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3D Fe2(MoO4)3 microspheres were prepared by hydrothermal method with polyethylene glycol (PEG) assisted. The structure, morphology and crystal phase of the 3D Fe2(MoO4)3 microspheres samples were characterized by X-ray power diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The 3D Fe2(MoO4)3 microspheres were composed of nanosheets. The diameter of 3D Fe2(MoO4)3 microsphere and thickness of nanosheets were controlled by the molecular weight of PEG. The size of microsphere decreased with the molecular weight increase, the Fe2(MoO4)3 microspheres prepared with PEG-2000 showed the minimum mean diameter of 17.8 μm and nanosheets thickness of 65 nm. The sensors based on the hierarchical 3D Fe2(MoO4)3 exhibited excellent gas sensing performances, which showed high response to n-butanol at low operating temperature and high response to acetone at relatively high operating temperature. The highest responses of sensor were 5.7 and 3.4 to 1 ppm n-butanol and acetone at corresponding optimum working temperature. The Fe2(MoO4)3 microspheres have a potential application in n-butanol and acetone detection, and it can be applied in diabetes diagnosis due to good low concentration response to acetone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor cinobufagin exhibits numerous anticancer effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells expressing wild-type p53 via inhibition of aurora kinase A (AURKA) and activation of p53 signaling. However, the effects of cinobufagin on HCC cells expressing mutant p53 remain unclear. In the present study, the anticancer effects of cinobufagin were investigated on HCC Huh-7 cells with mutant p53, and the effects of AURKA overexpression or inhibition on the anticancer effects of cinobufagin were analyzed. Viability, cell cycle progression and apoptosis of cells were determined using an MTT assay, flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342 staining, respectively. The expression levels of p53 and p73 signaling-associated proteins were investigated via western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that the expression levels of AURKA, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), cyclin-dependent kinase 1, cyclin B1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K, as well as the phosphorylation of p53 and mouse double minute 2 homolog, were significantly decreased in Huh-7 cells treated with 5 µmol/l cinobufagin for 24 h. Conversely, the expression levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein, p21, p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1, were significantly increased by cinobufagin treatment. Overexpression or inhibition of AURKA suppressed or promoted the anticancer effects of cinobufagin on Huh-7 cells, respectively. These results indicated that cinobufagin may induce anticancer effects on Huh-7 cells via the inhibition of AURKA and p53 signaling, and via the activation of p73 signaling, in an AURKA-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi2WO6 loaded g-C3N4 composites with excellent photocatalytic activity for degradation rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) was successfully synthesized via a facile and high-yield solvothermal route. The results showed that well-crystallized Bi2WO6 particles were loaded on sheet-like g-C3N4 and formed the heterojunction by chemical change of C, N and O. It was showed that loading g-C3N4 improved the as-prepared composites to own more effective electrical conductivity and narrower band gap, which can enhance the separation and migration of photogenerated electron-holes as so to enhance the photocatalytic activity. Hence, Bi2WO6/g-C3N4 exhibited great photocatalytic activities for degradation of RhB (99.6%, 75 min) and TCH (73.0%, 105 min). In addition, it was determined that the optimal mass of g-C3N4 addition was 0.05 g. This work provided a high-efficiency principle method to synthesize Bi2WO6 loaded g-C3N4 composites with the excellent photocatalytic performance for actual produce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Malignant glioma is one of the most challenging central nervous system diseases to treat and has high rates of recurrence and mortality. Current therapies often fail to control tumor progression or improve patient survival. Marinobufagenin (MBG) is an endogenous mammalian cardiotonic steroid involved in sodium pump inhibition. Currently, various studies have indicated the potential of MBG in cancer treatments; however, the precise mechanisms are poorly understood. The functions of MBG were examined using colony formation, migration, cell cycle, and apoptosis assays in glioma cells. A mitochondrial membrane potential assay was performed to determine