °C versus wild-type without affecting catalytic performance. Structural analysis implied that the glycine introduction could release a steric strain and induce cooperative effects between distal residues to increase the thermostability. Therefore, the thermostable EstF and EstF P144G with prominently catalytic characteristics have potential industrial applications and the introduction of a single glycine strategy opens up alternative avenues for the thermostability engineering of other enzymes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The self-healing and self-sensing coatings were developed based on pH stimuli. • The coating system shows excellent self-healing and self-sensing properties. • The cooperative effect of two inhibitors protects against steel corrosion. • The corrosion sensing ability is from the color change of Phen adsorbed on steel. Polyelectrolyte-encapsulated nanocontainers can effectively respond to changes of pH and thus control the on-demand release of corrosion inhibitors. A pH-responsive release system (Phen-Tpp@MTNs-PDDA) was developed based on the cationic polyelectrolyte poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (PDDA) encapsulated mesoporous TiO 2 nanocontainers (MTNs) loaded with 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) and tripolyphosphate ions (Tpp) corrosion inhibitors. The epoxy coating (EP) embedded with Phen-Tpp@MTNs-PDDA (Phen-Tpp@MTNs-PDDA/EP) demonstrates superior self-healing properties and confers long-term protection on the metal substrate through the cooperative effect of Phen and Tpp. Simultaneously, this hybrid coating is endowed with corrosion sensing capability based on the color development originating from the interaction of Phen and carbon steel. This self-healing and corrosion-sensing multifunctional coating provides an effective strategy for the corrosion protection of metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise regulation of phase structure and energy band distribution in CdS endow it with improved photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity. [Display omitted] • A controllable phase structure modulation is implemented in phase junction CdS. • The transition region is introduced by suitable boundary width in phase junction. • The band distribution transmission mode is optimized by above cooperative effect. • Outstanding photocatalytic H 2 production is achieved in the phase junction system. An in-depth understanding of structure-activity relationship between the phase constitution and solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency is conducive to guiding the optimization route of targeted photocatalyst candidates, further establishing advanced photocatalytic systems. Herein, based on the concept of phase engineering, we encompassed the crystalline phase of CdS and achieved precise regulation of phase proportion as well as phase boundary width in the phase junction for the first time. The above cooperative effect not only modifies energy band distribution for sufficient redox potentials, but also guarantees the reverse migration orientation of photogenerated carriers in phase junction, thereby endowing photocarriers with a prolonged lifetime. Compared to pure cubic or hexagonal phase (72.6 or 101.1 μmol h−1 g−1), this CdS system with optimized phase junction demonstrates an improved photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of 1.04 mmol h−1 g−1 and favorable stability without cocatalyst assistance, which mainly stems from an efficient protons reduction process interacting with long-lived photogenerated electrons. This research explores the mechanism behind phase regulation and its relationship with junction capability, providing a powerful strategy to manipulate crystal phase distribution and paving a feasible avenue for other phase-dependent photocatalysts towards rational design of heterostructures based on different phases in solar energy conversion field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on social interdependence and social constructivism theories, the authors of this study examined the effects of a cooperative learning (CL) pedagogical model on the engagement and outcomes of undergraduate students in an Ethiopian university's classrooms. We did this by using a quasi-experimental post-test control group design. The study participants included undergraduate students enrolled in the courses "Risk Management and Insurance" (n = 99) and "Foundation Engineering I" (n = 94). The control groups received regular lecture-based teaching, while the experimental group received CL instruction over two weeks in six to eight sessions. The results from the Management sample, which demonstrated that the CL intervention group reported significantly higher learning outcomes and more engagement than the control groups, are sufficient evidence for the study to validate the hypothesis. The effect sizes were moderate and ranged from 0.52 to 0.78 Cohen's d. In the Engineering course, the results demonstrate the smallest difference between the mean scores reported by the CL group and those of the regular lecture group, with the CL group showing slightly higher student engagement and outcomes across the three categories assessed. The Engineering sample's results, however, did not show any significant differences between the CL and control groups. This study provides evidence that course reform utilizing a CL pedagogical design could improve student engagement and learning outcomes as compared to the regular lecture-based method. By incorporating CL pedagogies, higher educators and institutions can create more engaging and effective learning environments for students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Polarons can control carrier mobility and can also be used in the design of quantum devices. Although much effort has been directed into investigating the nature of polarons, observation of defect-related polarons is challenging due to electron-defect scattering. Here we explore the polaronic behavior of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in a diamond crystal using an ultrafast pump-probe technique. A 10-fs optical pulse acts as a source of high electric field exceeding the dielectric breakdown threshold, in turn exerting a force on the NV charge distribution and polar optical phonons. The electronic and phononic responses are enhanced by an order of magnitude for a low density of NV centers, which we attribute to a combination of cooperative polaronic effects and scattering by defects. First-principles calculations support the presence of dipolar Fröhlich interaction via non-zero Born effective charges. Our findings provide insights into the physics of color centers in diamonds. Polaronic behavior associated with the Jahn-Teller effect has been studied in NV centers in diamond but other types of polarons are possible. Here the authors study electro-optical response of NV centers using ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy and find an enhancement due to cooperative polaronic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preclinical studies suggest that simultaneous HER2/VEGF blockade may have cooperative effects in gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas. In a single-arm investigator initiated clinical trial for patients with untreated advanced HER2+ gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, bevacizumab was added to standard of care capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and trastuzumab in 36 patients (NCT01191697). Primary endpoint was objective response rate and secondary endpoints included safety, duration of response, progression free survival, and overall survival. The study met its primary endpoint with an objective response rate of 81% (95% CI 65–92%). Median progression free and overall survival were 14.0 (95% CI, 11.3–36.4) and 23.2 months (95% CI, 16.6–36.4), respectively. The