Search

This study focuses on the nonlinear flow characteristics of a single rough-walled fracture in a marble sample subject to various confining pressures (5.0–50.0 MPa) and deviatoric stresses (0–60.0 MPa). First, a series of seepage tests were conducted to investigate the impacts of fracture dilation and inertial effect on the nonlinear flow behaviors. Then, the competitive effects of fracture dilation and inertial effect on the transition of the nonlinear flow regime were theoretically evaluated. Finally, a novel seepage model incorporating fracture dilation was proposed based on the Goodman hyperbolic closure deformation relationship. This model was further validated through a comparison with both experimental observations and classical theory. The investigation reveals that variations in confining pressures and deviatoric stresses induce a substantial reduction in flow rate by factors of 5 and 2 magnitudes, correspondingly. Notably, the influence of the inertial effect diminishes as the fracture dilation effect becomes more pronounced, particularly evident under conditions of lower confining pressures. The proposed model considering the fracture dilation effect accurately predicts the relationship between flow rate and pressure conditions. Moreover, it demonstrates superior performance compared with the Forchheimer equation. This study can provide guidance for underground engineering practices when encountering high confining pressure, high deviatoric stress, and high water pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automatic extraction of building contours from high-resolution images is of great significance in the fields of urban planning, demographics, and disaster assessment. Network models based on convolutional neural network (CNN) and transformer technology have been widely used for semantic segmentation of buildings from high resolution remote sensing images (HRSI). However, the fixed geometric structure and the local receptive field of the convolutional kernel are not good at global feature extraction, and the transformer technique with self-attention mechanism introduces computational redundancies and extracts local feature details poorly in the process of modeling the global contextual information. In this paper, a dual-branch fused reconstructive transformer network, DFRTNet, is proposed for efficient and accurate building extraction. In the encoder, the traditional transformer is reconfigured by designing the local and global feature extraction module (LGFE); the branch of global feature extraction (GFE) performs dynamic range attention (DRA) based on the idea of top-k attention for extracting global features; furthermore, the branch of local feature extraction (LFE) is used to obtain fine-grained features. The multilayer perceptron (MLP) is employed to efficiently fuse the local and global features. In the decoder, a simple channel attention module (CAM) is used in the up-sampling part to enhance channel dimension features. Our network achieved the best segmentation accuracy on both the WHU and Massachusetts building datasets when compared to other mainstream and state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Houseflies, Musca domestica L., are an ubiquitous pest that can transmit numerous diseases and threaten human health. Increasing insecticide resistance shown by houseflies necessitates the develop new control alternatives. The housefly gut is densely colonized with microorganisms that interact with each other dynamically and benefit the host's health. However, the impact of multiple symbiotic bacteria on the composition of housefly gut microbiota and the host's activities remains unclear. Methods: We isolated and cultured 12 bacterial species from the intestines of housefly larvae. We also isolated seven bacteriophages to precisely target the regulation of certain bacterial species. Using 16S rRNA high-throughput gene sequencing, we analyzed the bacterial diversity after orally administering bacteria/phage cocktails to houseflies. Results: Our results showed that larval growth was promoted, the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Klebsiella and Enterobacter, was increased and the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Providencia, Morganella and Pseudomonas, was decreased in housefly larvae fed with the beneficial bacteria cocktail. However, oral administration of both beneficial and harmful bacterial phage cocktails inhibited larval growth, probably due to the drastic alteration of gut flora. Untargeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry showed that disturbances in gut microbiota changed the larval metabolite profiles. Feeding experiments revealed that disrupting the intestinal flora suppressed the beneficial bacteria and increased the harmful bacteria, causing changes in the metabolites and inhibiting larval growth. Conclusions: Based on our results, bacteria/phage cocktails are effective tools for regulating the intestinal flora of insects and have a high potential as a biological control agent for incorporation into an integrated pest management program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Musca domestica larvae are common saprophytes in nature, promoting the material—energy cycle in the environment. However, heavy metal pollution in the environment negatively affects their function in material circulation. Our previous research found that some intestinal bacteria play an important role in the development of housefly, but the responses of microbial community to heavy metal stresses in Musca domestica is less studied. Results: In this study, CuSO4, CuSO4—Klebsiella pneumoniae mixture and CuSO4—K. pneumoniae phage mixture were added to the larval diet to analyze whether K. pneumoniae can protect housefly larvae against Cu2+ injury. Our results showed that larval development was inhibited when were fed with CuSO4, the bacterial abundance of Providencia in the intestine of larvae increased. However, the inhibition effects of CuSO4 was relieved when K. pneumoniae mixed and added in larval diets, the abundance of Providencia decreased. Electron microscope results revealed that K. pneumoniae showed an obvious adsorption effect on copper ion in vitro. Conclusions: Based on the results we assume that K. pneumoniae could adsorb Cu2+, reduce Cu2+ impact on gut community structure. Our study explains the role of K. pneumoniae antagonizing Cu2+, which could be applied as a probiotic to saprophytic bioantagonistic metal contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predator–prey interaction has long been an interesting item in the research of animal behaviors. Given that live prey can damage their predators, predators must trade foraging efficiency for safety while hunting, but the extent of this trade‐off is not yet clear. Tiger beetles display diversity in their diets and hunting strategies, and hence, they become an ideal system to address how self‐security affects foraging efficiency. We addressed this question in captive adult tiger beetles Cicindela gemmata. By offering several types of arthropod and plant foods, we confirmed that C. gemmata is carnivorous. We found that C. gemmata hunt by either ambushing or chasing their prey, and that they switch between strategies based on differences in the number of prey, the prey status and encounter rate, and the number of predators. Ambushing success increased with the number of prey but decreased with prey encounter rate. Chasing success decreased as prey body size and encounter rate increased. Foraging Cicindela gemmata often gave up an attack when it was nonfatal. This active giving up of hunting may be a consequence of a trade‐off between foraging efficiency and self‐security. Therefore, it is an adaptive response to the risk of injury when hunting for larger live prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem‐solving skills are very important in our daily life. Almost all problem‐solving studies have addressed the cognitive correlates of solving closed problems, but only limited studies have investigated the cognitive mechanisms of solving open problems. The current study aimed to systematically examine differences between the cognitive mechanisms used for solving open and closed problems. In total, the abilities of 142 high school students to solve open and closed problems were assessed, as were a series of general cognitive abilities as controlled variates. Analogical reasoning uniquely contributed to solving both open and closed math problems, after controlling for age, gender, and inductive reasoning. Reactive cognitive flexibility (measured using the Wisconsin card sorting test) and spatial working memory uniquely correlated only with solving open and closed math problems, respectively. These findings suggest that the cognitive processes used to solve open and closed math problems differ. Open and closed math problems appear to require more reactive cognitive flexibility for generation and more memory for retrieval, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effect of excavation disturbance on hydro-mechanical coupling characteristics of deep marble, both artificially disturbed and intact marble samples were tested under different osmotic pressures. The stress-strain curve, characteristic stress, failure mode and strain energy were then compared between the disturbed and the intact samples under osmotic pressure. Finally, a statistical damage constitutive model was proposed to consider osmotic pressure and initial deformation based on assuming that the micro-element strength of marble obeys Weibull distribution. It is found that the disturbed sample has slightly lower peak stress and damage stress than the intact sample, but its resistance to hydraulic damage decreases significantly. In the initial stage of loading, the ratio of elastic strain energy of the intact sample is generally lower than that of the disturbed one. The characteristic points of the elastic strain energy ratio curve can be a good reference to determine the damage stress. This finding makes up for the deficiency of possible failure of the single definition of damage stress. The proposed statistical damage constitutive model can well reproduce the stress-strain responses under different osmotic pressure. At the same strain level, the rock damage is more significant if the osmotic pressure is higher. This study is of great significance to the development of deep rock mechanics theory and its application in engineering practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The structure of gut microbiota is highly complex. Insects have ubiquitous associations with intestinal symbiotic bacteria, which play essential roles. Thus, understanding how changes in the abundance of a single bacterium interfere with bacterial interactions in the insect's gut is important. Methods: Here, we analyzed the effects of Serratia marcescens on the growth and development of housefly larvae using phage technology. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology to explore dynamic diversity and variation in gut bacterial communities and performed plate confrontation assays to study the interaction between S. marcescens and intestinal microorganisms. Furthermore, we performed phenoloxidase activity assay, crawling assay, and trypan blue staining to explore the negative effects of S. marcescens on housefly larvae's humoral immunity, motility, and intestinal organization. Results: The growth and development of housefly larvae were inhibited after feeding on S. marcescens, and their intestinal bacterial composition changed with increasing abundance of Providencia and decreasing abundance of Enterobacter and Klebsiella. Meanwhile, the depletion of S. marcescens by phages promoted the reproduction of beneficial bacteria. Conclusions: In our study, using phage as a tool to regulate the abundance of S. marcescens, we highlighted the mechanism by which S. marcescens inhibits the growth and development of housefly larvae and illustrated the importance of intestinal flora for larval development. Furthermore, by studying the dynamic diversity and variation in gut bacterial communities, we improved our understanding of the possible relationship between the gut microbiome and housefly larvae when houseflies are invaded by exogenous pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified thin-layer interface model (MTLIM) is established to investigate stress wave propagation across a fracture filled with viscoelastic materials in a rock mass. First, this MTLIM treats the viscoelastic filling material as a composite of elastic thin layers and viscoelastic bonds. The displacement discontinuity at the bond is described by the Zener model, and the wave propagation equation through the fracture is derived in the time domain. Then, this MTLIM is degenerated to the thin-layer interface model (TLIM) for the extreme case and verified by the transmitted wave in a dynamic experiment. Its performance is compared with those of the TLIM and a zero-thickness interface model (ZTIM). Finally, the waveform evolution, transmission and reflection coefficients, and the energy dissipation ratio for stress wave incidence are investigated for viscoelastic filled fractures at different thicknesses. Results indicate that the MTLIM has better performance than the TLIM, Maxwell model, and Kelvin model in accurately reproducing the dynamic response of stress waves through viscoelastic filled fractures. Significant differences are observed between thin and thick filled fractures in the variation of the waveform and the velocity transmission and reflection coefficients with filling thickness. A thin filled fracture can cause more total energy dissipation than a thick one in some cases. The MTLIM can describe the effects of repeated reflections and the viscoelastic effects of filled fractures on the frequency and amplitude of seismic responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has established the largest clean coal-fired power generation system in the world by accomplishing the technological transformation of coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) to achieve ultra-low emission. The potential for further particulate matter (PM) emission reduction to achieve near-zero emission for CFPPs has become a hotspot issue. In this study, PM emission from some ultra-low emission CFPPs adopting advanced air pollutant control technologies in China was reviewed. The results revealed that the average filterable particulate matter (FPM) concentration, measured as the total particulate matter (TPM) according to the current national monitoring standard, was (1.67±0.86) mg/m3, which could fully achieve the ultra-low emission standard for key regions (5 mg/m3), but that achieving the near-zero emission standard was difficult (1 mg/m3). However, the condensable particulate matter (CPM), with an average concentration of (1.06±1.28) mg/m3, was generally ignored during monitoring, which led to about 38.7% underestimation of the TPM. Even considering both FPM and CPM, the TPM emission from current CFPPs would contribute to less than 5% of atmospheric PM 2.5 concentrations in the key cities and regions in China. Therefore, further reduction in FPM emission proposed by the near-zero emission plan of CFPPs may have less environmental benefit than emission control of other anthropogenic sources. However, it is suggested that the management of CPM emission should be strengthened, and a national standard for CPM emission monitoring based on the indirect dilution method should be established for CFPPs. Those measurements are helpful for optimal operation of air pollutant control devices and continuously promoting further emission reduction. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of non-precious and high-efficient electrocatalysts to enhance the activity and stability in alkaline media is impending for massive hydrogen and oxygen production. In this study, NiS 2 nanoparticles array with ellipse-like topography was fabricated via simple hydrothermal and sulfurization treatment. The NiS 2 -400 featured with the unique loose stacking topographic architecture contributes to more exposed active sites, the smaller contact resistance between electrode/electrolyte, faster ion diffusion and electron transfer. As a result, NiS 2 -400 electrode requires only overpotentials of 116 and 178 mV to drive current densities of 10 and 50 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), coupled with a Tafel slope of 93.0 mV dec−1. Moreover, the resultant NiS 2 -400 nanoparticles exhibit excellent electrochemical stability for more than 50 h. In addition, the density functional theory (DFT) calculation further confirms that the (200) facet acts as the predominant active site, contributing to the enhanced HER performance. • MOF-derived NiS 2 was fabricated via hydrothermal and sulfurization treatment. • The obtained NiS 2 -400 possesses a unique loose stacking topography. • Ellipse-like NiS 2 -400 exhibits excellent HER performance. • The (200) facet of NiS 2 catalyst acts as the predominant active sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The gut microbiota influences many aspects of the host, including immune system maturation, nutrient absorption and metabolism, and protection from pathogens. Increasing evidences from cohort and animal studies indicate that changes in the gut microbiota early in life increases the risk of developing specific diseases early and later in life. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to identify specific disease prevention or therapeutic solutions targeting the gut microbiota, especially during infancy, which is the window of the human gut microbiota establishment process. In this review, we provide an overview of current knowledge concerning the relationship between disturbances in the gut microbiota early in life and health consequences later in life (e.g., necrotizing enterocolitis, celiac disease, asthma, allergies, autism spectrum disorders, overweight/obesity, diabetes and growth retardation), with a focus on changes in the gut microbiota prior to disease onset. In addition, we summarize and discuss potential microbiota-based interventions early in life (e.g., diet adjustments, probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, environmental changes) to promote health or prevent the development of specific diseases. This knowledge should aid the understanding of early life microbiology and inform the development of prediction and prevention measures for short- and long-term health disorders based on the gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linezolid, an oxazolidinone antibacterial agent with several formulations, has been widely used for over 20 years. This study aimed to compare the bioequivalence, pharmacokinetics, and safety of test and reference linezolid tablets after a single oral dose under fasting/fed conditions. In this open‐label, randomized, two‐period, crossover, bioequivalence study, 48 healthy volunteers were enrolled equally to fasting or fed groups to receive one 600‐mg test or reference linezolid tablet in each period. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental methods. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded to assess safety. The geometric mean terminal half‐lives of test and reference formulations were 3.8 and 3.6 hours, respectively, under both fasting and fed conditions. The median time to reach the maximum observed concentration was 1.0 hour (both formulations) in the fasting group, and 2.0 hours (test formulation) and 2.5 hours (reference formulation) in the fed group. No substantial differences were observed in the area under plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from time 0 to the last sampling time (AUC0‐t) and the maximum observed concentration (Cmax) between formulations. Geometric least square mean ratios for Cmax, AUC0‐t, and AUC from time 0 to infinity were approximately 100%, and the corresponding 90% confidence intervals for bioequivalence were within 80%–125%. Ten participants reported 11 AEs; AEs were mild, except for one pregnancy event with an outcome of induced absorption. Bioequivalence between the two linezolid formulations was demonstrated under fasting and fed conditions, and a similar safety profile was observed among healthy Chinese volunteers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The beneficial effects of probiotic supplementation standard antibiotic therapies for Helicobacter pylori infection have been verified, but the ability of probiotic monotherapy to eradicate H. pylori remains unclear. Aim. To evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of specific Lactobacillus strains against H. pylori infection. Methods. Seventy-eight patients with H. pylori infection were treated with strain L. crispatus G14-5M (L. crispatus CCFM1118) or L. helveticus M2-09-R02-S146 (L. helveticus CCFM1121) or L. plantarum CCFM8610 at a dose of 2 g twice daily for one month. 14C-urea breath test, the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale, serum pepsinogen concentrations, and serum cytokine concentrations of patients were measured at baseline and end-of-trial to analyze the effect of the Lactobacillus strains in eradicating H. pylori infection and reducing gastrointestinal discomfort in patients. In addition, the composition and abundance of the intestinal microbiota of patients were also measured at end-of-trial. Results. The 14C-urea breath test value of the three Lactobacillus treatment groups had decreased significantly, and the eradication rate of H. pylori had increased by the end of the trial. In particular, the eradication rate in the G14-5M treatment group was significantly higher than the placebo group (70.59% vs. 15.38%, P = 0.0039), indicating that one-month administration of the G14-5M regimen was sufficient to eradicate H. pylori infection. The ingestion of Lactobacillus strains also ameliorated the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale scores, and the serum interleukin-8 concentrations of H. pylori-infected patients appeared to modulate the gut microbiota of patients. However, none of the Lactobacillus strains had a significant effect on general blood physiological characteristics, serum tumor necrosis factor α concentrations, or serum pepsinogen concentrations in the patients. Conclusion. Three Lactobacillus strains significantly alleviate the gastrointestinal discomfort and the gastric inflammatory response of H. pylori-infected patients. The activity of probiotics in eradicating H. pyloriinfection may be species/strain specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In June 2021, a leaf spot was found on Dracaena cambodiana on Yongxing island of Sansha City, Hainan Province, China. The disease mainly occurred at the tips or edges of older leaves. About 50% of leaves were showed necrotic symptoms. Similar fungal isolates were obtained from all sterilized sections incubated on PDA. The fungus was identified as Colletotrichum queenslandicum by morphological characteristics and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses with ITS region of rDNA, GADPH, CHS-1, ACT, GS and TUB-2 gene sequences. This is the first report of Colletotrichum queenslandicum causing leaf anthracnose on Dracaena cambodiana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 derivative that has been used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers, and to prevent ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in many countries. Misoprostol can also be used for medical abortion. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic profiles of misoprostol tablets (test product) by comparing them with Cytotec (200 μg) (reference product). To assess the bioequivalence between test and reference products, a two‐sequence, two‐period crossover study was conducted with 48 healthy Chinese subjects enrolled under fasting conditions. A validated liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) assay was used to determine the concentration of misoprostol acid in plasma. A mixed model analysis of variance was used to calculate the bioequivalence of pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters. The point estimate of geometric mean ratios with 90% confidence intervals for the maximum observed concentration (Cmax) and the area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC0‐t) for misoprostol acid in reference and test products were 107.8% and 106.5%, respectively (range 80%–125%). Additionally, none of the secondary PK parameters presented significant differences. No severe or more than moderate adverse events were detected in the 48 subjects. However, one subject discontinued the treatment due to drug‐related gastrointestinal reactions. All adverse events were mild with rates of 19.2% and 22.9% after the administration test and reference products, respectively. Overall, the bioequivalence between the two misoprostol products was demonstrated in fasting conditions, and all subjects tolerated both treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a proposal of closed bipolar electrode (BPE) and nanozyme based multi-mode biosensing platform is first presented. As a novel integrated chip, multi-mode-BPE (MMBPE) combines enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), electrochemiluminescence (ECL), ECL imaging and light emitting diode (LED) imaging, enabling highly sensitive triple read-out visible detection of cancer embryonic antigen (CEA). The ECL probe Ab 2 @Au@Co 3 O 4 /CoFe 2 O 4 hollow nanocubes (HNCs) with excellent peroxidase (POD) activity is introduced into the BPE cathode through immune adsorption. The Au@Co 3 O 4 /CoFe 2 O 4 HNCs can increase the rate of hydrogen peroxide oxidation of TMB, thus promoting the reaction, and can be used for ELISA detection of CEA at different concentrations. The modification of the BPE sensing interface and reporting interface involved the introduction of the luminescent reagent Ru(bpy) 3 2+ to the BPE anode. The decomposition rate of H 2 O 2 increased under the catalytic action of Au@Co 3 O 4 /CoFe 2 O 4 HNCs nanozyme, leading to an accelerated electron transfer rate in the MMBPE system and an enhanced ECL signal from Ru(bpy) 3 2+. The LED imaging technology further provides a convenient and visible approach for CEA imaging in which no additional chemicals are needed. The integration of nanoenzymes as the catalytic core in MMBPE system provides impetus, while the combination of nanozymes with BPE expands the application of nanoenzymes in the field of biological analysis. The integration of intelligent chips with multiple modes of detection shows portable, miniaturized, and integrated excellent properties which meets the requirements of modern detection devices and thus offers a flexible approach for determination of nucleic acids, proteins, and cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of multiple reflection within the interlayer on wave propagation across layered rock masses have remained unclear. To address this, we first derive the governing equations for the wave propagation in time domain based on an equivalent layer model. These equations are validated by comparing them with a previously used method in an idealized case. Subsequently, a systematic investigation is carried out, progressing from idealized to generalized cases, to explore the frequency-dependent characteristics of the transmission and reflection coefficients, as well as energy dissipation rate. The mechanisms behind these frequency-dependent features are thoroughly analyzed, in conjunction with the evolution of waveforms and the effects of multiple reflections. The results indicate that the proposed model and derived equations effectively simulate the multiple reflection effects in the wave propagation behavior of layered rock masses. Multiple reflections within the interlayer result in an oscillatory decay of the transmission coefficient in layered rock masses as wave frequency increases. Interestingly, stress waves with frequencies that are even multiples of the ratio of wave speed to interlayer thickness demonstrate a robust capability to propagate across the interlayer. This phenomenon arises from the superposition of multiple reflected waves in phase within the interlayer, and gradually disappears with a decrease in quality factor of interlayer or an increase in wave frequency. The underlying mechanisms of these features are convincingly explained by combining the effects of multiple wave reflections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land surface temperature (LST) with fine spatiotemporal resolution is a much-needed parameter in the earth’s surface system. The LST downscaling is an efficient way to improve the spatiotemporal resolution of LST and has been developed rapidly in recent years. Due to the simple operations and discernable effects of statistical regression and its extension algorithms, these algorithms have been widely researched. However, most statistical regression models assume scale invariance, which makes the downscaled LST inaccurate. This study analyzed