the mitochondrial transmembrane potential change, and cytochrome c release from mitochondria was assayed by fluorescence microscopy. An immunofluorescence assay was performed, and the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB in glioma cells was confirmed by confocal microscopy. Western blotting and RT‐qPCR were used to detect the protein and gene expression levels, respectively. In addition, transfection experiment of ATP1A1‐siRNA was further carried out to confirm the role of sodium pump α1 subunit in the anticancer effect of MBG in human glioma. The apoptosis‐promoting and anti‐inflammatory effects of MBG were further investigated, and the sodium pump α1 subunit and the ERK signaling pathway were found to be involved in the anticancer effect of MBG. The in vivo anticancer efficacy of MBG was also tested in xenografts in nude mice. Thus, therapies targeting the ERK signaling‐mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathways regulated by MBG might represent potential treatments for human glioma, and this study could accelerate the finding of newer therapeutic approaches for malignant glioma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pumice-loaded CeO/BiWO photocatalysts were prepared with a typical solvothermal method by using pumice as the macroporous carrier. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry and element mapping. The preparation conditions were optimized and the photoactivity was evaluated via photocatalytic tetracycline degradation under visible light radiation. Moreover, the photocatalysts were applied to a continuous flow reactor and the optimal conditions were studied. It was found the CeO/BiWO catalysts were successfully loaded on the surfaces and pores of pumice. The optimal catalyst/pumice loading ratio was 1:4 mmol/g, and the average load rate of the photocatalysts was 37.24%. Under visible-light irradiation, the pumice-loaded CeO/BiWO catalysts could well photocatalytically degrade tetracycline, with a degradation rate within 90 min up to 91.72%, and were stable photocatalytically. Experiments with the continuous flow reactor showed the optimal catalyst quantity, light source intensity, pollutant concentration and hydraulic retention time were 10 g/L, 140,000 lx, 50 mg/L and 6 h, respectively, when the tetracycline degradation rate was stably improved to 90.00%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) causes severe brain damage and significantly increases neonatal morbidity and mortality. Increasing evidences have verified that stem cell-based therapy has the potential to rescue the ischemic tissue and restore function via secreting growth factors after HI. Here, we had investigated whether intranasal neural stem cells (NSCs) treatment improves the recovery of neonatal HI, and NSCs overexpressing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has a better therapeutic effect for recovery than NSCs treatment only. Methods: We performed permanent occlusion of the right common carotid artery in 9-day old ICR mice as animal model of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia. At 3 days post-HI, NSC, NSC-GFP, NSC-bFGF and vehicle were delivered intranasally. To determine the effect of intranasal NSC, NSC-GFP and NSC-bFGF treatment on recovery after HI, we analyzed brain damage, sensor-motor function and cell differentiation. Results: It was observed that intranasal NSC, NSC-GFP and NSC-bFGF treatment decreased gray and white matter loss area in comparison with vehicle-treated mouse. NSC, NSC-GFP and NSC-bFGF treatment also significantly improved sensor motor function in cylinder rearing test and adhesive removal test, however, NSC-bFGF-treatment was more effective than NSC-treatment in the improvement of somatosensory function. Furthermore, compared with NSC and NSC-GFP, NSC-bFGF treatment group appeared to differentiate into more neurons. Conclusion: Taken together, intranasal administration of NSCs is a promising therapy for treatment of neonatal HI, but NSCs overexpressing bFGF promotes the survival and differentiation of NSCs, and consequently achieves a better therapeutic effect in improving recovery after neonatal HI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CeO2/Bi2 WO6 heterostructured microsphere with excellent and stable photocatalytic activity for degradation tetracyclines was successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal route. The photocatalytic experiments indicated that CeO2/Bi2 WO6 heterostructured microspheres exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pure Bi2 WO6 in both the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride ( TCH) and rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light irradiation. The 1CeO2/2Bi2 WO6 exhibited the best