median duration of response was 14.9 months. The regimen was well tolerated without unexpected or severe toxicities. In post-hoc ctDNA analysis, baseline ctDNA features were prognostic: Higher tumor fraction and alternative MAPK drivers portended worse outcomes. ctDNA at resistance identified oncogenic mutations and these were detectable 2–8 cycles prior to radiographic progression. Capecitabine, oxaliplatin, trastuzumab and bevacizumab shows robust clinical activity in HER2+ gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Combination of VEGF inhibitors with chemoimmunotherapy and anti-PD1 regimens is warranted. Preclinical studies indicate that simultaneous HER2 and VEGF blockade may be beneficial in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA). Here, the authors report the efficacy and biomarker analysis of a phase II clinical trial investigating the combination of bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) and standard-of-care CAPOX (capecitabine, oxaliplatin) and trastuzumab in previously untreated advanced HER2 + GEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Awe has been theorized as a kind of self‐transcendence emotion that has an important impact on individual social behavior. Based on the self‐transcendence of awe, this study examined how awe can increase small‐self and self‐other inclusion to facilitate cooperation among individuals across three studies (N = 1162). First, the relationship between awe, cooperative propensity, and the mediating role of small‐self and self‐other inclusion in the relationship was examined using questionnaires on trait levels (Study 1). Second, awe emotions were induced from the state level through behavioral experiments to verify the facilitative effect on cooperative behavior in multiple rounds of public goods dilemma (Study 2). Third, by adding the induction of negative awe to discuss the impact of different valence of awe on cooperative behavior, the mediating role of small‐self and self‐other inclusion was supported (Study 3). Results show that awe has a facilitative effect on cooperation, which provides strong evidence for the positive social function of self‐transcendent emotional awe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How did the complex structure of the telencephalon evolve? Existing explanations are based on phenomena and lack a first-principles account. The Darwinian dynamics and endogenous network theory—established decades ago—provides a mathematical and theoretical framework and a general constitutive structure for theory–experiment coupling for answering this question from a first-principles perspective. By revisiting a gene network that explains the anterior–posterior patterning of the vertebrate telencephalon, we found that upon increasing the cooperative effect within this network, fixed points gradually evolve, accompanied by the occurrence of two bifurcations. The dynamic behavior of this network is informed by the knowledge obtained from experiments on telencephalic evolution. Our work provides a quantitative explanation for how telencephalon anterior–posterior patterning evolved from the pre-vertebrate chordate to the vertebrate and provides a series of verifiable predictions from a first-principles perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An assisted liquid-phase plasma electrolysis is applied for synthesis of composite. • The synergy of CNFs, NiCo 2 O 4 and NiCo-LDH improves the electrochemical properties. • The specific capacitance of electrode can reach 1534.7 F/g at 1 A/g. • The ASC device has an energy density of 33.8 Wh/kg at 400 W/kg. • Deposition dynamics of NiCo 2 O 4 /NiCo-LDH/CNFs composites is explored. Nickel cobaltate/NiCo-layered double hydroxides (NiCo 2 O 4 /NiCo-LDH) as energy storage materials offer considerable potential for various applications. However, many of current methods for synthesizing NiCo 2 O 4 /NiCo-LDH suffer from long synthesis times, complex preparation process, and high temperatures and high pressures. In this study, we present a green, simple, and efficient approach known as assisted liquid-phase plasma electrolysis, which realizes the rapid fabrication of ultra-fine NiCo 2 O 4 /NiCo-LDH nanoparticle-decorated electrospun carbon nanofibers (NiCo 2 O 4 /NiCo-LDH/CNFs) composites. Ultra-fine NiCo 2 O 4 /NiCo-LDH nanoparticles (<70 nm) are uniformly deposited on the CNF surface. The CNFs are intertwined to form a highly conductive three-dimensional mesh structure, which synergizes the NiCo 2 O 4 /NiCo-LDH nanoparticles with a high specific capacitance in favor of ion/electron transport efficiency. In addition, the cooperative effect between the two phases of NiCo 2 O 4 and NiCo-LDH further improves the electrochemical properties. The NiCo 2 O 4 /NiCo-LDH/CNFs composites exhibit a high specific capacitance of 1534.7 F/g at 1 A/g and a capacitance retention of 93.9 % after 5000 cycles. An assembled asymmetric supercapacitor using activated carbon and NiCo 2 O 4 /NiCo-LDH/CNFs composites achieves an energy density of 33.8 Wh/kg at a power density of 400 W/kg and a capacitance retention of 93.0 % after 5000 cycles. Notably, two series-connected NiCo 2 O 4 /NiCo-LDH/CNFs ASC supercapacitors can light up an LED bulb, which maintains a certain brightness even after 50 min. Hence, this work provides a new and efficient route for synthesizing carbon-based NiCo 2 O 4 /NiCo-LDH composites for use as advanced energy storage materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) blends are widely used as engineering plastic alloys; however, they have a low fire safety level. To improve the flame-retardant property of PC/ABS, a zirconium-based metal-organic framework material (UiO-66) was synthesized with zirconium chloride and terephthalic acid and used as a flame-retardant cooperative agent. Its flame-retardant performance and mode of action in the PC/ABS blends were carefully investigated. The results showed that UiO-66 had good thermal stability and delayed the pyrolysis of the materials, thus significantly enhancing the efficiency of intumescent flame retardants. By compounding 7.0 wt% hexaphenyloxy-cyclotri-phosphazene (HPCTP) with 3.0 wt% UiO-66, the PC/ABS blends reached a limiting oxygen index value of 27.0% and V0 rating in the UL-94 test, showing significantly improved resistance to combustion dripping. In addition, UiO-66 enhanced the smoke and heat suppression characteristics of the intumescent flame-retardant materials. Finally, the flame-retardant mode of action in the blends was indicative of UiO-66 having a cooperative effect on the flame-retardant performance of PC/ABS/HPCTP materials. This work provides good ideas for further development of the flame-retardant ABS/PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The implementation of cultivated land quality protection is fundamental for ensuring the sustainable use of land resources, and it is the inevitable choice for maintaining the balance of agricultural ecology and promoting the long-term healthy development of agriculture. Methods: Based on survey data from 927 grain family farms in 13 major grain-producing areas in China, this paper empirically tests the effects of participation in cooperatives on the cultivated land quality protection behavior of grain family farms by using a logit model, an ordered probit model and the propensity score matching method. Results: The results show that participation in cooperatives has a significant positive effect on the implementation of cultivated land quality protection behavior and the degree of cultivated land quality protection of grain family farms. A series of robustness tests reveals that the conclusion of the study does not change. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the probability of implementing cultivated land quality protection behavior significantly increased, and the effect was greater for farms with the younger farmers, farmers of lower education level, farmers of non-party members, larger scale of operation, longer establishment years, larger labor force, or provincial demonstration. Discussion: On this basis, we should vigorously support and guide grain family farms to participate in cooperatives, give full play to the advantages of cooperatives, effectively encourage farms to implement cultivated land quality protection behavior, and promote sustainable agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conceptual understanding is one of the most difficult issues in teaching physics. This study investigated the effect of adopting cooperative learning and Internet reciprocal teaching (IRT) on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) literacy (physics) in secondary school by comparing the cooperative method with the IRT strategy and traditional method. A quasi-experimental research method was adopted. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. Participants were 60 physics students from 12th-grade secondary schools. In this study, two intact classes were involved: the experimental group consisting of 30 students taught with the cooperative technique and the IRT strategy and the control group comprising 30 students taught with the traditional method. After adjusting for word problem-solving pre-test scores for STEM literacy (physics), the two-way MANCOVA results indicate that the cooperative method with the IRT strategy has a significant effect at p <.05 level. Results show that employing the cooperative method, specifically the IRT strategy, significantly impacts students' attitudes toward learning STEM literacy, particularly in comprehending physics concepts and vocabulary for solving STEM-related word problems. This study holds relevance for policymakers, urging them to endorse the integration of the cooperative method with the IRT strategy within educational institutions. Furthermore, it underscores implications for teachers' instructional approaches within the classroom setting. Overall, this study suggests that using cooperative learning alongside IRT can effectively enhance students' STEM literacy (physics). By promoting collaboration, critical thinking and active engagement, this approach aids in preparing students for prospective careers in STEM fields and fosters a positive attitude toward learning STEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is a strong relationship between the content of beneficial fatty acids in milk and milk fat metabolic activity in the mammary gland. To improve milk quality, it is therefore necessary to study fatty acid metabolism in bovine mammary gland tissue. In adipose tissue, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), the core transcription factor, regulates the fatty acid metabolism gene network and determines fatty acid deposition. However, its regulatory effects on mammary gland fatty acid metabolism during lactation have rarely been reported. Methods: Transcriptome sequencing was performed during the prelactation period and the peak lactation period to examine mRNA expression. The significant upregulation of PPARG drew our attention and led us to conduct further research. Results: According to bioinformatics prediction, dual-luciferase reporter system detection, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, miR-130a and miR-130b could directly target PPARG and inhibit its expression. Furthermore, triglyceride and oil red O staining proved that miR-130a and miR-130b inhibited milk fat metabolism in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs), while PPARG promoted this metabolism. In addition, we also found that the coexpression of miR-130a and miR-130b significantly enhanced their ability to regulate milk fat metabolism. Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings indicated that miR-130a and miR-130b could target and repress PPARG and that they also have a functional superposition effect. miR-130a and miR-130b seem to synergistically regulate lipid catabolism via the control of PPARG in BMECs. In the long-term, these findings might be helpful in developing practical means to improve high-quality milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of farmer professional cooperatives in China, the prevalence of the "empty shell" phenomenon has posed a significant challenge to the health and sustainability of these cooperatives. Utilizing data from 1570 such cooperatives in Guizhou Province, China, this study uses the multi-time differential model and the spatial Durbin model to study the impact of demonstration cooperatives on the "empty shell" of cooperatives and the spatial spillover effect of demonstration cooperatives. The study results show the following: (1) Agricultural professional cooperatives are rated as national or provincial demonstration cooperatives, which are conducive to their development, and the policy evaluation of demonstration cooperatives can effectively inhibit the "empty shell" phenomenon of cooperatives. (2) National and provincial demonstration cooperatives can effectively inhibit the "empty shell" of cooperatives in the region. (3) When there are provincial demonstration cooperatives in the surrounding areas, there will be a spatial spillover effect and the empty shell of regional cooperatives will be inhibited. However, to restrain the "empty shell" of cooperatives, it is essential to capitalize on the spatial policy influence of "demonstration cooperatives" while being vigilant against potential spatial siphoning effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium hydroxide, as a green inorganic flame-retardancy additive, has been widely used in polymer flame retardancy. However, magnesium hydroxide is difficult to disperse with epoxy resin (EP), and its flame-retardancy performance is poor, so it is difficult to use in flame-retardant epoxy resin. In this study, an efficient magnesium hydroxide-based flame retardant (MH@PPAC) was prepared by surface modification of 2-(diphenyl phosphine) benzoic acid (PPAC) using a simple method. The effect of MH@PPAC on the flame-retardancy properties for epoxy resins was investigated, and the flame-retardancy mechanism was studied. The results show that 5 wt% MH@PPAC can increase the limiting oxygen index for EP from 24.1% to 38.9%, achieving a V-0 rating. At the same time, compared to EP, the peak heat release rate, peak smoke production rate, total smoke production rate, and peak CO generation rate for EP/5 wt% MH@PPAC composite material decreased by 53%, 45%, 51.85%, and 53.13% respectively. The cooperative effect for PPAC and MH promotes the formation of a continuous and dense char layer during the combustion process for the EP-blend material, significantly reducing the exchange for heat and combustible gases, and effectively hindering the combustion process. Additionally, the surface modification of PPAC enhances the dispersion of MH in the EP matrix, endowing EP with superior mechanical properties that meet practical application requirements, thereby expanding the application scope for flame-retardant EP-blend materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoluminescence (PL) mechanisms of nontraditional luminogens (NTLs) have attracted great interest, and they are generally explained with intra/intermolecular through‐space conjugation (TSC) of nonconventional chromophores. Here a new concept of nonaromatic through‐bond conjugation (TBC) is proposed and it is proved that it plays an important role in the PL of NTLs. The PL behaviors of the three respective isomers of cyclohexanedione and gemdimethyl‐1,3‐cyclohexanedione were studied and correlated with their chemical and aggregate structures. These compounds show different fluorescence emissions as well as different concentration, excitation and solvent‐dependent emissions. The compounds which undergo keto‐enol tautomerism and hence with a conjugated ketone‐enol structure (i.e., nonaromatic