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Abstract This report represents the first exploratory study of Chinese men who provide commercial sex services to other men ("money boys") in Jilin Province, People's Republic of China, through a convenience sample drawn from Changchun and Jilin City. A total of 86 active money boy participants (Changchun, n = 49; Jilin City, n = 37) were surveyed concerning background and demographics, basic HIV transmission knowledge, and sexual practices. The survey indicated that while Jilin Province money boy behavior matches other studies concerning propensity to high risk behavior and significant bridging potential, the Jilin money boys, unlike previous studies, exhibited a high level of basic HIV/AIDS transmission knowledge. In spite of this level of knowledge, none of the participants reported always using a condom in their sexual activities. They also exhibited a high level of awareness of voluntary counseling and testing available in the province, yet relatively few had availed themselves of these services. These preliminary findings will be used as a baseline and springboard for continuing study in the Jilin Province money boy community. Even now, however, it is becoming clear that the dynamics of male commercial sex work may vary greatly depending upon local influences, and will necessitate that future interventions are highly tailored to area-specific circumstances.

Herein, the structural, mechanical, and electronic properties of Pd doped with Ti under different pressures are studied, using first‐principles calculations. The formation enthalpy is negative, demonstrating that the structure of the Pd–Ti alloy is thermodynamically stable. The corresponding mechanical stability conditions prove that the Pd–Ti alloy is mechanically stable. Moreover, the shear modulus, bulk modulus, ratios of bulk modulus to shear modulus, hardness, and Poisson's ratio are calculated. The results indicate that the hardness, ductility, and plasticity of the Pd–Ti alloy improve. In addition, the density of states, bond population, and Debye temperature as functions of pressure are investigated, revealing that the Pd–Ti alloy is metallic and the pressure does not make a huge change to the structure of the Pd–Ti alloy and makes the thermal conductivity and interatomic bonding of the Pd–Ti alloy improved. Theoretical basis is also provided for further research on Pd‐based alloys which probably have good prospects for superalloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Nickel‐cobalt‐manganese ternary cathode materials are known as one of the most promising future cathode materials for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high discharge capacity, environmental friendliness, and low cost. In this paper, submicron LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) primary particles with good crystallinity and dispersibility have been synthesized combine a coprecipitation method used ethanol as solvent with solid‐phase sintering technology. A feeding strategy through separate dropping of sodium carbonate and ammonia is adopted; the structure and properties of NCM523 under different pH conditions are investigated. It is found that the NCM523 synthesized at pH = 8 (NCM523‐8) exhibits a uniform particle size of about 300 nm, with good crystallinity. The NCM523‐8 exhibits an excellent high‐potential cycling performance, with an initial discharge capacity of 193.6 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C in the voltage of 3.0 to 4.5 V, and the capacity retention is 91% after 100 cycles. It also shows excellent rate performance with a reversible capacity of 130 mAh g−1 at 5 C. The superior high‐potential electrochemical performance is attributed to the improved lithium‐ion diffusion coefficient and stabilized structure by the special structural characteristics as evidenced by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding suitable electrode materials for energy storage devices with large ions like Na+ and K+ is notoriously difficult. Herein, MnO2@graphene with hierarchical lamellar structure has be synthesized. The flower‐like lamellar‐structured MnO2 and nanosheets of graphene combine together to form the composite with vast space for large ions to transport and store, as well as huge surface area for reactions. Sandwiched between graphene nanosheets, electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of MnO2 are highly enhanced, enabling it to withstand large current shock and long time cycling. In Li, Na and K ion batteries, MnO2@graphene all shows excellent electrochemical performance. Also, when coupled with liquid K−Na anode, MnO2@graphene displays better performance than with solid K anode, indicating its great potential at dendrite‐free K ion battery. MnO2@graphene promotes the exploitation of more suitable electrode materials for alkali ion batteries, deepens understanding of their inner mechanisms, and boosts their commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intermetallic compound Ni3Sn has potential for application in hydrogen production as a catalyst. Herein, we synthesized Ni3Sn nanoparticles through a thermal plasma process. We characterized the nanoparticles by synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses, and analyzed their catalytic properties for methanol decomposition in a temperature range of 513 to 793 K. The Ni3Sn nanoparticles showed a higher selectivity to H2 and CO than pure Ni nanoparticles, but a relatively lower catalytic activity for methanol decomposition compared to pure Ni nanoparticles. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the activation energy barrier for CO dissociation on Ni3Sn (001) was 396 kJ/mol, which was higher than that for Ni (111). Moreover, the activation energy barrier for OH formation on Ni3Sn (001) was 229 kJ/mol, which was significantly higher than that for Ni (111). This supported the experimental results and confirmed that the Ni3Sn catalyst suppresses the formation of carbon and H2O, compared to Ni catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, elastic and electronic properties of Co7M6 (M = W, Mo, Nb) μ phases were investigated by first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT). The calculated cohesive energy indicates that Co7M6 (M = W, Mo, Nb) μ phases are thermodynamically stable. Besides, Co7W6 owns a higher structural stability than that of Co7Mo6 and Co7Nb6. The obtained elastic constant demonstrates that Co7M6 (M = W, Mo, Nb) are mechanically stable. With Voigt-Reuss-Hill (VRH) approximation, the elastic bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (G), Young's modulus (E) and Poisson's ratio (ν) were derived. The ductility and plasticity as well as the elastic anisotropy of the three phases were discussed in details. Finally, the density of states and charge density difference were also analysed to reveal the underlying mechanism of structural stability and the elastic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-principles method based upon the density functional theory has been carried out to investigate the site occupancy behaviours of typical ternary elements Zr, Cr and Mo in the C15 NbCo2Laves phase. The calculated equilibrium lattice constant of the Nb8Co16unit cell is in good agreement with the previous experimental results. The calculated results indicate that all the considered ternary elements show the preference to occupy the Co sites, and the site preference of these elements in the Laves phase is in the order of Cr, Mo and Zr. Mo and Cr atoms tend to participate in the formation of the Laves phase, generating Nb7MoCo16, Nb8Co15Mo and Nb8Co15Cr, respectively. Zr atoms are not prone to concentrate in the Laves phase. The partial density of states was also calculated to investigate how atoms interact, and the charge density difference is analysed to reflect the bonding characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypropylene (PP)/ethylene acrylic acid (EAA)/maleic anhybride-grafted PP (PP-g-MA)/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared using the melt mixing technique, and PP-g-MA and EAA were employed as the compatibilizers. The sodium montmorillonite (MMT) were pretreated with high-speed airflow pulverization method and then grafted using γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, followed by modification using trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride cation with supercritical carbon dioxide as the reaction medium (the obtained product was abbreviated as OGMMT). The modification of MMT was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of organoclay content on microstructure and mechanical properties of PP/EAA/PP-g-MA/OGMMT nanocomposites was investigated by XRD, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile strength, notched impact strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus. The results show that the OGMMT has a high weight loss, a large d-spacing increment, and exfoliation predomination structure. The addition of compatibilizers benefited the formation of exfoliated structure and the dispersion of OGMMT in PP matrix, and hence, enhanced the storage modulus (G′) below the glass transition temperature (Tg), storage modulus (G″), Tg, tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of the nanocomposites. Furthermore, with the increasing OGMMT content, the nanocomposites exhibited very inconsiderable alteration in the clay dispersion level and enhanced G′ below the Tg, G″, tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of the nanocomposites, whereas the Tg was invariant. As a whole, the introduction of compatibilizers and OGMMT led to the reduction of notched impact strength, which also nearly linearly decreased with increasing clay content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vacuum carbothermal reduction mechanism of Ca 3 (PO 4) 2 with addition SiO 2 was studied by combining FactSage 8.1 thermodynamic theoretical calculations with experiments. The theoretical calculations showed that adding SiO 2 effectively reduced the initial reaction temperature. The experimental results showed that the addition of SiO 2 significantly improved weight loss and volatilization rates of phosphorus. Ca 2 SiO 4 and CaSiO 3 were generated during the reaction. When the SiO 2 /CaO ratio was 1.25 at 1300 °C, the reduction effect of Ca 3 (PO 4) 2 and the volatilization rate of phosphorus was optimal, with a volatilization rate of 91.98 %. Excessive SiO 2 led to insufficient contact between the reactants and reducing agent C, thereby hindering the reaction. Simultaneously, a