the scale effect in the process of LST upscaling/downscaling, then proposed a new algorithm based on Taylor expansion for Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LST downscaling. The Taylor expansion algorithm estimates regression coefficients between LST and auxiliary parameters in the consistent scale. It is tested in three typical areas of different landscapes with different auxiliary parameters, and the results are significantly improved compared to the traditional algorithm. However, the new algorithm may introduce the temporal discrepancy between MODIS LST and empirical concavity factor ($S$), which is estimated with Landsat 8 data, into the downscaling procedure in some circumstances. To discuss the influence of temporal discrepancy, we designed three schemes for pairing MODIS and $S$ and analyzed the downscaled results. The results show that the proposed algorithm got the best downscaled results when the MODIS LST acquired time is consistent with the time of $S$. When the time is inconsistent, the pairing scheme of a similar season gives better results than that of different seasons. The algorithm performs generally well so long as the spatial distribution of auxiliary parameters in the date of Landsat 8 acquisition is similar to the date of MODIS acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese dioxide (α-MnO2) nanorods with diameters of about 5–15 nm and lengths of 100–150 nm were synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method, and the degradation mechanism of rhodamine B (RhB) at different pH levels was investigated. The α-MnO2 nanorods exhibited a high efficiency and rapid removal rate of RhB, which reached about 97.5% within 10 min when pH = 4 (and pH = 6.6) and 97.7% within 50 min when pH = 9 in the presence of H2O2. The results also indicated that a lower pH value is conducive to the blue shift of the characteristic peak of RhB dye and the attenuation of the characteristic peak intensity, which is mainly attributed to the combined effect of oxidative degradation and adsorption decolourization when pH is less than 9. Moreover, the α-MnO2 nanorod exhibits an excellent recyclability and catalytic stability. This research indicates that α-MnO2 nanorods have a potential application in practical dye pollutant treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common tumor with high metastatic rate worldwide. Promoting chemosensitivity is effective for improving therapeutic outcome and survival rate for GC patients. Tripartite motif-containing 21 (TRIM21), a member of TRIM-containing proteins, plays crucial roles in regulating numerous cellular events involved in tumor progression. However, it's regulatory effects on GC growth and drug sensitivity are still unclear. In the present study, we identified that TRIM21 expression was remarkably decreased in human GC tissues compared with the adjacent normal ones, and its down-regulation was closely linked to higher recurrence and lower overall survival rate among GC patients. We then found that apatinib (APA)-reduced GC cell proliferation was significantly abolished by TRIM21 knockdown; however, promoting TRIM21 expression further improved the sensitivity of GC cells to APA treatment, as proved by the remarkably decreased cell viability and colony formation. Furthermore, TRIM21 over-expression dramatically enhanced apoptosis, while its knockdown markedly diminished apoptotic cell death in APA-incubated GC cells. Moreover, stem cell properties of GC cells were also restrained by TRIM21. Our in vivo experiments showed that APA-repressed tumor growth was considerably abolished by TRIM21 knockdown, whereas being further elevated by TRIM21 over-expression. In addition, we showed that TRIM21 markedly decreased enhancer of zeste homolog 1 (EZH1) protein expression levels in GC cells, and importantly, a direct interaction between TRIM21 and EZH1 was verified. Of note, our in vitro studies revealed that EZH1 over-expression remarkably abolished the function of TRIM21 to restrain cell viability and induce apoptosis in APA-incubated GC cells, indicating that EZH1 suppression was necessary for TRIM21 to inhibit GC progression. Together, our findings demonstrated that TRIM21 may be a novel therapeutic target for GC treatment through reducing EZH1 to improve chemosensitivity. • Down-regulation of TRIM21 is involved in GC recurrence. • TRIM21 improves chemosensitivity of GC cells in response to apatinib exposure. • TRIM21 reduces stem cell properties of GC cells and improves chemosensitivity in vivo. • TRIM21 interacts and suppresses EZH1 in GC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As a pervasive insect that transmits a variety of pathogens to humans and animals, the housefly has abundant and diverse microbial communities in its intestines. These gut microbes play an important role in the biology of insects and form a symbiotic relationship with the host insect. Alterations in the structure of the gut microbial community would affect larval development. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanism regulating the influence of specific bacteria on the development of housefly larvae. Methods: For this study we selected the intestinal symbiotic bacterium Enterobacter hormaechei, which is beneficial to the growth and development of housefly larvae, and used it as a probiotic supplement in larval feed. 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology was used to explore the effect of E. hormaechei on the intestinal flora of housefly larvae, and plate confrontation experiments were performed to study the interaction between E. hormaechei and intestinal microorganisms. Results: The composition of the gut microflora of the larvae changed after the larvae were fed E. hormaechei, with the abundance of Pseudochrobactrum, Enterobacter and Vagococcus increasing and that of Klebsiella and Bacillus decreasing. Analysis of the structure and interaction of larval intestinal flora revealed that E. hormaechei inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Providencia stuartii and Providencia vermicola, and promoted the reproduction of beneficial bacteria. Conclusions: Our study has explored the influence of specific beneficial bacteria on the intestinal flora of houseflies. The results of this study reveal the important role played by specific beneficial bacteria on the development of housefly larvae and provide insight for the development of sustained biological agents for housefly control through interference of gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR‐Ab) concentration levels and individualized clinical symptoms in patients with AChR myasthenia gravis (AChR‐MG) in China. Methods: ELISA was used to determine the concentration of AChR‐Ab in patients with MG. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Clinical Classification, Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score, and MG‐specific activities of daily living (MG‐ADL) scoring systems were used to evaluate the clinical status of patients. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between the AChR‐Ab concentration and clinical score. The changes in the antibody concentration and clinical score are shown in MGFA‐antibody concentration–treatment plots. Results: Autoantibody detection tests were performed in 67 patients, and their clinical scores were recorded. Forty‐nine patients received immunosuppressive therapy, 17 patients received pyridostigmine only, and 1 patient under thymectomy without any medication. The AChR‐Ab concentration correlated with the MGFA Classification in 5 (29.4%) patients in the pyridostigmine‐only group and 15 (30.6%) patients in the immunosuppressive drug group. The changes in the MGFA Classification preceded the changes in the AChR‐Ab concentration in 4 (23.5%) patients treated with pyridostigmine and 10 (20.4%) patients on immunosuppressive drugs. In patients on oral non‐steroidal immunosuppressants, the AChR‐Ab concentration changed by more than 50%, whereas the MGFA Classification did not increase. The AChR‐Ab concentration decreased in 17/32 (53.1%) patients after thymectomy, and then increased, whereas the AChR‐Ab concentration increased in 15/32 (46.9%) patients and the MGFA Classification decreased in 27/32 (81.8%) patients after thymectomy. The AChR‐Ab concentration presented a slight correlation with the corresponding MGFA, QMG, and MG‐ADL in patients with thymoma. Discussion: In the Chinese AChR‐MG population, the Changes in the AChR‐Ab concentration in individuals with AChR‐MG did not consistently correlate with the severity of clinical symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Related to ABI3/VP1 (RAV) transcription factors play important roles in regulating plant growth and stress tolerance, which have been studied in many plant species, but have remained largely unidentified in legumes. To functionally characterize RAV in legumes, MtRAV3 from legume model plant Medicago truncatula was isolated and its function was investigated by overexpressing MtRAV3 in M. truncatula. Expression analysis demonstrated that MtRAV3 was markedly induced by NaCl and polyethylene glycol (PEG). MtRAV3 overexpression enhanced tolerance of transgenic M. truncatula to mannitol, drought and salt stresses, and induced the expression of adversity-related genes, including MtWRKY76 , MtMYB61 , cold-acclimation specific protein 31 (MtCAS31), alternative oxidase 1 (MtAOX1) and ethylene response factor 1 (MtERF1). There were lower relative electrolyte leakage and higher chlorophyll content of leaves in the MtRAV3 overexpression plants than in wild type plants under both salt and drought stress. MtRAV3 overexpression M. truncatula were featured by some phenotypes of dwarfing, late