TBC) show more red‐shifted emissions. TBC effect reduces the energy gaps and facilitates the formation of stronger TSC in the aggregate state. The compounds in the ketone‐enol form are also prone to occur excited state intra/intermolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). The cooperative effect of nonaromatic TBC and TSC determines the PL behaviors of NTLs. This work provides a novel understanding of the PL mechanisms of NTLs and is of great importance for directing the design and synthesis of novel NTLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims at examining the effect of using cooperative learning strategies on learning simple present and present continuous by elementary Iraqi EFL learners. For this purpose, 60 Iraqi EFL students of the seventh grade (first grade of high school) from two intact classes were selected from among the female Iraqi high school students studying in Maysan, Iraq. They attended the pre-test of the target grammar points. Then, the treatment started and continued for 12 sessions. In the experimental group, first the teacher assigned the students into 6 groups including 4 to 6 members and asked them to do the grammar exercises cooperatively in groups while in the control group, the students did the exercises individually, on their own. The teacher of both groups was the same; so, she tried not to have any peer or group practice in the control group. The treatment lasted for about 3 months. Then, the same test of the target grammar points was administered as the post-pest and the participants’ performance on the pre-test and post-test was compared in order to see which group performed better after the treatment. The results indicated the outperformance of the experimental group who used cooperative techniques for learning simple present and present continuous over the control group. Findings recommend that Iraqi English language teachers and material designers can make use of communicative tasks and activities like cooperative learning techniques in their classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lung cancer (LC) is the most common solid tumor and is currently considered the primary cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In clinical efficacy studies, it was not difficult to find that the combination of SFI and chemotherapy could improve the general condition of patients, reduce the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, and have a cooperative antitumor effect in NSCLC patients. However, whether SFI can be used as a novel antitumor drug is still unknown. Methods: First, meta-analysis aimed to explore the efficacy of SFI in NSCLC patients, and SFI was identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (UPLC‒MS). Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were explored by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), scratch healing, and Transwell assays, respectively. Cell cycle and apoptosis assays were performed by flow cytometry. Transcriptome sequencing analysis was performed in four NSCLC cell lines. Differential expression analysis was used to identify potential targets. Apoptosis-related protein levels were detected by Western blotting assays. The effects of SFI in NSCLC were further investigated by mouse xenografts. Results: SFI could markedly improve the chemotherapy efficacy of NSCLC patients. The main active ingredients include flavonoids and terpenoids, which can effectively exert antitumor effects. SFI could not only inhibit tumor cell proliferation and cell migration/invasion but also regulate the cell cycle and promote tumor cell apoptosis. In NSCLC, SFI could enhance the transcription level of the CHOP gene, thereby upregulating the expression of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and caspase 3, and inhibiting the expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. SFI hindered the growth of mouse NSCLC xenografts in vivo. Conclusions: SFI hindered tumor progression and might promote apoptosis by increasing the expression of Bax, caspase 3 and decreasing the level of Bcl-2 in NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel low-temperature sodium ion battery is assembled by designing an engineered antifreezing and flexible hydrogel, paired with a new couple of Na 3 MnTi(PO 4) 3 cathode and iron-incorporated sodium titanate anode. [Display omitted] • A novel low-temperature quasi-solid-state sodium ion battery is developed. • The engineered hydrogel electrolyte exhibits superior low-temperature ionic conductivity (2.5 mS cm−1 at −40 °C). • The addition of ethylene glycol to the electrolyte alleviates hydrogen evolution and increases the anode capacity. Aqueous sodium-ion batteries (ASIBs) have garnered considerable attention for large-scale energy storage because of inherent safety and the Na abundance. Nonetheless, the solidification of aqueous electrolytes under sub-zero conditions results in diminished ionic conductivity and increased viscosity, hindering the electrochemical performance and versatility of ASIBs. Herein, we introduce a novel freeze-tolerant ASIB using antifreezing ethylene glycol-polyacrylamide-sodium perchlorate hydrogel electrolyte, paired with new couple of Na 3 MnTi(PO 4) 3 cathode and Fe-based anode. The addition of ethylene glycol in the electrolyte enhances ionic conductivity at cold temperatures and optimizes electrode capacity by reduced hydrogen bonding within the water molecules and a decline in free water activity. The pronounced interaction between ethylene glycol and water, combined with the cooperative effect of the crosslinked polyacrylamide network, enables the hydrogel electrolyte to effectively suppress water solidification and maintain better water-retaining capability, achieving remarkable mechanical extensibility and good ionic conductivity (2.5 mS cm−1) at − 40 °C. Consequently, the ASIB equipped with hydrogel electrolyte delivers high energy density of 43.6 Wh kg−1 and retains 64 % at − 30 °C. Furthermore, the flexible ASIB demonstrates robust mechanical durability when bent or compressed, efficiently powering electronic devices even at − 30 °C. Our findings will pave the way for advancing low-temperature ASIBs with hydrogel-based electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As the most common aggressive primary brain tumor, glioblastoma is inevitably a recurrent malignancy whose patients' prognosis is poor. miR-143 and miR-145, as tumor suppressor miRNAs, are downregulated through tumorigenesis of multiple human cancers, including glioblastoma. These two miRNAs regulate numerous cellular processes, such as proliferation and migration. This research was intended to explore the simultaneous replacement effect of miR-143, and miR-145 on in vitro tumorgenicity of U87 glioblastoma cells. Methods: U87 cells were cultured, and transfected with miR-143-5p and miR-145-5p. Afterward, the changes in cell viability, and apoptosis induction were determined by MTT assay and Annexin V/PI staining. The accumulation of cells at the cell cycle phases was assessed using the flow cytometry. Wound healing and colony formation assays were performed to study cell migration. qRT-PCR and western blot techniques were utilized to quantify gene expression levels. Results: Our results showed that miR-143-5p and 145-5p exogenous upregulation cooperatively diminished cell viability, and enhanced U-87 cell apoptosis by modulating Caspase-3/8/9, Bax, and Bcl-2 protein expression. The combination therapy increased accumulation of cells at the sub-G1 phase by modulating CDK1, Cyclin D1, and P53 protein expression. miR-143/145-5p significantly decreased cell migration, and reduced colony formation ability by the downregulation of c-Myc and CD44 gene expression. Furthermore, the results showed the combination therapy of these miRNAs could remarkably downregulate phosphorylated-AKT expression levels. Conclusion: In conclusion, miR-143 and