large amount of liquid phase was produced, which deteriorated the kinetic conditions of gas diffusion and affected the reaction. In the reduction process, Ca 3 (PO 4) 2 reacted with reducing agent C to generate CaO, then reacted with external SiO 2 to generate low melting point CaSiO 3 , which wrapped the unreacted core. With an increase in the low melting point CaSiO 3 , the mass transfer in the reaction changed from diffusion mass transfer to flow mass transfer, which promoted the inward diffusion of reducing agent C to contact the unreacted core until the reduction reaction was completed. • Ca 3 (PO 4) 2 was used to simulate the vacuum carbothermal reduction of phosphate ore. • The addition of SiO 2 promotes Ca 3 (PO 4) 2 reduction and P volatilization. • Generate low melting point CaSiO 3 to enhance the reaction mass transfer rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal oxides are promising candidates for high-performance electrode materials due to their high conductivity and abundant active sites. Nevertheless, its low energy density and poor rate performance limit its application in energy storage devices. Herein, a free-standing ZnO@NiCo 2 O 4 -4 nanofilm was sythesised through simple hydrothermal method. This novel material exhibited excellent electrochemical properties as a result of the synergistic effect of ZnO and NiCo 2 O 4. Specially, the ZnO@NiCo 2 O 4 -4 electrode a high specific capacitance of 812.5 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 with remarkable rate performance delivers (615.8 F g−1 even at 10 A g−1). The as-prepared ZnO@NiCo 2 O 4 -4//AC supercapacitor exhibits a large energy density of 48.8 W h kg−1 at a power density of 375 W kg−1, and the specific capacitance retention rate of the device maintains 82% after 5000 cycles at 3 A g−1. Furthermore, the assembled ZnO@NiCo 2 O 4 -4//Zn zinc ion battery can deliver a high specific capacity of 71 mA h g−1. This work offers important guidance for preparing transition metal oxide nanofilms with excellent performance for supercapacitors and zinc-ion batteries. [Display omitted] • A free-standing petal-like ZnO@NiCo 2 O 4 nanofilm was prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. • The ZnO@NiCo 2 O 4 nanofilm shows a high specific capacity of 615.8 F g-1 at 10 A g-1. • This ZnO@NiCo 2 O 4 //AC device delivered an energy density of 48.8 Wh kg−1 at 375 W kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible LIBs with stable electrochemical performance and function extensibility are essential yet challenging. Herein, the authors develop a new design called Micro-tabless-pouch-cell (MTPC) for advanced flexible electronics, which realizes the miniaturization of pouch cells with exposed current collector, thus providing stable power sources with function extensibility for flexible electronics. [Display omitted] • A miniaturized pouch cell is realized by avoiding the ultrasonic tab-welding. • Electrochemical, mechanical and waterproof performance are simultaneously realized. • The unique exposed functional collector of MTPC enables function extensibility. Power sources with stable electrochemical performance, flexible integration, and function extensibility are essential to meet the demands for emerging flexible electronics. The simultaneous realization of these properties is challenging based on current solutions for designing flexible batteries. Herein, we develop a new type of design strategy called Micro-tabless-pouch-cell (MTPC), which realizes the miniaturization of pouch cells by replacing the conventional ultrasonic welding protocol with an innovative tab-glue-hot-welding process during sealing. The electrochemical performance of the electrodes in the MTPC is comparable to that of the coin cell, while the weight of the entire MTPC device is reduced by 95%, resulting in a 2230.93% increase in gravimetric energy density (14.242 Wh/kg vs 0.611 Wh/kg). The miniaturization enables the MTPC to be easily integrated on flexible substrates. Moreover, the MTPC has a unique structure of exposed current collector, which enables function extensibility. As a proof of concept, an MTPC with smart self-protection capability upon over-heating is demonstrated by integrating a reversible thermal switch composed of an Ecoflex/ethanol composite. The simultaneous realization of robust electrochemical performance, capability for flexible integration, and function extensibility in MTPC is expected to push the developments for various high-end flexible electronics that require stable input of energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alloys with high yield strength and ductility are attractive for application because of their potential to offer mass reduction, energy savings, and enhanced structural reliability. However, increasing strength usually comes at the expense of ductility, which is commonly known as the strength-ductility trade-off for metal alloys. In this work, we explored a strategy of using a heterogeneous grain size structure and a reduced stacking fault energy in a CoCrFeNiMn FCC high entropy alloy to overcome the limitations of this trade-off. By this approach, the alloy achieved a yield strength of 980 MPa, a tensile strength of 1385 MPa, and tensile elongation to failure of 48% benefiting from cooperative strain hardening via multiple mechanisms, such as hetero-deformation induced (HDI) hardening, deformation twinning, Frank-Read dislocation sources and Lomer–Cottrell dislocation locks instigated by such structures. These micromechanisms of deformation help to harden the alloy via in situ refinement of the mean free paths for dislocations. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Heterostructured g-C 3 N 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x endows electrode with enhanced structural stability and fast charge transfer. • The heterostructured g-C 3 N 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x delivers superior aluminum-storage performance. • The charge-discharge mechanism for g-C 3 N 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x is reversible intercalation of chloroaluminate anions. [Display omitted] As a compelling complement to lithium batteries, rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) have attracted considerable attention because of abundant natural resources, high volumetric capacity, and safety property of aluminum metal. However, the deployment of RABs is hampered by the lack of favorable cathodes with high capacity and rapid kinetics. To address the long-unresolved issue of aluminum-storage capacity and rate, here we design a heterostructured g-C 3 N 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x hybrid which offers a conductive supporting framework to maintain structural integrity and accelerate electronic transport. The energy storage mechanism of the heterostructured g-C 3 N 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x cathode was demonstrated as the reversible intercalation of AlCl 4 − during cycling. Moreover, the battery-capacitance model mechanism in the heterostructured g-C 3 N 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x hybrids may accelerate the kinetics of the electrode reactions. Furthermore, DFT calculations certify that heterostructured g-C 3 N 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x possesses enhanced electrical conductivity and Al trapping capability. Accordingly, the heterostructured g-C 3 N 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x cathode affords RABs with an excellent Al-storage property (237 mAh g-1 at 0.5 A g-1) and considerable rate capabilities (174 mAh g-1 at 4 A g-1) among state-of-the-art cathode materials for aluminum batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the latent heat enhanced polyethylene glycol (PEG)/cellulose aerogel (CA)-dopamine form-stable composite phase change materials (PCD fs-CPCMs) were constructed by facile in-situ fabrication method based on the freeze casting. Under the simultaneous synergistic effect of CA and dopamine modification, the PCD fs-CPCMs achieved ultra-high encapsulation capacity of ~95 wt% and latent heat of ~194.3 J/g. Furtherly, compared with before the dopamine modification, the latent heat of PCD fs-CPCMs was increased by ~18.9%, and the difference between theoretical and experimental value was significantly reduced, indicating that the modification effectively promoted phase change behavior and improved heat storage characteristic of PEG. The ultra-high encapsulation capacity was mainly attributed to the lightweight and porous characteristic of CA and the effective entanglement and combination of PEG molecular chain. The increased latent heat was mainly ascribed to the construction of new combination approaches among PEG, CA and dopamine, resulting in the weakening of hydrogen bond effect (before and after modification: O-H⋯O > O-H⋯N or N-H⋯O) so that the confinement effect of surfaces was weakened and modified surface-induced phase change behavior was promoted. Moreover, the PCD fs-CPCMs exhibited excellent chemical compatibility, reasonable heat storage and release rates, and acceptable thermal reliability and stability. [Display omitted] • PCD fs-CPCMs with large encapsulation capacity and latent heat were fabricated in-situ based on freeze casting. • Dopamine modification showed positive effect on increasing latent heat (~18.9%) of PCD fs-CPCMs. • New constructed combination approaches weakened hydrogen bond effect so that phase change behavior was promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and transmission electron microscopes (TEM) were employed to investigate the topologically close-packed (TCP) phases in an experimental nickel base single crystal superalloy. Orientation relationships between P phase and matrix were found as (010) P //(1 1 ‾ 1) γ and [201] P //[110] γ , in which atomic arrangement of P phase obtains the optimal matching with that of γ/γ' matrix and the semi-coherent interface forms, achieving the lower interface energy. The elemental composition, atomic arrangement of low index planes and the atomic attachment of P phase with matrix were analyzed in detail to investigate the atomic scale structure of the fast-growing semi-coherent interface and its effects on precipitate growth. Finally, the nucleation of P phase was discussed. • μ and P phase were characterized by electron microscopes. • HRTEM micrographs and orientation relationships imply the semi-coherent P/γ interface. • Atomic attachment of P phase with matrix was discussed. • The nucleation of P phase was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the