flowering, more branches, smaller flower and leaf organs. Further investigations showed that the expression levels of DWARF14 (MtD14), CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXYGENASES 7 (MtCCD7) and GA3-oxidase1 (MtGA3ox1), which related to dwarf and branch phenotype, were obviously reduced, as well as MtGA3ox1' (MTR_1g011580), GA20-oxidase1 (MtGA20ox1), MtGA20ox1' (MTR_1g102070) and GA20-oxidase2 (MtGA20ox2) involved in gibberellins (GAs) pathway. Overall, our results revealed that MtRAV3 exerted an important role in adversity response and plant growth, was a multifunctional gene in M. truncatula , which provided reference for genetic improvement of alfalfa (Medicago sativa). • MtRAV3 Transgenic Medicago truncatula showed dwarfing, late flowering and increased branching. • Compared with wild-type plants, the expression of some branching and flowering regulation genes were obviously changed in MtRAV3 transgenic plants. • MtRAV3 transgenic plants showed enhanced tolerances to osmotic and salt stress. • The potential downstream genes regulated by MtRAV3 were reasonably hypothesized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of 5G communication systems will not replace existing radio access networks but will gradually merge to form ultra-dense heterogeneous networks. In heterogeneous networks, the design of efficient vertical handoff (VHO) algorithms for 5G infrastructures is necessary to improve quality of service (QoS) and system resource utilization. In this paper, an optimized algorithm based on a multi-objective optimization model is proposed to solve the lack of a comprehensive consideration of user and network impacts during the handoff process in existing VHO algorithms. The Markov chain model of each base station (BS) is built to calculate a more accurate value of the network state that reflects the network performance. Then, a multi-objective optimization model is derived to maximize the value of the network state and the user data receiving rate. The multi-objective genetic algorithm NSGA-II is finally employed to turn the model into a final VHO strategy. The results of the simulation for the throughput and blocking rate of networks demonstrate that our algorithm significantly increases the system throughput and reduces the blocking rate compared to the existing VHO strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of nitrogenous waste, such as ammonia, and its biological nitrification products, namely nitrite and nitrate, poses one of the primary challenges in the water treatment process for Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). This study proposed the incorporation of light and algal-bacterial symbiotic particles (ABSP)into RAS as a viable solution to address these challenges. The findings indicated that ABSP achieved the RAS water quality standards (ammonia nitrogen <0.5 mg/L, nitrite nitrogen <0.1 mg/L) by the 14th day of operation, while red light achieved and maintained these standards from as early as the 9th day. Further analysis of chemical stoichiometry and functional genes revealed that microalgae (32.7%, 15.6%, 0%) and bacteria (47.7%, 55.8%, 48.4%) were responsible for the assimilation and removal of most organic and nutrient substances under red light, white light, and dark conditions, respectively. Additionally, it was observed that the presence of algae and bacteria in ABSP was significantly influenced by the wavelength of light. Under red light, an optimal distribution of functional species for both microalgae (Characium , Microcoleus , and Uronema) and bacteria (Nakamurella and Micropruina) was achieved, which is crucial for the self-sustaining synergistic reaction and stability of ABSP. This study may offer a promising engineering alternative with enormous potential to achieve energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable RAS water treatment. • ABSP was introduced into the water treatment process of recirculating aquaculture systems. • Granulation time of ABSP was reduced by exposure to red light. • Nitrogen removal pathway could be altered by light wavelengths. • Light wavelength changed the composition of bacteria and algae in ABSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective: Nebivolol, a selective β1 adrenoreceptor antagonist, is predominantly metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP)2D6 and shows a wide interindividual variability in pharmacokinetics. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the major CYP2D6 polymorphisms on nebivolol disposition in healthy Chinese volunteers. Methods: Twenty‐eight volunteers were enrolled and classified as CYP2D6*1/*1, CYP2D6*1/*10, CYP2D6*10/*10 and CYP2D6*5 carriers according to their genotypes. The concentration of nebivolol was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The association between the pharmacokinetic parameters and genotypes was evaluated using the unpaired t test or analysis of variance. Results and discussion: We evaluated the effects of CYP2D6*5 and *10 polymorphism on the pharmacokinetics of nebivolol. Plasma nebivolol peak concentration and area under the curve (AUC(0‐48 h) and AUC(0‐∞)) were significantly higher in subjects with CYP2D6*5 and CYP2D6*10/*10 polymorphism than those in subjects with wild‐type CYP2D6 (CYP2D6*1/*1), whereas its plasma clearance was significantly lower in the CYP2D6*10/*10 and CYP2D6*5 carriers. No significant differences in the peak time and terminal half‐life of nebivolol were observed among CYP2D6*10/*10, CYP2D6*1/*1 and CYP2D6*5 carriers. What is new and conclusion: Both CYP2D6*5 and *10 polymorphism altered the pharmacokinetics of nebivolol in healthy Chinese volunteers. Further studies are required to investigate the effects of these single‐nucleotide polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicity of nebivolol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The transcription factor KNOTTED ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA7 (KNAT7) is a Class II KNOTTED1‐like homeobox (KNOX2) gene that, in interfascicular fibres, acts as a negative regulator of secondary cell wall biosynthesis. In addition, knat7 loss‐of‐function mutants display an irregular xylem (irx) phenotype, suggesting a potential positive regulatory role in xylem vessel secondary cell wall deposition. Although our understanding of the role of KNAT7 is evolving, the function(s) of the closely related KNOX2 genes, KNAT3, KNAT4, and KNAT5, in secondary wall formation still remain unclear. We found that all four Arabidopsis KNOX2 genes were expressed in the inflorescence stems. However, only the knat3 knat7 double mutants showed a phenotype, displaying an enhanced irx phenotypes relative to the single mutants, as well as decreased interfascicular fibre cell wall thickness. Moreover, knat3 knat7 double mutants had reduced stem tensile and flexural strength compared with wild‐type and single mutants. In contrast, KNAT3 overexpression resulted in thicker interfascicular fibre secondary cell walls in inflorescence stems, suggesting a potential positive regulation in interfascicular fibre secondary wall development. This work identifies KNAT3 as a potential transcriptional activator working together with KNAT7 to promote secondary cell wall biosynthesis in xylem vessels, while concurrently acting antagonistically with KNAT7 to influence secondary wall formation in interfascicular fibres. Significance Statement: This work identifies KNAT3 as a potential transcriptional activator working together with KNAT7 to promote secondary cell wall biosynthesis in xylem vessels, while concurrently acting antagonistically with KNAT7 to influence secondary wall formation in interfascicular fibres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Most studies on outcomes of transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) have been for patients who underwent revascularization. This study was performed to evaluate the outcomes of TMA in diabetic patients without revascularization. Methods: One hundred two diabetic patients who were not candidates for revascularization underwent TMA and received a multidisciplinary treatment. These patients were followed up for a mean period of 38 months to observe the outcomes, including wound healing, above-the-ankle amputation and death. The associations between variables and the outcomes were analyzed by Cox regression analysis. Results: By the end of the follow-up, 97 patients with full data were analyzed. Sixty-three (64.9%) patients had wounds healed completely after a median interval of 8 months, 16 (16.5%) patients underwent above-the-ankle amputation, and 26 (26.8%) died. Cox regression analysis showed that patients with higher ABI (RR = 3.097, 95% CI: 1.587–6.043) and serum albumin (RR = 2.755, 95% CI: 1.335–5.687) exhibited a higher probability of wound healing. Conclusions: Diabetic patients who were not candidates for revascularization who underwent TMA could achieve a satisfactory wound healing rate with a multidisciplinary treatment. ABI and serum albumin were significant predictors of wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have highlighted the underlying role of mesenchymal stem cells microvesicles (MSC-MVs) in acute lung injury (ALI). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) derived from MSC-MVs is partly involved in their therapeutic effects; however, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. MVs were isolated from human Wharton's Jelly MSCs. The rat model of ALI was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM). A co-culture model of alveolar epithelial cells or pulmonary endothelial cells and MSC-MVs was utilized. Total protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was determined by bicinchoninic acid method. White blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil in BALF were counted. ELISA was used for the determination of cytokines and HGF in BALF. Apoptosis was determined by TUNEL assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining as well as caspase-3 activity detection. HE and Masson staining of lung tissues was used for histopathology analysis. The expression of HGF and proteins involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were measured by quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Treatment with MSC-MVs significantly inhibited BLM-induced apoptosis and fibrosis in lung tissues and PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation, which was reversed by HGF mRNA deficient MVs. Intriguingly, these effects were completely abrogated by PI3K inhibitor. The therapeutic effect of MSC-MVs in ALI was partly mediated through HGF mRNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the effects of doping and grading slope on the surface and structure of linearly alloy graded InGaAs buffers. It is found that the Be doping can improve material properties, resulting in smaller surface roughness and a lower threading dislocation density, while the Si doping has an opposite effect. The effect is strongly dependent on the grading slope. A moderate In grading slope is preferable for the strain relaxation and the minimization of the negative effect of Si doping. Physical mechanisms are proposed to explain the experimental observations. Since doping is essential for many types of optoelectronic devices, these results are valuable for improving the material properties and performance of metamorphic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioretention systems have proven to be an effective stormwater treatment technology for reducing runoff pollution. However, the accumulation risk of heavy metals and characteristics of the microbial communities in the filter media is still unclear under long-term runoff infiltration. This paper reports on a field study that investigated the ecological impact of common heavy metals and the structures of microbial communities in nine bioretention systems during two seasons. Samples were collected from the filer media to determine the concentrations of heavy metals and the microbial information was obtained by high-throughput sequencing technology. The results indicated that Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn accumulated significantly in the bioretention system, with mean concentrations 2–3 times higher than the corresponding background values. Heavy metals were mainly trapped in the surface media (0-10 cm) and concentrations varied with season. The comprehensive pollution status of the bioretention systems was at a light to medium level. In particular, Ni accounted for the majority of the potential ecological risk index values, with an ecological hazard of above moderate levels. The results of high-throughput sequencing showed that Actinobacteria (22.51–42.16%) and Proteobacteria (19.67–34.46%) are the dominant phyla in the bioretention media under the long-term pollutants accumulation. Microbial diversity was negatively correlated with the heavy metals content of the media ( p < 0.05). Heavy metals inhibited the growth and reduced the diversity of media microorganisms to varying degrees, with Ni contributing the most to microbial community changes. Our findings are expected to help in controlling the heavy metals pollution in the bioretention systems and provide practical guidance regarding the systems operation and media micro-ecosystem maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The effect of glycemic control on wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) is inconsistent among different studies. This study was performed to investigate the association between level of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at baseline as well as during treatment and wound healing and mortality in patients with DFU.Methods: Hospitalized DFU patients were recruited consecutively with their basic clinical data collected and treated according to clinical practice guidelines. These patients were followed-up for 1 year to observe the outcomes, including ulcer healing and death. The associations between baseline HbA1c level or mean HbA1c level during treatment and wound healing as well as mortality were evaluated in univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.Results: By the end of the follow-up, 40 (13.4%) patients had died. A total of 168 (65.1%) patients achieved ulcer healing in the remaining 258 living participants. Baseline HbA1c was not associated with ulcer healing in unadjusted or adjusted models (P > 0.05). The wound healing rate was higher (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.02-3.96, P < 0.05) after adjustment when HbA1c was controlled between 7.0% and 8.0% during treatment compared to HbA1c controlled at less than 7.0%. This probability of ulcer healing increased to 3 (OR = 3.01, 95% CI 1.32-6.86, P = 0.01) after adjustment in the subgroup with baseline HbA1c no more than 8.0%. Neither baseline HbA1c nor mean HbA1c during treatment presented any correlation with 1-year death rate.Conclusion: A reasonable HbA1c target, a range between 7.0% and 8.0% during treatment, could facilitate ulcer healing without increase of mortality in patients with DFU, especially for those with better glycemic control at admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This article presents the optimization design and simulation of a betavoltaic battery composed of a silicon p-n junction converter and a titanium tritide film as an isotope source. The self-absorption of β particles emitted from the tritium radioisotope in the titanium tritide film and the energy deposition of β particles in the silicon converter are investigated by the Monte Carlo simulation with the Geant4 radiation transport toolkit. The relationships between doping concentrations and basic parameters such as depletion region width, minority carrier diffusion length and leakage current of the PN junction are discussed through the calculation formulas. By optimizing the doping concentrations in the P-type and N-type regions, the optimized betavoltaic battery can maximize the output power and the conversion efficiency based on the energy deposition in the silicon. The results show that the optimal thickness of the titanium tritide film is about 0.7 µm and the optimal doping concentrations of the battery with a PN junction depth of 50 nm are N a = 5.75 × 10 19 c m − 3 , N d = 2.95 × 10 18 c m − 3 . Under these parameters, the size 1 m m × 1 m m proposed battery with 2.9 mCi/mm2 3H can achieve the output power 0.902 nW and the conversion efficiency 0.91%. The open circuit voltage, short circuit current and fill factor of the battery are 0.389 V, 3.03 nA and 0.766, respectively. Highlights • The optimization design and simulation of a betavoltaic battery were studied. • The optimal thickness of the titanium tritide film was obtained. • The enery deposition distribution of the β particles in the silicon PN junction was obtained. • The output performance of the betavoltaic battery was optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin solid dispersions (Cur SDs) were prepared using hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) at different dosages. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy showed that the characteristic peak of curcumin shifted, and the addition of CMC enhanced this phenomenon. The addition of CMC reduced the contact angle, increased the surface free energy, and improved the solubility of Cur SDs. These changes were positively correlated with the amount of CMC. The surface morphology of Cur SDs changed from needle-like to sheet-like as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Cur SDs prepared by CMC and HPMC retained good biological activity. HT-29 human colon cancer cell analysis showed that the addition of CMC significantly improved the anti-proliferation effect of Cur SDs, thus enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin. Solid dispersions made with CMC and HPMC will be a promising hydrocolloid carrier to improve oral bioavailability and efficacy of curcumin. [Display omitted] • CMC and HPMC carried curcumin together to make it amorphous. • HPMC had hydrophobic interaction with curcumin, while CMC did not. • CMC improved the solubility of curcumin solid dispersion prepared by HPMC. • CMC enhanced the anti-proliferation activity of curcumin solid dispersion prepared by HPMC in cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel ellipsoidal β-FeOOH@MnO 2 core-shell catalyst was synthesized. • The β-FeOOH@MnO 2 exhibited high adsorption and oxidation capacity toward MB. • A possible degradation pathway of MB was proposed. • The synergistic action of Mn4+/Mn3+ and Fe2+/Fe3+ played an important role. • The dominant radicals produced by PMS activation jointly promote MB degradation. An ellipsoidal β-FeOOH@MnO 2 core-shell catalyst was synthesized and used to degrade methylene blue (MB). The ultra-thin less-crystalline MnO 2 nanosheets loaded on the surface of ellipsoidal β-FeOOH were similar to corn-bracts, and the specific surface area of this catalyst has been significantly improved than β-FeOOH. β-FeOOH@MnO 2 exhibited a certain removal rate of MB without peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Then, with the addition of PMS, the degradation rate of MB rapidly increased to 99% after 10 min in β-FeOOH@MnO 2 /PMS system, which is much higher than that in β-FeOOH/PMS system (51%). LC-MS/MS was used to investigate the degradation products, and a probable degradation pathway