photocatalytic activity for degradation of TCH, reaching 91% after 60 min reaction. The results suggested that the particular morphological conformation of the microspheres resulted in smaller size and more uniform morphology so as to increase the specific surface area. Meanwhile, the heterojunction was formed by coupling CeO2 and Bi2 WO6 in the as-prepared microspheres, so that the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes was dramatically improved and the lifetimes of charge carriers were prolonged. Hence, introduction of CeO2 could significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity of CeO2/Bi2 WO6 heterostructured microspheres and facilitate the degradation of TCH. This work provided not only a principle method to synthesize CeO2/Bi2 WO6 with the excellent photocatalytic performance for actual produce, but also a excellent property of the photocatalyst for potential application in photocatalytic treatment of tetracyclines wastewater from pharmaceutical factory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel Bi2WO6-coupled Fe3O4 magnetic photocatalysts with excellent and stable photocatalytic activity for degrading tetracycline hydrochloride and RhB were successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal route. Through the characterization of the as-prepared magnetic photocatalysts by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, it was found that the as-prepared magnetic photocatalysts were synthesized by the coupling of Bi2WO6 and Fe3O4, and introduction of appropriated Fe3O4 can improve nanospheres morphology and visible-light response. Among them, BFe2 (0.16% Fe3O4) exhibited the best photocatalytic activity for degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), reaching 81.53% after 90 min. Meanwhile, the as-prepared magnetic photocatalysts showed great separation and recycle property. Moreover, the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that the well conductivity of Fe3O4 can promote photogenerated charge carriers transfer and inhibit recombination of electron-hole pairs, so that Bi2WO6/Fe3O4 exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity on degradation of TCH and RhB. Hence, this work provides a principle method to synthesize Bi2 WO6/Fe3O4 with excellent photocatalytic performance for actual application, in addition, it showed that introduction of Fe3O4 not only can provide magnetism, but also can enhance photocatalytic activity of Bi2 WO6/Fe3O4 magnetic photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The use of point clouds significantly reduces the time spent on model generation. • The parameter space is the basis for building complex models. • The model of concrete built by numerical methods can also have a parameter space. • The interfacial transition zone can be generated by modifying the parameter space. • Models with a higher rockfill ratio can be generated using the compacting method. There are four critical problems in the numerical modeling of rock-filled concrete: the generation of a high rockfill ratio model, the formation of a rock skeleton, the generation of the interfacial transition zone, and the operability of the model after generation. In this paper, we propose a numerical method called the parameter space reconstruction method, which perfectly solves these problems based on the improving efficiency of model generation. Firstly, the rocks are placed in the expanded space to construct the initial parameter space. Secondly, the falling and compacting simulations are performed on the placed rocks to form a model with a rock skeleton and a high rockfill ratio. Thirdly, the simulation results are used to reconstruct the initial parameter space. Since the reconstructed parameter space is obtained by correcting the initial parameter space using the falling and compacting simulation results, it is still operable. Finally, the interfacial transition zone can be generated by continuing to modify the reconfigured parameter space. To verify the accuracy of this method, we perform uniaxial compressive strength simulations on the model generated using this method, and the simulation results show a good agreement with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prestressed segmental precast (PC) piers, with insufficient energy dissipation capacity, are seldomly adopted on bridges in seismic areas. To improve the seismic performance of PC piers, this study proposes a functional separation seismic isolation device (FSID), serving as a supplementary replaceable energy dissipation device. Full-scale field load tests on a real-world PC pier were carried out to qualify the seismic performance of this type of piers. Based on the results of tests and supplementary numerical analysis, an optimal design of