structural, mechanical, and electronic properties of the γ′′-Ni 3 Ta (body-centered tetragonal structure) phase under various pressures using first-principles methods. The negative formation enthalpy indicated that γ′′-Ni 3 Ta is energetically stable when external pressure is applied. The elastic constant and polycrystalline elastic moduli were calculated using the stress–strain and Voigt–Reuss–Hill approximations methods. The results showed that γ′′-Ni 3 Ta is mechanically stable and ductile. The mechanical anisotropies of γ′′-Ni 3 Ta were measured using the elastic anisotropic indexes (A U , A B , and A G , and A 1 , A 2 , and A 3) and the calculated results suggest that γ′′-Ni 3 Ta is anisotropic. In addition, the sound velocities and Debye temperatures were calculated. Finally, the electronic densities of states were investigated to determine the internal mechanisms responsible for the structural and mechanical properties of γ′′-Ni 3 Ta. • γ′′-Ni 3 Ta is thermodynamically and mechanically stable under pressure. • γ′′-Ni 3 Ta exhibits anisotropy, which depends on the crystal orientation. • Debye temperature increases with the applied pressure for γ′′-Ni 3 Ta. • Electronic properties reflect the structural and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low mechanical reliability and integration failure are key challenges hindering the commercialization of geometrically flexible batteries. This work proposes that the failure of directly integrating flexible batteries using traditional rigid adhesives is primarily due to the mismatch between the generated stress at the adhesive/substrate interface, and the maximum allowable stress. Accordingly, a stress redistribution adhesive layer (SRAL) strategy is conceived by using elastic adhesive to redistribute the generated stress. The function mechanism of the SRAL strategy is confirmed by theoretical finite element analysis. Experimentally, a polyurethane (PU) type elastic adhesive (with maximum strain of 1425%) is synthesized and used as the SRAL to integrate rigid cells on different flexible substrates to fabricate directly integrated flexible battery with robust output under various harsh environments, such as stretching, twisting, and even bending in water. The SRAL strategy is expected to be generally applicable in various flexible devices that involve the integration of rigid components onto flexible substrates., (© 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Background: In Chinese healthcare settings, drug selection decisions are predominantly influenced by the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee (PTC). This study evaluates two recently introduced potassium-competitive acid blockers, vonoprazan (VPZ) and tegoprazan (TPZ), utilizing the Evidence and Value: Impact on DEcisionMaking (EVIDEM) framework., Methods: The study employed the 10th edition of EVIDEM, which includes a core model with five domains and 13 criteria. Two independent expert panels were involved: the PTC expert panel, tasked with assigning weights using a 5-point scale, defining scoring indicators, examining the evidence matrix, scoring, and decision-making; and the evidence matrix expert panel, responsible for conducting a systematic literature review, creating the evidence matrix, and evaluating the value contributions of VPZ and TPZ., Results: The analysis estimated the value contributions of VPZ and TPZ to be 0.59 and 0.54, respectively. The domain of 'economic consequences of intervention' showed the most significant variation in value contribution between the two drugs, followed by 'comparative outcomes of intervention' and 'type of benefit of intervention'., Conclusion: Employing the EVIDEM framework, VPZ's value contribution was found to be marginally superior to that of TPZ. The EVIDEM framework demonstrates potential for broader application in Chinese medical institutions., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell clonal disease and these plasma cells can survive in the gut. The intestinal microbiota is a complex ecosystem and its dysfunction can release persistent stimulus signals that trigger genetic mutations and clonal evolution in the gut. The present study analyzed the intestinal microbiota in fecal samples of MM patients in high-altitude and cold regions of China using 16s rRNA sequencing and analyzed significantly enriched species at the phylum and genus levels. Although no significant difference in the alpha diversity was observed between the MM and control groups, a significant difference was noted in the beta diversity. A total of 15 significant differential bacteria at the genus level were found between the two groups, among which Bacteroides , Streptococcus , Lactobacillus and Alistipes were significantly enriched in the MM group. The present study also constructed a disease diagnosis model using Random Forest analysis and verified its accuracy using receiver operating characteristic analysis. In addition, using correlation analysis, it demonstrated that the composition of the intestinal microbiota in patients with MM was associated with complement levels. Notably, the present study predicted that the signaling and metabolic pathways of the intestinal microbiota affected MM progression through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional analysis. The present study provides a new approach for the prevention and treatment of MM, in which the intestinal microbiota may become a novel therapeutic target for MM., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © 2024 Liang et al.)