miR-145 were indicated to show cooperative anti-cancer effects on glioblastoma cells via modulating AKT signaling as a new therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates possessing physiological characteristics suitable for use as probiotics in yogurt fermentation. Following acid and bile salt tolerance tests, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (NUC08 and NUC101), Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (NUC55 and NUC201), and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (NUC159, NUC216, and NUC351) were shortlisted based on intraspecies distribution for further evaluation. Their physiological probiotic properties, including transit tolerance, adhesion, autoaggregation, surface hydrophobicity, biofilm formation, and antibacterial activity, were assessed. Principal component analysis indicated that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NUC08 was the preferred choice among the evaluated strains. Subsequent investigations revealed that co-culturing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NUC08 with 2 yogurt starter strains resulted in a cooperative and synergistic effect, enhancing the growth of mixed strains and increasing their tolerance to simulated gastric and intestinal conditions. Additionally, when Vibrio harveyi bioluminescent reporter strain was used, the 3 cocultured strains cooperated to induce the activity of a quorum sensing (QS) molecule autoinducer-2 (AI-2), hinting a potential connection between phenotypic traits and QS in the cocultured strains. Importantly, LAB viable counts were significantly higher in yogurt co-fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NUC08, consistently throughout the storage period. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NUC08 can be employed in synergy with yogurt starter strains, affirming its potential for use in the development of functional fermented dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To facilitate the transition of quantum effects from the controlled laboratory environment to practical real-world applications, there is a pressing need for scalable platforms. One promising strategy involves integrating thermal vapors with nanostructures designed to manipulate atomic interactions. In this tutorial, we aim to gain deeper insights into this by examining the behavior of thermal vapors that are confined within nanocavities or waveguides and exposed to near-resonant light. We explore the interactions between atoms in confined dense thermal vapors. Our investigation reveals deviations from the predictions of continuous electrodynamics models, including density-dependent line shifts and broadening effects. In particular, our results demonstrate that by carefully controlling the saturation of single atoms and the interactions among multiple atoms using nanostructures, along with controlling the geometry of the atomic cloud, it becomes possible to manipulate the effective optical nonlinearity of the entire atomic ensemble. This capability renders the hybrid thermal atom-nanophotonic platform a distinctive and valuable one for manipulating the collective effect and achieving substantial optical nonlinearities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hotspot mutations in the promoter of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene are the most common genetic variants in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and associated with poor prognosis of the disease. However, no drug was currently approved for treating TERT promoter mutation positive HCC patients. Here, we aim to explore the potential therapeutic strategy for targeting TERT promoter mutation in HCC. Methods: The Liver Cancer Model Repository database was used for screening potential drugs to selectively suppress the growth of TERT promoter mutant HCC cells. RNA‐seq, CRISPR‐Cas9 technology and siRNA transfection were performed for mechanistic studies. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK8) assay and the xenograft tumour models were used for cell growth detection in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were analysed by Annexin V‐FITC staining and/or propidium iodide staining. Results: PLK1 inhibitors were remarkably more sensitive to HCC cells harbouring TERT promoter mutation than wild‐type cells in vitro and in vivo, which were diminished after TERT promoter mutation was edited to the wild‐type nucleotide. Comparing the HCC cells with wild‐type promoter of TERT, PLK1 inhibitors specifically downregulated Smad3 to regulate TERT for inducing apoptosis and G2/M arrest in TERT mutant HCC cells. Moreover, knockout of Smad3 counteracted the effects of PLK1 inhibitors in TERT mutant HCC cells. Finally, a cooperative effect of PLK1 and Smad3 inhibition was observed in TERT mutant cells. Conclusions: PLK1 inhibition selectively suppressed the growth of TERT mutant HCC cells through Smad3, thus contributed to discover a novel therapeutic strategy to treat HCC patients harbouring TERT promoter mutations. Key points: TERT promoter mutation confers sensitivity to PLK1 inhibitors in HCC.The selective growth inhibition of TERT mutant HCC cells induced by PLK1 inhibitor was mediated by Smad3.Combined inhibition of PLK1 and Smad3 showed a cooperative anti‐tumor effect in TERT mutant HCC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the development of eco-industries plays a significant role in achieving the harmonious symbiosis between economic growth and environmental protection as well as enhancing the comprehensive effectiveness of ecological and economic benefits. Due to their unique nature, cooperatives may play a crucial role in facilitating the integration between farmers and the development of eco-industries. To investigate whether cooperatives possess the capacity to enhance the income-generating effects for farmers involved in eco-industries, this study selected the Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve (CINNR), a representative area for eco-industry development, as the research site. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews, and this research empirically analyzed the impact of cooperatives on the income-generating effect of farmers using endogenous switching regression (ESR). The findings are threefold. First, cooperatives indeed enhance the income-generating effects for farmers engaged in eco-industries. Second, variables such as the distribution of agroforestry materials, premium capacity, soil quality, and status of village cadres have a positive impact on farmers joining cooperatives, whereas punishment initiatives discourage their participation. Third, for farmers who have joined cooperatives, factors such as the distribution of agroforestry materials, premium capacity, low-cost conservation initiatives, land area, status of village cadres, the proportion of labor force, technical training, soil quality, and land area positively affect their income from eco-industries. Conversely, punishment initiatives, age, and land location negatively impact their income. The results of this study provide new ideas for farmers to participate in the development of eco-industries, new evidence showing co-operatives can improve farmers' income, and new directions for coordinating conflicts between conservation and development in protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ADP-ribosylation factors (Arfs) constitute a family of small GTPases within the Ras superfamily, with a distinguishing structural feature of a hypervariable N-terminal extension of the G domain modified with myristate. Arf proteins, including Arf1, have roles in membrane trafficking and cytoskeletal dynamics. While screening for Arf1:small molecule co-crystals, we serendipitously solved the crystal structure of the non-myristoylated engineered mutation [L8K]Arf1 in complex with a GDP analogue. Like wild-type (WT) non-myristoylated Arf1•GDP, we observed that [L8K]Arf1 exhibited an N-terminal helix that occludes the hydrophobic cavity that is occupied by the myristoyl group in the GDP-bound state of the native protein. However, the helices were offset from one another due to the L8K mutation, with a significant change in position of the hinge region connecting the N-terminus to the G domain. Hypothesizing that the observed effects on behavior of the N-terminus affects interaction with regulatory proteins, we mutated two hydrophobic residues to examine the role of the N-terminal extension for interaction with guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase Activating Proteins (GAPs. Different than previous studies, all mutations were examined in the context of myristoylated Arf. Mutations had little or no effect on spontaneous or GEF-catalyzed guanine nucleotide exchange but did affect interaction with GAPs. [F13A]myrArf1 was less than 1/2500, 1/1500, and 1/200 efficient as substrate for the GAPs ASAP1, ARAP1 and AGAP1; however, [L8A/F13A]myrArf1 was similar to WT myrArf1. Using molecular dynamics simulations, the effect of the mutations on forming alpha helices adjacent to a membrane surface was examined, yet no differences were detected. The results indicate that lipid modifications of GTPases and consequent anchoring to a membrane influences protein function beyond simple membrane localization. Hypothetical mechanisms are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a study of salicylic acid and its hydrates, with up to four water molecules, done by employing chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. We employed the spectral data set of the parent, 13C, and 2H isotopologues to determine the molecular structure and characterize the intra- and intermolecular interactions of salicylic acid and its monohydrate. Complementary theoretical calculations were done to support the analysis of the experimental results. For the monomer, we analyzed structural properties, such as the angular-group-induced bond alternation (AGIBA) effect. In the microsolvates, we analyzed their main structural features dominated by the interaction of water with the carboxylic acid group. This work contributes to seeding information on how water molecules accumulate around this group. Moreover, we discussed the role of cooperative effects further stabilizing the observed inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bond interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reveal the characteristics of the competition and cooperation of multi-modal public transportation in the cities of cold areas and to study the competitive relationship of multi-modal public transportation in cold areas, the urban public transportation system in cold areas is divided into three sub-systems, namely, conventional buses, urban mass transit, and cabs, to analyze the competitive relationship and evolution mechanism of multi-modal public transportation in cities of cold areas. We construct a multi-modal public transit Lotka–Volterra competitiveness model, considering that conventional buses and urban mass transit are mainly dominant in urban public transit systems in cold regions, and introduce the competitive influence effect coefficients and cooperative influence effect coefficients to analyze the mechanism of the evolution of the competitiveness between conventional buses and urban mass transit. The data on traffic supply and demand and travel of the Harbin bus system, a typical city in China, are collected, and the simulation analysis of multi-modal competing relationship and evolution mechanism of conventional bus and urban mass transit competition is carried out, respectively, with Harbin as the research object. The results show that the constructed model can better describe the multi-modal bus competition relationship and evolution mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal sulfides in waste rocks and tailings are susceptible to serious soil and water contamination due to the generation of acid mine drainage (AMD) during stockpiling. The hydrometallurgical process is one of the most essential heavy metal remediation technologies through harmless disposal and resource utilization of the waste sulfides. However, atmospheric hydrometallurgy of sulfides still faces great challenges due to low leaching efficiency and high cost. In this work, we proposed a cooperative leaching system (Fe2(SO4)3-O3) and investigated the oxidative dissolution process of sphalerite (ZnS). Under the optimal conditions, the extracted zinc reached 97.8%. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) (·OH, 1O2 and ·O2−) were identified in the radical quenching experiments. The dissolution of sphalerite did not show passivation due to the ozone's capability to oxidize the sulfur in sphalerite to sulfate. In addition, stirring rate, O3 inlet concentration, and Fe2(SO4)3 concentration had a significant effect on the dissolution of sphalerite. Meanwhile, the apparent activation energy was 24.11 kJ/mol based on kinetic fitting, which indicated that the controlling step of the reaction was mainly a diffusion process. This work demonstrated the cooperative effect of sphalerite leaching in the O3-Fe2(SO4)3 system and provided a theoretical reference for efficient and atmospheric dissolution of sphalerite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Faujasite zeolite (FAU) was used as support for photoactive ZnO particles, which were prepared by in situ assembly to zeolite as photocatalyst to degrade emerging organic pollutants like pharmaceuticals in water bodies. Physicochemical characterization techniques such as PXRD, FTIR, solid-state NMR, N2 adsorption-desorption, SEM, and DRS-UV revealed good compatibility between the inorganic components, resulting in intriguing surface properties for chemical reactions. This material efficiently degraded the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, showing a significant removal rate of 92% within 90 min under UV light due to a cooperative effect between FAU and ZnO. The photocatalytic process followed a direct mechanism, where h+ plays a crucial role in oxidizing the drug molecules adsorbed on the catalyst surface. In addition to pharmaceuticals, the ZnO@FAU composite was also employed in the photodecolorization of Indigo Carmine and Rhodamine B dyes, revealing a removal of 100% and 99%, respectively. These results showcase this composite's versatility in tackling different pollutants, positioning it as a promising material for water remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a detailed scattering analysis of a hollow-core plasmonic-shell cylindrical wire to design an efficient, compact, narrowband, and reconfigurable optical absorber. The shell is formed by a thin graphene material, investigated in its epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) plasmonic region. Compared to the graphene plasmonic resonances in the terahertz(THz)/far-infrared (FIR) frequencies, the ENZ plasmonic resonances offer a blue shift in the operating frequency of the second-order plasmonic resonances by increasing the geometrical dimensions. This feature is successfully used to design efficient optical wave absorbers with absorption cross-sections much larger than geometrical and scattering cross-sections. The observed blue shift in the resonance spectrum, which is the key point of the design, is further verified by defining each particle with its polarizability and fulfilling the resonant scattering condition in the framework of Mie's theory. Furthermore, graphene relaxation time and chemical potential can be used to manipulate the absorption rate. Observed resonances have narrow widths, achieved with simple geometry. To consider more practical scenarios, the one-dimensional arrangement of the cylindrical elements as a dense and sparse array is also considered and the design key point regarding graphene quality is revealed. The quality