the FSID was achieved. The numerical results show that the FSID has multi-stage statuses and reaction models. By optimizing the design parameters, FSID can enable the PC piers to satisfy the required seismic performance under various levels of earthquakes. Therefore, the performance-based seismic design of PC piers can be achieved using the FSID. • Full scale in-situ test of assembly pier with hybrid connection is carried out. • The energy dissipation capacity of prestressed segmental precast piers is increased. • A functional separation seismic isolation device is proposed. • Optimal design of the seismic isolation device is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The durability improvement of cement-based infrastructure is an effective strategy to achieve sustainable development and reduce the carbon footprint. In this work, a biomimetic anisotropic hydrogel, alginate/polyacrylamide/halloysite nanotubes hybrid hydrogel (SA/AM/HNTs-RDC), was fabricated as a self-healing agent to enhance the self-healing ability and extend the service life of cement-based infrastructure. The effects of SA/AM/HNTs-RDC hydrogel on the formation and deposition of healing products and the self-healing behavior of cement in the different conditions (water condition and CO 2 -rich condition) were investigated. Compared with the matrix hydrogel (alginate/polyacrylamide, SA/AM), the crosslinking ions and anisotropic microstructure of SA/AM/HNTs-RDC hydrogel can stimulate the massive formation and dense deposition of healing products (ettringite (AFt) and monosulfo aluminate (AFm) in the simulated water condition, calcite and AFt in CO 2 -rich condition) to accelerate the performance recovery of the damaged construction. The self-healing measurements exhibited that the cracks around 200 μm in the cement paste with 1 % anisotropic hydrogel (RDC1) can be sealed completely after 14-day-curing in water, and its recovery ratio of the compressive strength increased by about 10 % compared with control samples. In CO 2 -rich condition, the closure rate of cracks was accelerated and the complete healing of cracks with similar width only needed 7 days. The compressive strength recovery increased by 13.7 % over control samples. [Display omitted] • Lifetime extension of construction is imperative to mitigate environmental burden. • SA/AM/HNTs-RDC stimulates massive formation and deposition of healing products. • The optimized precipitation enhances the performance recovery of damaged area. • SA/AM/HNTs-RDC endows cement matrix with an excellent self-healing behavior. • This work provides a promising candidate for sustainable cementitious composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lauraceae includes the genus Phoebe, and the family is linked to the evolution of magnoliids. We sequenced the genome of Phoebe bournei Nanmu. The assembled genome size was 989.19 Mb, with a contig N50 value of 2.05 Mb. A total of 28,198 protein-coding genes were annotated in P. bournei. Whole-genome duplication (WGD) analysis showed that Lauraceae has experienced two WGD events; the older WGD event occurred just before the divergence of Lauraceae and Magnoliales, and the more recent WGD was shared by all lineages of Lauraceae. The phylogenetic tree showed that magnoliids form a sister clade to monocots and eudicots. We also identified 63 MADS-box genes, including AGL12-like genes that may be related to the regulation of P. bournei roots and FIN219-like genes encoding GH3 proteins, which are involved in photomorphogenesis. SAUR50-like genes involved in light signal-mediated pedicel or stem development were also identified. Four ATMYB46- and three PtrEPSP-homologous genes related to lignin biosynthesis were identified. These genes may be associated with the formation of straight trunks in P. bournei. Overall, the P. bournei reference genome provides insight into the origin, evolution, and diversification of Phoebe and other magnoliids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe 2 (MoO 4) 3 /MXene nanocomposites were prepared via a single hydrothermal method. The structure, morphology and crystal phase of the composite samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption technique. The results indicated the nanocomposites were consisted of Fe 2 (MoO 4) 3 microspheres distributed among MXene layers, and were featured with high specific surface area (47.0 m2/g). MXene played a crucial role in the hydrothermal process, which might facilitate the preferential crystal growth of Fe 2 (MoO 4) 3 and restrain the agglomeration of Fe 2 (MoO 4) 3 nanosheets. Compared with pure Fe 2 (MoO 4) 3 microspheres, the synthesized composites showed higher gas response at lower working temperature. Moreover, the sensors based on the composites