was proposed. According to FTIR, XPS and quenching studies, the redox processes of Fe3+/Fe2+ and Mn4+/Mn3+, as well as 1O 2 , O 2 −, OH and SO 4 − produced by catalyst-activated PMS, were found to be primarily responsible for the quick degradation of MB. However, 1O 2 plays a key role. Generally, this research indicated that β-FeOOH@MnO 2 was an efficient catalyst and had a potential application in practical wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were fabricated with Ni-MOF-74 as filler and poly (styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) (SBS) polymer as matrix materials for CH 4 /N 2 separation. MMMs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Gas separation behavior was investigated by measuring single and mixed gases. For the single gas, the CH 4 permeability of the MMMs incorporated with 15 wt% Ni-MOF-74 (Ni-MOF-74/SBS-15) reached 83.5 Barrer, which was 116% higher than that of SBS (38.6 Barrer), while its ideal selectivity remained the same. CH 4 permeability can further increase to 176.6 Barrer with the increase in temperature to 55 °C. For the CH 4 /N 2 (50/50 vol%) mixed gas, the Ni-MOF-74/SBS-15 sample exhibited increasing CH 4 permeability (74.7 vs 36.7 Barrer), while selectivity remained unchanged relative to that of the pure SBS membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine whether QTc interval prolongation is an independent risk factor of outcomes in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).Research Design and Methods: 331 patients with type 2 diabetes and DFU hospitalized in a Chinese tertiary hospital were recruited. ECG was done at baseline and QTc interval was calculated through Bazett's formula. Participants were classified into 2 groups according to the QTc interval as prolonged (≥440 ms) or not (<440 ms). These patients were followed-up for an average of 48 months to observe the outcomes, including ulcer healing, ulcer recurrence, nonfatal cerebral or cardiovascular events (NCCVE), cerebral cardiovascular death, cardiac death and all-cause death. The associations between the risk of outcomes and QTc interval prolongation, as well as per 1-SD increase in QTc interval were analyzed by Cox proportional-hazards models.Results: In terms of the univariate Cox proportional hazard models, patients with QTc interval prolongation had a higher all-cause mortality (HR = 1.621, 95%CI: 1.040-2.526, P = .013), higher cardiac mortality (HR = 2.011 95%CI: 1.106-3.657, P = .019), higher cerebral cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.525, 95%CI: 0.8151-2.852, P = .045). The multivariate analysis showed that QTc prolongation was an independent risk factor for cardiac death (HR = 5.465, 95%CI: 2.818-8.112, P = .039). Similar results were obtained when QTc interval was used as a continue variable, a 1-SD increase in QTc interval was associated with an 5.883 times risk for cardiac mortality (HR = 6.883, 95%CI: 4.153-9.613, P = .012). The association between QTc interval prolongation with ulcer healing, recurrence and NCCVE were not observed either in univariate or multivariate analysis (P > .05).Conclusion: QTc interval prolongation was a plausible predictor for cardiac death in DFU patients, but it cannot accurately predict ulcer healing or recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For the evaluation of CH4/N2 separation, mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) were fabricated by adding [Ni3(HCOO)6] as a filler into the poly(styrene‐b‐butadiene‐b‐styrene) (SBS) polymer. The structures and morphologies of [Ni3(HCOO)6] and [Ni3(HCOO)6]/SBS MMMs were characterized by different techniques, proving the crystalline structure of [Ni3(HCOO)6] in SBS polymer matrices. The structural integrity of the MMMs and good compatibility between [Ni3(HCOO)6] and SBS polymer were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Gas permeation measurements revealed that membranes containing various [Ni3(HCOO)6] loadings exhibited different separation performances. The operational temperature exerted a significantly positive effect on the separation of CH4 and N2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co and N co-doped carbon (CNC) material is one of the most promising precious-metal-free catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), however, widespread application of CNC will require continuous innovation and optimization of fabrication to maximize electrocatalytic performance, which is always a challenge. Herein, two types of three-dimensional (3D) graphene materials synthesized by one-step of simultaneous doping (Co,N/3DG-1) and two-step of sequential doping (Co,N/3DG-2) respectively, are evaluated and correlated their electrocatalytic activity for HER with experimental parameters. The results indicate that Co,N/3DG-2 exhibits significantly better electrocatalytic activity than Co,N/3DG-1. The structure analysis reveals that Co,N/3DG-2 has more moderate Co-N coordinated number than Co,N/3DG-1. Density functional theory calculations unravels that the equilibrium C and N around Co atom is more favorable to the adsorption and desorption of hydrogen. The results shed new light on the rational design of dual hetero-atom co-doped carbon materials, which may be applicable to other energy conversion and storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen excess is a key trigger for the eutrophication of water bodies. Stormwater is an important nitrogen source in urban environments and thus requires effective treatment, especially in mountainous cities due to their stronger runoff flushing. However, the design method of bioretention systems focusing on mountainous cities is still rare in China and nitrogen is often released due to the lack of denitrification environments. In this study, the stepped bioretention systems were designed based on the terrain characteristics in mountainous cities by two columns in the stair-stepping connection. From 2015–2016, 18 replicates of stepped bioretention systems, which included a 400 mm deep planting layer, a 200 mm deep transition layer and a 200 mm gravel layer planted with Radermachera hainanensis (Merr.), Juncus effusus (L.), Vetiveria zizanioides (L.), Ophiopogon japonicus (Linn. f.) and Medicago sativa (L.)., respectively, were tested under certain operational conditions (e.g., the simulated rainfall intensity was 3.5, 5.3 and 14 mm/h, respectively.). The stepped columns planted with Medicago sativa (L.). showed poor nitrogen removal (e.g., the RRTN (removal rate of TN) was from − 29.8% to − 123.0%), while those planted with Radermachera hainanensis (Merr.), Juncus effusus (L.), Ophiopogon japonicus (Linn. f.) or Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) performed well without additional carbon sources (e.g., the RRTN was from 52.8% to 84.2%). Nitrogen would be released from the systems (e.g., the average RRTN was −178.0%) when peat soil was mixed in the planting layer at a ratio of 20%. After retrofitting the flow pattern within the stepped columns, U flow pattern was more advantageous for the improvement of nitrogen removal. In the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 10th and 11th systems, the average RRTN and RRNO 3 N (removal rate of NO 3 N) in the systems with U flow pattern were 1.2 − 7.0% and 5.0 − 5.8%, both higher than those with W flow pattern. Through leaching dynamics analysis, NH 3 N C (NH 3 N Concentration) of all effluent samples was < 0.5 mg/L, but the concentrations of TN and NO 3 N were increased with the duration of rainfall events. Generally, RRTN was significantly correlated to TN C (TN Concentration), NH 3 N C, NO 3 N C (NO 3 N Concentration) and D (Depth of saturated zone), while RRNH 3 N (Removal Rate of NH 3 N) was associated with ID (Interval Days between rainfall events). Our results suggested that the stepped bioretention systems should be recommended in mountainous cities if nitrogen discharges posed a potential threat to the receiving environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel decorated vertically aligned graphene sheets (VGSN1) and vertically aligned graphene sheets-graphene shell/nickel core (VGSN2) hybrids have been synthesized by radio-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD). The surface morphology, microstructure and growth mechanisms of VGSN1 and VGSN2 hybrids were investigated. The field emission (FE) studies indicated that the graphene-Ni hybrids delivered better FE performance than pristine graphene (VGS/Si) due to the insert of Ni particles. The influences of the morphologies and structures on FE performance have been revealed. Our approach provides a novel way to fabricate highly efficient graphene-based field emitters for the development of practical electron sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ABA responsive protein (ABR) is an important transcription factor in plants, which plays a unique role in the regulation of plant growth and stress response. Previously, ZjABR1/ERF10 was screened by our work from transcriptome database of Zoysia japonica under salt stress, but the detailed regulatory mechanism of this gene involved in is not well elucidated. In this paper, the ZjABR1 was isolated from Zoysia japonica and its function was identified in Oryza sativa. Analysis of gene expression showed that ZjABR1 might play a regulatory role in Abscisic Acid (ABA), ethylene and salt stress response. Compared with wild-type plants, ZjABR1 overexpression transgenic Oryza sativa showed lower seed setting rate, dwarfing and salt resistance. Furthermore, protein interaction experiments indicated that ZjABR1 interacted with a protein functioned in the regulation of GA signaling pathway, which is ZjCIGR1. Therefore, these results