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The present study aimed to examine the effect of RNA interference targeting cell division cycle-associated protein 4 (CDCA4) on the proliferation and apoptosis of the MCF-7/ADR' human breast cancer cell line. CDCA4 has been shown to have a unique role in regulating cell cycle. In the present study, the expression of CDCA4 was suppressed by CDCA4-specific short hairpin (sh)RNA transfection of the human breast cancer cells, following which changes in the proliferation and apoptosis of the CDCA4-knockdown cells were compared with those of control shRNA-transfected cells. The results confirmed that CDCA4 RNA interference reduced the percentage of human breast cancer cells to <50%. In addition, RNA interference of CDCA4 resulted in a significant increase in the apoptotic rate of cells. Taken together, these results suggested that CDCA4 enhanced proliferation and reduced apoptosis in the MCF-7/ADM human breast cancer cells in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Novel carboxyl- and amino-functionalized copolyesters, based on poly(ε-caprolactone)- block-poly(butylene fumarate)- block-poly(ε-caprolactone), were efficiently synthesized via Michael-type thiol-ene click chemistry. The resulting amphiphilic copolyesters with controllable molecular weights and abundant positively or negatively charged groups could spontaneously form pH-sensitive micelles in aqueous solutions, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, fluorescence probing technique, and zeta potential analyses. Importantly, charge-reversal hybrid micelles can be obtained by co-assembly of carboxyl- and amino-functionalized copolyesters. The surface charges of hybrid micelles reversed rapidly from negative to positive at isoelectric point via protonation of surface carboxyl and amino groups. Interestingly, the hybrid micelles showed apparent pH-triggered Nile red-release behavior in acidic condition resembling tumor intracellular environment, which is fairly desirable for drug delivery. Our work indicates that co-assembly is a facile but efficient way to prepare charge-reversal micelles, which have great potential to be used as intelligent drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 1259-1267 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuning the local spin configurations of single-atom electrocatalysts holds enormous promise in boosting the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), but still fills with challenging of lacking efficient means. Herein, a binary-atom catalyst (PtCo-NC) consisting of atomically dispersed Pt and Co on nitrogen doped carbon is rationally designed and synthesized by a mechano-thermal milling method. Theoretical calculations reveal that the introduction of atomically dispersed Co results in spin polarization of adjacent Pt atoms, which optimizes the absorption energy and lowers the energy barrier of the rate-determining step, thus accelerating oxygen catalyzed reaction kinetics for PtCo-NC. As a consequence, the constructed PtCo-NC possesses an outstanding ORR performance with a positive half-wave potential (0.85 V), large kinetic current density (83.3 mA cm−2 at 0.8 V), low Tafel slope (85 mV dec−1) and robust cyclic stability (more than 90% retention after 170 h in alkaline media). As the cathodic catalyst, the zinc-air battery driven by PtCo-NC delivers the maximum power density (204 mW cm−2), excellent rate capacity and remarkable durability. The present work may provide new insight into boosting oxygen reduction reaction activity, leading the exploration toward highly efficient catalysts for renewable energy storage and conversion systems. [Display omitted] • A mechano-thermal milling method is adopted to synthesize PtCo-NC catalyst. • The Co atoms can modulate the local spin configuration of atomically dispersed Pt. • PtCo-NC exhibits ORR performance with a half-wave potential of 0.85 V. • The Zn-air battery with PtCo-NC as catalyst delivers a power density of 204 mW cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel biodegradable poly(ester-carbonate) consisting of poly( L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(butylene carbonate) (PBC) (PLLA- b-PBC) have been successfully synthesized by chain-extension reaction of dihydroxyl-terminated poly( L-lactic acid) prepolymer (PLLA-OH) and dihydroxyl-terminated poly(butylene carbonate) prepolymer (PBC-OH) using hexamethylene diisocyanate as a chain-extender. The chemical structures and molecular weights of copolymers are characterized by 1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography. The thermal properties, morphology, and mechanical properties of PLLA- b-PBC are investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, phase contrast optical microscopy, and mechanical testing. The results indicate that PBC soft segment slightly increases the thermal stabilities and effectively enhances the impact strength of the copolymers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39158. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Small sized PdRu particles uniformly loaded on carbon are synthesized by Si-H bond. • PdRu interface is formed under the function of SiO. • The interface enhances ORR activity and anti-poisoning performance. • Zinc-air battery with Pd 9 Ru 1 /C as an air cathode exhibits the remarkable performance with power density 240 mW cm−2. PdRu bimetallic catalyst is synthesized by simple stirring heating method with the help of Si-H bond. The as-prepared product shows an excellent ORR performance and amazing resistance to a variety of poison systems. This outstanding performance may due to the bimetallic interface engineering between Pd and Ru. [Display omitted] Developing a highly efficient and robust poison tolerance catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is significantly critical for sustainable energy convert systems. Herein, an interfacial engineered PdRu/C is prepared by reduction of silicon-hydrogen bonds. The interface between Pd and Ru is beneficial for exposing the active site, enhancing charge transfer and adjusting the adsorption energy barrier, resulting in the excellent ORR performances. Compared with commercial Pt/C (0.84 V) and commercial Pd/C (0.84 V), the optimal Pd 9 Ru 1 /C demonstrates high electrocatalytic activity with half-wave potential up of 0.86 V in 0.1 M KOH solution. Meanwhile, the experimental results indicate that bimetallic interface engineering can greatly enhance toxicity resistance to various poisons, including CO, methanol, NO x , SO x and PO x. When they are applied to zinc-air battery as an air cathode, the battery exhibits an open circuit voltage of 1.48 V. Interestingly, the power density reaches up to 240 mW cm−2, which is superior to those of commercial Pt/C (219 mW cm−2) and commercial Pd/C (128 mW cm−2). This work opens up an effective strategy to conceive interfacial hybrid for electrocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile and cost-effective method to prepare poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites was developed byin situpolymerization. By using thermal-initiated and GO-initiated polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), no extra radical initiator was added during the reaction. Without any pre-functionalization of GO, PMMA chains were covalently bonded to its surface, which was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations. TGA analysis showed that the mass ratio of grafted PMMA and GO was as high as 1.7. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction investigations demonstrated that the grafting of PMMA chains to GO surfaces resulted in homogeneous dispersion of GO sheets in PMMA matrix, which led to a commendable performance on its mechanical and thermal properties. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that, at a loading level of just 0.5 wt% for the nanocomposites, the storage modulus of the nanocomposites was improved 14%, and the glass transition temperature was increased 12°C in comparison with that of neat PMMA. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the onset degradation temperature of the nanocomposites was increased 13°C with a GO content of 0.25 wt%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(isosorbide carbonate) (PIC) was synthesized by melt polycondensation of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and isosorbide using lithium acetylacetonate (LiAcac) as the catalyst. The reaction conditions were optimized to achieve PIC with relatively high number-average molecular weight ( Mn) of 28,800 g/mol and isosorbide conversion of 95.2%. A series of poly(aliphatic diol- co-isosorbide carbonate)s (PAICs) were also synthesized by melt polycondensation of DMC with isosorbide and equimolar amounts of aliphatic diols (1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol) in the presence of LiAcac and the TiO2/SiO2-based catalyst (TSP-44). PAICs with Mn values ranging from 18,700 to 34,400 g/mol and polydispersities between 1.64 and 1.69 were obtained. The 13C NMR analysis revealed the random microstructure of PAICs. The differential scanning calorimetry results demonstrated that all the PAICs were amorphous with a unique Tg ranging from 46 to 88 °C. The dynamic analysis results showed that the incorporation of linear or cyclohexane structure changed the dynamic mechanical properties of PIC drastically. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole)/poly(pyridobisimidazole) block copolymers (PBO-b-PIPD) were prepared by introducing poly(pyridobisimidazole) (PIPD) moieties into the main chains of poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) in order to enhance its photostability. PBO and copolymer fibers were directly prepared from the polymerization solutions by dry-jet wet-spinning. Chemical structures and molecular chains arrangement of the block copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, solid-state 13C-NMR and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Thermal stability of the copolymers was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in nitrogen. Thin films of PBO and copolymers were cast from methanesulfonic acid (MSA) solutions. Both the films and fibers were exposed to UV light to determine their photostability. Changes in the chemical structures and surface morphologies of the films were characterized by FTIR spectra and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), respectively. After UV light exposure, the retention of strength for copolymer fibers is improved compared to PBO fibers. The results revealed that copolymers suffered less photodegradation in comparison with homopolymer. The mechanism for the improved photostability of the copolymers was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• Clarifying the therapeutic effect of Vitamin D 3(VD3) during the significant period of IPF. • Using proteomics technology to determine PSAT1 as the target of VD3 in the treatment of IPF. • Combining with comprehensive analysis of clinical samples to determine MAPK as the therapeutic pathway. • Clarifying the therapeutic mechanism of VD3 through transfection experiment and luciferase assays. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal fibrotic lung disease. However, there are insufficient drugs available for IPF treatment, and the currently used drugs are accompanied by many adverse reactions. Deficiency of vitamin D3 (VD3) in the development of IPF and the potential role of VD3 in the treatment of IPF have attracted increasing attention. In vivo experimental results showed that VD3 could increase the survival rate in bleomycin (BLM)-induced models, relieve lung inflammation, reduce hydroxyproline content, and inhibit collagen deposition and cell apoptosis. We further performed proteomics analysis and screened 251 target proteins that reflect VD3 intervention in BLM-induced animal models. These target proteins were involved in acute inflammation, oxidative stress, antioxidant activity and extracellular matrix binding. Combined with the comprehensive analysis of clinical samples, PSAT1 was screened out as a candidate target related to IPF disease and VD3 treatment. Through further computational analysis, the MAPK signaling pathway was considered to be the most probable candidate pathway for VD3 function targeting IPF. In in vivo experiments, VD3 inhibited BLM-induced expression of PSAT1 and phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 in mouse lung tissue. The experiments of cell proliferation and western blot confirmed that VD3 inhibited the expression of PSAT1 and the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in human pulmonary fibroblasts (HPF). Furthermore, experiments with transfection plasmids overexpressing PSAT1 proved that VD3 could attenuate the proliferation and differentiation of HPF by suppressing the effect of PSAT1 on the MAPK signaling pathway. Finally, we confirmed that vitamin D receptor (VDR) could occupy the PSAT1 promoter to reveal the transcriptional regulation effect of VD3 on PSAT1. In conclusion, VD3 exerted a therapeutic effect on IPF by down-regulating the MAPK signaling pathway via targeting the expression of PSAT1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title calixarene, dimanganese thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate, was prepared and its crystal structure was determined. [Mn(H2O)6]2[thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate]·0.5H2O crystallizes in the monoclinic system, P2(1)/m space group, with a=13.014 (6), b=14.146 (9), c=13.184 (7) A˚, β=113.307 (10)°, V=2229 (2) A˚3 and Dc=1.710 gcm−3, Z=2. The title calixarene exists in the solid state as bilayer structure. The hydrophobic organic layer consists of thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate in an up-down fashion, whereas, the hydrophilic inorganic layer consists of hexaaquamanganese (II) which is linked to the former through a second-sphere coordination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The SO 3 -CDs/NiFe LDH was synthesized through electrochemical and hydrothermal methods. The P-SO 3 -CDs/NiFe LDH catalyst work electrode was obtained via polarized by an electric field of 10,000 V/cm for 30 mins. After that, sulfonate functional groups selectively enrich at the surface of catalysts. Such sulfonate functional groups have a strong ability to capture proton, exhibit excellent OER performances as confirmed by DFT calculation and experimental results. [Display omitted] • NiFe LDH/CDs composite was employed as OER catalysts. • Electric field polarization is used to regulate the exposed functional groups. • H+ captured from *OH or *OOH species by the sulfonated groups on CDs. • The overpotential is 200 mV@10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope is 55.2 mV dec−1. • Polarized catalysts reach a high current density than the unpolarized one. Interfacial design and regulation for electrocatalysts can effectively enhance the performance of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It is still a challenge to search for a simple and easy way to controllably adjust the interface of catalysts. Here we report a new strategy, electric field polarization to regulate the charged functional groups of nickel–iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe LDH)/carbon dots (CDs) composite catalysts. The selectively exposed sulfonate functional groups on CDs under the electric field have regulated the interfacial environment of the composite catalyst. The density function theory (DFT) calculation also reveals that the high electrocatalytic activity can be attributed to H+ capture from *OH or *OOH species by the sulfonated groups on the surface of CDs. Thus, the synergistic effect between the catalytic activity of NiFe LDH and the functional group-modified CDs enhances the OER performance of the composite catalyst, showing low overpotential of 200 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and outstanding kinetics with Tafel slope of 55.2 mV dec−1. Moreover, the polarized composite catalysts can reach a high current density of 51.7 mA cm−2 at 1.46 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), which is 9.2 times higher than the unpolarized one (5.6 mA cm−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeMethodsResultsConclusionsThe burst of modern information has significantly promoted the development of global medicine into a new era of big data healthcare. Ophthalmology is one of the most prominent medical specialties driven by big data analytics. This study aimed to describe the development status and research hotspots of big data in ophthalmology.English articles and reviews related to big data in ophthalmology published from January 1, 1999, to April 30, 2024, were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. The relevant information was analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software.A total of 406 qualified documents were included in the analysis. The annual number of publications on big data in ophthalmology reached a rapidly increasing stage since 2019. The United States (n = 147) led in the number of publications, followed by India (n = 77) and China (n = 69). The L.V. Prasad Eye Institute in India was the most productive institution (n = 50), and Anthony Vipin Das was the most influential author with the most relevant literature (n = 45). The electronic medical records were the primary source of ophthalmic big data, and artificial intelligence served as the principal analytics tool. Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and myopia are currently the main topics of interest in this field.The application of big data in ophthalmology has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Big data is expected to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of research and clinical practice in ophthalmology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a strong interest in developing environmentally friendly synthesis approaches for making polyurethane elastomers (PUE) with desirable mechanical performance and flame retardancy suitable for a variety of applications. Hence, in this study, a novel nano functionalized lignin nanoparticle (Nano-FL) containing nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) moieties was developed via mild grafting reactions combined with the ultrasound method. The Nano-FL incorporated in the PUE acted as both crosslinking agents and flame retardants. The novel Nano-FL showed good compatibility and dispersibility in the PUE matrix, thereby overcoming the weakening effect of adding traditional lignin flame retardants on the mechanical properties of the PUE materials. PUE/Nano-FL exhibited strong tensile properties. Compared with control neat PUE, with 10 wt% of Nano-FL addition, the PUE attained a limiting oxygen index as high as 29.8% and it also passed the UL-94 V-0 rating. Furthermore, Cone Calorimetry Test (CCT) showed that the addition of Nano-FL not only reduced the heat release rate and the total heat release but also decreased the total smoke production rate during combustion. The char residues of PUEs with Nano-FL showed a high oxidation resistance with dense and continuous structural morphologies. The combined barrier and quenching effects of the char layer provided excellent flame retardancy performance. The novel Nano-FL developed in this study showed excellent promises as green functional additives for enhancing mechanical, thermal and flame retardancy performance of a wide range of polymers. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Janus Pd-Au NPs are loaded on graphene oxide through reduction of Si-H bonds. • XRD patterns reveal that Pd is under an average tensile strain of +0.32%. • TEM image demonstrates Pd near the Pd-Au interface under +4% tensile strain. • Tensile strain is beneficial to decrease the reaction energy barrier for ORR. • Zinc-air battery catalyzed by Pd-Au/GO exhibits a peak power density up to 276 mW·cm−2. Strain existed in the bimetallic electrocatalysts may modulate the performance of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The density function theory calculation here indicates that the tensile strain originated from the mismatch of lattice spacing between Au and Pd is beneficial to decrease the reaction energy barrier for ORR. Pd-Au nanoparticles were uniformly loaded on graphene oxide (Pd-Au/GO) through the reduction of the Si-H bond. The epitaxial growth of Pd on Au leads to Janus nanostructure. X-ray powder diffraction patterns reveal that Pd is under an average tensile strain of +0.32%, while high resolution transmission electron microscopy image demonstrates Pd near the Pd-Au interface under +4% tensile strain. Better ORR performance of Pd-Au/GO is obtained than the commercial Pt/C in the alkaline medium. The tensile strain enables Pd-Au/GO with a half-wave potential of 0.90 V and a high mass activity of 0.526 A mg Pd −1 at 0.9 V, which both are higher than those of the commercial 40 wt% Pt/C and 20 wt% Pt/C. Meanwhile, the zinc-air battery catalyzed by Pd-Au/GO also exhibits a high peak power density up to 276 mW·cm−2 and a long-term durability than those of Pt/C. The preparation of Janus Pd-Au nanoparticles with the strain effect mentioned in this paper may provide ideal path for the synthesis of other types of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Experimental work of timber–concrete composite beams is conducted with innovative connections. • A comparison between theoretical and experimental results is proposed. • Some timber–concrete composite beams are reinforced at the tensile side with prestressed tendon. This paper presents a summary of the experimental programmes and theoretical analysis of the bending performance of non-prestressed and prestressed timber-concrete composite (TCC) beams. Two non-prestressed and three prestressed composite beams were selected, and their flexural behaviour was evaluated. Three types of ductile fabricated connections were applied to the prestressed composite beams, whereas two types were applied to the non-prestressed beams. The concrete slabs with embedded steel plates and timber beams were connected together using coach screws. On the surfaces of the embedded steel plates, the portions in contact with the wooden beam were interspaced with a vulcanized rubber layer to improve the mechanical performance of shear connections and composite beams. A series of four-point bending experiments were performed until collapse failure occurred in a simply-supported scheme. The test results demonstrated that the TCC beams using steel plate + screw connections exhibited excellent structural performance. The flexural capacity of the prestressed specimens was improved by approximately 110% compared with the non-prestressed specimens. Due to the addition of the rubber layer in the TCC connections, the flexural capacity of the prestressed composite beams was improved by 25.2%. Based on the 'γ–method', a theoretical analysis was proposed for calculating the flexural capacity and bending stiffness for both non-prestressed and prestressed TCC beams. The theoretical results showed good agreement with the experimental evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]