factor of the sparse array resonance is 2272.8 and it demands high-quality graphene material in design. It is also observed that due to the use of small particles in the design, the near-field and cooperative effects are not visible in the absorption cross-section of the array and a clear single peak is attained. This polarization-insensitive absorber can tolerate a wide range of incident angles with an absorption rate above 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharide-based membranes with excellent mechanical properties are highly desired. However, severe mechanical deterioration under wet conditions limits their biomedical applications. Here, inspired by the structural heterogeneity of strong yet hydrated biological materials, we propose a strategy based on heterogeneous crosslink-and-hydration (HCH) of a molecule/nano dual-scale network to fabricate polysaccharide-based nanocomposites with robust wet mechanical properties. The heterogeneity lies in that the crosslink-and-hydration occurs in the molecule-network while the stress-bearing nanofiber-network remains unaffected. As one demonstration, a membrane assembled by bacterial cellulose nanofiber-network and Ca2+-crosslinked and hydrated sodium alginate molecule-network is designed. Studies show that the crosslinked-and-hydrated molecule-network restricts water invasion and boosts stress transfer of the nanofiber-network by serving as interfibrous bridge. Overall, the molecule-network makes the membrane hydrated and flexible; the nanofiber-network as stress-bearing component provides strength and toughness. The HCH dual-scale network featuring a cooperative effect stimulates the design of advanced biomaterials applied under wet conditions such as guided bone regeneration membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) plays an important role in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) via the nicotinamide (NAM) salvage pathway. While the structural biochemistry of eukaryote NAMPT has been well studied, the catalysis mechanism of prokaryote NAMPT at the molecular level remains largely unclear. Here, we demonstrated the NAMPT-mediated salvage pathway is functional in the Gram-negative phytopathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) for the synthesis of NAD+, and the enzyme activity of NAMPT in this bacterium is significantly higher than that of human NAMPT in vitro. Our structural analyses of Xcc NAMPT, both in isolation and in complex with either the substrate NAM or the product nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), uncovered significant details of substrate recognition. Specifically, we revealed the presence of a NAM binding tunnel that connects the active site, and this tunnel is essential for both catalysis and inhibitor binding. We further demonstrated that NAM binding in the tunnel has a positive cooperative effect with NAM binding in the catalytic site. Additionally, we discovered that phosphorylation of the His residue at position 229 enhances the substrate binding affinity of Xcc NAMPT and is important for its catalytic activity. This work reveals the importance of NAMPT in bacterial NAD+ synthesis and provides insights into the substrate recognition and the catalytic mechanism of bacterial type II phosphoribosyltransferases. The crystal structure of a bacterial NAMPT with high enzymatic activity reveals a novel NAM-binding tunnel, which is essential for both catalysis and inhibitor binding. The binding of NAM in the tunnel positively cooperates with the catalytic site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal degradation is a leading cause of automotive catalyst deactivation. Because high-entropy oxides are uniquely stabilized at high temperatures via an increase in configurational entropy, these materials may offer new mechanisms for preventing the thermal deactivation of precious metal catalysts. In this work, we evaluated platinum loaded on simple and high-entropy aluminate spinels (MAl2O4, where M = Co, Cu, Mg, Ni, or mixtures thereof) in carbon monoxide oxidation before and after aging at 800 °C. Pt supported on all simple spinels showed significant deactivation after thermal aging compared to the fresh samples, with T90 increasing by at least 60 °C. However, Pt on high-entropy spinels had nearly the same or better activity after aging, with T90 increasing by only 6 °C at most. During aging and reduction, copper exsolved from the spinel supports and alloyed with platinum. This interaction promoted low temperature oxidation activity, presumably through weakened CO binding, but did not prevent deactivation. On the other hand, Co, Mg, and Ni constituents promoted stronger CO bonding, as evidenced by apparent negative order kinetics and poor activity at low temperatures. High-entropy spinels, containing a variety of active metals, displayed synergetic reactant adsorption capacity and cooperative effects with supported platinum particles, which collectively prevented thermal deactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic oxidative stress has been consistently linked to age-related diseases, conditions, and degenerative syndromes. Specifically, the brain is the organ that significantly contributes to declining quality of life in ageing. Since the body cannot completely counteract the detrimental effects of oxidative stress, nutraceuticals' antioxidant properties have received significant attention in recent years. This study assesses the potential health benefits of a novel combination of glutathione, vitamin D3, and N-acetylcysteine. To examine the combination's absorption and biodistribution and confirm that it has no harmful effects, the bioavailability of the mixture was first evaluated in a 3D model that mimicked the intestinal barrier. Further analyses on the blood–brain barrier was conducted to determine the antioxidant effects of the combination in the nervous system. The results show that the combination reaches the target and successfully crosses the blood–brain and intestinal barriers, demonstrating enhanced advantages on the neurological system, such as a reduction (about 10.5%) in inflammation and enhancement in cell myelination (about 20.4%) and brain tropism (about 18.1%) compared to the control. The results support the cooperative effect of N-acetylcysteine, vitamin D3, and glutathione to achieve multiple health benefits, outlining the possibility of an alternative nutraceutical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volume and stability of wine foams are influenced by many components of the matrix, especially proteins. However, the synergistic or inhibiting effects among these protein fractions, as well as their interactions with other wine components, are still under study. The present research aims to understand the individual and cooperative effects of different wine proteins and glycoproteins on the volume and stability of foams. To address this objective, different protein fractions were purified from a Chardonnay white wine and tested in different model wine conditions (with/without ethanol), along with a commercial yeast-based oenological additive. Different fractions were considered, including total protein fraction (FT), Mannoproteins (MP), and non-mannosylated proteins (NMP), as well as a protein fraction soluble in ammonium sulfate (FSA). These protein fractions were characterized, and their foaming properties were evaluated using a modified Rudin apparatus. The results showed that FT exhibited higher foam expansion (FE%) compared to its subfractions (NMP and MP) that, when tested individually, did not guarantee optimal foam formation. This suggests that foaming properties are enhanced when both glycosylated and non-glycosylated proteins are present in the system. Additionally, the foaming behavior was influenced by the presence of ethanol in the model wine. The FSA fraction demonstrated high foam expansion and stability, with