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Producing polyester monomer 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from biomass as an alternative to fossil‐derived terephthalic acid has drawn much attention from both academy and industry. In this work, an efficient FDCA synthesis was proposed from 10.6 wt % 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF) in acetic acid using a combined catalytic system of Co/Mn acetate and N‐hydroxyimides. The intermediate product of 5‐formyl‐2‐furandicarboxylic acid (FFCA) possesses the least reactive formyl group. N‐hydroxysuccinimide was found to be superior to N‐hydroxyphthalimide in catalyzing the oxidation of the formyl group in FFCA intermediate, affording a near 95 % yield of FDCA under mild conditions of 100 °C. Trace maleic anhydride was detected as by‐product, which mainly came from the oxidative cleavage of DFF via furfural, furoic acid and 5‐acetoxyl‐2(5H)‐furanone as intermediates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the peak bone mass, bone mass loss, and osteoporosis incidence by the measurement of bone mineral density of the lumbar vertebrae using QCT, and to provide the evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods Two hundred and twenty-two cases of lumbar bone mineral density measurement using QCT in the hospital were collected. There were 97 males, aging from 30 to 87 years old and 63.3 years in average, and 125 females, aging from 23 to 87 years old and 63.1 years in average. According to the WHO new age segmentation method, they were divided into 3 groups: young group (<44 years), middle-aged group (from 45 to 59 years old), elder group (above 60 years old). The data were processed using a SPSS19.0 software. The measurement data were presented as ... ± s.s They were analyzed using partial autocorrelations, linear regression, independent samples T test, and multi factor analysis of variance test. P<0.05 indicated that there was a significant difference. Counting data were analyzed using chi square test. Results The peak bone mass appeared in young group and it was higher in females than in males. Bone mass loss occurred from middle age, and it was more obvious in elderly women than in men (P<0.05). The incidence of osteoporosis was higher in females than in men. Conclusion The bone mineral density measurement of the lumbar vertebrae using QCT is precise, simple, fast, and is of wide clinical application value. It plays an important role in observation of human bone mass, diagnosis and prevention of osteoporosis; and prediction of osteoporotic fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the incidence of different occupations variation in BMD and osteoporosis. Methods Finishing in the hospital to do bone density examination population, by occupational characteristics of occupational classification, each age group aged one. Multivariate analysis of variance of the four occupations mean of BMD of different age groups were compared using the chi-square test to compare the differences in each group the prevalence of osteoporosis. Results The results of four different professional men and women between the peak bone mineral density in volume of 30 to 39 years, and the highest iron workers, peasants minimum, civil servants and medical staff center. The incidence of osteoporosis were significantly different, iron workers, minimum, maximum farmers, civil servants and medical staff center; males; 32% of the farmers, 9% of civil servants, medical staff by 8%, iron miners 1%; women; 19% of farmers, civil servants 8%, 5% of the medical staff, iron workers 1% (P < 0. 01). Conclusion Iron workers lowest incidence of osteoporosis, highest farmer, civil servants and medical staff center. Osteoporosis and career related, but mainly affected by environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The σ-σ* transition of C-C bond in CnF2n+2 molecules was studied by deep UV resonance Raman spectroscopy. With the C-C σ bond selectively excited by the deep UV laser at 177.3 nm, the resonance Raman spectra of CnF2n+2 molecules were obtained on our home-assembled deep UV Raman spectrograph. The Raman bands at 1299, 1380 and 2586 cm−1 due to the C-C skeletal stretching modes are evidently enhanced owing to the resonance Raman effect. Based on the resonance Raman spectra and theoretical calculation results, it is proposed that the electronic geometry of CnF2n+2 molecules at the σσ* excited state is displaced along the directions perpendicular and parallel to the C-C skeleton, and the excited C-C bond is not dissociative due to the delocalization of the excited electron in σ* orbital. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen-doped carbon coatings were deposited by ion-irradiation-assisted growth using an electron cyclotron resonance plasma processing system, and the effects of the O 2 content on the coating's structure and tribological behavior were studied. During the coating deposition, O+, O 2 +, and Ar+ ions in the oxygen plasma were attracted to irradiate the growing coating surface, realizing oxygen plasma during-etching. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization showed that the O 2 addition incorporated some oxygen atoms into the carbon coating, and the sp 3/ sp 2 ratio of the entire coating increased. Such structural changes made the carbon coating present higher nanoscratch resistance and longer wear life that increased from 990 cycles to more than 5000 cycles. Finally, the reason why the oxygen doping can induce the sp 3/ sp 2 ratio to increase was suggested to be ion-irradiation-induced chemical recombination energy release, which could only occur when the O 2 introduction reduced the atom displacement threshold energy. • Oxygen-doped carbon coatings were deposited by ion-irradiation-assisted growth. • Plasma during-etching was realized by attracting O+, O 2 +, and Ar+ ions to irradiate the growing coating. • After doping, the wear life increased due to the increase in sp 3/ sp 2 of the entire coating. • The increase in sp 3/ sp 2 was caused by ion-irradiation-induced chemical recombination energy release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy resins serve as useful material in anti-corrosion coatings. However, the development of microcracks during the processing or service life of a coating is an inevitable occurrence that markedly degrades its performance and shortens its lifespan. The incorporation of self-healing materials can prolong the coatings' lifespan and enhance the reliability of corrosion prevention processes. In this study, a microencapsulation method via integrating electrospraying and interfacial polymerization (ES-IP) was adopted to synthesize the microcapsules containing 4,4'-bis-methylene cyclohexane diisocyanate (HMDI) successfully. The self-healing capability of these microcapsules within the anti-corrosion coating was successfully validated. The prepared HMDI microcapsules (HMDI-MCs) demonstrate excellent dispersibility, tunable characteristics, and a high core material content of 93 wt%. Self-healing anti-corrosion coatings containing HMDI-MCs were prepared and underwent accelerated corrosion testing in sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. The result showed that HMDI is capable of leaking from microcapsules and undergoing solidification, thus forming a barrier to metal steel from corrosion hazards by endowing the coatings with effective self-healing abilities. This paper expands the application of the ES-IP technique in microencapsulation and suggests that HMDI-MCs have significant potential in self-healing anti-corrosion coating. [Display omitted] • HMDI microcapsule was successfully synthesized by ES-IP encapsulation technique. • HMDI microcapsule with core content of up to 93 % has a comprehensive quality. • Coating with HMDI microcapsules owns excellent self-healing anticorrosion property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Fuzhuan brick tea (FBT), a post‐fermented tea, has been demonstrated to have an antidiabetic effect. However, evidence of its hypoglycemic effect via gut microbiota and intestinal metabolites has been limited. This work aimed to reveal the potential mechanism of FBT against type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice by regulating gut flora and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Thus, we established a T2DM mice model induced by streptozotocin and a high‐fat diet, and the 16S rDNA gene sequencing analysed gut microbiota changes, while GC/MS detected SCFAs levels in colonic contents. As a result, after being treated with FBT, the biochemical index of mice revealed significant improvement and the levels of colonic SCFAs were enhanced. Through correlation analysis, the key gut microbiota for the hypoglycemic effect of FBT were identified including Cyanobacteria, Alloprevotella, Erysipelatoclostridium, etc. Additionally, the antidiabetic actions of FBT were mediated by the SCFAs‐GPR41/43‐GLP‐1 pathway and alleviating inflammation related to the increased gut barrier with the tight junction proteins (Claudin‐1, Occludin and ZO‐1). To sum up, our study provides insights into the possible mechanism of FBT in T2DM and might promote the application of FBT as a potential hypoglycemic agent in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of surface texture with roughness orientation considered on tribological properties under a mixed lubrication state numerically and experimentally. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the average Reynolds equation and asperity contact model, the impacts of surface texture parameters and roughness orientation on lubrication properties have been calculated using finite difference method. Tin–bronze samples with various prescribed surface texture geometric parameters and roughness orientation were fabricated by laser surface texturing technique, and the tribology performance of the textured surface was studied experimentally. Findings: The effects of surface geometric parameters and roughness orientation parameters have been discerned. The experimental observations are in good agreement with the numerical prediction, which suggests that the numerical scheme adopted in this work is suitable in capturing the surface texture and roughness effect under mixed lubrication state. Originality/value: By meticulously controlling the surface roughness and surface texture geometric characteristics based on the laser surface texturing process, samples with prescribed surface texture parameters and roughness orientation consistent with that in theoretical studies were fabricated and the theoretical model and results were verified experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable H 2 O 2 sensors for in situ cellular monitoring under drug stimulation can be developed as a powerful and versatile tool for drug evaluation. Herein, a novel electrochemical biosensor capable of detecting and quantifying H 2 O 2 was fabricated by graphene and shape-controlled gold nanostructures. With the help of polyelectrolytes, gold exhibited hierarchical flower-like nanostructures. This kind of nanozyme material exhibited a prominent electrochemical response for H 2 O 2. Electrocatalytic activity for H 2 O 2 reduction with high sensitivity (5.07◊10−4 mA μmol L−1 cm−2) and good detection capability (the lowest detection limit is 4.5 μmol L−1 (S/N = 3)) were achieved. This electrochemical biosensor was successfully used to measure the concentration of H 2 O 2 released from HepG2 hepatoma cells. Ascorbic acid (AA) and Camellia nitidissima Chi saponins (CNCS) were selected as model drugs, and their anticancer activities were compared by in situ monitoring of H 2 O 2. Interestingly, the electrochemical sensor showed remarkable sensitivity, accuracy, and rapidity compared with the traditional enzymatic detection kit. In brief, the as-synthesized nanostructured H 2 O 2 sensors can be applied to assess the antitumor properties of candidate drugs and inspire developments for personalized health care monitoring and cancer treatment. [Display omitted] • An electrochemical biosensor capable of detecting and quantifying H2O2 was fabricated by graphene and shape-controlled gold nanostructures. • Successfully performed to monitor the extracellular H2O2 released from HepG2 hepatoma cells. • Superior antitumor activity of Camellia nitidissima Chi saponins (CNCS) over ascorbic acid (AA) was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the antifungal mechanisms of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens ZX against Botrytis cinerea , biochemical analyses and transcriptomic techniques were employed in this work. The results showed that P. fluorescens ZX-producing VOCs can increase the cell membrane permeability of B. cinerea and disrupt cell membrane integrity, resulting in leakage of the pathogen's cellular contents, inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis (about 76%), and an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Additionally, for B. cinerea respiration, P. fluorescens ZX-producing VOCs (1 × 109 CFU /mL) significantly inhibited the activities of ATPase (55.7%), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) (33.1%), and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) (57.9%), seriously interfering with energy metabolism and causing accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of B. cinerea following exposure to VOCs revealed 4590 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (1388 upregulated, 3202 downregulated). Through GO analysis, these DEGs were determined to be enriched in intrinsic components of membrane, integral components of membrane, and membrane parts, while KEGG analysis indicated that they were enriched in many amino acid metabolism pathways. Significantly, the DEGs related to ergosterol biosynthesis, ATPase, mitochondrial respiratory chain, malate dehydrogenase, and cell membrane showed down-regulation, corroborating the biochemical analyses. Taken together, these results suggest that the antifungal activity of P. fluorescens ZX-producing VOCs against B. cinerea occurs primary mechanisms: causing significant damage to the cell membrane, negatively affecting respiration, and interfering with amino acid metabolism. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of thermomechanical coupling on the microstructure, texture, and compression properties of TC11/TC17 titanium alloy joint prepared by linear friction welding was studied in this work. The results show that the increased temperature decreases the texture density, dislocation density, and deformed grain, but increases the proportions of recrystallization grain and leads to a high Schmid factor. Moreover, more fine martensite α ′ phase transforms into the β phase in the TC17 welded zone, and the width of the platelet α ′ phase increases slightly in the TC11 welded zone. The β phase has two key slip systems, i.e., { 110 } < 001 > and { 112 } < 111 >. For the α phase, there are large fractions at approximately 64° and 85°, corresponding to the { 11 2 ‾ 2 } contraction twin and the { 10 1 ‾ 2 } extension twin. As compared to the TC17 side, less deformation occurs along the TC11 side. In addition, the compression strength decreases