exhibited rapid response-recovery (18s and 24s), good reversibility and long-term stability. These excellent gas sensing performances were supposed to relate to its high surface area, unique structure and good conductivity of MXene. • 2D MXene as a composite component, is first used to improving gas sensing performance. • The introduction of MXene reduces the operating temperature from 340 °C to 120 °C. • The layer MXene serves a template, resulting the BET value of the product increase from 10.9 to 47.0 m2/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Temozolomide (TMZ) is one of the most commonly used clinical drugs for glioblastoma (GBM) treatment, but its drug sensitivity needs to be improved. Gamabufotalin (CS‐6), the primary component of the traditional Chinese medicine "ChanSu," was shown to have strong anti‐cancer activity. However, more efforts should be directed towards reducing its toxicity or effective treatment doses. Methods: Target fishing experiment, Western blotting, PCR, confocal immunofluorescence and molecular cloning techniques were performed to search for possible downstream signalling pathways. In addition, GBM xenografts were used to further determine the potential molecular mechanisms of the synergistic effects of CS‐6 and TMZ in vivo. Results: Mechanistic research revealed a negative feedback loop between ATP1A3 and AQP4 through which CS‐6 inhibited GBM growth and mediated the synergistic treatment effect of CS‐6 and TMZ. In addition, by mutating potential amino acid residues of ATP1A3, which were predicted by modelling and docking to interact with CS‐6, we demonstrated that abrogating hydrogen bonding of the amino acid Thr794 interferes with the activation of ATP1A3 by CS‐6 and that the Thr794Ala mutation directly affects the synergistic treatment efficacy of CS‐6 and TMZ. Conclusions: As the main potential target of CS‐6, ATP1A3 activation critically depends on the hydrogen bonding of Thr794 with CS‐6. The combination of CS‐6 and TMZ could significantly reduce the therapeutic doses and promote the anti‐cancer efficacy of CS‐6/TMZ monotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials with color-tunable photoluminescence (PL) have attracted dramatically increasing interest in recent years, especially the tuning of both fluorescence (FL) and ultra-long organic room temperature phosphorescence (UOP). Herein, a series of polymer films are successfully fabricated by in situ copolymerization of carbazole derivatives, lanthanide complex, and acrylamide (AM). With a long lifetime of 2.82 s and a high quantum yield of 21.40%, these copolymers exhibit not only color-tunable FL from violet-red to blue, but also multicolor UOP scope from blue to chartreuse when the excitation wavelength is changed. Moreover, a nearly-white phosphorescence can also be observed by adjusting the excitation wavelength. Multiple information patterns with color-tunable FL and UOP emissions are captured, exhibiting promising potential in the information encryption and anti-counterfeiting fields. • A series of polymer films are successfully fabricated by in situ copolymerization of carbazole derivatives, lanthanide complex and acrylamide. • Copolymers show color-tunable fluorescence and ultralong organic room temperature phosphorescence with the excitation wavelength changes. • High degrees of security anti-counterfeiting ink can be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel approach to fabricate biocomposite films from C-lignin was proposed. • The contents of C-lignin in the PVA/C-lignin composite films were up to 50 wt%. • The epoxidation of C-lignin enhanced the mechanical properties. • The fabricated films revealed the characteristics of closed-loop recyclability. • The biofilms showed UV-resistant, antimicrobial, and thermally stable properties. Catechyl lignin (C-lignin) is a unique natural biopolymer that is considered to be the best alternative to conventional lignin due to its linear homogeneous molecular structure. Based on the structural properties of C-lignin, the development of a new biodegradable plastic to replace traditional petroleum-based plastics is a sustainable route. However, the maximum filling fraction of lignin is required to achieve excellent biodegradability of lignin-based bio-plastics, yet resulting in decreased mechanical strength of composites. Herein, we report a novel strategy to fabricate a closed-loopling recyclability supramolecular composite films through casting and dry molding process of intermolecular covalent-noncovalent cross-linking networks with polyvinyl alcohol by the epoxidation of C-lignin. The intermolecular cross-linking mechanism analyses reveal that the resultant bio-material not only display improved mechanical properties (maximum tensile