establish that ZjABR1 can be a potential multifunctional genetic gene in the cell signal transduction regulation of GA-ABA cross-talking, which affects the development and stress resistance of plants. • Compared with wild-type plants, exogenous ABA, ethylene and salt stress can significantly affect the expression of ZjABR1. • ZjABR1 transgenic Oryza sativa showed seed setting rate decreased, sprouting earlier and dwarfing. • ZjABR1 transgenic plants showed enhanced tolerances to salt stress. • ZjABR1 interacting with ZjCIGR1 may be involved in the cell signal transduction regulation of GA-ABA cross-talking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ions are often introduced into graphene oxide (GO) membranes during their preparation and application, which may lead to changes in their properties. In this study, GO membranes regulated by ions were prepared by incorporating alkali and alkaline earth metals. We found that the introduction of different ions led to opposite changes in the electrical properties of the reduced GO (RGO) membranes. The introduction of alkali metal ions improves their conductivity, whereas the introduction of alkaline earth metal ions results in a decrease in their conductivity. Furthermore, we found that the introduction of ions resulted in significantly different changes in the luminescence spectra, which could be used to detect alkali and alkaline earth metal ions. In addition, the introduction of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal ions resulted in significantly different changes in the luminescence spectra and microwave reduction effect of the RGO membranes. The introduction of alkaline earth metal ions was more helpful for the removal of oxygen-containing groups and the restoration of the graphene lattice structure when exposed to microwave irradiation. These results suggest that the properties of GO membranes can be regulated by regulating the introduction of ions, and these findings have potentially important applications in the preparation and application of GO membranes and ion detection. • Graphene oxide membranes regulated by different ions were prepared. • Different ions introduction lead to opposite changes in the electrical properties of reduced graphene oxide membranes. • Different ion introductions lead to varying luminescence spectra of reduced graphene oxide during microwave reduction. • The introduction of alkaline earth metal ion allow for a better microwave reduction, compared with alkaline metal ion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the mechanical and barrier properties of zein films, sodium caseinate (CN) was combined with zein to fabricate composite films, by achieving co-dispersion of the two proteins in a newly developed film-forming solvent mixture (60% v/v aqueous ethanol, at 65 °C). The synergistic interactions between CN and zein at various ratios in the films were evaluated. Incorporation of CN into zein-based films increased elongation at break, tensile strength and water contact angle, and decreased water vapor permeability. The film with a CN/zein ratio of 0.75:1 had the lowest water vapor permeability (2.53 ± 0.07 × 10−12 g/(m·s·Pa)), and that with a ratio of 1.25:1 had high elasticity, with an elongation at break 4.11 times that of a pure zein film. CN addition also increased the thermal stability of the composite films, such that films with a CN to zein ratio of 0.75:1 had the highest glass-transition temperature (105.3 °C). Infrared spectral analysis confirmed the high compatibility and strong interactions between CN and zein, and scanning electron microscopy indicated that the microstructure of the composite films was more compact and homogeneous than pure zein films. However, atomic force microscopy revealed that the composite films had a rougher surface. This study provides new perspectives for the development and application of protein-based films as food packaging materials. [Display omitted] • CN and zein can be well co-dispersed in hot (65 °C) 60% aqueous ethanol. • The CN/zein composite films showed improved barrier and water resistance. • Addition of CN reduced the brittleness of zein-based films. • Compact structure and rough surface of CN/zein composite films were observed. • The CN/zein ratio of 0.75 is the best for synergistic interactions of both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the identification of two single nucleotide polymorphisms in Cannabis sativa L. that are associated with female and male plant sex phenotypes and are located on the top arm of the X chromosome. High resolution melt analysis was used to develop and validate a novel, rapid method for sex identification in medical and (or) recreational cannabis as well as in hemp. This method can distinguish between dioecious male (XY) and dioecious female (XX) cannabis plants with 100% accuracy and can also be used to differentiate between male and female Humulus lupulus L. (hop) plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vesicular polyaniline (VPANI) has been fabricated for the first time via a facile two-step method, which uses high-quality multilamellar vesicular SiO as hard templates. The graphene-wrapped VPANI (VPANI@RGO) composites were prepared by self-assembling graphene oxide onto VPANI and subsequently conducting the hydrothermal reduction process. The morphological characterization of the composites confirms the uniform wrapping of the graphene sheets on the VPANI. The structural characterization of the composites reveals a strong π-π electron and hydrogen bond interaction in the composites. The VPANI@RGO composites exhibit an excellent supercapacitor performance with an enhanced specific capacitance (573 F g) and a good cycling stability, which maintains its capacity of up to 85.7 % over 1000 cycles at 1 A g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-assembled micelles of octenylsuccinated corn dextrin (OSCD) could be used as a vehicle to disperse curcumin in water, but the resultant solution is inconvenient for storage and transportation. To overcome these shortcomings, curcumin-loaded OSCD micelles were spray-dried with or without maltodextrin (MD). The physico-chemical properties of dried micelles and the stability of their redissolved solutions against thermal, freeze–thaw and acid treatments were investigated. Spray-dried micelles appeared like unaerated balls, and their density, fluidity and curcumin retention increased with the addition of MD. DSC and XRD revealed the amorphous form of curcumin in dried micelles. In terms of curcumin retention, redissolved micelles presented better stability against freeze–thaw and acid treatments than thermal treatment. More importantly, MD highly stabilized the redissolved micelles against freeze–thaw-, acid- and thermal-treatment under 50–70 °C. The present study paves the way for industrial applications of curcumin-loaded OSCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 50% of the mercury emissions in China come from coal-fired power plants. Coal-fired power plants also consume more than 50% of the coal used in China, and this proportion is expected to increase according to Chinese energy planning agencies, despite recent actions aiming at more stringent environmental constrains. This study reports mercury emissions measurements of several power plants in China. The results show that the mercury concentration in the flue gas has variability between 0.19 and 11.30 μg/Nm 3 . At the same time, the co-benefit of mercury removal by the existing pollutant control devices at those plants was highly variable, ranging from 17.8% to 96.7%. This motivated research on developing and testing a modified fly ash sorbent that would be competitive due to its low cost, in relative abundance, and adequate for convenient injection at a power plant. Full-scale injection and adsorption experiments were performed at a 300 MW plant. It was found that the use of a modified fly ash provide an additional mercury emissions reduction, in addition to the inherent natural mercury capture by the host unit of 30% due to additional fly ash adsorption. Implementation of this additional control option would help achieve combined mercury removal efficiencies in the 75–90% range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrative and oxidative DNA damage plays an important role in inflammation-related carcinogenesis. To investigate the involvement of stem cells in Epstein-Barr virus infection-related nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), we used double immunofluorescence staining to examine several cancer stem/progenitor cell markers (CD44v6, CD24, and ALDH1A1) in NPC tissues and NPC cell lines. We also measured 8-nitroguanine formation as an indicator of inflammation-related DNA lesions. The staining intensity of 8-nitroguanine was significantly higher in cancer cells and inflammatory cells in the stroma of NPC tissues than in chronic nasopharyngitis tissues. Expression levels of CD44v6 and ALDH1A1 were significantly increased in cancer cells of primary NPC specimens in comparison to chronic nasopharyngitis tissues. Similarly, more intense staining of CD44v6 and ALDH1A1 was detected in an NPC cell line than in an immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line. In the case of CD24 staining, there was no significant difference between NPC and chronic nasopharyngitis tissues. 8-Nitroguanine was detected in both CD44v6- and ALDH1A1-positive stem cells in NPC tissues. In conclusion, CD44v6 and ALDH1A1 are candidate stem cell markers for NPC, and the increased formation of DNA lesions by inflammation may result in the mutation of stem cells, leading to tumor development in NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]