significantly, and the microhardness values of the joint decline gradually with the increase in temperature. • Thickness of α ′ and α phases gradually increases with the increasing temperature. • Texture density and average GND density decrease with the increase in temperature. • Two main slip systems occur on β phase, and two kinds of twin appear on α phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dihydrogen complexes, which retain the H-H bond, have been extensively studied in molecular science and found to be prevalent in homogeneous and enzymatic catalysis. However, their counterparts in heterogeneous catalysis, specifically nondissociative chemisorbed dihydrogen binding on the catalyst surface, are rarely reported experimentally. This scarcity is due to the complexity of typical material surfaces and the lack of effective characterization techniques to prove and distinguish various dihydrogen binding modes. Herein, using high-pressure operando solid-state NMR technology, we report the first unambiguous experimental observation of activated dihydrogen binding on a reduced ceria catalyst through interactions with surface oxygen vacancies. By employing versatile NMR structural and dynamical analysis methods, we establish a proportional relationship between the degree of ceria surface reduction and dihydrogen binding, as evidenced by NMR observations of H-D through-bond coupling ( J HD ), T 1 relaxation, and proton isotropic chemical shifts. In situ NMR analysis further reveals the participation of bound dihydrogen species in a room-temperature ethylene hydrogenation reaction. The remarkable similarities between surface-activated dihydrogen in heterogeneous catalysis and dihydrogen model molecular complexes can provide valuable insights into the hydrogenation mechanism for many other solid catalysts, potentially enhancing hydrogen utilization.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not a discrete disorder and that symptoms of ASD (i.e., so-called "autistic traits") are found to varying degrees in the general population. Typically developing individuals with sub-clinical yet high-level autistic traits have similar abnormities both in behavioral performances and cortical activation patterns to individuals diagnosed with ASD. Thus it's crucial to develop objective and efficient tools that could be used in the assessment of autistic traits. Here, we proposed a novel machine learning-based assessment of the autistic traits using EEG microstate features derived from a brief resting-state EEG recording. The results showed that: (1) through the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm and correlation analysis, the mean duration of microstate class D, the occurrence rate of microstate class A, the time coverage of microstate class D and the transition rate from microstate class B to D were selected to be crucial microstate features which could be used in autistic traits prediction; (2) in the support vector regression (SVR) model, which was constructed to predict the participants' autistic trait scores using these four microstate features, the out-of-sample predicted autistic trait scores showed a significant and good match with the self-reported scores. These results suggest that the resting-state EEG microstate analysis technique can be used to predict autistic trait to some extent., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: Cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) improves mental status and quality of life (QoL) in cancer patients, while its impact on prostate cancer (PC) patients remains unknown. Thus, the study aimed at investigating the potency of CBSM program in ameliorating postoperative anxiety, depression, and QoL in PC patients., Methods: Totally, 160 postoperative PC patients were consecutively recruited followed by random assignments to either CBSM (N = 81) or usual care (UC) (N = 79) group as a 1:1 ratio. The patients received the corresponding interventions for 10 weeks then were followed up for 6 months., Results: CBSM group presented lower Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)-anxiety score and anxiety rate at month (M) 4 and M6 versus UC group (all P < 0.05), but not at M0, M1, and M2. Meanwhile, CBSM group exhibited a lower HADS-depression score versus UC group at M6 (P = 0.036) but no other timepoints; however, CBSM group showed no difference in depression rate versus UC group at any timepoints. Regarding the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire-Core30 (QLQ-C30) evaluation, CBSM group exhibited higher global health status scores at M1 (P = 0.010), M2 (P = 0.001), M4 (P = 0.029), and M6 (P = 0.015), higher functions score at M4 (P = 0.040) and M6 (P = 0.044), but a lower symptom score at M4 (P = 0.034) versus UC group; meanwhile, the above QoL indexes were not different at other timepoints between CBSM and UC groups., Conclusion: CBSM serves as an effective caring program in relieving anxiety and depression as well as improving the QoL in postoperative PC patients., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.)