strength of 133.5 MPa and strain at break of 690.2 %), but also show UV-resistant, antimicrobial, thermally stable, and rapid biodegradable properties. Notably, the fabricated films demonstrate the characteristics of closed-loop recyclability, which paves a new way toward rational design of bioplastics using renewable lignin. These integrated properties make the lignin-based biocomposites a promising alternative to traditional plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A functional isolation system for high-speed railway bridges is proposed. • The performance-based optimum design for the railway bridge with a new system was carried out. • Shaking table test was performed on a high-speed railway bridge specimen with the new system. • The system is expected to offer a cost effective and safe solution in the design of railway bridges. With the rapid development of high-speed railway bridge construction in seismic areas, it is necessary to investigate the seismic performance of these bridge structures. A new type of seismic isolation system with function separation is presented in this study. By considering an actual high-speed railway bridge as a representative example, the performance parameters of the new type of isolation system were numerically optimized. Based on the results of optimization design, a shaking table test was performed on a reduced scale high-speed railway bridge specimen employing the new isolation system. The comprehensive optimization design and the experimental results demonstrate that the new isolation system can minimize the bending moment of pier while ensuring that the pier's seismic response in terms of acceleration and displacement is within the allowable range of normal operation of high-speed railway bridges. The proposed new isolation system is expected to offer a cost effective and safe solution in the design of high-speed railway bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibration fatigue is a typical form of multiaxial fatigue. In this study, initial vibration fatigue tests were conducted on rocket turbine blades, and significant dispersion in fatigue life was found. Consistent with this finding, a novel probabilistic life prediction framework was proposed. This framework integrates sensitivity analysis and sequential sampling technology and introduces polynomial chaos expansion as a computationally efficient alternative to finite element analysis. And a continuous mechanics‐based damage evolution model was employed to examine the vibration fatigue life of turbine blades. The findings validate the effectiveness of the framework, as no significant difference was found between the experimental results and simulated predictions at the 95% confidence level. Furthermore, comparison with the Monte Carlo simulation indicated that this framework achieves comparable prediction accuracy, while significantly reducing the required samples by 2 orders of magnitude, which effectively addresses the fatigue problem of small sample data. This framework enables rapid and accurate multiaxial fatigue probabilistic life prediction, which holds important implications for the reliability design of reusable spacecraft. Highlights: This study is a novel probabilistic framework for predicting fatigue life of small sample data.The polynomial chaos expansion (PCE)‐based framework achieves the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS)‐level accuracy with less than 1% samples.The vibration fatigue tests have verified the effectiveness of proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The first example of RCF of fermentation residues was illustrated. • The fermented stover residues are abundant renewable lignin-rich bioresources. • Lignins of fermented residues contain lower molecular weight and β- O -4′ linkages. • 28.5 wt% yield of phenolic monomers was obtained at 220 °C over a Pd/C catalyst. The fermented corn stover residues are abundant renewable lignin-rich bioresources that show great potential to produce aromatic phenols. However, selective catalytic hydrogenolysis of this residual material still remains challenge to obtain high yields. Herein, a novel strategy to produce monophenolic compounds from the fermented stover over a commercial Pd/C catalyst was proposed. Taking the reaction temperature as the key variable, the highest monomer yield was 28.5 wt% at 220 °C in compaction with that of the pristine corn stover (22.8 wt%). The enhanced monophenol yield was due to the higher contents of lignin and less recalcitrance in the fermented stover. Moreover, the van Krevelen diagram revealed a slight selective C O bond scission of lignin macromolecular during fermentation as well as the dehydration and deoxygenation in hydrogenolysis reaction. Overall, this