ethanol enhancing foam expansion but reducing stability. A commercial yeast-based oenological additive, mainly containing glycoproteins, was also tested and behaved similarly to MP. This study provides valuable insights for sparkling wine producers to optimize practices for enhancing product quality and confirm previous research regarding the role of the synergy between MP and NMP in wine foam formation and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, the production of inclusion bodies that retain substantial catalytic activity was demonstrated. These catalytically active inclusion bodies (CatIBs) are formed by genetic fusion of an aggregation-inducing tag to a gene of interest via short linker polypeptides. The resulting CatIBs are known for their easy and cost-efficient production, recyclability as well as their improved stability. Recent studies have outlined the cooperative effects of linker and aggregation-inducing tag on CatIB activities. However, no a priori prediction is possible so far to indicate the best combination thereof. Consequently, extensive screening is required to find the best performing CatIB variant. Results: In this work, a semi-automated cloning workflow was implemented and used for fast generation of 63 CatIB variants with glucose dehydrogenase of Bacillus subtilis (BsGDH). Furthermore, the variant BsGDH-PT-CBDCell was used to develop, optimize and validate an automated CatIB screening workflow, enhancing the analysis of many CatIB candidates in parallel. Compared to previous studies with CatIBs, important optimization steps include the exclusion of plate position effects in the BioLector by changing the cultivation temperature. For the overall workflow including strain construction, the manual workload could be reduced from 59 to 7 h for 48 variants (88%). After demonstration of high reproducibility with 1.9% relative standard deviation across 42 biological replicates, the workflow was performed in combination with a Bayesian process model and Thompson sampling. While the process model is crucial to derive key performance indicators of CatIBs, Thompson sampling serves as a strategy to balance exploitation and exploration in screening procedures. Our methodology allowed analysis of 63 BsGDH-CatIB variants within only three batch experiments. Because of the high likelihood of TDoT-PT-BsGDH being the best CatIB performer, it was selected in 50 biological replicates during the three screening rounds, much more than other, low-performing variants. Conclusions: At the current state of knowledge, every new enzyme requires screening for different linker/aggregation-inducing tag combinations. For this purpose, the presented CatIB toolbox facilitates fast and simplified construction and screening procedures. The methodology thus assists in finding the best CatIB producer from large libraries in short time, rendering possible automated Design-Build-Test-Learn cycles to generate structure/function learnings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examines the cooperative effect between Zr doping and oxygen vacancy engineering in anodized TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) for enhanced oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs). Zr dopant and annealing conditions significantly affected the electrocatalytic characteristics of grown TNTs. Zr doping results in Zr4+ substituted for Ti4+ species, which indirectly creates oxygen vacancy donors that enhance charge transfer kinetics and reduce carrier recombination in TNT bulk. Moreover, oxygen vacancies promote the creation of unsaturated Ti3+(Zr3+) sites at the surface, which also boosts the ORR interfacial process. Annealing at reductive atmospheres (e.g., H2, vacuum) resulted in a larger increase in oxygen vacancies, which greatly enhanced the ORR activity. In comparison to bare TNTs, Zr doping and vacuum treatment (Zr:TNT–Vac) significantly improved the conductivity and activity of ORRs in alkaline media. The finding also provides selective hydrogen peroxide production by the electrochemical reduction of oxygen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D3 is synthesised in skin cells in the body. Vitamin D3 has been known as a bone-related hormone. Recently, however, it has been considered as an immune vitamin. Vitamin D3 deficiency influences the onset of a variety of diseases. Vitamin D3 regulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) through binding to vitamin D receptors (VDRs) in immune cells. Since blood levels of vitamin D3 (25-OH-D3) were low in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, there has been growing interest in the importance of vitamin D3 to maintaining a healthy condition. On the other hand, phytochemicals are compounds derived from plants with over 7000 varieties and have various biological activities. They mainly have health-promoting effects and are classified as terpenoids, carotenoids, flavonoids, etc. Flavonoids are known as the anti-inflammatory compounds that control TNF-α production. Chronic inflammation is induced by the continuous production of TNF-α and is the fundamental cause of diseases like obesity, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, heart and brain diseases, autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. In addition, the ageing process is induced by chronic inflammation. This review explains the cooperative effects of vitamin D3 and phytochemicals in the suppression of inflammatory responses, how it balances the natural immune response, and its link to anti-ageing effects. In addition, vitamin D3 and phytochemicals synergistically contribute to anti-ageing by working with ageing-related genes. Furthermore, prevention of ageing processes induced by the chronic inflammation requires the maintenance of healthy gut microbiota, which is related to daily dietary habits. In this regard, supplementation of vitamin D3 and phytochemicals plays an important role. Recently, the association of the prevention of the non-disease condition called "ME-BYO" with the maintenance of a healthy condition has been an attractive regimen, and the anti-ageing effect discussed here is important for a healthy and long life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combination antiviral therapy may be helpful in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, no clinical trial data are available, and combined use of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) and monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has been reported only anecdotally. To assess the cooperative effects of dual drug combinations in vitro, we used a VERO E6 cell-based in vitro system with the ancestral B.1 or the highly divergent BQ.1.1 virus to test pairwise combinations of the licensed DAA, including nirmatrelvir (NRM), remdesivir (RDV) and the active metabolite of molnupiravir (EIDD-1931) as well the combination of RDV with four licensed mAbs (sotrovimab, bebtelovimab, cilgavimab, tixagevimab; tested only with the susceptible B.1 virus). According to SynergyFinder 3.0 summary and weighted scores, all the combinations had an additive effect. Within DAA/DAA combinations, paired scores with the B.1 and BQ.1.1 variants were comparable. In the post hoc analysis weighting synergy by concentrations, several cases of highly synergistic scores were detected at specific drug concentrations, both for DAA/DAA and for RDV/mAb combinations. This was supported by in vitro confirmation experiments showing a more than a linear shift of a drug-effective concentration (IC50) at increasing concentrations of the companion drug, although the effect was prominent with DAA/DAA combinations and minimal or null with RDV/mAb combinations. These results support the cooperative effects of dual drug combinations in vitro, which should be further investigated in animal models before introduction into the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]