Surface metal hydrides (M-H) are ubiquitous in heterogeneous catalytic reactions, while the detailed characterizations are frequently hindered by their high reactivity/low concentration, and the complicated surface structures of the host solids, especially in terms of practical solid catalysts. Herein, combining instant quenching capture and advanced solid-state NMR methodology, we report the first direct and unambiguous NMR evidence on the highly reactive surface gallium hydrides (Ga-H) over a practical Ga 2 O 3 catalyst during direct H 2 activation. The spectroscopic effects of 69 Ga and 71 Ga isotopes on the 1 H NMR signal are clearly differentiated and clarified, allowing a concrete discrimination of the Ga-H signal from the hydroxyl crowd. Accompanied with quantitative and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopical methods, as well as density functional theory calculations, information on the site specification, structural configuration, and formation mechanism of the Ga-H species has been revealed, along with the H 2 dissociation mechanism. More importantly, the successful spectroscopic identification and isolation of the surface Ga-H allow us to clearly reveal the critical but ubiquitous intermediate role of this species in catalytic reactions, such as propane dehydrogenation and CO 2 hydrogenation reactions. The analytic approach presented in this work can be extended to other M-H analysis, and the insights will benefit the design of more efficient Ga-based catalysts.

Purpose: This investigation intended to unravel the effect and mechanism of naringin on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs)., Methods: hDPSCs were induced to differentiate, and the degree of cell differentiation was observed by alizarin red staining, Oil Red O staining, and Alcian blue staining. hDPSCs were treated with 0, 20, 40, and 80  μ mol/L naringin for 48 h, respectively. The proliferation rate and chemotaxis of the cells were measured by MTT and transwell assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteogenic differentiation degree by ALP staining and alizarin red staining, and gene expression of osteogenic markers by qRT-PCR. Additionally, western blot was performed to test the levels of Wnt/ β -catenin signaling-related proteins in hDPSCs., Results: The isolated hDPSCs with spindle-shaped morphology had good differentiation capability. Further experiments confirmed naringin-caused increases in the proliferation rate and migration ability of hDPSCs. In addition, compared with the control group, naringin-treated cells had strong ALP activity and ossification levels and higher expression of Runx2, OPN, DSPP, and DMP1. The western blot results showed that naringin significantly activated Wnt/ β -catenin signaling in hDPSCs., Conclusion: Taken together, naringin enhances the proliferation, migration, and osteogenesis of hDPSCs through stimulating Wnt/ β -catenin signaling pathway., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Meiling Guo et al.)

Wearable conducting polymer-based NH 3 sensors are highly desirable in real-time environmental monitoring and human health protection but still a challenge for their relatively long response/recovery time and moderate sensitivity at room temperature. Herein, we present an effective route to fulfill this challenge by constructing porous and neural network-like Au/polypyrrole (Au/PPy) electrospun nanofibrous film with hollow capsular units for NH 3 sensor. Taking the unique architecture and synergistic effect between Au and PPy, our sensor exhibits not only super-rapid response/recovery time (both ∼7 s), faster than all reported sensors, but also stable and ultrahigh sensitivity (response reaches ∼2.3 for 1 ppm NH 3 ) at room temperature even during repeated deformation. Furthermore, good selectivity has been also achieved. These outstanding properties make our sensor hold great potential in real-time NH 3 -related disease diagnosis and environmental monitoring at room temperature.

A thorough investigation of the active titanium species in TS-1 zeolite was conducted by in situ UV resonance Raman spectroscopy combined with UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and epoxidation experiments. A new titanium species was identified with a characteristic Raman band at 695 cm(-1) when excited at the 266 nm laser line. It is shown that the newly found titanium species is active in the epoxidation reactions in addition to the tetrahedrally coordinated titanium species. However, the acidity of the new titanium species could catalyze the ring-opening reactions of the epoxy products. It results in a lower selectivity toward the epoxy products relative to that of the tetrahedrally coordinated titanium species. The side reaction can be suppressed by the addition of a weak basic reagent., (Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)