work opens a new avenue for the valorization of lignin through reductive catalytic fractionation of agricultural wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of cellulolytic enzyme lignin (CEL) prepared from three bamboo species (Neosinocalamus affinis, Bambusa lapidea, and Dendrocalamus brandisii) has been characterized by different analytical methods. The chemical composition analysis revealed a higher lignin content, up to 32.6% of B. lapidea as compared to that of N. affinis (20.7%) and D. brandisii (23.8%). The results indicated that bamboo lignin was a p-hydroxyphenyl-guaiacyl-syringyl (H-G-S) lignin associated with p-coumarates and ferulates. Advanced NMR analyses displayed that the isolated CELs were extensively acylated at the γ-carbon of the lignin side chain (with either acetate and/or p-coumarate groups). Moreover, a predominance of S over G lignin moieties was found in CELs of N. affinis and B. lapidea, with the lowest S/G ratio observed in D. brandisii lignin. Catalytic hydrogenolysis of lignin demonstrated that 4-propyl-substituted syringol/guaiacol and propanol guaiacol/syringol derived from β-O-4′ moieties, and methyl coumarate/ferulate derived from hydroxycinnamic units were identified as the six major monomeric products. We anticipate that the insights of this work could shed light on the sufficient understanding of lignin, which could open a new avenue to facilitate the efficient utilization of bamboo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibration is the main factor causing high cycle fatigue. The macro-response stress and strain of the structure under the excitation of vibration load are generally in the elastic stage. However, fatigue failure still occurs due to long-term cyclic load, which is unexplainable by the macro-plastic accumulation method. Therefore, a two-scale nonlinear damage accumulation model is proposed for vibration fatigue based on the physical characteristics of multi-scale fatigue damage evolution. In this model, two-scale elastic-plastic constitutive equations based on the equivalent inclusion theory are built, and a two-stage damage accumulation strategy with two critical damages is designed. A resonance fatigue life prediction algorithm is established based on the proposed model, and a validation test is carried out using the cantilever beam made of GH4169 alloy. The results show that the deviation between the vibration fatigue life prediction and test results is within a scatter band of factor 2, indicating that the two-scale nonlinear damage accumulation model is effective in the vibration fatigue region. • Two-scale equations with equivalent inclusion theory are built for vibration fatigue. • Cross-scale damage accumulation strategy with two critical damages is first proposed. • Vibration life predictions and test results are within a scatter band of factor 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Itaconate is a key anti-inflammatory/antibacterial metabolite in pathogen-macrophage interactions that induces adaptive changes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa -exposed airways. However, the impact and mechanisms underlying itaconate metabolism remain unclear. Our study reveals that itaconate significantly upregulates the expression of pyoverdine in P. aeruginosa and enhances its tolerance to tobramycin. Notably, the enzymes responsible for efficient itaconate metabolism, PaIch and PaCcl, play crucial roles in both utilizing itaconate and clearing its toxic metabolic intermediates. By using protein crystallography and molecular dynamics simulations analyses, we have elucidated the unique catalytic center and substrate-binding pocket of PaIch, which contribute to its highly efficient catalysis. Meanwhile, analysis of PaCcl has revealed how interactions between domains regulate the conformational changes of the active sites and binding pockets, influencing the catalytic process. Overall, our research uncovers the significance and mechanisms of PaIch and PaCcl in the efficient metabolism of itaconate by P. aeruginosa. [Display omitted] • PaIch and PaCcl are important for maintaining intracellular itaconate homeostasis • Crystal structures of PaIch and PaCcl • PaIch contains a distinct catalytic motif and substrate-binding pocket • PaCcl uses a specialized interaction network to stabilize its closed conformation Huang et al. elucidate the important roles of PaIch and PaCcl in maintaining itaconate homeostasis. The reported crystal structures reveal PaIch's distinctive catalytic motif and substrate-binding pocket and the interaction network in PaCcl to stabilize its closed conformation, providing insights into the evolution of these enzymes to adapt to itaconate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]