Supercapacitors are widely used in many fields owing to their advantages, such as high power, good cycle performance, and fast charging speed. Among the many metal-oxide cathode materials reported for supercapacitors, NiMoO 4 is currently the most promising electrode material for high-specific-energy supercapacitors. We have employed a rational design approach to create a nanorod-like NiMoO 4 structure, which serves as a conductive scaffold for supercapacitors; the straightforward layout has led to outstanding results, with nanorod-shaped NiMoO 4 exhibiting a remarkable capacity of 424.8 F g -1 at 1 A g -1 and an impressive stability of 80.2% capacity preservation even after 3500 cycles, which surpasses those of the majority of previously reported NiMoO 4 materials. NiMoO 4 //AC supercapacitors demonstrate a remarkable energy density of 46.31 W h kg -1 and a power density of 0.75 kW kg -1 . This synthesis strategy provides a facile method for the fabrication of bimetallic oxide materials for high-performance supercapacitors., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Background: Human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMCs) play vital roles in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to regulate the biological functions of HA-VSMCs. In this study, the functions of circRNA pecanex homolog (circPCNX) in platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-induced HA-VSMCs were investigated., Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to determine the expression of circPCNX, DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), and microRNA-1278 (miR-1278). 5'-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, flow cytometry analysis, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were used to examine cell proliferation, cell cycle, and migration. Western blot assay was utilized to measure protein levels. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, RNA pull down assay, and dual-luciferase reporter assay were adopted to analyze the relationships among circPCNX, miR-1278, and DNMT1., Results: CircPCNX was upregulated in PDGF-BB-treated HA-VSMCs in a dose- or time-dependent manner. CircPCNX knockdown alleviated PDGF-BB-induced cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and migration in HA-VSMCs. CircPCNX knockdown could reverse PDGF-BB-induced HA-VSMC progression by regulating DNMT1. Moreover, circPCNX was identified to regulate DNMT1 expression by sponging miR-1278. Inhibition of miR-1278 reversed circPCNX knockdown-mediated effects on cell proliferation and migration in PDGF-BB-induced HA-VSMCs. MiR-1278 overexpression suppressed PDGF-BB-stimulated HA-VSMC proliferation and migration by targeting DNMT1., Conclusion: CircPCNX promoted PDGF-BB-induced HA-VSMC proliferation and migration by elevating DNMT1 expression through sponging miR-1278., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) is a solid waste produced in the process of electrolytic manganese metal (EMM) production. In recent years, the accumulation of EMR has caused increasingly serious environmental problems. To better understand the state of EMR recycling in recent years, this paper used a comprehensive literature database to conduct a statistical analysis of EMR-related publications from 2010 to 2022 from two perspectives: harmless green treatment and resource utilization. The results showed that the research on the comprehensive utilization of EMR mainly focused on the fields of chemical hazard-free treatment and manufacturing building materials. The related studies of EMR in the fields of biological harmlessness, applied electric field harmlessness, manganese series materials, adsorbents, geopolymers, glass-ceramics, catalysts, and agriculture were also reported. Finally, we put forward some suggestions to solve the EMR problem, hoping that this work could provide a reference for the clean disposal and efficient utilization of EMR., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Understanding how topologically close-packed phases (TCPs) transform between one another is one of the challenging puzzles in solid-state transformations. Here we use atomic-resolved tools to dissect the transition among TCPs, specifically the μ and P (or σ) phases in nickel-based superalloys. We discover that the P phase originates from intrinsic (110) faulted twin boundaries (FTB), which according to first-principles calculations is of extraordinarily low energy. The FTB sets up a pathway for the diffusional in-flux of the smaller 3d transition metal species, creating a Frank interstitial dislocation loop. The climb of this dislocation, with an unusual Burgers vector that displaces neighboring atoms into the lattice positions of the product phase, accomplishes the structural transformation. Our findings reveal an intrinsic link among these seemingly unrelated TCP configurations, explain the role of internal lattice defects in facilitating the phase transition, and offer useful insight for alloy design that involves different complex phases., (© 2022. The Author(s).)